It’s always a great feeling when all the seeding and planting is finished, and can announce that the CG is “open as usual.” This year it has been hard to assign the right time to put everything in, given the incredibly warm and dry spring we’ve had. March, April, and May have seemed to be intertwining months, with no real differentiation in their feel of time. In April it felt like it was almost time to plant, but the calendar reminded me that tomatoes are best not put in before mid-May. And so it is, and the tomatoes have their red spring jackets on. Because, inevitably it may be warm for weeks, but when you get ready to plant tomatoes, the temperatures cool down a bit. Variability is the name of the game.
Finally underway!
As of today, the spaghetti squash once again wins the race for first emergence of all the squash, melons, and cukes!
Since our precipitation has come primarily in the form of spitting drizzle, it was necessary to wet down the soil with an oscillating sprinkler a few days ahead of planting. We were rewarded with more ease of fertilizaer and soil preparation, and the emergence of tiny lettuce, beet, and radish seedlings in record time. The cooler weather has actually been a boon for transplanting, but is deceiving in that the breezy, dry conditions require more watering than thought.
Neighbor’s artistic use of bamboo at back of our property to confuse and deter the deer; at over 8 feet high, we are hoping it works!
While awaiting the sprouting of squash, cucumber, and melon seeds, it’s time to contemplate the next phase of deer defense, as they have found their way into the house yard through the few open spots of the back area.
In spite of our overcast, cool, yet very dry weather, the bees are actively buzzing amidst the Spanish lavender!
Hope your gardens are emerging and growing well, wherever you are!
High Vibe Bounty 