News from Bob's Market & Greenhouses, Inc.

Issue 12.16

April 19, 2012

Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox produces a colorful spring carpet of soft pastel hues. The great thing about creeping phlox is its easy care. You don't need to be a professional gardener to enjoy its beauty.

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Strawberry Growing Tips

Strawberries are among the most widely grown fruit in the home garden. Strawberries prefer a well-drained soil, high in organic matter. They need full sun for the highest yields, at least 6 hours per day. Do not plant strawberries where peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and potatoes have been grown. These plants could harbor verticillium wilt, a serious strawberry disease. Strawberries need about one inch of water per week during the growing season.

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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

Sauteed Swiss Chard

This past winter I was lucky enough to have some Swiss Chard survive through the winter. The mild winter also helped give it a wonderful mild flavor. I am always on the lookout for new ways to prepare Swiss Chard. If your not familiar with Swiss Chard, it is a leafy green with colorful stalks that is a member of the beet family.

Ingredients

-2 tablespoons butter

-2 tablespoons olive oil

-1 tablespoon minced garlic

-1/2 small red onion, diced

-1 bunch Swiss chard, stems and center ribs cut out and chopped together, leaves coarsely chopped separately

-1/2 cup dry white wine

-1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste

-2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

-salt to taste (optional)

Directions

Melt butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic and onion, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chard stems and the white wine. Simmer until the stems begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chard leaves, and cook until wilted. Finally, stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese; season to taste with salt if needed.