grow beets like a pro; plus martha rose shulman's recipe templates (win her book!)  

To thin, or not to thin, my beets? What is it about those oddball seeds (above left)? Can I harvest some greens along the way? And which variety is best? "Beets should not be intimidating," says Brian Campbell of Uprising Seeds, where beets are a specialty. Yet they are daunting to some gardeners, who start indoors (don't!); forget to re-sow for a steady supply; or don't know how easy they are to store longterm. Here's the 101. 

giveaway: ny times columnist's new cookbook 

Think template -- not as in cookie-cutter, but as in a key to culinary empowerment. A dozen or so smart, simple templates (like a frittata, gratin, or risotto), have made possible Martha Rose Shulman's 1,500-plus "Recipes for Health" columns in "The New York Times," and now her 25th book, "The Simple Art of Vegetarian Cooking." Get tips like how to make fluffy grains (not gummy ones), savory bread puddings (above), and a chance to win a copy, all here.

next weekend: open day, plant sale, wildflower lecture

My massive rhubarb (above) and I hope to see you here Saturday, June 7, for my next open garden day, a plant sale by Broken Arrow Nursery, and a special visit by wildflower expert Carol Gracie, who's lecturing then, too, at the local church. Get the details, and your lecture ticket.