Life Happens!

Salad Box or Table grow many leafy greens which can be harvested to be used in salads and sandwiches. To harvest, use scissors to cut most or all plants at their bases near the growing mix, removing outermost leaves so inner ones will reseed for another harvest in 3-4 weeks.

Succession planting transforms any garden into an ongoing source of salad greens from spring through fall, increasing harvestable greens per square foot even during short growing seasons. Staggering sowings of quick crops like radishes and lettuces is another effective strategy that dramatically expands harvestable greens per area planted.

Rosemary may be tough but still susceptible to pests and disease, such as overwatering or poor soil drainage, nutrient imbalances or insect infestation.

Rosemary, an evergreen drought-tolerant herb, can thrive in zones 8 through 10, though varieties known as Arp and Hills Hardy (also called Madalene Hill) are known for being extra hardy even down in zones 6. Central Illinois gardeners sometimes attempt to overwinter rosemary outdoors by placing it against walls for protection before applying a thick layer of mulch after frost has hit.

Rosemary plants require regular pruning to avoid becoming woody and unsightly, as well as allow gardeners to shape it into elegant topiaries and hedges. Pruning also gives gardeners the opportunity to add classic topiaries or create low-growing hedges out of rosemary plants.

Rosemary is an easy herb to propagate with cuttings purchased at your supermarket or by planting cuttings yourself. Once established, its hardy evergreen shrub form provides texture, color and fragrance to beds, borders, containers and kitchen gardens alike.

Rosemary thrives indoors when planted into an appropriate pot that fits its size, as well as through regular trimming.

Basil thrives in warm conditions. Protecting it from harsh winter weather by moving it indoors allows it to continue producing fresh leaves with flavorful taste.

Basil deserves more than being chopped quickly for salads or added as an ingredient in tomato sauce. The location and method of harvesting greatly impact its taste, and proper handling and storage help preserve its delicate leaves.

Preserving herbs such as basil, rosemary and medicinal leaves for maximum longevity & potency requires various preservation methods like refrigeration, freezing or oil infusion to extend their shelf life significantly.

Leaves

Proper harvesting extends basil’s life and enhances its flavor, as well as encouraging regrowth and increasing yield. Understanding growth patterns simplifies harvesting while gentle cutting promotes regrowth while decreasing stress. Avoid common mistakes for success – basil grows quickly with proper care!

Winter squash variety with fine-grained, sweet flesh enclosed within a thick rind. Stores well.

Kabocha squash is an autumn delight with dark green skin that features slightly knobbly patches. The orange-tinged, nutty flesh tastes similar to both butternut squash and sweet potatoes.