The Year Round Vegetable Gardener Book Launch!

Look Ma! I'm on a poster!! 

Ok, I'll admit it, I really should have had this post up last Sunday, but I've been so busy that today is the first time I've had a chance to get to this.. plus, my sister just sent me her photos from the event, so I thought I'd better get this up!

The book launch took place last Sat at Halifax Seed. I am so thankful to all the folks at Halifax Seed (Tim, Nancy, Emily, Fraser, Carla, Jane, etc.) who worked very hard to make it a smooth launch and accommodate everyone who dropped by for the event. All in all, there were over 200 people who popped in to say hello, pick up a book and have it signed. Halifax Seed even ran out of books! It was such a great turnout and I just wish I could have spent more time talking to all the avid gardeners who came in! I'm very grateful for all the support from everyone and the genuine enthusiasm for year round gardening.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

If you didn't get a chance to come to the launch, I'll be at Chapters Bayers Lake this Saturday, Feb 11th from 2:30 to 4:30 signing books. I'll also bring some seed packet samples of some of my favourite cold season veggies to share - while quantities last! :)

I will also be at the Seaport Farmer's Market on Sat Feb 18th from 9 to 11 am! Come say hello and check out the market return of the wonderful Owen Bridge of Annapolis Seeds! I know I'll be picking up some seeds from Owen while I'm there! You will not believe how many heirloom tomatoes he's added to his 2012 catalogue!!

Me gesturing and talking during my 10 min presentation!

Too bad the screen is washed out.. I gave a short talk on
the subject of the book and shared some 'behind the scenes'
photos! 

Signing books! It was so great to meet everyone!

Upcoming events!

Don't forget that you can check my list of upcoming events at www.nikijabbour.com!

Mini Hoop Tunnels in Summer

The Evers late spring garden!

What do you do with your mini hoop tunnels once the warm weather arrives? Well, you could take them down and store them until autumn. Or, you can turn them into warm season veggie factories! Heat loving crops like peppers, eggplant, melons and bush tomatoes can be sheltered under the plastic of your mini hoop tunnels to help boost productivity - especially in northern and short season climates. Just be sure to leave the ends of your tunnels open to allow for good air circulation and pollination - from wind or insects.

Plus, the plastic covering will have already ensured that your soil has heated up to the ideal temperature for planting these tender crops. If warm season veggie seedlings are planted in soil that is still cold, they will sulk (wouldn't you?!). If you don't use a mini hoop tunnel, you can place a sheet of black plastic on the bed for a week or two prior to planting, but leaving your winter/spring mini hoop tunnels in place does the same thing and is less work! :)

It's a gorgeous day today (going to be 3 C) and our day length is now above 10 hours of sunlight!! (10 hours and 4 minutes to be precise), so it's time to start sowing those cold season veggies in any empty areas of the cold frames.. tatsoi, mizuna and arugula today.. maybe I'll go crazy and even sow a bit of spinach!

If you want to ask me your year-round gardening question, I'll be at the Chapters in Bayers Lake this coming Saturday, Feb 11th from 2:30 to 4:30. Drop in and say hi, or get your copy of The Year Round Vegetable Gardener signed. (I'll try to be witty!)

Happy Gardening!

Fun on Richard Levangie's Blog!!

Although we've never met, Richard Levangie, the award winning Halifax writer behind this site, and I have enjoyed an online friendship for many years. He too understands the incredible lure of working the earth and growing food. I always look forward to reading his blog posts and articles. Some are fun and lighthearted, while others chronicle his personal medical journeys, which have not been easy to say the least. His brutal honesty takes immense courage, but his sense of humour is always tucked in there somewhere. You can't come away from his writing without feeling strong emotion - it may break your heart, but it will also lift your spirit.

One of the more fun aspects of his blog is the section called '25 questions'. In the past, he has interviewed a range of writers, including the acclaimed author, Silver Donald Cameron (intimidating!!)  I was thrilled when he added me to this group of esteemed writers. Click on the above link to read the answers to my 25 questions.

Jodi Delong's Review of The Year Round Vegetable Gardener

A link about my book in today's Chronicle Herald. Click here to read it.. Thanks so much to Jodi Delong for the piece.. She's had a horrendous week, and it was very kind of her to send me the link today when I know her heart is in other places..

I love Seedy Saturday!!

Click here to visit the facebook page for Truro Seedy Saturday coming up on Feb 25th at St Andrew's United Church. 

Media updates and tonight's talk

Ok.. this morning, Wed, Feb 1st, my appearance on CTV Morning Live will air at 8:15 am Atlantic time. I'll post the link afterwards.. but you can tune in live on CTV in the Maritimes..

UPDATE - Here is the link for the CTV Morning Live clip! Just click on the winter gardening clip in the video box. Note to self, talk slower next time!! :)

Then, this Friday, Feb 3rd, I'll be on CBC Information Morning talking to Margot Brunelle. That was also a fun interview! She is an avid gardener and we had a lovely chat as we toured the garden.

Tonight, I'll be at the Keshen Goodman Library in Halifax at 7 pm for my talk on Year Round Vegetable Gardening.. Halifax Seed will be onsite selling books and I'm bringing some packets of seed to give away - while they last!!

UPDATE - Another review of The Year Round Vegetable Gardener can be found here...

Happy Wednesday!