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A Closer Look at Winter Damage

But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is

Book review and give-away - "The Speedy Garden"

Congratulations to Eve on winning the book! Stay tuned for more contests in the future.

We all know that most gardening requires some patience - especially vegetable gardening. But wait one minute, here is a new book that offers crops that are ready to eat in a few days, weeks and even hours. Food journalists Mark Diacono and Lia Leendertz profile these tasty delights, show you how to grow them and provide recipes.

Beginning with "Soaks and Sprouts," the authors describe the best techniques for sprouting seeds in sprouting bags or trays. Pumpkin seeds, almonds, sunflowers, radish, mustard and clover sprouts are just a few that are profiled with tips on storing them and using them in recipes. 

Micro greens include coriander, fennel, basil, and other leafy greens that can be grown in trays in as little as seven days and are ready for salads and flavorings for other foods. Edible flowers are also covered - nasturtium, daylily, chives, marigolds, and lavender. 

A chapter on "cut and come again salad leaves" demonstrates a method of growing greens in containers and harvesting the leaves so that the plants will sprout again. "Quick Harvest Vegetables" covers carrots, turnips, radishes and other fast growing crops.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I am always excited to learn something new about plants and gardening. I just read the other post about root cuttings and found it interesting. I am crossing my fingers and toes and hopefully I will win!

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  2. Hi Phil,
    As an ancient gardener, I remember the admonishment of George Burns, who said "I'm so old, I don't even buy my bananas green." So this seems like a good book for me! Best to you,
    Shenandoah
    shenandoah@hushmail.com
    http://gardenaginginplace.com

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  3. Looks like a fun book! I'm in!

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  4. I can never have enough gardening books or cookbooks. Plus, I'm going to be giving edible gardening a more serious try this season... I'm in!

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  5. Whooo Hoooo! Can't wait to get it! I'm gearing up for lots of veggies this year!

    ReplyDelete

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