Meet the neighbours · vegetable
Tatsoi
A cold-hardy, fast-growing Asian green Cindy discovered almost by accident from a seed swap — now a permanent fixture in her garden.
Tatsoi is the quiet, dependable neighbour that doesn't mind a chill and still shows up early. Cindy discovered it almost by accident at a local community garden seed swap, and it has been a permanent fixture in her garden ever since.
It germinates quickly and isn't fussy about growing conditions. A little afternoon shade in summer helps keep it from bolting, and a light frost only seems to sweeten the leaves.
How to grow it
- Direct sow 1/4 inch deep, 1 inch apart, starting mid-April (as soon as the soil can be worked in Cindy's zone).
- Full sun to part shade — a little shade helps prevent bolting in hot summers.
- Keep soil evenly moist; mulch with straw to help retain moisture.
- Harvest as baby leaves or let rosettes mature — light frost won't harm it and may even improve the flavour.
How to use & eat it
- Stir-fry with garlic and ginger.
- Steam lightly and finish with sesame oil.
- Add to soups at the end of cooking.
- Toss young leaves into salads.
Makes friends with
Companion planting is just good neighbouring — these do better beside Tatsoi.
Garlic ChivesRadishWinter Onion
Other neighbours
- ChivesHardy, self-seeding, one of the first plants up in spring.
- GarlicPlant every fall for a mid-summer harvest — small bulbs, big flavour.
- Garlic ChivesFlat-leafed chives with a real garlic bite — a handy stand-in while the bulbs are still ripening.
- Radish GreensCindy's honest confession: she doesn't actually like radishes — she grows them for the tender, flavourful greens.