In My San Diego Garden and Kitchen

I’m thankful for the garden. Having to “stay at home” here in California makes my edible garden even more important. It’s also my happy place most days and for a time I can set aside the pressing concerns of Covid-19. My street side Mediterranean and California native plant gardens, bursting with the glory of spring, seem to delight people walking by. Perhaps they can forget their cares as they consider a rose, a daffodil, a Greek poppy or a native lupine.

Baby arugula was ready to harvest last week. My friend, Betsy is especially fond of the smaller leaves so the first shearing went to her—my usual practice. I’ve also learned that this is the time to sow my next round of arugula. In the spring I begin to grow it in a 12 inch container so I can move it about for more shade as the weather warms.

A few substantial side shoots—almost like tiny heads of broccoli were ready last week. I’ll be removing this second crop of broccoli plants soon rather than opting for side shoots. A friend’s four bunnies await some of the leaves and stalks. There is some urgency to planting the summer garden and as the days lengthen, the soil warms.

The artichokes are especially tender this spring though small. We delight to see them pop up amidst the dense foliage. Winter rains make most everything better.

Gathering some herbs—chives, thyme and parsley for soup reminds me how essential they are in my kitchen. I rarely use dried herbs and now the sage and oregano show a spring surge.

Celery stalks are long, crisp and full of moisture. I douse the row with stored rain water and give away bundles of celery to friends every week. Coastal San Diego once was a major supplier of the nation’s celery in the winter months. I grow cut and come again Celery in SoCal Summer.

We consumed the last of the Satsuma tangerines recently. They were past their prime. We’ve learned that, unlike oranges, they don’t store well on the tree. It was a bountiful crop—easily 200 tangerines to share and enjoy from a small tree.

To supplement my garden produce and avoid trips to the grocery store I’ve signed up for a flexible home delivery program—Imperfect Foods. Check out my post from last week Sourcing Food in These Times for details and other options.

Wishing you and yours peace and health in these times.

You may enjoy seeing what other garden bloggers harvested last week at Harvest Monday hosted by Dave at Our Happy Acres.

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