Greens in April!

Evidence of spinach in April! My spinach and arugula, which were planted in March have sprouted and are currently about 2" tall. If this trend continues, we will have fresh greens ready to eat before Victoria day. Un.believe.able. I'm going to start beans this week under glass. On the negative side, it appears that my currant scions are no longer living. They still exhibit a bit of green in the bud, but they have not sprouted, unlike the mother plant which is nearby. We'll see about this as the days go on.

Here's to an early start!

Spring Veggie Garden Update

Tomatoes:

All of the tomatoes have been repotted in 3'' plastic pots and are enjoying the sun. They're not too thick yet, but their root systems are well developed, which should do them well this summer.

Cucumbers:

Cukes were planted on the date suggested below. Germination rate was 9/9 0r 100% in about 4 days. Next year, I will not plant so far ahead as they got very leggy, very quickly. A May 14 planting date would probably suffice for cucumbers. Or, alternatively, plant in compostable pots so as to plant directly in soil. I worry about their being able to handle the transplant from the styrofoam. Also, don't leave greenhouse lid on too long, as I think this is the cause of the legginess.

Zucchinis:

Planted on date suggested below. Slightly slower germination than cukes, but still within 5-6 days, and at a rate of 8/9 or 88%. Looking strong, and no real concerns. Same as cukes with regard to greenhouse lid.

Hot peppers:

Still very very small and weak. Not sure what the issue is, but I'm guessing not enough heat. Will transplant once it gets warmer into larger pots. Very slow growers.

April Expenditures:

279 kg of compost from the city: $20.00
Total Expenditures for April: 20.00
Total Gains: $0.00, much joy.

Longing for Spring

The backyard is still covered in snow, but it's time to order some seeds from Greta. This is what we're going to plant this spring. Look good? As you can see, we'll have way too many seeds for our backyard garden, even accounting for seeds that don't germinate. We'll be splitting our order with friends, but even then we'll have a whole lot left. If you're interested in getting in on some seeds, let us know in the comment section. It will be cheap and a good investment; these are heirlooms so you can take the seeds from the fruit and replant next year! Yes?

Seed catalog time!

This year, we're going to go with heirlooms, as there is a place that sells seeds, just down the road.

For most things: Greta. Here's the catalog.

For tomatoes: Upper Canada Seeds

And, an organic seedfest in Ottawa!

Seedy Saturday

Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre

Saturday March 7, 2009

10:00-3:00