The gardening year is just starting for me (although it never really ends), Saturday I had the day to myself and managed to plant a few seeds and a few trees, I also could see some signs of life around the garden.
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| Softneck garlic just coming up |
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| Hardneck garlic has been up for the whole winter but is just starting to grow again. |
I did plant lots of legumes, broad beans (that I should have planted before now) and two types of peas, one mange tout and one pea for drying as a bit of an experiment in growing staples.
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| Seed planted in root trainers, laid out before I push them in. |
I also sowed some Jerusalem artichokes as mine don't seem to have made it over winter.
One thing I made sure was that I covered these seeds over and set a few mouse traps, I can't seem to get on top of the mice this year and I know if I left them exposed then by morning there wouldn't be a pea or a bean left! This is the main reason I don't grow anything like this direct in the ground.
My tomatoes and peppers are going in this week (the girls are so excited about sowing them), most years I put them in far too early so I've been trying to hold off this year!
Who else has started planting? Or am I way behind everyone else?
No growing from me yet, but I have started saving up my coffee grounds as I'm told they're great for soil/composting
ReplyDeleteI've never drunk a cup of coffee so not something I could ever save! I've read that they are good though.
DeletePeppermint spray for mice. How did you cut all the holes?
ReplyDeleteI burnt the holes in with a blow torch, that way the fabric doesn't fray and lasts much longer.
Deletehttp://www.englishhomestead.com/2016/06/outside-tomatoes-planted.html
http://www.englishhomestead.com/2016/06/more-planting-through-plastic.html
Does the spray really work for the mice?
Yea rub it in, we have six foot of snow on the ground outside... no planting til late May around here.
ReplyDeleteThis might prove to be a little early, but no sign of snow here this year other than a light dusting (still time yet though). I've had enough of a break from gardening, I'm ready to go again now!
DeleteI'll be starting some things inside in about two weeks. Garlic is up outside and looking good. It is interesting to see when other people can get started.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm always looking out for it, that and my neighbours. They've lived here so long I'd be daft not to follow there lead. They both said their beans were up so I thought I'll follow suite!
DeleteGarlic is up here about two months early. I'll be starting seeds soon - can't wait! Peas and beans are direct sown here.
ReplyDeleteI might as well put hem straight in the mouses mouths if I direct sow around here!
DeleteYou've been busy! The weather here has been so mild I've been tempted to try a few warm weather plantings but I know better. Hard not to want to get one's hands in the ground this time of year.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's worth the risk to get that early crop. I'm still holding off on most stuff, only the ones that can tolerate some frost are getting planted.
DeleteI shan't even think about sowing before April.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised because I thought you were so much warmer where you are!
DeleteTomatoes and peppers are just up this past week, I have held back this year on those, broad beans I have just started and peas, I hope those pesky mice stay away from your seeds
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to start my tomatoes and peppers but the girls will never forgive me if I plant them without them! They love telling people that they planted the seeds.
DeleteI have garlic and onions going well since planted last year, cherry toms have started to look good, climbing peas are in the Poly House as are the early cabbage Golden Acre sprouting well. I am being a little cagey but most I have started are doing ok. good luck with the mice.
ReplyDeleteA poly tunnel would be ideal here, I've made some mini ones this year so I'll have to see how I get on with those. This are both climbing peas and I'm rubbish at getting sticks in early enough - I must be better this year!
DeleteI should also sow soem cabbage and maybe kohl rabi!
DeleteThe gardeners of old use to soak their seeds in Paraffin so the mice didn't like the taste of the seeds. I am going to plant some red onions sets in the tunnel today. I am hoping they will like the hotter climate than outside in the wet ground.
ReplyDeleteI've never fancied that one, I always thought it can't do the seed much good. Hopefully my netting and traps will work with these. I've not bought any onion sets yet and every year I say I'm going to grow onions from seed but never do!
DeleteEverything's looking great! I too had to order more Jerusalem artichoke, as the ones I planted in the autumn did't seem to have made it. Hopefully the next batch does better!
ReplyDeleteAh , i think I meant Globe artichokes for the seeds. That said the mice have eaten all my Jerusalem ones so I need to get some more tubers from a friend and create a few new beds with them in. One year I lost mine just because it was so wet where I put them.
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