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Open-Pollinated, Heirloom & Homestead SeedsEspecially adapted for Northern GardensTHE SECRET OF GREENSWe all know lettuce and spinach, but what about these different greens? Arugula (roquette), tatsoi, shungiku, pak choi, mizuna, endive, red orach, and French sorrel. Well these greens have some secrets: SECRET 1Very early, very fast - many of these greens can be grown very early in the season and come up very fast. Baby greens for salads can be harvested soon after emerging from the soil. SECRET 2Very healthy - after the cold winter, greens can act as a tonic in the spring - fresh from the garden and packed with vitamins and chlorophyll. SECRET 3Tasty - ever eaten Arugula? Well it's a taste you won't soon forget. We're big fans of it, here at Good Seed. Arugula a spiciness to salad that is almost addictive. It is so popular in gourmet salads that it's often called yuppie greens. French sorrel is added for its lemony tart taste. Find your own favorite. SECRET 4Succession plantings - plant a small amount of various greens every 2-3 weeks, and yes, you can even sow different greens together right in the garden for a pre-mixed salad. A patch of mixed greens, shades of green and red, makes a pretty show. SECRET 5Plant thick - then thin the little ones for early salads. All greens can be harvested when young. SECRET 6Rich soil - greens like to grow fast in well-fertilized soil. They taste better that way. SECRET 7Water well - keep an even moisture in the soil. Rainwater is a special treat. SECRET 8Multiple uses - greens can be used in salads, stir fries, soups, or steamed, just to mention a few uses. SECRET 9Save $$ - greens are not cheap and many cannot even be purchased in stores. SECRET 10Colorful - greens are not always green. Red Orach and Red Sails lettuce are beautiful in the garden, and a riot in the salad bowl. I have a patch of Red Orach by the front door. My little neighbor boy loves to snack on them. So these are some of the secrets of greens. I am sure you will find many more. |
