Organic gardener growing food and flowers, lovin' pollinators and birds.

Seven edibles to grow in your 2019 garden

Are you perusing through seed catalogs, narrowing down what to grow in your garden next spring? Let me add to your list.

In 2018, I grew a variety of edible plants outdoors, including broccoli, lettuce, peas, tomatoes, peppers, ground cherries, celery, cucumbers, herbs, spinach and beets. All plants were grown in my Zone 6b garden in either raised beds, grow bags or directly in the ground.

Out of everything I grew, these were seven varieties that performed well in my garden. Coincidentally, they were also varieties that I grew for the first time.  

Spoiler alert: I plan to grow them next year, too.

'Mad Hatter F1' Pepper




All-America Selections Winner (2017)

I was able to taste this pepper during the 2017 California Veggie Trials and enjoyed the crunch and flavor. The "wings" of the pepper remain sweet but if you let them ripen to red the flavor intensifies.

This year I purchased seeds and grew four plants in containers and three in the ground in my front border by the road. Both locations did well, producing large plants (at least two feet tall) with a large yield. 

Next year I will start them indoors a week or two sooner (I started them on April 9) because many of the peppers I harvested came in toward the end of the season.  

I purchased my seeds from Park Seed.

'Little Crunch' Container Snap Peas 





This snap pea has been bred for growing in containers. I grew mine in the Eco Garden System along with another pea variety. The vines grew up to 30 inches tall and produced numerous crunchy, sweet pea pods.

I went outside often to snack on peas straight from the vine. The plants continued to produce peas through the end of June — slightly longer than usual in my Northeast garden. 

Renee's Garden provided me with complimentary seeds to grow in my garden.






'Habanero Primero Red' Pepper




I grew this variety in a grow bag and it yielded so many beautiful, bright orange/red hot peppers. 

'Habanero Primero Red' is marketed as being the earliest ripening habanero on the market with one third the heat of standard habaneros. 

As you can see from the photo, there was plenty to share with this variety. 

This is a new variety for 2019 that PanAmerican Seed sent me to try out in my garden.






'Garden Gem' Tomato


This semi-determinate tomato was plum-shaped and packed a big  punch of flavor. 

'Garden Gem' offers disease resistance that has proven to be a necessary requirement in my garden. This was one of three tomato varieties I grew this year, and 'Garden Gem' was planted in a grow bag next to an heirloom variety. The heirloom ended up contracting some sort of virus or blight, but this plant remained untouched. 

This variety was perfect for snacking or for adding to salads. Not too many seeds inside and held up well to slicing. 

I received a sample plant from Proven Winners to grow in my garden. 





'Midnight Snack' Tomato




All-America Selections Winner (2017)

This was another variety I was introduced to during the 2017 Veggie Trials in California. 

I really like the taste of this large cherry tomato, with its glossy black/purple skin with a red blush. (The unique color is thanks to the anthocyanin pigments.) 

'Midnight Snack' is an indeterminate variety that I grew in a grow bag this season. It grew about four feet tall and was easily supported with a tomato cage. Next year I might try growing it in the ground instead.  

PanAmerican Seed sent me a small plant to grow in my garden.



Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry



This was a plant that I grew from seed and battled the chipmunks for all summer long. (I had no idea it would be such a hit with them or with me.)

This heirloom Polish variety has been around since the 1830s, producing a sweet citrus flavor fruit that can be eaten fresh or made into jams or pies.

I grew two plants in one grow bag, and they reached about two feet high and at least three feet wide. The fruit grows inside a husk — when it turns yellow, it's ready to harvest. Next year I need to protect it better from the critters so I'll have more to bake with.

I purchased my seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.

'Diva' Cucumber 



All-America Selections Winner (2002)

I grew this 'Diva' in my Eco Garden System using a trellis for support. This plant was my second crop in the Eco Garden System (after the snap peas) and it grew quickly from seed (even when planted in mid-July). 

The best part about this cucumber is that it was sweet and not bitter. Ideally it should be harvested at 6-8 inches, but if you leave it a little longer, it still tasted fine. 

'Diva' produces all female flowers (gynoecious, parthenocarphic) and does not require pollen to set fruit, meaning high yields. The plant is also resistant to scab and tolerant to powdery and downy mildews. 

I purchased my seeds from Park Seed. 







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Acclaimed rosarian and founder of David Austin Roses dies at 92


A David Austin Rose beginning to bloom in my front garden. 

Some of the first roses I ever purchased were the David Austin variety. I loved the cupped blooms and rosettes of 'Benjamin Britten', 'Sir John Betjeman', 'Charles Darwin' and 'Pat Austin'.

The blossoms ranged from deep red, bright pink, yellow to copper. Each of these rose varieties featured various scents — a characteristic that most other modern roses lack, but English Roses excel at.

So it is with great sadness to learn that the founder of these groundbreaking roses, David C. H. Austin, passed away on Dec. 18, 2018. He was 92.

'Pat Austin' David Austin Rose during an unusual October snowstorm in 2011. The plant
continued to bloom despite the poor weather. The rose is named after Austin's late wife. 

A visionary for what roses should be

Austin was the creator of English Roses, which married the fragrance of Old Roses with the desirable traits of modern roses. Breeders of modern roses, such as Hybrid Teas, often sacrificed scent and instead focused on repeat blooming and a variety of colors.

Austin's first English Rose was 'Constance Spry' in 1961. But even though Austin could see the potential of his hybridization, many nursery growers didn't share his vision. 

So in 1965, Austin opened his own nursery devoted to breeding, growing and selling English Roses. He also sold roses directly to local consumers, and later by mail. 

Through years of breeding, he was able to create roses that featured 
  • old-fashioned flowers with fragrance.
  • full-formed rose bushes.
  • abundant blooms.
  • repeat flowering from summer through frost. 
  • an extended color range.
  • disease-resistance.
David Austin checking a prospective parent plant. Copyright Richard Bloom, used by David Austin with permission. Provided by David Austin Roses for editorial use.


His breakthrough came in 1983 when he introduced 'Heritage', 'Mary Rose' and 'Graham Thomas'. 

It was 'Graham Thomas' that stole the show at the Chelsea Flower Show — launching Austin and his roses onto the world stage. That's because 'Graham Thomas' was strongly perfumed, repeat-flowering and pure yellow — a color not found in Old Roses and rare even in modern roses at the time. 

Each year Austin introduced about three new varieties. From pollination to sale, the whole process took close to nine years. For each new rose released, roughly 120,000 unique roses were grown for research. "There is nothing more exciting than having 350,000 seedlings growing that no one has ever seen before," he said. 
'Benjamin Britten' David Austin Rose in my garden.

Austin's son, David J.C. Austin, took over David Austin Roses Ltd. in 1993. To date, David Austin Roses has introduced more than 240 English Rose varieties. In Albrighton, England, Austin created his famous rose garden, heralded to be the most beautiful rose garden in the world. The two acre garden features 700 varieties. 

During his lifetime, he received other distinctions as well, including his OBE in 2007 for his services to horticulture. (An OBE is a Queen's honor given to an individual for a major local role in any activity such as business, charity or the public sector. OBE stands for Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.)

In addition, David Austin Roses Ltd. has won dozens of gold medals for its exhibits at the Chelsea Flower Show and the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. In 2009, 'Graham Thomas' was voted the World's Favorite Rose by the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS) and was inducted into the society's 'Rose Hall of Fame'.

Before his death, Austin had already planned and undertaken the next rose crosses. Hopefully these will create a new rose that will be introduced in nine years' time, according to David Austin Roses.

Austin's vision of the perfect rose, and his determination to get it right, eventually made English Roses available worldwide. He will be sorely missed. 

David Austin Roses are often included in the bouquets I bring indoors from the garden. 


'Pat Austin' David Austin Roses in my rose bowl. 

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Easy Sprout takes guesswork out of sprouting seeds



Note:  To avoid food-borne illnesses when sprouting seeds, following the pre-treatment guidelines from the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. When buying any seeds for sprouting, make sure they come from a reputable company and are marked for sprouting purposes.



I used to think alfalfa was just for my house rabbits. I didn't realize the benefits that alfalfa has for people, specifically when they are grown as sprouts.

Sprouts are just when the seed begins to turn into a plant, and they are full of nutrients! A 3.5-ounce serving of alfalfa sprouts contains 38 percent of the Vitamin K your body needs daily (Vitamin K helps your body absorb calcium). They also contain 9 percent each of the daily recommended intake of copper, folate and manganese. And they also contain 14 percent of the daily requirement for Vitamin C as well.

So how can you grow this powerhouse of nutrients on your own? It turns out it's very easy.

Before this past October, I had never grown sprouts on my own. I was always worried that I would do it wrong and somehow ruin the end result. But earlier this fall, Park Seed sent me a complimentary seed sprouter called the Easy Sprout* for me to try out, along with a package of alfalfa seeds. 

It was now or never. And lucky for me, it turns out the Easy Sprout was really simple to use: It consists of two containers to grow sprouts. One is an inner chamber (with drainage) that holds the seeds, and can be inserted into the outer chamber, which holds the water. There is also a lid that can go on top.

I started with one tablespoon of alfalfa seeds. (I had wondered if one tablespoon would be enough seeds, and as the week went on, I realized it was plenty! In the future I think I would do half that amount so no sprouts would go to waste.)


Adding water to the seeds for soaking.

Once the seeds were inside the inner chamber, I inserted it into the outer chamber with the 1 cup of water and let it soak for 8 hours (basically overnight). The next morning, I lifted the inner chamber out (which drained the seeds) and then I rinsed the seeds under running water. To make sure the seeds were not sitting in excess water, I held the inner chamber over the sink and spun it in a circular motion. This helped get excess water out of the container.

I then put the inner chamber back inside the larger one to let the sprouts sit for another 12 hours. This time I let the inner chamber sit slightly higher by balancing it on the outer chamber's plastic "lip". I kept my Easy Sprout on the kitchen counter, so it not only received light from the windows but also some light from my grow light fixture.

Now that the initial soak was over, the process going forward stayed the same. Twice a day (every 12 hours) I would rinse and spin the seeds, and then let them sit until it was time to rinse and spin again. (You can view my entire Instagram story that illustrates this, here.)

The seeds sprouted very quickly.

By the second day, I already had seeds sprouting! I set a timer on my phone to alert me when it was time to rinse and spin my sprouts, and each time I checked on them, I was surprised how quickly they were growing. I felt so silly that I was afraid to try growing sprouts for so long — especially since this container made it foolproof and entertaining.

As they grew, the sprouts began to fill the container vertically, and I started to use a fork to break up the clumps before I gave them their spin.

Delicious sprouts!

The best part about this was that the whole process took only five days! I had started soaking the seeds on a Monday night and by Saturday morning I had sprouts to sprinkle on top of my scrambled eggs, which added a nutty flavor. (While I ate my sprouts fresh, you can also cook them and add them to meals.)

By Saturday morning, the sprouts had gotten to be roughly 2-3 inches in length so I gave them a final rinse and spin and then packaged them up for storage in my refrigerator (for up to three days).

Now that I've figured out the (not-so-complicated) process of growing my own sprouts, I'm going to explore different seed varieties to try sprouting in the Easy Sprout.








*Park Seed provided me with a sample Easy Sprout and alfalfa seeds for review purposes. To learn more about the Easy Sprout, click here. To learn more about Park Seed's alfalfa sprouts, click here

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Gifts for the Gardener


Need a gift for the gardener but not sure what to get him or her? Gardeners are not hard to shop for, even for the gardener who seems to have everything! Below are some of my top picks for holiday gifts this year. Need more inspiration? My friend Angie from The Freckled Rose has also compiled a list of her top holiday gift choices to choose from. Check out her 20 Perfect Holiday Gifts for Gardeners!


For the bookworm

There are so many great gardening books to give for gifts! Here are some of my recent favorites:

Starting & Saving Seeds: Grow the Perfect Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and Flowers for Your Garden by Julie Thompson-Adolf. List price $25.

Grow What You Love by Emily Murphy. List price $24.95.

The Monarch: Saving Our Most-Loved Butterfly by Kylee Baumle. List price $18.95.

Niki Jabbour's Veggie Garden Remix: 224 New Plants to Shake Up Your Garden and Add Variety, Flavor, and Fun by Niki Jabbour. List price $19.95.

Homegrown Pantry by Barbara Pleasant. List price $22.95.

For the monarch aficionado

Image used with permission. 

Assorted milkweed seeds (Price varies) — Choose from a great variety of milkweed seeds to grow in your garden. Brad Grimm works on focusing on increasing the number and health of milkweed plants in northern Nevada and proceeds from purchases stay in the milkweed ecosystem. See the entire selection here.


Monarch Butterfly Charm Bracelet by Alex and Ani ($38)  — Available in a gold or silver finish, 20 percent of the retail price of this bracelet is donated to the Roger William Park Zoo in Rhode Island to provide science and environmental education programs to over 30,000 children from pre-school through high school. Learn more here.

The Monarch: Saving Our Most-Loved Butterfly by Kylee Baumle (as seen above in the bookworm section).

For the plant collector



'Labyrinth' dahlia ($10.50 each) —I purchased and grew this variety in my garden this past season, and it is so unique (seen above). Flowers are a "watercolor blend of apricot, soft pink and old rose". Learn more here. And don't forget — 2019 is the Year of the Dahlia, according to the National Garden Bureau.


Amaryllis 'Temptation' bulbs ($27.50 for three bulbs) — Flowers are white with raspberry to crimson splashes on its upper petals, variable crimson petal edges, a dark scarlet-red starburst and pink-to-white stamen. View them here.

For the gardener who has everything 



The Easy Sprout ($19.95) — No need to be intimidated by growing sprouts any longer! This is a fool-proof way to grow healthy sprouts. I was able to demo one from Park Seed* and it made the process so easy! (You can view the steps and seed progress through my Instagram Story.) Learn more here.


Sorry, If You Were a Plant I'd Remember Your Name Coffee Mug ($15.95) — A cheeky way to start your day. Learn more here.


My Plants Need Me Pin from Alum & Ink ($11) — Let people know what your priorities are. Learn more here.


Plant Mom Pin from Rhubarb Paper Co. ($10) — Wear this pin with pride. Learn more here.  (Plant Dad also available here.)


Plants Map tags and signs (Price varies.) — Order custom, interactive plant tags or signs that includes a QR code that directly connects your plants to a smartphone. This is a great way to keep track of plants that you are collecting, or just want to remember where it was that you planted that hellebore... Learn more here.
Image shared with permission.

Bug off spray from PureHaven
($10.95) — I'm always keeping an eye out for bug spray that deters mosquitoes, and this one made from peppermint, citronella and lemon grass has been working for me this past summer. When applied and rubbed into the skin, it helps keep mosquitoes away while I garden. For a long day outdoors, I apply it a second time a few hours later. You can order it here. Frau Zinnie readers can receive free shipping if you place the order directly with Corey by emailing her first at cstabach5[at]gmail.com.

Dawn Redwood Bonsai Forest from Uncommon Goods ($50) — This item caught my eye, and while the trees will eventually need a larger container, it is still a unique gift for the patient gardener. Kit comes with redwood and moss seeds, growing medium, seedling training pots, bonsai shears, river stones, detailed directions, and a recycled US steel grow box. Learn more here.

Gardening by the Moon 2019 calendar ($15.95) — Each year I purchase one of these calendars, which gives advice for the best days to plant seeds and crops based on the lunar calendar. By coordinating your gardening efforts by the phase of the moon, you can help ensure that the seeds and plants are off to the best possible start. There are three versions of the calendar, so make sure you choose the correct one for your growing zone. Learn more here.

For the new gardener

Plants for Beginners, monthly subscription from The Sill ($35/month) — Start with an easy-to-care for plant. Learn more here. 

For those who like to give back

Adopt a Plant at the High Line (Price varies) —You or a recipient of your choice will receive a plant adoption kit that includes a certificate of adoption, postcard set of your adopted plant, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping the High Line thrive. Learn more here.

For the gardener who needs more space


The Eco Garden System ($1695) —The Eco Garden System makes gardening in previously unuseable space a reality! I have mine in my driveway. It eliminates the need for bending, a plus for older gardeners, and has a self-watering option. Beneath the plants is a water reservoir and a (patented) air gap platform which helps the plants grow large, healthy roots. I've blogged about my Eco Garden System** several times, and now it plays a major role in my edible gardening plans. Frau Zinnie readers can get $125 off and free shipping by using the code zinnie 125. Learn more here.

*Park Seed provided me with a sample Easy Sprout to use. Opinions expressed are my own.

** Eco Garden Systems provided me with an original Eco Garden System for review purposes. Opinions expressed are my own.
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So thankful

When the gardening season begins, you never know what it has in store: excessive heat or rain; a bounty or dearth of edible crops; too many garden pests or being able to successfully fend them off. Overall, 2018 was a good growing year for me in my Zone 6b garden.

Today is Thanksgiving for those who celebrate in the U.S., and now that the food has been made and the dinner has been served, I'm able to take a step back and reflect on what it is I am thankful for this year, with a gardening twist.


1. Spring: I have decided that it is officially my favorite season. Whether it is the relief of winter ending or just seeing the variety of spring-blooming flowers emerge from the soil or blossoms on trees, in the northeast, spring is a sneak peek of what's to come and brighter days ahead.


2. Seeds. Nothing is more amazing then placing a tiny piece of hope into the soil, adding water and watching it grow. It still delights me every time.


3. Growing my own food: It's delicious and empowering. This year was an especially great year to grow peas and peppers.

 

4. Dayliles! This perennial grows in a wide range of areas and there are so many varieties that can add color and drama to the garden. I've been planting many more this past fall so there will be lots of pretty varieties to photograph next summer!


5. My pollinator-friendly property, which encourages mason bees, monarch caterpillars and more to grow here safely, without the threat of pesticides. It's so easy to be organic, that if you aren't already gardening with organic practices in mind, now is the time to try.


6. Monarch butterflies. This year I successfully raised 127 healthy monarchs that have hopefully already arrived in Mexico to overwinter. I also officially registered my garden as a Monarch Waystation (#21,097) since I finally had success in milkweed returning in such numbers that monarchs were noticing.

Attendees of the 2018 Garden Bloggers Fling in Austin, Texas. Photo courtesy of http://gardenbloggersfling.blogspot.com/.
7. Other garden bloggers — especially when they gather in mass for the annual Garden Bloggers Fling! Who knew there were so many people who enjoy traveling, viewing and writing about gardens? I've been lucky enough to attend two of these events and I'm looking forward to my third this June!


8. Overwintering dahlias: I'm getting better at it so each year my collection expands naturally!

9. Being able to grow new varieties of plants or try out gardening products and share those experiences with readers of Frau Zinnie. A special thanks to all the plant companies who consider me an influencer. (These posts are marked on the blog.)

10. And of course, I saved the best for last: I'm grateful for all the people who take time out of their day to read my blog or follow my social media posts on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. I enjoy interacting with you and look forward to the many more conversations to come!

Happy Thanksgiving!
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