Seeds

If your family likes really crispy lettuce, new Queen of Crunch is for you! These crunchy, juicy green leaves really shine in mixed and chopped salads, stand up in tacos, add something special to sandwiches, and are perfect wrappers for meat and cheese. Queen of Crunch is a heat tolerant, sturdy lettuce that grows quickly and matures into attractive heavy rosettes that keep well. Pick the whole head, or harvest the outside leaves over a long period. Seed Count: Approx. 835.

START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool early spring weather, start seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 6 to 8 inches apart and cover seeds lightly. Tend carefully and keep evenly moist. Gradually thin out extra seedlings, leaving remaining plants standing 12 inches apart so lettuces have room to size up and fully mature into tight, crunchy rosettes. For a constant supply, make several sowings a few weeks apart until summer weather turns hot. Plant again in late summer for fall harvest.

GROWING NOTES
Lettuce thrives in cool conditions with consistent moisture. Weed, water and thin carefully to proper spacing for best quality heavy heads. If birds are attracted to the young seedlings, cover planting beds with floating row covers or netting. Make a shade structure in hotter climates to extend the growing season.

HARVEST AND USE
Savor young thinnings in your first spring salads. Be sure to thin properly and keep evenly moist for sweet tasting leaves. Harvest by cutting mature heads when they are well filled out. Pull and discard or compost over-mature plants if they begin to elongate (“bolt”) in hot weather as leaves turn bitter at this stage.

Strike it rich with these long, handsome, sweet carrots. Our favorite in the Imperator hybrid class, King Midas offers large size and rich, fully developed carrot flavor. The vigorous roots grow steadily into smooth, nearly coreless 8 to 9 inch beauties, slightly tapered with pointed tips. The well-filled carrots have the deep orange flesh that indicates an especially high level of health enhancing beta-carotene. Slice them into abundant crunchy carrot stick snacks or fat carrot “coins” to lightly steam, sauté or stirfry.
Seed Count: Approx. 500

START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring once danger of hard frost is past, sow seeds in full sun in finely worked, fertile soil. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart in rows 8 inches apart, or broadcast thinly in beds and cover lightly. Keep seed bed evenly moist as carrots can be slow to germinate, emerging over 10 to 21 days. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away as seedlings catch up quickly. Thin young carrots several times so seedlings are 2 to 3 inches apart and have room to size up.

GROWING NOTES
Carrots like well-worked soil and need consistent moisture to grow well. If your soil tends to dry out, cover seedbed with floating row covers to help retain moisture during the germination period. Keep carrots well weeded throughout the growing season. Plant again 3 months before first expected fall frost for a late crop.

HARVEST AND USE
Let carrots size up to at least 6 to 8 inches long before pulling for best sweet flavor. Eat them raw, sliced up as tasty fresh snacks, sautéed, steamed or braised. Set off their flavor with fresh lemon or orange juice and a sprinkling of minced herbs like fresh mint or thyme or glaze with a little honey, ginger or cinnamon. Wonderful in colorful stir-fries all season long.

Our trio of colored carrots are creamy white, bright orange and a deep, dark purple with orange centers. All three are crisp, smooth and evenly cylindrical, growing to 8 inches long for a colorful harvest of festive roots. Their flavor is reliably sweet with a nice crunchy texture and you’ll enjoy this mix over a long season. Cut all three into carrot sticks or slice/shred into salads for a good tasting party of colors.

Equal parts:
White Satin F1, Mokum F1, Purple Rain F1

50 Days
Seed Count: Approx. 500 – 600

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In spring once danger of hard frost is past, sow seeds in full sun in finely worked, fertile soil. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart in rows 8 inches apart, or broadcast thinly in beds and cover lightly. Keep seedbed evenly moist as carrots can be slow to germinate, emerging over 10 to 20 days.

If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away as seedlings catch up quickly. Be sure to thin young carrots several times so seedlings are about 2 inches apart and have the room they need to size up.

GROWING NOTES

Carrots like well-worked soil and need consistent moisture to grow well. If your soil tends to dry out, cover seedbed with floating row cover to help retain moisture during the germination period and water right through it. Keep carrots well-watered and thinned. For a late season crop, sow again 3 months before first expected frost.

HARVEST AND USE

For best sweet flavor, let these pretty, different colored carrots size up and fully mature before harvesting. Enjoy these extra healthy carrots raw as snacks or grated into salads for great eye appeal. Sauté or steam just until tender crisp and serve with a little sweet butter and your favorite fresh chopped herb. Carrots go well with dill, tarragon, chives, cilantro or mint.

Our top-quality, totally gorgeous, deep purple-red Napa cabbage is imported from Korea. Because of its knockout deep purple color, Purple Express has an extremely high level of antioxidants, so enjoy its tangy-sweet, crunchy flesh knowing you are doing your body some real good! The heavy, dense heads are big, 10 to 12 inches tall, with excellent vigor and disease resistance, Enjoy in salads, with dips or in coleslaw. A color sensation for stirfry! Consider making your own kimchi!

75 Days.

Seed Count: Approx. 36

TO START INDOORS

Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last spring frost. Sow 1 inch apart in seed starting mix, cover 1/4 inch deep and keep evenly moist. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When several inches tall, transplant seedlings 10 inches apart into rich soil in full sun, after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.

TO START DIRECTLY OUTDOORS

When all danger of frost is over, plant in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow clusters of 2 to 3 seeds 10 inches apart in rows spaced 1 foot apart. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to 1 strong plant every 10 inches. In mild winter climates, sow seeds again at midsummer for a fall crop.

GROWING NOTES

Purple Express needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil to produce firm, sweet heads. To avoid stunting growth, don’t let seedlings get crowded before thinning or transplanting. Keep weeded and evenly watered. Feed monthly with fish emulsion or an all-purpose fertilizer. Use non-toxic B.T. (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar pests. Floating row covers provide a good barrier method to exclude pests. Remove covers when heads begin to form.

HARVESTING

Cut the whole cabbage at ground level only when these tall, vase-shaped heads are very solid and about 6-8 inches in diameter.

Great for juicing/smoothies because of its tender texture & mild flavor. This delicious specialty kale comes directly from Portugal where it is a center stage vegetable, beloved for its taste and easy culture. Portuguese kale forms 12 to 18 inch tall heads of paddle-shaped, deep blue-green leaves. This vigorous variety offers long continuous harvests. We find it one of the best tasting, most nutritious greens to grow and enjoy throughout the season. 80 seeds, Non GMO. Harvest in 60 days.

TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
As soon as ground can be worked in spring, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds, each group 12 to 18 inches apart. Cover 1/4 deep and keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination. Thin to one seedling per group when several inches tall. Sow again in mid to late summer for another cold-hardy crop.

TO START INDOORS
Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inches apart and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, then plant outdoors. Space 12 to 18 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES
Kale can be sown in spring as early as the ground can be worked. A second mid to late summer-sown crop will yield through fall and winter except in the coldest climates. Frost actually enhances kale leaves’ color, flavor and sweetness. Mulch to retain moisture in summer and before the ground freezes to protect the roots of fall crops.

HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting large individual outer leaves when plants have 6 to 8 big leaves. Enjoy sautéed, stirfried, braised or added to soups and stews. Portuguese kale pairs well with olive oil, garlic and lemon juice (reneesgarden.com/portuguese-kale-soup). Pull and discard once plants begin to bloom as the leaves of flowering stalks get tough and bitter.

Red Russian Kale Seeds grow leaves that are flat, toothed, grey-green leaves with purple stems and veins really brighten after frosts. Tender for salads and good for bunching, the red and purple hues turn a rich, dark green colour when cooked. It may be richer in vitamins and minerals than other greens and is very disease resistant. This old time heirloom kale eventually goes to seed, producing tall towers of yellow flowers followed by edible seed pods. Seed saving is easy with kale, but don’t let the plant drop its seed in your garden, or there will be kale in your future for years to come.

Timing: Direct sow in early spring to mid-summer for summer to winter harvests. Or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, and transplant out as soon as the soil warms up. Optimal soil temperature: 10-30°C (50-85°F). Seeds should germinate in 7-10 days.

Starting: Sow 3-4 seeds 5mm (¼”) deep in each spot you where a plant is to grow. Thin to the strongest plant. Space 45-60cm (18-24″) apart in rows 75-90cm (30-36″) apart.

Growing: Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. Add lime to the bed 3 weeks prior to sowing. Kale likes well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter. This plant prefers plentiful, consistent moisture. Drought is tolerable, but quality and flavor of leaves can suffer. Mix ¼ cup of complete organic fertilizer into the soil beneath each transplant, or use 1 cup beneath every 3m (10′) of seed furrow.

Harvest: Kale and collards can both be grown as a cut and come again crop for salad mixes by direct-seeding and cutting baby leaves. They will re-grow if you pick leaves from the bottom up, as you need them. Continue harvesting lower leaves as they mature—plants will keep producing all season. Kale can overwinter in many areas. In fact, the leaves get sweeter after frost, though growth will slow. In spring, the surviving plants start to flower, so eat the delicious flowering steps and buds.

Diseases & Pests: Protect from cabbage moths and other insect pests with floating row cover. Prevent disease with a strict 4-year crop rotation, avoiding planting Brassicas in the same spot more than once every four years.

This highly productive zucchini bears attractive, 18-20cm (7-8″) cylindrical fruit with glossy, dark green skins that have a long shelf life. The plants are almost spineless and have an open habit, making harvest an easier task. Good resistance to mosiac viruses helps plant bear over a long period.

Timing: Direct sow or transplant in late spring once the soil is warm. For transplants, start seeds indoors during the first two weeks of May. Optimal soil temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F). Seeds should germinate in 7-14 days.

Starting: Sow seeds 2cm (1″) deep. Sow 3 seeds in each spot where you want a plant to grow, and thin to the strongest plant. Space summer squash 45-60cm (18-24″) apart in rows 90-120cm (36-48″) apart. Give winter squash and pumpkins even more room with a minimum of 90-120cm (36-48″) apart in rows 120-180cm (48-72″) apart.

Growing: Ideal pH is 6.0-6.8. These big plants need lots of food. Use 1 cup of complete organic fertilizer worked into the soil beneath each plant. All squash grow male flowers first, at later female flowers. The female flowers have tiny fruits at the base of their petals and require pollination by bees mostly. Incomplete pollination often happens at the beginning of the season, and results in misshapen fruits that are withered at the blossom end. Just discard these damaged fruits before they begin to rot. Encourage bees to visit the garden by growing Phacelia, sunflowers, or buckwheat for improved pollination.

Harvest: Pick when small, if fruit gets big the plant stops producing. Check the plants regularly.

Storage: Field-cure for 10 days in the sun, or cure indoors in a warm room for 4 or 5 days. To prevent mould sponge the skins with a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part chlorine bleach. Store at 10-15ºC (50-60ºF) with low humidity with good air circulation. Try on a shelf in the garage.

Diseases & Pests: Bacterial wilt (Erwinia tracheiphila) – Remove and destroy infested plants. If striped or spotted cucumber beetles appear, control as early as possible. Powdery mildew – avoid wetting foliage if possible. Water early in the day so that above ground parts of the plants dry as quickly as possible. Avoid crowding plants and eliminate weeds around plants and garden area to improve air circulation. Viral disease – remove and destroy entire infested plant along with immediately surrounding soil and soil clinging to roots.

Silky Sweet turnip seeds produce high yields of sweet white turnips with the most amazing texture. They really are silky — very tender with smooth flesh and a distinct sweetness. This turnip is ideal for spring and autumn harvests, and is best picked at 7cm (3″) in diameter. It’s a great candidate for succession planting. Direct sow short rows every two weeks starting at the last average frost date, and harvest just 35 days later. This turnip has high resistance to White Rust. Matures in 35 days. (Hybrid seeds)

Timing: Direct sow short rows starting just after the last frost date, through summer, and into the fall. Where winters are mild they can be started right into October. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 18-21°C (66-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days.

Starting: Sow 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep in rows spaced 60cm (24″) apart, and thin to 15-20cm (6-8″) apart in the row.

Growing: Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. Humus-rich, deeply cultivated soil is key. Add plenty of well rotted compost or manure to the beds and cultivate to a depth of 20cm (8″). Dig in 1 cup of complete organic fertilizer for every 3m (10′) of row. The real secret to success with turnips is speed. Sow short rows every 2-3 weeks, thin them quickly, keep them watered, harvest, and then sow some more.

Harvest: Gather greens and roots throughout summer as needed. Their immature seed pods are also tasty.

Diseases & Pests: Remember that turnips are members of the Brassica family, so they should not be planted where other Brassicas have been grown in the past 4 years. This simple crop rotation will prevent nearly all diseases from occurring in the first place. Floating row cover will protect plants from cabbage moth and flea beetles.

This pretty little white roots are usually harvested at about 5cm (2″) for salads or steamed and eaten with butter. Or leave them in the ground to maturity – they can grow up to 15cm (6″) in diameter without becoming pithy. The flavour has just the smallest bit of “bite.” The leaves are delicious steamed like spinach. Tokyo Cross turnip seeds are quick and easy to grow. For their speed, uniformity, and flavour, This is an All America Selections winner. It’s also a winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. They are cold tolerant and also slow to bolt, so plant short rows from spring to fall and enjoy them over a long harvest period. Matures in 35-40 days. (Hybrid seeds).

Timing: Direct sow short rows starting just after the last frost date, through summer, and into the fall. Where winters are mild they can be started right into October. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 18-21°C (66-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days.

Starting: Sow 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep in rows spaced 60cm (24″) apart, and thin to 15-20cm (6-8″) apart in the row.

Growing: Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. Humus-rich, deeply cultivated soil is key. Add plenty of well rotted compost or manure to the beds and cultivate to a depth of 20cm (8″). Dig in 1 cup of complete organic fertilizer for every 3m (10′) of row. The real secret to success with turnips is speed. Sow short rows every 2-3 weeks, thin them quickly, keep them watered, harvest, and then sow some more.

Harvest: Gather greens and roots throughout summer as needed. Their immature seed pods are also tasty.

Diseases & Pests: Remember that turnips are members of the Brassica family, so they should not be planted where other Brassicas have been grown in the past 4 years. This simple crop rotation will prevent nearly all diseases from occurring in the first place. Floating row cover will protect plants from cabbage moth and flea beetles.

The vibrant oranges and yellows of Canary Yellow Swiss chard seeds bring cheerful colour to spring and winter gardens. The young stalks are a deep orange colour while the larger, more mature stalks turn a bright yellow to contrast beautifully with dark green glossy leaves. This variety has exceptional leaf quality and it lasts for ages in the fall garden. The depth of colour increases as the plants develop throughout the season. By mid-summer the stalks should be deep, golden yellow. Try Canary Yellow as gold-streaked baby leaf salad greens, or let it grow to its full glory in the garden. Winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Matures in 50 days. (Open-pollinated seeds)

Timing: Direct sow any time from early spring to mid-summer. Chard is moderately winter hardy and may perform into the following spring where winters are mild. Optimal soil temperature: 10-30°C (50-85°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days.

Starting: Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep, spaced 10-30cm (4-12″) apart in rows 45cm (18″) apart.

Growing: Ideal pH: 6.0-6.5. Swiss chard prefers loose, deep, and fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Plenty of consistent moisture is required, especially as plants grow larger. It grows best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade in summer. A liquid fertilizer or compost tea applied twice during summer will keep chard growing well.

Harvest: For salad mix, seed more densely and cut as baby leaves. Cut individual mature stalks using the large outer ones first.

Companion Planting: Beans, Brassicas, and onions make the best companions for chard.

Mild and sweet enough for salads, the thin, light-green, feathery leaves are deeply-cut but not curled. Plants grow vigorously so thin to at least 20cm (8″). Cut the whole plant about an inch above the ground and it will re-grow or pick individual leaves. Mizuna mustard seeds can be planted for cut and come again harvests, or grow to full size. Plant in late summer and provide frost protection – it will grow even under low light conditions. Note that it will bolt in April if overwintered. Mizuna works well in containers, and makes excellent, fast-growing microgreens and baby leaf salad greens.

Timing: Mustards are cool season plants that grow quickly and then bolt. Direct sow with frost protection as early as late winter or without protection from early to late spring. Sowing short rows every 3 weeks allows for a continuous harvest of both baby leaves and full sized plants. Sow again in late summer for late fall and winter harvests. Optimal soil temperature: 21°C (70°F). Seeds should sprout in 5-10 days.

Starting: If growing to full size, sow 3-4 seeds in each spot you want a plant to grow. Sow 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep and thin to the strongest plant, spaced 10-15cm (4-6″) in the row. All mustards can be grown in containers for baby salad greens. Sow these as you would mesclun mixes, with seeds spaced as near as possible to 1cm (½”) apart.

Growing: Ideal pH: 6.0-6.5. One cup of complete organic fertilizer will provide nutrition for 3m (10′) of row. Water regularly. Expect mustards to bolt in hot weather. Provide protection in winter by using a cloche or heavy row cover. At all other times, plan on growing fast and harvesting fast, like spinach. Planting short rows every two weeks works best for the home garden for a constant harvest.

Harvest: Cut individual leaves, or the whole plant at whatever stage of maturity you desire. Young leaves tend to be more tender and less powerfully flavoured as mature leaves. Some varieties will develop a slight bitterness in fully mature leaves. The leaves can be blanched (or run through a food processor) and then frozen, or even dried and flaked for soup mixes. But the plants are so cold hardy, fresh leaves should be available to the determined gardener 12 months of the year. Whole plants can also be pickled for long term storage.

Diseases & Pests: Slugs and woodlice (sow bugs) may nibble young seedlings, but overall, these plants are trouble free. Keep the garden free from debris and excess water, where both of these pests like to go during the day. If leaves show lots of tiny holes, flea beetles are the problem. Prevent early spring infestations by using lightweight row cover.

Brassica carinata. This cousin of kale is vigorous and widely adapted. The tender, medium green leaves have an appealing flavour that is milder than both kale and most mustards. The plants are cold hardy and drought resistant, making them a great choice for growing spring through fall. Grow Amara for tasty and nutritious baby greens that are delicious in salads mixed with lettuce, spinach, arugula, and other mustards. Full size leaves remain petite and are wonderful briefly blanched or sauteed. Suitable for planting in containers or raised beds.

Timing: Mustards are cool season plants that grow quickly and then bolt. Direct sow with frost protection as early as late winter or without protection from early to late spring. Sowing short rows every 3 weeks allows for a continuous harvest of both baby leaves and full sized plants. Sow again in late summer for late fall and winter harvests. Optimal soil temperature: 21°C (70°F). Seeds should sprout in 5-10 days.

Starting: If growing to full size, sow 3-4 seeds in each spot you want a plant to grow. Sow 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep and thin to the strongest plant, spaced 10-15cm (4-6″) in the row. All mustards can be grown in containers for baby salad greens. Sow these as you would mesclun mixes, with seeds spaced as near as possible to 1cm (½”) apart.

Growing: Ideal pH: 6.0-6.5. One cup of complete organic fertilizer will provide nutrition for 3m (10′) of row. Water regularly. Expect mustards to bolt in hot weather. Provide protection in winter by using a cloche or heavy row cover. At all other times, plan on growing fast and harvesting fast, like spinach. Planting short rows every two weeks works best for the home garden for a constant harvest.

Harvest: Cut individual leaves, or the whole plant at whatever stage of maturity you desire. Young leaves tend to be more tender and less powerfully flavoured as mature leaves. Some varieties will develop a slight bitterness in fully mature leaves. The leaves can be blanched (or run through a food processor) and then frozen, or even dried and flaked for soup mixes. But the plants are so cold hardy, fresh leaves should be available to the determined gardener 12 months of the year. Whole plants can also be pickled for long term storage.

Diseases & Pests: Slugs and woodlice (sow bugs) may nibble young seedlings, but overall, these plants are trouble free. Keep the garden free from debris and excess water, where both of these pests like to go during the day. If leaves show lots of tiny holes, flea beetles are the problem. Prevent early spring infestations by using lightweight row cover.

This premium blend of vigorous radish seeds is a custom mixture in rainbow shades of cherry-red, white, plum purple and rose pink, all with crunchy mild white flesh and strong growing foliage. Easter Egg II’s crispy round roots are fast, simple and gratifying to grow and a signature crop of early spring. Enjoy their pretty colors and zesty crunch as savory quick snacks, eye-catching appetizers, or as bright garnishes for garden salads.

START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow in late summer for a fall crop.

GROWING NOTES
Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive and have crisp flesh and the best mild flavor given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature before or after summer heat. Thin quick-growing seedlings early to 2 inches apart so roots have room to size up. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.

HARVEST AND USE
Harvest radishes when roots are the size of large marbles. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull, cut off tops, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Radishes will be spicier in hot weather and milder grown in cooler conditions. Combine sliced radishes, scallions and fresh dill or parsley for a great salad. Make delicious open faced sandwiches on whole grain bread spread with sweet butter and topped with sliced radishes.

This outstanding new kale is bred for great nutty flavor, tender texture and compact size. Green Curls tops out at about 15 inches tall, so it shines in pots and containers, a true “ornamental edible” for any size garden. The tightly ruffled, pretty deep blue-green leaves have nearly stemless stalks and plants size up early for multiple harvests of fresh leaves. Flavor is excellent; mild and nutty, perfect for vitamin rich fresh salads or enjoy simply braised, sautéed or steamed.

TO START INDOORS
In very early spring, sow seeds in seed starting mix 2 in. apart and 1/2 in. deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are well-established, then plant outdoors 6 in. apart.

PLANTING IN CONTAINERS
Use pots a minimum of 15-18 in. in diameter and 12 in. deep and start with fresh potting mix. Sow groups of 2-3 seeds 6 in. apart, 1/2 in. deep. Keep evenly moist. When large enough to handle, thin to leave one seedling per group, so plants have room to mature. Keep mulched to conserve moisture. Feed with high nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. If it gets hot, check and water daily; otherwise, water when top inch of soil is dry.

GROWING NOTES
Kale tastes best in cool weather and frost actually enhances color, flavor and sweetness. Plant in early spring and again in late summer/early fall.

HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants have at least 6 leaves. Vitamin and antioxidant rich kale is tender and delicious in fresh salads, especially with sliced fruit and/or nuts. Use in smoothies, soups, stews and sautés; or braise with garlic and olive oil. Pull and discard when plants begin to bloom as leaves of flowering stalks get tough and bitter.

Golden beets are a beautiful golden-orange color throughout. They stay tender-fleshed and are particularly sweet and mild in taste, whether pulled very young or allowed to size up. Their tops also make great tasting greens. Golden beets do not “bleed” color when cooked or pickled. Whether steamed or baked, they make a handsome color accent in salads or simply served by themselves. These specialty beets are popular with both chefs and home cooks for their delicate flavor and color.

START SEEDS DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
In early spring, when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 8 to 10 inches apart, or broadcast evenly for bed planting. Firming soil well over these irregularly shaped seeds will ensure best germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, sow more seeds as seedlings will catch up fast. When large enough, carefully thin seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart so growing beets have room to size up.

GROWING NOTES
For best quality, tender roots, sow seeds before midsummer heat and again in late summer to early fall—in cold climates, allow at least 10 weeks before fall frosts. Keep soil evenly moist throughout the season. Be sure to thin seedlings several times when plants are small, as beets grow best if given enough room.

HARVEST AND USE
After thinning seedlings, use tender young tops for nutritious, flavorful steamed greens. Harvest baby beets at 1 to 2 inches in diameter, or let roots grow as large as desired. Garden fresh beets cook quickly. They are delicious steamed, boiled or baked whole in their skins like potatoes, then peeled for wonderful color and sweet concentrated flavor. Golden color does not “bleed” like red beets.

Short, graceful Snack Hero snap peas are perfect for growing in hanging baskets, window boxes and pots. They grow effortlessly with 18 inch, draping short vines that quickly fill up with dangling, easy to harvest, crunchy-sweet full pods. You’ll enjoy harvesting them as you walk for fresh from the garden treats. Snack Hero peas are highly productive, with multiple juicy, plump pods. They are perfect to grow with kids who love their crunchy sweet flavor.

START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet, cold early spring weather may affect germination, so if first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away: new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop, several months before fall frosts.

CONTAINERS, BASKETS AND WINDOW BOXES
Plant in containers at least 15-18 inches in diameter and 7-10 inches deep. When seedlings are 2-3 inches long, thin to 3 inches apart, so each little vine has growing room. Mulch to conserve moisture. Feed with all-purpose fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. If it gets hot, check and water containers daily; otherwise, water when the top inch of soil is dry. Water at base of the plants to avoid mildew.

HARVEST AND USE
Harvest only when peas are mature and rounded in the thick-walled, juicy pods for the best developed flavor. Savor their sweet crunch fresh (kids especially love them!) as a snack or slice into salads. To cook quickly, sauté in a little oil just until pods turn a deeper green color.