The green thumb

Monday, October 29, 2007

Feeling how nippy the air is today, I’m feeling much better about my decision to take the garden down two Saturdays ago...even if I did have to pick a ton of green tomatoes.  Not that I have anything against green tomatoes, mind you.  There’s lots to do with them, other than the now infamous fried green recipe.

green tomato jam
green tomato curry
green tomato sauce
green tomato and lemon marmalade
green tomato soup

Speaking of gardening, I’ve been giving some thought to next year’s garden adventure.  Four varieties of garlic are already in the ground for next year, and I think I’m committed to growing Hakurei turnips.  But lately I’ve been seeing a lot of people participating in the Dark Days Challenge talking about local lentils.  And I’m jealous.

It’s not the easiest thing in the world to find locally grown dried beans around these parts.  I have no idea why.  Every now and then you see them at markets, but not too often.  I grew a variety in the garden a few years ago, so I know it’s not difficult.  So I’ve been thinking maybe it would be a good idea to grow my own supply again.  Of course, my concern with lentils is just growing enough plants to get a decent yield.  So far I have not found much information about that.  Victory Seeds does sell several varieties of lentils.  Perhaps I could email them and ask.

Other than lentils, I’m thinking it might be good to grow Flageolet and White Marrowfat beans.