February's Garden (2021)

February 16, 2021

February has not been an easy month for the garden. The first snow arrived on the 7th.  It began with rain and high winds before turning into snow.

February 7, 2021

This year there were ten tunnels, far more than any other year and there were not enough wire supports, landscaping staples, and barely enough covers. It became painfully obvious the wire supports were too far apart and so, began bending and sagging during this snowstorm. Sections were drooping low enough to flatten some of the plants. I feared this would happen during installation in the fall but decided to take a chance and try to stretch what was available.

I gambled and lost.

There were places where the wind had blown the tunnels open and the plants were exposed.  The covers were frozen to the ground and ripped when pulled. 

It would have been impossible to walk in the garden without sinking in the mud if it wasn't for the hay in the aisles.  This is the reason I went In Search of a Bale of Hay. 

We needed fresh vegetables.  This bed was chosen because it has the least amount of plants.  It will be cleared out next and prepared for spring planting.  

Instead of picking a few of the outside leaves, each entire plant was harvested.  They were sliced at the root because it was quick and I was cold. Taking a large amount saves me trips to the garden. 

This is what I harvested while the tunnel was open. 

After the snow melted, two surprise packages arrived.  The horse trainer's manure spreader had broken, another part is on order so I got everything when they cleaned the stables.  This was the best Valentine gift ever!

February 10, 2021

A little over a week later, The Great Snowstorm of 2021 arrived, and this time, I couldn't even find the garden.  There was over an inch and a half of ice under a thick layer of snow.  The weight bent the wires even more.  I hadn't made any repairs because I just didn't want to go outside to fight the bad weather.

February 16, 2021

After the snow melted, it was easy to see everything that needed attention. Before next year, it will be necessary to either have fewer beds or get more supplies.  

February 22, 2021

After the covers were removed, most plants were fine and will rebound.  

February 23, 2021

However, some were smashed hard.

Serifon, Green in the Snow

On this bed, the cave-in damaged these collards pretty badly.  The top leaves are broken.  At the next harvest time, they will be picked, the damaged areas removed and then cooked in beef broth with lots of pepper for Bill. I am leaving the houses open for a few days to see if they can revive.  The wires must be straightened before the next snowstorm.

Collard Greens

Decent weather is predicted for a few days so I am leaving them open.  The vegetables are hardy enough to withstand temperatures down in the lower thirties (F).  March can go either way - snowy or warm - winter or spring.  It's a gamble - all of gardening is a gamble.

Last Month's January Garden (2021)

Last Year's February Garden (2020)

Through the Garden Gate