I Couldn't Hold Back Any Longer!

I couldn't hold off any longer. The weather was in the high 70's today and I just couldn't hold back. With weather like we had today, I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want to get outside and dig around in the garden.

I checked the weather, there is still a cold spell in the forecast. We are supposed to get below freezing weather and perhaps some snow. It's April, there are tulips and daffodils all over the place. I would say that this is the latest snow we have had in years. Needless to say, I am taking a chance on planting but I had it set in my mind to get something in the ground today.

I turned over some dirt in three of my raised beds and planted 6 rows of peas. I know that's not much but I couldn't hold off any longer. Usually, you plant peas in the middle of March along with other cold season vegetables like broccoli, carrots, eggplants and potatoes. I would have loved to get them all in but I didn't want to take the chance. I don't mind much if that bunch of peas are lost. If they make it, it was well worth the bargain.
This year, with the late snowfall, I wanted to hold off as long as possible so that I wouldn't loose everything that I planted. Now, I just hope that spring is long enough to let me get anything planted at all.

Lots of folks like to purchase plants from the greenhouse or start there own inside but I prefer to plant from seeds outside. I enjoy working in the dirt. Turning the soil over and planting the seeds, watering and waiting and finally seeing those little first leaves poke out of the ground. It really is something!

I was also very encouraged by the amount of earth worms in my beds. I had started feeding them last fall with egg shells and coffee grounds and it seems to have paid off. I think they liked the addition of the mulch that was added as well. I found just a few grubs, they aren't any good in a garden but they are great for fishing. The little pill bugs were not that numerous either. I generally let the kids get into the garden and have as many as they can find. It works out great for everyone but the pill bugs.

Well, that's all for now.
Happy planting!