It’s been such a long time since I’ve updated the blog. I sincerely apologize. Isn’t it funny how time just ticks on without us even noticing sometimes? This winter seems like it has been especially cold. In fact, the day I was out taking photos was the first time in months that I was able to go out and look around the backyard. Imagine my delight when I was treated to the first anemone bloom of the season!
Instead of building a large hoop house this year, I opted for smaller tunnels. I’m still very much experimenting with growing ranunculus on a larger scale on the off chance that I’ll finally be able to afford a real “farm.” As you can see, my plants have very much been struggling. With temperatures seldom going above 20F, they have been locked away in their tunnels with very little light.
I’m also experimenting with plants grown outside of the hoop without any kind of protection. Above, you can see that the unprotected ranunculus are not growing well. I don’t think that they’re a complete loss yet – but definitely not looking good.
Above, are the sweet william dianthus. Dianthus are technically a biennial here in my zone. Despite their appearance, I’m really not too worried about them. These things are seriously tough. Last year’s plants looked exactly like this mid-winter, and every single one came back to produce armloads of blooms.
I’m so glad to see your new post — I was worried when you didn’t post for a while! Look at those little plants just chugging along. I’ve always wanted to grow sweet william but have never tried it. Did you grow it from seed?
I think it’s great that you experimented with growing Anemones both under cover and without cover. It’s evident you will have a longer harvest season because of it!
Happy to read something from you
Absolutely love your Youtube videos. I am a one-woman operation, zone 6b/7a AK with an acre to grow on. The winter sow method is going to be a game changer for me since we have so much snow on the ground before I can get beds ready. My only hurdle now is finding a company that will ship ranunculus and other bulbs and corms at the right time as most think all of Alaska is a glacier and I get them so late. Thank you Thank you!