unintentional overwintering

for some reason, i have never had much success growing carrots.  i can't explain why, but i do love them so.  so each year i try try again.  {in fact, the carrot seeds that i planted over two weeks ago still haven't germinated...but try again i will!}

last summer, i had an early season spinach failure and as soon as i ripped that spinach out, in went the carrots (on june 6, according to my garden journal).  they never seemed to be ready to harvest, so i just left them in there and kept on watering them all summer.  somehow, in the hub-bub of the end of the season, i forgot about them and just left them in the ground over the winter.  they were essentially mulched by leaves and multiple feet of snow, which insulated them throughout the winter.  last week, as i was clearing out my garden bed in preparation for planting lettuces and peas, i pulled up a handful of small, but crisp carrots.  what a delicious surprise to have something straight from the garden while the forecasts are still calling for snow this evening! 

this fall, i think i just i may intentionally plant some crops for overwintering. 

front yard gardening

my husband & i are firm believers in growing food wherever you are.
we moved into our little red house a little under a year ago. one of the first things we noticed about our home was the shady backyard. after much thought, we knew our only option was the front yard.

once we heard the approval from our landlord, we began transforming our space into an edible landscape & small garden for personal use.we have a large bed along the front of our house & a south-facing bed on the side. we also made a cold frame from windows found on the side of the road in order to harden off our starts from seed.

in making the transition from this home to elsewhere, i am finding the value in container gardening. it is definitely possible to grow an abundance of food in pots while moving from one state to another. i have already planted a variety of edible flowers, herbs & strawberries. i also plan to grow tomatoes, peppers & a variety of greens in containers for the summer.

until our big move, i am enjoying the fresh lettuce mix from our beds & the over-wintered spinach & kale from last season's bounty.

it is truly satisfying to be so closely connected to your food, watch it grow, harvest it & enjoy it with others.