Meet Our Favorite Vegetable Varieties to Grow
In this episode we’re digging into our all-time favorite vegetable varieties, the ones we can’t imagine our gardens (or dinner plates) being without: from not one, but two improved ‘Brandywine’-type heirloom tomatoes, to a cucumber that never fails to impress at the summer picnic. Carol even shares her must-have green bean variety (and tries to convince Danielle that it doesn’t taste like wood). We rounded out the hour with personal stories, growing tips, and a few surprising twists on how to combat a couple of dreaded veggie pests.
Expert: Fionuala Campion is the owner and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma, California. She is also a regional reporter for FineGardening.com.
Danielle’s Favorite Vegetables
- ‘Rose’ heirloom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rose’, annual)
- ‘Tomatoberry’ cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Tomatoberry’, annual)
- ‘Tyria’ English cucumber (Cucumis sativus ‘Tyria’, annual)
- ‘Peter Pan’ patty pan squash (Cucurbita pepo ‘Peter Pan’, annual)
Carol’s Favorite Vegetables
- ‘Sugar Magnolia’ snap pea (Pisum sativum ‘Sugar Magnolia’, annual)
- ‘German Johnson’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘German Johnson’, annual)
- ‘Provider’ green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Provider’, annual)
- ‘Porcelain Doll’ pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima ‘Porcelain Doll’, annual)
Expert Fionuala Campion’s Favorite Vegetables
- ‘Zucchetta Rampicante’ squash—AKA ‘Tromboncino’ squash (Cucurbita moschata ‘Zucchetta Rampicante’, annual)
- ‘Snow White’ cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Snow White’, annual)
- ‘Listada de Gandia’ eggplant (Solanum melongena ‘Listada de Gandia’, annual)
All photos from the contributors unless noted otherwise.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Lee Valley Large Gardener’s Wash Basket
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This basket was designed to be used by gardeners to wash freshly harvested vegetables before taking them inside. You can gather your vegetables and then hose them off right in the same basket. However, you can also use it for fruit or add a cloth liner for serving bread or other baked goods. Measuring 16″ long, 11″ wide and 4″ deep, it is made of chrome-plated steel to resist rust.
D&X Garden Sprinkler
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– The Sprinkler is made of durable ABS Plastic, Base connector: Approx. 1/2″ ; Side connector: Approx. 3/4″
– 12 flexible nozzles that you can set in any direction, simply bend hoses to customize new watering patterns
– 360 degree coverage of 3000 sq. ft area
– 3.5 x 4 x 6 inches
A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
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MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point – no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.
