Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts and Chihuahuas

Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts and Chihuahuas were the eclectic mix in my garden yesterday.

 

January Garden: Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts in a raised planter bed with a few Leeks planted in-between.

January is a great time to get Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts into the garden plots. Create a quick and easy garden with small growing plants in containers or flats vs. seeds. These have been in my raised garden for several weeks now and were purchased at a local garden store in 4″ containers. I like buying and sowing seeds directly into the soil during the spring and summer when the soil is warmer, but with the winter months being a bit cooler I find it easier to garden with small plant starters and transplant them into a nice rich organic soil.

* Broccoli: Set transplants about 2 inches deeper into the raised planter than they were in the container purchased and space out about 18 inches. Use a good mulch to help plants retain their moisture. Broccoli needs plenty of nitrogen and calcium so planting in a rich soil/compost or adding a 10-10-10 fertilizer is helpful.

* Brussels Sprouts: This plant can survive frost so it is a great winter crop. This is a slow grower needing a sunny location and well-drained soil. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts can be planted as companion plants since they require the same soil needs. Brussels Sprouts mature from the bottom of the plant upward and are best when picked on the small side for optimum flavor.

January/February Garden Ideas: Southern California Planting Guide

VEGETABLES: ARTICHOKE, ASPARAGUS, BEETS, BROCCOLI, CABBAGE, CARROTS, CAULIFLOWER, CELERY, CHIVES, COLLARDS, FAVAS, KALE, LETTUCE, PARSLEY,PEAS,  RADISH, RHUBARB, SPINACH, TURNIP.

FRUITS that Grow In January:  AVOCADO, GUAVAS, KUMQUATS, LEMONS, STRAWBERRIES, NAVEL ORANGES, TANGERINES.

FLOWERS: Plant summer blooming bulbs: Canna, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Gladiolus, and Tuberose. Sweet Peas.

* Prune Roses this month.

* Plant Bare Root Berries, Fruit Trees, Grapes.


 

Bella (sporting a warm red sweater) out in the garden posing next to 'almost flowering' Nasturtium

 

Chula was clearly "Not" interested in gardening or wearing any kind of sweater. We let her sleep in.

Thanks for visiting my garden blog today

♥ Dig – Plant – Enjoy ♥

http://www.nadiaknows.com

Chihuahuas in the Garden:Plus Favorite Vegetables for 4 Legged Friends!


Gardening for your pets and providing vegetables for their diet promotes intestinal health (added fiber) and antioxidants. Here are a few favorites for your 4 legged friends: carrots, green beans, cabbage, spinach, parsley, apples, cucumber, kale, bananas, squash and leafy  greens. It also seems that the raw carrots help keep canine teeth cleaner. Adding vegetables as a part of their regular diet can also help significantly with weight control. After doing a little bit of internet research on this subject I found that  there is also a list of toxic vegetables that should NOT be fed to your furry friends: onion, garlic, tomato greens, grapes, raisins, and rhubarb leaves. Let’s keep our pets healthier and let them also enjoy the wonderful benefits of organic gardening! Woof – Woof~

Thank you for visiting my garden blog today: http://www.nadiaknows.com….

Create – Grow – Be Inspired

Chula and her carrot

Chula lounging on the garden wall

Chula and the pumpkins

Bella in the tomato plants

Chula and Bella 'Garden Chihuahuas'

Gardening Dogs

Our mom thinks we like to garden, but we really just like to pose for photos and keep her company when she’s in the garden. We are not too excited about the turnips and radishes that are shown growing in this photo, we prefer broccoli. Contrary to popular opinion concerning the chihuahua breed being “un-trainable” we actually passed obedience class and will sit and stay on command, with one exception being UPS deliveries which we still run out to the truck if we can sneak by the adults.

Chihuahuas and Turnips

Roxy is the Golden Retriever that our parents adopted from the Golden Retriever Rescue of San Diego about 7 months ago, she was used for 7 years as a breeding mill mommy in very bad conditions (see this website on puppy mills) and is adjusting to a happier life with us now.  It took us a little while to get used to her because she is so much bigger than we are, but Roxy is a gentle giant. We all like to chew on carrots and smell all the vegetables growing in the garden. Mom calls us “her gardening dogs”.

Roxy

When we get tired out from helping mom we like run around in the backyard, or take long naps relaxing in the sun. It’s a good life being a dog and living in a warm climate.

Thanks for stopping by to meet us. Happy gardening!

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