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| I didn't plant the lettuces...all volunteer...wonderful! |
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The Neglected Garden
Today I planted my first seeds for the summer garden. I have three new Bio Domes from Park's and I bought 2 extra planting trays and plugs for each. I have 3: 60 cell blocks and 3: 18 cell whopper blocks. For years I've used *saved planting trays*. Some years I used plastic clam shells from produce purchases, egg cartons, meat trays and yogurt cups...nothing wrong with that...I'm all into re-use, but now I grow or raise my own...no trays, egg cartons or yogurt cups. The three seasons I've used the cell trays the farmers use for tomato transplant production...hundreds of cells and hundreds of trays, now the local farmers are re-using them due to the high cost of replacements...pretty hard for me to get my hands on them (I still have a couple dozen from my son's tomato operation). This year I decided to buy nice new Bio Domes. I've wanted a couple ever since they were first advertised...so clean, shiny, and perfect. This year I just have to neaten up and stream-line my gardening routine...at least until school ends for the summer. Great excuse to invest in the Bio Domes. I planted one Dome today. Bright Lights Chard, Fordhook Chard, Iceberg, Romaine, Butter Lettuce, Purple Tomatillo, and 9 varieties of tomatoes...3 plants each (please don't let me plant more). I placed the Dome on a heating pad and I was good to go.
I felt pretty good about getting a few seeds planted so I went out to spend some time in the garden. The poor thing has been so neglected since I started my job in August (I've only watered 4 or 5 times!). I did plant some broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale in October...the chickens got into them constantly. I did finally cover the beds with bird netting after trying everything else to keep the hens out. I should clip their wings, but that's an all day job and I just don't have the energy. I was pretty sure I had lost all of my transplants to the hens...but as you can see, some things did survive and despite my indifference it looks like we'll be enjoying fresh veggies from the garden soon.
The chard looks bad, but the celeriac next to it is beautiful. I believe it will be the base for my Dark Day Challenge vegetarian meal...what do you think?
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14 comments:
Looking good! My chickens used to be free range, but I got too tired of them pooping too close to the house. Then I penned them up, and the raccoons (pretty sure) got to them. Now they are in a moveable enclosure, and nowhere near the garden. Your garden looks awesome considering you haven't been able to spend the time you want out there. Come on summer!
I was thinking of planting tomatoes this weekend, too, but it looks like I'll be doing other things. Maybe later this month.
~~Lori
I'd like to steal some of that cauliflower for some nice soup-yum!
For being "neglected" the garden looks great!
so tickled to know that someone is able to start seeds now. Hubby does that sort of thing around here...I'll have to ask him if it's too early for here in western Ky. This post reminds me that we've still got a few leaves of surviving chard that I could harvest. thanks!!
So JEALOUS of your broc and cauli. Never seen the BioDomes before. Me? Jiffy plugs and plastic wrap for the few things I start indoors.
I like the looks of the bio-dome thingy :) I've still got some recycled stuff and just bought starting soil. Your drip irrigation lines .. well that's my priority this spring is set up such a system. One major project a year. Our garden is still under snow .. will plan seeds next month.
Not sure I am going to get do any seed planting this year,may just go with plants,i don't like to do that,but may have to. Blessings Jane
I need to get some more seeds in the ground this week! Kale, Chard etc. We are having such a warm winter.
Look at your Cauliflower girly! Yummy I love Cauliflower.
Glad to hear you got started on plantings! It is still too soon for tomatoes here, so I am jealous of you. My fingers are getting itchy just waiting for spring.
Isn't this time of year the most exciting? The anticipation of the upcoming season, the promise of a bountiful harvest! Thank you for sharing with us!
So glad to find your blog and am really looking forward to following you!
Your cauliflower and broccoli's farming is really worth appreciating. Thanks for sharing you experience with us.
I only wish I could get some seeds started already! Our garden is still full of snow and I won't be starting seeds for quite awhile.
How wonderful to go out and pick cauliflower and broccoli at this time of year!
I am lucky that the chickens that I do have free ranging don't go down into the front yard. I don't know why since it is where all the good weeds are (the ducks have basically cleared the back yard but they also don't go to the front yard). I have to pull chick weed out of the front yard (where it grows prolifically EVERYWHERE) to give to the birds.
I haven't started anything in pots yet. Boy am I behind! There's always next weekend.
I haven't started anything in pots yet. Boy am I behind! There's always next weekend.
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