The creation of a landrace

[Cathy A]

I planted a grex of Boothby Blonde, Fancipak, Calypso, County Fair, and National Pickling cucumbers yesterday.

Unlike the Vermont Short and Sweet project, where every variety is carefully tracked and planned crosses will be made, the pickling cucumber seeds were all mixed thoroughly in a bowl before planting.

The goal will be to create a vigorous landrace of pickling cucumbers suited to my conditions, for very little work.

If only my common beans and shelling peas would outcross themselves so readily!

[UnicornEmily]

Probably looking for varieties that are known to outcross more easily would work to serve as a bridge.

I've planted a huge diversity of beans and peas this year, and I'm looking forward to seeing if I start seeing new phenotypes in a few years.  That'd be neat!