Garden Friday

 

Our homestead

Welcome to Garden Friday!

The blog has been fairly quiet

because there just isn't that much to share!

We really don't go anywhere these days,

and even most of the garden chores have slowed down.

It's been a fabulous fall

with just enough work to keep me hummin'.

 

The row covers are still working their magic.

We've had consistent temperatures in the 30's and 40's

for a good while and everything tucked underneath

has been just fine.

Things aren't growing a whole lot,

but that's expected when temperatures get this low

and the sunshine is somewhat scarce.

The carrots and leek are enjoying their protection,

but would most likely be okay left to their own devices.

I sowed some lettuce, leek and spinach last week,

not knowing if it will be warm enough to germinate.

What a wonderful surprise it will be

if it actually pops up!

 

The garden is still crankin' out the lettuce!

A couple of times a week I'll go pick a big handful

and it makes me smile to see that it barely needs rinsing because it's so clean.

The under layer of shredded leaves keeps the soil off of it.

My favorite variety is still green oakleaf,

but having ordered next season's seeds,

that may change come spring.

 

 

The Walla-Walla onions have made some progress.

This bed is uncovered and doing just fine.

I keep picturing those bulbous onions being pulled up

and ready for a turn in the iron skillet.

 

I ended up pulling all the snap peas out

and giving them to the chooks.

I never did get a pod from them,

but sampled the shoots on several occasions.

I will give them another go in the early spring

to see if I can grow some peas to snack on.

 

Some time is spent each week shredding leaves

and chipping up small twigs and branches.

Some of the leaves have been raked up

to surround the trees on the property.

The idea is to provide warmth and nutrients to the soil underneath.

I'd like to add more bulbs around these areas

and taking care of the soil can only improve their chances.

 

It feels like winter has come a little early this year,

but you won't hear me complain one bit.

After living for years in Florida where winter showed up

for only a few days and then it was right back to heat and humidity,

these cool (even cold) days just feel right.

Still hoping for snow before spring comes,

as I have not lost the love for its magical spell.

Praying that you and yours are safe-n-sound.