IT'S TIME!

I am so excited, it's time to start the gardens!  I've been chomping at the bit, if you will, since about January.  It's finally time and we're starting with the seeds.  We may even have to put some plants in too, it's a little warmer than I expected soooo....

This spring we I am hoping to plant lettuce, beets, radishes, carrots, snap peas, garlic and celery, possibly a few marigolds for insect control.  Then it's straight into the summer veges, tomatoes, peppers, basil, chives, corn (?), onions, broccoli and dill.  I may even try some green beans and I would really like to get an herb garden started this year.  I've been so wishy-washy about where I want things it's been difficult to commit to one area in particular.

I've also got a very large tire I can plant in, if the cats will stop using it as their own private "rest" area.  I'm thinking succulents, I always forget to water the stinkin thing.  There are so many more ideas I have but I am trying to keep myself at a slower pace.  I'm afraid if I put too much in the ground at one time I'll lose most of it, again.  We could really use some trees around here but the 11 we planted last year didn't seem to take...Yuck. Yuck. Yuck.  I also put in three blueberries and they are not looking like returning either.  I'd really like some fruit trees but I think that's just a bit more than I'm ready for.  Maybe this fall when I have help in the manual labor department.

*Update*

I did it.  I got one raised bed planted, YAY!  I've got asparagus, kale and marigolds planted and I seeded collards, spinach, radishes, carrots, snap peas, chamomile, spearmint, lemon balm, garlic chives, cilantro, parsley, and I don't remember what else.  I'm horrible with labeling and such, I end up with a surprise garden.  I also threw (literally) some seeds into the big tire...poppies, morning glories, sweet peas, and others.  It's just my little "survival of the fittest" flowerbed.  I used some seeds I had from other years, who knows what will happen.

So that's it, for now.  We are expecting thunderstorms for the next several days, bring on the rain.  And the Thunder, I Love Thunder.  Hopefully we'll grow something, whatever.  I just love to get the food out of my own  yard.  I am far from a planning type gardener, it's about the only thing I can be a little "wreck less" with. I guess that's what makes it such a good outlet for me.

What kind of gardener are you?  Do you stay away from all things green?    Are you a graph paper and plotting type?  Or do you go "rogue" like I do?  I'd love to hear from you.

Have a Fabulous Weekend.

~Ash

Kitchen Gardening

Welcome Everyone.

It's Monday, again.  A new adventure on the 'ole farm.  Today I am planting a few seeds to see if I can get them to grow indoors.  Winter is just so long here, I can't wait.  I've focused on herbs for the most part.  I did plant some beans and tomato seeds, you can never have enough tomatoes.  I love to cook.  Why is it I have never maintained herbs indoors?  I've planted and grown and forgotten.  I've been a lazy gardener the last couple of years.  Time to change that one.  No more excuses!  It doesn't matter if it's pretty so long as it grows.  What is my obsession with patterned raised beds anyway?  Neat, clean lines in a garden...I am a little OCD about some things.  I am in awe of those who can place plants haphazardly.  Most of the time, it looks fantastic.  I am trying to loosen up a bit and get out of the "meticulously landscaped yard of suburbs."  I miss my yard and my old house.  I do not miss having neighbors on top of neighbors.  I am trying to embrace the natural landscaping.  I should probably sketch out some ideas.  I will be taking it slow this year and only grow a few different veggies.  Think quality, not quantity.  I have a bad habit of getting overly optimistic and usually plant too much and get overwhelmed, resulting in disaster.  I should also admit to being a composting nightmare.  I always put off and then forget the whole "stirring" of the pile.  I have found a few interesting ideas on Pinterest I may try, we'll see.

So there it is.  It's 7 January and I am already itching to get into the soil.  One babystep at a time.  I am thankful to have had the turkeys and ducks working on the garden areas for me.  I should let the chickens out soon also.  They have been staying close to the coop with all the cold weather.  I'm sure they are ready to get out and roam in some sunshine, warm sunshine.  It's also super windy again today.  I can't blame them for staying in, I am too.

What are your ideas/plans for gardening this year?  Please share.

TTFN

~Ash