Last Spring, I purchased many packets of seeds from Terroir Seeds (http://terroirseeds.net/) and one of those packets was Padron Peppers. But first, the back story. I first purchased Padron Peppers (pimientos de padron) from Viridian Farms at the Portland Farmer's Market several years ago. They are amazingly delicious and all you do is saute them in a little olive oil and salt until blistered and pop them in your mouth for an amazing taste sensation. Every year we eagerly await the arrival of these peppers at the market. So, you can imagine my delight when I found them in the seed catalogue. I started the seeds and they took FOREVER to sprout and to get to the point where I felt safe putting them in my garden. They grew and grew and produced a bounty of peppers, much to my surprise! I had some seeds left over and decided to try it again this year but with some improvements. I concocted a make-shift green house out of a shoe box lined with black plastic from a garbage bag and a piece of plastic wrap. I potted the seeds in little coconut pots that can go right into the ground, set them in my mini green house, covered them with plastic wrap, set them on a heating pad covered with a towel and put them in the south window of our dining room. A friend at work told me I needed to use grow lights so, my husband got in on the action. He concocted a make-shift grow light system to help those little guys along. I am pleased to report that the seeds sprouted much more quickly than they did last year and they are growing beautifully. I am now ready to harden them off and get them in the garden. I guess I've been waiting for a stint of warm weather but they are rapidly outgrowing their pots so this is the week. The pictures are of the plants after Don installed the grow lights and today, as they begin their journey to the outside. If you find seeds for these peppers, or even plants, go for it...they are delicious. But you can always find the peppers themselves at Viridian Farms' booth at the Portland Farmer's Market (and I think Hillsdale too).
PS Regarding the dance for Zach's job...must've been for another job yet to come as that one wasn't the one. Keep on dancing!
