Some people have asked me about our garden. I am just the slave labor when it comes to gardening. Mark is the brains behind all our gardening endeavors. I questioned him to make sure I got this right. We have been planting a garden for about 20 years- that sounds like a long time! Some years were more successful than others. Weather, of course, is a big factor in each year’s harvest. Oh, I should mention that we do things organically- read that “the hard way”.Generally this is what we do this time of year. I will try to keep you up on what we’re doing.
Mark usually plows our garden spot in early March. (He says it is better to do it in the fall but he usually doesn’t get it done then) He starts our spring crop of broccoli by planting seeds inside around February 1st. He uses seed starter potting soil from Bonnie Plants. He plants them in Styrofoam seedling transplant trays from PeacefulValley. (These trays last for years. We’ve had ours over 10 years) He keeps the seedlings under fluorescent lights and then hardens them off close to planting time. These seedlings will go into the ground mid to late March. So any cole crop plants, like cauliflower or cabbage, can be done the same way. Learn from our mistakes- we lost a lot of seedlings to rabbits one time so we make sure to put a fence around our seedlings. We also plant a fall crop of broccoli. It usually does a lot better than the spring crop but we all want some fresh broccoli this spring!
Mark also started cool weather lettuce(Romaine) around March 1 to be transplanted toward the end of March.Onion sets could also be put out the last half of March.Potatoes can be planted anytime from now to mid-April.
Mark started tomatoes and pepper seeds inside the 1st week of March. These warm weather crops will be transplanted around the 1st of May. The average last frost here in southern KY is around April 15th. There have been some years when we have had to cover all our plants because of a frost warning so don't plant too early.
I guess you are wondering when the slave labor comes in since Mark has done all of the seedling planting. Well, we get to help when we put them in the garden.
Hey, I don't mind being the brains sometimes, but I tell ya, when it comes to gardening I'd rather be the slave. Just so I wash my hands off the responsibility or my perfectionist's nature would never forgive me if a crop didn't survive. Oh, how i wish I could have a garden this year. I haven't eaten a fresh tomato or broccoli or cauliflower since fall 2006 when I had my last fall garden before our move to hot AL! Thanks for sharing your gardening info! Can I put in some broccoli orders? You still plant the same amout even though you have 2 girls married, right? So, can I ask for a share of your CSA in their place? I'll be generous, I promise!
Mmmm.. you're making me wish I had tried growing broccoli! :) This is our first garden in several years, so we are pretty much sticking to the basics. Looking forward to seeing how things go for you all. Found you through the Peterson Clan. :)
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What a great explanation of how things are done. I have always wanted to plant broccoli but inevitably always miss my window of opportunity. This year, I have no place to plant anyway. Good job explaining - very easy to follow :)
Two for one idea Pam.... how about no fencing around the broccoli. Mark waits for the rabbits he has lured w/the broccoli - gun in hand. Not only does he have all that yummy broccoli, but Rabbit stew as well. Two for one :O) (You've probably already done this - haven't you?)
I have not had good luck w/broccoli down here :O( Will try this again in the Fall.
I've got a question. I recently posted this over on the Peterson Clan, but she thought maybe you (well, your husband!) could help me.
It's been raining off and on here for the last few days, and has been windy for weeks on end. I'm behind in planting my carrots, cabbage, as well as some other seeds. I have some peppers and tomatoes (3 inches an taller) all in the greenhouse that are begging me to plant them. It is relatively muddy, and we are expecting rain for 7 more days (! scattered showers I do believe). Can I plant things in the mud--or is that a bad idea?
My husband said it is better to wait until it is dry. Getting in the garden when it is wet will pack the dirt down. Plus the soil will be hard to work with and will tend to compact the soil around the roots. Hope this helps. I know how frustrating that can be!
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