Carrots survive December cold

Monday morning was dull and cool but in the afternoon the sun came out and gave us a very pleasant afternoon.

From 2011 Weather Pictures 1

It was an opportunity to visit the plot and see if any overwintering vegetables had survived the severe cold of December. I just had to investigate our carrots, could a covering of straw protect them from temperatures down to below -10°C. As  I lifted the bricks holding the environmesh in place they started to break apart. The frost had certainly taken its toll on the bricks so I didn't think much of the carrots chances.

From 2011 Weather Pictures 1

When the straw was moved aside the carrots didn't look too bad. Certainly some of the tops had been nibbled away by unknown creatures - perhaps slugs on milder days - but the carrots looked reasonable. Now to lift some - the final test.

From 2011 Weather Pictures 1

Much to my surprise the carrots looked in good condition. Some were certainly badly damaged and only fit for the compost heap but I was amazed to have any carrots worth harvesting.

From 2011 Weather Pictures 1

And the ones only fit for the compost heap are shown below. Most of the damage resulted from the carrots splitting or the exposed tops being eaten away rather than damage obviously due to the severe cold.

From 2011 Weather Pictures 1

We had some carrots cooked for dinner and they were fine. So I think its true to say that some of our winter vegetables are hardier than we perhaps think and that a little investment in straw for protection has proved its worth. The carrots lifted were Autumn King and Flakee.