AUTHOR: Julia TITLE: Garden Updates - First Snow DATE: 12/09/2008 08:00:00 AM ----- BODY:
My fall growing season was cut short by a long frost in the middle of November. The temperatures didn't rise above freezing for almost a week. After the first overnight frost I thought to myself, "Terrific, the brussels sprouts need this to sweeten them up." And I know from talking with Brett that the lettuces can withstand an overnight of below freezing temperatures as long as they during the daylight hours.

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. The broccoli raab began making valiant efforts to recover, but with the first dusting of snow followed by another bout of freezing temperatures, I think I will need to wait until spring.

Throughout the summer, I enjoyed stalks of celery. I never did harvest a full head. Flacid celery is unattractive, but the flavor is fine. So I continue to harvest stalks when I want the celery boost.
The leaves on the brussels sprouts are droopy but the flavor is sweet and bright. The sprouts continue to grow and been enjoying them a handful at a time. The scallions seem to be content and sturdy despite the snow and frost.
And surprise, surprise... the sage still looks full and lush. A few sprigs made a wonderful accompaniment to Dina's braised duck legs with lentils.

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----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Peter M DATE:12/09/2008 10:27:00 AM Sage is quite hardy and although it won't last through the entire winter, it will grow back in come Spring. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) DATE:12/09/2008 09:01:00 PM This weekend's snow has done in the last vestiges of my herb garden. Now I'm counting the days until Spring, when I can walk outside and harvest again. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Elra DATE:12/10/2008 02:08:00 AM I am jealous, your sage look pretty good in winter. Mine is a bit sad, though we don't have snow here in CA, but it can get a bit chilly at night.
Cheers,
Elra ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Julia DATE:12/10/2008 07:08:00 AM Peter, Oh...I know, *sigh* If only you knew... I think my sage is on steriods.

Lydia, But is was a beautiful snow, wasn't it! And today will be springlike!

Elra, Thanks for visiting. Is your sage in a pot or in the ground? If it's in the ground it should just keep growing ----- --------