AFTERNOON GREETINGS, FRIEND!
What are you up to related to planting, gardening, farming, harvest, preserving, etc?
If you're in colder zones, do you have any alternate winter-time creative hobby, project or business?
One of our best plant growing hacks during winter is the cattle panel greenhouse we built back in 2019. Today, the high afternoon temp outside is 43°, but inside the greenhouse, with both ends open, it’s a balmy 64°.
The daytime solar warming is supplemented with small heaters during the night and on cloudy days. We’ve begun growing seedlings for the 2021 early crops as well as microgreens that are ready for harvest in 1-3 weeks.
Several articles have been generated this week (see below). The notion of planting more perennial vegetables for 2021 has led to research, procurement, and writing. One particular discovery was that many of us gardeners are likely growing perennials but treating them like annuals! Hmm... some opportunities to explore there.
Also, by overwintering certain crops inside, they do in fact become perennials. Proof of concept: the Longevity Spinach - Gynura procumbens plants we bought from Baker Creek in 2018 are still thriving. Many cuttings have been rooted, potted, and are currently sheltered in the greenhouse.
We've also created a spring gardening plants and tips. Please, let us know what methods you’re using to garden over the winter and/or prep for spring gardening.
We just heard from Jay Jackson, moderator for our Planting for Retirement Facebook group that they got 2" of snow in central Texas, just before his newest garden plants were going into the ground.
Fortunately, he has a great relationship with his nursery, and they called him to ask if he wanted them to keep his plant order for another week until the cold spell lifted. Great customer service on their part!
Let's keep on growing toward a better future!
Coleman and LeAura Alderson
GardensAll.com
P.S. Let us know how you're doing and what gardening plans your working on. It's always good to hear from folks!
