Joy in the garden and what to expect in your fall and winter gardens:
Our gardeners who work in the gardens pictured are called the “vegetable team.” Beverly writes-I have been thinking about the gratitude the vegetable team has for the harvests we have donated. (over 675 pounds donated) When we are trying a variety that is new to us, we taste it-often as a part of lunch before we go home from our workday. I’m grateful for that fellowship. I’m also grateful for the gardeners who start seeds for us at their homes. The loofah and Zucchino Rampicante (Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds) escaped the raised beds and trellises after the worst of the summer heat was over. The loofah seeds were saved from a prior year and direct sowed. Aji Dulce peppers are mild and productive. They become very sweet when allowed to turn red. Our seeds were a gift and we save them from year to year. They are becoming easier to find at some of the specialty seed outlets.
We planted small varieties of carrots such as “Little Finger” from Botanical Interests and kept the soil consistently moist until they germinated.
Even though garden centers have turned their inventory to Christmas trees, you can still find lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, kale,and herb transplants. Also, keep direct sowing radishes. You may get a wonderful winter crop of vitamin packed vegetables.
Ann Lamb and Beverly Allen, 2 Dallas County Master Gardeners
Pictures by Starla Willis, Dallas County Master Gardener-2008
I’m very happy about your cultivation of aji dulce peppers! They’re one of the unique culinary staples of Venezuelan cuisine. Are they available to us commoners? If so,what do we have to do to get a few of these gems?
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 
I’m very happy about your cultivation of aji dulce peppers! They’re one of the unique culinary staples of Venezuelan cuisine. Are they available to us commoners? If so,what do we have to do to get a few of these gems?