Tomato and pepper seedlings
We probably shouldn’t have but we planted our spring veggies.
Was it too early to plant? Nope, but it probably was too wet.
About a week ago The Deer Hunter plowed up the entire garden area just hours before the set of rainy days that followed so the ground had at least been turned once.
The day we planted radishes, beets, lettuce, and onions he tried to caution me about planting in the almost muddy soil, but I was determined. I said “We’re running out of time and it’s not like its going to quit raining anytime soon!”
I was right on the rain part we’d barely finished when the downpour started again.
At least it was dry in the greenhouse…well if you don’t count the ground nor the pond you have to cross to get in the door.
Tomatoes and peppers are seeded now if the sun will just shine maybe we’ll have a start on the garden.
Tipper
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I planted some tomatoes (maters) and cabbage back on the 1st. I made sure the signs were right before I planted. The maters are about 3″ tall and the cabbage 1″. I planted extra seeds because they were old but I think every one of them germinated. I ended up snipping off a lot more than I kept. I planted more maters and some bell peppers yesterday without consulting the almanac. We’ll just have to see about them.
Tipper, I never worry about muddy dirt for planting, and does fine. I try to plant anything before a rain also. When I get cautious is when tomatoes are planted. and I try to stay away from them when it is wet to prevent blight. Will have to watch TMC’s link when my day slows down. My big buy is going to be canning flats before everyone catches on that they may need to start canning. I predict a run, but if I am wrong I will be stocked. Just used up my 10 year old flats, which helped me miss a year when everybody complaining the new thinner ones were not sealing. I learned that several years ago with bushels of green beans and a man from NC had bought up all the canning flats. Met a lady at community garden, and she will be planting her first garden. People are preparing!
Very interesting but I think my gardening days are over. I planted pots on my deck last year and ended up moving them all day long to keep up with the sun. My tree canopy is closing in so I will buy from our local growers this year. Gives me more time to sit on the deck and just enjoy nature.
We had hours of snow and sleet this morning and the air smells like Winter is starting up all over again. I’m kind of wishing I lived where it was reasonable to even *think* about planting my garden 😉
It’s been my tradition for many years to plant seeds indoors on March 17th. I have not been spending any time at the store during the corona virus pandemic except to buy essentials. I have the seeds I want to plant but forgot to buy potting soil. Looking at seed catalogs and dreaming about planting a garden has kept me from going nuts during these gloomy, rainy days.
I recognize that urgency. Each year seems to need its own timing rather than just being able to say Good Friday or some definite date.
I have gradually tended to plant later because of soil temperatures rather than air temperatures. The top two inches, where the seeds are planted, really yo-yos up and down, rising through the day but dropping like a stone at night. Deeper soil tends to warm more slowly but not cool off quickly or much.
I have gradually concluded that I never gain anything by being too early. Seeds, if I’m blessed, wait for the right soil temperature. If I am not blessed, they germinate then get whacked by cold. Plants tend to sit rather than grow until it gets warm enough. An exception is okra. It can get stunted by cold and never recover.
I am not saying you are too early Tipper. Only time will tell. An experienced gardener takes cues from all kinds of sources; bud break of trees, greening of the grass, feel of the soil, behavior of birds, average date of last killing frost, etc. Hope everything turns out well for you.
So far I have only planted onion plants and transplanted some lettuce. Today will test my forebearance with the high temperature forecast as 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
I love it! You guys are serious about your home grown vegetables, aka REAL FOOD. I think it’s wonderful that you love real food and you do something about it!
I’m sending good thoughts to your garden, both inside the greenhouse and out in the beds!
I wanted to share with everyone Mr Leon’s easy way of gardening for anyone who can’t get out and plow anymore but has room in their yard or patio for these winking buckets I find it fascinating and I plan on trying this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s638_LDzOjM
Thanks tmc!
Suppose to be spelled wicking instead of winking senior moment before my coffee