Buncha Garden Stuff
We got our seeds started ON TIME this year, which is honestly pretty amazing. Granted, I still would rather have had it done about a week or two earlier than I did it, but I at least managed to get the seeds planted before March, so WIN WIN WIN for Froggy Creek.
We focused this year on determinant tomatoes, fewer varieties of peppers, and lots of onions. And, despite the failures of prior years, we are again trying our hands at cold crops and celery with the hope of being able to harvest at least a few cabbages, broccoli and celery stalks this year. Fingers crossed, but I am nervous.
Shallots, leeks and onions on the right, celery, peppers and cabbage on the left.
Germination is pretty spotty, but that’s because the majority of the seeds we planted were old, from Baker’s Creek seeds, or both (I don’t mean to talk trash about Baker’s Creek, but I stopped buying seeds from them two years ago because in my experience the germination rates on their seeds is absolutely horrible). Despite the low germination, there is at least SOME germination, which is another win all around since I’m finally whittling down our seed collection.
Our elephant garlic coming growing big and strong.
Outside, the garlic and rhubarb are doing well. Strangely, no peeks of any asparagus yet—in past years, we’ve generally seen a few peeks of asparagus shoots by now, but still nothing. Still hanging on to hope that we’ll be harvesting some spears this spring.
The rhubarb is rallying despite being surrounded by unkempt weeds.
The one thing I am absolutely worried about is that our fruit trees are budding right now. Yes, I know, it’s technically spring and they’re supposed to put on buds and blooms this time of year to make fruit… but I have this sinking suspicion that we’re going to get another freeze or frost that will kill off the blooms and leave us with a year of no fruit. I’m hoping this is just me worrying over nothing.
Gorgeous peach blossoms that I’m afraid will get too cold to turn into peaches this summer
Finally, and this is kind of a big upgrade here: we’ve managed to find a way to keep the chickens out of the backyard entirely, so we’ll be able to remove the netting chicken barriers from our backyard garden and herb beds! They’re not taken down yet, but this will be happening soon. I’m looking forward to spending my summer no longer panicking about the girls getting into my parsley, basil, and cilantro (don’t worry, they will still get lots of treats).
