Cover crops

I planted two cover crops in October-November, crimson clover and fava beans. Those who live in the northwest know what wacky-cold and snowy weather we had this winter. The result in spring? The fava are nada. Frost killed all of the plants. The crimson clover? Thriving. I’m going to experiment with some other cover crops this fall, but clover will definitely be making a repeat appearance.

One decision I have to make this spring: whether to just give the clover a “haircut” and let it continue to keep root, preventing weeds while my vegetables grow out right from under it, or whether to till it under. I think I’ll try both options and see what happens.

The OSU extension service has a wordy but very useful article about cover crops for home gardens and their benefits for building healthy soil.

Planning in Reverse

Funky bolting lettuce

“There’s no way we can eat all this lettuce.”

Salad a day — heck, two salads a day, wouldn’t do it. When my little lettuce seedlings sprang up in April they were as precious to me as gold. Today, as I yanked yet another giant oblong, bolting red flame head of lettuce, I decided a couple things. 1. Plant less lettuce. 2. Start writing about my garden.

So, with the bitter taste of post-pubescent lettuce leaves still in mind, today begins this blog.