Growing Greens Saves "Green"

In our last post, we talked about the importance of healthy soil for your fall and winter garden: amending it with compost. We should also address the healthy impact this garden may have on your wallet. Any money saved by growing the vegetables you regularly eat is money in the bank. Instead of driving to the grocery store (save the gas!), all you need to do is step outside and choose which fresh veggies or herbs to throw in that day’s salad, soup or stew. You’ll also be improving the environment by adding valuable nutrients to the soil, increasing soil structure, ultimately controlling erosion issues. A home garden is a win/win, don’t you think?

When?
Most of us can garden through the winter in almost any climate. Even northern gardeners can enjoy harvests of root crops and greens in the winter, but it involves some extra effort to protect plants in green houses. But those of us living in mild winter areas, such as California’s Central Coast, can really enjoy the fall and winter seasons. This is the time to sow and grow a variety of vegetables that don't do as well in the heat of summer.


How?
Start your winter garden by turning the soil, removing perennial weeds and grasses, and amending it with compost.

Recommended Application:

1. Thoroughly work and loosen soil to be planted 5 to 6 inches deep.
   Level area so your newly planted beds will drain correctly.
   
2. Uniformly apply one and one half(1 1/2") to two (2")inches of Harvest Blend Compost (4.70 to 6.20 cubic yards per I000 sq. ft.) over entire area.
   
3. Following application of compost incorporate the compost five to six inches deep. Use a shovel or rotor tiller to get a uniform blend.
4. Establish a smooth planting bed by raking or dragging the soil surface.
   
5. Place plants into amended soil and firm soil around them. Seed should have a light layer of soil covering them.
6. Water thoroughly to insure proper establishment.

Note: If your garden will be located in a cool, damp area, this can lead to rotting plants. You may want to think about growing plants in raised beds. This will keep the soil well drained and help avoid water logging.

What?
It might help to have a go to list when shopping for seeds and transplants. These cool season crops should yield a nice harvest in a few months.

• Arugula
• Spinach
• Collards
• Lettuce
• Swiss chard
• Mustard
• Kale

The greens listed above will grow like crazy! You’ll also have success with root crops, such as:

• Carrots
• Beets
• Onions
• Radishes

Veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, form large heads. Legumes, like fava beans and peas, grow and flourish. All these cool weather vegetables have better flavor and texture than if you tried to grow them during the heat of spring or summer. Peas make a great fall crop. Snow peas are easier to grow than English peas since they can be eaten before filling out. The crops you choose to plant and the timing of your planting will depend on your location. Don’t worry, there’s something for everyone.

Garden Maintenance
In most areas winter means some amount of rainfall, so watering isn’t usually an issue. It's still a good idea to mulch your plantings to preserve the soil moisture and keep the weeds away.

Pesky Garden Pests
We don’t see as many garden pests in winter, but cabbage worms and slugs are two that don’t “slither south” for the winter. Watch for cabbageworm droppings on your broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage plants and use a good organic pesticide to control them as soon as you notice them. Slugs and snails are a big problem on the Central Coast. Did you know that slugs and snails don't like touching copper? Protecting raised beds with copper flashing will stop these guys in their tracks. To make sure the little pests won’t destroy all your hard work, you can cover plants with a floating row cover tucked firmly into the soil. This will definitely keep the snails and slugs from getting into the bed.


Harvest crops as needed. While many vegetables are picked and finished, such as cabbage, cauliflower, carrots and beets, some keep producing in winter. Many greens, like spinach, lettuce and mesclun mix, can be cut a number of times to the ground and allowed to re-grow in winter. As long as the temperatures stay cool, they’ll keep growing. Broccoli heads will continue to send out side shoots, and peas and fava beans will continue to flower and fruit. Even if they go dormant during December and January, they’ll quickly start growing and producing again when the longer days arrive in February.

For detailed planting info, consult a farmer's almanac or visit the Old Farmer's Almanac online at

www.almanac.com/gardening

So, with some planning and proper maintenance you can enjoy a winter garden that provides fresh produce to your family right through the dark days until spring. Just make sure you get off to the right start with healthy soil, and healthy soil begins with Harvest Blend Compost. Naturally!