Seed bank grow-out

Way back behind the global village, the seed bank has it's own piece of land for raising seed. We like to call it "Grow-out". Sixteen raised beds sport all kinds of interesting plants. Such as...

Winged bean

We have eight different varieties planted in a variety trial right now, comparing yield, maturity dates, and other characteristics useful for our overseas network. Some have called winged bean the "supermarket" plant: every part of the plant is edible, from the flowers and leaves, to the young pods, to the dry beans.

Hopi Red Lima beans

These beans are drought tolerant, and produce an abundance of blood-red limas, good for soups and bean dishes. Hopefully we'll collect about 1/2 lb of seed from this row for the seed bank, eventually to be sent around the world.

Carrots, carrots, and more carrots!

Another variety trial, but this time of 22 carrot varieties! A researcher at the University of Wisonsin-Madison has done extensive breeding to develop a carrot more suitable to the tropics. He sent us some seed, so we're trying them in grow-out to find out which varieties have promise.

So, if you ever want to come help in grow-out--planting, weeding, mulching (and of course, learning!)--just let me know! My brother did. :)