Page 16 - Blog

John Scheepers
Bantam, CT
I confess that there are some nights when I am too lazy to make salad. This is when I pass the Romaine to my husband, the grillmaster, so I can get out of virtually any kitchen time. Grilled Romaine is fantastic with grilled steak and a baked Potato. Sander has grown to love it too, as strange as it first appeared to him..

Ground Cherry Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth: 1/2"
Row Spacing: 36”
Plant Spacing: 24”-30”
Days to Germination: 6-15 days
Germination Temperature: 70°-85°F

These compact, sprawling plants produce fruits, encased in papery husks, that are of an indescribable flavor that is a mix of Cherry Tomato, Pineapple and Grape. Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds 1/2" deep and keep the soil warm and consistently moist. They may take their time germinating, but will grow steadily once they do. Once all danger of frost has passed, harden off the seedlings by slowly introducing them to the outdoors over the span of a week, and then plant them out in rows, 2-3' apart. While the plants prefer full sun, they will tolerate just a bit of shade. Mulch the plants, fertilize occasionally and keep the soil evenly moist throughout the season to ensure fruit set, tapering off as the fruits begin to ripen. When the fruits begin falling from the plant, they are ready to harvest.

Mini Meadow/Habitat Flower Garden Planting Instructions

2006 Award Winning Recipe!
Kim Porter
Garden Thyme at The Old Schoolhouse
14520 SR 38 E
Noblesville, Indiana
Phone: (317) 714-3273

Revealing the secrets behind the restaurant's marvelous dishes, this irresistible cookbook includes trademark Union Square Cafe recipes from appetizers to desserts. Its imaginative, yet relatively easy recipes burst with the flavor of fresh, seasonal vegetables and herbs. This simple recipe has converted lots of sworn Brussels-sprout haters into devoted connoisseurs. They've turned the sprouts into comfort food by "hashing" and stir-frying them with poppy seeds. Serve with poultry, veal or beef. HarperCollins Publishers (available at www.amazon.com)

John Scheepers * Bantam, CT
We've been baking halved Red or Sweet Onions for years (spritzed with olive oil, salt, pepper and grated Parmesan). Recently, we had the idea of baking them like blooming onions. They were beautiful and delicious! It's not really a recipe, but here's what we did.

Helichrysum Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:0”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:18”
Days to Germination:7-14 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Helichrysum microphyllum, the Licorice Plant. Start transplants indoors 10 to 12 weeks before setting out after the threat of frost has passed. Each pellet contains 3 seeds. Sow seed pellets on top of sterile starter mix, leaving them uncovered but pressed firmly onto the soil surface, as light is needed for germination. Pamper with 65°-75°F temperatures, good air circulation, strong light and even moisture. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into larger, deeper pots for full root system development. After all danger of frost has passed, harden them off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 7 to 10 days. Transplant out 10" to 12" apart to a well-draining, rich, moist garden bed in full to partial sunlight. Water regularly and feed as needed with manure tea, kelp or fish emulsion. Summer leafing. Height:

Heliotrope Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:4”-5”
Plant Spacing:8”-12”
Days to Germination:7-30 days
Germination Temperature:70°-80°F

Heliotropium arborescens. Germinating Heliotrope may take several weeks. It is best to sow it indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds lightly in seed starting mix, barely cover and provide consistent heat, strong light and moisture. Transplant to larger pots once the seedlings are large enough to handle. When they are 4" tall, harden the seedlings off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 7 to 10 days. Transplant out in rich, well-draining soil and full sunlight. Water regularly and mulch to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. Feed regularly and pinch back to make them bushy. Another heirloom, Heliotrope has clustered, tiny, trumpet-shaped flowers and a heady perfume. They may be dug out and potted up before the first fall frost and brought indoors as a winter-blooming house plant. Summer flowering.

It may sound strange, but these herbed butter balls are a real lifesaver in the kitchen for all of us short-order cooks. There is no end to the clever combinations one can make to assist weeknight cooking.

Heuchera Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:12”-15”
Days to Germination:15-25 days
Germination Temperature:55°F

Heuchera sanguinea, Coral Bells. Heuchera should be direct sown outside after all threat of frost has passed. Prepare a garden bed in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-draining soil. Heuchera may also be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting out after the threat of frost has passed. Provide even moisture and strong light. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them outside over 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. When the seedlings are 2" tall, thin or transplant to 12" to 15" apart. A perfect companion for other woodland shade lovers once mature, Heuchera has beautiful foliage and precious little flowers borne on delicate stems. It may bloom the first year if started early enough in the spring. Spring to summer flowering. Height: 15" to 24".

Shade Tolerance

Hibiscus Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:12”-15”
Plant Spacing:24”-30”
Days to Germination:15-30 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Hibiscus mosheutus. Hibiscus can be direct-sown outdoors in warm areas or started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting outside after the threat of frost has passed. Soak seeds in water: once they sink, they are ready to plant. Sow seeds in good seed-starting medium at 70°F with even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. For consistent moisture during germination, cover the flats or pots with plastic wrap until seedlings emerge: then discard plastic. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting outside. Hibiscus are moisture-loving plants. Mulch to conserve moisture, water consistently and fertilize as necessary. Intolerant of night chills, bring potted plants indoors before a hint of fall frost. Summer flowering. Height: 24" to 36".