Garden snippets

I've been trying to keep up with the season, but Mother Nature hasn't been too accommodating.  There is just so much to do in the garden in the spring. I have spent a few mornings this week - soaking up the sun and working hard...before those inevitable showers move in on us. Farmers market opened on Saturday--a great opener!  Seeing all my regular customers and  farmer buds was grand.  I came home with trays of new veggies, herbs and perennials for the garden. I just love the bartering system.  My friend Luke gave me a flat of Italian kale and edible golden gem marigolds, that went right into the ground asap as I arrived home. 

Spinach harvest: I picked my first yesterday. I couldn't believe how sweet it is! Only part of my harvest made it home. It is so sweet to nibble on! The rest was steamed  with a lemon thyme sauce.

New Composter: I moved last year's pile out to the other side of my garden  to make room to expand my new composter and added a strawberry bed. I will divide and spread out the crowns I have, and add a few more. I'm attempting to get three plantings in, to hopefully stretch the berry season.

Potatoes: I planted two varieties on Saturday. My reds and Yukons that were planted two weeks ago have finally made an appearance.  .

Salt hay mulch: On Monday I turned over 4 raised beds and spread salt hay in my paths, and around the cabbage. Those nasty slugs don't care for the rough shards of straw, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed this will help. .as last year they were becoming addicted to Sam Adams beer.  Salt hay is an amazing garden mulch with no weed seeds and lasts forever. I love this stuff, even with harvesting my own--it's free!

Peas and favas: I planted peas three weeks ago and favas this weekend. The peas are up 2 inches now.  I'm going to hold off another ten days before planting the scarlet runners--need to have this chilly rain move out before I'll set them in the ground.

Sowing: I planted my cukes and squash an into the cold frame they went. They'll be up in no time and  I decided to move my tomatoes into the hoop house to see how they fare.  The peppers that were transplanted last week are enjoying their warm new home.  Now only if we could get two straight days of sunshine, they will be happy campers. Til next thyme..happy gardening.