Page 19 - Blog

Kalettes Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4” -1/2”
Row Spacing2’- 2 ½’
Plant Spacing:18”
Days to Germination:9-15 days
Germination Temperature:70°-75°F

Kalettes are a cross between Kale and Brussels Sprouts. Picture a Brussels Sprouts plant, but instead of what looks like little mini Cabbages growing along the tall stalk, imagine little heads of ruffled Kale. These “florets” are tender, sweet and milder-tasting than both Kale and Brussels Sprouts. Kalettes require a bit of patience to grow. Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting out, 14 weeks before the first fall frost date. Plant 2 to 3 seeds per 3” pot. Thin to the strongest seedling in each pot. Plant out 18” apart into well-draining, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Water regularly, especially in dry weather, and fertilize lightly but often. Harvest when the florets are open and about 2” wide, well into fall. Kalettes get even better after a couple of frosts. A member of the Brassica family, Kalettes should

Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/16”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Plant Spacing:18”
Days to Germination:14-18 days
Germination Temperature:65°-70°F

Polygonum orientale. Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate requires a cold period to germinate reliably. Direct-sow in late fall or late winter for spring seedlings, or wrap the seeds in a moist paper towel, place them in a plastic baggie, and refrigerate them for 3-4 weeks in spring before either starting indoors or direct-sowing after the last frost date. If starting indoors, sow cold-treated seeds 1⁄8" deep in good seed-starting medium 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Provide even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. Once established, thin to the strongest seedlings. Transplant carefully to minimize root disturbance. Once 3" tall, thin or transplant seedlings 2' to 3' apart in the garden. A moderate self-seeder, you'll likely find seedlings here and there the second year. Summer flowering. Height: 4' to

Kohlrabi Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”
Plant Spacing:6”
Days to Germination:5-14 days
Germination Temperature:45°-75°F

Plant this Brassica native of northern Europe in cool weather to enjoy its juicy-crisp texture, mild sweet taste and dramatic appearance. Kohlrabi prefers cool weather and moderately fertile, evenly moist soil. Amend bed with compost and/or well-rotted manure. Start transplants 4 to 6 weeks before planting outdoors, which should be done as soon as the soil can be worked. Or, direct-sow by spacing seed every 1" to 2". It grows best as a fall crop, planting up to 4 weeks before the first frost in the fall. Thin seedlings twice: first to 3" apart, then to 6" apart in each row. The thinned seedlings taste delicious steamed or used raw in salads. Harvest Kohlrabi on the small side (under 4" in diameter) for the best taste and crunch, using the leaves in soups or as a steamed side dish. Kohlrabi tolerates hard frost and is a most welcome addition

Shared with permission from Fine Cooking Magazine Kohlrabi-Radish Slaw with Cumin and Cilantro

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Lace Flower Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/16”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Plant Spacing:12”
Days to Germination: 7-15 days
Germination Temperature:55°-65°F

Ammi majus. If you love wild Queen Anne’s Lace as it waves its flowers alongside country roads in late summer, you'll adore Lace Flower. It’s a distant cousin that is more suited to the garden, with stout stems of lacy, feathery foliage topped with large, dense domes of tiny white flowers that are an exceptional filler in summertime bouquets. Sow seeds outdoors after all threat of frost has passed in spring, in full sun to partial shade. Barely cover the seeds with fine soil and tamp down firmly. Keep the soil consistently moist for best germination as the seeds are quite small. Thin seedlings to 12" apart. The sap of this plant can cause skin irritation, so take care when handling. At taller heights the plants may need staking to prevent flopping. Annual. Mid-summer to fall flowering. Height: 24" to 36".

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Large Fruited Hardshell Ornamental Gourds Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1”
Row Spacing:5’
Plant Spacing:5’-6’
Days to Germination:5-15 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Hardshell or Lagenaria siceraria. It requires space to ramble and hot, full sunlight. Start in indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant out. Soak seed for 24 hours and sow 2 to 3 seeds per individual pot. Provide good ventilation, strong light and even moisture. Thin each pot to the strongest plant. After all danger of frost has passed, harden them off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 7 to 10 days. They are heavy feeders: amend the soil as necessary with organic fertilizer, compost and/or well-rotted manure. Transplant out in hills in rich, well-draining soil and full sunlight. Water regularly and mulch to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. Feed regularly. Frost tolerant, harvest once the vines have totally died back. Cure outdoors on pallets or on screens until

Larkspur Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/2”
Seed Spacing:1”
Plant Spacing:8”-12”
Days to Germination: 8-15 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Consolida ambigua. Larkspur tolerates cold weather and prefers to be direct-sown outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked. Sow 1⁄2" deep in well-draining, loamy soil with full sun. Firm well, since they require darkness for optimal germination. Keep uniformly moist until the seedlings emerge, about 2 weeks after sowing. If you must start indoors and transplant out, sow in the early spring in a good seed-starting medium at about 65° to 75°F. Provide even moisture, strong light and good ventilation until they are 3" tall. Prior to transplanting, acclimate the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks. Thin or transplant 8" to 12" apart in the garden. Weed carefully and keep well-watered until established. Their elegant flower spires may require staking or support. Summer flowering. Height: 2' to 3'.

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