Working from home has greatly improved my work life balance. Instead of spending 2+ hours commuting I can convert that into time in the greenhouse or garden. Instead of burning fuel and wasting resources and revenue driving back and forth to an office, I’m growing plants that provide the best possible nutrition for not only my family but my friends and neighbors. It’s easy to let that extra time slip through your fingers if you are not focused and have a game plan. Spring is coming quickly and if I’m going to have all our starts ready for spring I need to be moving forward everyday!
There are a few more things we are needing to get started in the greenhouse. My plans on Sunday were to get the last of my seed starting done. But the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. We were blessed with having several dear friends drop in to say hi and see the greenhouse. This greenhouse is meant to provide not only food for us and our neighbors but also provide a source of learning for us all. I was more than happy to delay some seeding to share what we have going with good friends.
Today’s progress was to get the last of the lettuce and herbs started. In this first tray I have Tomatillo’s that will give us the best green enchillada sauce ever! Paris Island, Tom Thumb, Red Salad Bowl, Heritage Iceberg, and Black Seeded Simpson lettuce for our hydroponic tanks.
The last tray I got done today was some Catnip/Cat Grass, Parsley, Thyme, Sage, Marjoram, and Oregano. I will be building us an Herb and Medicinal raised bed garden this year!
Make every little moment count added all together they make a big difference!
Parris Island Lettuce
Parris Island Lettuce is a type of romaine lettuce that is widely popular for its crunchy texture and slightly bitter taste. It is named after the location where it was originally cultivated, which is the Marine Corps Recruit Depot located in Parris Island, South Carolina. This lettuce is also known for its high nutritional value, as it is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and minerals.
Parris Island Lettuce has elongated, dark green leaves that form a long head. The leaves are crisp and have a slightly ribbed texture. They are perfect for salads and sandwiches, and can also be grilled or roasted for a unique flavor. This lettuce is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a popular choice in many kitchens.
Tom Thumb Lettuce
Tom Thumb Lettuce is a type of heirloom lettuce that has been grown for over 150 years. It is known for its small size and delicate, tender leaves. It is named after the popular English fairy tale character, Tom Thumb, who was known for his small size. This lettuce is also sometimes referred to as ‘Merveille de Quatre Saisons,’ which translates to ‘Marvel of Four Seasons.’
Tom Thumb Lettuce forms a small, compact head that is perfect for individual servings or as a garnish. The leaves are soft and tender, with a slightly sweet flavor. This lettuce is best eaten fresh and is perfect for salads or sandwiches. It is also a popular choice for decorative purposes due to its small size and attractive appearance.
Red Salad Bowl Lettuce
Red Salad Bowl Lettuce is a type of loose-leaf lettuce that is known for its deep red color and slightly bitter taste. It is a popular choice for salads due to its attractive appearance and unique flavor. This lettuce is also highly nutritious, as it is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and minerals.
Red Salad Bowl Lettuce forms loose, frilly leaves that are deeply lobed and have a slightly crunchy texture. The leaves are bright red in color and are perfect for adding a pop of color to salads and sandwiches. This lettuce is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a popular choice in many kitchens.
Heritage Iceberg Lettuce
Heritage Iceberg Lettuce is a type of iceberg lettuce that is known for its large size and crispy texture. It is named after its historical significance, as it is one of the oldest types of lettuce that has been grown in the United States. This lettuce is also known for its high nutritional value, as it is packed with vitamins A and K, as well as fiber and minerals.
Heritage Iceberg Lettuce forms a large, tight head that is perfect for chopping and using in salads or on sandwiches. The leaves are crunchy and have a mild, slightly sweet taste. This lettuce is also a popular choice for grilling and roasting, as it holds its shape and flavor well when cooked.
Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce
Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce is a type of loose-leaf lettuce that is known for its delicate, tender leaves and mild, sweet flavor. It is one of the oldest types of lettuce that has been grown in the United States, and it is named after the man who first cultivated it, a farmer named Simpson. This lettuce is also highly nutritious, as it is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and minerals.
Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce forms loose, frilly leaves that are light green in color and have a slightly crunchy texture. The leaves are perfect for salads and sandwiches, and can also be used as a garnish or in
cooked dishes. The leaves of this lettuce are very tender and delicate, which makes them ideal for use in wraps or as a substitute for tortillas.
One unique feature of Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce is its black seeds, which contrast with the light green color of the leaves. The seeds are tiny and easy to miss, but they are an important part of the lettuce’s history and heritage. This lettuce has been grown for over a century and is considered a classic American variety.
In summary, each of these lettuces has unique features and characteristics that make them popular choices for different types of dishes. Paris Island Lettuce is known for its crunchy texture and high nutritional value, while Tom Thumb Lettuce is appreciated for its small size and delicate leaves. Red Salad Bowl Lettuce adds a pop of color and a slightly bitter taste to salads, while Heritage Iceberg Lettuce is perfect for chopping and using in a variety of dishes. Finally, Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce is a classic American variety with delicate, tender leaves and distinctive black seeds.
Mike
Wow what a wonderful variety!
MinerB
Thanks! In the past we have planted “Salad Mix” seeds and have had great success. However as we get better at seed saving I was wanting to know exactly what seeds I was saving. This will be our first year planting these specific varieties on their own.
Greg
It’s great that you are able to work from home! Your plants are also absorbing carbon dioxide, lowering greenhouse gas emissions… from your greenhouse.
MinerB
A true Win-Win!