Viewing post #2928341 by farmerdill

geanine said: I have a winter garden, and now planting the summer one. I planted broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and celery in the winter garden. Lettuce and spinach did great. But, those all grew with great appearance, but never produced. The broccoli made small tasty chutes. As did the cauliflower. But, never a head. The carrots grew great stocks, but small carrots that never matured and just hardened. Celery looks beautiful. Full of leaves. But, never made a group. Just spread out and leafy. Stems single and tough. I used worm castings and bone meal. Some of the soil conditioners, also. What am I doing wrong??

Auburn California is listed as zone nine so should be perfect for winter gardening. Broccoli, Cauliflower and carrots do well in Zone 8 here, but they are cool weather crops. Temps above 90 degrees and the brassicas will not head will not head. Most often, folks crowd the plants , they need space. They are also heavy feeders. I would suggest a more balanced fertilizer. Celery is more difficult so other than a few marginal trials I don't grow it here.