Being an urban gardener, I really enjoyed this comic panel by Hilary Price (April 6, 2011)http://www.rhymeswithorange.com. I was going to post the panel here and requested permission, but the $35.00 fee from King Features seemed a little steep. Rabbits are always a pest in gardens because they are infinitely creative in finding ways to outwit humans (which Ms. Price captures perfectly).
The rabbit population in my particular urban neighborhood seems to be zero. I attribute that to the many cats in the area in the past. We seem to have taken care of the feral cat problem.....but Mica, The Semi Stray Cat, has kept the situation in hand without the help of his wild brethern. (Don't ask me how I know!) I completely sympathize with any gardener who has rabbit or deer problems. Without eight foot walls or extreme measures (tactical nuclear weapons, etc.) I don't know of any foolproof solutions to thwart them. I have a theory about squirrels.... I'll have to share it with you sometime.
* Many plants are toxic to cats. Daffodils and hyacinths are two of those plants. Because we have two cats, we can't put these freshly cut flowers on the kitchen table. However, we still get to enjoy them in the morning sun, and the rest of the day as well, just outside the kitchen window! This picture was taken today from inside the kitchen through the storm window glass.
* If you're starting seeds indoors, be sure to water them and put them outside on these slightly warmer days. Not only is the extra light good for them, but being in breezes helps their stems to strengthen and become used to some swaying around before they are finally transplanted outside.
Ewwwww, part 2
Reader Beth L. has suggested that fine sand (purchased at building supply stores, etc.) can be used to thwart snails and slugs around plants, as well as the diatomaceous earth I suggested. She uses it around her hostas, which are very attractive to both of those slippery soft bodied creatures.
* The strawberries closest to the house are beginning to flower. Those out in the large garden area will bloom later. The warmth the brick stores from sunshine outside and the heat inside brings them along a few weeks earlier.
* Early spring planting continues here. We started radishes outside in a planter box April 2. Succession plantings will follow at two week intervals for awhile. Radishes do well early and, under ideal conditions, will be ready to harvest in as few as 30 days!
On April 4 we planted a patch of red beets. Beets can also tolerate some cold, but really don't like heat. They will mature in about 60 days. I want to make reader Meg B. very jealous again this year!
I hope to see you again in a few days! Comments and questions are always welcome!
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