avatarDan Pfeifer

Summary

The Trusty Gardener discusses the slow but steady progress in a Central NY garden, with a focus on the successful harvest of Pak Choi and the planting of cold-tolerant vegetables amidst unpredictable spring weather and frost.

Abstract

The article titled "The Trusty Gardener-Slow But Steady Progress in the Garden-Harvesting Pak Choi" reflects on the gardening journey in Central NY, where despite the slow progress due to late frosts, there have been successful harvests, particularly of Pak Choi. The author shares their experience with planting a variety of cold-tolerant vegetables such as Banana fingerling potatoes, Ailsa Craig and Cipollini onions, French Breakfast Radish, Swiss Chard Rainbow Blend, and several types of lettuce, including Blushed Butter Oak and Pinetree Lettuce Mix. The author emphasizes the importance of selecting bolt-resistant varieties, as evidenced by the success with Brisk Green Pak Choi and the bolting of Chinese Cabbage. The gardener has employed both traditional and alternative methods, like the straw method for potato planting, to cope with the region's unpredictable spring weather. Future plans include planting tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and other warm-season crops after Memorial Day.

Opinions

  • The author is satisfied with the growth and flavor of the Brisk Green Pak Choi, which did not bolt as expected.
  • There is a preference for bolt-resistant varieties due to the unpredictable spring weather in Central NY.
  • The straw method for planting potatoes is considered an interesting and effective alternative to traditional trench planting.
  • The author expresses excitement about trying new onion varieties, Ailsa Craig Exhibition and Bianca Di Maggio Cipollini, and is hopeful for their success.
  • The author values the aesthetic and culinary benefits of the Swiss Chard Rainbow Blend and the unique coloration of the Blushed Butter Oak Lettuce.
  • The Pinetree Lettuce Mix is appreciated for its diversity, offering a range of colors, textures, tastes, and maturation times suitable for both full-sized heads and baby greens.
  • Anticipation is expressed for the upcoming planting of a wider variety of vegetables after the busy Memorial Day weekend.

The Trusty Gardener-Slow But Steady Progress in the Garden-Harvesting Pak Choi

Will the Frost Ever End/I Have to Remind Myself That It’s Still May in Central NY

Planting Banana Fingerling Potatoes Using the Straw Method/Author Photos

Welcome back. Slow and steady wins the race they say. Progress in the garden certainly has been slow thus far or so it seems. However, I did harvest some Pak Choi that my wife used in some Wonton soup. But as the title mentions, it still is May and frost here in Central NY is not unusual through the end of May. Last night we had another light frost. Hopefully, this is the last one! I stated the same in the article I wrote last week:

The First Harvest-Pak Choi

Toward the end of April, I set up the cold frame in the lower garden and planted Chinese Cabbage, Pak Choi, Kale, and Romaine Lettuce. About a week ago, I picked some of the Pak Choi which grew nicely. The Chineses Cabbage bolted, which happened last year as well. It still can be used, however, it didn’t form heads as it should. The Pak Choi grew as advertised and was delicious in the Wonton Soup my wife made.

Pak Choi Harvest/Author Photos

The variety I grew was Brisk Green Pak Choi (Hybrid Variety) from Pinetree Garden Seeds. This type was supposed to be resistant to bolting and it did not bolt, as is a problem I have encountered with Asian greens and even kale and lettuce. As I mentioned above, the Chinese Cabbage bolted. Last year the Pak Choi (a different variety) did as well. Moving forward I will look for bolt-resistant types. Even in a cold frame, bolting can occur since Spring weather is unpredictable with wide temperature swings.

Planting Potatoes, Onions, Radishes, Swiss Chard, and Lettuce

Over the last week, I did make progress in the garden. If you notice, these are all cold-tolerant vegetables since it still is early in the growing season. Except maybe the potatoes, but by the time they sprout, the danger of frost will have passed.

  • Banana Potatoes

In my auxiliary garden (I have 3 gardens), I planted Banana potatoes last Saturday, a fingerling variety. This variety has yellow flesh and is a late variety. I planted these using the straw method, as opposed to the traditional method of planting the seed potatoes in trenches (6 to 8 inches deep. The potato sets are cut so each contains at least 2 eyes and are simply placed on top of the soil. They are then covered with a few inches of straw.

Banan Fingerling Potato Sets/Author Photo

More straw is gradually added during the season as the plants grow taller. This ensures that the newly forming potatoes are covered so they don’t turn green from exposure to the sun. This is an interesting alternative to the traditional method that has worked well for me. In my last article, I wrote about planting Eva and Yukon Gold potatoes using the traditional method.

  • Ailsa Craig and Cipollini Onions (Pinetree Garden Seeds)

Also last Saturday, I planted Ailsa Craig Exhibition and Cipollini onion plants that I started from seed. I am looking forward to trying these onions in addition to the yellow (Stuttgarter type) onions I planted a few weeks ago using sets. I also ordered these seeds from Pinetree Garden Seeds.

Ailsa Craig Exhibition Onion Plants/Author Photo

Ailsa Craig is a British heirloom that produces large sweet onions. I am looking forward to trying these. I’m hoping they are similar to the Yellow Sweet Spanish variety that I love to grow.

Bianca Di Maggio Cipolinni is an Italian heirloom that produces flattened disk-shaped bulbs that are also sweet. They are good for roasting and kabobs.

  • French Breakfast Radish (Pinetree Garden Seeds)

An heirloom from 1879, these are elongated radishes with red tops and a white tip.

Author Photo
  • Swiss Chard Rainbow Blend (Pinetree Garden Seeds)

The name says it all. The stems of this variety can be yellow, red, orange, white, or pink. These colors will brighten any dish.

  • Blushed Butter Oak Lettuce (Pinetree Garden Seeds)

I'm looking forward to trying this lettuce, as the leaves are shaded with a blush-red color. Also known for cold hardiness.

  • Pinetree Lettuce Mix (Pinetree Garden Seeds)

Description from the Pinetree Garden Seeds website:

The Pinetree Lettuce Mix includes over a half dozen varieties that we offer. A couple of each of loose leaf, butterhead, and romaine types with a variety of colors, textures, tastes, and maturation times. We like to grow this mix not just for full-sized heads but for baby greens as well.

What Will I Plant Next?

After the busy Memorial Day weekend, I will work on planting the tomato and pepper plants I started from seed. And much more including cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, beans, carrots, sunflowers, and more.

Stay tuned for more articles.

Gardening
Vegetables
Organic
Life
Homesteading
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