The Perpetual Plot: Cultivating Continuity

Who doesn't LOVE a good Gong Show!! I used a new Video editor and it did not keep my image on the screen. I apologize for the black screen on this weeks episode.

Welcome to the latest episode called "The Perpetual Plot: Cultivating Continuity." Today, I finish up the journey into the world of perennial plants that are edible and can bring food security to your garden and your plate.
I explore the versatility and benefits of growing hostas, known for their decorative appeal and surprisingly edible parts. I'll guide you through the best methods to harvest and prepare hostas, sharing a recipe that highlights their mild, asparagus-like flavour.

Here's a list of the vegetables and herbs discussed:
Hostas (young shoots and leaves)
Evergreen Bunching Onion
Globe Artichoke
Turkish Rocket
Burdock
Watercress
Marsh Mallow
Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum)

Unfortunately, I couldn't cover everything about the intriguing Andean perennial, Mashua. Here is the info:

Mashua, also known as añu or cubio, is a fascinating perennial vegetable from the Andes Mountains. It's part of the Tropaeolaceae family, closely related to garden nasturtiums. Here are the key points about this unique plant:
Botanical Characteristics:
Growth Habit: Mashua is a climbing or trailing vine, suitable for trellises or as a ground cover.Leaves: Circular and shield-shaped, similar to common nasturtiums but larger.Flowers: Produces vibrant orange or red trumpet-shaped flowers in the fall, which are both attractive and edible.Tubers: The most significant part, these are elongated, knobby, and vary in colour from yellow to red and purple.
Culinary Uses:
Tubers: Have a sharp, peppery flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked, much like radishes. They are versatile in cooking, used boiled, baked, or roasted.Leaves and Flowers: Edible raw in salads or as a garnish, adding a peppery zest.
Nutritional Benefits:
Rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, and calcium.Contains glucosinolates, which are believed to have anti-cancer properties.
Cultivation:
Climate: Frost tolerant, suitable for temperate climates.Planting: Propagated from tubers in early spring. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.Care: Minimal once established; benefits from staking or trellising.
Medicinal and Other Uses:
Known for pest repellent properties, particularly against certain insects and nematodes.Traditionally used in its native range for various medicinal purposes.
Challenges:
The strong, peppery flavour might not be to everyone's liking.Best performance in cooler climates; may not do well in hot, dry conditions.
Mashua is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to diversify their vegetable crops with something unusual and visually striking, combining ornamental and edible qualities along with health benefits and pest-repellent properties.

At my You Tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@GardenFaerieBotanicals
Also at my website: https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca/

See you in the garden!