Category Archives: herbs

Final harvesting of basil

Posted on 16 October 2011 by Debra

Harvesting in the rain is bone-chilling. However, today is probably the last chance to bring in the basil. Good chance, after today’s rain and tonight’s low 40 degree temperature, the basil will wilt by tomorrow morning. I’m sure you’ve all … Continue reading →

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Scarlet runner beans

Posted on 6 October 2011 by Debra

I’ve grown scarlet runner beans as ornament for years. They attract humming birds — and certainly did again this year, and are very beautiful and colorful when in full bloom in late summer and fall. I just learned, however, that … Continue reading →

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Indian summer

Posted on 4 October 2011 by Debra

Indian summer is always bitter-sweet. The days warm after a cold snap but only for a short spell: winter approaches, and the growing season nears its end. Perhaps, this special window of warm, sunny fall weather is called Indian summer … Continue reading →

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Early harvest: tomatoes and basil

Posted on 15 September 2011 by Debra

When the average temperature in Chicago this date is 74 degrees, we know it’s an early fall today. Last night dipped into the 40s and today the high will be in the low 50s, warming up to high 50s and … Continue reading →

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Green beans, part two

Posted on 8 September 2011 by Debra

There are two good reasons to pick green beans often. First, when you pick the green beans, the plant produces more, extending the growing season into the fall; it’s best to pick every day or two. Second, freshly picked green … Continue reading →

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Sorrel and chives

Posted on 15 August 2011 by Debra

Recently I learned something about sorrel and chives, something they have in common. What I noticed this season  is that they tasted bitter: disappointing when they’d been so delicious previous years.  Assuming they were only good for a couple seasons, … Continue reading →

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Easy herb butters

Posted on 12 August 2011 by Debra

My herb garden is wild this year. So much spilling out and all over each other. There’s too much to write about herbs so here’s a quick entry about something I discovered this year. Alice Waters recommends herb butters which … Continue reading →

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Sweet onions

Posted on 9 August 2011 by Debra

What would good food be without onions? Historians agree that cultivating onions was prevalent over 5,000 years ago but cannot determine where in the world they originated. There are hundreds of varieties of onions, and onions are usually grown by … Continue reading →

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Beets

Posted on 8 August 2011 by Debra

Beets are a treat all season long. In spring, baby beet greens in a salad are tasty and colorful. In late spring, baby beets are small, sweet and delicious, raw or cooked. By midsummer, beets are at their peak, I … Continue reading →

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Baby beet greens and romaine

Posted on 10 June 2011 by Debra

Although the spinach and cutting lettuce turned bitter tasting in the heat early this week, you can still enjoy a great salad from your garden. The romaine head lettuce still tastes sweet so combine it with young chard greens. While … Continue reading →

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