Green Jewel

TO START OUTDOORS In very early spring as soon as ground can be worked, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow seeds 2 inches apart in rows spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. Cover 1/4 inch deep and keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination. Sow again in late summer for another fast growing crop.   TO START INDOORS Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inches apart and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are about 3 inches tall and ready to plant in the garden. THIN OR TRANSPLANT Space seedlings 3-4 inches apart to give plants room to mature.   GROWING NOTES Pak Choi thrives in rich soil and cool growing conditions. Be sure to thin seedlings and keep well weeded and watered for best tasting crunchy heads. Feed 2 or 3 times during the growing season with fish emulsion or another high nitrogen fertilizer. HARVEST AND USE Harvest these plump minis when heads are solid and well filled out. Cut in half and sauté briefly, until just tender, then finish with a little soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Or enjoy their mild sweet crunch in any stirfry, but don’t overcook. Mini Pak Choi is succulent, crunchy- sweet and mild tasting, and chock full of vitamins.