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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

Cantaloupe #2


I was at my mother's house yesterday and there was another ripe cantaloupe. This is the second one. I'm so excited! Of all the things I planted, the cantaloupes have been the most successful. The fragrance is so intense. I had to roll the windows down on my way home and now our kitchen smells like a big cantaloupe. 

As excited as I am about growing a first, I'm disappointed that the watermelons tanked. They are my favorite. Michael loves cantaloupe though so he is very happy.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Although we do not grow our own, the local ones have been great this year. The last two my wife got nearly ran us out of the house, the smell was so intense.

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  2. That's great, Phillip! Better luck with the watermelons next year...

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  3. Cantaloupes are finished here in the farm fields. This one looks perfect. We have the same situation here, in that I like watermelon and my DB likes cantaloupe best. I hope you have better luck next year with your watermelons.

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  4. None of our watermelons made, either. The one baby succumbed to blossom end rot. We did get a glorious cantaloupe, though; lucky you to have two! Definitely need more vines next year.

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  5. We've had good cantaloupes too. If you smell it, it's ripe. Enjoy!

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  6. We haven't tried to grow our own cantaloupes yet but the one we bought at our market this week was as big as a watermelon and tasted so good!

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