As August first arrives on Cape Cod, many gardeners begin to think about planting cold weather crops. Due to the insulating effect of the Atlantic Ocean, we usually do not see a good frost until November. This means that we can grow one last set of crops before winter arrives.
Prior to setting out the seed store, we made a cold weather crop wish list. We turned it into a scavenger hunt for the kids. We would plant what we could find. Not only did they remember what was on the list, they also now have made the connection that these can grow in the cold. I love it when they learn things without even trying.
Carrots
Potatoes
Cilantro
Parsley
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Lettuce
Swiss Chard
Mixed Greens
Mustard Greens
Cabbage
Brussel Sprouts
Beets
Parsnips
Kale
Spinach
A few days ago, in the blistering heat, the kids and I prepped the raised beds by adding a fresh layer of compost. We use our own composted chicken manure from the girls mixed with a fresh layer of lobster compost. Yes, even lobsters are compostable! Surprisingly, gardening using only organic products and techniques has been much easier than I had imagined. Not only was it for the sake of the bees and the environment but also for my family. I love that there are companies out there that make going organic so easy.
This week during the mini-heat wave, the mustard greens began to sprout as well as the cilantro. The lettuce and greens should be ready by September and the rest of the crops sometime in October. This makes me a very happy girl. There is nowhere else in the world I would rather be than in the garden with dirty hands, curious kids and sweet chickens waddling about the yard.
