I came across this article in Garden Design about growing salad greens which provides very good information and planting ideas. Here in Central Oregon, we definetly need to grow produce that harvests quickly since our season is short (officially Memorial Day to Labor Day) and our nights are cool (plants stop growing when the temperature dips below 55 degrees). I have had good luck with cherry tomatoes and I do cover their beds with plastic to reduce nigh heat loss.
The article mentions growing 'Bright Lights' Swiss Chard which is one of those edibles frequently used in combination edible/ornamental gardens since it looks quite stunning with its multi-colored leaves. Consider incorporating this beauty into your garden for this year.
'Bright Lights' Swiss Chard image by OSU Extension
This past year I also had a surprise cucumber. I thought I had planted some squash, the leaves looked the same, but then after our first frost and all the leaves died, I saw I had a cucumber. It was delicious as well. Since cucumber is one of the few vegetables my daughter eats, I will plant many more this year.
Cucumber image by Vegetable Gardening Ideas
I know it is only January but winter is the time for landscape designers and gardeners to plan for the coming season and this warm weather has me itching to get back outside in the garden. I actually did get out today to water some of my plants and it was very, very pleasant.
Let me know what edibles you are planning to add to your garden this year, there is nothing better than home grown goodness!
Growing and maintaining garden salads like these adds to the food stock. Its a great idea like the landscape lighting design to build it.
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