The Edible Garden
A thriving and productive garden is only as good as the soil. Cool Mint Gardens has been growing without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers for more than twenty years. By testing the soils annually and utilizing those results to determine amendments added to the garden beds with organic and natural supplements, we are able to bring the nutrient composition into balance for the best crop harvest. Compost from food scraps and both green and brown vegetation from our trees and plants provide an abundant source for new soil and mulch.
Lower Garden - Spring planting
Beans & cucumbers climbing in the background, red, yellow & white onions center and emerging bee & butterfly garden at entry.
Upper Garden - 2024 Spring planting
Green beans, San Marzano tomatoes, asparagus, carrots, Heirloom tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, zucchini, Swiss chard, Herb garden: parsley, cilantro, borage, mint, Texas tarragon, sage, perilla, Mexican & Greek oregano, garlic chives.
Fresh, juicy organic fruits & vegetables,
seasonally ready to pick & serve.
Extending the seasons of the garden are easier than you may think and well worth the effort.
January
Amend soil according to soil test results.
Plan garden & plant seed trays
Continue harvesting broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, green onions, turnips, radishes.
February
“Pot up” seedlings to 4″ pots & fertilize half strength
Harvesting green onions, beets, carrots, kolrabi, radishes
winter greens: mustard, kale, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts
March
Direct plant beans, cucumbers, corn, melons, okra
Plant seedlings tomatoes, peppers, eggplant
Harvesting asparagus, radishes, green onions, baby potatoes, herbs for pesto and drying: cilantro, parsley, mint & dill
April
Weed & mulch all garden beds with oak leaves and compost.
Fertilize with organic high phosphorous feed.
Plant all remaining seedlings and seed beds.
Harvesting asparagus, onions, potatoes, carrots, beets, figs & radishes
May
Fertilize all garden beds
Harvest garlic and set out to dry (2 weeks)
Pick beans, cucumbers, squash, cherry tomatoes, Swiss chard
(left) – climbing pole beans & cucumbers and garlic drying on rack
June
Fertilize all garden beds
Harvesting beans, cucumbers, squash, carrots, asparagus, eggplant, peppers, Swiss chard, basil, oregano, Texas mint marigold
Fertilize all garden beds
Pick beans, cucumbers, peppers, squash, carrots, garlic, dill, tomatoes, corn,
August
Clean beds to prepare for fall/winter garden
Ammend soil according to soil test results.
Check drip irrigation lines for breaks or clogs
Complete canning & preserving tomatoes, peppers, marinara, sweet and dill pickles, assorted herb vinegars
September
Plant winter greens: collard, 2 kales, mustard greens, arugula, broccoli, cauliflower, kolrabi
Harvest melons & winter squash, figs and cherry tomatoes (producing since April)
October
Plant garlic
Harvest figs, persimmons, baby greens & sweet potatoes
Harvest & dry: Italian & Mexican oregano, Mexican mint marigold, pineapple sage,
November
Fertilize winter greens
Plant onions
Harvest lemons, kale, collards, mustard greens, cauliflower, broccoli
December
Fertilize winter greens
Plant potatoes
Harvest calamondin and preserve; broccoli, cauliflower, collards, mustard greens, Tuscan and curly leaf kale