The Victory Garden Initiative

     Most of the seed catalogues you have requested should have arrived by now and hopefully some of these are the ones we discussed in a previous column. Reading through all of these catalogues to place this year’s seed orders can be a bit daunting. I have a  number of tried and true varieties that are a must have in my garden. I also try to find a few new varieties that offer a unique shape, color or flavor to keep my garden even more rewarding each year.
     In this week’s column let’s discuss some vegetable varieties you may wish to order this year. Some of these suggestions may have first proven themselves as an All American Selection, highly recommended by the UW-Extension offices for our hardiness zone or a particular favorite of mine. Of course, picking a favorite variety is like picking a favorite ice cream as a favorite of mine may not be very interesting to you.
     The number of vegetables to discuss is to large to accomplish in just one column; therefore, I will try to complete the discussion in next week’s column. This will allow you enough time to place and receive your seed orders with sufficient time before you need to start planting.

ASPARAGUS: Washington (classic, hearty to climate) Jersey (all male series for greater production) Purple Passion (colorful & very flavorful)

BEANS [bush]; Contender (early harvest) Derby, Provider & Top Crop (high producers)

BEANS [pole]: Fortex (french filet), Kentucky Blue Lake (producer), Yard Long (specialty), Gold of Bacau (gold romano), Rattlesnake Snap

BEANS [shelling]:  I don’t grow since they are so readily available in the stores

BEETS: Bull’s Blood (also red baby greens), Detroit Dark (classic), Cylindra (tapered space saver), Burpee Golden (sweet),

BROCCOLI: Packman (won’t bolt, lots of side shouts), Calabrese & Romanesco (Italian heirlooms)

CABBAGE: Arrowhead (early, reduced splitting), Red Perfection & Ruby Perfection (early reds), Savoy Express (early), Dynamo (late, green), Ruby Ball (late, red)

CARROTS: Sweetness II, Danvers Half Long, Tendersweet,

CAULIFLOWER: Early White, Snowball (self-blanching), Cheddar (yellow curd), Snow Crown (late season)

CELERY / CELERIAC: Golden and Lathom (self blanching, no trenching needed)

CUCUMBER: Calypso or Eureka (pickling), Diva or Sweet Success (producer), Salad Bush (small space or containers), Sweet Slice (burpless)

EGG PLANT: Black Beauty (traditional, late), Casper (early white w/edible peel), Rosa Blanco (Italian favorite, seldom bitter),

KOHLRABI: Early White Vienna (spring), Purple Vienna (fall), Grand Duke (specialty), Kossak (Specialty),

LETTUCE [bibb]: Buttercrunch (producer),  Marvel Four Season or Winter Marvel (hearty at low temps – cold frames), Amish Speckled (colorful),

LETTUCE [loose leaf]: Black Seed Simpson (producer), Red Sails (producer), Dark Lolla Rossa (frilly burgundy), Royal Oak Leaf (producer), Salad Bowl (slow to bolt),  Amish Deer Tongue (specialty shape), Batavia (endive), Rocket (arugula, spicier),  make your own mesculins rather than buying the packaged mixes loaded with cheap, inferior varieties

ONIONS: Alisa Craig (huge but not good for storage), Walla Walla Sweet (good size, mild), Candy (flavorful), Chipolini (specialty), Tokyo Long (bunching), White Lisbon (bunching)

PEAS [sugar snap]: Sugar Ann (bush), Sugar Daddy and Super Sugar Snap (climbing)

PEAS [snow peas]: Mammoth Melting, Oregon Giant, Goliath & Oregon Sugar Pod II, Golden Sweet (yellow)

PEAS [shelling]: Maestro (flavor), Mister Big (larger), Early Dakota (spring season), Tom Thumb (container, cold frame)

RADISH: Cherry Belle (producer), French Breakfast (slightly sharp), White Icicle (specialty)

SPINACH: Bloomsdale (savoy, slow to bolt for summer), Melody (round thick leaves), baby leaf name escapes me at this time

SWISS CHARD: Fordhook Giant (large white),  Bright Lights (colorful)

GROUND CHERRY:  Strawberry Husk Tomato (sweet snacks, jams)

HINT:  I just came across a neat possibility for those gardeners with very limited space when I was in Home Depot shopping for worm bins.  I thought of a vertical mini garden like the one from Smith & Hawken as I saw those heavy duty bulk storage bins in the same aisle.  If you made four stacks of five bins you would have twenty planting compartments in a space of roughly one foot by four feet!  Of course you would have to make some drainage holes in each bin, use a container soil mix and water twice a day during the hottest of days but you could have a complete garden right on your patio, sidewalk or car port.  Increase your growing space if you stack them in the fashion of a honeycomb.  You could also move individually each bin inside for winter storage if you desire.

DISCUSSION: If a favorite variety of yours was missed in this discussion, please share it with us and include the reason why you enjoy growing it.  I am looking for your favorite Garlics, Kales, Pak Choy/Bak Choy, Soy Bean and Rapini suggestions

JANUARY:  WEEK FOUR

     In last week’s column we discussed seed catalogues.  I hope you found one or two of them that suited your gardening needs.  Unfortunately, it may take a week or two for them to arrive but now you have the urge to grow something and it’s single digits outside. 

     There is one way where you can grow something quick, green and edible this time of year.  Something grown indoors that is also very nutritious.  Plus it may be an enjoyable bit of time travel for some of you. 

     I am speaking of growing sprouts.  Now that you are done snickering, growing sprouts is much more these days than the old standards of alfalfa sprouts and wheat grass.  Today’s offerings can be sweet and nutty to exotic and spicy tasting.   Quite a bit different than the sprouts commonly grown in the 1960’s.

     I got the urge to revisit sprouting after a visit to Growing Power last summer.    I started out simple and small.  I took some empty canning jars with the open screw top rings and made them into my sprouting chambers.  Then I went to Michael’s craft store and purchased a plastic mesh screen made for embroidery.  Using an overturned jar, I cut out a round section from the mesh the size of the jar’s opening.  It would fit securely atop my jar with the assistance of the screw top ring.  I like this better than using a cheese cloth or wire screens since it is easily cleaned, will not rust and reusable.

     With the sprouting chamber in place, I wanted to test it out.  So I went to a few ethnic stores to purchase some mung beans and lentils.  It is important to note that these seeds are very acceptable because they are already ‘food grade’ seeds.  Do not try using seeds purchased for planting because they are not considered ‘food grade’ products.  The procedure is very simple.  Place three tablespoons of lentil seeds in your quart-sized jar and add enough water so  that all the seeds are covered.  After a 12 hour soak, rinse the seeds with fresh water and place the jar upside down in your dish drying rack to drain.  Rinse and repeat the draining every 12 hours.  Begin tasting your sprouts after three days to determine the stage of the sprout which is most enjoyable for you.  These sprouts will use the ambient daylight in your kitchen to develope chlorophyl and eventually leaf out if the process is maintained for period of time.  That’s it.  That simple.  Mountain Rose Herbs and  Kristen Raw  each have a very knowledgeable and clearly laid out video demonstrating the sprouting process.

     Since then, I have been researching new seeds and improved growing systems.  I decided to stay with my cheap, homemade growing chambers because they are versatile and can accommodate all of my sprouting needs.  One of the best sites I found on the internet is The Sprout People.  Only two of the eighty seed options they offer are not certified organic.  They do a great job describing each seed’s sprouting techniques, flavors, etc.  Locally, the selection is somewhat sparse.  Outpost Foods has the best selection, but they have just a few seed options located in their spice departments.  Below the spices and seeds you may find some manufactured sprouting chambers.

     Now in the middle of winter I can enjoy a harvest of freshly grown produce thanks to sprouting.  These sprouts are also amazingly more nutritious than their full grown counterparts.  For example, one ounce of broccoli sprouts has the same amount of antioxidants as three pounds of full grown broccoli.  Don’t be afraid to experiment with your sprouts.  Sure they are great in a stir fry, salads and sandwiches, but try some in a soup, on a pizza or as an omelette topping.

     Micro-greens are another form of sprouting.  Here the seeds are actually grown in a soil or soil-less medium.  After ten to fourteen days, the seeds will have grown to a stage where their first primary leaves will appear.  It is at this stage where the seedlings are cut just above the soil line and eaten like a sprout.   We will look into this procedure in greater detail in a future column when we discuss starting our vegetable seedlings.

     THIS WEEK’S TIP:  If you are planning to start your own seedlings with the aid of artificial lighting, you may want to determine the energy costs.  It is a simple calculation.  First take the total wattage of your light bulbs and multiply it by the number of hours the lights will be turned on each day by the number of days in the month.  Then divide this number by 1,000 for the total number of kilowatt hours your lights will have used.  My current electric bill was charging 11 cents per kilowatt hour.  In my setup I have twelve 40 watt bulbs running 12 hours per day for 30 days.  Thus, at 11 cents a kilowatt hour my set up will cost me $19.00 per month.

     DISCUSSION:  If there are any other sprouters out there please share with us your favorite seeds, sources for the seeds, sprouting techniques, recipes, etc.

     This week’s installment of “What Should I do in the Garden Today” pertains to seed catalogues and placing your seed orders.  Each year I enjoy reading the various seed catalogues that I receive.  I have included a list of some favorites and why I purchase from them…..and what I avoid.   

      A review of seed suppliers and catalogues was requested  recently on the VGI message board.  So I thought that I would post it on the message board as well as the column’s  home on the Victory Garden Initiative’s blog.

 NON-TRADITIONAL SOURCES

     SEEDS SAVERS EXCHANGE:  (non-profit, 100% heirloom, organic offerings, supplies, books)  One of my favorite seed sources.  A must if you enjoy growing exotic varieties.  You will be amazed by their selection of beans, egg plants, lettuce greens, peppers, tomatoes and wow, the melons.  In this catalogue, each entry includes some growing and harvest instruction.  I am surprised by how many catalogues simply list the catalogue number and price.  Many entries also include a colorful photograph and a brief genealogy of the seed variety’s history.  A truly enjoyable read and a potential coffee table book.  One day a VGI field trip to this Iowa farm to witness their collection of 25,000 plus seeds or to attend one of their seminars should be planned. 

     BAKER CREEK HEIRLOOM SEEDS:  (100% open pollinated & untreated, some heirloom and organic offerings, supplies, books)  An even greater selection of melon, watermelon and squash selections than offered by Seed Savers Exchange.  The founders of Baker Creek have travelled the world and brought back with them many native seeds from the countries they visited.  If you wish to grow a few vegetables of your ethnic heritage you are sure to find enough to choose from in this catalogue.  Great descriptions, some seed histories and loads of colorful photographs makes this my other coffee table book.    

     BOUNTIFUL GARDENS:  (non-profit, 100% open pollinated & untreated, some heirloom & organic offerings, supplies, books)  If Will Allen and Growing Power produced a seed catalogue it would be Bountiful Gardens.  The number of choices for each vegetable may be smaller than the previous two catalogues; however, it contains a nice mix of popular and exotic choices.  After reading about the group’s mission and  many projects, most people themselves inclined to place an order in support of  their hard work.    

     SEEDS OF CHANGE:  (100%  organic, supplies, books)  I only became aware of them last spring when I saw their seed packets for sale at Future Green in Bay View.   Volume size purchases are available for seed swaps.  Visit their website to read about their New Mexico farm’s permaculture, water conservation and other earth friendly practices.   

     FEDCO SEEDS:  (Co-Op owned)  A New England tradition is placing your orders with this Maine cooperative each spring.   I normally place my orders through the Seed Savers Exchange since they are located closer in Iowa and provide many of their seeds to FedCo’s catalogue.  The catalogue is extensive, but not laid out for the casual gardener.  They also offer volume discounts and free shipping for orders above $30.    

 JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS:  (employee owned, supplies, books)  Many of the farms for their seed sources are located in New Hampshire and the surrounding states.   Therefore, many of their seeds have already developed cold-hearty traits and should be more than successful in our hardiness zone.   

 TRADITIONAL COMMERCIAL SOURCES

 GURNEY’S SEED & NURSERY:  I purchase few seeds from this catalogue.  Their selection is average and their cost is slightly higher than similar catalogues; however, they do provide one unique offering each spring.  They want to beat the other catalogues to your seed orders.  They offer you a $25.00 worth of products if you place a $25.00 oder by a certain date.  I might take advantage of this offer to purchase some gardening supplies or seed starting equipment.  In the past I  also have used this offer to double the number of strawberry or raspberry plants I would normally receive without the offer.  Place a second order of $25 using the same certificate code, but use another mailing address.(Plant orders are held and shipped closer to the planting times of your hardiness zone).    

      TERRITORIAL SEED COMPANY:  Nearly 200 pages full of vegetables, herbs, supplies, books, etc.  But what really sets this catalogue truly apart from the others is their informational support.  Keep the catalogue on hand all summer long as a resource for many of your gardening questions.    

     HARRIS SEEDS:  A catalogue  for the serious or professional grower.  I must admit, I have only used their catalogue and website as a research tool for gardening supplies.    

     JUNG SEED & PLANTS:  (Wisconsin & family owned, supplies, books)  I am a bit biased since the Jung family is a distant relative of mine.  Its headquarters are located in Randolph, WI with stores located in Stevens Point, Sun Prairie and Madison.  They are a great choice if you choose to support a local supplier.  Their selection is large enough to supply anyone regardless of your requirements…hybrid, heirloom, organic, etc.   

     TOTALLY TOMATOES:  The finest source for the tomato aficionado.  They have them all…red, yellow, orange, green or stripes…slicing, paste, cherry or goliaths…garden, patio, container or greenhouse.  There is also a pepper selection large enough for even the most serious pepper grower.     

     VERMONT BEAN SEED COMPANY:  This catalogue does have a larger than average selection of beans, but it also includes many other vegetable selections.  I love to try a few new varieties of beans each year.  Since their seeds are easy to save for next year’s planting, you can find yourself with a large array of bean varieties each fall in no time.    

     R.H. SHUMWAYS: This catalogue offers you a glimpse back in time.  The colorful photographs are replaced by antique, wood-cut die stencil prints.   Unfortunately, by the time I receive this catalogue each year my purchases have already been placed.   

 LOCAL ON-SITE SOURCES

      My favorite local supplier is Minor’s Garden Center.  There are locally and family owned.  I must admit that their seed selection is not that impressive, but they do offer a large amount of seedlings, bare roots and potted plants to choose from.  For those of you not aware of Minor’s Nursery, I think you will be impressed that a ten acre nursery exists on the city’s northwest side and along the very busy 76^th street.  Plus, they stand behind their products with an impressive guarantee.  Another much larger, local nursery requires you to make a secondary item product purchase to qualify for their guarantee.    

    Or, plan a quaint drive to the Jung’s headquarters in Randolph, WI.  Jung’s owns Totally Tomatoes, Vermont Bean Seed Company, RH Shumways and other catalogues.  Instead of paying for shipping and handling charges for each of these orders, visit the store and get your seeds all at once.  Make sure to have a list of each seed’s catalogue number and price.  Politely, hand your list to the people at the checkout counter and begin your other shopping.  When time permits, the counter person will search for your seeds in the adjacent store room.  Try to avoid busy shopping days or times since they are providing you with a service of convenience.  They also have a great selection of bare roots, onions sets, fruit saplings, garlics, etc in an another adjacent building when the items are closer to their planting times.  You may want to call ahead to see if this building is open for customers.        [Along the way you can also watch the waterfowl return as you pass by the Horicon Marsh.] 

HERB SOURCES

     MOUNTAIN VALLEY GROWERS:  If you are serious about improving your herb garden I would give this supplier a look.  For example, they offer 24 types of lavender and each selection is accompanied with a plant description, growing suggestion, uses or benefits and other plant characteristics for that specific variety.  They do not sell any herb seeds, but do offer them as seedlings.  A great resource for any herbal enthusiast.    

     RICHTERS HERB AND VEGETABLE SEEDS:  Another great source for herbs especially if you are looking for the seeds.  Most herb annuals can be grown from seeds, but keep in mind that many herb perennials are best grown from a mother plant.    

Bruce

     PS:     There are many other choices available when making your seed purchases.  Please feel free to share them with rest of us.  Remember to include why you like them.   You can also visit  Dave’s Garden.  This site has compiled a searchable data base of the sources listed above and many others.    

“WHAT TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS WEEK”  -  January Week Two , submitted by Winestained

As I sit inside watching the snow fall waiting for the next round of shoveling my sidewalk, it is a great time to begin writing my first installment of “What to do in the Garden this Week”. I know, it may seem crazy at first thought, but there are garden related projects we can do even in the dead of winter.

As a youth, we always dismantled our holiday decorations and Christmas tree on the Epiphany.  My family grew up in a rural setting and we would place the tree in our backyard.  The tree then was used as a shelter for rabbits, squirrels and other furry little friends.  My brothers and sisters and I would then make bird feeders using pinecones, seeds, suet, etc and hang them from the higher branches for our feathered little friends to enjoy.  Each morning we ate our cereal in front of the patio windows and we watched the frenzy of activity.  (Wow, I guess I am still filled with the warm glow of holidays as I remember those Norman Rockwell moments.)

We also reused the wreaths and garland made of pine branches which decorated the exterior of our home.  My mother would take these and add them to the mulch surrounding her flower beds.  She placed them everywhere she wanted more frost protection.  She was not concerned that the falling and decaying pine needles would add to the soil’s acidic levels (you will find just as many studies that will refute this result).  However, if this concerns you more than it did my mother, you may want to use your pine branches to mulch around your more acid loving plants such as bleeding hearts, foxglove, ferns, lilliesof the valley, tiger lily, iris, daffodil, lupine, hydrangea, begonia, azalea, blueberries, etc.

The tree and the other branches were then chopped up each spring and became the foundation for that following year’s compost pile.  Some neighbors would also strip the needles from the branches in the spring and use the branches as a support system for their peas or taller plants.

Next week’s project will be organizing your seed catalogue choices.  Any comments and or suggestions for this and other topics are welcomed at winestained@aol.com.

PS:  Remember to brush in an upward motion if you are removing any snow buildup from your shrubs, arborvitae, etc.  The branches are already weighed down with snow pack and are brittle from the cold weather.  A downward sweep from your broom could snap off some of the weaker branches.