Cabbage, Cover Crops and New Year Inspirations

It seems that every year there's something I see or read about the gives me that "ah ha" garden moment. Its a moment where the decision is made on what new vegetable, fruit or flower will go into the fall or spring garden.

Two years ago it was an article about freezing temperatures on the Florida blueberry crop that got me thinking..."can I grow blueberries here??". I've still got the blueberry bushes and they are blooming nicely these days.

Last summer it was news of the miserable weather in the northeast that would lead to a pumpkin shortage in the fall and that got me thinking..."can I grow pumpkins here?". So, pumpkins were grown, harvested, pureed and made into some delicious treats.

My inspiration for this coming New Year actually came on Christmas day. It was a drive back home from the in-laws and a road traveled many times. A road through Florida's tomato farmland, except on this particular day it wasn't tomatoes in the tomato field. It was big green and some purple leafy heads of something that resembled cabbage! And then I saw it, the sign, the sign that said something about some body's cabbage farm. Apparently my ah ha moment lightbulb was so bright I only managed to see the word cabbage. So, after a quick stop by the Lowe's garden center we have a package of cabbage seeds and a seed tray just about ready to go!

But wait, there's more........any really good vegetable gardner knows that this time of year is when all the new seed catalogs come rolling into the mailbox. It seems that every year I end up getting a catalog that I've never seen before. I am fairly excited about this year's new catalog from Territorial Seed Company as it has given birth to a second moment of inspiration......cover crops!

Cover crops are usually planted in the off season and used a lot by big time farmers. Soybeans, oats, alfalfa are all examples. They provide beneficial nutrients in the soil after they have grown and are plowed under. Summertime in Florida is an off season for growing vegetables. In past summers I've either solarized the garden to help kill off soil born pests or have grown sweet potatoes (they're one of the few things that love summer heat). This summer I'm leaning in the direction of planting a cover crop like buckwheat or oats. By doing this, I should have a very healthy and productive fall garden for 2010!