The weather was lovely on Saturday – or at least it looked
lovely through the window. My husband, desperate to avoid cleaning out our shack,
proclaimed, “We shall clean up the garden!”
Mixed lettuce - hurrah! |
Nonetheless, the rest of us persevered.
You may recall that I planted seeds in early December when I was
playing Pioneer Woman. It was a leap of faith, as weathermen had prognosticated
that the drought would continue and I had resolved not to water AT ALL.
The seeds germinated, thanks to continuing showers, then
languished as young plants for a month or so. A freeze approached, so I covered
that bed with row cover and left it in place.
Voila! The row
cover’s heat- and moisture-retaining ability did the trick. Our garden contains
flourishing lettuce, healthy but small spinach, turnips and Swiss chard (the
last two are not quite so far along). I have not grown veggies in a long while,
so this success is gratifying.
Interlopers overran the rest of the garden: thistles, hairy
vetch, henbit, etc. We rousted them. Every one. We rousted them in such a
vigorous fashion that we had to doff our coats. We rousted them so vigorously
that I’ve been sore for the last two days. Then my daughter tossed the interlopers into
the compost bin (they had not gone to seed yet, never fear!) and tromped on
them quite thoroughly and disdainfully. “Take that!” I heard her shout. Or not.
Ready to plant. Yes, that is an eight-foot fence - deer proof! |
My father reappeared to make sure we were following proper garden protocols.
Now are ready to plant. We are still in the same boat: we
cannot, shall not water from the well. But rain continues, so we will plant the
most drought tolerant vegetables we can find as early as possible and wish them
good luck. Your good wishes are welcome, also.
Your garden looks so neat and tidy! I have yet to get mine cleaned up - and yes, I hear the clock ticking! i am very, very, very! envious of your deer fence! Good luck with the new vegetable garden. Fresh veggies are so worth a little work and trouble.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are loving the fresh lettuce and spinach! As for the fence, we joke about keeping those killer carrots corralled . . .
DeleteGood work.
ReplyDeleteI cleaned out my veggie garden a while back. But, haven't gotten back out there to plant seeds. Time for cool weather veggies is slipping away.
You're right, and I'm not feeling very positive about the spring crop, but we shall see!
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