I’ve been getting asked frequently (not really, just once, actually) about my winter garden this year. I thought I’d show you a few pictures.
The broccoli are doing great! I’ve blanched and frozen a few batches already and still have more to come.
The cabbages are about the size of large grapefruits and feel very solid. I should be able to cut some of those soon.
The cauliflower are beginning to form heads. I am very excited about it as last year they didn’t do so hot. I didn’t know last year that a frost will ruin the heads and I lost most of them. This year, I read about a procedure called blanching. This is where you collect the outer leaves in a bunch to surround the fragile heads and close with a loose rubber band. I have not done it yet, but continue to watch weather reports for frost warnings.
The Brussels sprouts are struggling a bit this year. The little heads are loose and turning brown. I’ve read that removing the lowest sprouts will help the plant make better heads. I’ve done that and hope they start producing better as these are a favorite eating vegetable of mine.
I’m also growing collard greens. They are typically very easy and can be ignored for the most part. This year, I am getting a mediocre crop for some reason. I didn’t even bother taking their picture.
Sweet onions will stay put until February or March. I’ll pull them just in time to begin preparations for the spring/summer crop.
And, I had to cover the garden vegetables, too! Now, most fall gardens are done producing in these parts near the end of November, but mine was super slow to start. I don’t know if I needed more fertilizer or what, but, when most people were pulling out their garden remnants, I was watching my cabbages finally forming heads.
