New Raised Bed Veggie Garden

It might not look like much, but this is the beginning of a new raised bed vegetable garden. In the past, we tried creating rows, blocking weeds with landscaping fabric, and dealing with mega-weeds using Round-Up. It always became unmanageable at some point,  though, so we decided to be more organized this year. So far we've raked up old debris, burned it right on the ground, where we'll plant things that like alkaline soil. The soil underneath is already in good condition, having amended it  significantly last year with sand and other peaty organic material.

 

Later today we'll also be moving some bushes, and re-locating an out of control blackberry bush. Spring is finally here :-)

Puddy-tat Gardens: First sprouts of 2011

Puddy-tat Gardens: First sprouts of 2011: "I noticed this morning my first sprouts (besides micro-greens). Sprouting in just 5 days (planted on the 10th) is arugula. Th..."

First sprouts of 2011

I  noticed this morning my first sprouts (besides micro-greens).
 
Sprouting in just 5 days (planted on the 10th) is arugula. The seed packet said 7-14 days, so they're earlier than expected. The seeds were packaged for planting in 2009, but I have some luck with old seeds so I gave it a shot. Bagged potting soil was used, not seed starter. The container is a clear plastic package a cake came in. I hate throwing these in the garbage, but they aren't recyclable in our area, which only takes recycle # 1 and 2. These tend to be recycle # 5. I need to read up on what those numbers actually mean.

I tried to get a close-up of a tiny arugula, but had trouble with focus. This was my best shot:

My micro-greens, which typically are quick to sprout, are doing very well. They were started around the 9th and began to sprout almost immediately. The most successful thus far are either cress or mustard sprouts, but I didn't label them so I can't tell. Both taste sharp and peppery. I know it's not the broccoli sprouts, because those sprouts taste exactly like broccoli! I use these in salads or sandwiches. They might make a garnish for soup as well. All the micro-green seeds were packaged for planting in 2009.

Have a great day!

Puddy-tat Gardens 2011

The weather outside is just about ready to turn the corner into spring, but I still have about 8-10 weeks before the last frost here in zone 5. Itching to get outside to my garden, I've started seed flats. I'll be tracking the progress of my sprouts for the fun of it, and also to keep as a record for improvements next year. Took a picture of this batch of seed packets:

This batch includes:

• Salad greens - Arugula, watercress, endive, mache, and black-seeded Simpson lettuce
• Microgreens - Greek cress, broccoli, and mustard
• Eggplant - regular and gourmet
• Peppers - Serrano, cayenne, banana, and jalapeno
• Lemon grass
• Swiss chard
• Herbs - Rosemary, cilantro, marjoram, parsley, catnip, and 3 types of basil (Thai, sweet, and Genovese)
• Primrose

I'm in the process of chilling, for 4 weeks in a damp paper towel, Butterfly flower. It will be ready for planting on 4/11.

That's all for now!