Plants painted with prickly frost crystals sparkled, lit by morning’s first sunbeams. Every sparkle flashed rainbow colors. Each uniquely rimed leaf invited a close-up look.
Many vegetables become sweeter with cooler temperatures. So do some gardeners, like our author, in hopes that someone will keep him warm during the winter.
Stored in a cool, dark location, green tomatoes ripen slowly and develop good flavor. Check often. I’ve enjoyed juicy Brandywines into early December.
Usually, leeks and the cabbage family survive uncovered until the end of November and beyond. Parsnips left in the ground through winter are prized as a spring treat after the ground thaws.
The garden has thrown off its snow blanket and frost-hardy vegetables are growing despite occasional nighttime temperatures in the 20’s when the top layer of earth freezes solid.
The anti-oxidants in leeks are associated with reducing cholesterol production in the liver cells. They also appear to impart anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activities.
