staying green in december

Still green!

December in the garden and a period of prolonged sub-zero temperatures is behind us - if only briefly.

It's pleasing then to see how much ground is green.

We can see field beans punch (green manure), broad beans aquadulce; grazing rye (green manure), leeks, phacelia (green manure), brussels sprouts, broccoli and the stems of maize left for overwintering insects. Most of the ground is covered and ground not planted is mulched with leaves.

As the winter rains and snow leach nutrients from others' soils, the roots of our plants will hopefully hold onto the fertility and retain soil structure.