October This and That

I have a few odds and ends I’ve been wanting to share, so I decided to lump them all together here today. First up – I have several non-hardy plants growing behind the greenhouse. I have a two year old clump of lemongrass I dug up last winter and brought inside, then planted back out this spring. And I have a three year old lemon verbena plant that I treat the same way. Both plants have gotten huge, and have kept me supplied with leaves for tea and cooking. The lemongrass started with a couple of stalks I got at the grocery, and you can read how I start it here: Lemongrass. I put bird netting around the area to keep the deer from eating the pepper and tomato plants also behind the greenhouse

lemongrass and other plants

I’m also experimenting with growing ginger and turmeric. I started both of these in late winter from roots I got at a local Asian market. The edible part of both is technically a rhizome, and the tropical plants are definitely not hardy in our area. The sheltered spot behind the greenhouse gets some morning sun and afternoon shade, which are growing conditions these plants are supposed to like. Since setting out in spring, the ginger has grown to about three feet tall, and I can see new rhizomes forming at the soil line.

ginger roots

The turmeric is about two feet tall, with broad leaves that sort of resemble cannas to me. The rhizomes are not visible on this plant, but hopefully there will be some new growth below ground. I plan on digging and potting up both the ginger and turmeric and bringing indoors for the winter, much like I do the lemongrass. I think the turmeric makes a lovely plant, and could easily be grown as an ornamental.

turmeric plants

Inside the greenhouse itself there is a lot going on. I have several plug flats of lettuce and other greens growing. They will find a home in the cold frame and greenhouse beds soon. I will use any extras to cut as micro greens, perhaps straight from the plug flats.

plug flat with lettuce seedlings

I also have a window box planted with a micro green seed mix I got from Johnny’s Selected Seeds, and they are ready to harvest right about now. It’s a blend of kale, kohlrabi, cabbage and mizuna. I have other micro green mixes I hope to try in the coming months. I will likely grow some of these inside under lights, but for now this one is in the greenhouse.

micro greens

Also in the greenhouse, I have three salad boxes planted with arugula and one with lettuce. I’m growing Adagio, Apollo and Speedy arugula, and all are ready to begin cutting. Some of the arugula will be starring on a pizza here soon!

Arugula in salad boxes

I’m also experimenting with growing radishes in containers. I have one pot planted with Alpine, a hybrid Korean type daikon radish. I’m also growing Alpine in a bed in front of the greenhouse, and we will see how they both do.

Alpine radish in container

Also near the greenhouse, my Captain Lucky tomato plant is putting on tomatoes again. I doubt there will be time for any to ripen, but I would be happy to enjoy these as fried green tomatoes. We haven’t had any this year, and that would be a nice treat before the frosts come and fresh tomatoes are just a fond memory.

Captain Lucky tomatoes

It was Tuesday afternoon before it was available online, so for those who may have missed it, here’s a link to my WEHT Local Lifestyles appearance from last Friday: Happy Acres Hot Sauce. I had a lot of fun doing the show, and we all had some fun tasting the hot sauce!