willsfamilyacres

This year has been my worst year of winter gardening since I started, just under 10 years ago.

Last winter we barely kissed freezing temps, this year we have already hit high teens to low 20s three times. I have row cover which adds 5 degrees, but that just isn’t enough for some plants.

I have lost all of the cabbage (napa/red/green), at least half of the broccoli, most of the cauliflower, swiss chard, peas, radishes and the kohlrabi.

My carrots have succumbed to caterpillars.

The survivors include spinach, kale, collards, romanesca cauliflower, some broccoli, garlic, and brussel sprouts.

The broccoli that has been strong enough to fight the extreme cold is now bolting due to the record heat.

I have replanted the peas, recently planted onions, and scattered hairy vetch in the place of the vacated plants.

The winter so far has rotated from the aforementioned lows to highs in the high 80s. Most years I question why I even attempt a winter garden, this year I really have no answer. My only saving grace is that I planted everything from seed, so the money I spent was less than in recent years.