When You're Bored

Happy Easter! Today I remembered that I hadn’t planted the first batch of seeds in my garden, which I had hoped to do a couple of weeks ago. It has rained so much lately that the soil has been too soggy to get much of a start. So I planted the majority of spring crops in the garden today, just ahead of another storm. The timing was almost perfect.

After choosing the seeds I planned to plant and deciding where they would go, I collected my supplies and headed out to the yard at 8:30. The rain would arrive between 1 and 2 pm, so I thought I had plenty of time. After transplanting a couple of herbs from last year, I began planting seeds for spinach, lettuce, chard, carrots, beets, snow peas, dill, and raab. I had planted more potatoes yesterday; the first batch went in a month ago, and they have just sprouted.

I also planted some more sunflower seeds along the fence of the garden, although there are some coming up from last year’s flowers. My goal is to attract even more pollinators, beneficial insects, and other critters like the earthworm above to the garden than I did last year. I will have flowers in each of the garden beds, and I have planted vegetables that are known to grow well together, as well as some that deter the pests of others.

I recently read that dandelions provide early food for bees. The last time I was out pulling weeds, a bee flew under my hat, and after waving my hands around I got stung on the ear. I have decided to end my war on dandelions in the interests of improving the bee population, at least in my yard. I have also decided to avoid overreacting to bees near my face!

After several sprinkles, I finally finished my latest gardening task, and made it back inside before the full force of rain arrived. At least I didn’t have to water! I am a bit concerned that the seeds will be too soggy, but the straw I have covered the beds with is an excellent mulch that keeps the rain from pounding the soil. It also insulates the soil so it is warm enough to plant. Last year I got a late start. This year I have started seeds inside and am also planting them later outside. Garden Year #2 is off to a great start!

Who doesn’t love planting seeds? Two weeks ago I planted the first seeds of the season, and put them in the dining room where I am fortunate to have a large south facing window. Several days later, they began to sprout. First came the hollyhocks, an old-fashioned flower from my childhood that I hope will attract pollinators. Next the tomatoes and onions came up, followed by the leeks.

Today I planted the last of the seeds that I am starting indoors: zinnias, marigolds, and basil. I hope to begin planting seeds outside in the garden beds in the next few days, before the next storm. The soil has warmed up, but it is still damp from the rain we had last week, so I may have to wait. This time of year the weather is so unpredictable. Two years ago it snowed around this time.

As I am impatient to get my garden started, I will probably take a chance with some of my seeds and plant a bit early. Then I will plant more later. I am looking forward to my summer garden!