Ahhhhhh...finally!

We had an absolutely lovely weekend here!  It's been in the 70's since Friday, which has given us plenty of opportunity to get some things done.

I finally got the majority of my cool weather crops in the ground.  The onions have been planted next to the garlic, so we have one full planter bed.  I also planted my peas, but I fear they won't have long enough of a season since they are getting in so late.  They need 60 days of cool weather (below 80), which an April 27th planting puts into Mid to late June.  I'm not convinced we'll be below 80 that long, but we shall see.  I've also planted the lettuces:  spinach, arugula, romaine and a mix.  The potatoes went into Potato Towers (see picture below).  The carrots, beets, kohlrabi and radishes went into whiskey barrels this year to try and keep them away from the bunnies.  I've also purchased some chicken wire to make fencing around the beds.  Hopefully that will work better than last year!!

Preparation & Inspiration

Well, it's currently 50 degrees and raining gently.  Melting the snow.  The grass, hinting at touches of green through the patches of white.  Tomorrow's forecast holds the last bit of cold, with more rain and perhaps a bit of snow projected.  Then begins the warmup (so they say).  With 60's (even a 71 in the 10 day forecast!).  Now pardon me if my faith waivers a bit after the spring we've had, but if we can maintain temps above freezing on a regular basis I'll consider it good.

My big concern is that nothing has gotten into the ground yet.  No peas, no potatoes, no lettuces.  I'm hoping to get them in before I make my trip South this week, but we shall see.

We're going to try potato towers this year.  Not the kind that claims to get one plant to produce three feet worth of potatoes off of one plant, but one that you can plant groups of potatoes vertically instead of in mounds.  Pictures to come as we get them planted.

We also bought two hog panels for use as trellises in the planter beds.  They fit perfectly as arches.  The plan is to put lettuces underneath so when the trellised plants are fully grown, they'll provide some much wanted shade and help keep the lettuces from bolting.

More updates as we make progress on that front.  Until then, some inspiration from my recent trek through Texas.



South Padre Island



South Padre Island

Hibiscus, Harlingen Texas

The next set of pictures are from Tyler, Texas during the Azalea district during peak bloom which we were lucky enough to see.  Too bad they won't survive the Minnesota winters!

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Sigh

Better late than never!

Ok, we have a few things to update, but we'll start with the garden.  The snow is finally melting!

 

And the even better part, things are growing!  Like...the garlic I planted last fall...

 

There were 2-3 cloves that were above ground.  I don't know if that was just the frost heaving them out or a critter, but they didn't seem to be munched on at all.  I poked them back in, so we'll see what happens.

 

We also have some other things popping up.  Tulips maybe?  No sign from the Crocuses yet, but hopefully soon. 

Here are some pics from the other parts of the yard.

 

 

Vegetable Garden

Butterfly Garden

 



Front Garden

Crocus Bed

 

Rear view of the house