Sunday, January 19, 2014

Winter Onion Patch

 
The Winter time is a good time to plant onions. I've chosen a nice yellow onion and planted them in nice rows. I expect some of them not to make it, especially some of the smaller ones, but there are plenty of them that I don't think I will have to worry.
 
When you buy them in bunches they don't count the number but instead estimate the size of the bundle. Some of the onions will be quite a bit bigger than some of the others and will have a better chance of continuing to grow. I suggest spacing these out with the smaller ones between them so as to have less root competition between the larger bulbs.  In our area cats are also a problem and the bigger bulbs have a better chance against these unwanted visitors as well.
 
We went out to Potager Café the other day and their cabbage plants are wanting to bolt but they also have plenty of leaves on them for making delicious quiches or slaw. Snow peas too are growing and making pods which can be added to the cabbage for a light meal.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Frostbitten Plants

The extreme cold has really taken a toll on some of the plants. Even the agave plants have a bit of damage where they bent a little while nearly solid leaving crack lines across some of the leaves. All but the hardiest of plants in the side bed have died back but this has also given the seeds waiting or spring a good chill preparing them for the growing season.

Some of the inside plants at the office have also felt the effects of the cold with the drop in humidity and the cold air coming off of the windows. Inside plants are usually more tropical and not used to a lot of change in their environment. The thicker the leaves the better they do though.

Can't wait until the air gets a little warmer and I can go enjoy the yard again for more than a few minutes at a time.