Like it or not, the end of summer is hurtling towards us at unbelievable speed, like a gigantic meteor hell-bent on disheveling Elijah Woods hair. There is little we can do, but getting the vegetable garden in order seems like a good way to make the most of the time we have left…and why not make sure things are ready for next spring just in case the Mayans miscalculated…
Read MoreFall and Winter Gardening
This garden was built during the spring and summer and planted with the first annual vegetables in late-August.
Many people don't realize that summer is actually a great time to design and build a new garden! Even though you may miss out on a few spring crops this year, building during the summer often means that you have more time to develop a thoughtful plan and don't feel the pressure of getting the garden set up in time for a certain spring crop (which you will be fully prepared for next spring).
Read MoreSummer Squash
Summer squash are a great go-to for the Pacific Northwest gardener. They grow well here, are very productive, delicious and even happy growing in large containers! In fact, the main problem folks seem to have with summer squash is not knowing what to do with all of the fruit it produces!
Read MoreSpring Radishes
This time of year when we are all patiently waiting for our gardens to begin to produce, radishes are always eager to perform. Radishes germinate quickly are ready to harvest in a matter of weeks after being seeded! The Greek name of the genus Raphanusactually means “quick appearing.”
Read MorePeas
Peas aren’t as good as turnips, but they are pretty good. Peas are the first crop that we plant outside in the spring
Read MoreTrain Your Peas!
Photos by Hilary Dahl
Believe it or not pea plants do actually have a sense of touch. This response to touch or contact with a solid object, called thigmotropism, is what causes pea tendrils to coil.
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