Note: The Garden Newsletter is an internal newsletter sent to employees of TS Designs on a weekly basis. It’s purpose is to keep the team connected with activity happening in the Company Garden. TS Designs believes in supporting this endeavor as a way to stay connected to the ground and to provide an added benefit to each team member (fresh, organic produce). We’ve posted it to our blog so that you can share in our Company’s adventure in gardening, learn gardening tips and enjoy the great recipes that we share with each other!
It is amazing how much things can change in the garden in only a week. I was out of town last week (sorry for skipping last week’s garden newsletter w/o notice) and there has already been so much change!
SWEET POTATOES
News is that Eric will be getting sweet potato plants tomorrow so that we can get them in the ground this week. I am looking forward to planting, and if anyone can offer some time to help Thursday/Friday, just let me (or Erin) know.
I really like sweet potatoes – and I hear that they’re pretty healthy. But…probably not as healthy with brown sugar and butter, which is just how I like them ; ) If anyone’s got a favorite way of preparing sweet potatoes, let me know! I’d love to share some recipes.
TODAY’S HARVEST
I stopped in the garden just before lunch to get my bearings since I’ve been out of town and decided to grab some greens to share while I was out there. I got a big pile of Swiss Chard and two different kinds of Kale. I also harvested the last of the broccoli. Make sure that you take some home today!
POTATOES
We will be working in the garden the next couple of days to harvest the potatoes. So, I hope you’re ready for them! They will definitely be out before Friday!
And did you know…
“Potatoes are nutrient-dense, meaning you receive many nutrients for the amount of calories they have. The fiber is half soluble, half insoluble, so it helps to keep you regular and helps to lower cholesterol. And slowing down digestion helps to keep you full longer. Phytochemicals in potatoes include flavanoids and a recently identified compound called kukoamine that appears to help lower blood pressure.” — From: http://home.howstuffworks.com/potatoes3.htm
Darlene found a GREAT recipe that uses both Potatoes and Swiss Chard:
Italian Potato Salad with Swiss Chard
4 Large Potatoes
1 Small Bunch Swiss Chard
1/2 cup roughly chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/3 cup light olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1. Bring a large pot of water to boil
2. Cut potatoes (skin on) into chunks. Add to boiling water and cook until tender, but still firm. Drain well.
3. Tear Swiss Chard (including stems) into large pieces. Place in boiling water 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well.
4. Combine potatoes, Swiss Chard and onion in a large bowl.
5. Combine garlic, vinegar, oil and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Whisk well. Pour over potato mixture and gently toss. Add salt and toss again. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve.
Recipe by Patricia Conte
Stay tuned for information on Herbs and Onions…