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Re: remedial question

In a message dated 8/11/98 7:50:08 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
millero@worldnet.att.net writes:

<< Not true for most of the south,and southwest.  Our growing season for cool
 season vegetables is from late September through early March with the first
 frost from mid to late November.  Most will tolerate light frost.
  >>
<< Latest reliable
planting time our fall beans is August 15 which is more like 90 days before
first frost.  The first frost date is not relevant in this case -
temperature and daylight hours are more important.>>

Hi Olin and all,

In my microclimate on the so calif coast,  I have yet to have a frost in the
six winters I have been here.  I had frost almost every winter when I lived
only two miles from here.  I too am able to grow cool season crops all through
the winter and have for the last several years without even the slightest hint
of cold damage.  The only concession I must sometimes make is to start the
seeds in containers and then plant them out.  And it does take longer for
things to mature when the air is cooler and there is less sun.  

Last year for fun I planted really late sweet corn (seed sown in October),
and actually was harvesting ears in February.  Granted it took them forever to
ripen,  they were small, and they were of mediocre flavor,  but they were
edible.  I doubt I will do that again however because it is not an economical
use of garden space. 

I can also grow bean plants year round and they dont freeze,  but it is too
cool and the days are too short for the plants to grow well,  and they simply
dont bloom.  I suspect this may also be some sort of photoperiodic non-
blooming response.  But I can sow seed with the expectation of a good bean
crop until the end of august or so.
  
I have also just planted some 'early' type tomatoes to see how late I can go
with those.  Last year I finally took out my plants in December,  with el
nino,  the vines were very lush, green and healthy and taking over the
pathways.  Underneath they had lots green fruit on them.  It just wasnt warm
enough for them to ripen outside however.  The larger ones did ripen in the
house and were acceptable. 

Just my luck I will get my first ever frost this winter and everything will
die.  Janet.
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