Growing the Good Stuff: from Sweet Potatoes to Bitter Melons

Many vegetable gardens contain the classic tomatoes, lettuce, and parsley, but have you ever tried growing sweet potatoes, okra, luffa, or bitter melon? In this presentation, we will discuss diverse types of specialty and culturally relevant vegetables, fruits, and herbs and how these can be grown in home gardens in Oregon. Topics will include methods for extending the growing season, how to address challenges like daylength in subtropical vegetables, and where to get locally adapted seeds. With knowledge, care, and tips from our presenter and other intrepid gardeners, you can learn how to grow the flavorful foods you love to eat.

Presenter: Todd Anderson is a Doctoral student in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University, working in blueberry breeding and genetics at the USDA Luby Lab. His research is on developing heat tolerance in blueberries. Todd is also an avid hobby gardener and grows various types of Filipino and Southeast Asian herbs and vegetables in his community garden plot. He's been experimenting with growing specialty produce in Oregon, testing tips and tricks from people in the area, and learning from gardeners growing tropical vegetables in similar climates in the United Kingdom and British Columbia.

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