Now is a good time to start some vegetables. Yes, the mornings are cold and often wet. But there are some vegetables that actually like cold and wet. Many of them developed in places like England and Holland and Germany, where cold and wet pretty much describes the climate.
There are advantages to starting now, as well. The ground is soft and easier to dig, and many bugs are still pretty much dormant. Admittedly, I did have to lay waste last week to some aphids who were trying to eat an artichoke plant, but neem oil and chili pepper spray did the trick.
Starting cold-loving vegetables now establishes a succession planting schedule. Alameda has a long growing season and most of us have limited space. The theory of succession planting is to plant vegetables in each season that will grow happily in that microclimate and stop producing in time to put in the next round of edibles. For example, if you plant asparagus or artichokes, that planting bed will be dedicated to asparagus or artichokes for the next few years, as both have long lifespans. On the other hand, if you plant lettuce or radishes or broccoli in early spring, you will enjoy a harvest just about the time your tomato starters are ready to go in the ground.
Here are some ideas for an early spring vegetable garden.
Carrots
If you want carrots, now is the time to get them started. I have had no luck at all starting carrots later in the year—they need consistent moisture to germinate. Dig in lots of compost and fertilizer if you are gardening on a sand dune, like many of us are. That big root can find it difficult to get enough nutrients from sandy soil.
Seed is available for carrots in all sorts of colors and flavors. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over your prepared garden bed and just cover them with potting soil. Put chicken wire or hardware cloth on top to deter birds who want to eat the seeds. Mist the soil until it is soaking wet. If it isn’t raining or foggy, mist the soil every day, and in seven to 10 days you should see tiny carrot sprouts. Keep them damp until they are an inch or so high.
Snow peas
Have you checked the price of snow peas lately? Grow your own and you can enjoy a stir fry that won’t empty your bank account. Snow peas are happy in the chill, and will grow into attractive plants with sweet little flowers.
Peas are legumes, which means they will improve the soil by making nitrogen available to other plants, like the tomatoes and peppers you want to plant when it warms up. You can help them do this by mixing the peas with inoculant—available at plant nurseries and online—just before you plant them. Follow the instructions on the label.
Protect the seeds and sprouts with chicken wire—birds love snow peas. Diatomaceous earth will protect your plants from slugs, which also like snow peas. It’s non-toxic, but wear a mask when applying it, as it can irritate your lungs.
Fava beans
Fava beans have been a staple of the Mediterranean diet for centuries. They are tasty, hardy, and high in protein. Unlike regular beans, which like heat, fava beans just love cold weather. Many people plant them in October or November for an early spring harvest.
Like snow peas, fava beans will fix nitrogen in the soil—inoculant will help them do this. Plant in rows, about 3/4 inch deep. After the bean plants reach about a foot high, they will need support from a trellis or stakes to prevent them from flopping over.
There are all sorts of fava bean recipes, from fava hummus to fava burgers, but one of the simplest is also the best. Shuck the fava beans and put them in a pot. Halve a clove of garlic—or use more if you like garlic—and bury it in the beans. Add water to just the level of the beans. Boil for 10 minutes, drain, add freshly grated black pepper and good imported Parmesan to taste, and serve up. Pour yourself a glass of Italian vino rosso, take a bite of favas and a sip of wine, and close your eyes as you are transported to Tuscany in the spring. Salud!
Margie Siegal is a long term gardener in Alameda and a supporter of Alameda Backyard Growers. Reach her via [email protected].
