In The Garden

Well I took some photos of the "garden" this morning.  Here are views of my "beds" (actually tubs and planters) and of my strawberry plants, just emerging.  I also took a shot of the potatoes but it was too blurry so I'll try again next time.  Anyway, they look pretty much as the strawberries do.

The rectangle planters and pots are planted with Swiss Chard, Chinese Broccoli, Spinach, Radishes, and Bok Choy.  The blue tub holds the potatoes and the dark planter in front has Snow Peas and Beans and Shallots.

The wooden tub is planted with strawberries.  I had some growing but they succumbed to last year's drought when Mr. neglected to keep that tub watered - he didn't know anything was planted there.  However, a few of the strawberries had escaped and volunteered to populate the patio so I am hopeful to have a small crop later this year.  I usually only get a few berries so any amount will be considered a "crop".  And it's fun to pick and eat a strawberry right in your own backyard.

Quotable quotes; in the category Today Is The First Day Of The Rest Of My Life!

"Garden as though you will live forever."  William Kent

Come To The Garden

Last year we prepared a bed for planting - one that had been ignored for a few years.  I used the suggestions in this book which suggested laying down layers of newspaper, weed barrier cloth and mulch and watering well.  We weighted down the mulch (leaves) with an old garden trellis to help keep them from blowing away.  Worked pretty well.  I have not yet removed the mulch and weed cloth (book says newspaper can stay) but will check soon.

In the meantime I spent some time with Mr. dragging large planting tubs out of the garage and planting potatoes, strawberries, peas & beans and shallots.  I like planting in tubs.  It seems to mean smaller crops for me but less weeding as well.

So maybe this summer I will focus my blog on the garden and post pictures and updates of the progress.  Might be fun, interesting and good discipline if I can keep it up.

So far I noticed the potatoes (which I planted a week ago) just beginning to poke up through the soil, the strawberries ditto.  More later.

Quotable quotes; in the category I Guess I've Got Everything I Need, Then!

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need."  Marcus Tullius Cicero