By Best Selling - Seeds that grow best in ZONE 5:
Lettuce - Kagraner Sommer (Butterhead)
From $299 USDUnit price /UnavailableDescription
The Kagraner Sommer lettuce, also known as Summer Lettuce, is a popular variety among gardeners due to its adaptability and ease of cultivation. This lettuce type is characterized by its crisp texture and mild flavor, making it an excellent choice for salads and garnishes. The plant typically reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches and produces large, loose heads that can weigh up to 1 pound each.
One of the key advantages of the Kagraner Sommer lettuce is its resistance to bolting, which is a common issue in many lettuce varieties during warmer months. This trait allows gardeners to extend their growing season, as the plant can thrive in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). In fact, studies have shown that this variety can maintain optimal growth even when daytime temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C), making it suitable for summer gardening.
When planting Kagraner Sommer lettuce, it is essential to choose a location that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. To enhance growth, it is advisable to incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil prior to planting. This practice not only improves soil fertility but also promotes healthy root development.
In terms of spacing, seedlings should be planted approximately 12 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, as lettuce has a high water content and requires consistent moisture to prevent wilting. It is recommended to water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
Harvesting Kagraner Sommer lettuce can begin approximately 60 to 70 days after sowing. The leaves can be picked individually or the entire head can be harvested at once. It is important to harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler, as this helps to preserve the crispness and flavor of the leaves. Once harvested, the lettuce should be stored in a cool, dark place and consumed within a week for optimal freshness.
In conclusion, the Kagraner Sommer lettuce is an excellent addition to any garden, particularly for those looking to grow a reliable and flavorful summer crop. With proper care and attention to growing conditions, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this nutritious leafy green.
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Tomato - Marglobe Improved (Indeterminate)
From $299 USDUnit price /UnavailableDescription
The Marglobe Improved tomato plant is a hybrid variety that has gained recognition among gardeners for its robust growth and high yield potential. This cultivar is particularly well-suited for home gardens, as it offers a combination of disease resistance and adaptability to various growing conditions. The Marglobe tomato is known for its round, medium-sized fruit, which typically weighs between 5 to 7 ounces and features a rich, red color when fully ripe.
One of the key advantages of the Marglobe Improved tomato plant is its resistance to common tomato diseases, such as Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Studies have shown that this variety can exhibit up to a 30% higher resistance to these diseases compared to non-hybrid varieties. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to minimize crop loss due to disease.
In terms of growth habits, the Marglobe Improved tomato plant is classified as an indeterminate variety, meaning it continues to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost. This trait allows for extended harvesting periods, often yielding fruit from mid-summer until the first frost in the fall. Gardeners can expect to harvest approximately 10 to 15 pounds of tomatoes per plant, depending on growing conditions and care.
When planting Marglobe tomatoes, it is essential to consider their sunlight and soil requirements. These plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter is crucial for optimal growth. Soil pH should be maintained between 6.0 and 6.8 for best results. Regular watering is also important, as tomatoes require consistent moisture to develop properly, with an ideal range of 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
To support the growth of Marglobe Improved tomato plants, gardeners may consider staking or caging the plants to prevent sprawling and to promote better air circulation. This practice can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases and improve overall fruit quality. Fertilization should be approached with care; a balanced fertilizer applied at planting and again during the growing season can enhance growth without leading to excessive foliage at the expense of fruit production.
In conclusion, the Marglobe Improved tomato plant is a valuable addition to any garden, offering a combination of disease resistance, high yield, and adaptability. By understanding its specific needs and growth habits, gardeners can successfully cultivate this variety and enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful tomatoes.
SEED PLANTING TIPS
- Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
- Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning
- Tomato size: Medium
- Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
- Spacing between plants: 24" apart
- Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
- Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
- Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
- Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
- Sun needs: Full sun
- Frost hardy: No
- Planting season: Spring, summer
- # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
- Days to maturity: 70-80 days
Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide
Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper
Shiso, Red (Perilla Leaf, Japanese Basil)
From $399 USDUnit price /UnavailableDescription
Red Shiso (Perilla frutescens), also called Perilla Leaf and Japanese Basil, is an herb in the mint family with large, deep purple, wrinkled, serrated leaves. Much stronger and spicier than Green Shiso, the crunchy leaves are used mainly in salads, for pickling, and as a natural food coloring. Used extensively in Japanese cuisine, it has a fresh minty-basil flavor with notes of clove and cumin, and a bitter, astringent finish. Pairs well with fish, rice, noodles, and vegetables, especially cucumbers. Also a medicinal herb with antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Its rhizome root can become invasive, so best grown in a container.
- Mint-basil-clove-cumin flavor
- Full sun
- Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
- Days to maturity: 80-85 days
Good companion plants: Arugula, Basil, Bok Choy, Parsley, Tomato
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