Tell me once again, what did Punxsutawney Phil say about six weeks more of winter weather? It has been about three weeks and we are in the middle of spring weather, or so it seems. As we drive along the country
roads, there are numerous plots of earth plowed over in the process of planting gardens. Daffodils are in full bloom, rose bushes are donning new green shoots, my beautiful Star Magnolia is bursting with white blossoms, and weeds are begging for Round-Up. I do not believe Phil was so inaccurate in his prediction.
I will not be fooled into setting tender seeds or vegetation into the soggy ground by these few days of spring-like weather. I was guilty of that last year. I was so ready for the planting season that I ignored the forecast of the little furry creature and jumped on the craze with other amateur ill-informed gardeners. It seems every year I am so anxious and enthusiastic to get dirt underneath my fingernails and bury seed and roots in the black fertile soil that I almost always jump the gun.
Last year, I planted beautiful tomato and bell pepper plants that had been growing in a hot house into the cold mushy soil of my garden spot way too early. On several occasions I had to cover them with plastic to keep the frost from wounding their tender stems and then as the sun warmed the next day, uncovering them. My husband told me not to plant too early, but I always believe I know more than he does! One year I planted tomatoes in September in buckets on our back patio, never realizing I did not have enough growing time left to mature red ripe fruit. I pulled them inside every night for two months, but I had ripe tomatoes on Christmas Day!
We have our small garden patch tilled now with two long rows and Vidalia onions, garlic, and green cabbages will soon be put into the cool ground. It is planting time for these crops, but sad to say it will be on into the summer when other vegetables are matured before these are ready to enjoy.
I believe a hot house would extend my growing period so that I could grow plants and vegetables all year round. I have tried endlessly to talk my husband into building me one but to no gain. I also NEED a chicken coop so that I can gather my own home grown eggs, but he also puts the veto on this crop. I realize we have great produce aisles in our grocery stores, but there is something about growing my own that just makes it taste better.
Skillet Fried Cabbage
Fry 5-6 slices of smoked bacon in a large cast iron skillet. Remove the bacon but leave the grease. Saute’ one onion and ½ large bell pepper in the grease until tender. Place thin sliced green cabbage on top of onion and pepper and add back broken bacon. Add no water. Place on simmer with a tight top and cook for about 35-40 minutes, stirring a time or two.
This will be a full skillet so the top may just lay on top of cabbage before it cooks down.
