Posted by Maggie
Debbie Monchamp met me out at the fairgrounds with herbs she collected from Bailey's Nursery in St. Paul - http://www.baileynurseries.com/
They were giving away plants to community gardens. The herbs she brought for us are Lemon Balm, Basil, Thyme, Savory, Fennel, and two fun mint varieties, Chocolate and Banana!
Important to know about herbs - they should be kept clipped back and in most cases, not allowed to blossom. So, when you are visiting your garden space, please bring scissors with you, snip a bit of this and that to dry or freeze for later use - or use it fresh! Best to collect herbs as well as fruits and vegetables, early in the morning.
Here is link to information on drying and freezing herbs: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/nutrition/00018.html
Ellie and Stafford and Terri arrived a little later and we gave them a chive plant to put in one of their gardens. As a hardy perennial, we can leave it in the raised bed over winter or it can be transplanted into a home garden in the fall.
The Fennel is planted in one of the straw bales since it isn't very friendly with other plants. The mints are planted in pots since mint loves to take over any garden. They are hardy perennials also so we will be able to divide some in the fall to transplant in our own gardens if we so choose.
We also planted the potato barrel! I can't wait to see how it does.
Ellie's cauliflower is beginning show heads (actually called "curds")! I have not seen cauliflower growing before. Very impressive!
Tip for Ellie: Blanching Cauliflower
The heads are covered, or "blanched", for two reasons. Covering the heads helps protect it from rotting. It also helps to produce the white color and improve flavor.
Blanch the heads as soon as the curd gets 2-4 inches in diameter. This is done by covering the head with the large leaves just below the head. Use garden twine to tie the leaves loosely around the head. The object is to protect the head from light and water, while letting air in. As the head grows, loosen and re-tie the leaves, as necessary. http://www.gardenersnet.com/vegetable/cauliflower.htm
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