We'd need much more information please. First all of these things are not planted at the same time. Second, some are direct seeded and others grown from transplants. Third, as mentioned there are many different kinds of tomatoes and they come in all kinds of plant sizes. Fourth, with only 2 4x8 beds your planting space will be very limited so you might consider eliminating a few things from your list unless you plan to only grow 1 each of them. You might want to check out the Sq. Foot Gardening forum here as a way to maximize your limited growing space as much as possible. Dave

I think it must be Houttuynia cordata (Giap ca in Vietnamese) in particular the green variety (although the Chameleon Plant also has the "fishy" smell). Quite easy to strike from cuttings from the Asian food stores but often sold as a ground cover in nurseries. Much harder to eradicate from the garden once you get it growing... Here is a link that might be useful: Houttuynia cordata

Steve, I think knowledge is like anything else. If you're around the info, it seems easier. If you're not, then you need to see if you can find it. Sometimes it's a challenge but over the last few years, the exchange of information has become much easier and quicker as people migrate to those things in life that interest them. There are a handful of sources on and off line that are available. If you search the words books, source, or sources in this forum, you'll discover them in existing threads. If you haven't read the FAQ for this forum, please check it out - it is far from "impossible" to find the names you need. On the contrary, it is easier now then it ever was. In the case of Asian vegetables and your interest in them, it sounds like you're doing just fine and it is best to not rely on one source for information. If you like (Brassica juncea) also known as Chinese Mustard Cabbage or Gai Choy, and you like Choy Sum which is a common name for a few Chinese Leaf Cabbages which are different species of the same genus (Brassica) - then you should definitely try Gai Lan (Brassica alboglabra). I'm sure everyone here will agree, since many of us who frequent this forum were raised eating these vegetables. "Choy" simply means "vegetable". "Bok" means "white". So it's very generic. Many of us have been using the plant name database you refer to for a while here. I think part of your challenge is that you are much less likely to find Asian vegetables grouped by region which is what you're asking for. Is there any particular reason your interest is so specific? Did someone of Hmong origin introduce you to these or is this your nationality? Your best bet would be to visit that region of the world and get seeds. Otherwise, you're already getting seeds from the best Asian specific seed sources in the US. If you are near a Vietnamese or Thai grocer, there is a chance they may carry seeds of the Hmong region. The reason your variety of bok choy is more tender could be because Shanghai Bok Choy tolerates heat and cold more so than other varieties which can lead to it being less tender. And just about anyone who grew up with any bok choy knows to eat it when the flower buds have just formed. Are you looking for information on specific vegetables? or only all vegetables from the Hmong region?

Chad and others. this is what I was reffering to. folks jump in but no one takes the lead. it does take someone to volunteer this. in addition, not all folks have what they want and what they have to offer may not be appealing to others. this is why I feel one-on-one exchange doesnt work that well unless there are more than few varities available to exchange. I suggest other people to bring on ideas. I suggest that whoever is interested sign-up at http://groups.google.com/group/veggieseedexchange and we go from there. Gardenweb is great site and will continue to post our things here, for specific exchange, communication on googlegroup would be very helpful. Thoughts?