Garden Update

We have been putting lots of energy into creating our garden space. We have seeds that have sprouted and have begun to grow, starts that are taking off, and some new plants in the yard. It has been a cold spring so far but there have also been many nice sunny days in between 3-5 days of rain and overcast weather. Everything has been slow to take off, but that has given us the extra time to get a few new things in the ground.

In our garden, we are growing:

• vegetables: sweet corn, several potato varieties, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cucumber, sugar snap peas, pole beans, rainbow chard, carrots, parsnips, sweet onions, leeks, garlic, lettuce, beets, spinach, celery, rhubarb, and tomatoes.
• fruit: cherries, figs, plums, blueberries, salmon berries, thimble berries, service berries, black elderberries, grapes, strawberries, and raspberries.
• herbs: dill, oregano, cilantro/coriander, thyme, lemon balm, nettles, dandelions (not difficult to grow), hyssop, miner's lettuce, and chives.

We have tried to plant using companion planting guides found in the book "Carrots Love Tomatoes" (Louise Riotte). Many different plants can be packed into a smaller space by combining plants that grow at different levels (heights) to eliminate having plants out-compete each other for sunlight, and some can help deter pests.

Michelle and I put all of the garden posts in the ground and attached the first 50 foot roll of hog-wire fence. We need to get another 50 foot roll to finish off the entire fence, but it is much more protected now from errant balls, dogs, and playing kids. Now if only the weather will continue to warm, the plants will go crazy.

One of the best things that have come from the garden so far is that many of our neighbors will come over and ask how things are going and what we are growing. Since our garden is prominently displayed in our front yard it attracts a lot of attention. I find myself talking about gardening tips and ideas with friends and neighbors and we are looking forward to see everyone's reaction in another month or so.

Here are a few pictures to look at.