Sunday, April 6, 2008

Gardening Report: 06 April 2008

Spring is here. With a small-scale suburban garden it’s vital to not have too many of last season’s crops scattered around when it comes time for spring planting. We’re getting better and probably the best lesson learned over the fall and winter was figuring out how to maximize the winter garden without negatively affecting the space available for the spring’s earliest planting. Almost two days of well needed rain poured upon our soil. This is great except my lettuce is well beaten up. The rain even ripped many of the leaves right off the stems of the Giant Red India Mustard. Except for their rain beating, the lettuce and various other salad greens are growing well. Despite the few aphid attacks, I expect to have lettuce, in the ground and containers, into late May. We’re now out of carrots. Last year we did much better in the planning and growing of carrots, but the few we did have were much better than anything bought in a store. The english peas are about done; considering the limited amount of growing space we had a few to eat and I’m pleased with the result. The squash, zucchini and cucumbers are established and reaching for the spring sky. The radishes are still growing well and the various types of onions are doing real good. The garlic is looking good too. I’m expecting bulbs in May. The oldest of the tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are potted up in our little greenhouse and awaiting next month’s transplanting.

Knight English Peas

Various Lettuce in one of our porch containers

Nightshades in our greenhouse

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