2 weeks Ago By Gerald Filipski
Article content I recently received another email from All-America Selections. All-America Selections (AAS) is an independent, non-profit organization that tests new varieties throughout North America. The organization then introduces only the best garden performers as AAS Winners.
Independent AAS Judges determine the AAS Winners by judging and scoring the entries. I get excited every time I get one of these emails because it introduces me to some more great varieties to consider for my garden and yours. Today we look at two new winners: Basil Piedmont – 2025 AAS Edible – Vegetable Winner – Available Soon I don’t know if you are like me, but Basil and I don’t get along.
It just doesn’t like growing for me for as long as I want to harvest it. I get a short burst of production followed by a slowdown. I think it might be the exposure I have to grow it in, but also, powdery mildew is an issue.
This new variety is remarkably disease-resistant. Its exceptional Downy Mildew Resistance (DMR) means healthier plants and weeks of extra harvests compared to other varieties. This basil forms dense, bushy plants with a strong aroma and classic basil flavour.
Its refined habit, with shorter internodes, ensures easy management and excellent post-harvest keeping quality. Even in challenging conditions, this basil thrives, offering a rewarding and abundant harvest. Cauliflower Murasaki Fioretto 70 F1 2025 Edible – Vegetable Murasaki (“purple” in Japanese), a new addition to the Fioretto long-stemmed cauliflower series (from the Italian word for “flower”), is a culinary and visual delight.
Its vibrant purple florets and long, tender stems offer a sweet, mild flavour and are easy to harvest. Strong-tasting cauliflower has never been a favourite flavour for me, so a mild-tasting cauliflower really appeals. This variety is also heat-tolerant, maintaining its striking colour through various cooking methods, transforming to fuchsia in vinegar and a rich golden brown when sautéed or roasted.
Murasaki’s compact habit, early maturity, and excellent field holding make it a rewarding choice for home gardeners. • • • I’m getting ready for that first taste of spring in the garden. That first foray requires some preparation.
Cleaning and sharpening your tools is a very good idea before you start this year’s work. If you did not clean up your tools last fall, now is a good time to do it. Take your spades, hoes, cultivators, etc.
and clean off any soil that may be stuck to them, give them a good wash, and I like to spray mine with a little WD 40 to protect them from the rust. I also sharpen my spades, hoes and cultivators. I use a medium-grade file to do this sharpening.
Clamping the tools into a shop vise is very helpful while you sharpen. This technique frees up both hands, allowing you to hold the file correctly and apply even pressure. I also make sure that my pruners are sharp and clean.
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