building the plan

Finally kicked things into gear this weekend on the start for spring, even as the winter veggies are coming up.  First line of business was getting the bird netting up over the root crop seedlings.  We donated a few to the wildlife but enough is enough.

Bird netting in place

Radishes and Turnips

Baby carrots

 We had quite a bit of rain this week and the rain collection barrels are once again full.  It was perfect time to pot up and set out some calla lilies while we have fresh cut tulips from the farmers market on the table.  We even have a few volunteer veggies that returned for a second showing this Spring.

calla lilies along the driveway

volunteer squash

We also bought some recycled plastic barrels for the potatoes.  Armed this year with much more knowledge about how to successfully grow potatoes, we drilled water drainage and placed some copper tape around the bases to prevent slugs and snails getting in.  Hoping for a much bigger yield this year.  Did you know potatoes need cold in order to grow well?  For this reason, choose white barrels that do not absorb as much sunlight and plant early to allow for the cool conditions needed to really boost growth.  More later on the taters as the season goes.

copper slug control

red, white and blue

all planted and ready to grow

And last but certainly not least since it was probably the most work, all of the spring seedlings have been planted in their pellets and are ready.   Took a lot of planning for space and number of plants needed, as well as the plan for crop rotation but I think we have it figured out!  The top secret plans are all complete and locked away.

grow light over the spring seedlings

why yes, in fact, I do my best master planning on the dryer

Citrus trees all got some fertilizer here a couple of weeks back, but that doesn't make for many exciting pictures, although the blooms that are about ready to pop on them will definitely be worth some photos in the next several weeks.  One of my favorite scents in the world is orange and lime blossoms in the spring.  Hypnotic.  Speaking of citrus, please take our lemons!  We have so many we are considering placing them on doorsteps and windshields much like we did zucchini last summer.