Ask Monty’s:
“I’d like to plant some winter vegetables – I’m not ready to quit having fresh vegetables just yet! What vegetables do you suggest I start with?”
Ambrose, Chickasha, Oklahoma
Ambrose:
You actually have quite a few options in your area – a little farther north though and your choices start to become more limited. First of all, keep in mind that the best place to plant your winter crop will be in an area that has the most southern exposure you can get and a spot that will be best protected from the wind. You need all the warmth you can get and no drying, cold winds to terrorize your efforts. Plant your crops in the soil and not in raised beds either. While a raised bed warms up fast in the spring, it is far too exposed to retain heat for winter crops.
That said, Kale is a good crop for greens for soups or just “greens” in the crock pot. Kale can even survive throughout the winter even in sub zero weather. For a late fall or early winter you can plant Bok Choi, which has delicate white stalks and greens and are excellent for stir frying. It also matures quickly.
Turnips are one of my all time favorites. As a root crop they serve a duo food purpose with both their greens and fleshy radish like vegetable that they produce. While the tops may finally freeze off, the turnip itself will grow right up until the ground turns hard. But beware, deer love these and will seek them out readily! I swear I think they can smell them!
Beets are excellent and similar to the turnip with their tops actually being even more durable to cold weather. Certain types of lettuce also do well in early fall predominately. Broccoli is also very resistant to cold.
A key factor in how well your crops will yield has to do with how well you protect them from the cold. If you have a greenhouse, you’re in great shape, but even cold frames and sheets and blankets will help protect your plants from the cold night temperatures. I’ve even used a 75 watt light bulb and holiday string lights under the sheets to keep heavy frosts at bay!
Water your plants regularly of course, but stop once the threat of frost is evident. The soil will hold the moisture, as will the plants, so excessive moisture will cause the plants to freeze.
Ask Monty’s:
“Every year I struggle with tomatoes growing close to the ground and despite my religious mulching practice if I don’t catch them in time they rot as they ripen. Other than staking them and running the risk of the heavy fruit laden branches breaking, what can a person do?”
Thad
Pasadena, Maryland
Thad:
I discovered a pretty simple solution to this same problem. I plant my young plants in sturdy paper two quart square containers – like orange juice comes in – cutting the ends out and sinking them a ways in the ground to support the young plants. They’re sturdy and durable and can simply be left in the ground as the plant grows until fall clean up. I mulch the ground with grass clippings like I normally do to keep the moisture in and then I use plastic case size soft drink carriers that are only as high as a pop can, of course, and place them around the plants, leaving ample room around them. As the plants grow and spread they lie across the containers safely up off the ground to hinder ground rot and keep air circulation. I have cut my tomato rot down by at least 75%!
Ask Monty’s:
“What plants thrive best in rock gardens, particularly between them?”
Shay
Shad, Ohio
Shay:
Hens and chicks come to mind immediately. Sedum will grow just about anywhere, but you would probably do better with the ground covering stone crop varieties which are even more drought resistant, smaller and will spread out and lounge over rocks and walks nicely. Phlox comes in all colors, leaving a nice lush mat even when their little flowers are done blooming in early spring. Even herbs like dill, fennel and mint will do well in rock gardens and serve duo purposes and interest, becoming lusher as you cut and use them.
If you have a lot of intense shade in an area of your rock gardens, even lily of the valley will spread easily though the soil cracks, as well Chinese lanterns. But both of these plants will spread quickly so make sure you have a lot of room for these guys.
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