Fields of Plenty

We have a long history of going to Farmers Markets, primarily the King Street Farmers Market in Wilmington, Delaware. Generations of Websters, Connells, Talleys, and Rotthouses have loaded produce into wagons or trucks to take to the market 2 or more times each week. John Webster took truckloads of produce in season. A truckload of cabbage: in the Depression, everyone made soup. A load of lilacs in May—and those sold, also. Peaches in the summer, apples in the fall. Rachel Webster made sausage and cottage cheese, as she had learned from her mother. Because farmers believe in utilizing available labor, their own children, the Webster girls went to market with their parents. Just as John had gone to market with his father, John Sr.   And John Sr. remembered going to market with his father, Isaac. And John Sr. told stories of Isaac falling asleep in the back of the wagon in the early morning hours as he went to market with his father, Clark (1786-1871) in the 1820s. It took a lot ...

 Alright, dedicated grower, here are some more tips on growing for winter. Remember, patience is key! As you already know, every growing area has its own micro-climate and ecosystem, so what works in one place may not grow in another. We struggle with our clay soil, and add compost on a regular basis. You may have a different kind of soil with different needs. Swiss Chard 1)    What grows best in the winter : cold hardy plants! Many of the herbs, leafy greens, root crops, some of the brassicas. Here is a partial list; depending on your particular circumstances, you will add or subtract from the list:  Parsley, cilantro, sorrel, romaine, green or red leaf lettuce, kale, chard, collards, mizuna, mustard greens, sprouting broccoli and cauliflower, spinach, beets, carrots, radishes, daikon, turnips, rutabagas, scallions, brussel sprouts, cabbage. 2)      Growing times —even with heat, everything takes a little longer. About 25-40% longer. Without heat, i...

Are you a dedicated vegetable gardener?   If so, I know you thrive on growing plants. Do you marvel at   tiny seeds sprouting and growing to vegetables? Nothing better for the soul or our stomachs! 20 years ago, I embarked on the journey of winter growing. I wanted to extend our harvest seasons and to have vegetables over the winter. I wanted to have early spring crops. I wanted—nature laughed! So here are some tips and strategies based on what I have learned (and continue to learn) about growing in the winter months. Winter is a challenge for us here in Delaware, because our days are shorter, and the night-time temperatures are below freezing. Look for cold-hardy varieties that can handle the level of protection that you can provide. Adjust your expectations of how quickly things will grow. Supplemental heat makes a huge difference, but you have to evaluate the cost of heating compared to what you get out of it. Here are some strategies to start: 1.   ...