Hank.. Thanks and you are funny. I can't employ anybody, there isn't enough work for more than me and Kevin and on occasion I have a high schooler who wants to make a few bucks for a few hours here and there. I hope and pray over the plants, too. That seems to work.
It is such a pleasure to see the things that you are doing there. I get the impression that you are expanding more and more each year. Really good posting, this.
Everything is looking fantastic! You seem to be all ready for Spring planting once the weather becomes agreeable haha
Sjoerd, I keep thinking I am going to do better at being more efficient and utilizing all the space I can...but I seem to over guesstimate how much/many I will grow. I also worry a bit about having enough or specific varieties customers want...so I grow a little of this and a little of that, too. I would love to have a bigger greenhouse, but I need to balance how much time I spend out there as opposed to doing anything else, too. It is a more than full time job for me for at least 6 months out of the year. Maybe when Kevin decides he would rather not work quite so physically hard at his occupation maybe he will want a bigger one to keep busy in. Or he diecides he is tired of repairing equipment all the time. This week it was a hydrulic hose on the big digger. By the time we were done running for parts we spent 500.00 and still needed two more buckets of hydraulic fluid to replace what leaked out...for another 200.00... . Then yesterday it was a fuel line...today an employee broke the glass windshield on it. :'( :'( Another 500.00 fix. His occupation is expensive to repair things. AvaRose..it is coming. Today is a beautiful one.
We went from seedlings to buds now. Hip hip hooray. Last year we were late. No blooms until mid-late May. new buds ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) The tomatoes are almost all transplanted. I have a few more to go, but not many. Tomatoes ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) The potted tomatoes are shade for the impatiens. They have grown fast. Not too many tomatoes on them yet, but covered in blooms. ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) Marigolds on the floor then all the herbs on the bench and peppers at the end, but not visible from this photo. ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) The hanging baskets are really growing fast. I think I pinch almost everyday...something or other. I take off all the open blossoms and leave only colored buds. Until they open and repeat the cycle, until they are sold. Hanging baskets ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) The petunias are getting started, but I think a little late. Oops! maybe I'll be able to get them started earlier next year. This year was difficult as cold as it has been for this late in the year. Hard to get things out of the seed house and to the greenhouse. new flats of petunias ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) Marigolds and a few impatiens in the front. ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) This is from end to end in the greenhouse. I don't know where I'll put the rest, but find some place I will. Maybe in the tomato house for the next couple weeks.
You have some very lucky customers with all the pretties. Your hard work really shows. Great greenery and flowers.
I had to laugh at myself... I just gave you a "seed" and thought... geez... wonder if she's going to grow it too and if so, where would she put it! Great job over there. I bet your stand is a very popular place to visit/shop.
Thanks All.... I am up to my ears in plants, literally. Cheryl, you know it! if I can grow it I will. The peppers are coming up, btw! yay!
Netty, start with a small one. I wish I had a picture of the first one we "rigged" over the back deck and door. It was a very interesting "greenhouse". My DH worked so hard to make it for me not knowing squat about gh construction. The plants and the produce were a full time job that summer and paid for the next real gh. I have never "borrowed" money from our household or the bank to put one up. the money had to come from the previous years produce and greenhouse sales. It is a lot of work, though. I don't think I would willingly give them up, either. You can come anytime and sit and smell or work your fingers to the bone.