Master Gardeners, April 23

Yes, it IS time for summer veggies! 

And your friendly LA County Master Gardeners are planning your summer menu…

Come to the Green Tent between 9 am and 1 pm on Sunday, April 23, and check out the beautiful seedlings they’re giving away, planted expressly for you (plus you can take home free seeds).

What would summer be without cherry tomatoes? Enjoy the sugar sweet orange sungold variety.

  

And what does cherry tomato taste best with? Basil, of course: there’s Heirloom Purple Opal and large leaf Italian Cameo container basil for you to choose from. 

Soon it will be pickle time! For your delectation, select baby Persian cucumbers or Bush Slicer Cucumbers (you don’t need to trellis the bush plants). 

Make a salad of it! There’s heirloom baby Tuscan kale, Ruby Gem baby romaine, red leaf lettuce, ruby and emerald container lettuce. 

And of course, everyone’s favorite summer squash: heirloom zucchini. You’ll have plenty to eat and share by the time the season's over.

Then, enjoy some Zinger hibiscus, a deliciously refreshing flavor for tea or other summer beverages. And by the time Fall rolls around, your Royal Flush sunflowers should be in full bloom! 

For great monthly tips about gardening in LA County, visit http://celosangeles.ucanr.edu/UC_Master_Gardener_Program/Garden_Tips_for_Los_Angeles_County/. And stop by Compass Green,  a moble greenhouse, will demonstrate Bio-intensive Sustainable Agriculture at the Mar Vista Farmers' Market this Sunday, April 23.

And please remember to bring those plastic six packs (aka “pony packs”) you’ve recycled so the MGs can bring even more plants next month.