Post date: Dec 3, 2019 11:04:43 PM
Persephone period - Atlanta
When the duration sunlight falls below 10 hours (sunrise to sunset) plants stall. There is no growth in this period called the Persephone.
For Atlanta this year, the Persephone is from Dec 6 to Jan 5.
All winter crops that have been sown in late summer should have reached maturity, or a stage of waiting.
Radish, carrot, turnips should have completed their growth.
Other winter crops like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, should have reached maturity. Leafs should be firm and full.
In the month of Persephone, plants just survive without any growth.
It is typical to not touch the soil in this month. No digging, no feeding or watering.
Hoop the plants up if you wish, and cover with fleece. Even if left open, plants will remain fine.
End of Persephone is when growth will shoot off for all winter crops. Harvests can happen from early Jan all through spring.
We will take a break from stepping into the garden in this period and enjoy indoor activities.
We can also do wintersowing indoors. And gather seed catalogues. Or read books.
Elliot Coleman is my author this year. His two classics: The New Organic Grower and The Winter Harvest Handbook are on my reading list. Highly recommended.