Grow and Snip Potted Kale – Harvest and Care

Kale

Brassica oleracea var acephala

 Kale Growing and Harvesting

• To harvest clip off the larger leaves from the outside of the plants, rinse in cool water and pat dry for immediate use.
• Unused kale leaves may be bagged and refrigerated for storage.
• If you like you may keep growing your kale plant at room temperature in a bright window.
• Kale likes to be watered regularly and will benefit from a bi-weekly application of general purpose liquid fertilizer.
• Your kale plant could be transplanted into a larger pot anytime.  To minimize transplant shock, do not break the plants apart, plant the bunch intact.
• After about March 1st (BC West Coast) the larger pot could be moved outside, to a sheltered area on a deck or patio or transplanted into your garden.
• For optimal early spring growing outside, pick a sunny sheltered spot,  plant it in a cold frame, or provide a frost cloth covering.

 

Wonderful Spearmint !

Spearmint

Mentha Spicata

Spearmint has long been reputed for its characteristic aroma it imparts to the dishes it is added to.  Spearmint is the primary culinary variety as it is the least pungent amongst the the species of the mint family. It is used with a large variety of foods, including jellies, salads, soups, cheeses, meats, fish, sauces, fruits and vegetables.  The herb is also rich in many  vitamins, including vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C, folates , vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), riboflavin and thiamin.  Spearmint also contains the minerals potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium.

For more in depth information on Spearmint nutrition and health benefits check out :  http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/spearmint.html

Spearmint Plant Care & Harvesting

• To harvest, clip some shoots leaving a couple of leaves at the bottom, rinse in cool water and pat dry for immediate use.
• Unused spearmint shoots may be bagged and refrigerated for future use.
• Spearmint can also be dried at room temperature and stored in sealed containers.
• If you like you may keep growing your spearmint plant at room temperature in a bright window.
• Spearmint likes to be watered regularly and will benefit from a bi-weekly application of general purpose liquid fertilizer.

The Uses for Spearmint Are Almost Endless…..

Crush mint leaves and fold them in whipped cream for an excellent topping on chocolate desserts.

Sprinkle freshly-minced mint leaves on garden-fresh tomato slices.

Make traditional Mint Sauce for lamb.    http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/6141/classic+english+mint+sauce

Mint Jelly   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/mint-jelly/

Mint Ice Cream  http://cookieandkate.com/2011/light-mint-ice-cream-recipe/

Mint Tea   http://www.bespokespices.com/mint-tea-recipe.html

Mint Julep   http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink5382.html

Mint water to make a refreshing drink or as a face rinse.   http://tryityoumightlikeit.wordpress.com/2010/05/22/mint-water/

Mint with new potatoes or peas.

Mint glaze for carrots.   http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-00,minted_carrots,FF.html

Use a few chopped leaves on top of a salad or in a dressing.

Freshen your home with a vase of fresh cut mint.

Include mint in yogurt dips and dressings. http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1825,139178-236205,00.html

Fresh mint chutney.   http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/fresh_mint_chutney.html

Middle eastern soups with mint.  http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/3272/orange-carrot-and-mint-soup-

Chew spearmint raw to freshen your breath.

Mojito  http://www.bacardimojito.com/features/mojito_recipe_02.htm

Tabbouleh with mint.   http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lemon-Mint-and-Tabbouleh-Salad-106302

Add 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup of chopped mint leaves to your favorite chocolate or yellow cake recipe.

 

Introducing Pea Shoots

Live Pea Shoots

Containing vitamins A, C, B-6, E, K, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin as well as phytonutrients and antioxidants, Pea Shoots are a delicious, nutritious modern slant on the classic garden pea.

Pea Shoot Care

• Clip, rinse in cool water and dry for immediate use.
• Refriderate clipped shoots in a sealed plastic bag for future use.
• Or keep them growing at room temperature, water lightly, direct sunlight is not required.
• Some shoots may re-grow after clipping, also some late germinating seeds may produce new shoots

Pea Shoot Uses and Recipes

Pea shoots are a tasty and nutritious addition to raw or lightly cooked foods. I first noticed them as a garnish, then sitting on top of green salads in restaurants. They are wonderful in salads, sandwiches, wraps and stir fries. My personal favorite is a wild sockeye salmon, tarragon mayonnaise and raw pea shoot sandwich made with toasted sunflower seed bread. Just the perfect thing for lunch after a morning of hard work in the greenhouse ! They are also great raw on top of omelets and pizzas.

Here are some other ideas !

Stir Fried Pea Shoots

Sesame, Edamame and Pea Shoot Salad

Pea Shoots with Shrimp, Bacon and Chives

More great information on pea shoots ….

http://agsyst.wsu.edu/peashootbroc.pdf

 

Summer 2012 Plants

A local source for  herb plants for Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay and Cobble Hill.

Herbs in a variety of pot sizes. Prices range from $2.50 up  depending on plant size.

Bay, Basil, Beer Hops, Bergamot ( Bee Balm) Betony, Catnip, Celery Leaf , Chives, Cilantro, Calamint, Costmary, Dianthus, Echinacea, French Tarragon, Good King Henry,   Lavenders, Lemon Balm, Mints, Oregano, Parsley, Pyrethrum Daisy, Rosemary,  Salad Burnett, Sage, Sorrel, Thyme, Winter Savory, Wormwood and Yarrow.

Open most Saturdays April – July ( Please call or Email to confirm)

1340 Carlton Drive Cobble Hill.

(Take Shawnigan-Mill bay Road West from HWY – right onto Cameron-Taggart Rd – left onto Carlton.)

Email: BR6954@gmail.com

Phone (250) 743-6954

Notes on Pyrethrum Daisy

Pyrethrum Daisy (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium)  Asteraceae Family

These are notes on the Pyrethrum Daisy collected from various internet sources, seed catalogs and reference books.

The Pyrethrum daisy is one of those plants that is both ornamental and useful. Not only do they brighten up the garden with their flowers also make one of the most powerful natural insecticides.

Pyrethrin is considered to be among the safest of insecticides. It is much less toxic to humans and pets than most synthetic insecticides. It is also nonpersistent and biodegradable, breaking down quickly on exposure to sunlight.. It however also kills beneficial insects and fish as well as the pests, so it should be applied with care.

Of the several species of  Pyrethrum Daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium has the highest concentration of active ingredients. It is the species used for commercial production.

The pyrethrum daisy is also one of nature’s strongest, most effective insect repellents.

A powder made from the dried flower will deter all common insect pests, bed bugs, cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, aphids and ants.

 The use of pyrethrum as a natural bug repellent dates back hundreds of years. First used in the Middle East, pyrethrum was frequently dried and traded on the Silk Route. As the flower’s popularity grew, it moved into Europe, where it continued to be used for its pesticidal properties. It can be found as an ingredient in many modern garden products.

The flowers grow up to 24 inches tall, with white petals and yellow centers. The most important consideration when growing your own pyrethrum daisies is the amount of sun and warmth the plants will receive. You can maximize the insecticidal value of these flowers by planting them in the warmest, sunniest spot in the garden.

When planting in your garden, this plant can be extremely effective at keeping away the pests. However, one consideration to keep in mind is whether your plants actually need bugs for pollination; planting pyrethrum daisies too close to vegetables and flowers may actually prevent pollination.

Richter’s Herbs recipe for pyrethrum insect spray:

To make pyrethrum spray, mix 1 tblsp freshly ground dried flowers with 2 qt. (2 litres) hot water. Add a little soap and let stand.

Another recipe : Pyrethrum Daisy tea insecticide for thrips and aphids

( http://www.rimkedesign.com/garden_journals/pyrethrum_tea.html )

Instant Gardens

Email: br6954@gmail.com

Success with Growing Basil on Southern Vancouver Island

Growing basil outside on  Southern Vancouver Island can be a bit of a challenge. The climate here is a bit too mild, with evenings that are often a bit too cool and basil does not like wind. Also basil likes a bit more humidity than is normal in this area. The best choice would be a well sheltered sunny location right up against something that can hold a bit of heat like a masonry or rock wall. Better yet would be some shelter in the form of a poly cover, cold frame, or green house. A big pot of basil positioned in a sunny spot where it can easily be moved inside on the cooler evenings is another good strategy for this area.

If you have had problems growing basil outside in the past here are some  dos and don’t s to help point you in the right direction. Follow these basics and 99% of your basil growing problems will disappear !

* Basil does not like water on it’s leaves or stems. So no overhead watering and water early in the day so any plants that do get wet have lots of time to dry in the sun.

* Basil does not like too much water. Let the soil your basil is growing in dry out between watering.  Grow your basil in well drained soil.

* Basil does not like wind, especially cool, dry Victoria evening breezes ! Plant in sheltered area or provide shelter.

* Basil does not like cool temperatures. Basil will thrive between 16 – 26 C , anything outside this range will make your basil grumpy ! Which leads us to another don’t…

* Don’t even think about planting basil outside until June maybe mid June, maybe early July, watch the evening lows or better yet put a max/min thermometer in your special sheltered outdoor basil growing spot to decide when it should go out. Planting out too early is the most common basil growing problem people have.

The good news is if you keep your basil happy the result will be a wonderful harvest of fresh basil !