Spring veggies and herbs are going to seed.....

Kale flowering

Monday, May 13, 2013

As the days get warmer, the cold season crops are starting to follow nature’s call and go to seed, or “bolt” as it is called.  You can either harvest or let them flower and seed to save for fall or spring.

Those that are bolting in our garden-spinach, French sorrel, Salad Burnet, kale, chard, and cilantro.  When they send up their stalk, they are making their seeds.  Many will resprout if left.  

This is also an excellent time to cut the stalk and place in a paper bag to dry.  Then, you will have your own seeds for fall and next spring to replant for free.  After the seeds are completely dry, put them in labelled freezer baggies and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.  

I have seeds that are 8 years old and still sprout.  If you want to test if they will germinate, you can do what my Granny used to do.  She would put seeds between sheets of paper towels and keep damp in a warm spot.  If they sprouted, she knew they were good to use in the garden!