News from Bob's Market & Greenhouses, Inc.

Issue 12.12

March 22, 2012

Is Spring Really Here?

Earlier this week I chatted with WSAZ's Josh Fitzpatrick about some of this weird weather we've been having. Right now we are experiencing temperatures that we normally don't get to enjoy until May, but will these temperatures last or is this just a fluke. You might find Josh's insight helpful when it comes to planning your spring planting.

Click Here to Read More>>

Now is the Time to Plant Trees!

Did you know that there are only two times during the year that is the best for planting trees? Right now is a great time along with in the fall. Our first shipment of trees just arrived this week, and the weather is perfect for planting!

For more information on how to plant trees and shrubs check out our blog post from this past fall:

Click Here for Tips On Planting Trees and Shrubs>>

March 2012

1st Seeds Planted Now Tend To Rot In The Ground.

2nd-4th Best Planting Days For Aboveground Crops, Especially Peas, Beans, Cucumbers And Squash, Where Climate Is Suitable. Plant Seedbeds And Flower Gardens.

5th-8th A Most Barren Period, Best For Killing Plant Pests Or Doing Chores Around The Farm.

9th-11th Favorable Days For Planting Root Crops, Fine For Sowing Hay, Fodder Crops, And Grains. Plant Flowers.

12th-13th Excellent Time For Planting Root Crops That Can Be Planted Now, And For Starting Seedbeds. Good Days For Transplanting.

14th-16th Poor Planting Days.

17th-18th Any Root Crops That Can Be Planted Now Will Do Well.

19th-20th A Barren Period, Best Suited For Killing Pests. Do Plowing And Cultivating.

21st-22nd Favorable Planting Days: First Day For Beets, Carrots, Radishes, Salsify, Turnips, Peanuts, And Other Root Crops. Good Day For Transplanting. Last Day For Aboveground Crops. Both Days Good For Planting Cucumbers, Melons, Pumpkins And Other Vine Crops, And For Setting Strawberry Plants.

23rd-24th Cultivate And Spray, But Do No Planting.

25th-27th Favorable For Planting Crops Bearing Yield Above The Ground.

28th-29th Seeds Planted Now Will Rot In The Ground.

30th-31st Best Planting Days For Aboveground Crops, Especially Peas, Beans, Cucumbers And Squash, Where Climate Is Suitable. Plant Seedbeds And Flower Gardens.

Uncle Jim's Almanac is based on the age-old method of using the moon to determine fertile and barren periods. It can be used in any region where the climate is suitable for growing.

"He that speaks much, is much mistaken."

-Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack, 1736

Swiss Chard Soup

by: John Morgan

With this year's mild winter I was lucky enough to have a patch of Swiss Chard survive the cold. An added bonus is that the cold also mellowed the flavor of it, making it on of the tastiest batches I've ever grown. Many folks avoid growing Swiss Chard because they don't know what to do with it. Here is one of my favorite recipes:

Ingredients
-1 md Onion; chopped
-2 Ribs celery; chopped
-2 Garlic cloves; minced
-4 Cups Red potatoes; (cubed, skin on)
-1 md Carrot; cut in chunks
-1 Bay leaf
-5 Cups Vegetable stock
-4 Cups Chopped Swiss chard
-1/4 Cups Chopped fresh parsley
-2 TS Dried thyme; crushed
-1/2 TS Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation
In a soup pot, saute onions, celery and garlic until softened - about 5 minutes. Add potatoes, carrot, bay leaf and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Add Swiss chard, parsley, thyme and cook an additional 10 minutes. Add black pepper. Remove from heat.