Season 4 is beginning. I mean that I have officially launched into my 4th growing season. My hands seem to have a forever smudge of dirt.
My model: All New Square Foot Gardening: Grow More in Less Space!
Daily I visit this little incubator that is showing some signs of wear. But despite the lack of humid conditions . . . I have sprouts.
What have I planted?
- Roma tomatoes
- Brandywine Tomatoes
- Grape tomatoes
- kale
- Barcole Lettuce
- Spinach
- eggplant
- cauliflower
- broccoli
- Bell Peppers
- Orange Bell Peppers
- Jalapeño Peppers
- watermelon
- lavender
- thyme
- basil
- cilantro
- parsley
There may be a few more plants, but I just don’t remember. I still have two more trays to fill.
Typically, I use Mel’s Mix which is a combination of three different items:
- 1/3 vermiculite
- 1/3 peat moss
- 1/3 compost (from a variety of sources: manure, mushroom, vegetable scraps, leaves, etc.)
Over the years, I have found this homemade soil to be nutrient rich and provide a good balance of natural fertilizer for a healthy and flourishing garden. I NEVER use fertilizer or chemical pest control. I simply create a natural pest control by using onions, garlic, naturism, and marigolds.
And on one occasion, I even ordered ladybugs.
We allow spiders and bugs to flourish . . . and are always looking for a fat worm to transplant to our square foot gardens.
There they are. Waking up. The garlic has begun to emerge and some cilantro and parsley survived the winter . . .
Looks to be an exciting season. But I feel that way at the beginning of every spring.
What have you planted?
