Bay Laurel

I started with a 3" starter plant, Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) from Al's Garden Center. Bay Laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree often grown as a tender perennial. It has aromatic foliage, cream flowers and dark berries. Bay Laurel leaves are used fresh or dried in soups, stews, meat dishes and French cooking. I planted my Bay Laurel into a small terra-cotta pot with the intent of transplanting at a later date. (right) This is my larger Bay Laurel, I have two, in June 2009. It is just starting to show the first signs of new growth since last summer.

Growing Tips: Bay Laurel prefers full sun to partial sun and requires well drained soil. Grows up to 5 feet tall in pot culture and grows best in containers.

Harvesting: Bay Laurel leaves can be harvested directly from the plant as needed or for drying.

Perennial Tips: Move indoors during winter in zones 7 or colder and place in a well lighted area or window.

My Garden: June 2009

Above is a photo of my herb and vegetable garden on June 25, 2009 in the early evening.

Organic Jalapeno Pepper

I started with a 6" starter plant, USDA Organic Jalapeno Pepper locally grown from Smith Gardens. I planted my Jalapeno Pepper in a large plastic container in full sun next to all my other pepper plants. (right) My Jalapeno Plant from last year (2008). I grew it directly in my garden bed and it grew great, I had more fruit than I knew what to do with from the single plant.

Growing Tips: Jalapenos prefer full sun and lots of water. Space the plants 24" apart with about 2 - 3 feet between rows. Plants grow to about 3 feet tall. You can also mix in mushroom compost to make the soil fertile and moist. Fertilize monthly.

Harvesting: Jalapenos mature in 120 days. Pick when fruit is dark green and full size.

Sunlight Marquerite Daisy

I started with two 4" starter plants, 'Sunlight' Marquerite Daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens), premium Annual's from Al's Garden Center. I planted each plant in its own medium sized terra-cotta pot in full sun. These plants produce delicate daisylike yellow flowers with fine foliage all summer and will attract butterflies to the garden. (right) One of my Marquerite Daisies in bloom in late June.

Growing Tips: Marquerite Daisies prefer full sun or part sun and will grow to 24" - 36" tall. In the ground, water 2-3 times weekly until established. In containers or baskets, water daily or as needed.

Pequin Pepper

I started with a 3' plant, Pequin Pepper from Al's Garden Center. Pequin Peppers are bright red (but can be picked when they are still green) and about 8 times hotter than a Jalapeno Pepper. They tend to look like outdoor christmas lights when they are ripe due to their size and color. I planted my Pequin Pepper into a large plastic container in full sun next to all my other pepper plants in the garden. (right) My Pequin Pepper plant right after transplant on June 25, 2009. (bottom right) My first Pequin Pepper that is ripening on August 21, 2009.

Growing Tips: Pequin Peppers grow naturally in the wild in Texas and prefer full sun and hot weather.

Harvesting: Pequin Peppers can be harvested when the peppers are bright red or still green. Harvested peppers can be stored in freezer bags in the freezer for 6 - 12 months without loosing much of their heat or flavor.

Red Sails Lettuce

I started with six 4" starter plants of Red Sails Lettuce from Al's Garden Center. I planted them directly into the garden 6" apart in two rows 6" apart in full sun. Red Sails lettuce is a loose-leaf lettuce with bronze-red, crinkled leaves. (right) My lettuce on June 25th, 2009, it is about 6" now.

Growing Tips: Red Sails Lettuce prefers full sun in Spring and Fall, part sun in Summer. Plant 8" apart.

Harvesting: Red Sails Lettuce matures in 45 days, cut off at base.

Safari Yellow Marigold

I started with multiple 4" starter plants of Safari Yellow Marigolds from Tanasacres Nursery. Marigolds naturally repel many garden pests so I planted them all around my vegetable, herb and flower garden. Marigolds bloom all summer and are very aromatic which make them a wonderful splash of color for any garden. (right) My Safari Yellow Marigolds mixed with an orange marigold plant in a single pot.

Growing Tips: Marigolds prefer full sun and planted 4" - 12" apart (the tags will typically suggest a 12" distance between plants but they will grow much closer together and fill in very nicely). Can grow up to 12" tall. Pinch off heads of old flowers to promote new growth.

Darla Light Pink Diascia

I started with a 6" plant of Darla Light Pink Diascia from Al's Garden Center. It is a premium annual and a Diascia hybrid (P.P.A.F. Dalla Litpink). I planted it in full sun in a medium sized terra-cotta pot. (right) My flowering plant a few days after transplant.

Growing Tips: Darla Diascia prefers full sun and water 2-3 times per week until established. It will grow 15" - 18" tall and should be grown as an annual.

Roma Tomato

I started with a 4" starter plant, La Roma Tomato from Tanasacres Nursery. I planted my roma directly into the garden in full sun with a trellis to climb. Roma's are one of the best Italian -type tomatoes known for its outstanding vigor and heavy yields. (right top) My Roma Tomatoe on June 22, 2009, it is about 3' feet tall and is starting to flower. (right bottom) My Roma Tomato plant on August 22, 2009, new fruit. I have already harvested around 20 tomatoes from this plant. The tomatoes are very sweet and plump.

Growing Tips: Roma Tomatoes prefer full sun and consistent soil moisture. Water regularly throughout summer. Starting in August, water every other day. Space plants 24" - 36" apart in rows 36" - 48" apart.

Harvesting: Roma Tomatoes mature in 62 days, pick when fruit is bright red and firm.

Brandywine Heirloom Tomato

I started with a 4" starter plant, Brandywine Heirloom Tomato from Al's Garden Center. This specific variety is a 1885 heirloom Amish with large rose-pink fruit. I planted my Brandywine directly into the garden with a trellis to climb in full sun. (right) My Brandywine on August 21, 2009. Fruit is starting to grow quite large, around 5 - 6 inches in size. This is one of the larger tomatoes that has yet to ripen.

Growing Tips: Brandywine Tomatoes prefer full sun, plant 24" - 36" apart in rows 36" - 48" apart. Water regularly throughout summer. In August, water every other day to promote fruit growth.

Harvesting: Brandywine Tomatoes mature in 90 -100 days, pick when fruit is rose-pink and firm.

Jubilee Heirloom Tomato

I started with a 4" starter plant, Jubilee Heirloom Tomato from Chef Jeff's. Jubilee's are a bright orange color with a mild flavor and meaty texture, they are also less acidic than regular tomatoes. These make great tomatoes for those who cannot tolerate the high acid content of regular tomatoes. (right) My first ripe fruit on my Jubilee on August 21, 2009.

Growing Tips: Jubilee Tomatoes prefer full sun and require staking or a trellis to climb. Water regularly through summer. Starting in August, water every other day to help fruit develop. They will grow to 4' - 5' tall.

Harvesting: Jubilee's take 80 days to mature, pick when bright orange and firm.

Catnip

I started with two 4" starter plants, Catnip from Al's Garden Center. I planted my catnip side by side in a long terra-cotta pot in full sun. Catnip is a natural insect repellent against aphids, Colorado potato beetles and squash bugs. In addition, Catnip has a chemical called nepetalactone that is naturally found in the leaves of both catnip and catmint, this chemical is a natural deer repellent. (right) My catnip in late June. I placed it in the middle row of my herb garden.

Growing Tips: Catnip prefers full sun or partial shade. Pinch tips throughout the growing season to delay flowering. Once finished blooming, cut them back by one-third to one-half to encourage new growth for late summer, early fall.

Vitana Carrots

I started with six 6" starter plants, Vitana Carrots from Haggen. I planted them directly into a oversized terra-cotta pot in full sun. These carrots grow 6" - 7" roots and have a mild and sweet flavor with semi to fully blunt tips. (right) My carrots after transplant on June 22, 2009.

Growing Tips: Vitana Carrots prefer full sun and deep, loose soil. Plant in rows 16" - 24" apart.

Harvesting: Vitana Carrots mature in 65 days, you can pull from the garden when carrots are a bright orange, not pale. When they reach their bright orange color, harvesting generally lasts about 3 weeks. If you pull your carrots and they are cracked, they are past their harvest and will lack flavor and appearance.

Tomatillo : Organic

I started with one 2' starter plant Organic Tomatillo from Whole Foods. I planted it in a large, deep terra-cotta pot with a tomato cage for support in full sun. I did not know when I purchased this plant it needed a partner to cross-pollinate, so I am going to see what happens. At the very least, it is leafy and lovely to look at. (right) My lonely tomatillo on June 19, 2009.

Growing Tips: Tomatillo prefers full sun, hot weather (90 - 100 degrees fahrenheit) and lots of water. Grows 2 - 5' tall, plant 2' - 3' apart with a cage or lattis for support. Tomatillos are self-pollinating but are also self-incompatible meaning, two or more plants are needed to cross pollinate.

Harvesting: Tomatillo matures in about 70 days, harvest when fruit is 2" in diameter and green, remove husks before cooking.

Sweet Basil

I started with two 4" starter plants of Sweet Basil from Al's Garden Center. I planted each in its own large plastic container in full sun. (right) My two basil plants about 2 weeks after original transplant on June 19, 2009.

Growing Tips: Basil prefers a warm, sheltered location in full sun. The soil should be moist and well drained. Pinch tips regularly to promote bushy growth and remove all flower spikes.

Placement: Grow basil next to tomatoes for healthier, tastier plants.

Harvesting: Basil can be harvested throughout the growing season, simply clip the plant at the end of a stem, new growth will occur where clipped. For year round harvest, grow the plant indoors in a sunny window.

Cherry Tomatoes

I started with a 6" starter plant, Cherry Tomato from Chef Jeff's. I planted it into a large, deep terra-cotta pot with a tomato cage for climbing in full sun. (right) My cherry tomatoes getting ready for harvest in September 2008.

Growing Tips: Cherry Tomatoes prefer full sun and something to climb however, this variety is a shorter, stocky plant. Plant 2' - 3' apart.

Placement: Grow your tomatoes next to basil and both will grow larger and healthier.

Harvesting: You can harvest your tomatoes throughout the growing season as they ripen. They are a prolific bearer and will mature in 68 days. (right) My Cherry Tomato plant in early October 2007. The tomatoes were very sweet and tasty.

Mint

I started with a 4" starter Mint plant from Al's Garden Center. I planted my mint directly into a small terra-cotta pot which it quickly outgrew in about one week. Mint is a vigorous grower and is best controlled in container gardening. I have transplanted it into a larger 'bowl-like' terra-cotta pot and it is now a little over a foot tall. (right) My mint before transplanting to its larger container in June.

Growing Tips: Mint prefers full sun and partial shade. Bring indoors for winter harvest.

Harvesting: Harvest mint leaves throughout the growing season.

English Cucumber

I started with four 4" starter plants, English Cucumber from Al's Garden Center. I planted my cucumber directly into the back row of the garden with a trellis for climbing support. (right top) My cucumber starter plants in June 2008. (right bottom) My first signs of cucumber on July 23, 2008.

Growing Tips: Cucumber prefers full sun, well drained and moist soil. It also needs some sort of support or trellis due to its climbing growth habbit. Cucumbers prefer temperatures around 70 degrees fahrenheit so be sure to plant after all risks of frost have passed.

Harvesting: Cucumbers can be harvested when full size, clip off the vine from stem.

Rosemary

I started with two 6" starter plants of Rosemary from Bonnie Plants. I planted my rosemary in large terra-cotta pots in full sun. Rosemary will draw honey bees to your garden, repel carrot flies outdoors and moths indoors. (right) My rosemary after transplant.

Growing Tips: Rosemary prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Grows to about 2' - 6' high and 2' - 3' wide. Water thoroughly when soil is dry, do not let soil dry out completely. Cuttings can be taken from the plant in spring to start new plants.

Harvesting: Rosemary can be harvested anytime, simply trim off stems from plant. Strip the leaves from the stems for fresh use. Rosemary should be brought inside before the first frost for year-round harvest.

Perennial Tips: Plants will become thin and lanky every few years. If being used for harvest, start over with a new rosemary plant every three years or so.

Daffodils

When I moved into my current house in the Fall, I had no idea there were even daffodil bulbs in the garden so it was a pleasant surprise when spring arrived. Daffodils are typically one of the first flowers to arrive in early spring (April) and will return year after year. Plus, they don't require much maintenance. (right) My daffodils in April 2008.


Growing Tips: Daffodils prefer full to partial sun and will grow in practically any type of soil. Plant bulbs 6" - 8" underground in October. They will bloom in late March or early April, no watering required (in the NW).


Perennial Tips: After blooming finishes and plants start to die, when leaves turn yellow, deadhead the plants (cut off to the ground) for new blooms to return the following year.

Chives

I started with chives from seed and starter plants, both work very well and are easy to grow. I planted my starter plants in a medium-sized terra-cotta pot (two plants in a single pot). This way, when I harvest one plant, the other will be growing for a constant harvest. (right) My chives in June 2008 right after I transplanted the starters.

Growing Tips: Chives prefer full sun and moist, well drained soil. If not growing for flowers, cut the plant to the ground two or three times during the growing season to promote fresh growth from the base. Bring indoors for the winter if grown in containers for year round harvest or keep outside and they will come back in spring.

Placement: Grow chives and carrots in close proximity, when grown together, carrots tend to grow larger.

Harvesting: Clip from plant as needed or two to three times during the growing season harvest the entire plant, clipping at the ground.

Lavender

I have a couple large lavender plants in my garden that have returned from last year. I have them planted in full sun, in large, terra-cotta pots. My lavender has a layer of twice-cracked hazelnut mulch covering the top soil, which helped them survive the winter snow. Lavender is also a natural herbicide. (right) My lavender is June 2008, I don't harvest my lavender so it is fully flowering.

Growing Tips: Lavender prefers full sun and well drained soil. In the northwest, lavender never needs supplemental watering and will do best on rainfall alone. Cover with mulch for winter.

Placement: Grow lavender near Thyme and vegetables, it will make them tastier and healthier.

Harvesting: Pick lavender just before the last flowers on the stalks fully open or grow to flower in the garden for the aromatics and lovely purple flowers. If harvested, cut the stems on a dry day before the heat of the sun draws out the oils.

Red Cabbage

I started with a 4" starter plant of Red Cabbage from Al's Garden Center. I planted it directly into the garden soil in full sun. (right) My red cabbage plant in September 2008. Days before harvest, my cabbage developed cabbage worms and was unable to be controlled. Bummer!

Growing Tips: Red Cabbage prefers full sun and should be planted so that it matures before the heat of summer. Plant 12" - 24" apart in rows, if garden space is limited, I wouldn't recommend cabbage because of it's large foot print.

Harvesting: Red Cabbage matures in 70 - 75 days. You can harvest anytime after the heads form. For best yield, cut the cabbage when the heads are solid (firm to the touch). If head splits or cracks open from heavy rain, salvage and harvest as soon as possible because the exposed internal tissue will soon become unusable.

Common Pests: White and brown butterflies are typically the moths of cabbage worms that lay eggs on the plants. The eggs hatch into worms that cause major damage unless controlled. Control should be aimed at the larvae themselves, if they cannot be controlled, discard cabbage, do not harvest.

Super Sweet Corn

I started with two 4" starter plants of 'Super Sweet' Corn by Chef Jeff's. I planted my corn directly into the back row of my garden in full sun. I ended up with only two husks of corn, one on each plant by the end of the summer. My plants grew to 8 and 9 feet tall. (right) My corn on August 21, 2009.

Growing Tips: Super Sweet Corn prefers full sun and soil moisture is critical for plants to form tassels, silks and to develop ears. Plant 12" - 15" apart.

Harvesting: Super Sweet Corn matures in 75 days on average. After silk emergence, ears should be ready to harvest about 3 weeks later. Corn can be stored for 7 - 10 days after harvest.

Romaine Lettuce

I started with six 4" starter plants of Romaine Lettuce from Al's Garden Center. I planted my lettuce directly into the garden in two rows with 12" between each plant in full sun. (right) My Romaine two days before I harvested the back row in June 2009.

• Day 1 (05.25.09): Planted starter lettuce plants directly into the garden.
• Day 20 (06.13.09): Plants in the back row are growing twice as quickly as the front row. Front row is only 6" tall while the back row is almost mature.
• Day 22 (06.15.09): Harvested one of the plants in the back row. Very tasty!
• Day 40 (07.03.09): Harvested one of the plants in the front row, also very tasty! The smell of freshly cut lettuce is amazingly aromatic.

Growing Tips: Romaine prefers full sun in the spring and fall and partial sun in the summer. Plant 12" apart.

Harvesting: Romaine matures in 75 - 85 days. To harvest, cut from the base with a knife and then pull out the remaining root. Immediately dunk in cold water and refrigerate or use.

Utah Green Celery

I started with six 1" starter plants of 'Utah Green' Celery from Al's Garden Center. I planted the celery directly into the garden with 6" between each plant in a single row (I didn't have room for a double row as suggested, so we will see what happens). This variety of celery is a tall, upright celery with crisp 10" stalks. (right) My celery on Day 23.

• Day 1 (05.25.09): Planted 1" starter plants into the garden.
• Day 23 (06.16.09): Plants are about 4" tall and leafy.
• Day 40 (07.03.09): Plants are getting more leafy and are about 6" tall.

Growing Tips: Celery prefers full sun and water 2-3 times per week until established. Plant 6" - 8" apart in double rows spaced 30" apart.

Harvesting: Celery is ready for harvest in 100 days when stalks are 10" tall.

Head Lettuce

I started with two 1" starter plants of Head Lettuce from Al's Garden Center. I planted them in two medium-sized containers, one terra-cotta and one plastic and put them in full sun. This lettuce produces delicious, solid heads that are both crisp and tender. (right) My lettuce on June 13th, 2009 about 35 days in.

Growing Tips: Head Lettuce prefers full sun and water 2-3 times per week until established. Plant 12" apart or in their own containers.

Harvesting: Head Lettuce matures in 60-90 days and the outside leaves can be harvested as desired or the entire head upon maturity.

Gerbera Daisy

I started with a 4" starter plant, Gerbera Daisy 'Royal Premium Mix' from Tanasacres Nursery. I planted my daisy in full sun in a small terra-cotta pot. (right) My Daisies in June 2009.

Growing Tips: Gerbera Daisies prefer full sun and warm weather but will tolerate partial shade. They can also be grown indoors in a sunlit window. Space 12" - 15" apart, grows to 10" tall.

Seeding: Not recommended, the seeds lose viability quickly and require very humid conditions.

Red + Green Bell Pepper

I started with four 6" starter plants. Two Red Bell Peppers and two Green Bell Peppers from Al's Garden Center. A sweet Green Bell Pepper is a pepper that is not yet ripe. Let it continue to grow and it will turn red and the texture and flavor will change. I originally planted them in large terra-cotta pots that they quickly outgrew. I have transplanted them to oversized, deep containers. Unfortunately, one of the peppers was root bound and did not transplant as well as the others but I am going to see if it snaps out of it. (right) My Green Bell Pepper after transplant from the terra-cotta pot on June 13th, 2009.

• Day 1 (05.25.09): Planted starter plants in terra-cotta pots.
• Day 17 (06.10.09): Transplanted into a large, deep container.
• Day 22 (06.15.09): Plants are starting to show tiny fruit.
• Day 40 (07.03.09): Fruit is about 1/2" - 1" in size (see right top).
• Day 79 (08.21.09): Fruit is full size and starting to ripen and turn a bright shade of red (see right bottom).

Growing Tips: Sweet Bell Peppers prefer full sun and water regularly, especially in the hot, dry summer months (lack of water will give peppers a bitter taste). Bell Peppers grow 18" - 24" tall. Space plants 18" apart in rows 24" - 36" apart. Bell Peppers have very deep roots and require large, deep pots if grown in containers. Fertilize monthly. (right) My bell peppers on August 21, 2009.

Harvesting: When green bell peppers reach full size, pick and enjoy. When red bell peppers are completly red and mature, pick and enjoy.

Jalapeno Pepper

I started with a 6" starter plant, Jalapeno Pepper from Al's Garden Center. I originally planted it into a large terra-cotta pot that it quickly outgrew. I have transplanted in into an oversized deep container. (right) This is my Jalapeno plant from last year (2008). I grew it directly in my vegetable garden bed and it grew great. One plant had more peppers than I knew what to do with.

• Day 1 (05.25.09): Planted into a large terra-cotta pot.
• Day 17 (06.10.09): Plant is flowering and growing quite tall. Transplanted into a large, deep container.
• Day 20 (06.13.09): Plant is beginning to grow fruit.
• Day 30 (06.26.09): Plant is very yellow and growing unsuccessfully, recycled plant due to poor weather conditions that were not ideal for growing Jalapeno Peppers.

Growing Tips: Jalapenos prefer full sun and lots of water. Space the plants 18" - 36" apart with about 2 - 3 feet between rows. Plants grow to about 3 feet tall. You can also mix in mushroom compost to make the soil fertile and moist.

Harvesting: When the jalapenos reach full size, pick and enjoy.

Vinca

I started with a 4" starter plant, Red Vinca perennial from Iwasaki Bros. I planted it in a small terra-cotta pot in partial shade. Vinca grows best in naturally shaded areas with filtered sunlight and is a great ground cover, plus it prevents soil erosion and weeds. (right) This is my Vinca plant in June 2009 with my cat, Lexus.

Growing Tips: Plant in shade or partial shade. Can be grown in full sun if watered regularly. Grow plants 10" - 12" apart, grows 8" tall. If the plant turns yellow, it is too hot and too dry.

Perennial Tips: If Vinca outgrows its space, it can be sheared back hard in early spring. The sheared off ends may root along the stems.

Seeding: Not recommended, this is a hard to seed plant.

Marjoram

I started with two 6" started plants of Marjoram from Iwasaki Bros. I planted them each in their own medium-sized terra-cotta pot in full sun. Marjoram is very aromatic, can be used for medicinal purposes and has lovely white or pink flowers. (right) This is my Marjoram right after transplant on June 15th.

Growing Tips: Marjoram prefers full sun and should be planted 6" - 8" apart or in its own container. Grows to be about 12" - 24" tall. Trim back after flowering.

Harvesting: Marjoram can be harvested throughout the growing season or grown indoors for year-round herbs. Best to harvest before flowering.

Italian Oregano : Organic

I started with three 6" starter plants of Organic Italian Oregano from Earthe eco-friendly plants. I planted all three in their own medium-sized terra-cotta pots in full sun. Italian Oregano is much taller than traditional Oregano with smaller leaves and this will be my first year growing it. (right) This is my Italian Oregano plant right after transplant.

Growing Tips: Italian Oregano prefers full sun and grows to around 18" tall. Should be spaced 12" apart or grown in their own containers. Requires monthly fertilization. If tips of plant begin to droop, it needs more sunlight and water.

Harvesting: Can be harvesting right away, best before flowering.

Stonecrop

I started with a 12" Stonecrop (Sedum Spectabile which means Autumn Joy) perennial from Smith Gardens in Washington. I planted mine in a deep terra-cotta pot in full sun. This plant blooms in late summer to fall with red flower clusters. During the summer, the plant has rubber-like gray-green foliage. (right) This is a close-up of my plant in June after a summer rainfall.

Growing Tips: Stonecrop prefers full sun and it is imporant not to overwater. Fertilize during the growing season. (right) My Stonecrop on August 21, 2009, flowers are just starting to emerge. Bees LOVE this plant, there are often 4 - 5 bees on this one plant at a time.

Perennial Tips: No pruning is needed at the end of the season and can survive -40 degree temperatures.

Mexican Heather

I started with a 6" starter plant, Mexican Heather by Allyson Plants. I planted it in a small terra-cotta pot in afternoon sun. I had one of these in 2008 in my vegetable garden and it quickly took over, beautiful blooms all summer and lovely dark green leaves.

Growing Tips: Mexican Heather prefers full sun or partial sun. It will spread quite a bit unless it is in a container garden. Likes being watered daily when weather is hot.

Tillamook Strawberries

I started with three 2" starter plants, Chef Jeff's Tillamook Strawberries, native to the Oregon Coast, from Al's Garden Center. I planted all three in one large and wide terra-cotta pot. I had a problem last year with squirrels eating my berries so this year they are off the ground and next to Catnip which squirrels don't like. (right) My strawberries in July 2008. My current strawberry plants have white flowers on them and should be ready for harvest in 30 days.

Growing Tips: Strawberries prefer full sun and room to branch out, they cover ground quickly.

Placement: Strawberries should be grown next to Thyme for healthier more flavorful berries. If you have problems with deer or squirrels, place next to Catnip or Catmint to naturally repel these animals.

Harvesting: Ripe red berries can be harvested in June and July.

Apricot Thunbergia

I started with a 1 foot starter plant, 'Smoothie' Apricot Thunbergia from Al's Garden Center. It is an annual vine that will quickly cover a trellis and has lovely bunches of pink-orange blooms with a black center. Plus, it blooms all summer. I have planted mine in a large terra-cotta pot with a wooden trellis for support. (right) My plant in bloom in June.

Growing Tips: Thunbergia prefers full sun and moderately moist soil with a trellis or wall to climb, it will grow 12 - 15 feet tall.

Oregano

I started with a 5" starter plant, Oregano from Al's Garden Center. Oregano can be in a controlled as to how big you want it by growing it in a container rather than an open garden (it can grow to be very large and bushy). I planted mine directly into a medium size, deep terra-cotta pot with good drainage. (right) My Oregano in June, about 30 days after transplant.

Growing Tips: Oregano prefers full sun and soil of poor to average fertility. Oregano grows great in containers or gardens and can be trimmed back to keep a smaller footprint if desired. It will flower in late summer and will attract lots of bees to your garden. Most varieties of Oregano are very hardy and will return the following year.

Harvesting: Leaves should be harvested just before flowering and flowers should be trimmed back after blooming.

Sage

I started with 6" starter plants, Common Sage (Salvia Comun) by Bonnie Plants. I have two plants and I potted them directly into garden soil in two medium sized terra-cotta, bowl shaped pots. With terra-cotta, you want to be wet the pot before planting anything in it to help with moisture control. (right) This is my Sage right after being transplanted from the starter plant container in June.

Growing Tips: Sage prefers full sun (but tolerates light shade) and well drained soil.

Harvesting: Harvest leaves before flowering, unless the flowers are being pinched off throughout the growing season.

Placement: Sage should be grown next to Rosemary, both plants will grow healthier.

Carnations

This year I have four different colors of carnations growing in my garden. All are of the same variety, Fenbows Nutmeg Clove Carnations, and I have baby pink, hot pink, white and red. My plants top soil is covered in twice-cracked hazelnut mulch. (right) The red ones are new and the other three came back from last year. Last years even survived a week of snow over the winter.

Growing Tips: Carnations like full sun with well drained soil. Carnations don't require a lot of water so only water as needed. Once in bloom, carnations can be quite floppy and heavy, to keep the flowers from flopping over, I use the bottom half of a tomato cage (I use wire clippers so I only have one rung) around my carnations to keep them upright. I also recommend avoiding windy areas when planting carnations. Once flower heads off when they die to encourage new blooms. Carnations also make a great clipping flower.

Perennial Tip: Carnations are perennials and will come back the next year. At the end of the season when no more flowers are blooming on the plant, trim back all the flower stems to the mid of the "grassy" part of the plant and cover top soil with mulch. The following year, you will have twice as many blooms. The next year, once you start to see the new flower stems growing up from the "grassy" part, you will have blooms in one month or so that will last almost all summer.

Winter Thyme

I started with four 5" starter plants of Winter Thyme from Al's Garden Center. I planted all four plants in one large, round, ceramic pot that has very good drainage. From my experience, Thyme seems to prefer to grow in bunches but can also be grown as a single plant. (right) This is my Thyme in June 2009 and it is just starting to flower.

Growing Tips: Thyme prefers full sun with good drainage. One plants have finished flowering, shear back the plant by half to encourage new growth and to prevent the Thyme from becoming too woody.

Placement: Thyme should be grown next to strawberries and lavender. Thyme is also part of the mint family.

Blue Lake Bush Beans

I started with 5" starter plants, Blue Lake Bush Beans - Green Beans from Al's Garden Center. I planted the beans in two rows 6" apart with the plants 3" apart. The green beans have an A frame made of poles to climb with horizontal rows of string to help support them. I haven't had any problems with slugs thus far. Blue Lake Bush Beans are tender, plump, top quality beans on bush plants. (right) These are my green beans as of June 14th, 2009.

• Day 1 (05.25.09): Planted 6" starter plants directly into the garden.
• Day 20 (06.14.09): Plants are about 2 feet tall with very large green leaves and little blooms are sprouting on the plants.
• Day 22 (06.16.09): Beans have started to appear on the plants, about 2" long and 1/8" wide.
• Day 34 (06.28.09): I harvested the first of the green beans today, yum!
• Day 62 (07.26.09): The beans are done producing fruit, removed from garden.

Growing Tips: Blue Lake Bush Beans prefer full sun. They should be planted 4" apart in rows 24" apart with some sort of low to the ground support, the branches becomes heavy when beans start to appear.

Harvesting: Blue Lake Bush Beans mature in 54 - 58 days. Harvest beans when they are plump and dark green.

Half Long Heirloom Carrots

I started with Danver's Half Long Heirloom Carrot seeds from Seed Savers. I planted them directly into the soil in late May in two rows about 4" apart, sprinkled the seeds into a 1/4" deep row and covered them.

• Day 1 (05.23.09): Planted seeds 1/4" deep in the ground.
• Day 10 (06.01.09: Sprouts begin to appear.
• Day 19 (06.09.09): Sprouts are now about 1" tall, trimmed back excess sprouts.
• Day 41 (07.01.09): Soil has become overly compact from heavy rains and drastic shifts in weather from hot to cold. Recycled carrots due to poor growing conditions.

Sugar Snap Peas

I started with Snap Peas (Super Sugar Snap, Pole variety) seeds. I planted the seeds directly into the soil in May after frost had passed. I have been told that I may have gotten started too late in the season (apparently peas should be started as soon as the ground is workable), but I am going to see what happens anyway. If they turn out, great! If not, well I suppose that I will know better for next year. I have created an A frame with poles and string for the peas to climb. (right) Snap Peas are the two rows on the right.

• Day 1 (05.18.09): Planted seeds in two rows 4" apart with 2" between seeds.
• Day 8 (05.26.09): Sprouts begin to appear
• Day 12 (05.30.09): Plants show leaves and are about 1" tall. Three seeds did not sprout at all.
• Day 22 (06.09.09): Plants are about 6" tall and start to develop vines for climbing.
• Day 26 (06.13.09): Plants are about 1 - 2 feet tall.
• Day 32 (06.19.09): Plants are about 3 - 4 feet tall (see right).
• Day 43 (06.30.09): Plants are 4 feet tall and starting to overgrow their staking.
• Day 46 (07.03.09): Plants are 4 - 5 feet tall and flowering. Taller staking was added.
• Day 53 (07.10.09): Fruit has started to appear on plants, peas pods are growing quickly.

Growing Tips: Podded Peas enjoy cool weather growing conditions and should be planted during early spring, with a second crop planted during late summer for a fall harvest. Peas will require a trellis or some support for growing since they are a climbing plant.

Seeding: Sow peas about an inch deep directly into the soil as soon as soil is workable in early spring.

Harvesting: Sugar Snap Peas should be harvested when the pods are plump and have reached full size. Don't allow pods to shrivel out and dry on the vines.