Gardener to Farmer

Perennial Vegetables OR The Annual "I'm a Slacker" Post

Seriously, this year I have been a total slacker in the garden. The weather didn't help. In Portland, it has been unseasonably cool, so much so that my tomato plants are about 1/3 the size and full of green fruit. And don't get me started on the eggplants and peppers...or lack thereof.

Usually, our summer starts around July 4th, with cool weather and rain on and off until that time . This year, it was in the 70's all the way through August, with rain until the end of July. We had a respite of 30 days with no precipitation, then yesterday, it started raining...and it continues.

This has underwhelmed me in the inspiration department. My veggie garden is pitiful. I harvested a lot of kale, some tomatillos, some peacock broccoli and a few carrots. Fruits, on the other hand, are having a banner year. I had blueberries until the middle of August, lots of blackberries and the apple and pear trees are full. Sadly, the raspberries didn't really do well. The rain left them watery and univiting.

I grumbled everytime I went out to the garden...feeling dejected that the only thing flourishing was weeds. I took it as a personal failure on my part, which only led me to feel more dejected about the whole thing. Somewhere in the beginning of August, I gave up. I just stopped doing everything except watering. And really, I did that out of guilt. I came to the conclusion that I just wasn't going to have an edible garden next year. I would only grow ornamentals. After all, Oregon is the perennial capital of the world, and they thrive here almost year-round.

And on one of these days, the ones with the grumbling and guilt-watering, I started thinking about how great it would be if I could grow perennial edibles. Are there such things? Of course, there are fruits, but vegetables? And if not, are there biennials that can mascarade as perennials?

It is worth noting that I am in zone 7-8, depending on who you ask. So perennial/biennial veggies are a practical reality here. Right off the bat, a couple come to mind: carrots, leeks and swiss chard. But I am sure there are more. I made a pledge (to myself, because everyone else had long given up on me and my continuous grousing) that next year, I would only grow edibles that were perennial/biennial or super easy container varieties.

This immediately made me feel better. I have a plan! I can spend my winter dreaming up a new incarnation for my edibles...one that takes advantage of our climate here. And, I have decided that next year, I will really pay attention to my ornamental plantings. I have neglected them the past two years in an attempt to get my veggie garden to produce. Next year will be about balance...bringing the two sides of my gardening world closer together.

Do you have suggestions for my perennial veggie garden? I would love to hear them!

 

Rosa Rugosa: And You Thought You Couldn't Grow Roses!

I live in the "Rose City" of Portland, OR...home of the International Rose Test Garden. Growing these thorny beauties here is really pretty easy. Sure, we still have pest and disease problems, but with a bit of maintenance and an observing eye, it is definitely manageable.

Still, they do require extra attention...and for some people, that is a deal-breaker. Further, there are plenty of places (like the south) where growing roses is truly a thorn-in-the-side experience. I know plenty of gardeners who will only grow Knock Out Roses or who have given up on growing them altogether.

But there is another alternative: Rosa rugosa. It forms a dense shrub that can grow to 6+ ft in height and width. The leaves are beautifully textured, resulting in the name "rugose" or wrinkled. Bloom time is generally heaviest in June, with sporadic blooms till frost, followed by luscious fruits or rose hips. And don't get me started on the scent...absolutely intoxicating!

Now, not to be a Debbie-Downer, but there are a couple of things you should know before you plant. This plant spreads via suckers...and believe me, it spreads. If you are looking for an impressive hedge or thicket, this is perfect! Otherwise, you will need to stay on top of this new growth so it doesn't take over. Also, the branches are densely covered in thorns, so wear protective gear, preferably rose gauntlet gloves.

However, it is the dense and thorny nature of this shrub that makes it a fantastic pest deterrent. If planted around the edges of your property or as a border to a specific planting, the rugosa fends off bunnies, mice and other furries. Some people also use them to deter deer...and I suspect that would work, particularly if the deer have easier to access food elsewhere.

These hardy (zone 2-9) shrubs aren't too particular about soil, though they like good drainage.They do not need a lot of water, which also makes them an outstanding edge of the property plant.  Rugosas are tolerant of both sand and salt and will grow right on the beach. Give them good drainage, lots of sun and occasional doses of compost alternating with coffee grounds and your plant will be healthy and happy! 

If you decide that you want several, they can be propagated from soft and hard wood cuttings, as well as grown from seeds. I suspect they can also be grown by digging up some of the suckers...but I haven't tried that myself.

For more information on Rosa rugosa, check out this article on White Rosa rugosa.

The Germinatrix: Germinatrix TV EPISODE 5 – The Passion, The Ecstasy, The Carnal Rapture of Pollination

Flowers are organs of sexual potential – they are there to attract pollinators to come and eat their goodies. Once inside, the pollinators gorge themselves, rubbing and cuddling up on the flower.  Fertile pollen grains from the stamen hitch a ride to the next flower, and while the pollinator is feeding again, the pollen attaches itself to the receptive flower part (the stigma) and plant sex occurs. It’s an inter-species surrogate sex, but sex nonetheless. Procreation results.

via thegerminatrix.com

The Germinatrix's version of plant porn....You have to see it to believe it!

Growing Leeks and My Favorite Garden Tool

Yesterday, two (DeDe and Sallie May) of my four Garden Interns helped me clear a bed for growing leeks. I have tried to grow leeks for the past two years, but have always been disappointed in the results. It just seems like they do not reach maturity before the end of growing season. This year, I realized that they overwintered really well, and in fact, multiplied. However, they were not so conveniently located. I pulled them all and threw them in a pile, intending to take them in the house. (Please note the word intending...)

When I realized I hadn't taken them in, I decided to try an experiment. I had always heard that you could grow leeks by cutting off the roots and planting them. I grabbed up the rather scruffy looking leeks and hacked off the roots, then the girls and I planted them right in the ground. Some of them had also formed bulblets, so those were planted, too. 

In doing a bit of research on growing leeks, I discovered this awesome post called Leeks for the Lazy Gardener (right up my alley):

Most home gardeners growing leeks start them from seed each year, or just buy transplants. Some smaller varieties are said to mature in 90 days, but the big inch-or-more wide ones like you'll find in the markets take almost 200 days to grow to that size. In order to get a pencil-sized leek seedling ready to set out in April, you'd have to start the seeds in January, tending and transplanting and keeping them under lights. That's too much work for me. I prefer to let my leeks start themselves.

via simple-green-frugal-co-op.blogspot.com

I also want to share with you all the new love of my life...the OXO Garden Knife. OXO sent me this cool looking knife to try. I won't lie to you, the appeal of weaponry in the garden is almost irresistible to me. But I am always dubious of new garden tools...I already have lots of them and it is hard to impress me. Further, it is rare that I will endorse a product. But I am so madly in love with this knife that I will not let anyone else even touch it!

The shape looks like a bulb-planting trowel and a double-bladed kitchen knife were genetically crossed. I know...very Matrix. And yes, I stabbed myself with it a few times as I was not used to the sharp tip. But it is now my favorite weeder and plant divider, as well as self-protection device. (Roaming garden gnomes, you know). The tip slices through dirt, roots and matted green stuff to make pulling weeds a cinch. The sides alternate between a serrated blade and a traditional knife blade, perfect for dividing clumps of perennials or cutting roots off of said leeks.

It is $24.95, so not a cheap tool. But it is super sturdy, and unless I lose it, I can't imaging needing to buy another in the next decade or so. This is the perfect tool for the lazy gardener!

If you have fave gardening tools, I would love to hear about them. Leave me a comment below.

Potting Up Tomato Seedlings | Cooking Up a Story

I ran over to Jean Ann Van Krevelen the other day – she had put out a shout for any veggie starts. Since she had been traveling she hadn’t had the chance to do much early planting this season. Since we don’t live too far from each other and I had planted more than enough tomato starts (well, maybe not enough – can you ever have too many tomatoes?), I tweeted back that I had a few to share.

via cookingupastory.com

Growing Rhubarb in the South

Yes, folks, it is time for my annual love fest with rhubarb. I can get a bit crazy about it...declaring my never ending love, creating sonnets, that sort of thing. And believe me, there is no way this season will go by without some wacky display. Yesterday, I started posting rhubarb recipes on Portland Foodie, and you can expect more to follow. And today I am inspired to share the love...I want to tell southern gardeners that yes, you CAN grow rhubarb.

Here's a bit of information I found on growing rhubarb as an annual. The process is very similar to growing peas in warmer climates:

"Rhubarb can be grown as an annual from seed in areas that have a cool season (like a cool winter in the southern parts of the US). Plant seeds in nursery pots, transplant outside when the plants about 3-4" tall. Harvest stalks as they mature. Be careful to not over water it as rhubarb can get root rot if the ground is too wet. ECHO ("Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization") has claimed good luck with planting rhubarb seed in August and harvesting in March-May. Seed grown rhubarb will have fewer plants with the intense red color stems we are used to, but tasting a pie grown from subtropical rhubarb can help one overlook that quickly! You will probably get a mix of plant colors ranging from green through pink with a few plants with red or partly red stems. The variety Victoria is extremely productive. Seeds can be purchased from Park Seed Co. Greenwood South Carolina, USA."

via www.rhubarbinfo.com

Another method that Amy Pollman of Oklahoma City uses:

"I am growing mine in pots and is doing great. When it gets real hot they go under the pecan tree. I have had one plant for 2 years now and just planted 2 more two weeks ago."

I had another friend in Oklahoma that grew them on the east side of her gazebo...morning sun only. The plant seemed very happy!

Alright southerners, let's see you plant some rhubarb! Send me questions, pictures and progress!

It's About Time: Judge Says Gene Patents Are Invalid | Techdirt

In a huge ruling, U.S. District Judge Robert Sweet has said that gene patents are invalid. As you may recall, last May, the ACLU was the first to finally challenge whether or not genes could be patented. There was a lot of back and forth over the case, with many saying that a ruling against gene patents would throw a wrench into the business plans of many companies, because so many biotech/medical companies have been relying on the idea that gene patents must be valid for so long. But just because many companies relied on a mistaken understanding of patent law, doesn't mean that it should be allowed to continue. The judge made the point clear when it came to gene patents, saying that they:

via techdirt.com

TAKE THAT MONSANTO!!

Edible Gardening Apprenticeship: Portland Metro

Gardener to Farmer Apprenticeships

 Best selling author of Grocery Gardening, Jean Ann Van Krevelen is offering four Gardener to Farmer Gardening Apprenticeships for 2010. Apprentices have the opportunity to take home a share of the harvest, as well as learn a broad set of skills in both gardening and cooking.

 

Topics taught during apprenticeship can include:

·      Gardening 101: Garden planning, soil preparation, raised beds

·      Organic pest and disease control

·    Tips on purchasing produce, finding local sources for fresh food

·      Growing herbs, fruits and vegetables

·    Harvesting produce

·      Preparing the harvest, recipe sharing/development

·      Storing the harvest (alternatives to canning)

 

Apprentices start in April and conclude in September. Each gardener must commit to 5 hours per week of work in the garden. Education will be in the garden and kitchen with hands-on, experiential learning, as well as outings and resource materials. The primary text for the apprenticeship is Grocery Gardening, and it is available at bookstores and garden centers.

 

This is the perfect opportunity for new gardeners or those who want to learn more about self-sufficiency. If you are interested in one of these positions, please contact Jean Ann at jeanannvk@yahoo.com.

 

In your email, include:

·      Name, phone, email, section of town where you live

·      Blog, website, Twitter (if you have them)

·    Experience gardening/cooking/preserving (not necessary to have experience)

·      Schedule availability

·      A bit about why you are interested in an apprenticeship

·      A bit about your personality and character…tell me who you are.

·      What gardening/cooking/preserving skills you really need to develop

 

You can submit your entry at any time. We will close the application period once the positions are filled.

Jean Ann Van Krevelen has been called one of the most influential gardening communicators in the country. Through various blogs, Facebook groups and pages, websites, and through her long list of social network followers, Jean Ann inspires, educates, and challenges tens of thousands of gardeners each month. Her most recent book, Grocery Gardening: Planting, Preparing and Preserving Fresh Food, is available in bookstores and garden centers nationwide.

 

She writes and produces several blogs (including Portland Foodie and Gardener to Farmer) whose content is nationally syndicated on a variety of popular websites including: The Chicago Sun Times, USAToday, and The Wall Street Journal.  She is also a popular speaker at garden shows from coast to coast. Jean Ann is a regular contributor to the Powell’s Bookstore blog and has a monthly segment on KOIN 6 “Keep it Local”.

 

Jean Ann has been named in 2010 Top 20 Green All-Around Garden Tweeters on Greenopolis.com 2009, and the 2010 Abou.com Container Gardening Gardeners to Follow on Twitter. the Top 100 Entrepreneurs on Twitter, 2009 Top 20 Green, Raw Organic Tweeters, 2009 Top 50 Tweeters in Portland, 2008 Top 50 People to Follow on Twitter, Top 30 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Social Media, and 30 Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter. She was also one of Portland Business Journal’s Forty Under Forty, and the Oklahoma Business Journal’s 50 That Make a Difference.

Oh Fennel, How I Love (Hate) Thee!

It is that time of year...the time where I am so excited to see herbs greening up, perfuming the air with their heady scents. In fact, I was out yesterday doing the first of what will be many spring cleanings (yes I am behind, but I had a bit of book-related traveling to do). As I was shearing back and pulling out, I caught the scent of anise, a warm, comforting fragrance on a sunny Portland day. The fennel fronds were waving at me...small and adorable...a friendly, fringey green. I started thinking of all of the dishes I could make, including one of my favorites, Fennel and Potato Gratin.

I leaned over to get a better look at my bounty and realized that I had inadvertently left some of the seed heads on from last year's crop. My stomach sank...oh, Lord, no...why did I do that? I remember thinking back in September that I needed to cut those off and harvest the seeds for winter cooking. And while I did get most of them, I realize now that I missed quite a few. This can only mean one thing: Attack of the Killer Fennel (dun, dun, duuuuuuuunnnnn). This picture is what it looks like at the end of summer.

In the event that you haven't ever grown this delicious herb, I recommend that you give it a try. It is super easy to grow. Just plant the seeds in early spring and the fronds will start popping up...everywhere. Keep in mind that if you don't want a garden full of it, you will need to cut the flower heads off once it goes to seed.

There are two kinds of fennel. One is the vegetable fennel (also called Florence Fennel) which forms a  bulb that can be harvested and eaten. The other is the herb fennel which is primarily used for the seeds and fronds in flavoring dishes. The herb fennel is definitely a perennial, no need to replant it year after year. The vegetable fennel is theoretically an annual. But in my zone 7 garden, that thing lives on and on...the main stalk may die back, but the side shoots keep producing, giving it the feeling of perpetuity.

Though fennel can be a pain in the rear, it is absolutely one of my favorite veggies/herbs. Give it a try this year and see if you don't agree. Tune in to my Portland Foodie blog tomorrow for my Potato and Fennel Gratin recipe.

Saturday 2010

4:45 pm

Small Space Edible Gardens
Maximum Harvest from Minimal Spaces

Jean Ann Van Krevelen

via sfgardenshow.com

Here's the details for my session tomorrow at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show...