We’re into the first week of February and winter in Greece is really settling in now. The past few days have seen highs of 9 to 10C and lows at night as low as 7. As I write this today, the high all day has been 8C and presently in the evening, it’s 7C.
Now, friends back in Canada may laugh at me as many have endured long spells below freezing (of course), but winter here has its own challenges, even if it is rare that we see below freezing in the area I am in. First, is the dampness. With 75% humidity, that chill can really get through your clothing even when dressed in layers. Then, there are the high winds that can blow like a gale off the sea, sometimes for days at a time without a break.
The next challenge is the way most Greek houses are built without any insulation. Homes here are really built for the summer months and even heating homes in the winter can be a challenge with the price of electricity in Greece. Even with no electric heat, and conserving energy as much as possible, my electricity bill can still exceed 200 Euros every two months!
A Mild January 2025
While winter is settling in now, January was pretty mild compared to the past 3 years of January at this location. While the New Year came in with a cold blast, and we had some days of rain, it was not as cold as in previous years for any extended periods. The winds were also mild – and with great conditions, the vegetable garden has done well. But not only have winter veggies done well, the tomato plants that I kept in pots have been growing, flowering, and producing fruit. This is not the first time I’ve tried tomatoes in the winter here – but this has been a good winter so far for being able to pluck a ripe tomato off the vine. Obviously they are not producing as much as they would as in warmer months, but it’s nice to have some fresh ones.
Normally in January, my experience has been cold nights, sometimes warm days, but more often than not, high winds with frequent thunderstorms. The lightning can be terrific to watch – but I think it would be cool if there were lightning detectors available – for some advance warning. Sometimes, the lightning and thunder seems very sudden here.
However, I’m thankful this past January has been mild as it has allowed me to attend to the vegetable garden regularly. We’ve enjoyed fresh broccoli several times for dinner along with lots of lettuce and other greens. Yesterday, I harvested some “candy cane” aka Tondo di Chioggia beetroots and greens.
We’ve also taken advantage of the milder days to have more winter barbecues!
Forecast For February
Now that we’re experiencing the deeper chill of a Greek winter, it appears we’ll be dealing with this for at least the next 15 days. Highs are forecast at no more than 11C with most days being around 9, and night time temps falling to 7. There will be lots of fires blazing in the fireplace! That was one thing about the month of January; it was warm enough that most days, we did not feel the need light many fires. We did enjoy some – and bringing in the New Year with family and friends around the blazing fire will be a nice memory in the future.
At this point, it will be at least 2 weeks before we see daytime temperatures rise into the teens and even then, it will be chilly nights.
Garden Planning
While it may seem early, I’m beginning to plan for the summer garden. Between now and May, I’m going to continue doing succession planting of lettuce (especially ‘Cos Little Gem’ variety), carrots, beets, and other greens. I still may even have time to get some more broccoli and cabbages going.
For the summer, I’ve already started tomato plants from seed – including more Marmande variety and an interesting looking one to me called Matina. Although a small variety, it’s apparently quite tasty, disease resistant, but I’m not sure how it will make out in the hot summer with constant sunshine, while resisting the urge to water.
Hot peppers are also on the list. I have one plant that I’m babying over the winter that is of the Anaheim Chili variety, and plan on trying some Cayenne Long Slims, and Trinidad Moruga Scorpions.
I have a bunch of other things planned for the garden as well – but more on that later, as we get past February and into March.