Author: Jim

Savory

Summer Savory

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Satureja hortensis

Summer Savory seed

65 Days

50 Seeds

The Romans used savory as seasoning, medicine, aphrodisiac, and as a bee sting treatment. They took it to England, where it was used for stuffing rather than a herbal remedy. Today it is used in soups, stews, bean dishes, and is particularly popular on the East coast for flavouring stuffing. Thin green leaved stems grow from the base, reaching 18″ tall.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds on top of soil, and gently push them in so they are barely covered (as they need light to germinate), 8″ apart in full sun, when all chance of frost has past. Harvest when plants are established or pull whole plant when flower buds start to appear. Hang to dry in a warm, dark, well ventilated area. Benefits from compost amended soil.

Basil

Sweet Basil

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Ocimum basilicum

Sweet Basil seeds

65 Days

50 Seeds

Originally from India or Asia, about 5000 years ago and then spread west to the Mediterranean via the spice routes, this basil is great fresh or dried. The oil posses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and
antiviral properties. Heavy producers of large green 2″ leaves, that should be harvested often or pinched back to keep from bolting.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, 8″ apart in full sun, when all chance of frost has past. Prefers heat and lots of water. Harvest often and pinch back for bushier plants, and to prevent bolting.

Arugula ,

Sylvetta Arugula

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Diplotaxis erucoides

Sylvetta Arugula seeds

50 Days

50 Seeds

Native to the Mediterranean, this wild arugula variety, has been harvested since Roman times. Italian immigrants brought rucola over as a culinary herb, which was Americanized to arugula. Arugula exploded in popularity with chefs world wide in the late 80’s and still climbs as more gardeners
discover its fantastic, nutty, sweet, somewhat crisp, and moderately black pepper taste. Lessens in flavour with heat, but will over power a salad, without a mix of other fresh greens and lettuces. Medium
green, serrated leaves bolt slower then most other cultivars of arugula

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, 4″ apart, in full sun or partial shade, when all chance of frost has past.
Harvest leaves for cut and come again, and sow seed every 3 weeks from season long harvest.
Benefits from compost amended soil.

Rosemary

Rosemary

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Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary seeds

90 Days

40 Seeds

Originally from the Mediterranean coasts, rosemary has leaves similar to hemlock needles, and is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to help boost the immune system and
improve circulation. The aroma from rosemary can improve a person’s concentration, performance, speed, and accuracy. Fantastic on meats and vegetables, and notably used for pork, lamb, chicken and lemon recipes.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds indoors, 8 weeks before last frost, by sprinkling on soil and gently pressing in to soil. Rosemary requires light to germinate, so do not push down to far into soil. Transplant outdoors, 8″ apart, in full sun, when all chance of frost has past. Harvest often to promote bushing out, and new growth.

Thyme ,

German Thyme

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Thymus vulgaris

German Thyme seeds

40 Seeds

German thyme is one of the most versatile herbs there is, for seasoning meats and vegetables. Round to needle shaped, dark green leaves, on woody stems. Known for it’s medicinal qualities, for sore
throat remedies, headaches, and calming nerves. Fantastic for salad dressings, roasted lemon and thyme chicken, and rosemary thyme lamb chops.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds indoors, 8 weeks before last frost, by sprinkling on soil and covering very lightly with soil. Transplant outdoors 8″ apart, in full sun, when all chance of frost has past. Harvest tops as they grow
for continued new growth.

Parsley ,

Gigante Italian Parsley

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Petroselinum crispum

90 Days

40 Seeds

Prized by Italian chefs for its flavour and versatility, this flat leafed parsley hails from Northern Italy and grows abundantly all season if harvested regularly. Plants will reach a height of 1 foot and produce deep, strong, rich flavour, great for soups, salads, garnishes, and salsa.

Growing Directions.

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, 4-6″ apart, in full sun, one week before last frost. Seeds can take up to 3 weeks to germinate. Soak seeds for 48 hours prior to sowing. Scarification is beneficial if you don’t soak
the seed before sowing. Harvest often for season long harvest. Benefits from compost amended soil.

Melon ,

Charentais Melon

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Cucumis melo

Charentais Melon seeds

85 Days

10 Seeds

Originally from the Poitou Charentes region of Western France in 1920, these grapefruit sized melon’s blue, grey ,green skin turns yellow when ripe and will be more than noticeable in the garden, as the
tropical sweet smell is intoxicating. They have been compared to a cantaloupe but just so much better, sweeter, smoother, with thick, firm, aromatic orange flesh and a small seed cavity. It doesn’t get
any better!

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep indoors 2 weeks before last frost, no earlier. Transplant or sow directly outdoors 3 feet apart, 2 weeks after last frost when soil temperature has reached 21 degrees Celsius. Do not
disturb roots when transplanting. Benefits from warm temperatures, by way of cold frame, greenhouse or row cover until they start to flower, and rich composted organic soil. Harvest when blue, green, grey skin turns yellowish and aroma is abundant. and will come right off the vine easily.

Tomato ,

Amish Paste Tomato

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Solanum lycopersicum

Amish Paste Tomato seeds

85 Days

25 Seeds.

Originally from the Amish colony of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1870. This Indeterminate paste tomato packs great flavour, and is heavy producer of plum, ox heart shaped, meaty, bright red 8-10 oz fruits, that are fantastic for sauces, salsa or canning. Sought after by many avid tomato growers for all of its fantastic attributes.

Growing Directions.

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, indoors, 4 weeks before last frost. Transplant or sow directly outdoors 36″ apart, when soil is warm and all chance of frost has past. Benefits from rich organic soil and organic fish fertilizer when needed. Support with stake or basket.

Tomato , ,

Mark Twain Tomato

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Solanum lycopersicum

Mark Twain Tomato seeds

85 Days

25 Seeds

This indeterminate slicing tomato named after the famed 1800’s author, who disliked tomatoes, is fantastic for eating fresh in sandwiches or salads. Growing as big as 24 ounces, these oblate shaped, crack resistant, full flavoured, deep red tomatoes are rare and don’t take a lot of handling once harvested, so be sure to eat them soon after.

Growing Directions.

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep indoors, 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant or sow directly outdoors, in full sun, 3″ apart, when soil is warm and all chance of frost has past. Benefits from organic compost amended soil. Support with stake or basket.

Tomato , ,

German Johnson Tomato

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Solanum lycopersicum

German Johnson Tomato seeds

80 Days

25 Seeds

Originally from North Carolina and one of the four varieties used to breed the famous Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifter tomato back in the late 1920’s. This pink, beefsteak type, indeterminate tomato produces fruits with yellow markings on its shoulders, weighing up to and over a pound. Old fashioned tomato taste with low acidity and a hint of sweetness, great for making sandwiches, salads or even canning.

Growing Directions.

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant or sow directly outdoors, 3 feet apart, in full sun, when ground is warm, and all chance of frost has past. Benefits from compost amended soil, and support from a stake or cage.