Spring is on its way! The bulbs are coming up, buds are swelling on the ornamental fruit trees (they always seem to be the first to bloom), the days are getting longer and temps are staying consistently above freezing during the day. That means it's time to get busy getting the garden ready. And busy is exactly what I've been this week.
Hedges were pruned and ducks were purchased, but those are posts for another day.
My seed sowing is getting into full swing! I started zinnias and marigolds inside and winter sowed some more lettuce, swiss chard and snapdragons. Although, I'm not sure the lettuce and swiss chard really count as winter sowing, it's getting pretty close to the time I would be sowing it outdoors in the garden, anyway. The snapdragons were just seed I had leftover from a container I started indoors. I figured, what the heck? If it works, I know I won't have to start them indoors next year.
My indoor seedlings are doing great. Last week's tomato seeds are already sprouting. The jalapeno and bell peppers are looking great, too. The poblanos still haven't sprouted, but they were slow to germinate last year, too.
With temperatures consistently in the 40s during the day and sunny weather, I've been able to take the celery and indoor-sown lettuce outside during the day to harden off. Taking them outside also frees up space under the grow lights. I'm starting to run out of room.
And, to top it all off, when I opened my email this morning I found out I had won a book! Garden Rant hosted a giveaway of Ellen Ecker Ogden's new book The Complete Kitchen Garden, and I won! I'm really excited to get my copy. The book is a collection of garden designs, seasonal recipes and tips on organic gardening. As soon as I'm done reading it, I'll post a review.
Be sure to check out Seed Sowing Saturday with Dave at The Home Garden!
 |
| Out of control Photinia hedge. |
Hedges were pruned and ducks were purchased, but those are posts for another day.
 |
| New friends for Lucky the duck! |
My seed sowing is getting into full swing! I started zinnias and marigolds inside and winter sowed some more lettuce, swiss chard and snapdragons. Although, I'm not sure the lettuce and swiss chard really count as winter sowing, it's getting pretty close to the time I would be sowing it outdoors in the garden, anyway. The snapdragons were just seed I had leftover from a container I started indoors. I figured, what the heck? If it works, I know I won't have to start them indoors next year.
My indoor seedlings are doing great. Last week's tomato seeds are already sprouting. The jalapeno and bell peppers are looking great, too. The poblanos still haven't sprouted, but they were slow to germinate last year, too.
 |
| Tomatoes! |
With temperatures consistently in the 40s during the day and sunny weather, I've been able to take the celery and indoor-sown lettuce outside during the day to harden off. Taking them outside also frees up space under the grow lights. I'm starting to run out of room.
And, to top it all off, when I opened my email this morning I found out I had won a book! Garden Rant hosted a giveaway of Ellen Ecker Ogden's new book The Complete Kitchen Garden, and I won! I'm really excited to get my copy. The book is a collection of garden designs, seasonal recipes and tips on organic gardening. As soon as I'm done reading it, I'll post a review.
Be sure to check out Seed Sowing Saturday with Dave at The Home Garden!
I've been eyeing our ornamental cherry tree. I can't wait unitl it blooms!! Congrats on your win; that's so cool!
ReplyDeleteDucks! I'm so envious of anyone who can keep ducks (or chickens) - our HOA sez "No!" (And in our postage-stamp sized townhouse yards, I don't actually blame them.) Congrats on the book - it looks like a good one!
ReplyDeleteI too am envious of your new ducks. I had one as a kid and her name was Lucky. She was a great egg layer too. You are getting a good jump on spring too. We had a major storm and it is still coming down. I have some waiting to do.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have been very busy! A photinia hedge is so beautiful in spring. I am looking forward to watching your seedlings grow.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your win.
Hi Shannon - Congrats on winning a copy of The Complete Kitchen Garden by Ellen Ecker Ogden!! Happy to hear that you'll be running a review too. If you need any images for your piece, let me know. I'm the publicist and you can reach me at mdobson (at) abramsbooks.com.
ReplyDeleteShannon, congratulations on your prize. I am a bit envious. Your little seedlings are looking good, too.
ReplyDeleteMy little comment is such a let down after being contacted by the publicist for abramsbooks. :(
um, the ducks are cute.