In this year’s winter garden I trialed a new way to grow kale. We don’t use too much and I have few takers in the ‘hood. Instead of devoting a four foot row to it, I planted my starts of Black Magic kale in a 15 x 15 inch block. Small space gardeners devise ways to grow veggies intensively. One start went in each corner about 12 inches apart and the fifth in the middle. I harvest lower leaves as needed.

In the photo above lettuce grows on either side of the kale block in well-amended soiI. Blue flax drapes over the kale adding a whimsical touch. I favor Black Magic because it is very mild, similar to Lacinato and last year persisted into late spring with no aphids. Most of my brassicas succumb to the pest by early April.

I harvested a full kitchen tub of these and a few other lettuces but neglected to take a photo. It’s the season when lettuce tends to bolt so in advance of that I delivered lettuce to a half dozen neighbors.

I suggested my friend, Betsy bring a basket when she stopped by. She selected Pomegranate Crunch lettuce, celery, parsley and thyme. She is a cook whose skill and creativity I admire and learn from.

I harvested more Nagami kumquats from the heaviest laden branches. Sliced crosswise, these will simmer in a half-strength simple syrup to top waffles, pancakes or a simple cake.

Leucadendron Gold Strike, the plant a gift from my uncle’s protea ranch in Valley Center. This was today’s church bouquet. Similar bouquets last for weeks with water changes.

Check the What I’m Planting Now page to see what’s been planted in the space opened by the cauliflower harvest. Harvest Monday, hosted by Dave at Happy Acres Blog has returned. Join in and see what garden bloggers around the world harvested last week.

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