The spring planting season has only recently begun and I'm already behind on recording the details. Here's a recap so far.
March 21: Planted peas, spinach, turnips (experimenting with earlier than recommended), and beets (earlier than recommended) in a single 2' x 12' bed. Started first batch of Romaine and Buttercrunch head lettuce indoors.
April 9: Peas were sprouting. Filled in gaps in peas, beets, and turnips. Transplanted first batch of head lettuce.
April 21: Spinach and peas were ravaged by rabbits. Replanted both. Sowed leaf lettuce, swiss chard, corn, and zucchini. Still early for corn and zucchini but extended forecast calls for no frost between now and May 1.
April 23: The rabbits moved on to devour most of the head lettuce. Perhaps I need to reconsider my decision to skip the fence this year.
Apparently I forgot to note down exactly when I started the second batch of head lettuce (sometime after March 21 and before April 9), or when I transplanted them (sometime between April 9 and April 21). Oh well. Things are going well so far, aside from the rabbit damage.
Showing posts with label garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garden. Show all posts
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Melons & Beans
I just started my watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydew, and pole lima beans in peat pots yesterday evening. Can't wait to see them take off. But hopefully not too much before it's time for them to go outside. :)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tomatoes and More
Both batches of tomato seedlings got so big so fast that the first was starting to wilt and the second was almost as big but not yet wilting. I decided I needed to start another batch just in case, and plant my tomato plants in the garden way early. So Sunday I started some more tomato and eggplant seedlings, as well as some basil and oregano seedlings. I also transplanted some lettuce Ann gave me, and filled in some gaps in the rows of peas with fresh seed.
Then yesterday evening, I planted a dozen tomato plants in the garden. I've filled some milk cartons with water and sat them near the plants to act as a heat sink to collect heat during the day and release it at night. I'm collecting more milk cartons so that if a frost is coming I can cover each tomato plant, and I need to get tomato stakes soon.
It has just gotten to be time I could start my melons, but now I'm paranoid about starting seedlings too early, so I'll probably wait a bit.
Then yesterday evening, I planted a dozen tomato plants in the garden. I've filled some milk cartons with water and sat them near the plants to act as a heat sink to collect heat during the day and release it at night. I'm collecting more milk cartons so that if a frost is coming I can cover each tomato plant, and I need to get tomato stakes soon.
It has just gotten to be time I could start my melons, but now I'm paranoid about starting seedlings too early, so I'll probably wait a bit.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Spring Gardening Update
On Friday, March 19, I re-tilled a row in the garden (did it myself - what a workout!), laid a soaker hose, planted peas and spinach along the soaker hose, and installed the same pea supports I used last year - nylon mesh supported with rebar and plastic ties.
Then on Saturday, March 20, I repotted a bunch of eggplant and tomato seedlings from teeny pots to 3" peat pots. In peat pots now I have a dozen tomatoes and half a dozen eggplants. Plus some extras still in the small pots as backups until I need the space under the grow light. And some to give to Ann.
Today I repotted the parsley that have sprouted into slightly larger pots, and separated a few that came up with multiples in the same pot. I now have 8 parsley seedlings.
Besides maintaining what's already been planted, my next step will be to start some watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew seedlings directly in peat pots sometime between April 10 and May 1.
I'm debating whether to start basil, oregano, marigolds, and nasturtium inside or whether to directly sow into the garden. While all four can be directly sown outside, I had intended to start some inside, but it's looking like there may not be room under the grow light for them what with tomatoes, eggplant, parsley, and melons taking up all the space. To be determined.
Then on Saturday, March 20, I repotted a bunch of eggplant and tomato seedlings from teeny pots to 3" peat pots. In peat pots now I have a dozen tomatoes and half a dozen eggplants. Plus some extras still in the small pots as backups until I need the space under the grow light. And some to give to Ann.
Today I repotted the parsley that have sprouted into slightly larger pots, and separated a few that came up with multiples in the same pot. I now have 8 parsley seedlings.
Besides maintaining what's already been planted, my next step will be to start some watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew seedlings directly in peat pots sometime between April 10 and May 1.
I'm debating whether to start basil, oregano, marigolds, and nasturtium inside or whether to directly sow into the garden. While all four can be directly sown outside, I had intended to start some inside, but it's looking like there may not be room under the grow light for them what with tomatoes, eggplant, parsley, and melons taking up all the space. To be determined.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Seeds and Seedlings
We took the pilgrimage to Rohrer Seeds in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. I picked up all the seeds I wanted. Ann and I will share her packet of zucchini seeds and my packet of Italian tomato seeds.
That morning, I decided to add pole beans to the roster. I'll split a row between herbs and pole beans after the peas and spinach clear out.
I also decided to grow Melody Hybrid Spinach instead of Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach because I prefer the kind that is more smooth and less ruffled. The pictures on the packets made this clearer than the descriptions did.
Instead of Amish Paste tomatoes, I decided to go with San Marzano tomatoes, described as the original Italian paste variety. The authenticity appeals to me for making spaghetti sauce. I've been really enjoying the homemade spaghetti sauce I canned last year. Inconveniently most of my batches of spaghetti seem to take 1.5 quarts instead of an even 1 or 2. I'm considering making batches of pints this year instead so it'll take an even 3 jars.
On the trip, I also bought 2 dozen purple pansies to line the front walkway. I'm gradually hardening them off between the garage at night and outdoors in the sunlight during parts of the day.
This afternoon, during Matthew's naptime, I started some seedlings: 27 tomatoes, 9 eggplant, and 9 parsley. Some of the tomatoes I'll share with Ann, and some are extras in case they don't all sprout. I'm using a plastic Jiffy Greenhouse that has 72 tiny cells, probably an inch across each. Because they're so small, I'll need to transplant the plants to other pots later, probably peat pots. But in the case of the tomatoes at least, that'll make for stronger plants, because I can bury some of the stem each time they get transplanted and produce more roots.
It should be time to plant peas and spinach in a few weeks, but I heard today the Farmer's Almanac is calling for a worse March than January and February. That would be impressive considering the blizzards we've had already this year. We shall see.
All in all, a good week for the garden so far. Total seed price: $43.95
That morning, I decided to add pole beans to the roster. I'll split a row between herbs and pole beans after the peas and spinach clear out.
I also decided to grow Melody Hybrid Spinach instead of Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach because I prefer the kind that is more smooth and less ruffled. The pictures on the packets made this clearer than the descriptions did.
Instead of Amish Paste tomatoes, I decided to go with San Marzano tomatoes, described as the original Italian paste variety. The authenticity appeals to me for making spaghetti sauce. I've been really enjoying the homemade spaghetti sauce I canned last year. Inconveniently most of my batches of spaghetti seem to take 1.5 quarts instead of an even 1 or 2. I'm considering making batches of pints this year instead so it'll take an even 3 jars.
On the trip, I also bought 2 dozen purple pansies to line the front walkway. I'm gradually hardening them off between the garage at night and outdoors in the sunlight during parts of the day.
This afternoon, during Matthew's naptime, I started some seedlings: 27 tomatoes, 9 eggplant, and 9 parsley. Some of the tomatoes I'll share with Ann, and some are extras in case they don't all sprout. I'm using a plastic Jiffy Greenhouse that has 72 tiny cells, probably an inch across each. Because they're so small, I'll need to transplant the plants to other pots later, probably peat pots. But in the case of the tomatoes at least, that'll make for stronger plants, because I can bury some of the stem each time they get transplanted and produce more roots.
It should be time to plant peas and spinach in a few weeks, but I heard today the Farmer's Almanac is calling for a worse March than January and February. That would be impressive considering the blizzards we've had already this year. We shall see.
All in all, a good week for the garden so far. Total seed price: $43.95
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Seed Shopping List
I've been scouring the Rohrer Seed catalog in anticipation of the annual pilgrimage to their shop in Pennsylvania. Following is my current shopping list. All the seeds I need for the 2010 garden with the exception of the basil, oregano, and parsley seeds I've already bought from Lowes.
From Lowes I already bought Ferry-Morse Oregano, Sweet Basil, and Plain or Single Parsley. I've started some indoors under my new grow light. Perhaps I'll be able to harvest some before the outdoor garden even gets started and freeze it in ice cube trays with a little water or oil for use in spaghetti sauce later. I've seen recommendations of 2 Tbsp olive oil to 1 cup of herbs. I'll grow some of these herbs in the garden too.
Edit 3/4/2010: I changed my mind about the varieties of Spinach and Tomatoes, and decided to add Pole Beans to the garden. The edits have been added to the table above.
| Corn | 1/4 pound | Seneca Snowshoe | $5.79 |
| 1/4 pound | Argent | $4.59 | |
| Melons | pkt | Ambrosia | $2.99 |
| pkt | Earli-Dew | $2.99 | |
| pkt | Bush Jubilee | $0.99 | |
| Squash | pkt | Black Beauty Zucchini | $0.99 |
| Eggplants | pkt | Long Purple | $1.69 |
| Peas | 1 pound | Early Frosty | $4.99 |
| Spinach | 1 oz | Melody Hybrid | |
| Tomatoes | pkt | San Marzano | |
| Nasturtium | 1/2 oz | Whirly Bird | $5.99 |
| Marigolds | pkt | Spry Boy | $1.99 |
| Turnips | pkt | Purple Top White Globe | $0.99 |
| Beets | pkt | Baby Ball | $2.79 |
| Pole Beans | 2 oz | King of the Garden | $1.99 |
From Lowes I already bought Ferry-Morse Oregano, Sweet Basil, and Plain or Single Parsley. I've started some indoors under my new grow light. Perhaps I'll be able to harvest some before the outdoor garden even gets started and freeze it in ice cube trays with a little water or oil for use in spaghetti sauce later. I've seen recommendations of 2 Tbsp olive oil to 1 cup of herbs. I'll grow some of these herbs in the garden too.
Edit 3/4/2010: I changed my mind about the varieties of Spinach and Tomatoes, and decided to add Pole Beans to the garden. The edits have been added to the table above.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Planning the Garden Schedule & Layout for 2010
Here's a rough outline of things to do for the garden and when to do them:
Note: I chose 8 rows because I can water all 8 rows with a hose splitter at the garden spigot connected to two hoses carrying water to the garden. At the garden, each of the two hoses is split with a hose splitter and connected to two drip hoses long enough to water two rows each. More rows would complicate irrigation. Fewer would limit the varieties I can grow.
- Till the cover crop under - ideally mid-February, but definitely no later than mid-April. If you wait until planting time to till it under, the rotting plant matter will inhibit germination of the seeds. The mid-February target gives 4 weeks of rotting time before the peas and spinach get planted in mid-March. If the snowy weather prevents this, tilling it all up when I plant the peas and spinach should give plenty of rotting time before the warmer season veggies get planted.
- Start tomatoes & eggplants indoors - March 1 - April 1 suits both plants. Eggplant can get started as early as 2/15.
- Plant peas and spinach - March 15 - May 1, aiming early around St. Patrick's Day so I can reuse the row for herbs and bug-deterring flowers.
- Start melons, herbs & flowers inside - April 10 - May 1.
- Sow Corn May 15 - June 1.
- Sow warm season veggies (eggplants, tomatoes, melons, zucchini, herbs & flowers) outside - May 20 - June 20.
- Edit: Sow lima beans outside - June 1 - July 15.
- Fall turnips and beets - July 20 - August 15.
- 4 rows corn with an early variety near the house and a later variety further away; the early variety may be replaced with turnips & beets in the fall. Because of the arrangement of the irrigation hoses, it'd be easier to re-till the closer part of the rows without disturbing the hoses too much than the further part.
- A row of cantaloupe, honeydew, and bush watermelon. I should be able to fit 4 of each type in a row.
- A row of zucchini and eggplants, possibly interplanted with herbs (basil, oregano, parsley) and bug-deterring flowers (marigolds and nasturtium).
- A row of peas and spinach to be replaced by herbs (basil, oregano, parsley) and bug-deterring flowers (marigolds and nasturtium) when done producing.
- Italian tomatoes for making sauce - 12 plants.
Note: I chose 8 rows because I can water all 8 rows with a hose splitter at the garden spigot connected to two hoses carrying water to the garden. At the garden, each of the two hoses is split with a hose splitter and connected to two drip hoses long enough to water two rows each. More rows would complicate irrigation. Fewer would limit the varieties I can grow.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
End of the Season
Yesterday Dave and I prepared the garden for winter. We removed the fence, hoses, supports, and weed control fabric and mowed the weeds. Then we added maybe a dozen bags total of compost, humus, and manure to increase the organic content of the soil. We also added half a bag of pelleted lime (20 lbs) to raise the pH of the soil because last spring's soil test suggested that and we never got around to it before. Next, we tilled it all in, going over everything twice to mix it well, and raked a bunch of remaining weeds out with a grate pulled by a tractor. Finally we spread a bag of "Garden Blanket" over everything and watered the whole area. Garden blanket is a mix of enough crimson clover and alpowa wheat seed for a 3,000 square foot area. It's designed as a cover crop. I got it at Kingstown garden store for around $10. The clover will fix nitrogen as it grows and both clover and wheat will help aerate the ground and keep wind and rain from washing away my good topsoil over the winter. Then in spring, I'll till it all under, providing extra organic matter for the growing season. I need to read up to double check how early I need to till it under so the decaying organic matter doesn't inhibit germination, but on whole it should really help improve the soil.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Veggie Garden Update
Recent additions to the veggie garden include:
2 Japanese Eggplants
14 Roma Tomatoes
2 Large Red Tomatoes
2 Large Yellow Tomatoes
Basil
Oregano
I've also started thinning the corn. It's not easy throwing out such beautiful healthy plants, but I know it'll help the other ones grow better.
2 Japanese Eggplants
14 Roma Tomatoes
2 Large Red Tomatoes
2 Large Yellow Tomatoes
Basil
Oregano
I've also started thinning the corn. It's not easy throwing out such beautiful healthy plants, but I know it'll help the other ones grow better.
Softouch Holly
Our latest landscaping addition is a pair of Softouch Holly (Ilex crenata) on either side of our front steps to replace the pair of azaleas of which one died. The remaining azalea is going around the corner in a shadier area.
Ilex crenata - Small, compact globe form with lustrous, dark green foliage. Mature height 2'x3'. Zone 6.
They're just the right size for the area, dark beautiful green, and will be green year round. Perfect.
Ilex crenata - Small, compact globe form with lustrous, dark green foliage. Mature height 2'x3'. Zone 6.
They're just the right size for the area, dark beautiful green, and will be green year round. Perfect.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Beans & Squash
Tonight I set up some stake tripods, transplanted my lima beans and zucchini, and planted green beans from seed. Yesterday I moved the volunteer pumpkins from the front flower bed to the veggie garden. I watered everything until the ground was saturated. Then a storm came up. Lots of wind and rain. I hope it isn't damaging the tender transplants....
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Spinach Harvest and Photo Update
I've been harvesting lettuce and spinach for a few weeks now, but the spinach was starting to bolt, and weeds were starting to get a bit out of control, and I had lima beans in serious need of transplanting... so....
Today, I harvested the last of the spinach, which I intend to saute soon. Then Dave tilled up the area where the spinach was, as well as the grassy row where I wanted to plant limas, and some of the slightly overgrown paths. And the garden looks beautiful. At least I think so. Check it out.
And I've got plenty of space ready to plant/transplant my lima beans, green beans, watermelons, zucchini, and tomatoes (yes, I gave in to temptation and the lure of more space than I planned to have and will be planting Italian tomatoes with the intent of making salad, tomato soup, and spaghetti sauce). I'm excited.
Today, I harvested the last of the spinach, which I intend to saute soon. Then Dave tilled up the area where the spinach was, as well as the grassy row where I wanted to plant limas, and some of the slightly overgrown paths. And the garden looks beautiful. At least I think so. Check it out.
And I've got plenty of space ready to plant/transplant my lima beans, green beans, watermelons, zucchini, and tomatoes (yes, I gave in to temptation and the lure of more space than I planned to have and will be planting Italian tomatoes with the intent of making salad, tomato soup, and spaghetti sauce). I'm excited.
Flowers to Line the Front Walk
I finally have flowers lining our front sidewalk. Last year, I put white vinca, which were very pretty. This year, I went with a white theme again, but branched out to some new varieties. At Ann's suggestion, I went with geraniums, petunias, and nicotiana. They're all hardy, good for a sunny location, and have pretty white flowers. To line both sides of the sidewalk, it took 8 geraniums, 24 petunias, and 24 nicotiana. That's a lot of flowers. But a very nice effect. :)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Gardening Update
I've been busy lately, speaking at a conference, photographing a wedding, so I've gotten a bit behind in the weeding... and in the reporting on my blog. So, here's where things stand in the garden.
The fence is working GREAT! Things are growing without disappearing. I've got lettuce and spinach ready for harvest, the peas are growing tall and flowering and I even see a few pods forming.
I planted both varieties of corn on May 12, once the rows of black plastic and black fabric were down, and then I planted carrots and spring onions on May 13. I hadn't planned to plant these, but I had a bit of space in the row of spinach so I bought some 50 cent seed packs and stuck them in the ground.
The seeds are from American Seed.
The corn is already well established. Hurrah! No sign of carrots or onions yet, but I'm waiting patiently.
The fence is working GREAT! Things are growing without disappearing. I've got lettuce and spinach ready for harvest, the peas are growing tall and flowering and I even see a few pods forming.
I planted both varieties of corn on May 12, once the rows of black plastic and black fabric were down, and then I planted carrots and spring onions on May 13. I hadn't planned to plant these, but I had a bit of space in the row of spinach so I bought some 50 cent seed packs and stuck them in the ground.
The seeds are from American Seed.
Carrots - Danvers Half Long - Very uniform, heavy-cropping carrot 7 to 7 1/2 inches long. Flesh is bright orange, tender, and sweet. Excellent for table or freezing. (70 days). Sow in well worked, stone-free soil, after danger of heavy frost (April-June here). Thin seedlings when they are 2-3 inches high with the final spacing of the plants 3 inches apart. Thin ruthlessly; they need room to grow. Water lightly as too much water can cause cracking.
Spring Onions - White Lisbon Bunching - A mild green onion. Tops remain fresh and crisp well after harvest. Green onions are not suitable for winter storage. (60-75 days) Sow in a sunny location after danger of spring frost (April-June). Thin to 1" apart when 3-4" high.
The corn is already well established. Hurrah! No sign of carrots or onions yet, but I'm waiting patiently.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Rabbit Solution
Yesterday, Dave and I put rabbit fence around the entire garden, weeded the row where the peas had been, and replanted. It was a big job, but I'm glad we did it. Here's a picture. Like the sign?
The darker brown row is mushroom soil, meant to be used as weed control near the plants. Ann and Bill are trying this too. Hopefully it'll work well. Since the picture was taken, we've also cultivated between the rows, taking care of most of the existing weeds.
I am very glad to have the fence up and I'm really hoping we'll have better luck with the garden now that we're protected against rabbits.
The darker brown row is mushroom soil, meant to be used as weed control near the plants. Ann and Bill are trying this too. Hopefully it'll work well. Since the picture was taken, we've also cultivated between the rows, taking care of most of the existing weeds.I am very glad to have the fence up and I'm really hoping we'll have better luck with the garden now that we're protected against rabbits.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Rabbits and Ants
I got Matthew to take a nap around 11 and went out to do some weeding in the garden, only to discover that the rabbits ate my peas.
Out of a 20 foot row of peas, only a dozen plants remain. Of those dozen, most are short stumps. Only 2 are untouched. I suspect the rabbits have been thinning the spinach too, although there are still enough healthy plants I can't tell for sure. And the lettuce are too young for them to even bother with yet.
To add insult to injury, several ant colonies have taken up residence in my garden.
I think I'll be needing some fencing for the rabbits. That won't help my peas though. (Sheds a tear.)
Out of a 20 foot row of peas, only a dozen plants remain. Of those dozen, most are short stumps. Only 2 are untouched. I suspect the rabbits have been thinning the spinach too, although there are still enough healthy plants I can't tell for sure. And the lettuce are too young for them to even bother with yet.
To add insult to injury, several ant colonies have taken up residence in my garden.
I think I'll be needing some fencing for the rabbits. That won't help my peas though. (Sheds a tear.)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Beautiful Weeding Weather
Today we have beautiful Springtime weather, perfect for gardeners gardening and plants growing. I spent an hour of Matthew's nap weeding the veggie patch. The peas haven't come up yet. I wonder how long until they do.
I also assembled the mini Black & Decker cultivator that I got for Christmas. The battery has been charging since 10:30 this morning, so 9 hours from then - around 7:30 tonight - it should be ready to dig up the flower border on either side of the sidewalk so I can plant my pansies.
Would you believe I have a tulip blooming and another about to? My crocuses are still blooming and my daffodils haven't even started yet!
As for details on the weather... it's currently 63.5 degrees out with an expected low of 45. Saturday through Tuesday will be 52/47/rain, 67/40/tstorms & showers, 59/38/sunny, 59/43/sunny.
I also assembled the mini Black & Decker cultivator that I got for Christmas. The battery has been charging since 10:30 this morning, so 9 hours from then - around 7:30 tonight - it should be ready to dig up the flower border on either side of the sidewalk so I can plant my pansies.
Would you believe I have a tulip blooming and another about to? My crocuses are still blooming and my daffodils haven't even started yet!
As for details on the weather... it's currently 63.5 degrees out with an expected low of 45. Saturday through Tuesday will be 52/47/rain, 67/40/tstorms & showers, 59/38/sunny, 59/43/sunny.
Another Shopping Trip at Kingstown
We bought the manure and the soaker hoses at Kingstown Farm Home and Garden, one of my favorite places to buy gardening supplies. Yesterday, Matthew and I made another stop there. We got a pair of pruning shears that I'll use to cut back last year's dead growth in my flower bed, and probably for other things too.
I also got a packet of pansy seeds. If I can get away with sowing them directly in the garden, I can get more plants for 1/10 the price. The packet I got says you can plant the seeds outside 2-4 weeks before the last frost.
Uh, we'll call the last frost date April 15 - tax day. Which means I can plant them anytime! Maybe even today. Ann says it's lovely weather out. 60 degrees. :)
Packet for the Pansies says 1/8" deep, 1" apart, thin to 4-6" apart when 1" tall. Emerges in 10-20 days. Hopefully they'll do well.
I also got a packet of pansy seeds. If I can get away with sowing them directly in the garden, I can get more plants for 1/10 the price. The packet I got says you can plant the seeds outside 2-4 weeks before the last frost.
Uh, we'll call the last frost date April 15 - tax day. Which means I can plant them anytime! Maybe even today. Ann says it's lovely weather out. 60 degrees. :)
Packet for the Pansies says 1/8" deep, 1" apart, thin to 4-6" apart when 1" tall. Emerges in 10-20 days. Hopefully they'll do well.
Tree Protection
Last weekend, Dave constructed some protective measures for the trees against the rabbits. He used wire mesh fence partially buried and surrounding the peach tree. For the smaller trees, he used short pieces of those wide black corrugated drainage tubes. It looks like it'll be effective.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Mommy's Little Garden Helper
Matthew makes an excellent helper in the garden. He helped Mommy by watching her weed the garden for quite a long while this afternoon. He's Mommy's little garden helper. Thanks, honey!
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