 |
| It's a perfect day to start the garden! |
Last season I added cabbage and broccoli to the garden, but they suffered in the heat since I started them at the same time as my tomatoes. This year, I'm starting them earlier so I can put them in the raised beds early. I had planned to start them last week, but delayed planting a week in the hopes of warmer weather. You can see the result of my wait in the picture!
Ignoring the possibility of more snow next week, the garden officially began today.
 |
| Compost, vermiculite, perlite, and sphagnum moss sourced from Lowe's. |
Several weeks ago, I created my seedling mix, based on what is supposed to be an organic Rodale recipe. Today, I filled four deep inserts and 1020 trays from Greenhouse Megastore. Last year was the first year I'd used the deep inserts and I believe the seedlings were able to develop better root systems in the larger cells.
While it is still too early for tomatoes and peppers, there are a two crops I can start. For my daughter, I'm starting broccoli:
 |
| Trays are waiting for the next round of planting! |
Umpquah: An early variety that is replacing Waltham 29 which did not produce in the heat.
Early Purple Sprouting: I probably should have overwintered it, but will plant it early and see what happens. This is replacing DiCiccio which produced poorly last year.
My husband really likes home-fermented kraut, so the cabbages are for him. I'm planting two varieties:
Early Flat Dutch: Reported to be heat-tolerant and good for kraut, I'm looking forward to seeing how it bears up.
Premium Late Flat Dutch: The reviews specifically mention how great this variety is for kraut. It's replacing "Glory of Enkhuizen."
 |
| The tomatoes and peppers should love the extra warmth! |
Given how cold this winter has been, it's not surprising that I'm adding a heater to my DIY greenhouse. I had thought about heat mats, but I'm going to try the less-expensive option for now. Cabbage and broccoli prefer a cooler soil--near 50 degrees--so I'm just trying to keep the soil from freezing. I should have the regulation routine figured out by the time the big planting season begins.
 |
| My version of elf on a shelf! |
The weatherman is threatening us with more snow next week, which should give me time to start a few early flowers, too, before I need to start tomatoes and peppers.
Winter is still howling outside, but in my greenhouse, spring is just around the corner!
What's happening in your Savory garden?
Nancy
Hi! I just moved to NC and am planning my first garden, though I had growing experience on the rooftops and meager strips of land in NYC prior to this :D
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are on planting, too, and I just started some herbs (lavender, horehound, marjoram, oregano, thyme) as well as some oddities, garden huckleberries, alpine strawberries, and rhubarb. I'm excited to see how your garden progresses, as it seems we have similar climates. Love that you're growing saffron!
I found your blog as I was researching landrace gardening. Unfortunately, right now I don't have the space for such an endeavor, but if my "Farm in Five" plan goes to seed ;) I will have another hobby!
Thank you for stopping by! I'm in year 2 (after 6 calendar years) of my five year plan! Welcome to Savory Jardin and to southern gardening. Our weather is perfect for many garden plants--and garden bugs and garden weeds! Do you have somewhere you're posting your progress? I'd love to follow your plan!
DeleteWhy thank you! Lovin' this Southern Hospitality :D
ReplyDeleteYou can check out my blog "Miukat's Musings" Just started it up again after some time. Will try to be more consistent with it. It also has lots of fibery stuff in it cuz I spin and knit.