Friday, September 7, 2012

From Plot to Plate


This summer I had to rely on my local Hubbards farm market here in Nova Scotia, to supply us with salad greens on occasion, because either I had not planted the seeds on time, or when planted, they were not happy to germinate in the heat. Or.... they would germinate, just get growing and would be munched. Otherwise, we satisfied ourselves with red and green beet leaves, chard, baby kale, zuchinni, cucumber and others that do much better in the heat, but now, with the cool nights and crisp clean air of autumn around us, arugula and red oak leaf lettuce are coming into their own. The above were planted a few weeks ago way at the back in front of the bean wall, and this time, I tried covering the patch, after seeding, with a length of white fleece/horticultural cover. I thought this would help protect against insects, provide shade and help keep the moisture in.  It worked...strong germination and a great cut and come again garden for salads.

So... last week, I decided to plant the entire front raised bed with greens that will eventually be covered with the cold frame lid that sits on top over the winter. I have had really good success with extending my season by doing this. Already the following have germinated..tatsoi, mesculin mix, mizuna, mache, spinach, Winter Marvel lettuce and Juno carrot, one of Mark Cullen's new seed choices (available everywhere at Home Hardware). Again, I covered the bed with the white fleece, also known as Remay, and will continue to do that if the days seem too hot or even too wet. We had torrential rain the other day and I am sure the fleece kept the seeds from being pounded out of the earth.

The carrots won't mature this year...they will be my spring carrots next year..or early summer... assuming they make it through the winter. Last year, carrots had germinated quite late inside the fenced garden, and stayed alive under a cover of Remay, then straw and then, the plastic hoop covers over that. (This worked for beets also.)When spring came, they took off growing and we had carrots very early.

The raised bed behind this front one, was planted with seeds three days ago; you can see, I have the white fleece laid over it, tucked in around some bean plants still cropping, arugula and the cucumber plants that I must say, have done very well. I always lament I can't grow cucumbers to save my soul, but this year, they have proven me wrong!

So we are back to harvest time salads, enjoying again, the fruits of our labours. We keep it simple and let the leaves shine.... a nice vinegar to frisk up the flavor is probably all that's needed....mmmm...keepin' it local!

14 comments:

  1. I am so happy to see that you have been out in the air and able to eat your own food. It makes one feel so....connected. You are such a talented gardener. I planted greens a few weeks ago and they are probably a fifth the size of yours. I am going to amend like crazy this fall!! Maybe some year, I'll catch up. :-)

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Erin. The greens are growing in a very rich compost, so yes, if you need to amend the soil, they love that.

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    2. Just wondering if you noticed the pattypan squash in the top right corner? The shape has morphed to be more round, after the many years of seed saving..but still delicious.

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  2. That salad looks gorgeous! Good for you getting those fall greens going! I am very bad at that and just have a tiny few lettuce plants coming in. Will need to get to work on a cold frame!

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    1. Thanks Nutmeg gardener! I am not always timely when it comes to seed planting but this year left me the soil area where the garlic were harvested from, and the raised bed where the blighted tomatoes had succumbed. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't be organized!

      A cold frame is a wonderful idea and will extend your season for certain. Situate in full sun if possible.

      Thanks again for visiting and commenting.

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  3. My lettuce was pretty bedraggled this summer too, just so hot here. So smart of you to do a second plant and of course with your covers you'll have lettuce for ages now. I didn't think to plant but luckily I had some lettuce come up out of the compost in my flower bed so we're enjoying lettuce again. Perhaps next year I'll remember to get around to that second planting.

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    1. This torrential rain is doing a number on those little seedlings ;-( Fingers crossed they manage alright. Should have put the cold frame cover over them as they are certainly wet enough now.

      Aren't compost piles great...got my pumpkins from there last year. Glad you are getting some lettuce and yes, perhaps next year, but not too late now to plant..in fact perfect timing if you have any seeds left. Arugula will sprout overnight it seems.

      Thanks for commenting Marguerite.

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  4. Last year the mild weather meant that I was able to overwinter many of my more tender herbs, but I am not sure it is wise to count on the same mild conditions again this year. If time permits, I hope to turn one of my raised beds into a cold frame. I am wondering where I can get the fleece covering you mention.
    I planted some salad greens this spring and the baby bunnies really appreciated my efforts. Serves me right for not getting around to some protective fencing! Your salad looks delicious.

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    1. Do think about turning one of your raised beds into a cold frame bed. You won't regret it and remember...bugs are less in early spring and late summer, bunnies are deterred, cool temps mean lots of greens will germinate and even if they only germinate..and hang on through winter..they will bounce forward in spring so fast...and you will love your early spring greens!! Niki Jabbour's book advises the best greens for cold frame growing as does Eliot Coleman.

      Best Wishes and thank you Jennifer for your kind comments.

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  5. Your greens are growing so beautifully! And the salad you created looks so very yummy! Beautiful photo's too!
    ~Michele

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  6. WE're only just really getting salad leaves to grow this year. Things seem to have been so reluctant to get going. Have you tried growing outdoor cucumbers - our Burpless tasty Green have grown really well and usually give a crop,

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  7. Hello again, Bren :-)

    What a pretty delicate plate reflecting your work and dedication! I love to hear about your raised beds and admire them every time I visit… enjoy :-D

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  8. What a wonderful Blog! Thanks so much for sharing your journey and your knowledge. I was tickled to find this. You also give me hope for my 'future' garden, though I've been so busy with work and growing my business, I still feel the need to be in my garden every day. It soothes the soul and makes all the daily headaches worthwhile. Blogs like this...help keep me focused and it helps to know, I'm definitely NOT alone!

    To have home grown salad...ah, that would be sweet indeed! Well, done! I'm jealous...and hungry looking at your excellent photos! Well, done, indeed!


    P.S. Thanks for dropping by to say hello! Most kind and much appreciated! :)

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  9. A beautiful stand of lettuce! We need to build a cold frame such as yours.

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