Monday, March 31, 2008
Return from Hibernation
I awoke Saturday morning to the sounds of rain on the old tin roof that still covers the back side of the house where part of this is my bedroom. I had such plans for the day, mainly to put in two raised beds and plant some beets and onions, maybe a few radishes. Last week was so nice and warm I forgot it was still March. I guess I had my eyes focused ahead to the slightly warm spring days of planting season. My focus was quickly re-adjusted when I realized how cold the drafty old house had gotten overnight and Sunday wasn't any better, maybe worse. I had to light the kerosene heater and leave it lit all day for the house to be hospitable. I still enjoyed being home, making more plans for planting and watching some NCAA basketball on the tube. I have planted about 48 hopefuls for tomato plants. The varieties are: Paul Robeson Purple, Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, Amish Paste and this year, two new varieties: Spears Tennessee Green and Missouri Pink Love Apple. I bought that last one just because of the name :~) I also planted some Thai Long Green eggplants and Cubanelle peppers. If it doesn't warm up to at least 50 degrees, then I may have to bring them in from the greenhouse for a dose of warmth to help them germinate. Hopefully, the temps will cooperate.
We are planning quite a large garden this year and hopefully it will be a better year for it. Last year with the move and the extreme drought, our efforts were nil. I am catching lots of this rain water that we are getting now just in case. I have 3 fifty gallon barrels that I hope to have filled up to help with watering in the driest, hottest parts of summer. So far the snap peas and lettuce I have planted are doing well as are the onions that I planted a week ago. I hope to get more onions planted this week and also check on buying our chicks.
It has been a long hibernation from my usual gardening and from this blog but I am back for good and I hope to be here documenting my journey of growing more of our food to help sustain us through the hard times ahead and continuing to live simply. It is a joy to be back in the garden, digging once again amongst the worms, in the wonderful dirt.
We are planning quite a large garden this year and hopefully it will be a better year for it. Last year with the move and the extreme drought, our efforts were nil. I am catching lots of this rain water that we are getting now just in case. I have 3 fifty gallon barrels that I hope to have filled up to help with watering in the driest, hottest parts of summer. So far the snap peas and lettuce I have planted are doing well as are the onions that I planted a week ago. I hope to get more onions planted this week and also check on buying our chicks.
It has been a long hibernation from my usual gardening and from this blog but I am back for good and I hope to be here documenting my journey of growing more of our food to help sustain us through the hard times ahead and continuing to live simply. It is a joy to be back in the garden, digging once again amongst the worms, in the wonderful dirt.
