Garden Party

The really warm weather that we had last week may be gone for now, but signs of Spring still remain.  This past weekend Hubbs and I finished moving oak bark mulch into the vegetable garden.  (A big thanks to our adopted "son" Tim for moving many loads of mulch last week!)  This mulch covers weed barrier and provides soft and comfortable footing for the gardener (me).  Last summer was a constant battle between me and the weeds...unfortunately, the weeds won.

This summer I am well armed.  My battles will be on small fronts....much more manageable.  We have constructed garden boxes of cedar.  Cedar holds up in moist conditions.  Although treated pine is less costly, treated wood leaches nasty chemicals into the soil...and into the food.  In our quest for organic farming, we decided upon using cedar.   Most of my vegetables, except corn and tomatoes and asparagus, will be planted in elevated beds within these boxes.  Weed pulling is now ergonomic.

Last week I planted spring onions, yellow onions, and white onions in the onion box.  Another box was planted with sugar peas and radishes.  Soon I will put in beets and spinach.  Then comes lettuce, carrots, and plants started from seeds.

 The onions have already emerged.

As well as a couple of tiny weeds....weedlings.....

In the greenhouse, broccoli, tomatoes and peppers are started.  

Each tray has a warming mat beneath it to keep the soil warm.

This hastens germination.

These veggies take the longest to grow...so they are started early.  In a couple of weeks, I will sow seeds in pots for flowers, herbs, cucumbers, gourds, squashes, and cabbage.  All of these will be transplanted into the garden boxes when the threat of frost is over.  I do, however, have the option of planting them into the boxes earlier and tenting with plastic sheeting...like tiny greenhouses.

The broccoli has germinated...in only 2 days time!

I am so excited for this garden to make its transition into summer.  I will share lots of pictures when everything is green and growing.  Perhaps we'll have a garden party!  Oh, won't you join us?