Brave, strong and independent – Just some of the characteristics attributed to this year and certainly all traits needed by any homesteader. Not that we have any complaints here on QuackaDoodle as we keep warm, well fed and feeling relatively secure in these times of global turmoil.
This image borrowed from BuildingBeautifulSouls.com
We’re only half way through January and already the days are noticeable longer. Even though sometimes it seems that Spring is never going to come, it does have a way of sneaking up, so it’s never too early to start planning this year’s garden. Spring will come, the unknown factor is when, and what kind of growing season will follow in its path. Unlike many parts of Canada, here on the east coast we did not experience catastrophic droughts, floods or wild fires, so I wouldn’t dare to complain that we had an unusually cold, wet Spring last year (which we did). My point being that, as weather patterns become increasingly erratic, we need to be prepared for crop failures along with phenomenal successes. Expect surprises! What has never done particularly well before might be the rock stars of this year garden. As good an excuse as any to be adventurous and to try at least two things you might have been hesitant to try.
I’d like to give a shout out for Garden Huckleberries (which are not the same as wild huckleberries); a new fave. we discovered by trying something new. They don’t seem to be very popular and I suspect this lack of popularity stems from the fact that they are not a pick and eat type of berry like blueberries or raspberries. Garden Huckleberries have a bland almost unpleasant taste when raw, and along with the reputation of being poisonous until fully ripe, it’s little wonder they tend to attract bad press, rather than praise.
So, in praise of Garden Huckleberries:
They’re rugged plants that require little to no attention once established.
They provide a profuse crop which is very easy to harvest.
Once cooked, and yes, they do require some sugar, they have a uniquely delicious, slightly musky flavor which is especially appealing in chutneys and jam.
The berries have a relatively firm skin and therefore keep remarkably well.
When cooked, they color up into a gloriously rich shade of magenta, (for me reason enough for growing them).
Garden Huckleberries grow well from seed. I typically get 100% germination. However, they must be planted extra early, and inside. At first they’re quite slow to attain any height or heft, but after a month or more of setting around, seeming to do nothing, they take off and grow like crazy into multibranched ‘bushes’ about three to four feet high.
Leeks – also deserving of a little shout out.
These lesser utilized members of the allium family also need to be started very early and indoors. They are slow to germinate and grow, but once established they require little to no particular care, other than a good initial mulch. Leeks are also a rugged crop that can withstand a fair bit of frost and freeze. They perform brilliantly in stir fries, quiches and such, but my absolute favorite is Leek and Potato Soup, the ultimate comfort food on a cold winter night. And of course, if you have even one drop of Welsh blood running through you it’s mandatory (not really 😉 to grow some leeks as they are the national symbol of Wales. In truth, their delicate onion flavor is more than enough reason to consider growing leeks this year.
*The illustration shown above is one many that I did for my book, The Food Lover’s Garden, which is lavishly illustrated with similar images and also numerous shots of my growing beds here at QuackaDoodle. The Food Lover’s Garden was written especially to encourage more people to consider growing more of their own food, and focuses on many failsafe, easy to grow food crops. Perfect for absolute beginners and a great support for Winter dreaming. It’s available online, at most major bookstores or directly from me.
Quackadoodle Farm 