Siberian Improved Aug 2021

Notes from 2022: On Jan 14 I direct winter sowed Nero Tuscana (heirloom 2021) and Siberian Improved (2020) under cups. As of Feb 8, they had not sprouted and if I recall correctly, they never did. Planted Nero T and Siberian I. in seed trays in the greenhouse on Feb 8 and was able to transplant on Apr 5 and seedlings were 2-3 inches tall.

Notes from 2023: Planted Nero T., Siberian I., and Blue Curled Scotch (2022) in seedling trays on Apr 21. All trays sprouted by Apr 26. Overall, the Blue Curled Scotch did the best. It grew mush faster then the others, was more vigorous, and attracted very few aphids. The Nero T grew slower but also did not attract many aphids. The Siberian Improved grows well but is an aphid magnet. I am planning on using as a trap crop, in the future, so our chickens can have some extra protein! I planted a second round on July 25. The Blue Curled did very well again.

2024

Feb 1– Planted Blue Curled Scotch (BCS) (2022) In seedling tray. And direct winter sowed (DWS) one spot into kitchen garden.

Note- Most of the kale left over winter was decimated by slugs, only a couple survived. I am starting to see some growth again and will keep an eye on it for a spring harvest.

Mar 13- The Feb DWS did not sprout, so spot was reseeded (BCS) as well as four spots in one square of the garden. This is probably too dense, but I’m hoping to harvest them to keep them small.

Mar 14– Only 1/6 planted in Feb sprouted so tray was reseeded (BCS) and it was left in greenhouse. I think next year, I should take the trays into the house to assist in the early germination. I also planted six cells of Siberian I. and six cells of Premier. These were left in the greenhouse.

Apr 11- Growth on plants from last year.

Apr 24- Planted 10 BCS starts from Mar 14 seeding. Starts we’re about four inches tall. The DWS seed never sprouted so I put one start there and the others in the bed with the rosemary.