Day to Spring: 17

‘Tempest’ summer squash is a new cultivar from Johnny’s Selected Seeds that is being touted as having “outstanding culinary quality.” So as a consumer of outstanding culinary quantity, I am definitely interested in growing this veggie. To date, I am still looking for my go-to variety of summer squash, so when the people who grow/breed/sell squash say that this one is “outstanding,” I certainly take notice.

At first, I thought “outstanding culinary quality” was just the marketing copywriter’s way of saying it tastes good. And while ‘Tempest’ reportedly is delicious, it also “retains its shape, texture, and color through a multitude of cooking methods, from grilling and roasting to pickling and braising.” I’m sold.

You can order your seed here: johnnyseeds.com

This Week’s Spring Picks:

Days to Spring: 18—Add Year-Round Color with ‘Daub’s Frosted’ Juniper

Spring can’t come fast enough this year—I have a lot of planting to do! One of the first things that will go in the ground is ‘Daub’s Frosted’ juniper (Juniperus × pfitzeriana ‘Daub’s Frosted’, Zones 4–9). This plant caught my eye during a couple of photo shoots last year. Read more.

Days to Spring: 19—Invincibelle Limetta® Smooth Hydrangea

What’s not to like about hydrangeas? They’re big, they’re bold, they’re beautiful. These are all spectacular traits for a plant to have in the garden, except, if you have limited space . . . Read more.

Days to Spring: 20—The Wabi-Sabi® Dwarf Doublefile Viburnum

I have always adored the white spring blooms of a doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum, Zones 5–8), but I have never loved its size. At around 8 to 10 feet tall and wide, it’s not a massive shrub; it’s just that I really don’t want any shrub that size. Read more.

See the whole list.

Countdown to Spring

Check back tomorrow for Fine Gardening’s Countdown to Spring to find out what tools, plants, books—and more!—we are excited about this season. And join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Tell us what you are excited about this spring, too!