Going to start the garden early this year

[Atrea]

Last year we had a record heat wave in the Pacific Northwest. Our cooling winds which blow in from the ocean just seemed to stop. For at least three days we topped out at 108 degrees Fahrenheit when the norm is in the 80's. We were so badly affected by the heat that our beans shriveled on the vine as we didn't have the energy to go out and pick them, even in the morning! Fortunately, our pumpkins and squashes loved the blazing sun even if we didn't!

Given the way the weather has been trending here lately, the most productive season for our garden may be in the spring, so we are going to start planting the garden in February. Mother and I are now cutting up a large quantity of cardboard boxes, which we will spread out as mulch on the areas where we will plant our squash later in the spring. We are also bringing in half a dozen old local hay bales to do some straw gardening. We are especially looking forward to getting our Alderman peas planted by the end of February, and possibly some lettuce as well, as lettuce is cold-resistant. Even if next summer doesn't turn out to be so hot, we'll hopefully have a bigger, better garden this year as a result of all our early work!

 

[Chuck]

Last year we had a record heat wave in the Pacific Northwest. Our cooling winds which blow in from the ocean just seemed to stop. For at least three days we topped out at 108 degrees Fahrenheit when the norm is in the 80's. We were so badly affected by the heat that our beans shriveled on the vine as we didn't have the energy to go out and pick them, even in the morning! Fortunately, our pumpkins and squashes loved the blazing sun even if we didn't!

Given the way the weather has been trending here lately, the most productive season for our garden may be in the spring, so we are going to start planting the garden in February. Mother and I are now cutting up a large quantity of cardboard boxes, which we will spread out as mulch on the areas where we will plant our squash later in the spring. We are also bringing in half a dozen old local hay bales to do some straw gardening. We are especially looking forward to getting our Alderman peas planted by the end of February, and possibly some lettuce as well, as lettuce is cold-resistant. Even if next summer doesn't turn out to be so hot, we'll hopefully have a bigger, better garden this year as a result of all our early work!

We have had a mild winter so far here. More rain than in the last few years. The weather forecasters are all talking about an earlier spring but who knows? I have already planted my pepper and tomato seeds and most of them are already up.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Have you been to Heronswood nursery, up your way, @Atrea . Heard it was change over from Burpee when they bought it from the original owner, now back to the original owner and a tribe. Lovely to visit. went about 20 years ago. maybe back again. they have the best hydrangea selections.