Fenton Friday: Cutting Lettuce

Lettuce greens in salad spinner by Jennifer Baxter.

We had several frost/freeze alerts, but remain unscathed. The Dahlias and Basil do not even show a touch of blackened foliage and are not slowing down (for now.) I had a cover cloth over the Lettuces and Cilantro, but they probably would have been fine without it.

The weather is clear and in the 60s each afternoon, with no rain in the foreseeable forecast. I am watering the Radish and Carrot seedlings along with the Peas, Cilantro, and Lettuces. Our cistern will be turned off for the season in the next week or so. That means we will need to start hand-carrying jugs of water from home for the plants that still need it.

Speaking of the Pea seedlings, they are being mowed down by something (I think rabbits), so I put a makeshift wire cage around them, which I hope will allow them to grow up again.

The interns thinned the 'French Breakfast' Radish seedlings and the Carrots will need to be done next as they are emerging in great numbers and far too close together. They also cut some of the Lettuce as it is ready to harvest and hopefully we can get a second cutting in before it gets too cold. 

We brought the bale of chopped-up straw over to cover any bare soil for the winter and will need to add fresh woodchips to the pathways as they are starting to get thin again. I'm looking forward to getting the Garlic in the ground soon too! 

What are you growing and harvesting in your garden this week?

About Fenton Friday: Every Friday during the growing season, I'll be giving you an update on my community garden plot at the Fenton Street Community Garden just across the street from my house in zone 7 Mid-Atlantic MD/DC border. I'm plot #16. It is a 10 ft x 20 ft space and this is our 15th year in the garden. (It opened in May 2011.) See past posts about our edible garden by putting "Fenton"  into the Search box above (at the top, left on this blog). 

Strawflower Plant Profile

 

Strawflower Plant Profile

Strawflower (Bracteantha bracteatum) is also known as ever-lasting flower. It blooms from late spring until frost in a variety of colors (yellow, orange, red, pink, and white).

It is a short-lived tender perennial that is native to Australia and grown in our region as an annual.

It is hardy to USDA Zone 8 to 10.

Plant it in full sun and average to dry, well-drained soil. Once established, strawflower plants are heat- and drought-tolerant.

The long-lasting flowers attract bees and butterflies. They are deer-resistant.

Pinch plants when young to promote more branching and more flowering. Continue to deadhead them throughout the growing season for continuous flowering.

Strawflowers are ideal as cut flowers and in dried flower arrangements as they keep their petals and coloring well.

The new Granvia series from Suntory Flowers has been described as a Supersized Strawflower and is a cultivar we recommend you try out.

Strawflower: You Can Grow That!

 

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Audio, Photos, Videos, and Text by Kathy Jentz

Editing by Jackson Wantman

 

➤ If you enjoy this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our Youtube channel (thank you!)

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If you liked this video, we think you will like these other Plant Profiles:

~ Larkspur Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2026/06/larkspur-plant-profile.html

~ Cotton Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2025/12/cotton-plant-profile.html

~ Jewels of Opar Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2025/10/jewels-of-opar-plant-profile.html

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Monday Thoughts: “Fall is summer’s flamboyant farewell.” ~ A. A. Fitzwilliam

“Fall is summer’s flamboyant farewell.” ~ A. A. Fitzwilliam

GardenDC Podcast Episode 304: Natural Burial and Human Composting

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Michael Judd of Morris Orchard Natural Burials. The plant profile is on American Strawberry Bush and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Pumpkin Ideas" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.

BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month!

See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribe

If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 136: Home Composting

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/02/gardendc-podcast-episode-136-home.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 269: The Future is Nuts

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2026/01/gardendc-podcast-episode-269-future-is.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 95: Willows

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-95-willows.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 25: Paw Paws

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/08/gardendc-podcast-episode-25-michael.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 187: Mad About Mulches

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2024/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-187-mad-a

Show Notes will be posted after 10/31/2026.

This episode is archived at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PrWcMFVN0TfUyx2Vqtu4p?si=UUSFK8mJTJ-EOrUF4BDJOw

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We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.

And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!

Episode Credits:
Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz

Music: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany

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Fenton Friday: I've Been Framed!

I visited the plot today and found a trail of partially eaten peppers from my neighbor's plot #17 into mine. I think they are the 'Shishito' variety and whatever creature did this must have been really desparate. I'm guessing rats, but could be squirrels or mice as well. I am not suspecting rabbits this time as they left the nearby salad greens alone. I think the visiting hawk took care of the bunnies (for now). Next time I see my plot neighbor, I'll let them know.

This past week has been back-and-forth weather-wise. One day hot and windy, the next cold and drizzly. The seesaw pattern continues into next week. Originally, a frost had been predicted for mid-week, but that has been taken off for now and maybe we won't have a real frost for a few more weeks.

I picked lots more Dahlias and some Cucamelons and Blackberries.

From the newly planted seeds, the 'French Breakfast' Radish are up and going strong. We will need to thin them soon as they are way too close together. (See pic at right.) The Carrots, Violas, and Pansy seedlings are not up yet, but that is to be expected. We'll give them another week.

The Cilantro, Lettuces, Fall Peas and Field Pea Cover Crops are all growing strongly. I threw a cover cloth over the Lettuce rows to protect them on a few days wear temps hit the high 80s. 

We will pull the Basil and plant Garlic soon. Then, as the rest of plot gets hit by frost, I have a bale of chopped-up straw to cover any bare soil for the winter. 

What are you growing and harvesting in your garden this week?

About Fenton Friday: Every Friday during the growing season, I'll be giving you an update on my community garden plot at the Fenton Street Community Garden just across the street from my house in zone 7 Mid-Atlantic MD/DC border. I'm plot #16. It is a 10 ft x 20 ft space and this is our 15th year in the garden. (It opened in May 2011.) See past posts about our edible garden by putting "Fenton"  into the Search box above (at the top, left on this blog). 

Creeping Raspberry Plant Profile

 

Creeping Raspberry Plant Profile

 Creeping Raspberry (Rubus hayata-koidzumi was R. calycinoides and R. rolfei)  is a low-growing raspberry relative that is a member of the rose family. The attractive leaves are held on cane-like stems that form a dense mat on the ground. It does well on slopes as an erosion control.

 Creeping Raspberry is also known as Formosan Carpet Raspberry, Crinkle-leaf Creeper, Taiwanese Creeping Rubus, and Creeping Bramble

It has white flowers in early summer that turn into edible fruits that are golden in color--similar in shape to blackberries or other raspberries.

 For best fruiting, plant it in full sun. However, the leaves can be scorched in intense afternoon sun, so place it where it can get a bit of shade late in the day in hotter climates.

 The leaves turn a rust color in fall and, in most regions, stay on over the winter. In some colder climates, it is semi-evergreen, but root-hardy.

 One plant can spread 4-6 feet in diameter. If it goes beyond its bounds, prune it back at any time. Trim out any dead or broken cane stems whenever you notice them.

 There are some “soft” thorns along the canes and they are not usually a problem. Avoid stepping on it though, due to these thorns and the stiff canes/stems that can break when trod upon.

 If you are in a cold climate, give it extra mulch in late fall for winter protection. Fertilizer is not necessary, but a top dressing of organic compost in early spring can be beneficial and encourage fruit production as well. There is no need to rake up any fallen leaves in autumn as they also add to the plant’s nutrients.

 Take cuttings in the early summer to propagate it or harvest seeds from ripened fruits. Plant the seeds soon after harvesting.

 It is not generally troubled by pests. Birds may eat the fruits, but deer generally leave this tough plant alone.

Overwatering may cause root rot in wet or heavy soil and good drainage is a must. It is drought-tolerant once established.

 Sterilize your tools between pruning it and other rose family relatives so that you do not transmit diseases amongst them. A good garden hygiene practice is to swipe the pruner blades with an alcohol swab after each cut. Be careful to not cut yourself and wear leather gloves whenever pruning.

Creeping Raspberry: You Can Grow That!

This profile was excerpted from the book Groundcover Revolution by Kathy Jentz.

You can order it at our Amazon affiliate link here: https://amzn.to/3fIdLo6

If you'd rather not order from Amazon, you can order it also at https://bookshop.org/a/79479/9780760378151

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Audio, Photos, and Text by Kathy Jentz

Editing by Jackson Wantman

➤ If you enjoy this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our Youtube channel (thank you!)

➤Remember to TURN ON notifications to know when our new videos are out

➤ FIND Washington Gardener Magazine ONLINE

~ WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com

~ http://twitter.com/WDCGardener

~ https://www.instagram.com/wdcgardener/

~ Facebook.com/WashingtonGardenerMagazine

~ Podcast: GardenDC

 

If you liked this video, we think you will like these other Plant Profiles:

~ Creeping Jenny Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2026/02/creeping-jenny-plant-profile.html

~ Lyre Leaf Sage Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2025/04/lyreleaf-sage-plant-profile.html

~ Sarcococca Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/03/sarcococca-plant-profile.html

PIN THIS FOR LATER!

Monday Thoughts: “We can describe the flower as being full of everything. There is nothing that is not present in the flower. We see sunshine, we see rain, we see clouds, we see earth, and we see time and space in the flower." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

 “We can describe the flower as being full of everything. There is nothing that is not present in the flower. We see sunshine, we see rain, we see clouds, we see earth, and we see time and space in the flower." 

~ Thich Nhat Hanh

GardenDC Podcast Episode 303: Modern Cottage Gardening

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Pamela Hubbard, author of The Contemporary Cottage Garden*. The plant profile is on Ghost Pipes and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "One Big Night" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.

BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month!

See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribe

If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 154: Townhouse Gardening

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-154-townhouse.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 66: Small-Space Gardening

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-66-small-space.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 113: Gardening with Children

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-113-gardening.html

Show Notes will be posted after 10/21/2026.

This episode is archived at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ghh2BDYxVZxjnJPL7qSmB?si=5eBdb11cTRSVRRyY2ryVEA

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We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.

And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!

Episode Credits:
Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz

Music: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany

PIN THIS FOR LATER!

*You can order Pamela's book at https://amzn.to/4jMqxjJ

This link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales, but it wil not impact your purchase price.

Fenton Friday: October Blue Skies

After a rainy weekend, this week's weather was one of those glorious fall stretches of mild temperatures and pure blue skies. Here is a picture I took of the tall Jerusalem Artichokes (aka Sunchokes) in bloom in our Pollinator Garden strip.

I picked lots of Dahlias and gave away several small bouquets of them.

I harvested the last of the spring-sown 'Short 'n Sweet' Carrots too -- one of which was rather comically large! (See pic at right.)

The Fall Peas are all up and doing well -- and so is the Field Pea cover crop we sowed in last week. The Lettuces and Cilantro are all coming along well also, but we are still waiting on the Parsley to show up (that is to be expected as it takes a long time for them to germinate and appear).

I'm leaving the Okra up for another week or two, as I want to collect the last pods for seed saving.

We pulled the Tomato vines and planted in their place fours rows of seeds: 'French Breakfast' Radish, 'Cosmic Purple' Carrots, ' King Henry' Violas, and 'Swiss Giant' Pansy. I don't have high hopes for the latter two, but we'll see what happens.

The Basil is still doing well, so I have yet to pull it out. In a few weeks, we'll get the Garlic planted in its place.

What are you growing and harvesting in your garden this week?

About Fenton Friday: Every Friday during the growing season, I'll be giving you an update on my community garden plot at the Fenton Street Community Garden just across the street from my house in zone 7 Mid-Atlantic MD/DC border. I'm plot #16. It is a 10 ft x 20 ft space and this is our 15th year in the garden. (It opened in May 2011.) See past posts about our edible garden by putting "Fenton"  into the Search box above (at the top, left on this blog).