Winter in the Garden

I realize that “winter” is a relative term when it comes to Florida, but we really are experiencing some cold weather this month. It’s been in the 30s…!!! Brrrrrrr. Thank goodness there’s no negative sign before that number. I think my face would fall off! Instead, it’s seasonably cold, just enough to give us a taste of winter.

A taste my cabbage plants are loving. They thrive in brisk, sunny temps.

Peppers normally don’t, yet strangely, I haven’t lost them. I didn’t bother to cover them, deciding on a minimalist approach this year yet look at them. They’re fine! Sort of.

Go figure.

The potatoes are finally beginning to sprout. My son planted these almost a month ago and for a while, I zapped him with a reproachful gaze, asking, “Are you sure you planted them “eye” side up?” He nodded. “And you didn’t plant them too deep?” Zapping me with a gaze of his own, he replied, “Mom, I know how to plant potatoes. It’s not my fault they’re not growing. Maybe they’re late bloomers.”

Hmph. Maybe. But I went to my local seed store, anyway, and purchased another round of potato seed. I took extra care in examining each piece, looking for good eyes, small size. Eyes are those sprouts that form on the outside of the potatoes. If you plant a potato with no “eyes” you might as well run to the grocery store. You’ll have a better chance at reaping a bounty.

Me? I love homegrown potatoes and decided it was time to give it another whirl. Of course, you know what I found when I dug up the old potatoes. Most had begun to sprout, only the shoots hadn’t made it to the surface. There weren’t any rotted, only a row full of late bloomers. I even noticed a tiny sprout erupting through the soil’s surface. ARGH! Seems the boy was right. 🙂

Since we do love our potatoes, we went ahead and tilled further down the row, tossed in some compost and planted our new seeds. At this rate, we’ll have plenty of fresh potatoes come spring and a happy family come dinner time. I knew there was going to be a happy ending. It’s always happy in the garden. Just ask my Brussels Sprouts.