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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

Planting Fall Vegetables


I can't remember a September as nice as this one. It is usually blazing hot and dry, even into October. This year (and I hope this doesn't curse it), temperatures have stayed in the 70s and low 80s and we've had regular rain. And, best of all, no humidity. This is how Fall is supposed to be!

I've managed to get some fall crops in the ground at an appropriate time. The raised beds I have at my mother's house is 20 miles away so I can't tend to them like I should. Two weeks ago, I planted radish seeds and seedlings of lettuce, cabbage and onions. I think seedlings are the way to go. I planted lettuce seeds last year and I'm not good at thinning them out. We had plenty of lettuce but it was a crammed mess.


Other fall crops that can be planted now are carrots, collards, turnip greens and other greens. The cooler nights help them grow well and if a freeze should threaten, they can be covered to protect them.

I've also planted lettuce in containers in the small vegetable garden at our house since the tomatoes are still taking up most of the beds.

The summer vegetable garden was more successful than last years. The cantaloupe "Ambrosia" did well again although last year we were still getting cantaloupes up until late October and this year's vine is about done. I'm guessing the wetter weather has affected them since they prefer drier soil.

My last attempt at cucumbers was disastrous but this year was better. I also grew a row of okra and purple hull peas. Less successful was the eggplant - I think there were a total of 3 eggplants. Also, another failed attempt at squash, which promptly died. I also tried watermelon and got 2 melons but I think it about over too.

Radish seeds sprouting

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt TherapyText and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Phillip,

    Those plants are looking pretty good. Great weather the past few weeks huh. We planted seeds 2 weeks ago also, hope the acorns don't cover them up.

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  2. it has been beautiful and it's been a blessing to have the rains return. gail

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  3. I planted cucs 3 times this year and the hot weather just scorched them after they came up. Squash same result. I have an area that gets late afternoon shade, may move my garden there next year. I still have hummingbirds as of this morning. Mary

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  4. Good luck with the vegetables!

    Do you grow artichokes?

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  5. Great looking plants. I hope they produce a lot. Some of mine came up & some didn't. I think it was a bit too warm yet here.

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