Garden Musings
Musings à la last year's garden thoughts, with an eye towards learning to plant the right garden for me. Comments and thoughts are welcome.
Tomatoes: This year I planted Riesentraube tomatoes, a gift from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds with my seed order. They grew astonishingly well. Definitely to be planted again next year. I also grew Brandywines, which, while delicious, simply aren't what I should be growing in New England: the season isn't really long enough, and I didn't get enough yield for the effort. More experimentation next year.
Cucumbers: I've finally hit on a cucumber I love, which is the Japanese Long Cucumber. Also tried, but failed to grow Dragon's Egg Cucumbers. I think I transplanted them too early, during what seemed to be an unseasonably warm spring, and they when the weather turned they didn't like the cold. Must try again next year!
Radishes: I failed utterly, and my radishes bolted. Some of this might be that I tried to grow daikon radishes in the Spring, and I'm told that variety prefers fall. I love radishes, and am glad to get them through my CSA, including my new favourite, French Breakfast Radishes. Not sure if I should give up, or try again?
Pole Beans: I obtained Cherokee Trail of Tears beans from a friend, and they grew really well. They make mediocre green beans, but are excellent left to dry on the stalk for black beans. Not only will I grow these again, but I've passed some beans on to the farmer who runs my CSA. :) I think next year I'd also like to add a green bean to my garden. Does anyone have any favourite heirloom varieties?
Watermelon: I managed one single 7-inch watermelon, which in itself was worth the whole season. Protected it in a little nylon stocking, which was the right answer.
Strawberries: Perennials, and spreading, and yummy, so, yes.
Chives: Perennials, grow well no matter the conditions, good.
Basil: Easy to grow, delicious, so yes.
Asparagus: Perennial, and delicious, but I only have six roots. Will these spread on their own? Maybe I'll buy more roots for a second area.
Snow Peas: Delicious, easy, grew very well. Definitely something to plant again!
Cauliflower: Tried to grow this outside my fenced-in area, and it got eaten to the roots. The leaves grew back, but not quickly enough to create any cauliflower. :(
I still really miss wild blueberries, and wonder if it's possible to get them to take here, or if they'd require a sandier soil. What else am I missing?
Tomatoes: This year I planted Riesentraube tomatoes, a gift from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds with my seed order. They grew astonishingly well. Definitely to be planted again next year. I also grew Brandywines, which, while delicious, simply aren't what I should be growing in New England: the season isn't really long enough, and I didn't get enough yield for the effort. More experimentation next year.
Cucumbers: I've finally hit on a cucumber I love, which is the Japanese Long Cucumber. Also tried, but failed to grow Dragon's Egg Cucumbers. I think I transplanted them too early, during what seemed to be an unseasonably warm spring, and they when the weather turned they didn't like the cold. Must try again next year!
Radishes: I failed utterly, and my radishes bolted. Some of this might be that I tried to grow daikon radishes in the Spring, and I'm told that variety prefers fall. I love radishes, and am glad to get them through my CSA, including my new favourite, French Breakfast Radishes. Not sure if I should give up, or try again?
Pole Beans: I obtained Cherokee Trail of Tears beans from a friend, and they grew really well. They make mediocre green beans, but are excellent left to dry on the stalk for black beans. Not only will I grow these again, but I've passed some beans on to the farmer who runs my CSA. :) I think next year I'd also like to add a green bean to my garden. Does anyone have any favourite heirloom varieties?
Watermelon: I managed one single 7-inch watermelon, which in itself was worth the whole season. Protected it in a little nylon stocking, which was the right answer.
Strawberries: Perennials, and spreading, and yummy, so, yes.
Chives: Perennials, grow well no matter the conditions, good.
Basil: Easy to grow, delicious, so yes.
Asparagus: Perennial, and delicious, but I only have six roots. Will these spread on their own? Maybe I'll buy more roots for a second area.
Snow Peas: Delicious, easy, grew very well. Definitely something to plant again!
Cauliflower: Tried to grow this outside my fenced-in area, and it got eaten to the roots. The leaves grew back, but not quickly enough to create any cauliflower. :(
I still really miss wild blueberries, and wonder if it's possible to get them to take here, or if they'd require a sandier soil. What else am I missing?