Seed Catalogs, Seeds, Dirt, Water
May 4th, 2009 | 
Author: Seed Catalogs, Seeds, Dirt, Water
(or Shovels, Rakes, Buckets, etc.)
by Grandma
What do seeds (http://www.seedsavers.org), tools (tools!), and the good earth have in common? They are all part of the big picture – the garden picture that is.
Can’t grow a garden without ‘em.
Did you choose your seeds from your catalogs yet? Did you order in February? No?
Shame on you. How do you expect to get a garden in on time if you aren’t ready?
Did we order in February?
Of course not, but that’s beside the point. Actually, we had seeds left over from last year, and we did a seed exchange with some other folks. We actually prepared well in advance for the planting season. This may be a first for us!
So why isn’t our garden in yet? Well, for starters we live in Michigan and not only is it “not past danger of frost” yet, it’s been non-stop raining.
In fact, we thought about raising a rice crop. The weather has been somewhat uncooperative– the ground is completely saturated.
Our garden plot is close to being ready. We’ve actually used the area for the past two planting seasons. It is where the chickens used to be. They’re now located out back, behind the barn. Where they were is, well let’s just say we didn’t have to compose the ground. We also try to rotate the crops, even in that small plot, so the soil gets a rest. It’s still rich from the chickens so that’s not a problem.
We’re dreaming of fresh tomatoes, picked right off the plant. Ah, fresh chopped onions for the stew. Carrots, eaten raw (cleaned and washed of course). Corn on the cob – come on picnic time!!
Enough dreaming. There’s work to be done! All those dreams will be for naught if the ground isn’t roto-tilled, raked and planted. All those dreams will be just that, dreams, if we don’t get busy with the hoe and get rid of those pesky weeds.
Hey, the garden isn’t even planted yet. Don’t scare everyone off with talk of weeds!!
So, let’s get going. First, choose your spot. Second, clean up your spot. Third, rototill or turn over your spot. Fourth, rake your spot. Fifth, plant your spot. Sixth, go have a coke and relax a week or so until the weeks show their face — then the work REALLY begins.
Happy gardening!
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