Week of January 24, 2021

Winter in Florida is surprisingly the best time for lettuce and other green leafy vegetables. The Farmers Markets are full of all sorts of varieties for our salad bowl. Their availability continues until April or so, when the hot weather makes everything bolt and die off. Our Florida garden has a tiny (3x7 feet) plot next to the house near my gardening closet. This space has a direct exposure to the south and west, so it is hot and dry except for the winter months. I have tried to grow many things in this spot, including leaf lettuce, arugula, cilantro, zinnias, etc., all with poor results. I wonder if the soil carries a high level of nematodes or other root-killing pests. Other problems include rabbits and deer, which love the seedlings and tender buds. After years of trying, it appears that I can reliably grow only two edible crops: CABBAGE and BOK CHOY. Both of these somehow can stand some frost and some heat. My neighbor keeps me supplied with baby bok choy, and I will pick up a pack of white cabbage seedlings at the Farmers Market. This year I am trying a red bok choy to add a bit of color to the bed. Fresh greens for a sauté’ or a coleslaw are always welcome on the winter menu.