Things have been slow in the garden. A recent rise in temperature has given my crops some more sunshine and it was enough to make them ready to harvest.

I pulled out a big bowl full of spinach leaves, some broccoli, cauliflower and also 4 beets. The vegetables were not particularly large as we have not had much sun or heat around here, but considering I was able to produce anything at all during Winter, I was extremely pleased.

I bought some organic mulch and laid it on top of what were the tomato and eggplant/pepper boxes back in the summer. I’m giving the soil in those boxes some rest for the duration of Winter.

Around late February or early March I expect to start the Summer crop indoor seeding, and probably also the Fall crops.

Carrot harvest

Carrots

Following too much time away from the garden (due to job search and subsequent job change), I spent most of Saturday with my crops. I harvested a couple tiny peppers and some nice looking carrots. The broccoli, the spinach, and the beets are all pretty close to harvest at this point. I hope there will be enough sun for them to make it before it gets too cold for anything to grow. I finally completely removed the tomato, eggplant, and pepper plants, and put a fence around the last of the boxes. Slowly I will put all the boxes to rest for the winter. I plan on getting some mulch to put on top of the soil.

I had forgotten how much fun gardening is, and missed it. It was enjoyable to be back at it again this past weekend.

Box 3

Spinach and cabbage

Box 4

Broccoli and beets

Box 5

Cauliflower, brussels sprouts and artichoke

Well, the inevitable has happened. The weather has cooled down, the angle of the sun is now different (thus hitting the boxes for fewer hours), and my crops are growing significantly slower. Only the radishes have been kind to me, producing quite consistently. The front yard carrots are taking their sweet time growing. Following the carrots are the beets, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, spinach and broccoli. I have my doubts as to whether or not some of these crops will make it, but I keep watering and giving them attention.

Surprisingly, the composting is going quite well. The breakdown and decomposition also requires heat so I’m surprised.

This weekend I’ll take some pictures and put them up.