Did the first indoor sowing six days ago. Irresponsibly early but the heart wants, etc.
No pretty pictures yet because they’re mostly in plastic produce containers and Ziplock bags secured by binder clips and it’s not an elegant look. So here’s above is of the artichokes started a few weeks ago. This is my first year trying artichokes; will do a separate post on them but they need to be vernalized, which means tricking them into thinking they’ve lived two years and will therefore flower this year. Also will be trying cardoons. Artichokes because I love them, cardoons because they are architecturally stunning.
Brassicas and salad items will go into cold frames. Leeks to be transplanted late March. Still growing for winter use under lights: chervil, parsley (which germinated well after a two month rest in the refrigerator), Thai basil, dill, basil, cilantro.
Started 2/13/23:
Beets: Bull’s Blood
Broccoli: De Cicco
Broccoli Raab/Rapini
Chard: Ruby Red
Endive, Frisee
Leeks: King Richard and Blue du Solaise–so beautiful; never want to be without the latter variety. Seed longevity is two years tops, so I’m going to a couple to overwinter and subsequently bolt in spring 2024, so I can keep a supply of seed, which isn’t that easy to find. I got this year’s supply from Seed Savers Exchange. This variety has thick, smoky-blue leaves and are stunning planted near Empress of India nasturtiums, which have similarly blue-tinted scallop shaped leaves and fiery orange blossoms. King Richard, which is a shorter season leek, will be paired with potatoes, BDS will move in with the brassicas, which can be harvested without digging.
Lettuce: Merlot. It’s just pretty. Burgundy with a glossy sheen.
Flat-leaf parsley: started two-month stratification in refrigerator for outdoor planting. Am also direct sowing by pear and plum trees today or tomorrow. I did a two month stratification for the fresh herb supply overwinter and have had good results.
Scallions: Guardsman. Tried and true for me.
Basil: started second round for winter/spring indoor use