Garden Ups and Downs

Believe it or not, we are still alive!  Life has been busy and hectic and full.

In the garden:

We were hanging on anticipation as our tomato plant blossomed, then grew small, green tomatoes. There was one the size of a plum - a heroic proportion for our garden!  I checked on it every day, watching for signs of the first red tinge of color.  I went out last evening to visit it, only to discover it was gone.  The deer have eaten each and every pepper and tomato plant. We will have to fence in a portion of the garden next year - there's no getting around it.  I can't tell you how disappointed I was, but I am sure you know the feeling.

We grew about 6 pickling cucumbers. We sliced them and put them in brine in the refrigerator.  They were tasty.

I've harvested two squash.  Most of the squash and pumpkin plants died. We had an infestation of squash bugs which got the best of the plants.  There are two plants remaining which are full of blossoms and hope.

The kale, chard, and lettuces did well. Our first crop is tilled under and a fall crop is planted. Greens thrive in our yard and the deer don't bother them at all. *small blessings*

The potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and onions are all still growing. I'll let the potatoes and onions go until the tops start dying off a bit.  The carrots and parsnips will remain until the first frost.

Our herbs did well this year and our blackberry bushes produced large, juicy berries for the first time.

I know the growing season isn't over, but for me it feels like the garden and I are in a strained relationship. It's not performing the way I expected. I think we need some space. I'll be perusing farm stands in search of produce I had hoped to grow myself. I guess I'm in search of a surrogate garden.

And the Garden Grows

Rhubarb, onions, potatoes, rainbow chard, parsnips, carrots, red lettuce, radishes, and kale

 lettuce & bok choy, 

 sugar snaps, spinach, more lettuce, beans, and squash

 blueberries

It is so exciting! I have a few small tomato plants in the ground as well as some summer squash and zucchini planted. I have two cucumber plants and four egg plants to get in the beds as well.

Happy Growing!

How quickly things change...

Only weeks ago we were covered in snow.  And now...

I've got flowers planted

 Seedlings in the window

 Dinner on the deck as weather allows

 The trees are blooming and slowly getting their leaves

 I have two full beds planted with cool weather crops like lettuce, carrots, parsnips, and chard.

And, we've been working on these new beds.  I had originally posted that we were using pallets, but we quickly realized the amount of work to do this exceeded our planting time and we still need soil delivered. So, the pallets were put aside for future project (that I won't mention in case we change our minds yet again), These get the most sun and will be our tomato, pepper, sun loving beds. The space between them and the hives have been seeded with wildflowers. I can't wait to see how everything progresses.  Oh yes, and we have our bees!

Upcycled/Recycled Sewing Machine

My husband brought home this heavy piece of furniture which was an old Singer sewing machine. Someone was throwing it out and he couldn't stand the thought of this piece of history being buried in a dump, just tossed aside - this hand crafted, made to last - American made machine.

I loved that he wanted to save it, but wasn't sure what we would do with it. We don't have a lot of extra space for things that don't serve a purpose.  A little research and creative thinking and he managed to turn the drawers into wine shelves.

He removed the bottom of the machine and attached a wine box to the base to create this interesting planter for the deck. I really like how it turned out.  We still have the sewing machine which weighs a ton, but is really quite beautiful. I'm not sure what we are doing with that yet, but we won't throw it away. If anything I will freecyle it.

Now, I just need to decide what to plant!

March Gardening "to do"

 I think our growing season is around 145 days due to our location. 

Plant onions, potatoes, and rhubarb

Direct sow peas, radishes, spinach, and leeks

Make sure to cover rows at night for freeze protection

*If you do start seeds indoors - start tomatoes, peppers, Swiss chard, and eggplant

I don't know about you, but I rarely use all the seeds in a packet.  They are normally good for up to two years, but after that the germination rate plummets.  In an effort to be more mindful of this, I have decided to host a seed exchange in early April.  My friends will bring the seeds they've ordered and we can each take a few that we would like to try.  This should cut down on the packets of seeds each person needs to order and provide a wide array of plant varieties for people to choose from.  I'm really excited about this!   

This Week in Gardening

Okay, so I'm using the term "gardening" loosely here. It's still cold and the ground is still frozen. Based on historical evidence, Spring will eventually make it's way onto the stage, while Winter throws one last fit before he exits.

That being said, there are a few garden-y things you can do to until we actually have warmer weather.

• Plan your garden lay out
• Look through seed catalogs, take seed inventory,  order seeds
• Read about gardening.
• Clean the leaves of your houseplants
• Pre-sprout seed potatoes
• Prune raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and fruit trees
• Mow asparagus ferns
• Start seeds indoors:  lettuce, cauliflower, celery, broccoli, and cabbage

I've given up starting seeds indoors. I must be doing something wrong because they never survive. I only direct sow now, which limits by growing season, but eliminates the temptation to curse.

A picture of what is to come...I can't wait!