The lull

One of the main reasons that this blog exists is to remind me of the cycles of life. I will have a bout of depression in late winter, which will be followed by an intense need to build/grow/change, followed by a flurry of activity, followed by a lull. The plants don’t come up right away, the weather doesn’t cooperate, the plans to build and change hit a snag of indecision/loss of motivation/other uncontrollable factors.

The lull is almost bad as the late-winter-blues… but it gives me the distinct impression that all my work was for nothing.

It’s sunny outside. I want it to be summer; with a bounty of veggies, a room full of kittens, and a fully formed studio.

*deepbreath*

So this is why there’s a blog. So next year I can feel this way, then look back 52 weeks and see that the feeling isn’t new. Then go from there and see proof that given a little time, a little sun, and a little warmth it will all happen.

***

We’re past the “last average frost” now, so green beans went in. I changed them to South D because it was empty, and sad, and weedy. I also went a little overboard with the root veggies in West E, but many of them will be ready to harvest (fingers crossed) by the time the peppers and okra go out. I jumped the gun a little and planted the yellow bush beans too… I probably should have waited (they suggest soil temp of 65 and it’s 50 now /: ) but the last of the seeds were just sitting in the envelope all lonely.

And you know… The lull is dangerous!

I’ll hold off on the squash, maybe check soil temp tomorrow after today’s 73 degrees. (Squash want 60 deg soil.)

When the Rhubarb is Rheady

Let a new plant grow for two years before harvesting any stalks and only take 1/3 of the plant on year three. After that, you can harvest rhubarb heavily, leaving the smaller stalks behind after a solid 6-8 weeks of pulling off stems for yummy pies, compote, and sorbet!

To harvest, solidly grasp the stem, twist to the side and pull to remove. Do not cut the stalks.

https://gardentherapy.ca/harvest-rhubarb/

Plans for 2018

2018_gardenlayout

I’m sure this plan will change, and please oh please do not judge the quality of the sketch (I know it’s terrible.) Beds “South D” and “West E”  here will be newly built asap. Garlic is already living where it’s labeled, everything else is in flux!