NEWS
A Deep Dive into Our Fall & Winter Plants
Sierra Leeper | October 3rd, 2024
Leaf'd Box plant subscription box shipments have begun! Each season, it is our delight to send you a carefully curated box of plants perfect for the season and your climate. We love getting to grow alongside you and learn from our unique plants together!
Since plant shipments are in full swing, let's take a deep dive into some of the different plants we'll be growing in various subscription boxes this fall and winter season!
BROCCOLI
Grown in Small, Medium, and Large Plant Subscription Kits
Broccoli is a staple garden vegetable, especially in the cooler fall and winter months. As part of the Brassica oleracea family, broccoli shares commonalities with other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, kale, mustard, and cabbage.
Broccoli originated from Mediterranean areas in Ancient Rome, where, around 600 B.C., farmers selectively bred cabbage to cultivate the different kinds of brassica vegetables that we know now. Each brassica vegetable comes from a different specialized part of the original cabbage plant, like the stems, leaves, or flowers.
As a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli helps protect and support the body holistically, aiding digestion and heart function, as well as supporting the brain, eyes, and bones. Broccoli is particularly helpful in supporting a healthy immune system and helping ward off chronic illnesses and hormonal imbalances.
TOMATILLO
Grown in Medium and Large Warm Climate Plant Subscription Kits
Although it may sound similar to a tomato, tomatillos are a very unique plant. Tomatillos differ from tomatoes in texture, taste, and look. The most notable difference is that tomatillos grow with a papery husk around them and are usually ripe when they are yellowish green or purple. Similarly to tomatoes, however, tomatillos are also part of the nightshade family and are vining plants, meaning they require similar care.
Tomatillos originated from what is now Mexico and Central America and were harvested by the Aztecs and Mayans long before European settlers arrived. They are still a staple food item in Mexican culture today, where they are often used in green salsas, guacamole, and stews. Most tomatillos today are also still imported from farms in Mexico.
Tomatillos have many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help boost the immune system and fight off cancer.
PARSLEY
Grown in Medium and Large Cold Climate Plant Subscription Kits
As a must-have in any herb garden, parsley makes a wonderful addition to winter veggie gardens, too. Parsley is in the Apiaceae family, which also includes celery and carrots, as well as other herbs like dill, cilantro, cumin, parsnip, fennel, and many others.
Parsley originated in Southern Europe and has been used for thousands of years as a garnish on food, a spice, in soaps and perfumes, and more. It became especially popular once it was brought throughout Europe and was commonly grown in gardens during the Middle Ages.
Parsley is high in potassium and vitamin A, making it a great herb for supporting heart health, kidney function, and blood sugar balance.
BOK CHOY
Grown in Medium and Large Plant Subscription Kits
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that is similar to Napa cabbage, which you also might be growing in your garden! Both bok choy and Napa cabbage are unique forms of cabbage, however, bok choy does not form heads like a typical cabbage, and instead has stalks similar to celery and soft upper leaves.
As a Chinese cabbage, bok choy originated from China and has been one of the oldest cultivated greens. It was introduced to the United States by Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush, and most of the United States' bok choy is still grown in California today.
Bok choy has many vitamins and minerals, like calcium, iron, and magnesium, that help aid bone and blood health. Bok choy is also a cruciferous vegetable, which means it can help fight inflammation and many different health issues.
Our fall and winter gardens are full of healthy and fun vegetables that anyone can grow. If you'd like to learn more about these wonderful plants and grow alongside us this season, take a look at our seasonal garden subscriptions and gardening education kits for students! Not only will you have gardening experts growing with you, you will also have access to tips and tricks, gardening reminders, and recipes to make enjoying the fruits of your labor easy and fun!
Plants ship for the fall and winter season until December 15th for climates like Florida and California and until January 15th for climates like Indiana and Arizona. Order now to begin growing with us this season! We can't wait to garden with you.