Well, the spring season is off to a great start. The new greenhouse is filled with flats of seedlings and pre-seedlings (planted seeds which have not decided to sprout yet). The weather has been highly variable, so at times we can't get into the outside garden for several days due to muddy conditions, and the greenhouse doesn't always get as warm as some seeds would like.
Also, strong winds sometimes blow the straw mulch away, and once even knocked down a section of the greenhouse-but have been great for the wind power-generator) We had a couple warm days (into the 70s), so we got a few things planted outside: peas, onions, garlic, carrots, lettuce, beets, potatoes. The strawberries are doing great after spending the winter under straw. Some greens also survived in the cold frames. It's nice to be able to pick fresh stuff this early.
We have dug a few new beds next to the soon-to-be outdoor kitchen--it was lots of work getting rid of the grasses growing there. Peas, onions, lettuce, herbs, and probably some other plants will go there for quick access by the cook, as well as a beautiful five-pointed herb garden. We plan to have more garden space on DR property this year, although the main garden will still be on the rented land. (That soil is getting very well worked, and it will be a shame to leave it.)
I'm really looking forward to the warm weather and being able to work more outside. It's a feat of acrobatics to climb around the crammed greenhouse now, plus Jack really seems bummed not to have free range of his favorite space! Hopefully, we'll have great news of a bountiful spring harvest for the next newsletter. Happy digging!
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