They year before last we had the best leeks I have ever tasted but last year they never grew bigger than a spring onion. They still tasted ok though. Also the year before we had kale right the way through the winter but last year I tried three sowings with no success. We had very extreme weather last year with a wet spring and then heatwaves and droughts through the end of summer then a very early severe frost with constant rain afterwards for about a month. I think I’m going to blame the weather for last years lack of autumn planting and move on. This year will be better.
You make a good point about weather. It's hard to know how much of our first-year experience is due to errors on our part, and how much due to growing conditions (and possibly related human error at not knowing enough about what's best for these plants). For me, it was a small victory to plant any fall crops whatsoever, because previous veg garden attempts typically petered out early due to an abundance of weeds and overall burnout.
Almost time indeed! We're having some nice weather this week which could easily convince me to get started, but honestly I know better. Must. hold. back.
Still snowbound here, with a layer of ice in there somewhere, so too cold to do more than dream. It sure is fun to watch you getting going, however. Do you have other herbs besides basil?
Hi Tui, we have rosemary and thyme in pots, just started some oregano and will probably also grow parsley. I keep these on the terrace just outside the kitchen for easy access. Basil is a different animal, because you need to much of it just to make a bit of pesto.
I have thyme growing as a perennial in with my lavender; I've had modest success with oregano that way too, although I only got 5 years out of it. I bring the big pots of rosemary and parsley into the 4 season room, continuing to use them through the winter. Winter savoury is a perennial as well, although I prefer summer savoury. You are so right about the basil: you can never have too much!
I should have mentioned, the rosemary and thyme are currently indoors. They would not survive the winter weather here either. We are currently "plant-sitting" for friends, with their houseplants and herbs hanging out at our place for a few weeks. Their plants inspired me to think about growing oregano and parsley and parsley this year.
You are inspiring.
That's very kind of you to say, Beth. Thank you!
They year before last we had the best leeks I have ever tasted but last year they never grew bigger than a spring onion. They still tasted ok though. Also the year before we had kale right the way through the winter but last year I tried three sowings with no success. We had very extreme weather last year with a wet spring and then heatwaves and droughts through the end of summer then a very early severe frost with constant rain afterwards for about a month. I think I’m going to blame the weather for last years lack of autumn planting and move on. This year will be better.
You make a good point about weather. It's hard to know how much of our first-year experience is due to errors on our part, and how much due to growing conditions (and possibly related human error at not knowing enough about what's best for these plants). For me, it was a small victory to plant any fall crops whatsoever, because previous veg garden attempts typically petered out early due to an abundance of weeds and overall burnout.
So exciting to follow along as you get ready for the growing season. Almost time to dust off my seed starting supplies!
Almost time indeed! We're having some nice weather this week which could easily convince me to get started, but honestly I know better. Must. hold. back.
Still snowbound here, with a layer of ice in there somewhere, so too cold to do more than dream. It sure is fun to watch you getting going, however. Do you have other herbs besides basil?
Hi Tui, we have rosemary and thyme in pots, just started some oregano and will probably also grow parsley. I keep these on the terrace just outside the kitchen for easy access. Basil is a different animal, because you need to much of it just to make a bit of pesto.
I have thyme growing as a perennial in with my lavender; I've had modest success with oregano that way too, although I only got 5 years out of it. I bring the big pots of rosemary and parsley into the 4 season room, continuing to use them through the winter. Winter savoury is a perennial as well, although I prefer summer savoury. You are so right about the basil: you can never have too much!
I should have mentioned, the rosemary and thyme are currently indoors. They would not survive the winter weather here either. We are currently "plant-sitting" for friends, with their houseplants and herbs hanging out at our place for a few weeks. Their plants inspired me to think about growing oregano and parsley and parsley this year.