December in the Greenhouse

I’ve been researching how to extend my NJ vegetable growing season. I use several, excellent gardening books by experts such as Elliot Coleman, Monty Don, James Underwood Crocket and Alan Titchmarsh and reach out to the amazing Farmer Lee Jones regularly for advice.

I’m still trying to figure out how to grow in my greenhouse. I’m able to keep plenty of flowers and herbs safe over the winter, heat the greenhouse with candles, bricks and hot water (and a small heater)… and actually growing a few San Marzano tomatoes and French cucumbers. This is a learning year!

I ripened my final, outdoor grown tomato on Dec 4-this is a tender, delicious salad from my greenhouse garden raised beds.

with lettuce prices through the roof… I’m still picking delicious, tender salads in late December

These are two of my favorite salad dressings.

For tender salads

Lemon Vinaigrette 2 oz  Lemon juice (freshly squeezed),  6 oz Extra Virgin Olive oil, 1 Tsp Honey, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, Kosher Salt & Crushed Black Pepper to taste

Balsamic Vinaigrette 2 oz  Balsamic vinegar,  6 oz Olive oil, 1 Tsp Honey, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 Tbsp Roasted Garlic, Freshly chopped herbs such as Italian parsley, chervil, chives; Kosher Salt & Crushed Black Pepper to taste

French cornichon in the greenhouse.

assorted lettuces

San Marzano tomatoes growing in the greenhouse.

fresh spinach