Frostbit Gardening 2: March 2011

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Oregano

10 days to germination

Plant 4 per square foot. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting. Started indoors 3/17/11.

As with most herbs, oregano leaves taste best before the plant flowers. You can begin harvesting when plants have reached 4-5 inches in height. Cutting stems all the way back to the ground will encourage more stems and a fuller plant.The stems tend to get woody and the easiest way to strip the leaves is to hold the stem by the top, uncut end and run your finger down the stem.

Mint

14 days to germination.
Plant in sunny location in pots to restrict root growth.

Cilantro

14 days to germination

Plant outdoors as early in spring as possible. 4 per square foot.

Buttercrunch Lettuce

65 days
Mild buttery flavored leaves. The heart is also meant to be eaten. Sow directly into soil .25-.5 inches deep spaced at least 8 inches apart.

Blue Lake Pole Bean

63 days
This is the pole version of the famous bush type that is widely planted for the canning industry. Plant mid-spring when soil has reached a consistent 75 degrees. Plant 1 inch deep at least 2 inches apart.

Trionfo Violetto Garden Bean Heirloom

"This Italian heirloom pole bean is one of the most exquisite, with mottled leaves and flavorful deep purple pods. Grow on a trellis or let it ramble over a porch."

Space seeds 3" apart with 3-4 seedlings per pole. Harvest regularly but avoid working around wet plants.