Friday, January 15, 2010

More New Potatoes- from Compost

It happened again this year. I don't know if I ever posted my potato story. Last year I found a nice looking plant in the beds where I bury the various table scraps. I left it going. A couple more popped up in other beds and I left them as well.
One day as I was burying more compost near by, I found what I thought to be a red rubber ball. It wasn't a ball, it was a new potato! I had no idea that new potatoes would grow in Miami. I assumed it was a northern thing and that was that.
I didn't mean to repeat it (or I would have 'planted' in a better spot) but it happened again. The problem this year is that I didn't leave it growing long enough. The cute little taters aren't even the width of a quarter. Now I'm going to try to do it on purpose. I've picked a spot and tomorrow I'll clear it of the various weeds.  I'll keep you posted.
Anyone else successful in growing potatoes down here? types? start times? suggestions?

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

A little warmer must be time to plant

I know that winter is not over, but I'm betting that it is for our beloved sunny South Florida. The freeze warnings of last week are hopefully behind us as the days are getting longer.  But maybe it's just the warmth that gets me inching to plant.  I'm guessing that's how it feels up north.
So today, in hope of sunshine and new life, seeds were planted. Onions, spinach, oregano, cayenne peppers join the family.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Freeze Warning in Miami- Are you kidding me!?!?

I live close enough to the coast that we are supposed to be more protected by the 'warm' ocean winds. But just to be safe, I have watered and covered by little outdoor garden in sheets. I felt like I was tucking them in and I guess I am, minus the lullabye.
It's always funny when it gets cold in Miami. Usually we think 65 is cold. Folks out on South Beach bring out the fur coats for the 5 special "cold" days a year. But when it gets cold, as in 40-50, it honestly IS cold. We don't have heaters! We only have air conditioners. Right now, I've got my feet wrapped in a heating pad while the kids share a room with a space heater left over from our days up north. 
Hope the pretty little new blooms on the red peppers and tomatoes fair as well.