Category: Vegetables

Subversive Food Plots–Then and Now

Heidi Rader

A Lesson Plan for Gardening in the Classroom in Alaska, by Jessica Mulvey, An Alaska Master Gardener “And he gave it for his opinion, ‘that whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together.’’ -Jonathan Swift A small kitchen garden. Photo by Heidi Rader. Throughout history, food production has been a driving force for Read More …

“Where grows it not?’ Locally Grown Foods in Alaska

Heidi Rader

A Lesson Plan for Gardening in the Classroom in Alaska, By Jessica Mulvey, An Alaska Master Gardener    “Where grows? Where grows it not? If vain our toil, we ought to blame the culture, not the soil.’ -Alexander Pope The Tanana Valley Farmers Market. Photo by Heidi Rader. Supporting local agriculture is not a ‘new’ idea in American history. For generations there simply were no other options, but within the last century Americans have distanced themselves — literally & figuratively — from local agriculture. As Joel Salatin points out, “the Read More …

Growing Garlic in Alaska

Heidi Rader

by Mary Hinckley, an Alaska Master Gardener in Tok, Alaska Garlic growing outside. Photo by Mary Hinckley. This is the first year we grew garlic. I realized how little I knew about it when I tried to buy the seed last November. I thought I’d be early enough to get a good selection for this year but found that I was too late to get much of anything. I learned that seed garlic is usually only available between August and September and is often reserved even before the spring harvest. Read More …

My Favorite Alaskan Vegetable Varieties

Heidi Rader

by Mary Hinkley, an Alaska Master Gardener   In my short gardening career I’ve found some plant varieties I really like and some I don’t think I’ll try again. Following are some of my favorites, with notes about which worked best in a greenhouse or in my garden in Tok, AK. Savoy Cabbage. Photo by Mary Hinkckley. Savoy Cabbage Last year a friend of ours gave us some Savoy cabbage she had grown. I liked the look of it and when I cut it open I knew I wanted to Read More …

Growing Broccoli and Cauliflower in a Greenhouse in Tok, Alaska to Extend the Season

Heidi Rader

By Mary Hinckley We experimented with broccoli and cauliflower this year, the purpose of the experiment was to find out where they grew best. The seeds were started very early, and ready to be transplanted before the ground was outside, so most of the plants went into the greenhouse first.  We kept some indoors until the ground was warm enough to transplant. Last year both broccoli and cauliflower grew quite well in our greenhouse, but this year we insulated it and thought that could make a difference. Both species seemed Read More …