Along The Horticulture Path
Spring 2012
Edible Markers
Have you ever planted bulbs at two-three week intervals to lengthen the season of bloom? Too often I forget the exact placement of earlier plantings (I prepare an entire planting area at one time) so when I plunge in my thumb (aka trowel) I have pulled out sliced up bulbs. Autumn is great for growing radishes and ‘spring’ onions or scallions. As you are covering the bulbs plant radish seeds between them or encircle the patch. The radishes sprout quickly and serve as a visual marker. Scallions thrive in the same soil conditions so try some rows or clumps between bulb areas. Onions are a bit slower than radishes but still pop up and mark the area. I have harvested radishes since November and now am enjoying scallions in January. My favorite radish is ‘French Breakfast’, a long cylindrical crisp red-topped white-based variety. Plan ahead. Purchase an extra packet of seeds in spring to save in the refrigerator for fall. Onion bulblets are easier to find in fall. Since green onions are eaten young, red, white or yellow varieties will all serve up scallions to perk up a salad or omelet.
Late April addendum: (4/28/’12)
Our suddenly almost summer-like warmth this year shortened the blooming time for many spring flowering trees and shrubs. The third and last sowing of radishes was developing nicely until the warmth urged the plants to bolt (send up long stalks of bloom). When this occurs root growth and energy storage (our deliciously crisp edible red or white radishes!) ceases. Don’t let that energy completely go to the compost pile. Let them bloom! Early flying pollinators will sip nectar and seed pods will develop. Harvest these pods while young and tender, wash, crisp in the ‘fridge hydrator for a bit and slice into a tossed salad for a spicy flavor addition. Try in a late season stir-fry of the last of the Swiss chard for a flavor variation. The pods can be spicy so adjust the quantity to your taste. I harvested some this morning for tonight’s salad.
Happy Gardening!
Jerry