Best Laid Plans
Last night, it rained. It rained and rained and rained, and right now, it is raining again. Thank goodness, because it is the driest year on record in LA County. Despite this wonderful turn of events, I'm having my own personal pity party. I know we desperately need the rain, and really, I am very grateful; however, my garden plans of rototilling and building the garden's frame are ruined. No, they're not really ruined, they're just postponed, but I'm disappointed just the same because I cannot wait to plant. My fingers are itching to plant. My dreams are full of fall planting. I must plant. But, I must plant a week later than planned.To make myself feel better, I'm going to share my seed choices for the year, that way we can all dream about planting-time, and even better, eating-time. Check out what I've planned then take a moment to let me know what meal you would anticipate making with the harvest.
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Source Key:SSE = Seed Savers Exchange
SOC = Seeds of Change
BC = Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
HA = Heirloom Acres Seeds
T = Twinleaf
BI = Botanical Interests
Seed List for Fall 2007-Early Spring 2008 Vegetable Garden
Lettuces:
Brown Dutch, T
Four Seasons, SOC
Sucrine, SOC
Other Greens:
Apollo Arugula, SSE
Broadstem Green Chard, SOC
Di Cicco Broccoli, SOC
Dinosaur Kale (Cavalo Nero), SOC
Monnopa Spinach, SSE
Tatsoi, HA
Legumes:
Sugar Snap Peas, SOC and BI
Windsor Fava Bean, BI
Carrots:
Red Core Chantenay, SOC
Thumbelina, HA
Other Root Crops:
Detroit Dark Red Beet, SOC
Golden Ball Turnip, HA
Harris Model Parsnip, BC
Laurentian Rutabaga, BC
Garlic:
The Warm Winter Mix from Gourmet Garlic Gardens (I haven't received my order yet, so I don't know the exact strains that Bob Anderson, aka The Garlicmeister, will send me, but the mix includes Asian, Artichoke, and Marble Purple Stripe varieties as well as two Creole varieties.)
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Right now, with the rain flying slantways and a cool breeze blowing, I can practically smell the turnips and rutabagas tossed with garlic cloves, salt, olive oil and thyme roasting in my oven. What do you crave?
Right now, with the rain flying slantways and a cool breeze blowing, I can practically smell the turnips and rutabagas tossed with garlic cloves, salt, olive oil and thyme roasting in my oven. What do you crave?
Comments
I'm loving your recipes!
What do I crave when the rain's falling sideways (which is fairly frequently in the Highlands!)? Tea and toast for breakfast, chunky minestrone for lunch and risotto with leeks and taleggio for dinner. Comfort food. :)
Well, you've got a lot of greenery going on, so I would suggest anything that involved braising them. Cavalo Nero, sliced and slowly braised with a little oil, some garlic and a spoonful of stock for about 30 minutes. Yum. With white beans on toast. Same for the chard with the addition of a handful of arugula and cilantro if you can find it.
And as for that photo at the top? Beautiful.
Corrina: Thanks! I'm so happy you enjoyed the mac and cheese. I've got some good ones up my sleeve that I'll be pulling out in the next few weeks. What did you decide to bake in the rainy weather?
Wendy: Risotto. Oh goodness. You know, I love risotto, but I've never made it myself? I feel an experiment coming on . . ..
Shaun: Sorry you missed the stormy weather. I think you would have really enjoyed it. Yes--arugula--you and I are both great arugula fans. I also love some beets, and I'm looking forward to finding new ways of cooking them this winter.
The Passionate Palate: Where do you get your rabbit? I've had it but never cooked it, and I wouldn't even know where to find it.
Lucy: Good news: warm weather is coming. It isn't far away for you and then you can relish it with its longer days and glorious evenings, when they do roll around. I can't wait to make that filo pie you posted when my chard comes in.
Elle: How do you make your roasted garlic dressing? You've piqued my curiousity.
I am so excited that you put the list of seeds in your post. Now I can check out some new areas to purchase my seeds. I look forward to the progress of your garden and the wonderful goodies that you harvest!
I'm sensing a trend here!
I hope the weather clears up for you soon!
Ann: Ah, a green garlic fan, I see. I think I'm a garlic in any state fan, but green garlic certainly is something special. I'll let you know how it grows.
eatinla@gmail.com
eatinla@blogspot.com
Westie: I have tons of ideas for you. I'll email you personally with the names of some helpful books, and I have plans for posting lots more great ideas on this site. I hope I can help you get your garden in the ground.