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Cold Weather Gardening

Growing Winter Onions: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Gregory July 31, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Growing Winter Onions: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Winter onions are a type of multiplying onion that is grown for its flavorful green tops and small bulbs. They are typically harvested when they are 3 inches (7.5 cm.) in diameter or less. Winter onions are similar to regular onions, but they grow in bunches and have a slightly milder flavor. As the name suggests, winter onions are well-suited for growing over the winter months.

Varieties of Winter Onions

There are many different varieties of winter onions available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:

White multiplier onions: These onions develop thumb-size bulbs and are known for their mild flavor.
Yellow potato onions: These onions are heirloom onions that have been around for over 200 years. They have a slightly sweet flavor and are good for storing.
Kentucky Hill: These onions are known for their large, flavorful bulbs.
Red: These onions have red skin and a slightly spicy flavor.
Yellow: These onions have yellow skin and a mild flavor.
Greeley’s: These onions are a hybrid variety that is known for its large, mild bulbs.

Benefits of Growing Winter Onions

There are many benefits to growing winter onions, including:

They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
They can be grown in a variety of climates, including cold climates.
They are relatively easy to grow and require minimal care.
They can be stored for several months, making them a good option for winter eating.

Tips for Growing Winter Onions

Winter onions can be planted in spring or fall. However, planting in fall generally produces larger yields. To plant winter onions, follow these steps:

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Plant the onions 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm.) deep, allowing 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm.) between each bulb.
Water well after planting.
Mulch around the onions to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Winter Onions

Winter onions can be harvested two to three months after planting. To harvest, gently pull or dig up the onions. Allow the tops to dry before storing.

Storing Winter Onions

Winter onions can be stored in a cool, dry location for several months. To store, place the onions in a single layer in a cardboard box or crate. Do not store onions in plastic bags, as this can cause them to rot.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Winter onions are relatively easy to grow, but there are a few common problems that you may encounter. These include:

Onion maggots: These pests can damage onion bulbs, causing them to rot. To prevent onion maggots, rotate your onion crops each year and avoid planting onions in areas where they have been grown recently.
Thrips: These insects can feed on onion leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. To control thrips, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Downy mildew: This fungal disease can cause onion leaves to turn yellow and develop brown spots. To prevent downy mildew, water your onions at the base of the plant and avoid overhead watering.

Conclusion

Winter onions are a nutritious and versatile vegetable that is easy to grow and store. By following the tips in this guide, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown onions all winter long.

Gardening Techniques

Protect Your Plants from the Cold with a Wall of Water: A Comprehensive Guide

by Donna May 11, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Protecting Plants from the Cold: Using a Wall of Water

Introduction

Keeping your plants warm is essential for a long and productive growing season. One effective way to do this is by using a wall of water.

What is a Wall of Water?

A wall of water is a tool that uses water to keep plants warm. It is made of a plastic sheet with hollow tubes. You fill the tubes with water and arrange them around a plant.

How Does a Wall of Water Work?

The water in the tubes absorbs heat from the sun during the day and radiates it back towards the plant at night. It also provides insulation against cold air and wind.

Benefits of Using a Wall of Water

Extends the growing season by protecting plants from early spring frosts and fall freezes
Allows you to start plants sooner in the spring and get ripe fruits sooner
Helps to warm the soil, providing even more protection for plants
Is reusable and cost-effective

How to Use a Wall of Water

Fill the tubes with water.
Arrange the wall of water around the plant, making sure that the tubes are evenly spaced.
Secure the wall of water in place with stakes or rocks.

Alternatives to a Wall of Water

While a wall of water is an effective way to protect plants from the cold, there are other options available. These alternatives may not provide as much warmth, but they can be less expensive or easier to use.

Plastic bottles or milk jugs: Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle or milk jug and place it over each plant.
Glass cloches: Glass cloches provide good protection and allow more light through, but they can be expensive.
Wax paper cones: Wax paper cones are a cheaper option, but they may not last as long as other alternatives.
Frost blankets or plastic sheeting: Frost blankets or plastic sheeting can be used to cover plants at night when temperatures are expected to drop.

Tips for Using a Wall of Water

Use a bucket as a support to keep the wall of water upright while you fill it.
Fill and position the wall of water before putting plants in the ground to warm the soil.
Avoid placing the wall of water too close to the plant, as this can restrict airflow.
Monitor the temperature inside the wall of water to ensure that it is providing adequate protection.

Conclusion

A wall of water is an effective tool for extending the growing season and protecting plants from the cold. By using a wall of water, you can enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits for a longer period of time.

Vegetable Gardening

Why Root Vegetables Taste Sweeter After Frost: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Gardeners

by Gregory May 7, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Why Root Vegetables Taste Sweeter After Frost: A Guide for Young Gardeners

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why carrots or turnips taste so much sweeter in the winter? It’s not a different type of vegetable – it’s all about the time of year they’re grown. Many root vegetables, like carrots and turnips, actually taste much better when they’re grown in the cold winter months.

The Science Behind Winter Sweetening

This phenomenon is called “winter sweetening.” It happens because root vegetables, which naturally grow in cold weather, have a special ability to convert starch into sugar. During the growing season, these vegetables store energy in the form of starch. When temperatures start to drop, they convert these starches into sugars, which act as a kind of anti-freeze for their cells.

This conversion doesn’t happen overnight, but if you harvest your root vegetables after the first frost of autumn, they’ll likely taste much sweeter than if you picked them in the summer.

Which Vegetables Get Sweeter with Frost?

Not all vegetables get sweeter with frost. Root vegetables like carrots, turnips, rutabagas, and beets are all known for their winter sweetness. Some other vegetables that get sweeter in winter include cole crops like brussels sprouts, broccoli, and kale, as well as most leafy greens.

Potatoes are an exception to the rule. Potatoes also undergo the same cold sweetening process, but the result isn’t as desirable. Potatoes are prized for their starchiness, and sugar conversion removes those starches, causing the flesh of the potato to turn dark brown when cooked.

Tips for Growing Sweeter Root Vegetables

If you want to grow sweeter root vegetables in your garden, the best time to plant them is in late summer or early fall. This will give them plenty of time to grow and store up energy before the cold weather hits.

When the first frost arrives, don’t be in a hurry to harvest your root vegetables. Leave them in the ground for a few weeks, or even months, to allow the cold temperatures to work their magic.

How to Store Root Vegetables for Winter

Once you’ve harvested your root vegetables, it’s important to store them properly to preserve their sweetness. The best way to store root vegetables is in a cool, dark place with high humidity. A root cellar or refrigerator is ideal.

Enjoy the Sweetness of Winter Vegetables

Growing and eating root vegetables that have been sweetened by frost is a great way to enjoy the flavors of winter. So next time you’re at the grocery store or farmers market, look for root vegetables that have been grown in the cold weather. You won’t be disappointed!

Additional Tips:

If you don’t have a root cellar or refrigerator, you can store root vegetables in a cool, dark place in your house, such as a basement or pantry.
To prevent root vegetables from drying out, wrap them in a damp paper towel or place them in a plastic bag with holes for ventilation.
Root vegetables can be stored for several months if they are properly stored.
Winter-sweetened root vegetables can be eaten raw, cooked, or roasted. They are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

Gardening

Peas: How Cold Is Too Cold? A Guide to Planting Peas in Cold Climates

by Donna June 9, 2020

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Peas: How Cold Is Too Cold?

Peas are one of the first crops that you can plant in your garden. Many people say that peas should be planted before St. Patrick’s Day or the Ides of March. However, in many areas, these dates fall early in the season when there can still be frost, freezing temperatures, and even snow. While peas can tolerate cold temperatures and even grow best in cool weather, there is a limit to how cold they can handle.

How Low of a Temperature Can Peas Tolerate?

Peas can survive in temperatures as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius). If temperatures don’t drop below this point, peas and pea seedlings will be fine.

When temperatures are between 20 and 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 to -6 degrees Celsius), peas can survive but may suffer some damage. This is especially true if there is no snow cover to insulate the plants.

If there is a blanket of snow covering the peas, they can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 degrees Celsius) or even 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius) without too much damage.

Optimal Temperature Range for Pea Growth

Peas grow best in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 21 degrees Celsius). However, peas can still grow and produce outside of this temperature range.

Planting Peas in Cold Climates

While folklore may say that you should plant your peas by the middle of March, it’s important to consider your local climate and weather patterns before doing so.

If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s best to wait until the soil has warmed up a bit before planting peas. You can also start peas indoors and transplant them outdoors when the weather is warmer.

Protecting Pea Seedlings from Cold Damage

If you plant peas in cold weather, there are a few things you can do to protect them from damage:

Use a cold frame or cloche. This will provide insulation and protection from the wind.
Cover the peas with mulch. Mulch will help to insulate the soil and keep the roots warm.
Water the peas regularly. Watering will help to keep the soil moist and prevent the roots from drying out.

By following these tips, you can help your peas survive and thrive in cold weather.

Additional Tips for Planting Peas in Cold Climates

Choose cold-hardy varieties of peas.
Plant peas in a sunny location.
Plant peas deeply, so the roots are well-protected.
Water peas regularly, especially during dry spells.
Fertilize peas according to the package directions.
Keep an eye on peas for pests and diseases.

With a little care and attention, you can grow delicious peas in even the coldest climates.