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April 22, 2009

Spring Gardening Journal

I think we may have gone overboard this year... but we had a lot of old seeds from various sources to clean out of our garden drawer, and plants in the yard to move around.. and seeds we harvested from stuff we ate last year. So here are the ABCs of what we've got growing around this year that is new....

A.... avocados. At least 5 have made it through the winter in jars. We just planted them in pots with dirt. Also, trying to get some old Agrimony seed to grow.
B.... Basil, of course, and a new bleeding heart for the front door bed. Plus some blueberry bushes for the front bed as well. And beans for the veggie garden. Borage...
C.... Trying to decide if I want to plant some old red Clover seed in the garden as a green "manure" crop. Must research this further. Swiss Chard, too! and Cukes! Planted so many columbine last year (in same areas they were already thriving) I expect awesomeness this year. Two types of fast growing little carrots. Early corn. Cilantro.
D.... We transplanted a bunch of ditch lilies under our cherry tree. Maybe grow some dill for our pickling.
E.... Three more Elephant ears... hope for better results this year.
F.... Our fennel made it through the winter!
G.... Garlic! Two kinds, plus garlic chives.
H.... lots of Hosta in the yard. Need to divide it more. Also, adding more Hummingbird feeders.
I.... Impatiens, a favorite annual for borders. Got a big border box of seed.
J.... Transplanted a bunch of baby Jade plants. Some I've had since college.
K.... Not going to try Kale yet, but maybe in the fall.
L.... Lettuce! Several different kinds. Maybe this year I will be able to save some seed. I tried last year but it didn't work out. Lemon balm overwintered inside well, and thrives here.
M.... Got a border seeder for marigolds. Good for attracting bees, and keeping pests away. Trying to grow some old mint seed. The marjoram made it through the winter inside!
N.... harvested nasturtiums from our hanging planters of last year for this year. In New England, these grow like annuals, whereas in California, plant them and you'll never get rid of them! Nice, edible flowers.
O.... Onions: little red salad onions, bunching white onions...
P.... Potatoes! Shane is going to try a potato tower this year. Hot Peppers, same as last year! The peppermint made it through the winter inside! Scavenged heirloom and pie pumpkin seeds from our thanksgiving/halloween pumpkins and squashes, they just sprouted! Peas. Passionflower for a houseplant. Parsley. Pak Choi!
Q.... Well, I certainly question my sanity here.
R.... Radish!
S.... Strawberries, several different kinds. Had to take a really cute strawberry pot back to the store when I realized the glaze was not food safe (which generally means it contains lead). Spinach! Some Squash! The sage made it through the winter! Just ordered two Saskatoons!
T.... Added a few more red trillium where we know the other giant trillium is coming up in hopes of encouraging these natives. Tomatoes! Thyme.
U.... Including one Upside down tomato in a bucket-my experimental tomato!
V.... I planted violas last year. This year I've got tons of native ones, too.
W.... White onion. found some old watermelon seeds (we'll see if they germinate)
X.... Well, no X's, but I am building trellises.
Y.... updating the Yard by adding two raised beds for veggies.
Z.... Planted some bright neon green Zinnias. My favorite color. Also, a bush zucchini.

Posted by sorsha at April 22, 2009 12:25 PM