Best of 2003: Best Vegetable Garden Plant People

Suilin and Whitney Robinson, Multiflora Nursery
Hillcrest Farmer's Market, DMV parking lot

In an experiment some Mission Hills residents planted vegetable plants from two local nurseries next to plants from the Robinsons. The Robinsons' sprouts grew twice as large, were hardier, and yielded twice as much produce. In the summer they offer more than 20 varieties of peppers, at least that many kinds of tomatoes, and a bunch of unusual squash and melon plants. Fall and winter plants include broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Most of the plants come in 3-inch containers and cost $3 each; exotic varieties can cost up to $10. Planting advice is free.