Winter Gardening

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

28 Feb 2007 06:30 AM

We just got pounded by a major winter storm that dumped more than a foot of snow on our front lawn. It certainly dashed our hopes of an early spring. But, it did nothing to dampen the spirits of our neighbor who spent about 20 minutes today telling me all about the delicious herbs and vegetables she was growing in her year-round garden (this as we both shoveled paths from the sidewalk to our respective front doors.)

Honestly, it never dawned on me to relocate my outdoor plants indoors. The idea of digging up, potting plants, and hoping they flourish inside... it seemed a bit time consuming and risky. You really need to be careful when digging up a prized plant so you don't destroy its root system. Also, not all plants can be brought indoors. However, basil and other herbs such as peppermint, chives and rosemary do well if you put them in a sunny southern window.

I suppose another nice aspect of having a winter garden (besides getting to enjoy the fruits of your labor) is that you don't have to worry about pests destroying your plants. Of course, a few insects have never deterred my neighbor from harvesting bountiful outdoor crops well past prime picking season (this is a woman who still has tomatoes growing well into October... and she makes the best roasted tomato risotto). But, she dosn't believe in using harsh insecticides. Rather, she simply uses basic ingredients found in practically every household to create organic homemade remedies. For example, did you know milk can be used to prevent black spot disease and mildew on your plants' leaves? Yes, plain white milk. You simply mix one cup of milk with ten cups of water, and spray. Granted it may not be as effective as chemicals, but it's a while lot safer for you, your family and any pets in your yard.

Aother natural insecticide she taught me to make combines garlic and hot peppers. All you have to do is pulse one garlic bulb and two hot peppers and add a half-cup of water in a blender until the ingredients liquefy. Then, strain the solids out, and add water to make a half-gallon of the mix. You only need to use a quarter-cup of the concentrate per gallon of spray. The concoction also works as a deer repellent.

Related Articles:

Combating the Black Spot

Keeping Bambi Out Of Your Yard

10 Tips For The Beginner Gardener

What is Xeriscaping?

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger