2023 Garden Review: Celebrating Key Victories and Navigating Challenges in Our Vegetable & Flower Beds

As another gardening season concludes, it’s time to reflect on the triumphs and tribulations experienced across our vegetable and flower beds in 2023. This comprehensive review highlights what truly flourished and where we encountered unexpected setbacks. Some of these outcomes directly stemmed from ambitious property goals, while others were exciting experiments and new techniques put to the test. Our hope in sharing these insights is that you might discover valuable strategies for your own gardening endeavors, learn from our missteps, and perhaps even offer your seasoned advice on the challenges we faced.

The year 2023 began with a fresh set of aspirations for our yard and gardens. While a few of these were more akin to distant hopes and dreams, and thus predictably unmet, we were pleasantly surprised by the substantial progress we made. This past year offered numerous opportunities to experiment with novel gardening approaches, many of which have proven so successful that they will undoubtedly become staples in our upcoming gardening seasons and beyond.

By categorizing our experiences into “winners” and “losers,” we aim to provide a clear and organized overview of our achievements and the obstacles that arose. This format allows us to share both our planned goals and the unplanned discoveries or challenges we encountered, all in one place. Thankfully, the list of winners is quite extensive, bringing a sense of accomplishment to our gardening journey.

Let’s dive into the successes first!

2023 Garden Winners: Cultivating Successes and Smart Solutions

Please note: This isn’t a ranked list, but rather a collection of highlights presented in the order they came to mind during reflection.

1. Winter Sowing Cool-Weather Seeds in Milk Jugs

Having now utilized the milk jug winter sowing method for two consecutive winters, and with plans to initiate a new batch soon, I can confidently say the advantages far outweigh any drawbacks. This ingenious technique has become a cornerstone of our early-season seed starting strategy.

Firstly, the sheer ease of this method is unparalleled. The initial setup is straightforward, requiring minimal effort. Once the seeds are sown in their makeshift mini-greenhouses, they require virtually no monitoring until the weather begins to warm and sufficient growth necessitates light fertilization. This “set it and forget it” approach during the colder months is a game-changer for busy gardeners.

Secondly, winter sowing significantly alleviates the usual pressure of indoor seed starting. By cultivating a wide array of cool-weather crops—such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, various early lettuces, spinach, and even some hardy flowers—directly in milk jugs outdoors, valuable indoor space is freed up. This extra room allows for the focused indoor cultivation of warm-weather crops and more delicate annual flowers, enabling us to achieve our goal of growing more seeds indoors overall.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly for me, this method completely eliminates the arduous process of hardening off seedlings. Traditionally, transitioning indoor-started plants to the outdoor environment is a tedious chore, requiring a week or more of gradually acclimating them to sunlight, wind, and temperature fluctuations. With winter-sown seedlings, they emerge and grow within their protected environment, naturally adjusting to the outdoor conditions as spring arrives, making them robust and ready for direct transplanting without the stress of hardening off.

While the pros are numerous, there are a couple of cons to note. Ensuring correct transplant timing is key, as is using a high-quality potting mix that includes some slow-release fertilizer. As observed in some instances (like the yellowed leaves in the photos), a lack of nitrogen can sometimes occur. My main learning point has been the importance of potting these seedlings up into slightly larger containers before planting them directly into the garden. Many of the initial seedlings, while hardy, weren’t quite substantial enough to fend off early spring pest damage or extreme weather shifts, making an intermediate potting step beneficial for stronger establishment.

2. Growing Winter Lettuce Indoors

This delightful experiment was a specific goal because our indoor light setup often lies dormant until February. Capitalizing on this unused resource, I decided to test growing lettuce indoors during the colder months, and the results were truly rewarding.

In January, I simply scattered a mix of lettuce seeds over a tray of good quality potting soil under the grow lights. After the initial growth, I provided a couple of applications of fish emulsion fertilizer to encourage lush foliage. By the end of February, we were harvesting delicious baby lettuce for fresh salads using a convenient “cut-and-come-again” method. This allowed us to enjoy fresh, homegrown greens for several weeks when outdoor gardening was impossible.

This proved to be such an easy and impactful way to get fresh produce during the winter, that even if I only manage one batch this year, it’s absolutely worth the minimal effort. It brings a taste of spring directly into the kitchen during the bleakest part of winter.

3. Successful Tree Plantings

A significant goal for 2023 was to expand our property’s tree population, specifically establishing a small grove of 3-5 trees opposite the envisioned kitchen patio. We are thrilled to report that this goal was successfully met.

We sourced several affordable bare-root trees, opting for two different varieties of beautiful flowering cherries and two striking red leaf maples. These trees are strategically placed to eventually offer a stunning summer view from the kitchen, providing both shade and aesthetic appeal as they mature. Their vibrant colors will add seasonal interest to the landscape.

Additionally, we planted two more apple trees. One was a necessary replacement for a young tree that, disappointingly, died after just two years. The second was a bonus—a unique variety I discovered on sale as a bare-root, adding diversity to our small orchard project and promising future fruit harvests.

4. Cultivating New Garden Areas

While photographic evidence of this particular success is forthcoming in an upcoming Good Things List, please trust that we successfully met our goal of planting the new garden areas created last year during our concrete work. These spaces, previously bare ground resulting from construction, have now been transformed into thriving sections of our garden.

This involved careful soil amendment, thoughtful plant selection, and the challenging yet rewarding work of establishing new beds. We introduced a variety of perennials and shrubs chosen for their suitability to the specific light conditions and our overall garden design, ensuring these new areas integrate beautifully with the existing landscape. This expansion truly enhanced the property’s aesthetics and ecological diversity.

5. Season-Long Use of Insect Netting

This is undeniably a “why didn’t I do this sooner?” moment. I have long appreciated the benefits of using row covers for early spring and late fall protection, and even extended their use to safeguard broccoli from aphids. However, my previous experience had been limited to heavier row covers, which can retain too much heat for summer use.

The game-changer this year was finally investing in lightweight insect netting (this is the type I purchased). This fine mesh material allows ample light and airflow, preventing heat buildup while effectively deterring a multitude of garden pests. I deployed it over PVC hoops installed on our raised beds, protecting brassicas, lettuce, kale, carrots, and beets for the entire growing season.

The results were phenomenal! I harvested the cleanest lettuce and kale I have ever grown. If it weren’t for the persistent slugs (a separate battle!), I would have had absolutely zero insect damage. This netting is a non-negotiable addition to my organic pest control arsenal going forward, proving invaluable for maintaining pristine produce without chemicals.

6. Expanding the Asparagus Bed

Reflecting on the initial design of my asparagus bed, shown above, I often questioned my reasoning for making it only half its current size, accommodating just a single row of asparagus. Despite the bed being approximately 7 feet long and 3 feet deep, I initially thought I needed clear access to the back, which in hindsight was an unnecessary limitation.

Thus, 2023 became the year to rectify this oversight. I integrated the previously unused space in the back of the bed, effectively doubling its width. This expansion allowed for the planting of another row of asparagus roots, maximizing the bed’s potential. While this means I’ll have to wait a bit longer for the newly planted roots to mature and become harvestable, the long-term benefit of a significantly increased asparagus yield will be well worth the patience. It’s a reminder to always reassess garden layouts for efficiency and productivity.

7. Thriving Deer-Resistant Sunken Garden

Our flower and herb garden situated on the side of our farmhouse continues to be an immense source of delight and natural beauty. Beyond its stunning visual appeal, this garden has become a vibrant hub for local wildlife, attracting countless bees, birds, and hummingbirds that visit daily, transforming it into a living sanctuary.

Throughout the seasons, there’s almost always something in bloom, ensuring continuous interest and ecological support. By October, the growth was truly impressive (the photo above captures the garden in June, just beginning its seasonal display). While I’m still learning that not all plants labeled “deer resistant” are entirely immune to deer browsing, for the most part, these resilient plants have been left undisturbed, allowing us to fully appreciate their beauty. The memories of enjoying summer mornings with coffee amidst these fragrant blooms are truly cherished.

8. Abundant Cut Flowers

Remember that extra space I gained for indoor seed starting thanks to the milk jug method? A significant portion of it was dedicated to cultivating a diverse array of cut flowers, and the results were absolutely lovely. In the arrangement pictured above, the cosmos, snapdragons, and strawflowers were all successfully grown from seed, while the dahlias were cultivated from purchased tubers.

Throughout the seasons, our vases were also filled with beautiful asters and sunflowers, also grown from seed, complemented by roses and hydrangeas thriving within our securely fenced garden area. These delicate blooms would unfortunately not survive outside the fence due to the local deer population. The continuous supply of fresh, homegrown flowers has been a tremendous source of joy, brightening our home and providing a tangible connection to the garden’s bounty.

9. Successful Fall Garden Harvest

Some years, my efforts to plant a robust fall garden are more successful than others. In 2023, extending our harvest season was a significant priority, and I’m pleased to report it was largely a success.

The vibrant lettuce visible in the bed above was planted in mid-September, originating from seedlings I had started indoors in August. We were fortunate to experience unseasonably wet weather during September, which provided ideal conditions for the lettuce to flourish. While the tomatoes planted elsewhere didn’t fare as well, the cool-season crops truly excelled. This particular lettuce bed provided continuous harvests from October all the way through to mid-December! As overnight temperatures consistently dropped below 45-50°F, I transitioned from the insect netting (shown in the photo) to a more insulating row cover, which effectively extended the growing season.

Beyond lettuce, I also successfully planted broccoli, which yielded delicious harvests in December, along with a couple of cabbages. Our beets, turnips, and carrots, also fall-planted, are currently being harvested as tender babies in January, with plans to allow some to continue growing for an even earlier spring harvest. This extended growing season strategy significantly reduced our grocery needs for fresh produce during the colder months.

Garden Losers: Learning from Setbacks and Shifting Plans

Gardening, much like life, is full of unexpected twists and turns. Not every dream blossoms into reality, and sometimes, even well-intentioned plans hit unforeseen obstacles. Here are the areas where we faced challenges and learned valuable lessons in 2023.

1. The Elusive Kitchen Patio

Regrettably, the dream of our kitchen patio remains just that—a dream, with the area still resembling the photo above. While I acknowledge that completing this project in 2023 was an ambitious aspiration, my desire for this functional outdoor space is immense, as it would undoubtedly become a central hub for daily living and entertaining. The initial setback of not even starting construction was significant, but a more profound realization emerged.

We discovered that our main septic line, running from the house to the system, lies directly beneath the very pile of broken cement we had accumulated to form the base of a raised patio. Building a permanent structure over a critical utility line that may require future access is clearly imprudent. This revelation necessitates the complete removal of all this broken concrete, which was ironically placed there at a cost after being salvaged from other crumbling areas on our property last year. It’s a classic case of “live and learn,” albeit an expensive one.

Consequently, our vision for the kitchen patio has evolved. It is now slated to become a kitchen porch, featuring a sturdy wooden deck and a protective roof, a more flexible and practical solution given the septic line’s location. We still hold onto the hope that this project will materialize one day.

2. The Dream Greenhouse

A greenhouse remains a profound gardening dream of mine, a space where I envision propagating countless plants and extending growing seasons indefinitely. While I firmly believe this dream will eventually become a reality, it simply isn’t a top priority for our current property development plans. The financial investment and necessary site preparation mean it must wait its turn behind more pressing projects. For now, the dream persists, fueling future aspirations for our garden.

3. The Missing Porch Planter

I was convinced that the porch planter project would be completed last fall. I had even engaged in discussions with a contractor who seemed ready to take on the job. However, despite these promising conversations, I inadvertently let the momentum fade, and the contractor did not follow up. As a result, the desired porch planter, intended to symmetrically balance the sides of our porch walkway and add curb appeal, remains unbuilt. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even small projects require consistent follow-through and a bit of gentle persistence.

4. The Puzzling Orchard

Our small orchard continues to be the most perplexing and frustrating aspect of my gardening life. The fundamental question remains: why won’t these fruit trees bloom? We have varieties like apples and plums, which are known to grow and bloom prolifically in the wild throughout our region. Yet, despite having some trees that are several years old, including a four-year-old plum that should unequivocally be producing, I have never seen a single blossom on any of them.

In contrast, at our previous cottage, I successfully grew these very same types of trees, and they consistently bloomed and bore fruit by their second year, with nothing more than regular composting. This stark difference is a source of immense frustration, especially when I observe countless unpicked apples on wild trees nearby. Seeking solutions, I consulted my readers and received several insightful suggestions. Acting on this advice, I applied a liquid fertilizer in the spring to promote bloom production and followed up with spike fertilizers in the fall for sustained nutrient release. We are eagerly awaiting spring to see if these interventions will finally coax our orchard into bloom.

5. The Demise of the Raspberries

This past year brought the disheartening loss of all my three-year-old raspberry canes. The decline began subtly: canes would start green and healthy, only to gradually turn brown from the bottom upwards and eventually die. Despite meticulously cutting away the affected canes and replenishing the soil with compost, the cycle of decline continued relentlessly until not a single cane remained.

These raspberries had previously produced reliably for a couple of years and were vigorous enough to spread into the paths surrounding the bed. Their sudden and complete demise was truly perplexing. My research into common raspberry diseases yielded no clear answers, as the symptoms described for various ailments did not match the simple browning and dying off I observed. Furthermore, I had three distinct varieties planted, and all eventually succumbed to the same mysterious affliction.

Raspberries are a beloved fruit, and their high cost makes growing them at home a particularly rewarding endeavor, hence the deep frustration. I am currently at a loss as to the best course of action. I may attempt to establish a new patch, but this would necessitate finding an entirely new location that can be securely deer-fenced and effectively protected from gophers—a significant and challenging undertaking. The future of homegrown raspberries at our property remains uncertain.

So, there you have it – a candid look at the garden winners and losers of 2023 for our farmhouse. What were your key takeaways from your own gardening year? Share your insights and experiences!

More Gardening Tips & Tutorials

• How To Plant A No-Till Garden Bed (or No-Dig) For Less Weeds
• No Fail Perennial Flowers
• How To Keep Weeds Out Of Your Garden: Simple Organic Techniques
• How to Start Plants from Seeds – Complete Tutorial