What I'm Growing this Spring

With March already over, I'm welcoming the spring rains and warm breezes that come with April. The long winter is behind us and so are the frosty nights and gray, snowy days. Winter served her purpose as a time to reflect, gather, plan, and prepare for the growing season. I'm ecstatic to share my garden plans with you for the Spring 2022 Season!

Radishes

This year, I'm planting two unique varieties of radish: Chinese Red Meat (watermelon radish) and an Easter Egg Mix of white, red, pink, purple, even yellow/orange radishes!

These sweet, slightly spicy root veggies are high in phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamins A, and C, and are packed with phytonutrients. More colors on your plate means you're consuming a wider variety of nutrients and are more likely to meet your daily goals.

Carrots

Packed with anthocyanin and other antioxidants, I'm proud to announce that I am growing two unique carrot varieties: Black Nebulae and Purple Dragon.

Black Nebulae are deep purple and have a black juice that is so rich, it's suitable for use as a dye! Purple dragon are pinkish-purple on the outside with a sunburst orange core.

Growing carrots is a little tricky as they require minimally fertile soil, lots of depth, rock and stick-free soil, adequate watering, and lots of light. They're worth the extra sifting, especially when it comes to these funky varieties,

My philosophy is this: why grow ordinary stuff you can get from a farmer's market or grocery store when you can utilize the space and time you have to cultivate something unique! These heirlooms are not only tastier and photogenic, but they're great gifts, conversation starters, and contribute to the overall vibe of your unique garden taste.

Golden Beets

As someone who hates regular purple beets, I am excited to try these non only for their beautiful, sunburst orange hue, but for their delicate, sweet, less pungent flavor (and less chance of staining stuff).

I've had some trouble with beets in the past so I'm hoping for a more successful season this spring. They don't take up much room in the garden but as with any root vegetable, they require quite a bit of nutrition, sunlight, and water.

I'm hoping to try them roasted, in soups, and in a salad with goat cheese, candied nuts, dried cranberries, and a pear vinaigrette!

The possibilities for these orange beauties are endless.

Rutabagas

Another hearty spring and fall root that I am planting for the first time...rutabagas!

These chunky roots are common in soups, roasts, and very similar to turnips.

Fortunately, my seedlings survived 4 inches of unexpected snow and a few frosts. They take about 90-100 days to mature and prefer to ripen in cooler weather, which is why I needed to plant them sooner rather than later.

These are probably the most earthy vegetables I've planted and I've never actually tried one so we'll see how this goes!

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is actually a member of the cabbage family, along with broccoli and kale!

It's mild, earthy, and delicious when dipped in hummus or ranch. It's also super crunchy and a great snack to munch on while socializing before a dinner party or while doing work in the afternoon, say, before dinner time!

When we pair produce with protein and fats, we can better absorb the nutrients available to us in the veggie or fruit. Don't be afraid to whip up some hummus or even dip in good 'ole ranch to add flavor and fun!

Edible Flower Mix

Flowers are not only beautiful to look at, but they offer a spring-time flare to any salad or dish. Looking to impress dinner guests? Just sprinkle some Calendula or Bachelor's Button! Most of them also make for great teas as well.

Let's not forget the importance of attracting pollinators to our garden. Bees love purple and blue hues, while butterflies and hummingbird appreciate a variety of nectar-containing blooms.

Add a pop of color to your garden this year and plant some edible flowers!