Lower South
December, 2005
Regional Report
Favorite or New Plant
'Redbor' Kale
Kale is more than just a great winter vegetable, it's also quite attractive. The variety 'Redbor' is suitable for the vegetable garden or the ornamental bed. The plants are dark magenta with deeply curled frilly leaves, and they grow to a height of 18 to 24 inches. Color and curling are enhanced by cold weather. In 2005, Mississippi Extension awarded 'Redbor' the Mississippi Medallion award, an honor given to exceptional ornamentals.
Clever Gardening Technique
PVC Row-Cover Supports
Sections of PVC bent into a hoop and set down the row provide a great support for clear plastic or heavier weights of row cover fabric. This makes it fast and easy to cover plants on a frosty night, or to start seeds out of the reach of birds, rabbits, or desiccating winds. Drive a small section of rebar into the soil on either side of the row, leaving about 4 inches sticking out. Then slide the ends of 1/2-inch PVC onto the rebar to hold the pipe in place. Tie another section of PVC down the center of the hoops for extra support.
