Foggy dawns and even a little drizzle in Seattle this morning are telling us autumn is fast approaching, even if we haven't yet turned our calendars to the reality of September 1. While some summer pleasures are over, like sweet peas and strawberries (mostly), a useful book called "The Bountiful Container" (McGee & Stuckey, Workman Publishing, 2002 ) reminds us that salad greens thrive in cooler weather. Even if you garden on a deck, balcony, or in a window box, you have plenty of space for the "Winter Salad Bowl" suggested in the book.
Now is the time to sow seeds or set out transplants, and you'll be harvesting fresh, tender lettuces until Thanksgiving. Alternate red and green lettuces in a variety of textures for a container as lovely as the salads you'll make from it. Radicchio, arugula, winter purslane, and romaine lettuce are all good choices; the authors also suggest 'Lolo Rossa' lettuce for its frilly, bronze leaves.
Author Rose Marie Nicols McGee is the proprietor of Nicols Garden Nursery, south of Portland, Oregon. check out her blog for ideas on how to serve, cook and preserve what you grow.
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