Last year on this day, I was still scrambling for ways to start seeds, but keep them safe from Emma, my cat. I had seedlings sprouted then died back. VERY focused, I fixated on every little leaf. I planted outside on May 7, and a cold snap put every thing in jeopardy.
So far, we've had several days in the 70s. The grass is green, meaning the ground isn't frozen, and even though the garden hasn't been rototilled, some neighbors are harvesting greens and onions they've already planted this year.
The Garden President's husband, Gregori, said I can't get a bigger plot this year because no one from last year has quit.
Months ago, I decided I wouldn't garden if I had to be next to Alexi again, but as the weather got warmer, I started little plans until they became more thoughtful. Eventually I decided I was mentally in too deep and I'd garden no matter what.
I've been buying seeds for a while, but I haven't started any until today. A moving neighbor gave me a storage shelf. It's in front of the windows, sheeted in plastic, and I've put the seeds starts in there.
Thursday, I went to Home Depot. I bought 90 pounds of soil mix, 40 pounds of gypsum, seeds, and got parts to make a gravity fed watering system (more to come). I'm storing it all in the back of my newer, bigger car. I need compost, but it will have to wait.
Friday, I decided I needed to clean out last year's debris, so I went to Mills Fleet Farm to get a pitch fork. I also bought stakes, more plastic mesh for fencing, plant labels, a bird bath, a big spool of twine, outdoor carpet and probably something else I can't remember.
When I came home, I couldn't help myself, but to clean up my plot. I dug out the plants that were already coming up (rhubarb, chives, cat mint) that were in danger of the rototiller (perennials are supposed to be planted on the grassy edge) and replanted them in my apartment for now. I turned over the soil in the whole plot making sure all of it was clear for the tiller.
I'm sore today. I'm going to have to shape up for the heavy work to come. I'm using a large crochet hook (size P) and I'm using the twine to make a climbing net for the climbers. Last year, the net I bought wasn't strong enough and the weave was too open so the tendrils of the climbers doubled back on themselves and the plants next to them.
I'm going to ask about tilling. If it isn't soon, I'm going to fence off my plot, tune up the soil and start building the structures. Our garden gear is still locked up in our shared shed, but I'm sure I can find out who has the key.
The Minneapolis Farmer's Market on Lyndale isn't scheduled to open until May, so I won't see my favorite growers, the Pflaums, until then. This might be good because by May, I should know how well me seed starts are going possibly preventing me from spending many $ at their stand. Mill City Farmer's market isn't open until May either. I guess I'll have to spend my sunny Saturdays outside reading until they open.
So far, we've had several days in the 70s. The grass is green, meaning the ground isn't frozen, and even though the garden hasn't been rototilled, some neighbors are harvesting greens and onions they've already planted this year.
The Garden President's husband, Gregori, said I can't get a bigger plot this year because no one from last year has quit.
Months ago, I decided I wouldn't garden if I had to be next to Alexi again, but as the weather got warmer, I started little plans until they became more thoughtful. Eventually I decided I was mentally in too deep and I'd garden no matter what.
I've been buying seeds for a while, but I haven't started any until today. A moving neighbor gave me a storage shelf. It's in front of the windows, sheeted in plastic, and I've put the seeds starts in there.
Thursday, I went to Home Depot. I bought 90 pounds of soil mix, 40 pounds of gypsum, seeds, and got parts to make a gravity fed watering system (more to come). I'm storing it all in the back of my newer, bigger car. I need compost, but it will have to wait.
Friday, I decided I needed to clean out last year's debris, so I went to Mills Fleet Farm to get a pitch fork. I also bought stakes, more plastic mesh for fencing, plant labels, a bird bath, a big spool of twine, outdoor carpet and probably something else I can't remember.
When I came home, I couldn't help myself, but to clean up my plot. I dug out the plants that were already coming up (rhubarb, chives, cat mint) that were in danger of the rototiller (perennials are supposed to be planted on the grassy edge) and replanted them in my apartment for now. I turned over the soil in the whole plot making sure all of it was clear for the tiller.
I'm sore today. I'm going to have to shape up for the heavy work to come. I'm using a large crochet hook (size P) and I'm using the twine to make a climbing net for the climbers. Last year, the net I bought wasn't strong enough and the weave was too open so the tendrils of the climbers doubled back on themselves and the plants next to them.
I'm going to ask about tilling. If it isn't soon, I'm going to fence off my plot, tune up the soil and start building the structures. Our garden gear is still locked up in our shared shed, but I'm sure I can find out who has the key.
The Minneapolis Farmer's Market on Lyndale isn't scheduled to open until May, so I won't see my favorite growers, the Pflaums, until then. This might be good because by May, I should know how well me seed starts are going possibly preventing me from spending many $ at their stand. Mill City Farmer's market isn't open until May either. I guess I'll have to spend my sunny Saturdays outside reading until they open.
