Author: Jim

Tomato , ,

Costoluto Genovese Tomato

by

Solanam lycopersicum

 

75 Days from transplant.

25 Seeds

This deeply ribbed squat Italian heirloom tomato has been passed down since the 1800’s. Known for its incredible tomato flavour and used for sauces and pastes all along the mediterranean, this tomato is fabulous in salads, sandwiches, bruschetta and sauces alike. This indeterminate tomato will produce incredible amounts of delicious fruits weighing up to a 3/4 of a lb. Loves heat and is very tolerant of neglect.

Growing Directions.

Sew seeds 1/4″ deep indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant 3-4′ apart in full sun after all chance of frost has past. Plants will benefit from organic fertilizer/ compost. Water consistent amounts at consistent times by ground only avoiding splashing onto leaves.

 

Tomato

Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifter Tomato

by

Solanum lycopersicum

Tomato seeds Canada  

25 Seeds

85 Days

Bred by MC Byles aka Charlie, in West Virginia back in the 1940’s,where it is told that he sold the plants for a dollar and paid off his mortgage in 6 years. This indeterminate beefsteak tomato will produce 1 lb.+ pinkish red fruits with exceptional tomato taste and flavour.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep inside 4 weeks before last frost. Transplant outside 24-36″ apart in full sun. Fertilize with organic fertilizer and support with cage.

Hot Pepper, Pepper ,

Jalapeno Pepper

by

Capsicum annuum

Jalapeno Peppers canada  

25 Seeds

70 Days

Originating in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, these 3″ long peppers grown on 2′ plants produce loads of peppers great for salsa, guacamole,poppers or smoking into chipotles. Most popular when harvested green but milder, and then get hotter upon ripening to red. Jalapenos are also known for high amounts of vitamin C which also increases as they turn red.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds indoors 1/4″ deep 4-6 weeks before last frost. Transplant outside when temperatures are no less than 15 degrees at night. Harvest when peppers are 3″s and green or wait to ripen and turn red.Cut peppers off instead of pulling. Add organic fertilizer to aid in production.

Cucumber , ,

Boston Pickling Cucumber

by

Cucumis sativus

 

55 Days.

25 seeds

Originating back in 1880, these vines produce large early yields of exceptional quality, sweet, seedless, crisp cucumbers. Fantastic for pickling and as a delicious addition to any salad.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1″ deep indoors, 3 weeks before last frost, or sow directly18″ apart when soil is warm and all chance of frost has past. If transplanting be careful not to disturb the roots, as this will shock them and will take longer to recover than direct seeding. Harvest in morning when cucumbers are 5-7″ and before they turn yellow. Trellis for support.

Pumpkin , , ,

Dill’s Atlantic Giant Pumpkin

by

Cucurbita pepo

 

125 Days.

5 seeds

Originating from Nova Scotia, and bred by Howard Dill, these giant pumpkins have won numerous contests across the continent for the largest pumpkin size and weight. These giants can grow beyond 1000 lbs. with the record being over 2600 lbs. Although typically grown to 2-300 lbs. These giant pumpkins will start out yellow, and eventually turn a pale orange.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1″ deep indoors 3 weeks before last frost, transplant or sow directly in mounds outdoors 20-30 feet apart, when soil is 20+ degrees celsius. If transplanting, do not disturb roots as it will take them longer to recover from shock than direct seeding. Use lots of organic compost and fertilize every 2 weeks and water frequently. Snip all flowers after 1st pumpkin is pollinated and starts growing to focus energy to only the one pumpkin.

Radicchio ,

Palla Rosa Radicchio

by

Cichorium intybus​s

 

75 Days.

40 seeds

Originating in Italy this chioggia type radicchio is one of the easiest to grow forming beautiful bright purple, white veined 4-5″tight heads in the centre of a loose leaf head of variegated green and purple leaves. This early heading variety can be harvested for its outer leaves or for its prized head hidden inside.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds directly 1/4″ deep, 18″ apart, outdoors in full sun, when all chance of frost has past. Harvest young outer leaves in June or leave to form head and harvest later in season. Benefits from organic compost.

Eggplant

Listada De Gandia Eggplant

by

Solanum melongena

Listada De Gandia Eggplant Listada De Gandia Eggplant seeds

80 Days from transplant

25 Seeds

Originally found in Southern France in the 1850’s as the Striped Guadeloupe Eggplant, an old cross of a purple and a white variety but baring a Spanish name. This eggplant has a very thin skin and even
when grown larger, these seem to avoid bitterness and are definitely less slimy in texture than other eggplants. Typically growing from 5-8″ long oval fruits that do not require peeling, they will produce a
minimum of 4-5 per plant and love heat. Plants will grow to 20″ in height.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Germination can be helped with a heat mat underneath seedling trays. Transplant outside 24-30″ apart in full sun and composted soil when ground is warm and all chance of frost has past. Water consistently as these require a fair amount of water. No support needed.

 

Bean , ,

Red Kidney Beans

by

Phaseolus vulgaris

red kidney bean 

100 Days.

25 seeds

Originating from Peru, spread by migrating tribes and cultivated 8000 years ago, these are commonly used in Latin American cuisine as often as corn. Shaped like a kidney these light red beans have a sweet flavour and light texture and are full of potassium, Vitamin B9, iron, phosphorus and fiber. Great in chili, vegetarian dishes, and pasta or bean salads.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1″ deep, 6″ apart when ground is warm and all chance of
frost has past. Bush type variety will grow to 2-3′ high, with
prolific amounts of beans. Harvest fresh or dried on the plant.
Benefits from compost amended soil.

Leek ,

Bleu de Solaise Leek

by 2 Comments

Allium porrum

110 Days.

25 seeds

This rare French heirloom leek has dark green leaves that turn violet blue with cold spells or a frost. Leeks originated in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.The Druids used leeks 2400+ years ago, as an antibacterial, the common cold, a diuretic, and for the relief of pain from from childbirth. Very hardy, great for short season areas, sweet, and flavourfu, this variety will grow 18-20″ high.
Fantastic in soups, cream sauces, with potatoes, poultry or bacon.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Transplant outside 10″ apart as soon as the soil can be worked. Do not transplant next to grass, as slugs love baby leeks. Hill soil around base to
blanch more of the edible bulb. be sure not to go above where the leaves bend over, as you’ll collect dirt between each leaf as it grows. Loves water, and is a heavy feeder needing rich, organic, composted, soil for full growth.

Tatsoi

Tatsoi

by 24 Comments

Brassica rapa

45 days

40 Seeds

Tatsoi is native to China (known as rosette pak choy), but it’s culinary roots are in Japan. It is a small low growing plant, with spoon shaped emerald green leaves that form a rosette. Great in all
applications of spinach or lettuce, from salads to lasagna, with a mild brassica flavour. Easily and quickly grown, and will withstand a light covering of snow.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, 8″ apart, in full sun when all chance of frost has past otherwise it will bolt too fast. As with all brassicas, covering with a floating row cover is highly recomended to avoid flea
beetle infestation, and then cabbage moths. harvest leaves when plants reach 3-6″ tall. Sow a 2nd crop in mid August, for fall harvest. Benefits from compost amended soil.