Page 26 - Blog

Peanut Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1”-2”
Row Spacing:30”-36”
Plant Spacing:6”-12”
Days to Germination:3-10 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Peanuts are usually thought of as a southern crop, but they can be grown in other areas of the country, too! In cooler climates, start seeds indoors, 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date, and then plant them outdoors 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost date. In warmer climates, direct-sow seeds two to three weeks after the last frost date, around the same time as Bush Beans, to which Peanuts are related. To sow, remove the peanuts from their shells carefully, taking care to leave their red skins intact. Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep and 8 inches apart. Seedlings can take more than a week to germinate and grow slowly at first, but they will take off after the roots have had time to establish themselves. The plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall and wide and prefer full sun and loose, fertile, well-draining soil—if your soil is heavy, add compost

Peas Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1”-2”
Row Spacing:18”-20”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Days to Germination: 4-14 days
Germination Temperature: 60°-70°F

Since Peas dislike heat, direct-sow in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked or in the late summer for fall harvest. Peas prefer rich soil. Amend the soil as necessary with organic fertilizer, compost and/or well-rotted manure. Plant in full sunlight. Plant seeds 1" to 2" apart or in double rows 4" to 6" apart. Provide a supportive structure if the Pea vines grow over 24" tall. Space the rows the distance equal to the height of each variety. Water regularly and mulch to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. Install floating row covers to protect the plants from birds if necessary. Harvest Shelling Peas while they are small and tender. Harvest Snow Pea Pods when their pods are flat and shiny. Harvest Snap Peas when their pods are fat and tight but still smooth. Pick Peas on a daily basis once mature to prolong pod formation. For

Phlox Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:6”
Days to Germination:10-15 days
Germination Temperature:55°-65°F

Phlox drummondii. Widely adaptable, Phlox may be sown outdoors after the last frost date but is best started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting out after all danger of frost has passed. Cover seeds completely, as darkness aids germination. Use individual peat pots or seed-starting cells to avoid root disturbance. Provide even moisture and strong light. Harden off the plants by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. Both heat and drought tolerant, it requires constant, even moisture for optimum flower production. Mulch to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. Once Phlox starts to bloom, it is free-flowering until the first frost. Phlox is terrific in display bed borders, window boxes and rock gardens. Summer-fall flowering. Height: 8".

Shade Tolerance

Over the last three decades, Chez Panisse has cultivated a network of local farmers who share the restaurant's commitment to sustainable agriculture. In 2001, Chez Panisse was named best restaurant in the US by Gourmet Magazine. Alice Waters initiated the Edible Schoolyard project in 1995 which incorporates her ideas about food and culture into the public school curriculum. She is the author of eleven books. For reservations, call (510) 548-5525.

Pincushion Flower Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:10”-15”
Days to Germination:14-21 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Scabiosa caucasica. The “Pincushion” can be direct-sown outdoors in warm areas or started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after all threat of frost has passed. Prepare planting site in garden in full to partial sunlight with rich, well-draining soil. Sow seeds in good seedstarting medium at 70°F with even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. For consistent moisture during germination, cover 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 out. Thin or transplant seedlings 10" to 15" apart. It will flower the first year if started early enough indoors. Its blue, lilac and white flowers are terrific in bouquets: harvest just as the flowers are opening. Summer flowering.

2003 Award Winning Recipe!

A specialty gardener and lover of fine regional wines and cuisines, Joe discovered the Pequillo while in Spain visiting family friends with his wife Robin. This kaleidoscopic salad is superb with grilled pork. (Their adored Olde English Bulldogs, Brutus and Caesar, also love a taste of the pipiranna.)

Poppies Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:0”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:15”-18”
Days to Germination:10-15 days
Germination Temperature:55°-65°F

Papaver spp. It is best to direct-sow in rich, very well-draining soil in full to partial sunlight as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring, through the fall for a prolonged blooming season. Lightly cover seeds with soil as light aids germination. Or, start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after the threat of frost has passed. Use individual peat pots or seed-starting cells to avoid root disturbances. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors. Once the seedlings are 2" tall, thin or transplant 15" to 18" apart. To harvest seed for baking or planting, allow the pods to dry on the plants. Remove the whole pods before they split, break the pods open, remove the seeds and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot until use. Late spring flowering.

Our Pollinators are in Peril

If you're blessed with a nice stand of watercress, try this elegant and nutritious combination.

Gourmet Mini Tuber Growing Instructions

Plant Like a Pioneer: Grow Potatoes

Easy Pickin'
Hand picking is often the best way to get rid of an infestation of Potato beetles--both the fat pink larvae or the striped beetles that follow. If the task disgusts you, get a long extension cord and go out there with a shop vacuum. Use the slot attachment to suction the critters away; it is the one least damaging to the foliage.

Tips for Harvesting and Storing Root Vegetables

Deer Resistant Seed Varieties

Cooking Tip:
The Perfect Hash Brown Ever notice how hash browns made with leftover boiled Potatoes taste better than ones made fresh from raw Potato cubes? They’re moist and soft inside, crisp on the outside. You can get that effect by boiling the Potatoes first or--simpler yet--use raw cubes but cover the frying pan for the first 5 or 10 minutes of cooking to steam them, then remove the lid and fry until crisp.