Re: [CH] Extending the growing season
Susan Byers (chilewmn@bluemarble.net)
Sun, 15 Oct 2000 14:06:29 -0500 (EST)
I realize this post may be a little too late: but,, hey I was pulling up
thousands of plants and stuffing them into the garage.
I usually cover my chile fields two or three times to beat the frost but
when a hard freeze comes, especially with it predicted several nights in a
row, the plants have to come up. This was the earliest I have ever had to
pull up the plants which certainly played havoc with my seed saving
schedule. But fear not! There will be many new varieties available next
year.
I pull the plants up, roots and all and place them in our garage to let
them ripen. I have been able to have fresh chiles through Christmas and
have been able to keep my restaurant deliveries going for a month or so
after the plants get pulled up.
Added bonus: when you open the garage door, there is a heavenly aroma to
greet you.
Disadvantage: big dirty mess. Even if you try and shake all the dirt off
the roots, it ends up as a mess. I wouldn't do this in a basement. They
can also be a pain to pick this way.
Certainly worthwhile though, if you have the space for it.
May you all be blessed with a longer growing season.
As for Jim's fields: maybe his plants would fit in an airport hanger!
Susan
The Chile Woman