IT'S SPRING!!! (finally!) Though you wouldn't know it... The weather here has been SO wet and nasty, it's really not condusive to any kind of planting. {wow, do i sound like a broken record???} If you don't have anything in the ground, it's okay. It's still cool enough for spring veg and when the time comes, most everything for summer will catch up, hoping we'll have a "normal" summer.
Most of our soil here has its fair share of clay; this is not a bad thing as it has important mineral components that plants need. However, in our wet season (October - Rose Fest) you are best to let it be and dry out before even thinking about touching it. Here's a keen idea for those who are brave enough to get something planted in the garden this Spring: spread a bit of potting soil over the ground (just enough for seeds to set in), sow seeds, then cover as recommended. The potting soil will give the seedlings something to grab on to until the soils warm and dry up.
You can also get started on tomato & pepper if you have a heated green house or good southern exposure windows. Depending on the weather, you should be able to set them out mid-May or early June (earlier if you use row cover or other weather protection).
Looking forward to a bountiful harvest this year!
PEAS OUT!
~GP
p.s. check out parts 2 & 3 of this post on 5/29 & 5/30
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
I don't like beets, but I grow them anyway
Never have been a fan of that big red thing that grows in the garden, then bleeds all over your plate at dinner. I think I must have been traumatized as a child by them, 'cause really, I can't remember a specific time when it all came to an end for me. I grow them for my mom - she likes the root - I like the tops.
Some of the varieties they have out are pretty cool - Chioggia is a fabulous heirloom with red & white rings (looks like a bullseye), and Golden beets look like, well, like gold! (The tops are great steamed or in salads; I even mix a bit with lettuce or cabbage and use it in tacos or burritos.)
Do you grow fruit or veg that you ultimately don't eat because you (a) don't like it or (b) grow too much? Try preserving it or if you don't want that hassle, donate it to your local Food Bank! This is the time to really think about what you'll be growing in your garden. Take the time to "grow an Extra Row". It really doesn't take much space.
Last year I planted one of my 4'x6' raised beds with string beans, beets, lettuce, and cucumbers. I harvested a BUNCH of produce - way more than we ate - about half of which I fed to the hens. Next year that extra harvest will go to the local Food Bank. Think about it - it's a good thing!
PEAS OUT!
~GP
Some of the varieties they have out are pretty cool - Chioggia is a fabulous heirloom with red & white rings (looks like a bullseye), and Golden beets look like, well, like gold! (The tops are great steamed or in salads; I even mix a bit with lettuce or cabbage and use it in tacos or burritos.)
Do you grow fruit or veg that you ultimately don't eat because you (a) don't like it or (b) grow too much? Try preserving it or if you don't want that hassle, donate it to your local Food Bank! This is the time to really think about what you'll be growing in your garden. Take the time to "grow an Extra Row". It really doesn't take much space.
Last year I planted one of my 4'x6' raised beds with string beans, beets, lettuce, and cucumbers. I harvested a BUNCH of produce - way more than we ate - about half of which I fed to the hens. Next year that extra harvest will go to the local Food Bank. Think about it - it's a good thing!
PEAS OUT!
~GP
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Spring (should be) just around the corner, I think...
After all the crazy weather we've has the past week - rain, snow, wind, hail - I am SOO ready for Spirng! My raised beds are full of green sprouts - seeds I planted the end of January. They are looking pretty good - sans the slug damage - and now that the weather is looking to be a bit warmer LET THEM GROW!
If you have not yet done so, it's not too late to get your snap & snow peas in the ground. Even if it's in a container, get some planted; you'll be surprised at how hardy they are in various plantings. Just remember, if you're growing a climbing (pole) variety, provide support as they can grow to 6'. Shorter types look rather cool draped over the edge of the pot with a center planting of chard, romaine lettuce, or other taller veg (kale, etc). A large pot with a bamboo teepee is not only beautiful, but tasty! Note: pea flowers & the new growing tips are wonderful in salads. Caution: Sweet Peas should not be consumed, so make sure of the type you are growing!
And get ready to plant potatoes, too. There are early, mid, and late types that will allow you to have continuous harvest thru summer, fall, and early winter. I personally love the fingerling type as they are easy to dig and prepare. Again, this is where raised beds come in handy. Potatoes need loose friable soil to grow; case in point, the Ozette and Rose Finn Apple varieties I planted last year were a normal size, 3-4" long, 1" diameter. I gave some to my neighbor who also planted in a raised bed - her's were 6-8" long, up to 2" diameter! I'm still not sure what we did differently (maybe the compost mix we used), but be prepared for variances in growing veg... it's a Mother Nature thing!
Be Well & Grow.
PEAS OUT!
~GP
If you have not yet done so, it's not too late to get your snap & snow peas in the ground. Even if it's in a container, get some planted; you'll be surprised at how hardy they are in various plantings. Just remember, if you're growing a climbing (pole) variety, provide support as they can grow to 6'. Shorter types look rather cool draped over the edge of the pot with a center planting of chard, romaine lettuce, or other taller veg (kale, etc). A large pot with a bamboo teepee is not only beautiful, but tasty! Note: pea flowers & the new growing tips are wonderful in salads. Caution: Sweet Peas should not be consumed, so make sure of the type you are growing!
And get ready to plant potatoes, too. There are early, mid, and late types that will allow you to have continuous harvest thru summer, fall, and early winter. I personally love the fingerling type as they are easy to dig and prepare. Again, this is where raised beds come in handy. Potatoes need loose friable soil to grow; case in point, the Ozette and Rose Finn Apple varieties I planted last year were a normal size, 3-4" long, 1" diameter. I gave some to my neighbor who also planted in a raised bed - her's were 6-8" long, up to 2" diameter! I'm still not sure what we did differently (maybe the compost mix we used), but be prepared for variances in growing veg... it's a Mother Nature thing!
Be Well & Grow.
PEAS OUT!
~GP
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