My thoughts lately have been about the greenhouse. It looks like starting spring seedlings in the greenhouse isn't going to happen. We still have a foot of snow on the ground where the greenhouse will be. The area needs to be graded first before we can put down a foundation and it also needs to be accessible for inspections from the county. The base or foundation needs to be approved before we can attach the structure. I'm still kind of in amazement that we need a building permit for a greenhouse kit! But, it is what it is.So, I've curbed my enthusiasm for spring plantings and am now looking forward to fall and winter gardening instead. I have to be realistic about it. Even if temperatures around here stabilize and we don't receive any more snow, it would still take the better of two weeks for it to melt and then it needs to dry out some before we dig. Quite frankly, I'm worried if I am going to be able to get the gardens ready in time for the early plantings!
We typically do the first tilling in March. This tilling allows all those wonderful things we put on it at the end of last season to get deep into the soil. Chopped leaves, straw, chicken poo, and compost from the bins are left to slowly break down over the winter then are tilled as soon as the ground is workable. We let this rest for a few weeks and then till again. After that settles for a week or two, it's ready to go! It's been a great method for this heavy, clay soil and we have made beautiful, rich soil from doing this. But, no go with the snow!
If there is a hell for gardeners, this is it. You can touch it, but, you can't play with it! Am I the only one that is so frustrated?
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The seed starting experiment inside has worked out wonderfully. I've only started a few things and they are all sprouting..JPG)
To date, I've planted two types of lettuce - flashy troutback and five star mix. I've also started white sage and leeks. It looks like I may be starting other veggies on this little table, too since we have to change the game plan..JPG)
Here they are sprouting happily away. I'll divide and put into individual pots after they've grown a bit. I have to say, I'm not terribly methodical about my seed starting. I'm trying to do better with this, but - at least I'm recording dates and germination time this year. Normally I'm just happy they pop up! So, I guess I'll have to be happy with the little green things popping up in my office knowing that it won't be long before I am getting my hands dirty and then relaxing on the deck or porch with a cool libation and a soft, summer breeze.
Ah, yes, the feel of dirt on the hands and soft summer breezes. I need to get back to my green little ones. So much has been happening, as you could see from my posts.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever heard of John O'Donohue? If not, or even if you have, check out "Beannacht" entry. Have a great week.
Alicia
Like you, I can't wait to get out and start working in the yard etc., but the snow not departing as quickly as I'd like has put a stop to all of that--If I had seedlings like you do, I'd be even more anxious!!
ReplyDeleteYour little seedlings look great. I started my some tomato and cilantro seeds. So far nothing yet.
ReplyDeleteI can really understand your frustration when all you want to do is get started. I'm just the same at the moment. The snow in your part of the world is really scuppering your plans but those little seedlings are looking really great!
ReplyDeleteNothing happening with the seeds I started a couple of weeks ago.
Its been sunny here today and I feel so much better. Hope weather improves for you soon.
Jeanne x
Spring will be here soon and you will be able to plan those seedlings. It must be so hard to wait. I'm kind of afraid since I have to figure out what to put in my first planter boxes. I even have to figure out what kind of dirt.
ReplyDelete