Today I noticed our first sprouts! I must, however, add a disclaimer: I do not know if today is their first appearance, or merely my first notice thereof. Either way, this is the type of growth one of which one is happy to receive news!
I have noticed the appearance of Spinach, Peas, and Basil. I would like to take the opportunity, at this time, to point out that Mike lettered the Popsicle sticks so any creativity in spelling is out of my control (not that he spelled Spinach wrong. Right? It is spelled Sqinach, right?).
Spinach: If he's curious, he can read what he is!
Peas on earth: isn't he cute, waving like that?
Basil: no matter how much we grow, it'll never be enough!
As my sister and I were examining the gardens today, we were discussing the placement of viney things like peas and cucumbers. She suggested we add some tomato cages, at which point I informed her that Mike has full intentions to build vegetable scaffolding (see the final definition,all you smarty pants out there in Internet Land). According to a higher power (ie: Mr. Bartholomew) one should plant all viney guys on the North side of one’s Square Foot Garden, and then the scaffolding can be erected along said edge. Apparently this will also prevent the towering veggies from overshadowing (literally) their less lofty plant friends and neighbours. I’m not sure when, exactly, Mike has planned to begin this particular construction project, but I will make sure to update you as soon as he hops to it. If you are using tomato cages, here is a great set of instruction as to how to build them yourself!
But back to my sister. This woman is a gardening maven (most unlike us) and she is slightly nonplussed at our planting schedule. See: where Mike is following the “experts” opinions on when and where to plant things, Joan is using experience (and an extensive knowledge of all things agriculture related). I could be wrong, but I have a feeling that we’ll be consulting with her more as time goes by! If you don’t have a Joan of your own*, and you’re looking for a great (if slow to load) website with Canadian Hardiness Zones, this one is fabulous.
Of course, no matter what you plant and when, it’s always important to carefully label your plantings, and to keep those labels in place at all times.
Our "large predator," making off with a marker... She was humanely captured and she and the marker were released.
* Incidentally, this would be a great name for your Cable TV show, Joan…just sayin’
I’d like to defend myself here. That “q” is unequivocally a “p,” regardless of your creative interpretation of my fine penmanship!
I finally found a way to compel you to comment, LOL!
Well, now I feel the need to go haul some weeds out of my square kilometer garden. (Oh the pressure).