Botanical Name Spearmint

Common Name Mentha spicata

Plant Type Herbaceous Perennial

Mature Size 18-36 inches

Sun Exposure Full Sun- Part Shade

Soil Type Well-draining, rich, moist soil

Soil pH Neutral

Bloom Time Summer

Flower Color Lavender

Hardiness Zones Zones 4 - 10, USA

Native Area Europe and Asia

Botanical Name Mentha × piperita

Common Name Peppermint

Plant Type Herbaceous perennial

Mature Size 1-2 ft. wide, 1-2 ft. tall

Sun Exposure Full sun

Soil Type Adaptable except extremely dry

Soil pH Adaptable

Bloom Time July to August

Flower Color Pink

Hardiness Zones 5-9

Native Area Europe

A leafy vegetable with large, light green , round leaves and red nervures in the center. Tolerant to heat but not cold.

This variety has large, light green, round leaves and red nervures in the center. The plant produces a high yield of tender leaves even in warmer weather. Amaranth will tolerate hot, dry and moist condition but will not thrive in cold temperatures.  

Day to maturity: around 40 days. 

Leaf shape : round

Cold tolerance : Excellent

Heat tolerance : Excellent

Harvest from sowing : 25 days

Optimal temperatures : 25~35℃

Optimal temperatures (Fahrenheit) : 77 - 95

Amaranth has many common names: Chinese spinach, edible amaranth, bayan (Malaysia and Indonesia), Calaloo (Caribbean), klaroen (Surinam),Xian cai (Mandarin) Yin choi/in tsoi (Cantonese) Hi-yu-na, Jave hohrensoh (Japanese). Its’ origins are in the tropics of the Carribbean, Asian and African, but now has spread all over the world. They are exceptionally nutritious plants, and from ancient times, seed and leaves of cultivated and wild forms have been used by man for food, medicine and animal fodder. Many exhibit striking colors in leaves and flowers and have been grown as ornamental plants in the west. Known as Red Calaloo in the Caribbean, it has medium green, oval to heart-shaped leaves that are overlaid with burgundy red. Comparable to spinach in taste, the leaves are a good source of dietary fiber and contain high amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is often used in soups. For practical purposes the Amaranthus species can be divided into the following groups according to their main use today: leafy Amaranths, grain Amaranths, decorative Amaranths and weeds. Because the leaves of all Amaranths are edible, all can be considered a vegetable. The leafy Amaranths are the best for cultivating. They are erect, branching, short lived annuals with an average height of about 35cm-150cm when flowering. Leaves are soft textured and go limp quickly after being picked. Both the leaves and stems are edible and delicious. The flavor can be described as ‘like artichokes’ and ’spinach with a bit of a twang’. 

Straightneck squash is a cultivated variety of Cucurbita pepo grown as a type of summer squash that is usually yellow-colored. It is also known as yellow squash, though other squashes, such as crookneck squash, may also be known by that name.

This yellow squash has been the standard for squash for generations.

Uses

Tastes great served raw with dips or fresh in salads. Delicious when steamed or stir-fried. Wonderful when wrapped in foil and roasted on the grill. Wash fruits, vegetables and herbs thoroughly before eating.

Early prolific squash highly adaptable to many areas. Tastiest harvested when squash are 7" long or smaller

This heirloom beet is most notable for its striking deep pink and white spirals, and the beet adds a beautiful pop of color to salads and soups.

Eat beets raw in a fresh salad to add a bit of earthy crunch.

Roast or steam beets—this softens the beet and changes the flavor profile, making it a perfect accompaniment for barley, rice or other savory side dishes. Goats cheese is also a particularly popular addition to any roasted beet salad.

Saute beets with a mix of other veggies to add a jolt of color to any stir fry.

Pickled adds a burst of flavor ideal to accompany a main dish, or as a main salad ingredient.

Popular flower for bedding and great plant for full sun. Very easy to grow, loves heat, and tolerates heavy rain. Vibrant color mix. 

Zinnias are annuals, shrubs, and sub-shrubs native primarily to North America, with a few species in South America. Most species have upright stems but some have a lax habit with spreading stems that mound over the surface of the ground. They typically range in height from 10 to 100 cm tall (4" to 40").

Pansy 'Swiss Giants Mix' seed mix is a large-flowered, heirloom pansy that comes in a mix of blue, orange, purple, red, white and yellow. Flowers have a contrasting, dark blotch. Pansies are perennials but are generally treated as annuals. They are quite cold resistant, and the flowers are edible.

Nasturtium Jewel Mix

Jewel Mix produces edible 2" double blooms in jewel tones of light yellow, orange, and deep red. This hardy annual will flower all summer long with bright flowers that are held well above the foliage for an impressive color display. The edible foliage is unique with circular deep green leaves that have light-colored veins radiating from the center. 

Jewel Mix Nasturtium seeds can be planted directly into the garden soil.

Sow seed directly into the garden in late spring to early summer or start seeds indoors in pots 4-6 weeks before spring frost danger has ended. 

Plant seeds 1” deep (they need darkness to germinate) and 10-12” apart. Soak the seed overnight to enhance germination. They should come up in 7-10 days depending on the soil temperature and grow quickly in warm weather. Do not fertilize, except on extremely poor soil, as fertilization will promote leaf growth and suppress flowering. 

Although they like dry soils and will tolerate drought, water them during the entire growing season to keep them blooming. This edible plant is very colorful and attractive in window boxes, hanging baskets, or rock gardens. Picking the flowers will prolong blooming. Plants can grow to a height of 16" tall and grow in full sun or partial shade. 

This old-fashioned cultivar of the species has a mounding habit and grows up to 18 inches tall and a foot wide. From summer to frost, it bears blossoms in shades of yellow, red, and orange which are held clear above the foliage.

Noteworthy Characteristics

These annuals are native to South America. They are suitable for garden edges, herb gardens, covering banks, hanging baskets, and other containers. The leaves and flowers are edible.

Care

Provide moist, well-drained soil in full sun. T. majus flowers best when grown in lean soil.