This year in the garden, I not only have raised beds as a new addition to things, but Mr. P moved the fencing on one side of the garden and enlarged the whole thing. [Click on photos to see larger versions]
https://flic.kr/p/FDpkrL
I now have the intimidating job of removing some pretty entrenched sod and pernicious grasses before I'll be able to plant anything here. I have put out a request for some help from a teenager as of yesterday, but haven't heard anything back yet.
Things always look so bleak at this time of year...
https://flic.kr/p/FDpkn7
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But we have to start somewhere.
https://flic.kr/p/G2dQKS
I sprouted these pea seeds in just a few days in damp paper towels on the counter of my kitchen. Today I put them in the beds. I used some old dog fencing and I bought soaker hoses for all the beds.
https://flic.kr/p/G4vSjB
So far, they seem like they are going to work fine.
I borrowed Mr. P's new tiller and tilled up the garden. It certainly makes short work of a big project. But wrestling that big piece of machinery was quite a workout. I'm glad I started early in the morning! I never feel more like a farm girl than when I'm operating a rototiller. :-)
https://flic.kr/p/G2dQAU
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I've been reading up on how to get carrots to germinate more reliably. I think I have a plan. But I have decided to not get attached to the outcome. There are plenty of other things I can grow in my garden that do not require quite so much fussing. I am a pushover for experiments though, and I'm going to try putting cardboard over the seedbed after I've planted to keep the moisture in the soil. This will be a special challenge this year, because the soil I bought for the raised beds is mostly composted cow manure and not a lot else. the top layer of soil dries out VERY quickly which is where the carrot seeds need to be.
All I can say is, next time you buy a carrot in the grocery store, thank your lucky stars that someone, somewhere is willing to grow them for you.
