This week is why new plants are still in the greenhouse- very cold and snowy weather is happening. The greenhouse is so very important to the early season, and even for the first part of main season as new plants are started and grown out for a 4–6-week window. Unfortunately, or perhaps factually, the first two weeks of April seem to habitually turn nasty. Knowing that, plans are made to definitely wait on setting things out.
While starting seeds on Monday a brief nasty storm cell came through – the baby-lettuce eating sparrow immediately came into the greenhouse to hide out and grab a quick snack. It was pretty irritated to have a ‘People’ in the veggie section of the greenhouse – a brief discussion regarding where a sparrow belongs ensued. The eventual compromise was to put crop covers over the seedlings.
The other major discovery from week one was that there are people who want more than two leaves of Mustard. Now, there are people who want zero leaves, and those who will take a couple of smallish leaves, but several of you want “lots.” One comment – “it isn’t bitter, I really like it, can I have a lot?” It turns out that it is fairly difficult to find fresh green mustard, and so… Unless you know that your order for “lots” was heard, please ask for ‘Lots.’ Literally one entire section of Mustard has already been given to the cows because it grows so fast and there is so much.
This week is a sad week for the Bok Choi lovers – there is now a 4-week gap till the next planting is ready to harvest. A few plants will be set out in the greenhouse, the bulk, however, is destined for the great out of doors with a floating crop cover. The great out of doors is roomy, but the cold wind and rain slow down growth dramatically. Outside lettuce, cabbage, snap peas, onions – all are going to be a bit slow as long as the aforementioned cold weather persists. It is going to be a substantial task to set out plants after the storm cycle…
There is an opportunity heading your way the first week or so of May (to be determined). The flowers which are started for summer harvest are going great – in fact, there are extras. In the next couple of weeks how many extras will be known. It is pretty clear, however, that Stock, Snapdragon and Statice are abundant – there are also starts of Coleus and Red Geranium (6″ pots) – and some very charming Pansies.
The Pansy starts are a new experiment – however, they are so charming it is something that will be repeated next time.
This is a pretty leafy week:
| Lettuce | Primarily the green romaine – it is getting close to too big/old. There are other types, but the Winter Density is still the top choice for the week. |
| Brassicas | a few small red cabbage… Very Very few. Bok Choi is all gone; waiting for outside cabbage to head up (3-4 weeks). There may be a few small Kale (green) for those who ask. |
| Roots | Radishes are nearly gone, Beets with small bulbs. Young Carrots (Napoli) – just a couple per box. |
| Greens | Mustard … Lots and lots and lots… If you already voted Mustard off your island, you won’t get any… Chard – smaller early leaves. Spinach. |
| Herbs | Mint, Oregano, Chives, Arugula (if you want lots ask), Green Onions. Lots of Chives. |
Coming soon… Outside peas, Kale, Cabbage are on a fast track. Cilantro and Parsley also. Depends on weather.. Asparagus! first three shoots were confiscated by the farm… Maybe Asparagus for a few of you by Friday or Saturday.
Broccoli and Cauliflower get set out after 4/15, as well as new crop small bulb onions.
