Odds and Ends
The first day of spring came this past week, but we're still waiting for the first "spring" day. The cold, winter-like temperatures have stayed with us and the seedlings we've started remain indoors. Last year, we had spinach, lettuce, and herbs outside in the garden on March 13. It appears that we will be at least two weeks later than that this year. Generally, we've put the early veggies out when the overnight temperatures stay at or above 28 degrees and covered them overnight. Forecasts show a slight warming trend later this coming week which might allow things to get back to normal, if a bit late.
At least one chore got done in spite of the weather - feeding our acid loving plants. Over last summer, autumn and this winter, we saved all of our coffee grounds (about 20 pounds) in a container outside the kitchen. I braved the cold to spread the coffee grounds and scratched them into the ground around the hydrangea, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry plants and the Japanese maple tree. Oak leaves and sawdust are also a good amendment for acid loving varieties. Next week, I'll work on the plants that love "sweet" soil.
Our spinach seed starts are growing slowly - more slowly than I anticipated - so I bought a tray of six plants and got them in the ground today (Sunday). Spinach can tolerate some cold, but we will cover them at night if needed. Brick and lumber "construction" is to prevent the squirrels from digging them up.
The indoor lettuce is coming along very nicely. Harvest time may be soon approaching for some of it. Next week, weather permitting, we may be able to get the sweet pea seeds in the ground. Extra sun to help warm the soil would be a very big help.
Another indoor garden special is the cat grass plant. It comes in commercial packs at pet stores and in the pet department of food stores. The seeds are oats, so if you have a "farm" store nearby you can probably get them more inexpensively. They grow very quickly with no assistance except soil and proper watering. Jingle loves snacking on this stuff!
Here's hoping for warm sunny weather! See you next week!
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