News from Bob's Market & Greenhouses, Inc.

Issue 12.15

April 12, 2012

Frost Tolerant Annuals

There are quite a few annuals that are often overlooked that can survive a mild frost. If you just can't wait a few more weeks to add some colors to your landscape, check out some of the cool plants!

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APRIL 2012

1st-4th Grub Out Weeds, Briars, And Plant Pests.
5th-7th First Day Good For Planting Corn, Melons, Squash, Tomatoes, And Other Aboveground Crops. Last Days Favorable For Planting Root Crops. All Days Favorable For Sowing Grains, Hay And Fodder Crops, And Planting Flowers.
8th-9th Good Days For Planting Beets, Carrots, Radishes, Turnips, Peanuts, And Root Crops. Also Good For Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Kale, Celery, And Other Leafy Vegetables. Start Seedbeds. Good Days For Transplanting.
10th-12th Barren Period. Do No Planting.
13th-14th Favorable Days For Planting Beets, Carrots, Turnips, Radishes, Onions, And Root Crops.
15th-17th Excellent Time To Kill Weeds, Briars, Poison Ivy, And Plant Pests.
18th-19th Favorable Days For Planting Root Crops, Extra Good For Vine Crops. Set Strawberry Plants. Good Days For Transplanting.
20th-21st Poor Planting Day. Break Ground Or Cultivate.
22nd-23rd Favorable Days For Planting Beans, Corn, Cotton, Tomatoes, Peppers, And Aboveground Crops.
24th-25th Poor Days For Planting, Seeds Will Rot In The Ground.
26th-27th Plant Tomatoes, Beans, Peppers, Corn, Cotton, And Other Aboveground Crops. Plant Seedbeds. Start Flower Gardens.
28th-30th Grub Out Weeds, Briars, And Other Plant Pests.

Uncle Jim's Almanac is based on the age-old method of using the moon as a planting guide. It can be applied to any region of the US where planting is favorable.

"God heals, and the Doctor takes the Fees."

-Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack, 1736

Ramp and Potato Soup
by: John Morgan

Ramps grow from South Carolina to Canada, and in many areas they're considered a spring delicacy and even a reason for celebration. West Virginia is well-known for their many festivals and events in celebration of the ramp. The flavor and odor of ramps is usually compared to a combination of onions and garlic, and the garlic odor is particularly strong. Strong enough, in fact, that even ramp-lovers will advise caution. If you sit down to a big meal of ramps, don't be surprised if people continue to keep their distance after a few days have passed!

Cautions aside, ramps add wonderful and uniquely pungent flavor to soups, egg dishes, casseroles, rice dishes and potato dishes. Use them raw or cooked in any recipe calling for scallions or leeks, or cook them in a more traditional way, scrambled with eggs or fried with potatoes. Since ramps aren't cultivated in the way leeks are, they're much easier to clean. Just cut off roots, rinse thoroughly, and scrub off any excess dirt on the bulbs.

Ingredients

-4 to 6 Slice of Bacon

-4 cups, Chopped Ramps (with greens)

-4 to 5 cups, Diced Red Potatoes

-3 tablespoons, Flour

-4 cups, Chicken Broth

-1 cup, Heavy Cream

-Cheese (optional)

-Salt & Pepper to Taste

Directions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, fry bacon until crispy; set bacon aside. Add ramps and potatoes to the skillet; fry on medium-low heat until ramps are tender. Sprinkle with flour; stir until flour is absorbed. Stir in chicken broth; simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in the cream and heat thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with crispy bacon and cheese.