To set a different tone of discussion, I want to select some of my favorite garden plants I offer and tell you why. What would I recommend to the highest degree?
Black Krim Tomato
Originating from the Isle of Krim on the Black Sea in the former Soviet Union, this heirloom tomato is known for its dark, reddish-purple color and rich, sweet flavor. The fruits are medium to large with a slightly salty taste, making them a unique addition to salads and sandwiches.
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There’s a reason I listed this one as the first tomato on the availability page. I think that if you were to search through lists of master gardener’s favorite tomatoes they grow, you will almost consistently find this one as an honorable mention. Does it produce a lot of tomatoes? Not really. Is it disease resistant? Not seemingly in the slightest. And it often produces the most interesting shapes, certainly not uniform. But – inevitably, when you harvest the tomatoes that you do succeed with, you will be amazed. It’s a very precious heirloom, and you can even save the seeds if you moderately isolate a flower or two and plant them next year.
Chile de Arbol Pepper
The Chile de Arbol is a slender and potent Mexican chili pepper, famous for its bright, fiery heat and smoky, nutty undertones. These peppers, maturing to a vibrant red, are often used in sauces, salsas, and dry chilies. Their heat level is significant but not overwhelming, making them a versatile choice for adding a spicy depth to dishes.
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I’ve grown this “Tree Chili” variety since 2019, and I have no reason to stop. The harvests are impressive, and I think the peppers are extremely useful. My favorite application is chili flakes, which turn out particularly aromatic and potent. They’re also apparently amazing dried whole, and are one of the few peppers that maintain such a strong red colour after drying. Pests seem to leave them alone in my garden which is also appreciated.
Tyria Cucumber
Tyria is an all-star cucumber known for its long, straight, and dark green fruits. This variety stands out for its excellent flavor and crunchy texture, making it a favorite for both fresh eating and salads. Tyria is a vigorous grower with high yields, and it shows great resistance to common cucumber diseases, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
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Cucumbers are one of the varieties that I find are worth it to invest. After all, they’re probably one of my favorite vegetables, so I might be a little biased. Did you know, that most of the greenhouse grown cucumbers you buy are from parthenocarpic plants like Tyria? Typically cucumbers produce 2 kinds of flowers: male and female. Both are required for fruit to form, since the pollen from the male flowers leads to pollination of the female flower. Parthenocarpic varieties produce only female flowers, and they don’t need to be pollenated for fruit to form. This results in a significant increase in the harvest capability per vine, and reduces fruit losses from poor pollination. Also, since there’s no pollen involved, your fruits will be completely seedless unless perhaps your bee friends bring pollen from your neighbor’s garden to yours. Tyria is 100% worth the premium cost, since the seeds are quite expensive! This variety is your best pathway to a full sized English cucumber like you would find at the grocery store.
Sugar Baby Watermelon
Sugar Baby WM is the quintessential personal-sized watermelon, delivering sweetness in a compact form. Its dark green almost black rinds hide a succulent red flesh that’s crisp and packed with flavor. Ideal for those with limited space, this variety matures quickly and fits nicely into the fridge. A garden classic that’s easy to grow and perfect for a quick, sweet snack.
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Growing watermelon can seem like a challenge. After all, have you seen the size of some of the offerings? While I do sell Shiny Boy Watermelon, which is probably the variety of the watermelon you picture in your mind, consider Sugar Baby to try. The melons are rarely larger than a medium sized cantaloupe, and have a dark green skin instead of the typical striping. It will be the earliest melon on the block, and they often have a Brix level over 10%. Smaller vines and fruit make them very easy to support, with a large tomato cage for example. Yellow Doll, Shiny Boy, or Giant Monster require a little more thought and preparation in the garden. It’s also an heirloom variety! Bonus!
Big Duck Marigold
Big Duck Marigold is a dwarf African type, and boasts large, bright colored flowers on robust plants. This variety is known for its impressive size and long-lasting blooms that are perfect for creating a high-impact display in the garden. Impressive in planters, or just planted in the ground. Much more compact than Crackerjack but with vigorous blooms.
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Marigolds are a favorite of mine for several reasons. They react well to care, such as fertilizing and deadheading, but will also do okay without them, too. They flower bright and hard, throughout the entire summer until frost. The flowers are also representative on a cultural basis, with the “Day of the Dead” flower for example being the Cempazuchitl, the marigold. Big Duck marigolds won the AAS flower awards in 2019, and they produce impressive dwarf plants with huge uniform marigolds in orange and gold. The flower to foliage ratio is perfect with these, you’ll see. One Big Duck marigold fills a 3-5 gallon container perfectly. No need to plant several!
Alyssum
Alyssum ‘Snow Crystal’ offers a blanket of tiny, fragrant white flowers that create a snowy effect when planted en masse. This low-growing annual is perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers where its honey-scented blossoms can be enjoyed up close. ‘Dwarf Purple’ is prized for its delicate purple clusters that form a mat of color. It’s an ideal choice for adding a splash of cool-toned hues to the front of a border, in between paving stones, or as a fragrant ground cover.
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I think these go well anywhere. Planted at the bases of your tomatoes, in a basket, a planter, or by themselves in a bed. Alyssum blooms are impressive and the contrast between the purple and white offer a unique vision. With a habit to spread across or over boundaries, they are a great addition to any garden. They’re also very beneficial to insects like bees and butterflies.
There are a few more varieties that I’ll be discussing in another article within the next few weeks.
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