Cool Weather Gardening Along the Gulf Coast by Tom Garner + Renée Perry
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hen we think of gardening, we almost always think of spring, but did you know that along the Gulf Coast fall and winter are also great times to grow your own fresh vegetables and herbs? In fact, cool weather gardening is, in many ways, the easiest time to garden, especially for those who are just beginning to learn. Cooler weather means fewer pests and diseases, less frequent watering and little weeding— particularly if you use the weed-free gardening method we do. Cooler weather means more comfortable conditions for the gardener, too!
Cool weather gardening also offers a diverse selection of vegetables to choose from. We can grow brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage; root crops such as beets, carrots and radishes; and cooking greens including collards, mustards and kale. We can also grow herbs including cilantro, parsley and dill as well as legumes like English peas and fava beans. There are also edible bulbs including onions, garlic and leeks; salad greens like lettuces and spinach; and European specialties such as radicchio, endive and fennel bulb. There’s an amazing variety of cool weather vegetables and herbs JULY '20
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