Cold Weather Plants

[wifezilla]

Despite all the cruddy weather we have had, the Long Leaf Tong Ho is still growing!!!

Wow. I hope it tastes good. It sure is hardy!

 

[wifezilla]

Got MORE snow and MORE freezing temps over the last 2 weeks. Despite that, the long leaf tong ho is STILL growing, I have some Mesclun coming up, and the leaf lettuce is also coming up

Since we are supposed to have descent weather over the next couple of days, I will see if anything else survived or if I need to reseed this weekend.

 

[bigredfeather]

How much cold can peas tolerate? I know I have to plant them early, but they can't handle a mild frost or snow, can they?

Last year when my peas were about 3 in tall, we had over an inch of snow. It didn't hurt them a bit.

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Cinco de Mayo!!!

That seems like a long time to wait, but you guys get crazy weather, don't you?

The only thing to worry about with peas is extended wet soil conditions if the temperatures are low. Then they can rot. If your soil is relatively dry, cold shouldn't be an issue.

 

[wifezilla]

Excess moisture is NOT an issue 'round these parts

I have a spot picked out for the peas against my chain link fence. I think I will plant next week. The Tong Ho, the Mesclun, the Leaf Lettuce are all still doing well. I have seen a few little sprouts in the bok choy bed too.

 

[wifezilla]

Add Merlot Lettuce as another plant that doesn't mind the occasional blizzard. I had planted it along with my other cold weather greens but nothing came up. I figured it was dead.

Than last night as I was watering I saw something unusual.
"What is this purple crud in my garden bed?"
Then I remembered I planted the merlot lettuce. Duh! LOL

The Teton Spinach is also taking off.

I did have to reseed the chinese cabbage, the mustard and the corn salad.

I just have to remember to keep posting this info so I know what to plant next year.

I will also try a second round of the really cold hardy plants in September. August is still pretty freaking hot, so if I try another round of the lettuces, etc... in September, I should be able to get plenty before the end of November. While we often get a good snow around Halloween, it is usually really nice for weeks after that.

So next year...
St. Patrick's Day:
Spinach
mesclun
leaf lettuce
tong ho

Tax Day:
Peas
Brussel Sprouts
Corn Salad
Mustard
Chinese Cabbage
Red Cabbage
Broccoli
Cauliflower

Mother's Day:
Everything else

Labor Day:
Spinach
mesclun
leaf lettuce
tong ho

 

[lesa]

Is it possible to plant the non-cold hardy plants early- and cover them if it gets cold? Our extended weather looks pretty good, I would love to put some tomato plants in, as an experiment. What do you think?

 

[wifezilla]

I am always reluctant about planting peppers and tomatoes early. I have had them killed too many times before. Sometimes because I forgot to REMOVE the covers and I cooked them...LOL

If you are not a space cadet like me, you might be able to plant but be sure to watch the weather forecast.

 

[lesa]

Thanks! You are right about removing the covers. I fried some things in my cold frames, by not propping them open early enough in the day. It is surprising how hot it gets in there! I have a ton of tomato seedlings, so I guess I will try a little experiment and see how it goes.

 

[COgirl]

lesa
I'm gonna jump in here and suggest that you use walls o water for your tomatoe's they will protect to about 28 deg I believe. I have used them for years and I keep them on all season just roll them down as the plants grow--- use them for your peppers as well, they work wonderfully :rainbow-sun