Wrinkled Crinkled Crumpled Cress

Annual. Try this garden cress with curly ruffled leaves for its tangy peppery crunch that gives a crisp zing to salads and sandwiches - a great way to jazz up meals. Wrinkled Crinkled Crumpled Cress has been an overwhelming hit with many cress connoisseurs and baby leaf lettuce producers since it was developed by Frank Morton's creative organic breeding. Similar to watercress, it is a cross between a broad leaf and a curly cress, but with more intense piquancy. Its crisp upright leaves make for easy cutting. Forget about using parsley as a garnish! Replaced it with these frilly beauties. Very unique! Baby leaves can be cut as early as 21 days after sowing. Very slow to bolt. May also be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill.

When to plant outside: After average last frost date.

When to start inside: Spring, 3-4 weeks before average last frost. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. May also be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill.

Special Germination Instructions: Requires light to germinate. Do not cover seeds. Press lightly into soil.

Harvesting: Harvesting of baby leaves can begin as soon as the true leaves appear. Snip off with a pair of scissors. In mild winter climates, it’s best to harvest during the cooler parts of the year. Plants growing during warm temperatures or plants that have bolted (produced a flower stalk) may be too bitter to eat.

Castor Bean

Sow castor bean from seed either outdoors directly in the soil after all danger of frost has passed or indoors six to eight weeks before your region's last average frost date.

Step2

Soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water, then plant it 1 inch deep.

Step3

Plant outdoors in full sun. Castor bean needs rich, deep, well-drained soil, so it's a good idea to work in a spadeful or two of compost to a depth of 2 feet or more.

Step4

Keep soil evenly moist. Mulching is a good idea.

Step5

Trim faded flowers to promote longer bloom.

Step6

Fertilize every four to six weeks or work in a slow-release fertilizer (or plenty of compost) at planting time.

Step7

Stake if needed. Castor bean grows 3 to 6 feet tall, depending on growing conditions, and 2 to 4 feet wide.

Step8

Tear out and discard plants after frost fells them in fall in zones 2 to 7 of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (see thegardenhelper.com/hardiness.htm). In zones 8 to 11, castor bean can be treated as a perennial. Cut back each fall.

Empress of India Nasturtium

Hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Soil: Well drained
• Height: 9 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Special Features: Edible flowers
• Ideal for: Baskets, Bedding, Border, Children, Containers

Description

Deep velvety crimson flowers against dark foliage.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Outdoors after last frost when soil has warmed or indoors in peat pots 2-4 weeks before last frost

Sow where they are to flower in well cultivated soil in a sunny open site. Sow in rows 30cm (12in) apart and thin out to 6in (15cm) between plants.

For earlier flowering they can be sown indoors at a temperature of 60-65F (15-18C) and transplanted into 7.5cm (3in) pots.

Growing Instructions

Thin out to 6in (15cm) apart when the seedlings are large enough to handle. If sown indoors, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost.

Aftercare Instructions

Plant in full sun and in ordinary garden soil.

Moonshadow Sunflower

The prized white Sunflower has never looked so beautiful! 'Moonshadow' is the whitest yet, with color so clean it tinges yellow-green at the base, and occasional hints at appleblossom near the tips. These 4-inch blooms arise on very well-branched plants just 4 feet high, and are so long-lasting that they keep their fresh appearance for up to 3 weeks in garden or vase. Unbeatable for distinctive, long-lasting summer color!

The blooms arise in clusters on this multibranched plant, which reaches 2 to 3 feet wide. Cut all you like -- 'Moonshadow' has flowers to spare! Pollen-free so they won't make a mess on your table, They are also the perfect Sunflower for dyeing.

Pastiche Sunflowers

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well drained
• Height: 5 feet
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Special Features: Edible flowers
• Ideal for: Bedding, Border, Children, Cut Flower

Description

A comprehensive mixture of sunflower colors in a host of evening sun shades - yellows, reds and buff, some with a bright yellow or a deep red disc. These medium sized flower heads (approx. 10-13cm (4-5in) in diameter), make fantastic cut flowers, lasting for a long time in water and help to give height and stature in the border. Flowers summer. Height 122-150cm (48-60in).

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Outdoors after last frost. May also be sown indoors 2-4 weeks before last frost.
Sowing depth:	12mm (½in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart

Sow outdoors where they are to flower. Germination usually takes around 21 days.

Sowing can also be done indoors in early spring, sow the seed individually in 7.5cm (3in) pots. Germination takes 1-2 weeks at 20C (70F). Gradually acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost has gone.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart. They prefer a sunny open site but will grow in most soils.

Kitchen Notes

The green buds before the flower opens are delicious cooked in butter sauce and the seeds make a tasty snack.

Cosmos

These were saved from a Candy Stripe plant that was located near many other cosmos varieties.

Half Hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer into fall
• Position: Full sun
• Height: 48 inches
• Ideal for: Border

Description

This wonderful mixture contains a full range of flower forms and colors and includes much-sought-after picotées and stripes. An easy-to-grow annual which will flower all summer and its height means that it will make a superb backdrop to your borders or a long-lasting and pretty addition to flower arrangements! Height: 40-48in.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	March to May

Sow seed on the surface of a good, free- draining, damp, seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and place at a temperature of 68-77F until after germination which usually takes 7-14 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 3in pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 12-18in apart.

Aftercare Instructions

Prefers a sunny position in light, well-drained soil.

Dill

Dill is one of the easiest herbs to grow and would make a great first herb for someone who has never grown herbs before. You'll find lots of uses for both the fronds and the seeds in the kitchen. A sprig of dill will perk up almost any soup, salad, or main dish. You can buy transplants at your local garden center, but there is no need because dill is easy to grow from seeds. You won't even have to start them indoors - just plant your dill seeds right in the garden where you want them to grow.

When to Plant

Dill likes to be planted in cool weather. In warm winter areas that don't experience a hard frost, you can plant dill in fall or winter. In cooler areas, plant dill a week or two before your last hard frost. After the first sowing, plant again every 10 days or so for a continuous crop.

When growing in containers, use a deep container to accommodate the long roots, and remember that you will eventually have a plant that is three feet tall. Plants grown in containers may require staking.

Cultivation

Here are a few suggestions to start you on your way to a healthy crop of dill:

• Dill, like most herbs, loves to bask in the sun, but will tolerate afternoon shade.

• Dill grows up to 3 feet tall, so plant it in the back of your flower, vegetable or herb garden.

• Sow seeds close together. This will allow the plants, which blow over easily to support each other.

• Cover the seeds lightly, and allow a week or two for them to germinate.

• For a continuous crop, sow repeatedly from mid spring to early summer.

• Don't plant near caraway, fennel or angelica.

• Caterpillars are fond of dill, and can be handpicked if they become a nuisance.
  

Harvesting and Preserving

Dill is a lovely herb that adds a refreshing flavor to any recipe. Try adding a little dill to a ho-hum recipe, and watch what happens. It’s almost magic! This booklet starts with tips on growing, harvesting and preserving dill, and then turns to cooking with dill. These are without a doubt the best dill recipes you’ll ever taste!
More...

The best way to use dill is fresh from the garden, so during the growing season, cut your dill to use fresh as you need it. If not kept cut, your dill will go to seed, so cut often until you are ready to switch to seed production.

If you find that you have cut more than you can use, dry the excess in the microwave. Spread the dill in a single layer on a paper towel and microwave on high for 3 minutes. The result is beautiful and tasty - much better than dried dill you buy in the grocery store. After microwaving, remove and discard the hard stems, crumble the leaves, and store in an airtight container protected from light.

Once seedheads begin to form, it's time to stop cutting dill for fresh use. Allow the seedheads to develop and dry completely, then cut them. You'll be able to remove the seeds easily with your fingers.

Coriander

Coriandrum sativum (A) Cilantro is the name by which fresh coriander is known. Found in Egyptian tombs, coriander seed is one of the most ancient herbs still used today. Sought after for its sweet seeds and pungent leaves. Larger herb seeds need to be planted a bit deeper, at least as thick as the seed itself. They may also be slow and erratic to germinate.

Tricolor Zuccini Mix

Color-coded seeds enable gardeners to grow extra-fancy pastel green Clarimore, buttercup yellow Golden Dawn yellow and dark green Raven zucchinis, all from one convenient packet.

Spacemaster Cucumber

59 days.
A full sized 7 1/2 inch cuke, primarily a slicer, on a short 3 foot vine; good for trellising in a tight spot or in a container. Its nice flavor and appearance is enhanced by its resistance to mosaic and scab.

This very compact bushy plant won’t take over your garden. Spacemaster’s 2’-3’ vines make it an ideal choice for small growing areas. It can even be grown in a large container! The full-sized fruits are great for pickles when small and for slicing when mature. Regular picking will help the plant produce prolifically throughout the season. It is resistant to cucumber mosaic virus and scab and also somewhat resistant to downy and powdery mildew. This packet plants: 4 mounds of 3 plants per mound.

When to plant outside: Spring after average last frost date AND when soil temperatures are warm, at least 65 degrees.

When to start inside: 4-6 weeks before average last frost.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Plant in mounds or rows, as you prefer. If rows, plant every 4”, thinning to 1 plant per foot. Mounds should be 1’ to 2’ apart with 6 seedlings on each mound thinned to 3 per mound. Another HIGHLY recommended method is to plant with a trellis. Cucumbers grow straighter and are easier to see when harvesting with this method. Use recommended row spacing and tie the main stem to the trellis with string or twist ties. (If growing in a container, you can place the container next to a tall trellis, or insert a 2’-3’ trellis inside the container.)

Belgian Endive

HEIRLOOM VARIETY: A European delicacy, Chicory Witloof, Belgian Endive is now very popular in America and this Heirloom variety is well suited for home garden production. Sweet and delicious, they are a welcome addition to any garden. Grow all season to produce sturdy roots. After tops die back in fall or winter, dig entire tap root and replant in moist soil deep enough to just cover the top of the root. Belgian Endive is excellent raw or lightly cooked.

SOWING ... Sow Chicory Witloof seed in early spring after danger of frost is past. Plant seed thinly in rows 24 inches apart.

THINNING ... Thin Chicory Witloof to 12 inches apart when plants are 2 inches tall.

GERMINATION ... Chicory Witloof seed germinates in 6 to 10 days depending on soil and weather conditions.

REMARKS ... Sturdy roots are essential to produce top quality chicons (Belgian Endive). Use deeply dug fertile soil. The leaves form a loose head similar to lettuce and should be left on throughout the season. When replanting roots for the winter, a black trash bag with holes punched in makes a good container. Tie off bag and store roots at 65 to 70 degrees F., periodically checking for soil moisture and growth. Harvest chicons when 4 to 8 inches long by cutting off just above the roots. Leave roots in place for possible second crop.

Harris Parsnip

Pure white perfectly straight roots. The slightly sweet flavor is unique in our experience. Parsnips store well and should comprise at least a small part of every northern garden. We keep looking at other parsnips but it is tough to improve on this one. 100 days.

When to Plant

Plant seed in early April or May in a deep, fertile soil that is well prepared. Because parsnip seed is very short-lived, you must obtain a fresh supply each spring.

Spacing & Depth

Plant seeds 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep. Because germination of even the freshest parsnip seed is often mediocre, seed thickly, at least two or three seeds per inch to ensure a good stand. Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart or plants 8 to 10 inches apart in a bed. Parsnip seed is slow to germinate and some gardeners drop a radish seed every foot in the furrow to mark the row and help break the soil crust. Once parsnip seedlings are up and growing, pull the radishes and thin parsnip seedlings to 2 to 4 inches apart.

Care

Keep young parsnip plants free of weeds by shallow hoeing or cultivation. Watch for swallowtail-butterfly caterpillars, which feed on most members of the carrot family. Handpicking the caterpillars from the leaves normally gives adequate control. Water thoroughly once a week in periods of extended dry weather to keep growth from slowing in summer.

Harvesting

Dig the roots (usually 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter and 8 to 12 inches long) with a shovel, tilling spade or spading fork. Yields frequently exceed one pound per foot of row (single roots may weigh more than one pound each).

Nantes Carrots

HEIRLOOM Anciet French variety. Roots are 1 1/2" x 6". Color is reddish. This is a blunt ended, crisp carrot with a delectable flavor. It was introduced into the US by the French company Vilmorin in the 1870's. Names like Carentan and Touchon represent slightly different strains of Nantes favored in the area of these French towns.

Danvers Half Long Carrot

HEIRLOOM 1871 Roots are 6-8 inches long with a blunt point. Danvers is a good choice for those with heavy soil. Skin is a distinctive reddish orange color. Flavor is excellent and roots store well. This variety originated with market gardeners around Danvers, Mass. 75 days.

Rattlesnake Pole Bean

HEIRLOOM A very flavorful pole bean that has been popular in the west for some time. The vigorous vines will yield for the entire season as long as you keep them picked. Beans are quite long, 8-10" and the color is an attractive green with purple stripes. This one was a favorite in our taste trials. 65 Days.

Jacob's Cattle

HEIRLOOM Ancient. This is the most popular traditional soup and baking bean here in Maine. What Saturday night Bean Supper would be complete with out Jacob's Cattle and its remarkable effects on the digestive tract? Also known as Trout or Dalmatian bean, this is one of the earliest beans to dry even in our too short summers. An attractive combination of white and a deep maroon, and it can also be used earlier as a shell bean. Similar in appearance to a Native American bean called Anasazi. Bush type. 83 Days

Bianca Borage

This lovely borage is more compact and sturdier than regular borage and also a bit later to flower. Eventually it will be covered with attractive white blooms.

Exposure:

Full sun

Mature Size:

H: 18 - 36" (45 - 90cm), W: 9 - 24" (22 - 60cm)

Bloom Period:

Late Spring to Mid-Summer

Description:

Borage is actually a somewhat gangly plant, but you barely notice it because the star-shaped flowers are so vibrant. They’re a true blue, hanging in downward facing clusters. Even the fussy white buds are attractive. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible, with a cucumber-like flavor. Use the leaves while they are young, because as the plant matures, the stalks and leaves become covered with a prickly fuzz.

Design Suggestions:

As mentioned above, borage is often grown in the vegetable or herb garden because it is such a bee magnet and because it is considered a good growing companion for other plants. However, it is equally beautiful in a cottage style flower garden, where it has room to self-seed. Harvesting or deadheading will keep it in bloom longer.

Suggested Varieties:

Borago officinalis is the only borage I have seen offered by seed companies.

Growing Tips:

Borage grows best if direct seeded. Barely cover the seeds with soil and keep well watered. They are tolerant of any type soil, even poor dry soil. However a sunny location with rich, well draining soil is optimal.

If you choose to start seedlings, transplant before they become pot bound. Plan to start seedlings about 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost and don’t transplant outdoors until the soil has warmed.

Once seedling are about 2-3" tall, thin to approximately 12" apart.

Maintenance: Plants in poor soil will benefit from periodic feeding with any fertilizer labeled for use on edible plants. Something with a high phosphorous number (the middle number on a fertilizer package) will help keep them in flower. Plants can be pinched or pruned, to encourage branching and to keep them shorter.

Harvesting: Harvest leaves and flowers as needed. Older leaves will get prickly, making harvesting anything on the plant a bit unpleasant. However, the flowers do add a bit of flavor and a great deal of color to salads, soups, dips & spreads, open face sandwiches, beverages and ice cubes. As with all edible flowers, use sparingly until you know how they effect you. Borage is said to have a mild laxative effect.

Borage is open pollinated and it is very easy to collect and save the seed from flowers allowed to remain on the plant and turn brown. Borage self-seeds readily, if allowed to go to seed naturally. Excess plants are fairly easy to remove from the garden.

Pest & Problems: Virtually problem free.

Borago Officinalis

About 3 feet tall with a spreading habit. Continuous Noxema-blue blooms attract lots of bees. Tough and drought resistant, it reseeds itself vigorously. Grown as an ornamental as well as for the fuzzy, cucumber-tasting leaves in the spring.

Exposure:

Full sun

Mature Size:

H: 18 - 36" (45 - 90cm), W: 9 - 24" (22 - 60cm)

Bloom Period:

Late Spring to Mid-Summer

Description:

Borage is actually a somewhat gangly plant, but you barely notice it because the star-shaped flowers are so vibrant. They’re a true blue, hanging in downward facing clusters. Even the fussy white buds are attractive. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible, with a cucumber-like flavor. Use the leaves while they are young, because as the plant matures, the stalks and leaves become covered with a prickly fuzz.

Design Suggestions:

As mentioned above, borage is often grown in the vegetable or herb garden because it is such a bee magnet and because it is considered a good growing companion for other plants. However, it is equally beautiful in a cottage style flower garden, where it has room to self-seed. Harvesting or deadheading will keep it in bloom longer.

Suggested Varieties:

Borago officinalis is the only borage I have seen offered by seed companies.

Growing Tips:

Borage grows best if direct seeded. Barely cover the seeds with soil and keep well watered. They are tolerant of any type soil, even poor dry soil. However a sunny location with rich, well draining soil is optimal.

If you choose to start seedlings, transplant before they become pot bound. Plan to start seedlings about 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost and don’t transplant outdoors until the soil has warmed.

Once seedling are about 2-3" tall, thin to approximately 12" apart.

Maintenance: Plants in poor soil will benefit from periodic feeding with any fertilizer labeled for use on edible plants. Something with a high phosphorous number (the middle number on a fertilizer package) will help keep them in flower. Plants can be pinched or pruned, to encourage branching and to keep them shorter.

Harvesting: Harvest leaves and flowers as needed. Older leaves will get prickly, making harvesting anything on the plant a bit unpleasant. However, the flowers do add a bit of flavor and a great deal of color to salads, soups, dips & spreads, open face sandwiches, beverages and ice cubes. As with all edible flowers, use sparingly until you know how they effect you. Borage is said to have a mild laxative effect.

Borage is open pollinated and it is very easy to collect and save the seed from flowers allowed to remain on the plant and turn brown. Borage self-seeds readily, if allowed to go to seed naturally. Excess plants are fairly easy to remove from the garden.

Pest & Problems: Virtually problem free.

Cleome Mauve Queen

Bluish lilac lavender color

Nasturtium minus Black Velvet

Hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well drained
• Height: 12 inches
• Special Features: Edible flowers
• Ideal for: Bedding, Border, Children, Containers, Cottage Garden

Neatly compact plants with fresh green foliage host a summer showing of scintillating, deepest red-black blooms. Makes an eye-catching feature for containers as well as borders, bedding and rockeries. Will grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. 6-9 in (15-23 cm)

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Outdoors after last frost when soil has warmed or indoors in peat pots 2-4 weeks before last frost
Sowing depth:	20mm (¾ inch) deep, in rows 30cm (12 inches) apart.

Sow where they are to flower in well cultivated soil in a sunny open site. Sow in rows 30cm (12in) apart and thin out to 23cm (9 in) between plants.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23cm (9 inches) apart. If sown indoors, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost. Before planting into containers, ensure plants are well rooted in their pots.