Update: Successful Experiment to Extend the Harvest!

For once, one of my crazy experiments has worked-I was able to extend our harvest, for free, using a heavy layer of leaves underneath a subsequent heavy snow. They survived sub-zero temperatures, Fahrenheit!

[@bohemiangardensandgourdfar8812]

Very well done... there's something so satisfying about being able to overcome adverse weather conditions in the garden with a little work and ingenuity! Hope you enjoy the fruits of your labor.😊

[@WellGroundedGardens]

It felt soooooo good! Usually my experiments are 50/50 at best; this one was super validating. ❤️

[@anneg8319]

1:05 what a perfect little baby carrot! A thing of beauty.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

I had the EXACT same reaction! I was annoyed that I pulled it up but then went “Awww…”

[@scottbaruth9041]

Glad to see you using all those leaves. For seed starting mix, I use screened leaf mold and just enough perlite to make the mix look about like what you would buy from any box store. Fill the cells, put your seeds on top and cover them with 50/50 mix of finely screened leaf mold and vermiculite. After the vegetables begin getting true leaves i bottom water with 1 teaspoon of liquid fertilizer per gallon of water, and produce the nicest transplants you could ask for. I use a lot, as I start 400 peppers, 200 tomatoes, all my lettuce, beets, cabbage using this mix. TIPS: Screen your leaf mold in the summer, put in a bucket or open container that cats cannot access, and store in a shed or garage. By seed starting time, your leaf mold will be bug free to start your seeds in doors. I screen 2x, first through a 1/2 inch screen to get big chunks out, then through a 2nd much finer screen. Practically free, no peat moss, no plastic bags... better results IMO.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

I love this idea! I’m not quite satisfied with my own seed starting mix and may give this a shot. 👍

[@jessie-2023]

Love seeing this. I was able to find you in the Fall or maybe early winter when you first shared this experiment. I am too wondering what I will do with my leaves. I used a fairly thick layer as mulch. I am very thankful for the weed prevention they have been providing the past few months. :) I hope to find a space to let them break down into leaf mold as well. Thanks for sharing your results. Excited to see your plans for 2024.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

I’ve probably bitten off too much for 2024-this will be my first year planting out the full, larger garden. If nothing else, it’ll be entertaining for you guys 😂

[@jessie-2023]

@@WellGroundedGardens ❤️😂

[@kinesiologuecreatif1291]

really awesome, I also tried to put a bunch of leaves on my hugulkulture beds, it' 's not conclusive yet because in Montreal we had a lot of -20 degrees temperatures, so I have to find a way to build a hoop or greenhouse around the plans. Thank you for that experiment.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

I’m glad it was useful-I’m not sure it’s a total solution and, like you, I probably need to add some kind of cold frame or hoop house for full protection. We can get down to -20-30F with wind chill in polar vortex events.

[@rigoolvera4849]

love your work, beautyful,like you.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Thanks!