Winter Survival

Here are a few types which survived the 2013-14 winter.

Pomegranate, Wonderful.  In the high tunnel, completely top-killed, but the roots survived and are putting out vigorous, fresh foliage.  Next winter, a heavy covering of dried leaves or straw is in order to protect this semi-tropical plant.

Mangelwurzel (giant Mangel Beet), in the high tunnel, now going to seed, leaves decimated by leaf miners.

Chives

Bunching onions

Kohlrabi, Superschmelz 10-26-2014; soccer ball sized, stored in the garage over the winter, now finished flowering in the tunnel.  Even the big ones of this variety are tender and tasty.  Not likely to produce many viable seeds, as kohlrabi and relatives are self-infertile.

 

Parsley, Triple curled

Orach, self-seeding

Endive, about 30% survival in the open

Korean Mint, nice flavor with a hint of anise

Radicchio, about 20% winter survival in the open

Parsnip, Hollow Crown, delicious cooked, all winter long.  Plants now over 6′ tall, flowers just starting to open.

Arugula – unstoppable, enjoyed all winter long from the high tunnel.

Strawberries, transplanted from runners two years ago, looks like we might actually get some decent production this year.

And our most productive green, enjoyed all winter long, with 100% survival in the high tunnel:  Frisée, a relative of endive and chicory, just starting to bloom like crazy.

 

Also surviving or reseeding well: Purple of Sicily Cauliflower, several varieties of radish, hairy vetch, Purple Vienna Kohlrabi, Walking Stick Cabbage, Goji Berry, Cilantro, potato, sunchoke, rhubarb, several varieties of lettuce, Aunt Molly’s Ground Cherry (reseeding) tomato (everywhere), and lots more that overwintered as seeds in the compost pile.  It is emotionally challenging for me to discard the volunteers rather than try to find a home for them!