Shop
-
Turnip – Tokyo Cross – West Coast Seeds
$4.99Add to cartThis 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.
-
Lavender – French – West Coast Seeds
$10.49Add to cartLavandula stoechas. Sow French lavender seeds indoors, 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow the seeds in early spring when a chance of frost is still possible. Uniform and distinctive, ‘Sancho Panza’ blooms from June to September on shrubby bushes that grow 35cm (14″) tall. This variety of French lavender has a fantastic fragrance and dries particularly well. Great in containers, but in mass plantings the scent and colour are amazing. French lavender is also a very hardy perennial and drought tolerant, so good for use in xeriscaping. Cut back the whole plant by a third after flowering is finished to produce new growth. Perennial.
Timing: Lavender germinates most evenly if seeds can be collected in the autumn and sown on the surface of a seed tray with bottom heat maintaining 4-10°C (40-50°F). The seedlings are then overwintered in a cool greenhouse or cold frame with good ventilation. Seedlings can then be potted on as needed.
Another method is to start the seeds indoors in winter, planting a few seeds in a few pots with sterilized seed starting mix. Dampen the mix, press the seeds into the surface, insert the pots into plastic bags, and put them in the freezer for about a week. Let them come to room temperature on their own, and then use bottom heat as indicated above.
Starting: Avoid using a plastic lid or covering, as this will keep the soil more moist than needed. Barely cover the seed, as they germinates in 14-21 days in warm soil. Do not use a plastic lid or covering because this will make the surface of the soil too moist. If watering is necessary, water from below. If germination is low after 3-4 weeks, lower the temperature to 5-10°C (40-50°F) for 2 weeks, then raise it again. Pot up the tiny seedlings and grow them on in a protected greenhouse or windowsill to set into the garden in the spring.
Growing: Lavender prefers full sun and well drained, fertile soil. Trim plants back hard in spring, just as new growth starts – but never prune back into the woody part of the stems. This will give a rush of even growth for the first leaves and bloom. Cut back again in early autumn, but again – never into old wood.
Harvest: Gather the flowers just as they open. Dry on open trays, or by hanging in small bunches. Pick the leaves anytime to use fresh, or if dehydrating lavender leaves, gather before flowering starts.
-
Basil – Dolce Fresca – West Coast Seeds
$4.69Add to cartSweet and fresh, this picturesque basil won the AAS award for both flavour and form. After harvest, it rebounds to its previous tidy shape. The large leaves of Dolce Fresca are among the nicest Genovese basils we’ve tried. It looks fantastic in patio containers, or just growing in any well drained herb bed. Grow this basil in full sun during the warmest part of the year. Harvest regularly by pinching top-most pair of leaves from each stem. This will encourage bushy, vigorous growth lower on the plants and prolong the harvest window for each plant.
Timing: Basil grows well in containers indoors at any time of year provided you can supply enough light. For outdoor growing, sow basil seeds throughout late spring for transplanting to the garden after the summer solstice. Or direct sow in early summer, once the soil has warmed up. Basil requires warm soil and full sun. Optimal temperature for germination: 21°C (70°F). Seeds should sprout in 5-10 days.
Starting: Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep in sterilized seed starting mix. Basil is prone to damping off, so once seeds sprout, make sure they are adequately ventilated, and kept under very bright light. Thin to 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Using bottom heat speeds germination.
Growing: Use any rich, loose, well drained soil. Once plants are 15cm (6″) tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage really bushy growth prior to harvest. Watch for signs of flower buds forming in mid-summer, and pinch these off to promote more foliage.
Harvest: Frequent harvesting will prolong the life of the plant. Basil leaves have the best flavour just before the plant flowers, and if you plan to preserve some of your basil or make a big batch of pesto, this is the best time to harvest. Flowering can be delayed by pinching or clipping off new flower buds.
Tear basil rather than chop with a knife because chopping tends to bruise the leaves. Add basil to food just before serving so as to get the full aroma and effect. Cooking for any length tends to make the minty side of basil come to the forefront.
Basil is best fresh, but can be preserved by drying or by freezing. To freeze, tear the leaves into small pieces and freeze small batches of them, with water, in ice cube trays. Once frozen, the cubes can be saved in zip-lock type bags and labeled for later use. This will preserve the fresh flavour of basil for up to four months.
-
Swiss Chard – Canary Yellow – West Coast Seeds
$3.49Add to cartThe 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.
-
Mustard – Mizuna – West Coast Seeds
$3.49Add to cartMild 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.
-
Kale – Ethiopian Amara – West Coast Seeds
$3.49Add to cartBrassica 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.
-
Radish – German Giant – Renee’s Garden
$6.89Add to cartThese tasty and fast-growing heirloom radishes are round to globe shaped and a brilliant cherry-red in color. They are renowned for their juicy, tender-crisp mild flesh and adaptability to a wide variety of conditions. Tuck the fast-growing seeds in wherever you have a little space as they’ll be ready in no time. Enjoy for snacks and slice into salads. Our try them in the traditional European method: sliced thinly and lightly salted atop crusty buttered bread.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 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 again in late summer for a fall crop.GROWING NOTES
Sow this quick cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive with crisp flesh and mild flavor when given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature in warm but not hot weather. 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
Pull young round roots at large marble size. If weather turns hot, harvest, cut off tops and store in fridge. Radishes’ flavor is mildest in cool weather, spicier in hot conditions. Picked young and tender, radishes make crispy snacks and add appealing color and crunch to green salads. Delicious sliced and used for dipping with hummus or other creamy spreads. -
Radish – Easter Egg II – Renee’s Garden
$4.79Add to cartThis 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. -
Carrots – Purple Sun – Renee’s Garden
$6.59Add to cartWhether you eat them raw or cooked, what we love about these great-looking, big dark purple carrots from Holland is that they grow vigorously and combine wonderful color, excellent sweet flavor and a crisp texture. These plump, conical carrots size up nicely and taper evenly from rounded shoulders to pointed tips. At the core is a little yellow sun. Purple Sun carrots are loaded with antioxidant flavonoids, so they taste great and offer real health benefits.
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 flavor, let Purple Sun carrots size up and color up fully before harvesting. Enjoy these beautiful, 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. -
Carrots – Bolero Nantes – Renee’s Garden
$5.59Add to cartThese well-bred new Nantes carrots have a slender, 6 to 7 inch long, perfectly cylindrical shape with blunt tips. Boleros are a beautiful deep orange with consistently sweet flavor and juicy brittle texture, perfect to harvest either full sized or as slim elegant baby carrots. They mature quickly with smooth skins that need little peeling and fine textured crispy flesh. Bolero is a fine French delicacy to savor fresh from your garden.
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 dries out fast, 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 color up to deep orange before harvesting for best sweet flavor. Eat fresh, juice, or lightly steam. Set off their flavor with fresh lemon or orange juice and a sprinkling of minced herbs. Or glaze with a little honey and ginger or cinnamon. Fresh mint leaves are a tasty, pretty garnish for fresh garden carrots. -
Sunflowers – Bright Bandolier – Renee’s Garden
$5.19Add to cartThis pretty mix of sunny yellow and warm burnished mahogany is a beautifully balanced palette of classic sunflower shades. The easy to grow plants bear magnificent big flowers that frame the summer garden with plenty to cut for perfectly contrasting bouquets of clear colors with pretty chocolate centers. After Bright Bandolier’s heat and drought tolerant flowers finish blooming, they offer nutritious seed treats for fall songbirds.
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tenderTO PLANT OUTDOORS
Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled both day and night and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil 1/2 inch deep and 4 to 5 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until germination in 8 to 10 days.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in individual pots of well drained seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside when seedlings are large enough to handle. When weather has warmed into the 50° range, transplant carefully into the garden in full sun, disturbing the roots as little as possible.THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 12 inches apart so plants have ample room to grow.GROWING NOTES
Growing these flowers is easy and rewarding. Make several sowings, three weeks apart, to have a succession of bloom. Keep soil moist and well weeded and protect seedlings from hungry birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Sunflowers need room! Be sure to thin seedlings when 3 inches tall to 12 inches apart. -
Bean Bush – Roma Improved – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartThis early-bearing, bush Roma variety is an old Italian favorite, reselected for great taste and improved yields. The vigorous 2 foot plants bear heavy harvests of flat, wide, 5 inch long green stringless pods with a distinctively rich “beany” flavor. They are scrumptious just steamed with a little butter or use them in your own freshly made minestrone soup, marinated for antipasto or in any green bean recipe. You’ll find their full meaty flavor is special and satisfying.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring, once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart. Make several sowings several weeks apart until the end of June to provide long continued harvests.GROWING NOTES
Garden beans are an easy reliable crop to grow, but don’t plant seeds too early as cold conditions prevent good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Birds are often attracted to young bean seedlings, so watch carefully and protect with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Avoid cultivating plants or picking pods when plants are wet.HARVEST AND USE
Pick these rich-tasting, full-flavored Italian specialty beans often for fresh snap beans by harvesting before the beans swell in the pods. The more you pick, the more plants will produce. Roma Improved also freezes well. If you wait until harvest and the pods mature so the beans swell you can use Roma Improved as green shelling beans. A great variety to grow where summers are especially hot. -
Kale – Green Curls – Renee’s Garden
$5.59Add to cartThis 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. -
Beets – Golden – Renee’s Garden
$5.59Add to cartGolden 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. -
Peas Snap – Snack Hero – Renee’s Garden
$5.19Add to cartShort, 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. -
Eggplant – Little Prince – Renee’s Garden
$4.79Add to cartPerfect for containers or small space gardens, compact Little Prince produces an abundance of glossy, 3 to 4 inch oval fruits borne in shiny clusters on pretty plants with velvety leaves and lavender blossoms. This productive variety is a real edible landscaping dynamo that will keep you well supplied with tasty fresh eggplants. Best of all, these curvaceous fruits have tender, glossy skins and succulent flesh that is never bitter or seedy and absolutely delicious in every favorite eggplant dish.
BEST TO START INDOORS
In early spring, start indoors about six to eight weeks before night temperatures reach 55° (13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in containers of seed starting mix. Keep moist and warm, 80-85°F (27-29°C) and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into 4-inch pots. Maintain at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until weather is warm, then gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions.Transplant In Pots: Plant 1 to a pot 12 inches across and deep, or plant several seedlings 8 inches apart in larger containers at least 16 to 18 inches across and deep.
In Garden Beds: Amend soil with compost or aged manure, then plant in full sun 2 feet apart.
GROWING NOTES
Transplant outdoors only when nights are securely above 55° (13°C). For containers, always use new, high quality potting mix. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots and mulch them well. Feed regularly every few weeks throughout the season with good all-purpose fertilizer.HARVEST AND USE
Pick often from productive plants when fruits size up glossy and firm-fleshed and before skins get dull. Enjoy these handy-sized eggplants halved or in thick slices sautéed with garlic and herbs or grilled to succulence on the barbeque. -
Cucumber – Tasty Green – Renee’s Garden
$6.59Add to cartCrunchy, juicy and thin-skinned, long “burpless” Tasty Green Japanese cucumbers combine vigor and productivity with fine sweet flavor and especially refreshing crispy texture. The vigorous vines bear early, yielding abundant slender 10 to 12 inch fruits that never need peeling. Tasty Green cukes are perfect in any kind of salad and equally delicious sliced and eaten out of hand with a sprinkle of salt. A classic that is easy to grow and tops for flavor and quality. Monoecious.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Plant heat-loving cucumbers in full sun only after spring weather is warm and settled and night temps stay above 50°F (10°C). Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. Sow in groups of 2 to 3 seeds 18 in. apart and 1 in. deep. When the baby seedlings are 2 in. tall, thin out extras, leaving one strong seedling per group.After thinning, put 4-5 ft. strong vertical supports or individual tomato cages around each seedling and train vines up supports as they grow. This approach makes it easier to harvest straight fruits, saves garden space, and helps prevent disease.
GROWING NOTES
Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Shallow-rooted cucumbers need adequate and consistent moisture to produce sweet tasting, nicely formed cucumbers. Avoid overly wet or dry periods for good quality fruits.HARVEST AND USE
Cut rather than pull fruits from vines before seeds are large inside. Harvest every few days for longest fruit production. These juicy tender cucumbers need no peeling. Slice and enjoy for refreshing snacks, in salads and sandwiches. Eat cucumbers within a day or two of picking for best taste and quality. -
Radish – Petit Dejeuner – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartThese crunchy elongated beauties color up bright cherry-red with contrasting pure white tips. Worth growing for their showy colors alone, these French specialties are known for their refined shape, juicy, tender-crisp mild flesh and adaptability to a wide variety of conditions. Tuck a handful of seeds in wherever you have a little space as they’ll be ready in no time.
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 cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive with crisp flesh and mild flavor when given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature in warm but not hot weather. 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
Pull young round roots at large marble size and cylindrical ones at 2 to 3 inches long. If weather turns hot, harvest, cut off tops and store in fridge. Radishes’ flavor is mildest in cool weather, spicier in hot conditions. Picked young and tender, these refined French treats make crispy snacks or attractive appetizers, and add appealing color and crunch to green salads. Especially delicious sliced and tossed with a sesame flavored dressing. -
Lettuce – Garden Babies Butterhead – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartGarden Babies are brand-new, baby butterheads originally developed for the Japanese luxury market where a premium is put on flavor and quality. These cute, perfectly formed little butterhead rosettes have softly folded leaves, a lovely buttery texture and outstanding sweet taste. Ideal for growing in containers, Garden Babies are slow to bolt, heat tolerant, and make compact 5 to 6 inch heads at maturity. Perfect for individual servings and absolutely delicious with blue cheese dressing!
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool spring weather, start seeds in in full sun. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in fertile, well-drained soil mix. After the seedlings germinate and begin to grow, it’s important to thin the young plants so they have room to mature. Thin seedlings when they are 1 to 2 inches tall to a final spacing of about 4 to 5 inches apart. 5 to 7 plants can grow to maturity in a 12 to 15 inch container or 3 plants in an 8-inch pot.GROWING NOTES
Lettuce thrives in cool conditions with consistent moisture. Be sure to thin properly and keep evenly moist for sweet tasting, full heads. For a constant supply, make several sowings a few weeks apart until summer weather turns hot. Plant again in late summer for fall harvest. In hot weather, give lettuce some afternoon shade to extend harvest season and check water daily. Keep soil evenly moist and feed with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Consider transplanting lettuce seedlings around the edges of a big pot containing a young tomato or pepper plant. The lettuces will be ready to eat just as the bigger plant grows larger and needs the space.HARVEST AND USE
Savor young thinnings in your first spring salads. Then harvest plants by cutting mature heads when they feel firm and well-filled out. Pull over-mature plants if they begin to elongate (“bolt”) in hot weather, as leaves turn bitter at this stage. -
Zinnias Butterfly – Cha-Cha-Cha – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartCha-Cha-Cha’s fully double bright blossoms will illuminate your garden all season in festive hues of deep red, gold, cerise, orange, yellow and rose. Pick these free flowering beauties often for instant bouquets. Easy to grow, these zinnias produce large, richly colored flowers on shorter 2 to 2 1/2 foot stems, perfect for low borders, garden beds or containers. Best of all, butterflies are drawn to Cha-Cha-Cha’s masses of joyous-colored flowers from dawn to dusk.
ANNUAL
Summer/Fall bloom
Frost tenderTO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Sow seeds in well-worked soil in full sun when danger of frost is past and weather is warm and above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, cover about 1/2 inch deep and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Four weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside when temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) day and night.THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 8 to 12 inches apart when large enough to handle to give plants room to mature and provide good air circulation.GROWING NOTES
Zinnias grow readily in ordinary garden soil in full sun. For abundant and healthy flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded; adequate spacing and regular, consistent watering helps keep zinnias un-stressed and productive and discourages mildew. For long-lived bouquets, cut flowers in the morning when blossoms first open and petals are tight. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing abundant blooms to attract butterflies and other pollinators. -
Hollyhocks – Indian Spring Heirloom – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartAlcea rosea. These antique hollyhocks provide old fashioned beauty to any country-style garden. The tall stems bear mostly single blossoms in classic hollyhock colors of deep rose, pink, salmon-pink, and white. Grow as a screen at the back of the garden and watch the towering spires of pointed buds slowly unfurl to reveal chalice-shaped flowers – the dancing gowns of flower garden fairies.
BIENNIAL
Summer/fall bloom.
Frost hardy.EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Plant seeds in full sun in ordinary garden soil in spring after danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1⁄2 inch deep, 6 to 8 inches apart. Keep moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before last expected frost date. Sow 2 inches apart and 1⁄2 inch deep in flats or individual containers of seed starting mix. Provide a strong light source and keep mix evenly moist until germination takes place. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, transplant 12 to 18 inches apart after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart so plants have ample room to mature.GROWING NOTES
Indian Spring will bloom the first year from seed if planted early in spring. Planted later, it will bloom the following summer. After blossoms fade, cut off the spent flower stalks just above the ground. Fertilize well and continue to water plants as needed, and roots will push another flush of enchanting flower spires that will open in fall. -
Sunflowers – Sun Bear – Renee’s Garden
$5.19Add to cartThis stunning sunflower bursts into bloom with a profusion of super double, 5-inch golden-orange flowers that have a plush texture like a favorite teddy bear. The straight and tall 5-7 foot stalks are covered with big, bright blooms from top to bottom. Sun Bear sunflowers are exceptionally long blooming and its sturdy flowers hold their color. A fun and cheerful addition to any garden, it’s also great for cutting and highly sought after by birds, bees and pollinators.
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom. Frost tender.EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Plant in full sun in good garden soil only when weather is warm and settled, all danger of frost is past and both days and nights are evenly in the 50°F (10°C) range. Poke individual seeds into well-worked soil about ½ inch deep,4 to 5 inches apart. Press the soil firmly over the seeds and keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge in 8 to 10 days.Important: when the seedlings are well-established, carefully thin them to a final spacing of 1 foot apart; this way they will have enough room to develop sturdy stalks that won’t blow over and big clusters of flowers. Any extra seedlings you remove can be transplanted elsewhere in the garden or potted up and given to friends.
GROWING NOTES
Growing these colorful sunflowers for pollinators and bouquets is easy and rewarding. Make multiple sowings several weeks apart and you’ll have a succession of flowers in full bloom.Keep soil moist and well weeded and protect very young seedlings from birds with bird netting held tautly above the seedbed with supports, or use plastic berry baskets, removing baskets before plants get crowded.
-
Cucumber – Bush Slicer – Renee’s Garden
$4.79Add to cartBush Slicer offers juicy slicing cucumbers in record time on dwarf bushes, perfect for small space or container gardens. The straight, 6 to 8 inch-long fruits have smooth, tender skin with small seed cavities and sweet, crisp flesh. These sturdy indeterminate hybrid vines yield strong crops in both cool conditions and real summer heat. Bush Slicer is resistant to powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus and scab. Enjoy this space-saving cucumber in delicious salads from your own patio this season.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Plant heat loving cucumbers only when spring weather is warmed and night temperatures are consistently above 55°F (13°C). Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in slightly mounded hills that are 3 feet apart, sowing 4 or 5 seeds in each hill. Thin to the 3 strongest seedlings in each hill so plants have room to grow and mature.FOR CONTAINERS
Sow seed directly into containers 4 inches from edges. When plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, thin carefully to strongest seedlings. Final spacing should be one plant per pot 12 inches deep and 12 inches across or 2 plants in a larger container at least 18 inches across. For larger planters, grow plants at final spacing of 8 to10 inches apart.GROWING NOTES
Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Feed every other week. A good mulch will aid shallow rooted cucumber plants, which require ample and consistent moisture in hot dry weather. Avoid overly wet or dry periods for good quality fruit. In hot dry weather, check and water plants in containers daily.HARVEST AND USE
Keep all mature cucumbers picked; fruits left on vines will signal the plant to stop producing. Cut rather than pull fruits from vines. Slice them up for refreshing snacks, salads and sandwiches. Eat within a day or two of picking for best taste and quality. -
Cucumber – Endeavor Pickling – Renee’s Garden
$5.19Add to cartThis early bearing pickling or “Kirby” cucumber is a kitchen garden dynamo that produces an extended harvest of dark green, crispy, curved fruits with the traditional knobby “pickle” skin. Hybrid Endeavor is great tasting and high yielding. Vines will keep you well supplied for putting up many jars of your favorite treats like kosher dills, bread-and-butter slices, relish and traditional sweet pickles. Endeavor is also a fine crunchy, fresh-eating cucumber right from the vine. Plants are resistant to mosaic viruses and downy mildew.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Plant heat loving cucumbers only when weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1 1/2 feet apart and 1 inch deep with 3 feet between rows.Thin to 1 seedling per group. Or make slightly mounded hills 5 feet apart, sowing 5 or 6 seeds in each hill. Thin to the 3 strongest plants.
GROWING NOTES
Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Shallow rooted cucumbers need ample and consistent moisture. Avoid overly wet or dry periods for good quality fruit. Growing cucumber vines up vertical supports gives you long straight fruits, saves garden space and makes them easy to harvest.HARVEST AND USE
Cut rather than pull fruits from vines when 3 to 4 inches long. Harvest often: every few days for longest fruit production and so cucumbers don’t get too big on the vine. Try to put up pickles very soon after harvesting for best results. Enjoy some Endeavor cucumbers fresh picked from the garden, sliced up with tomatoes and chopped dill or chives with olive oil and a pinch of salt. -
Mint – Peruvian Black Huacatay – West Coast Seeds
$4.99Add to cartTagetes minuta. Also known as Huacatay, this Andean native is more closely related to the marigold than to mint. But its complex herbal aroma immediately reminds one of mint. Notes of cilantro, licorice, and citrus can also be detected. It is said to make an excellent alternative for those who dislike the flavour of cilantro. The leaves will be familiar to anyone who has grown marigolds, but the Latin species name refers to its sparse and diminutive flowers. Yet the plants can reach 2m (6′) tall, so they are a striking addition to the herb garden. The roots of Peruvian Black Mint are known to kill many perennial weeds, including Ground Elder, Couch Grass, and Field Bind Weed. This herb is a staple ingredient in a number of Peruvian dishes. Annual.
Timing: Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in late spring. Seeds should sprout in 10-16 days. Bottom heat will speed germination.
Starting: Sow seeds no more than 5mm (¼”) deep in moist soil. Space plants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart.
Growing: Mint spreads in the garden with gusto via a vigorous root system, so it may be preferable to confine it to planters on the balcony or in a raised bed. Prune plants back hard in early summer to promote good top growth. Bring some inside to grow in a small container over winter to grow on a brightly lit windowsill.
Harvest: Clip leaves or branches as needed throughout the year. Mint is so hardy and tough that it will grow right back. Dry the leaves and flowers for peppermint tea, or use them fresh. The flowers are edible and bring distinctive character to salads and sweets.
Companion Planting: Mint attracts earthworms, hoverflies and predatory wasps, and repels cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles. Mint can spread aggressively, so it may be better to use cut mint as a mulch around Brassicas, or to restrain it in containers around the vegetable garden. Avoid planting near parsley.
-
Tarragon – Mexican Tarragon – West Coast Seeds
$4.49Add to cartCERTIFIED ORGANIC. Tagetes lucida. AKA Winter Tarragon. This cousin of the marigold is a heat loving plant that may survive as a perennial in Zone 8, but it’s just as well treated as a half-hardy annual. Start Mexican Tarragon seeds indoors and transplant the seedlings out in May. The toothed, strap-like leaves have a pleasant anise scent, and the petite yellow flowers are edible. Try adding some leaves to a salad mix, or chop some and add it to tuna salad, potato salad, or pasta. The flavour balances beautifully with black pepper, lemon, and pear. (1185 s/g)
Timing: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow 2 weeks after last frost. If starting indoors, just cover the seeds with vermiculite and provide a soil temperature of 21-25°C (70-75°F). Seeds should sprout in 4-14 days at that temperature.
Starting: The seedlings are somewhat prone to damping off. As a precaution, just cover the small seeds with vermiculite, water from below, and provide ventilation in the room. Space plants in the garden 30-45cm (12-18″) apart.
Growing: Pinch the growing tips to encourage branching. Edible flowers are borne in abundance once the summer heats up. This fast growing herb requires little care, but it does appreciate good drainage.
Harvest: Pick leaves and flowers to steep as tea or as a substitute for traditional tarragon at any time during the summer. A yellow dye can be created from the flowers of this plant. The dried plant was traditionally burned to repel insects.
-
Corn – Sugar Pearl White – Renee’s Garden
$6.99Add to cartOur favorite early white for top eating quality. Sugar Pearl’s fast-growing, vigorous stalks grow just 5 to 5 1/2 feet tall, producing delicious ears of pearly white sweet kernels with that delicate, meltingly tender flavor that characterizes really delicious white corn. Sugar Pearl was bred for specialty and farmers markets where taste is the prime criteria for success. This trouble-free and reliable variety is ideal for short or early season growing, ripening succulent ears before most other white varieties.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring, once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Plant in a block of 4 side-by-side rows, each row at least 1 foot apart. Thin seedlings to 1 foot apart when several inches tall. Protect from marauding birds if necessary. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Make several sowings 2 or 3 weeks apart until early June to have successive harvests.GROWING NOTES
There is no need to isolate Sugar Pearl from other varieties, but plant seeds in blocks of at least 4 parallel rows to ensure good wind pollination and well filled out ears. Corn is a heavy feeder, so add plenty of compost or aged manure to the soil at sowing time, and then fertilize when young plants are 7 to 8 inches tall and again as ears begin to form.HARVEST AND USE
Well filled out ears of corn are ready to eat when the silks are very dark brown but not dried out. Test by choosing a plump ear and peeling back the husk very slightly. The kernels should be tender and milky when slit with a fingernail. Sugar Pearl is a SE corn, so the tender crisp kernels will hold their sweetness after harvest. -
Watermelon – Mini Love – Renee’s Garden
$6.99Add to cartAll-America winner! Super productive and easy to grow, Mini Love watermelons are perfect for large containers and small gardens. These early bearing, compact vines yield pretty green-striped fruits that are just the right size for individual servings, so watermelon lovers can enjoy having a whole fruit all to themselves. Mini Love’s ruby-red flesh is tender-crisp, sweet and succulent with few seeds. These crack-resistant little beauties are 4-6 inches in diameter, and weigh 3-6 pounds. A wonderful summer garden treat!
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Plant heat loving watermelons only when spring weather is warmed and night temperatures are consistently above 55°F (13°C). Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in slightly mounded hills that are 3 feet apart, sowing 4 or 5 seeds in each hill. Thin to the three strongest seedlings in each hill so plants have room to grow and mature. Or, grow 1 plant per foot in rows.FOR CONTAINERS
Sow directly into containers at least 18 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Sow 2 seeds in the center of the pot, then thin to just 1 strong seedling per pot. For larger containers, grow plants at final spacing of 8-10 inches apart.GROWING NOTES
Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Feed container plants every other week with a liquid, all-purpose fertilizer. A good mulch will aid shallow rooted watermelon plants, which require ample and consistent moisture in hot dry weather. Avoid overly wet or dry periods for good quality fruit. In hot dry weather, check and water plants in containers daily.HARVEST AND USE
Pick melons when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown, and the light patch on the bottom of the melon changes from cream to tan. Watermelons keep well in the refrigerator, even after being cut open. -
Turnip – Pastel Duo – Renee’s Garden
$5.59Add to cartImported from Japan, these pretty globe-shaped baby turnips are a special gardener’s treat. We’ve combined seeds for pearly white and party pink little turnips, both with crispy white flesh and delicious mild, sweet flavor. No need to peel; just slice up to enjoy in salads or as crunchy snacks on their own. Or use quickly stir-fried. The tasty, nutritious tops make fine sautéed greens. Plant fast-growing baby turnips both in cool spring and fall weather.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring, as soon as ground can be worked, sow in well worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded.GROWING NOTES
Thin seedlings early to stand 3 inches apart, giving them room to size up. Provide consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart for successive harvests until summer heat comes on. Protect with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem. Be sure to sow again in late summer for productive harvests in cool fall weather.HARVEST AND USE
Harvest these sweet baby turnips from when they are as big as walnuts to when they are the size of ping-pong balls. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull and store the roots in the refrigerator. Turnips will be spicier in hot weather.These pearly-white and pretty pink baby turnips are delicious sliced raw into green salads, or you can steam or sauté them briefly, or toss in oil and roast whole to bring out their natural sugars. Enjoy the tasty, nutritious green tops steamed or quickly braised.
-
Turnip – Mikado – Renee’s Garden
$6.59Add to cartSourced from Japan especially for us, these quick growing, pretty little globe-shaped roots have crisp, pearly-white flesh. Enjoy their mild flavor sliced up raw for green salads and crunchy snacks or quickly stirfry, sauté or roast them whole in the oven – they cook in minutes. Mikado’s tasty and nutritious tops make fine cooked greens. These baby turnips are a spring garden treasure that you can happily sow again in late summer for abundant fall harvests.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring, as soon as ground can be worked, sow in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded.GROWING NOTES
Thin seedlings early to stand 3 inches apart, giving them room to size up. Provide consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart for successive harvests until summer heat comes on. Protect with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem. Be sure to sow again in late summer for productive harvests in cool fall weather.HARVEST AND USE
Harvest these sweet baby turnips from when they are as big as walnuts to when they are the size of ping-pong balls. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull and store the roots in the refrigerator. Turnips will be spicier in hot weather. Pearly white baby turnips are delicious sliced raw into green salads, or you can steam or sauté them briefly, or toss in oil and roast whole to bring out their natural sugars. Enjoy the tasty, nutritious green tops steamed or quickly braised. -
Tomato – Sweet Gold Cherry – Renee’s Garden
$6.99Add to cartMost yellow cherry tomatoes are grown mainly for their color not taste, but Sweet Gold has both full, sweet tomato flavor and jewel toned golden yellow fruits. These glossy 1 inch cherries are delicious eaten right from the vine, enjoyed for snacks, or for adorning summer salads and stir fries. The vigorous indeterminate vines grow effortlessly, start bearing early and reliably produce heavy clusters of these brightly colored, tasty little fruits throughout the summer.
STARTING SEEDLINGS
Start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 55° (13°C) range. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy and very warm, 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside.When they are 2 inches tall, transplant into 4 inch pots, burying stems up to base of leaves. Maintain around 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions.
Transplant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.
GROWING NOTES
Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant tomatoes several inches deeper than they were growing in pots. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time as plants grow tall with heavy fruit loads. Mulch to provide the even moisture that prevents cracking. Don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.HARVEST AND USE
Pick fruits when fully golden yellow for best flavor. Enjoy for sweet snacks right out of the garden, in salads or stuffed with herbed cream cheese. For a delicious side dish, briefly sauté Sweet Gold in a garlicky olive oil, then sprinkle with chopped fresh chives and basil. -
Squash Pattypan – Summer Scallop Trio – Renee’s Garden
$6.19Add to cartOur mixed seed packet offers an easy way to grow a delicious trio of different colored pattypan squashes. Buttercup-yellow fluted “Sunburst” is tender and nutty tasting simply steamed or poached in broth. Dark green, glossy little “Starship” has zucchini color and flavor in a unique flying saucer shape. Pretty apple-green “Peter Pan” scallops are creamy and sweet fleshed – a treat to sauté or slice and grill.
Seeds are color coded with USDA food grade stain to distinguish varieties. Be sure to plant some of each for colorful harvests!
Pink seed = yellow Sunburst F-1
Undyed seed = apple green Peter Pan F-1
Green seed = dark green Starship F-1START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1 inch deep and 1 1/2 feet apart in rows 2 feet apart. When several inches long, thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, plant in slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter and 2 feet apart. Sow 5 to 6 seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in each hill. When seedlings are several inches long, thin hill-planted seedlings to the 2 strongest plants so they have ample room to grow.HARVEST AND USE
Harvest scallops when no more than 2 to 3 inches across for best flavor and tenderness. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new squashes instead of maturing large, tough and pithy ones. Steam or stir fry the little pattypans and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like chives, basil, finely snipped dill or lemon basil. Cook and toss all 3 jewel-toned squashes with freshly ground pepper, butter and grated Parmesan.GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with green plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly — you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature. -
Squash – Trombetta di Albenga Heirloom – Renee’s Garden
$5.19Add to cartThis wonderful Italian heirloom summer squash is a vigorous climbing vine, producing many 12 to 15 inch, lime-green fruits with a curvaceous trumpet shape and a delicate mild taste with a hint of nutty artichoke flavor. Trombetta’s flesh is seedless and firm and doesn’t get watery or mushy like regular zucchini. The rambling plants will soon cover a trellis, fence or stakes with graceful fruits that hang like jade ornaments cloaked in a lush canopy of big, heart-shaped leaves.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C). Train vigorous Trombetta vines up 6 to 8 foot stakes or a fence or trellis where they will make a lush leafy arbor or canopy and save garden space. Plant in full sun, sowing groups of 2-3 seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches from vertical supports. Thin to the strongest seedling for each pole or to 12 inches apart along a fence.GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Thin properly to get best quality fruits and highest yield. As young plants grow, tie them to supports.HARVEST AND USE
Softly curved, lime-green Trombetta squashes are best harvested no longer than 10 to 12 inches long and as thick around as cucumbers. Sauté or stuff them, or use in any of your favorite summer squash recipes. Cook until just tender to enjoy their fine flavor and texture. -
Squash – Sunny Supersett – Renee’s Garden
$5.59Add to cartButter-yellow Supersett have that fine-textured flesh and sweet nutty flavor possessed only by tender crookneck squash. This glossy, thin-skinned hybrid reliably out-yields older varieties, bearing an abundance of smooth, bright yellow squash with delicate, creamy flesh. The open bush plants have excellent mildew resistance, few spines, and the fruits have strong necks that won’t break when harvested. Sunny Supersett begins bearing early, so you’ll have a long summer season of enjoyable meals with these old-fashioned favorites.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Summer squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and nights are above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 3 seeds 1 inch deep and 1 foot apart, in rows 3 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, plant in slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter and 2 feet apart, sowing 5 or 6 seeds in each hill. When seedlings are several inches long, it is critical to thin hill-planted seedlings to the 2 strongest plants so they have ample room to grow.GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with green plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly — you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.HARVEST AND USE
For succulent texture and best flavor, pick Supersett crooknecks when they are no more than 4 to 6 inches long. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new fruits all season long. These little squashes shine when freshly picked and simply steamed or poached in broth to serve with fresh herb butter. -
Basil – Italian Pesto – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartOur imported Italian basil with its glossy dark green leaves and full-bodied zesty flavor is the classic strain for making pesto. Combine the delicious leaves with garlic, olive oil, grated cheese and toasted nuts to make homemade pesto sauce for pasta, baked potatoes or to accent fish or poultry, season soups and stews, or enhance salad dressings. You’ll have luscious leafy harvests all summer with plenty to freeze for winter feasting too!
ANNUAL
Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tenderTO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has thoroughly warmed up, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seedbed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and weather is warm, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden 8 inches apart.GROWING NOTES
Remember—it is critical to plant basil in the garden only after late spring day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Pinch off growing tips when plants are 6 to 8 inches tall to encourage branching. Harvest sprays of leaves by cutting stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to get lush regrowth. Keep flower buds pinched off to extend harvesting and feed regularly to promote new growth. -
Basil – Queenette True Thai – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartThis tropical-looking ornamental basil has dense 1/2 inch leaves that grow in clusters around distinctive purple stems. Imported directly from our best Thai seed producer, Queenette’s exotic flavor combines aromatic mild sweet spices with clove/mint basil flavor. It is a critical ingredient in Southeast Asian dishes and marvelous in stirfries, chutneys and marinades. An eye-catching herb to interplant with flowers for “edible landscaping.” Plant Queenette basil to enjoy growing and cooking with authentic Thai ingredients.
ANNUAL
Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tenderTO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has reached the 50°F (10°C) range day and night, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/2 inch deep, firm soil and keep seed bed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart so plants have room to grow.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in containers of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C), acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in garden beds or into large pots.GROWING NOTES
Remember, for success with this easy to grow but cold-sensitive herb, it is essential to sow and/or transplant basil only when weather is warm and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Harvest sprays of leaves by snipping stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to encourage lush foliage. Keep flower buds pinched off if you want to extend harvesting. Feed regularly to promote new growth.