SPRING 2024

I start my seeds in January - February, so that I have plants for March - May planting. By late April, tender plants are ready to harden off, while cool weather plants are in the ground around mid-March.

Some may say growing plants and vegetables is boring. However, I find it fascinating and enjoyable. Each year brings new knowledge and challenges. Once overcome, you cannot help but praise God and enjoy the fruits of your labor and faith.

THE GARDEN
Each year starts with planning the garden space - done in the cold of winter. It is here I determine where the plants will go in the garden for the next season. This includes crop rotation, which helps to prevent disease and enables the soil to recover and become enriched.

Some of the plants are located permanently as they are perennials and need to stay in place year after year. Plants like strawberries, oregano, asparagus and sage. Some need especially loose soil to encourage roots, like onions, potatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes. These plants are rotated in specific areas around the edges of the garden. The rest are rotated within the larger space. Corn is planted in phases to enable harvest throughout the growing season.

For the best success, it all starts with the soil and plant material. Once the weather begins to break, I amend the soil with fresh manure (making sure it is on the ground no later than the beginning of March - to ensure there are a full 60-90 days prior to planting).

The soil for root and other vegetables that love the cool weather must be prepared in the winter to allow for the same amount of rest. Garlic is planted in the fall and overwinters, making it ready for spring harvest.