Hey Lisa:

I've lived in Mill Valley before, which I think is pretty near you. You should be able to grow lettuces/cole crops year round. I had trouble growing tomatoes down there, too, because it was a bit too cold during the summer for them to really ripen nicely, but I did plant a nice tomatillo that was VERY productive. I would tell you to call your local extension.

Liisa, you're right, the amount and intensity of sun around Seattle decreases greatly in the winter. That said, I'm gardening year round like Carolyn said. Cole crops, or cool-weather greens, carrots, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower and peas all are in my winter garden. And I suspect you have a better growing climate than I do.

That said, not much is GROWING in my garden now through the winter. I've learned the hard way that you prolong your harvest here more than grow things in the winter. Growth slows to a crawl, despite the protecrion of my hoop covers.

So I'm afraid you may not have much luck planting now. Of course that wouldn't stop me from presprouting some lettuce, spinach, chard etc. and throwing it under a hoop cover.

If you want to see my setup, visit my blog. Good luck and thanks for asking.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sinfonian's garden adventure

Hi Carolyn,

Mill Valley is about 55 miles north of me. I'm right in the center of the Bay Area between San Francisco and San Jose. I can grow tomatoes with no problem... I grew them on my roof this past summer (I live in an Eichler.. they have a flat roof). I also grew cucumbers. But this next growing season I'm going to use the raised bed I just put in my VERY small back yard. I was hoping to use it in the Fall and Winter too.

Sinfonina,
Thanks for your input.. I think I will try some Fall veggie's after the Summer crop (2009) and try to extend the crop as long as I can without sun. I've been checking out your site for the past few weeks.. I always look forward to seeing your photo's and keeping up how your garden is doing. Matter of fact I'm going to try growing potatoes in an upright container. Keep up the great work.

Liisa