Green Spaces

Although I love many aspects of urban living, I often find myself longing for the outdoors.  For the first time in a long time, I finally have a yard again, which has served to awaken a previously unknown love of gardening.  Digging in the dirt (which, as a geologist has always been a favorite pastime) and maintaining a variety of plants has been a challenge, but has also been rewarding.  Whether you have ten acres or ten inches, below you can read about some of the things that I have been learning.  As I am only a novice, I would appreciate any thoughts or comments from any seasoned gardeners who might be enjoying this blog. :)

(just a cute little plant I found at the market)

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables:

(from http://localfoods.about.com/od/searchbyregion/a/MidwestSeasons.htm)

Eating foods that are in season is an important part of sustainable living.  Groceries stores (and even some farmer's markets) meet often try to meet demand by providing produce to shoppers year-around.  This means greater transportation costs and greenhouse gas emissions as these products are shipped from around the globe.  Below is a list of fruits and veggies and the seasons they are grown in the Midwest.

April: Asparagus, Parsnips, Rhubarb

May: Arugula, Asparagus, Beets, Carrots, Chard, Fava beans, Lettuce, Parsley, Parsnips, Radishes, Rhubarb, Spinach

June: Arugula, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Chard, Cherries, Cilantro, Corn, Green onions, Kale, Lettuce, Parsley, Peas, Sweet peppers, Radishes, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Scallions, Spinach, Strawberries

July: Apples, Arugula, Basil, Beets, Blackberries, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Chard, Cherries, Cilantro, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green beans, Green onions, Kale, Lettuce, Melons, Parsley, Peaches, Peas, Sweet peppers, Plums/Pluots, Potatoes, Radishes, Raspberries, Scallions, Spinach, Summer squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Zucchini

August: Apples, Arugula, Basil, Beets, Blackberries, Blueberries, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cantaloupes, Carrots, Cauliflower,  Celery, Chard, Cilantro, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Grapes, Green beans, Green onions, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Melons, Onions, Parsley, Peaches, Pears, Peas, Sweet peppers, Plums/Pluots, Potatoes, Radishes, Raspberries, Scallions, Spinach, Summer squash, Winter squash, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watermelon, Zucchini

September: Apples, Arugula, Basil, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cantaloupes, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Cilantro, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Grapes, Green beans, Green onions, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Melons, Onions, Parsley, Pears, Sweet peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radishes, Scallions, Spinach, Summer squash, Winter squash, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watermelon, Zucchini

October: Apples, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Onions, Parsnips, Pears, Persimmons, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radishes, Spinach, Summer squash, Winter squash, Tomatoes, Turnips, Zucchini

November: Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Garlic, Kale, Parsnips, Potatoes, Winter squash, Turnips

*The following are often available from storage year-round: Cabbage, Carrots, Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes, Winter squash, and Turnips)