Testing Cilantro Microgreens & Trellising Eggplant

Village Farm Team,

After receiving a couple of requests for them we’ve been testing out the best method for growing cilantro microgreens. Cilantro seed pods, which are dried and ground into the spice known as coriander, contain two or more seeds. Because of this, coriander seed can be purchased as either the whole seed pod or as “monogerm” which means the pods have been split in order to expose the single seeds. After experimenting with both seed types, we noticed that the monogerm seed germinates much more easily and yields more consistent results when it comes to microgreen production. Cilantro microgreens pack a bright, citrusy punch and make the perfect garnish for tacos.

Our current succession of eggplant is coming right along and beginning to produce fruit! In an effort to curb some issues we had with our last succession, we decided to incorporate trellis support. This will help our plants to combat the stronger winds that can be more common as we head into fall. The trellis will also help to ensure a more upright growth pattern which will make for easier harvesting. And, it will keep the foliage and fruit from sitting directly on the soil which can eventually lead to issues with pests and disease.

Speaking of pests, we’re currently experiencing citrus leaf miner damage in our orchard. The citrus leaf miner is a tiny moth that lays its eggs on the underside of citrus tree leaves. Once the larvae hatch from the eggs, they burrow into the leaf between the two leaf surfaces in a serpentine pattern (you can see the damage on the photo below). Generally, citrus leaf miners do not greatly affect the overall health of trees. Since our trees are relatively young, we’re treating the issue by introducing the leafminer parasite (Diglyphus isaea) into our orchard. This parasite is a very small, non-stinging wasp that searches out leaf miners on which to lay its egg. The process of laying the egg kills the leaf miner and the emerging wasp larvae can then use the dead leaf miner as food.