Sugar snaps are one of the highest reward vegatables for the Houston vegetable garden. I planted them yesterday, a little earlier than the recommended date of between Christmas and New Years. I prefer to get them started a little sooner before really cold weather typically comes. Some people plant them as early as Thanksgiving, but you must wait until the chances of weather in the 80s are low. A fence of at least 6 feet is needed.
Other vegetables are coming along fine. We have more greens and turnips than we can eat. I have really been pleased with the Osaka purple mustard greens. They have done well, are beautiful in the garden and have a very nice flavor–somewhat milder than traditional mustard greens. The Derby beans gave one last burst and I will have enough for 2 people for one more dinner. They were burned a little by the frost last week. After this picking they will be heading for the compost pile. Lettuce is being harvested by clipping off leaves. The bok choi is ready as “baby bok choi”. Beets are doing well but it will be a while yet. Cilantro and parsley are coming up everywhere and they have to been thinned for control.
I have been putting last year leaf compost around the vegetables. The plants are big enough now and I need to make room for this year’s leaves.