As they say, spring has sprung and for me that means I get to dig in the dirt! I follow my calendar to know what to plant when and when it's a good time to just leave the garden alone. To date, the calendar hasn't failed me and my crops have come in well and strong. I can only hope for the same this year.
This blog will serve two purposes, for me it's a way to track what I've planted so I know when to expect to harvest the crops and document how well or not the plants do. For you, it's a way to follow what I'm up to, how the garden is progressing and what we're eating as it becomes ripe for the picking.
March is a time for planting cool weather crops so in the ground I have planted collard greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, kale and spinach. These went in on March 19th and 20th. Though I had just six plants of each, I found the winter had softened me and it was all I could do to get 24 of them in the ground on one day. The next day, while sore as can be, I toughed it out and finished the planting!
Feeling ever so much like planting more, I planted some garlic seeds that looked like they were beginning to sprout. I check them Friday, March 28th and sure enough, little green spikes had broken ground. The garlic is on the way!
To ready the garden for sweet peas and purple hull peas, I set up trellises. For the sweet peas I'm using a lightweight, plastic trellis. It's sturdy enough to hold the peas since they aren't so heavy and won't bring the trellis down. For the purple hull peas I've constructed two trellises made of bamboo poles that I cut from the woods. It grows wild down by the dry creek bed so why not make use of it.
The bamboo is strong and sinks into the ground with very little pressure. I tied three poles together as high up as I could reach and they're standing in the garden awaiting the seeds. Indeed, much waiting goes on this time of year! For me, it's simply irresistible!
Next in the dirt are the radishes. The variety I chose is called "Cherry Bell." They don't get real big but they are juicy and spicy with just enough heat to let you know you're eating a radish. I love them cut up on a salad or sautéed in a little butter and eaten on a sandwich. Even the greens are edible so if you have the chance to try these greens in your spring salads, by all means do so. I'd love to hear your thoughts on them!
For now, that's what's going on in the vegetable garden. Soon to be planted are the peas, beans and herbs! Be sure to check back because I have a little surprise for the herb garden this year and you won't want to miss it!!
"My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view." ~H. Fred Dale (Thanks, Anne)
