While you're waiting for things to thaw out...

... you should be planning out your garden and selecting seed to be ordered; hopefully you've made your "wish list" so the next time you go your local independent garden center, you know what seeds to buy. Trust me - it's like grocery shopping - if you don't have your list, you'll buy WAY too much. (I make it sound like a bad thing, don't I?)

Typically, over buying seed isn't necessairly a bad practice. I over-buy, but I also plant for myself, family & friends, and also for The Wade Creek House. I also double-plant for critter damage - some for them, some for me! This will be my first Spring with chickens & they like to jump the fence, so row cover will be my best friend this year I think!

Most seed, when properly kept, can keep for several years. Do your research before purchasing a bunch of seed!

PEAS OUT!

~GP

Let it Snow... Let it WHAT?!?!

So, guess what...Winter finally showed up! This morning I was watching the news and seeing SNOW in Beaverton & Vancouver, WA. Nothing happened here until later in the day - a couple flurries & some hail - nothing serious. And this is suppose to continue into next week????  Oof-Da.

Regardless of the weather, here's the gardening rule of thumb for this time of year: Peas at President's Day! Yup, time to round up those edible AND sweet pea seeds and get 'em in the ground! (I planted mine 3 weeks ago). If your ground is too soggy, consider a raised bed or container to plant peas; don't forget to provide support/trellis for the pole-type varieties.

Here's a tip: soak seeds overnight, drain, cover, and let them sprout a bit (couple days) to get a head start. Make sure to rinse them a couple times a day to to keep the humidity level up and slimies down. When you plant, use a legume inoculant, then let nature take over! Depending on your variety, in 55-75 days, you'll be munching on these edible delectables!

From here on out, you'll be in constant motion putting seeds and starts in the ground. Have fun with it! For more information, check out this PLANTING CHART from Territorial Seed Co. ** I believe this is based on Zone 6 hardiness climate.

Remember: this weekend is the OAN Yard, Garden & Patio Show at the Convention Center!

PEAS OUT!
~GP

They're hardier than you think!!



Spinach seedlings
(peas in background)

 After that vicious little cold snap last week, my peas and greens are peeking up out of the ground! Who Knew?!? The weather has held, although cold again this morining (24 deg); it's suppose to get wet & stormy for the weekend, so they will have lots to drink so they can GROW.

The next couple weeks will be spent cleaning out the greenhouse and getting ready to start tomato & tomatillo seed the 1st of March. I purchased some seed from Territorial a couple weeks ago and varieties that will be growing this year are: Legend, Beaverlodge Plum, Ananas Noire, Cuore Di Bue, Cherokee Purple, San Marzano, & Chocolate Cherry. And of course, definately going to grow the purple tomatillio again - outstanding performer! Mid March will find me starting pepper seeds of: Mini Bells (red, yellow, chocolate), Purple Beauty, Early Jalapeno, Tequila Sunrise, and Fish.
( * Seed from Territorial Seed Co.)

Additionally, I will also be starting these tomato seeds: Brandywine, Purple Russian, Hillbilly Potato Leaf, & Black Krim; Peach Habanero pepper is also in the mix.
( * Seed from Seed Savers Exchange)

Tomato, tomatillo, and pepper starts (2" newspaper pots) will be available at The Wade Creek House starting May 7th.

PEAS OUT!
~GP

Trying to beat Mother Nature... again

Even the yarden art is waiting for Spring!
Winter 2008

So, yes, on Jan 23rd I did plant peas (4 different varieties), spinach, chard and a lettuce mix... the weather was SO nice, it was sunny and I really couldn't help myself...I even saw a Ladybug out sunning herself in the backyard (watch out for the chickens!) and the weatherman was NOT predicting 20 degree nights. It seemed like a good idea - trying to replicate last season's early harvest. But even with a double layer of row cover, the East wind that ripped thru here Monday night combined with the low-to-mid 20s temps the past 2 nights put the kabosh everything I'm afraid. My dreams of "make my neighbors jealous because I'm harvesting fresh peas in April again" were blown away with the East wind and are now somewhere over Guam. Oh well... I don't mind keeping the local seed companies in business! Looks like we'll be back up in the 50s tomorrow and no overnight freezing temps, so here we go again!  : )

I guess if nothing else, hopefully this cold has killed the GINORMOUS mosquitoes that over-wintered. When you see skeeters the size of sanitation trucks so early, it's a good bet to buy large quantities of Benadryl stock.

With that said, the Groundhog did not see his shadow today and predicts Spring will come early (funny, 'cause Spring has been here since the 1st of the year) and a small consolation for those going thru 'snowmageddon' for the 6th time this winter. But Groundhog Day also means that the Plant Shows are just around the corner!!

I keep a running list of yearly events that I do not miss, the first of which is the OAN Yard, Garden & Patio Show at the Convention Center here in Portland. It's the happiest place on earth next to Disneyland! See below for my list of my 'not-to-be-missed' yarden events.

So, my plan is to post on a weekly basis on Wednesdays... so far I'm 0 for 2, but whatever... my blog, my rules. Watch for updates, postings & pictures on what's going on in my yarden.

PEAS OUT!

~GP