mary, mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

EDIBLE PLANTS

It's a Terrific Tuesday and I've got a few things to share with you today. First of all did I mention that I love to grow things. There is a certain sense of satisfaction that comes from working in the dirt and growing your own food.

First up is arugula also known as rocket lettuce. It does best in cooler temps. If you live in a warmer climate spring and fall are best for growing this green delight. It has a nice spicy bite and works so well when paired with chicken or tuna salad sandwiches. I first planted it in a cedar box in the spring and let it go to seed over the summer. The seeds dropped back into the soil and I have a second crop for this autumn season. This is by far my favorite leaf lettuce. You'll be surprised at how simple it is to grow. I can see your thumb turning green already!

To the right of the arugula is chocolate mint. This herb has a fantastic aroma and can be used as a garnish or put a few sprigs into your coffee grounds in the morning and you'll have chocolate mint flavored coffee. Mint is a very aggressive plant and is also a very easy one to grow. I recommend keeping it in a container unless you have a large area that you need ground cover for. I cut this beautiful herb all the way back a few weeks ago because the summer heat had taken it's toll, gave it a shot of fertilizer and look at the comeback it has made. Chocolate mint winters over well when planted in the ground. If you have it in a container move it into your garage during the cold season. Pull it back out again when it starts to warm up, keep it watered and it will keep performing for you.

TIP FOR PLANTING ON A BUDGET: When your mint plant has gotten some substantial size remove it from it's original container and divide it into sections and replant in new pots for multiples. They will fill their new containers in no time at all and you've saved a few dollars. On top of that this is actually an herb that you can take clippings from. Place the stem end of the mint in moist soil and keep it watered VERY WELL on a daily basis and it will root itself.

Next up is the lovely nasturtium. This is one that your grandmother would have grown. It also has edible leaves and flowers. The leaves are really peppery. Mix them in to your salad for a little twist on the every day lunch fare. Nasturtiums do well in containers but also do quite well when planted in the ground. They produce vibrant yellow, orange and red blooms. They will not only add a little spice to your salad but they will add spice to your landscape or container garden. They need to be consistently pruned all season long. The one shown below on the left was cut all the way back three weeks ago and has made an amazing comeback already.

 

It's not to late to plant your own lettuce in a container garden because it is a wonderful cool weather crop. Seeds can be found at your local farm and garden store depending on where you are at geographically. The mint and the nasturtiums are best planted next spring.

Happy Planting!!!

Thank you for visiting Blue Sky Confections!!!

Jenny K.