Navy beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris, are small, oval-shaped beans that are a popular and versatile member of the legume family. They are often referred to as navy beans due to their association with the United States Navy, where they were a staple food for sailors in the 19th century. These beans have a rich history dating back to ancient times when they were cultivated by indigenous peoples in the Americas. They were later introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers and became an essential part of global cuisine. Navy beans have a mild, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture when cooked. They are known for their ability to absorb the flavors of the ingredients they are cooked with, making them a favorite in soups, stews, and baked bean dishes. These beans are typically small, about half an inch in length, and are usually white or off-white in color, although there are variations with speckled or colored coats. In terms of plant characteristics, navy bean plants are relatively compact, reaching a height of about 18 to 24 inches. They have a bushy growth habit and produce small, white or lavender flowers before developing pods that contain the beans. Navy beans typically take around 80 to 90 days to reach maturity, making them a relatively quick-growing crop. They thrive in well-drained soil with good moisture retention and prefer full sun for optimal growth. Adequate spacing and support may be needed to ensure healthy plant development, and they are generally grown as annuals in most regions.
The Amiga Beit Alpha is a great cucumber for markets as it is a good greenhouse cucumber variety! This variety is a refreshing cucumber that has a very sweet taste. When harvested small, the Amiga Beit Alpha can be eaten with skin as it is very delicate. This cucumber variety is very popular variety in different Mediterranean dishes and now becoming popular with Americans because of the fruits fine flavor and high yields. The Amiga Beit Alpha cucumbers are also burpless and have great shelf life.
The Homemade Pickles is a trusted heirloom cucumber great for pickling at home. This variety is the most popular pickling cucumber raised by home gardeners and pickle lovers! The Homemade Pickles Cucumber, also known as the Southern Homemade Pickles Cucumber, is a very vigorous bush type plants and is very resistant to common cucumber diseases and produces a large abundance of wonderful little, medium green colored cucumbers. This variety produces over a long season and is ideal for container gardening or growing where space is very limited!
The Golden Zebra F1 Squash is a bright golden yellow summer squash variety with orange stripes that has an excellent flavor. This unique squash is a medium length that is very slender and grows on bushy 24-36 inch plants. Harvest the Golden Zebra when they are 7-8 inches long or smaller for baby use.
The Kikuza is a unique, pumpkin-like delicious Japanese heirloom squash. This variety can grow to be a large 5 lbs. with an orange ribbed rind, with a thick, juicy, spicy and tender flesh. The Kikuza has a wonderful flavor and is great baked or roasted.
The California Blackeye #46 is similar to California Blackeye #5, but with smaller seeds. Bred by the UCLA and released in 1987. California Blackeye #46 plants are more erect than California Blackeye #5. The seeds are a typical blackeye type of Southern peas with cream-colored seed coats and black pigments around the eyes. Â Heavy yielder. If using for Nitrogen fixation we highly recommend using a cowpea inoculant. Try with cowpea inoculant for maximum Nitrogen fixation.
The Moon and Stars Watermelon is a popular heirloom variety that is named for its yellow "moon" and "stars" skin pattern! This mouth watering watermelon was introduced by the Henderson seed company in 1926. Ever since its introduction, this variety has been a staple for many gardeners. The Moon and Stars Watermelon has a deep green skin with lots of yellow "stars" and a few "moons" with a red, juicy and sweet flesh.
The Marion Tomato is a great tasting, bright red Rutgers variety that is perfect for slicing and fresh eating in a salad or on a sandwich. This variety is earlier and more disease resistant and crack resistant than other tomatoes.
The Bride eggplant gets its name for its long white and purple blush appearance and white, tender flesh. This variety is very similar to the White Comet, however the Bride is open-pollinated. This Oriental eggplant has a delicate eggplant taste and is bitter free. Bride can be eaten fresh if picked young.
The Goldetti F1 Squash is a cylindrical golden orange winter squash variety with a dry stringy flesh resembling long, thin pasta. These 11 inch long squashes are ready to harvest when the skin becomes hardened and will keep for up to six months. The Goldetti is a wonderful pasta substitute and is best prepared whole in the microwave or baked.
The Lincoln Pea is an extra tender variety with a sweet flavor and high yields. This pea variety was introduced just after World War II during the peace time. Lincoln quickly became a popular home garden variety due to its versatility, as it can be eaten fresh, froze or canned. Its pods can reach 4-5" in length and are full of 6-9 sweet, tender peas. Lincoln does well in heat and should have a small pea fence or some sort of support or its vines.
The Micro Tom Tomato is the perfect little cherry tomato variety for growing in tight places, ideal for windowsills and patios! This unusual, tiny plant grows to be just 4" tall. This variety produces good yields of tiny sized red tomatoes that everyone will love, especially kids!
The Parris Island Cos is an heirloom romaine lettuce that is great for home and market gardens. This variety is a great lettuce commonly used for baby leaf production. Parris Island Cos is a fast maturing lettuce that makes an excellent tasting head. Its uniform upright, grey-green heads are 8-12" tall and have slightly savory leaves and are medium-slow to bolt.
Frisee endive seeds yield a distinctive and attractive leafy green known for its curly, fringed leaves and crisp texture. Frisee, also referred to as chicory or frisée, features a unique appearance with its lacy, yellow-green foliage that adds both visual appeal and a touch of bitterness to salads. The plant forms a loose rosette of leaves that are slightly ruffled and have a crisp bite, making it a popular choice for adding texture and a complex flavor profile to dishes. Frisee endive is valued for its versatility in the kitchen, offering a zesty contrast to sweeter vegetables and fruits. It grows well in cooler weather and is relatively easy to cultivate, thriving in well-drained soil with consistent moisture. This leafy green is also known for its health benefits, being rich in vitamins and minerals while adding a gourmet touch to salads and garnishes.
Buttercrunch lettuce seeds produce a popular variety known for its crisp, tender leaves and sweet, buttery flavor. This heirloom variety features thick, light green leaves that form a loose, rosette shape, making it visually appealing in the garden and on the plate. Buttercrunch lettuce is known for its ability to tolerate heat better than many other lettuces, which allows for extended growing seasons. The leaves are slightly wavy and have a delicate texture, making them perfect for salads, sandwiches, and wraps. They also hold up well in dressings, adding a delightful crunch. When grown from seed, Buttercrunch lettuce typically germinates quickly, with seedlings developing into lush heads in a relatively short time. It thrives in cooler weather, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall gardens. Overall, Buttercrunch lettuce seeds offer a reliable and delicious option for home gardeners seeking to enjoy fresh, homegrown greens!
The Peter, aka Willy, Pepper gets it's name, well because of what it resembles! This variety is an old heirloom that is grown as much for its shock value as it is for for its culinary value. Peter is an excellent pepper for chili powder! Its pods are 4-6 inches long with blunt ends that resemble a mans private area, no joke!
American Purple Top rutabaga is a classic root vegetable known for its striking appearance and robust flavor. This variety features a round, bulbous shape with a creamy yellow flesh and a distinctive purple crown on the top, making it visually appealing in the garden and on the plate. Traditionally grown in North America, American Purple Top rutabagas have a slightly sweet and earthy taste, with a texture that becomes tender when cooked. They thrive in cooler climates and are typically harvested after about 90-100 days, making them ideal for fall and winter dishes. Rich in nutrients, this versatile vegetable can be enjoyed roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews, adding depth and flavor to a variety of culinary creations.
The Pinto bean is a great tasting bean, very popular in many Mexican dishes! The Pinto bean plant is a half-runner type that produces 20 inch plants with light tan seeds with brown speckles. Eat young when green for delicious flavor. Great bean for using for refried beans.
