My Journey: Fall and Winter Vegetable Garden Update

Step 1: Planting and Early Growth

I embarked on the exciting journey of planting my fall and winter vegetable garden. With great anticipation, I nurtured my garden for a month, and the results were truly beautiful.

Step 2: Two Weeks After Planting

After just two weeks, my vegetable garden began to flourish. The mustard bed was the first to show progress, with the plants reaching a height of about two inches. Mustard proved to be an easy-to-grow plant that required minimal care. Not only did the bugs leave the mustard leaves alone, but they also remained untouched by pests. Fenugreek and turnips also emerged, showcasing healthy growth. The radish plants, in particular, grew rapidly, reaching heights of four to six inches.

Step 3: One Month After Planting

Fast forward to one month after planting, and it was time for an update on the progress of my garden. The mustard bed continued to thrive, with the plants now standing at an impressive four to six inches tall. Neem oil or soap treatments were unnecessary as the mustard leaves remained pest-free. Arugula and fenugreek showed promising growth, although some grass started invading the fenugreek bed—a mistake I made by planting right after removing my summer garden. To tackle the weed issue, I resorted to handpicking and utilized techniques like using fallen leaves as mulch to deter their growth.

Step 4: Tackling Challenges and Promoting Growth

Despite the setbacks caused by the weed invasion, I found ways to support the plants' growth. For instance, I created a depression around my struggling kale plant to enhance water absorption and applied mulch made of leaves to retain moisture and suppress weed growth. These efforts paid off, as the kale plants started to thrive. Other leafy greens like lettuce and Swiss chard demonstrated healthy growth as well.

Step 5: The Promise of Harvest

With each passing week, my garden promised a bountiful harvest. Potatoes grew vigorously, taking advantage of ample water and loose soil. The radishes, known for their fast growth, were a highlight of my garden. I had staggered the planting, ensuring a continuous supply of radishes throughout the winter. Beets and carrots were also on track, albeit with a slightly longer growing period compared to radishes.

Conclusion:

As my fall and winter vegetable garden progressed, it became a testament to patience, care, and the wonders of nature. Despite the initial challenges, I witnessed the beauty of growth and the promise of a rewarding harvest. In the next installment, I will share the final stage of my journey—the long-awaited harvest. Stay tuned for more updates on my fall and winter vegetable garden!