Greetings Gardeners!
What wonderful growing weather this is. The last week of rain combined with the warm weather we are now experiencing will result in a great growth spurt – we can practically see plants growing on a daily basis! The transplants we planted in the garden last week have all established now, their feeder roots are moving into the soil and they are starting to grow. Now is the time to keep on top of the weeds – weeding is proactive, not reactive!
Raspberry Tips
Raspberries are shallow-rooted and benefit from a mulch of grass clippings, compost or aged manure to protect roots, to help retain moisture and to suppress weeds. Raspberry roots are perennial, but the canes that are produced are biennial: the cane grows in the first year, produces flowers and fruit in the second year, then dies. It is important to prune out the old, dead canes (they are brown and brittle, while new canes are green and supple) to keep the berry patch producing. Raspberries require regular watering in order to produce well – I use a soaker hose spread throughout the patch, so the water is going right to the roots. Raspberries often need support as well, as the top-heavy canes tend to fall over.
Feature Plant: Celeriac
Also known as celery root, it is an excellent storage vegetable and a welcome addition to winter soups and stews. It is an easy to grow root vegetable, that requires less water and nutrients than celery. The bulbous, knobby root requires a full season to mature and will be one of the last vegetables harvested in the fall, when the roots are two to four inches in diameter. The root itself has a crisp texture and a sweet celery-like taste. The foliage can also be used for celery flavour too. An excellent winter vegetable!
Ready this Weekend
A few more herbs are ready, such as sage, lemon balm and bergamot. The flowers are all looking great and the vegetables are too – ready to plant!
The nursery is located at 103121 Alaska Highway, 10 mins west of Haines Junction, just past Bear Creek, on the right. Watch for the sandwich board! Open Fridays 2pm-7pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am-4pm. See you there!
In Growing Harmony,
Jolene