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Direct-Sow Basics

Asian Greens Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth: ¼”-1/2"
Row Spacing: 12”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Days to Germination: 5-10 days
Germination Temperature: 70°-75°F

Our versatile, easy and popular Asian Greens thrive in cool temperatures, tolerating mild frost. Sow when the danger of heavy frost has passed. Asian Greens appreciate soil with a moderate amount of organic matter dug in. Keep the soil evenly moist for a mild, sweet taste. When growing individuals, thin them to 8" to 10" apart. For ‘baby leaf’ harvesting, lightly broadcast seed, sprinkle with soil and water lightly. As the plants grow to about 3" tall, give them a “haircut” for salads and stir-fries. Feed regularly to enjoy one or two more cuttings from the initial sowing. In cool summer areas, seed at 10 to 14 day intervals, ensuring a steady harvest of fresh, vitamin-rich greens. Hot weather causes

Asparagus Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1”-2”
Row Spacing:3’-5’
Plant Spacing:10”-15”
Days to Germination:14-21 days
Germination Temperature:60°-75°F

Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting. Start indoors as transplants 6 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1⁄2" deep with 60° to 75°F temperatures, strong light, good air circulation and uniformly moist soil until seedlings emerge. After all danger of frost has passed, harden plants off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 7 to 10 days. Direct-sow 1" to 2" deep and 1" to 2" apart in a nursery bed. Thin or transplant out 3" to 5" apart once seedlings are large enough to handle. Asparagus is a heavy feeder: amend the soil as necessary with organic fertilizer, compost and/or well-rotted manure. In late summer, transplant 10" to 15" apart and 6" to 8" deep in a permanent asparagus patch with well-aerated, well-draining soil and full to

The Vineyard Kitchen: Menus Inspired by the Seasons
Chock-full of homey yet sophisticated recipes, the Vineyard Kitchen presents appealing seasonal menus to celebrate the best of each harvest. An acclaimed chef, Maria is the culinary director of her husband’s Robert Sinskey Vineyards in Napa Valley. Her mantra is “Eat seasonally, drink good wine and live a long and prosperous life.” Written like a seasonal cooking diary, you will feel like you have a new best friend. HarperCollins Publishers: 2003.

Nestled in northeastern Connecticut’s Mountain Laurel-studded woodlands, Still River Café is one of the best restaurants in all of Connecticut. Situated on the bucolic 27-acre North Ashford Farm, Executive Chef Kara Brooks creates seasonal menus with fresh, imaginative dishes that evoked reverent enjoyment and sensory delight. Her husband Robert lovingly grows vegetables and herbs nearby the beautifully restored 150-year old barn in a sun-dappled spot on the edge of the woods. It's a most magical culinary experience.

John Scheepers
Bantam, CT

John Scheepers
Bantam, CT
This has to be the easiest recipe ever. It is also my favorite way to serve Asparagus.

John Scheepers
Bantam, CT
I created this quick hors d'oeuvre 20+ years ago when friends stopped by unexpectedly. It's as big a hit today as it was then.

John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds
Bantam, CT
If lobster instead of Canadian bacon is used to make Lobster Benedict, we figured we could add steamed Asparagus to make Asparagus Benedict. But we weren’t totally satisfied until we switched out the English muffin in favor of a Celeriac Cutlet. It’s an amazing combination of complementary tastes, and if vegetables are involved, it’s healthy, right?

John Scheepers
Bantam, CT
I love to make recipe basics in advance and freeze them for use later. I always have freezer bags of my lemon chicken on hand, as well as oven-baked eggplant. It makes delicious and healthy dinners a snap on work nights, particularly during the bulb season when easy, quick comfort food is such a saving grace.

Baby’s Breath Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Plant Spacing:18”-24”
Days to Germination:10-15 days
Germination Temperature:55°-70°F

Gypsophila paniculata. Easily grown, this popular cut flower may be sown outdoors from early spring up to 2 months before the first frost date in the fall. Or, start transplants indoors 8 weeks before setting out after the last frost date in the spring to insure first year flowers. Provide even moisture and strong light. When seedlings are 4" tall, harden them off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors for 1 to 2 weeks. After the threat of frost has passed, carefully transplant out into well-draining, loamy soil in full to filtered sunlight spaced 18" to 24" apart. Our old-fashioned Baby’s Breath is prized in summer bouquets as a delicate, airy filler with petite white flowers on well-branching, upright foliage. Summer flowering. Height: 3'.
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Bachelor’s Button Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/2”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:6”-12”
Days to Germination:7-14 days
Germination Temperature:60°-70°F

Centaurea cyanus. It is best to direct-sow Bachelor’s Buttons in well-draining, loamy soil in full sun as soon as the ground can be worked. Plant 1⁄2" deep and tamp down well since they require darkness for optimal germination. Keep uniformly moist until the seedlings emerge, up to 2 weeks after sowing. Or sow indoors 4 weeks before planting outside, in a good seed-starting medium at about 60° to 70°F. Provide even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. Prior to transplanting, acclimate the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks. Thin or transplant 6" to 12" apart in the garden. Weed and keep well-watered until established. Drought tolerant, water moderately once established. Summer flowering. Height:

Good News Cafe
Woodbury, Connecticut
The Buffet Book * Ici La Press
Available through Ici La Press Carole Peck is revered as a chef, restaurateur, caterer and cooking teacher. When unavoidable cooking for a crowd turns festive occasions into dreaded nightmares, turn to Ms. Peck’s cookbook, The Buffet Book. Filled with elegant, seasonal recipes for brunches with ten to dinners for 50, The Buffet Book will soon be one of your favorite tomes. For reservations at the esteemed Good News Cafe, phone (203) 266-4663.