Did you
know that it is possible to grow fresh vegetables 12 months of the year here in
Michigan! Outdoors! Sounds impossible doesn’t it? It's not.
The four
months people view as unharvestable are November, December, January and
February. The question that should be asked is not "what can grow in the
snow", but, "what can grow under the snow". The answer to this
is carrots, parsnips, Jerusalem
artichokes and salsify.
To get
these veggies to "keep" in the ground during the winter months, place
a 12-inch layer of leaves over the rows; be sure to mark the rows with long
sticks. When January, February, and March come, pull the leaves back and pull a
few.
Let me
mention some other veggies that prolong the growing season:
Potatoes
can stay in the ground longer than most think. For years we have waited until
December to harvest the last of them. After these have been harvested they will
keep nicely for 2 to 3 months if kept at 45 - 60 degrees.
Brussels
Sprouts taste better when left on their stalk longer. They can stand
temperatures down to 20 degrees and lower, this means harvesting for Christmas dinner
is not out of the question.
Red cabbage can be picked as late as
November; and if stored in a cool place like the potatoes, will last at least 2
months, maybe 3.
Winter squash such as Buttercup,
Butternut, Acorn and Hubbard can be picked in early October and stored in a
cool place for a long time. Make sure part of the stem remains with the squash
to keep it from rotting at this most vulnerable spot.
If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at NiemeyerLandscaping@Gmail.com
or post a comment on this Blog. And like us on Facebook At Niemeyer Landscaping
For more Landscape and garden info check us out at www.NiemeyerLandscaping.com
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