Even though you did not see it on the calendar, last weekend was the end of winter for the Zone 9 gardener. Ok, I realize that by making that declaration in print I am probably dooming us to a late season freeze. However, according to historical statistics, Feb. 15 marked the last day that we could realistically expect a freeze in Zone 9B. Because of this I am now suffering from a severe case of garden fever. Last weekend, to celebrate the end of winter, I planted 2 -33′ rows of potatoes (Yukon Gold, Kennebec, Red LaSoda). I also cleaned out the potager in preparation of the flowers and herbs that will be planted there in the next few weeks.
Now is the perfect time to plant all barassicas like broccoli and cauliflower
Because of our mild climate, we can now plant everything but the most cold sensitive plants. If you want to have fresh cole crops on your spring table (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts) you need to get them in the garden soon. The blue leafed cole crops in the brassica family can be safely planted from transplant anytime between now and March 15.
It’s not too late to plant root crops like carrots and beets from seed
It is also a great time to put out seeds of lettuce, spinach, collards, chard, mustard greens, beets, turnips, radishes and carrots. All of these are fast growers and they are very easy to grow from seed. Since they prefer temps below 80, this is probably the last chance you have to grow them until next fall.
Wait until early March to plant your green beans
In the next couple of weeks I will be planting my green beans. I grow “Contender” but there are several other varieties out there that do very well in our area (see Patty’s recommendations in the sidebar). Green beans are a little cold sensitive so I always hedge my bets and plant them a little later (around March 1).
Now is the perfect time to plant asparagus and artichoke crowns
Late February into early March is also a great time to put out the two perrinial vegetables that do well in our area – asparagus and artichoke. Both of these are grown from roots called “crowns”. They take a little more work and a little more care than our single season vegetables, but they are well worth the effort.
A redbud in full bloom is a great reminder that spring really is here again
The past two sunny weekends have induced in me a very bad case of gardening fever. As I write this, every muscle in body aches from the gardening I forced it to endure last weekend. And that’s fine! My achy body means that winter is finally over and the 2013 gardening season has begun. Gentlemen (and ladies), start your tillers!
I have the worst garden fever ever! I have a question about asparagus– how do you know when to pick? I know not to the first year, but what looked like asparagus stalks grew into lacy leaves. Second or third year do you just eat them All? What about leaves? I would love a whole asparagus post! Thanks so much!
Great question. When your asparagus is ready to harvest let the first 4 or 5 shoots grow to full leaf. These leaves are what will supply the food for the other shoots. If the roots are two years old, you can cut about four or five shoots per root system through the season. If they are three year old roots you can harvest about every other shoot. Once they are older you can harvest 3 out of 4 shoots and you will still get enough leaves to nurture the root system. Here is the post I did on asparagus last year. https://masterofhort.com/2012/02/growing-asparagus-asparagus-officinalis/ Thanks for a great question and best of luck!
Thanks! That was just perfect! I planted some last year without realizing how big they would get and they are going to have to move.. I’ve got to decide where to put them… COMMIT!