Thursday, March 26, 2009

Gardening in...the winter?

What?  A freeze and snow this late in March?  Well, it's not so unusual.  The average last frost date for our zone 7 in Oklahoma is April 12 and the last recorded frost is April 28! 


 



So?  What will we do about those plants we've already put out?  Well, if they're in pots, bring them inside, or at least into the garage.

Remember these? blog-038 They'll be coming indoors this weekend.


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The lettuceblog-3031


spinachblog-304



carrot seeds  we recently planted

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the parsley (which has been in the ground about a week)

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as well as the peas, potatoes and onions (which are all peeking through the soil) should be okay, even with a freeze, snow or ice.

Now these itty-bitty pears? 

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We'll see...but whatever the frost doesn't get, the squirrels probably will :)

The shrubs, rosebushes, and perennials that have already started coming up should all be safe.  But, if you planted flowers, herbs, or plants recently, you may want to cover them during this cold snap with a towel, sheet,  or even a box, just to be safe. 

Now, for a suggestion I think you'll appreciate.  Go purchase this plant!

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This  is rosemary.  If this was "smellavision", oh my!  You would love this fragrance!  I purchased this plant at Wal-Mart for $3.50, and I'm sure you can find it at Lowe's, Home Depot, and any nursery.  I use it in hummus (recipe to come next week), chopped and added to olive oil for grilling vegetables, chicken, etc.  and several other recipes.  It adds the most wonderful flavor to your dishes....your family will think you're a gourmet cook!  And they might just be right!

 

So, probably no gardening this weekend. What will your family do during the "Big Spring Blizzard"?  Looks like game night and either potato soup or white chicken chili for us.  Stay safe, stay warm!

mom4

 

Robin

6 comments:

  1. I will definitely be bringing my plants in tomorrow!

    I had a rosemary bush last year, but then I went on a two-week vacation and put my brother in-law in charge of the plants. . . needless to say, when I came home they were brown and dry!

    Oh well, at least it isn't too expensive!

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  2. My milk jugs are inside on the kitchen floor. We had an accident while bringing them in and so the banana peppers are no more. I have a lavender plant that I love, had it for about 2 years now. I put some in my spray bottle of vinegar and water that I use for cleaning. Makes it smell better and it has antibacterial properties.

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  3. Thanks for your daughter's blog link. I love all your pics on your blog. You're making the rest of us look like slackers!

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  4. Belinda Breitling3/28/09, 5:45 PM

    Keep the info and suggestions coming...we love them.

    I always have a problem with Jerry's OVER planting the garden and OVERwhelming the kitchen with vegetables. This year he agreed to let me do the garden in raised beds like you showed earlier. It will be better for me visually and physically weeding and tending. I like the feeling of organization and hopefully won't get overwhelmed.

    You guys have always inspired me in homemaking. Ever since we got married Jerry has said, "Go ask Robin" He learned not to say that pretty quickly...ha. He knows a good thing when he sees it. And of course, he was right...as usual.

    love yall, Belinda

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  5. Can I confess that I'm a little nervous about our garden? Just not sure how it's going to fare this year :(

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