iGrowVeg

December Veg Plot & Winter Seedlings Update

Posted on 01. Jan, 2010 by Tracey in My Veg Plot

December is a time where I tend to hibernate and leave the vegetable plot to fend mostly for itself apart from harvesting the odd bit of pak choi. So it was nice to have a look at the plots today (the first day of the new year) in the beautiful winter sunshine to see how well my vegetables have been growing over the past 4 weeks.

Winter Vegetable Seedlings

Progress:

• Carrots – Growing well, may need another thinning, checked on size, they are still very tiny. Conclusion is that they won’t be ready to harvest until April.
• Fennel – I can actually see the bulb forming on some of the larger seedlings, fingers crossed it continues to grow well. It is a beautiful vegetable to grow with its fluffy green fronds.
• Pak Choi – Harvested loads and still loads left however the slugs have beaten me to finishing off the rest of the perfect leaves. Note to self: Sow less next year.
• Endive – Harvesting leaves now, it hasn’t had enough room to grow up in between the Pak Choi thus some of it has gone moldy. This is perfect for growing in pots so will do this next year instead.

Broad Beans, Peas and Leeks

Progress:

• Leeks – Finally some are fattening up, some are still skinny. I’m still hoping for a good crop in the next month or so.
• Broad Beans – Survived the snow covering the cloche and are still mostly upright. Healthy looking plants.
• Peas – Looking a bit poorly and drooping. I have supported them with sticks to raise them off the soil, so hopefully they will recover.

Onions, Shallots and Eaten Cabbages

Progress:

• Spring Cabbages – I can’t seem to let them go, pull them out and admit defeat yet. The colder temperatures have sent the caterpillars packing and a few of the seedlings are still growing with and without leaves. I’m hoping for a partial recovery!
• Onions and Shallots – All sprouted leaves through snow as the cloche broke. Pleased with progress through winter.

My Vegetable Plot – December Gallery

Are your vegetables coping with the winter chill?

Leave your first comment of the new year below.