The sad state of gardens in winter is no reason to abandon them completely. It may be wet and mucky out, or they may be covered in snow–a blessing we rarely have here in the Pacific Northwest–but that is no reason to abandon the source of some of the best tasting vegetables you can get: your own garden.
It has been so wet here lately. I went out to the lower garden to check the few remaining cabbages which had survived the frosts and one mild snow we did have and I had to wade across the garden’s mud. Out of twenty or so neglected cabbages I was able to salvage 6–three Savoy and three Red. Beautiful and large and still perfect in January despite wind, rain and freeze. I wish we had some pigs because the remaining cabbages would be a treat for them. Instead I’ll have to tromp back down there and gather up the last few cracked and slimy heads for the chickens. They’ll make short work of things.
Today, if it is not raining to much, and as there isn’t much going on, I think I must go out and turn the compost piles. I’ve got more coffee grounds to add and it seems like they need to be rotated. I’m no compost authority but we do end up with some nice stuff for our efforts and it sure beats throwing everything away.
The Chickens get most of our kitchen waste. Meat scraps and bones go to the ever waiting dog. But without the compost pile where would we throw the onion tops and bottoms, the grapefruit skins and all the other stuff the dog or chickens won’t or shouldn’t eat? A compost pile is also a great way to get rid of those shreaded tax reciepts and extra cardboard that piles up occasionally.
After the compost is turned I’d better turn my hand to the greens which are springing up in the mild winter weather we’re having. I’d planted some lettuces and Kale in September as an experiment to see when–in the Spring–they would come up, if at all. Well it’s the beginning of January and they’re getting to be two inches tall. There is also quite a bunch of Mizuna springing up which needs to be protected until it is large enough to use in a salad or stir-fry.
I think I’ll use the wire hoops I made last spring to help hold row cover and netting over the strawberries and young cabbages. If the wind doesn’t batter the plastic to bits I think they could be okay. If it becomes too much of a problem I’ll have to come up with something better. Someday I hope to have a Glass Blower make some of these Bell Cloches for me:
They would provide the necessary warmth and protection to start or finish crops in winter or spring. There are similar products available made from plastic but I don’t believe they are as durable or friendly as ones made from glass.
I was able to patch them with some materials here on the farm, but I think I will have to leave the island soon to pick up more supplies as I don’t think these winds are done for the season. I will probably end up making this repair a standard for all the ribs.
Nevertheless, the tunnel seems to be doing its job and while I was in working I noticed several sprouts coming up in the portion I have already planted.