In the Garden

[Wade]

In the garden... there is still a couple feet of snow.

[QuietlyListening]

I would have loved even a little snow this year however, I am glad I have no snow in the garden at this point in time. In the garden I have a little lettuce seed, spinach and Swiss chard seed.

[JimFoxvog]

Here in northern Illinois it is almost 60°F today. We were out pruning black raspberries and blackberries before it's too late.

[JimFoxvog]

This afternoon I spread finished compost on some beds and planted our first outdoor seeds of the season, some mixed lettuce.

[Somebody]

We planted lettuce, peas, beans and the very long sprouted potatoes left from last year.

[MaxPC]

Some of our friends are complaining that Walmart has closed the garden department and only sells essentials. They can’t buy their seed, they say.

Me: Did you check the local hardware store? What about the local ag supply?

They: Uh, no. You’ve just given me an idea! Later!

Once again I’m surprised that people can’t seem to see outside of the “Walmart box”. Catalog seed companies are still selling. It might take a little longer but then if you’re a Northern Hemisphere gardener you’ve probably ordered your seed back on January 2.

[QuietlyListening]

My seeds were ordered in January and I even ordered tomato and eggplant plants this year just to avoid the nurseries which seem to be having plants disappear off the shelves. Plus I always order sweet potato plants so I can get the variety I want- around here they only carry 2 varieties.

Have lettuce and greens growing and waiting a few weeks till soil warms up a bit more before getting most things planted but been prepping gardens. Focusing on flower beds until then.

Blueberry plants are in full bud or blooming and raspberries are shooting up.

[MaxPC]

My seeds were ordered in January and I even ordered tomato and eggplant plants this year just to avoid the nurseries which seem to be having plants disappear off the shelves. Plus I always order sweet potato plants so I can get the variety I want- around here they only carry 2 varieties.

Have lettuce and greens growing and waiting a few weeks till soil warms up a bit more before getting most things planted but been prepping gardens. Focusing on flower beds until then.

Blueberry plants are in full bud or blooming and raspberries are shooting up.

What variety of sweet potato do you prefer?

Our children tell me the cherry trees are just about past their bloom. They tried growing apples a few years ago but the deer ate them. Apparently deer prefer apple trees over cherry trees.

[QuietlyListening]

I prefer Covington and this year will do those and try some Murasaki just because we love to experiment. The stores around here carry Beauregard and white ones and not a fan. White may taste good- haven't bought but hear they don't store well.

Our blueberries are caged with chicken wire - I can walk in and pick- because my husband was really good to me and therefore I don't need to put netting over them - 7 bushes this year as we took some out- and birds would devour them.

Interesting about cherry vs apple trees and deer. Thankfully there are 3 fields between us and the deer and lots of corn or soybeans- tho I feel for the farmer.

[MaxPC]

I prefer Covington and this year will do those and try some Murasaki just because we love to experiment. The stores around here carry Beauregard and white ones and not a fan. White may taste good- haven't bought but hear they don't store well.

Our blueberries are caged with chicken wire - I can walk in and pick- because my husband was really good to me and therefore I don't need to put netting over them - 7 bushes this year as we took some out- and birds would devour them.

Interesting about cherry vs apple trees and deer. Thankfully there are 3 fields between us and the deer and lots of corn or soybeans- tho I feel for the farmer.

The leaves of cherry trees contain cyanide - probably why the deer avoid them.