spring 2008

Category: Garden @ ECO | Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 12:22 am

It was exciting to get planted this spring.
My soil is far better now than when I found it. after a summer cover crop, and the application of 1/2 inch of home made compost. The dirt was dark and spongy when I Tilled it. Rain has been plentiful and the "drought" we had is in effect over, It wasn't as bad as most might have you believe. A good start, yes but to my dismay, the bugs have found me. I grow organically, no chemicals!! I don;t really even spray organic pest control. I may have to though.
This photo is of my Tatsoi. I love it, it's so buttery/smooth and sweet to eat. raw in salads, or lightly wilted on grilled ..... well, anything! Flea Beetles found me this year, I have never had to deal with them before.

this is one i deemed good enough to take a picture of. A total failure this year. But that's good, right. i grew it because i love the challenge of learning a new plant, how it will react to what i feel is good care. I have more seed, I'll try again this fall.

the next few shots are of the overall spring garden.
3 types of Beets
5 lettuce varieties
2 types of carrots
sugar snap peas which germinated poorly this year. perhaps 75%, which for 2 10 foot rows, is a bit much for my liking.
i am also trying salsify this year. its an annual that is harvested for its root. its called an "oyster plant" i have cooked with it before. its crunchy, mild, nutty. not unlike the texture of a water chestnut or a sun choke. the flavor isnt too much like either, however. it has germinated well and seems to be off to a good start.
i tried red onions from seed, may not be the best decision i have ever made. ive got a couple from the first planting, and maybe 10 from the second planting. perhaps a dozen total, in a 15 ft row.

the peppers and tomato seedlings are patiently waiting their turn.
more to come!!

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cajunbelle wrote on Fri Apr 25, 2008 1:40 am:

Todd, your soil looks terrific. Your garden is great, it reflects all of the time and care put into it.

Droopy wrote on Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:46 am:

Your garden is a lovely sight! I'm wishing you all the best in keeping the pests under control. Wish I could taste those oyster plants, they sound yummy.

eileen wrote on Fri Apr 25, 2008 11:01 am:

Todd all you effort has really been worth it as your soil now looks ideal for planting. Well done!! Organic gardening can be tough but keep at it as it's definately worth it in the end. Our garden used to be infested with every kind of bug you could think of but, gradually, over the years nature has found her own balance and I no longer suffer any major bug problems. Your garden is a credit to you.