"Mama, where are you?" often these days I seem to reply with the same words - "in the garden." There are many things to be done in the garden right now, even with it's modest size.
The days activities in the garden are decided, in most part, by the "type" of day at hand. We are using The 2011 North American Biodynamic Sowing and Planting Calendar by Maria Thun to guide our efforts this year. While this is the first year I have dabbled in Biodynamic Gardening, I have long been interested in these methods. What I have to report thus far, is that it has brought a whole new level of thought to the gardening process, making us much more aware of what we are planting, when and why. My boys, big and small, giggle at me as I peek into the cupboard and declare "it's a fruit day!" but I tell you they are just as interested as I.
Speaking of "fruit" days, we have been extra busy on these particular days as it seems I have gone bonkers for tomatoes. After trying my hand at growing tomatoes on the coast last year, I have decided I need sun. It is with this need, in mind, that I am taking on a second garden. Yes, a second garden - inland! I will be gardening at my father-in-laws ranch this summer, as well as here at home. I have high hopes of a big canning season and marinara through the winter......crossed fingers. All of our exciting heirloom tomato seeds were purchased from Baker Creek this year, with the exception of an envelope from a family friend.
With the help of this trusty seed house, that Travis's Uncle made for me (Thank you Doug!) I now have 103 little tomato seedlings up. I am thinking that perhaps we actually have a chance at some homemade marinara on our future menu. Hmmm, what to do about that homemade pasta? Anyone have a gluten free pasta recipe?
In the beds our spring greens are on round two. The first crop was wiped out by a heard of snails living in the volunteer arugula at the base of my raised bed and apparently feasting on my baby seedlings each night. The arugula had to go and we have all sorts of greens popping up once again. Arugula, dandelion, chard, butterleaf, oakleaf, radicchio and spinach mixed with some peas will make a lovely salad soon!
Let me not forget to mention the construction of a huge potato tower! This was great fun to construct, the straw being our favorite part, but I am feeling sceptical about the success of this project. The tower might just become a giant compost pile which isn't all bad. Certainly, if this method of potato growing does not work out we will be in dire need of a chicken coop, just so we can play in the straw from time to time!
At the end of the day, the tools staged about the yard remind me of a day well spent, and that many more will soon follow!
How does your garden grow?