Author: Jim
Asparagus Recipes
Champion of England Pea
Pisum sativum
65 Days
25 Seeds
Originally from Lincolnshire, England in the 1840’s, this heavy producer grows to 3′ tall and pods can carry 8-10 sweet peas in each. Delicious freshly shelled out of the pod, cooked or frozen.
Growing Directions
Sow seeds 1″ deep and 6″ apart in full sun, 2 weeks before last frost as peas will germinate better in cool soil. Plants will benefit from a string to climb to keep them off the ground for more sun and production.
Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
40 Days
40 Seeds
Introduced in Philidelphia by D. Landreth & Sons. in 1826, this fast growing variety will withstand the heat of summer. Dark green crinkly leaves are delicious steamed, fresh in salads or frozen. One of the best varieties of spinach there is.
Growing Directions
Sow seeds 1/4″ deep 4-6″ apart in full sun, when ground is warm and all chance of frost has past.Sow a second set of seeds a month later for continual season long harvest.
St. Valery Carrot
Daucus carota
70 Days
50 Seeds
In 1885 the seed company Vilmorin Andrieux based in France, said that they already had been grown for a long time ! These rare delicious, sweet, tender, orange 10″ x 2″ carrots boast excellent storage capabilities and are a favorite among gardeners and a big hit at Farmers Markets everywhere.
Growing Directions
Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, 1″ apart, 2-3 weeks before last spring frost when ground is workable. Seeds are slow to germinate as the ground is still warming up. Be sure to maintain moisture as it may take as long as 2- 3 weeks to germinate depending on ground temperatures. Thin to 2″ apart. Late season carrots will be sweeter with the onset of colder temperatures. Ground should be free of rocks and hard clay for preferred production. If your ground is rocky and hard use short carrots like our Paris Market.
Parris Island Cos Lettuce
Lactuca sativa
65 Days
50 seeds
This Romaine type lettuce is named after Parris Island, across the Broad River from the famous Hilton Head Island on the South Carolina coast. This delicious, crunchy, sweet lettuce is great for Caesar salad, wraps, sandwiches and even for scooping your favorite dips. Disease tolerant and slow to bolt are among some of the reasons gardeners have loved this lettuce since its retail debut in 1951.
Growing Directions
Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, 2″ apart when ground is warm and all chance of frost has past. For best results plant in spring and fall or for midsummer in an area where it will receive afternoon shade. Thin to 6″. Harvest outside leaves for a prolonged harvest, or harvest the whole head. Plants will benefit from an organic compost or manure.
Tom Thumb Lettuce
Lactuca sativa
50 Days
50 Seeds
Tom Thumb Lettuce dates back to 1850 and originated in the UK . Medium green Butter type lettuce produces small 4-6″ heads of tender, buttery, silky smooth leaves, perfect for a single serving salad. The whole head is often harvested and placed on a plate and covered with dressing.
Growing Directions
Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, 3″ apart in full sun or partial shade, when ground is warm and all chance of frost has past. For best results plant in spring and fall or for midsummer in an area where it will receive afternoon shade. Thin to 6-8″ apart. Plants will benefit from a manure or organic compost and continual watering. Harvest small leaves often or wait and harvest whole head. Extreme heat may turn leaves bitter.
Yellow Sweet Spanish Onion
Allium sepa
110 days
25 Seeds
Onions were originally brought to Spain by the Romans, and have since been popularized to all 4 corners of the planet. These mild, sweet, yellow onions are great for northern regions where the summer days are longer than most. This onion is great for any recipe and will produce heavy 1 lb. globes with a light papery skin.
Growing Directions
Sow seeds 1/4″ deep indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant or sow directly outside in well aerated ground, 6″ apart in full sun, when ground is warm and all chance of frost has past. Plants will benefit from a liquid fish fertilizer.
Thai Hot Chili Pepper
Capsicum annuum
90 Days
25 Seeds
Originally from Thailand, these pointed little red 2″ long hot peppers are often used in Asian dishes and pack a nice punch of heat at 35,000-40,000 Scoville units. These bushy 10″ plants will adorn with hundreds of peppers, and if completely harvested, will set fruit all over again.
Growing Directions
Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant or sow directly outdoors 12-18″ apart in full sun when the ground is warm and all chance of frost has past. Plants will benefit from an organic fertilizer. Stake or small cage for support as this plants is a heavy producer.
Sudduth’s Strain Pink Brandywine Beefsteak Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
90 Days
25 Seeds
Thought to be the original Pink Brandywine tomato, from the family of Dorris Sudduth Hill of Tennessee, whom have been growing it for the last 100 years. This indeterminate will produce lots of 1-2 lb. oblate shaped fruit, with an rich and intense delicious tomato flavour sure to be a hit with any gardener. Fantastic slicer for sandwiches, or with just salt & pepper and great in salads too.
Growing Directions
Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant or sow directly outdoors 2-3′ apart in full sun when ground is warm and all chance of frost has past. Support with stake or cage. Plants will benefit from an organic fish emulsion fertilizer.