When planting season rolls around it feels somewhat like ABC’s Wide World of Sports would say, “The thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat.” Meaning if you can beat the weather and get your crop in the ground, you feel victorious, thankful and relieved. Where as, if Mother Nature is relentless with poor weather conditions and the window of opportunity to plant is slim to none, it definitely feels like the agony of defeat. But in agriculture, you can’t give up. Persistence and optimism is a must to complete the task at hand.
The weather has definitely jumped from winter to spring. The plants are growing like crazy with the highs in the low 80s with humidity. If this weather continues, it is likely that the first delivery will be the first week of June. Look for additional details in your email box this weekend.
Here is an update on what was accomplished this past week. A lot of crops are growing and changing. Pray for cooperative weather throughout the growing season. After all, we can’t control Mother Nature. We can only control our attitudes and positive outlook.
What’s Growing
The rhubarb is ready to be harvested. We do sell additional rhubarb throughout the growing season for $3 per pound. Part of the proceeds is donated to charities the boys have chosen: American Red Cross and Gillette’s Children’s Hospital.
Great news, the soil was dry enough this weekend to complete 90 percent of the planting. Here you see us planting purple cabbage. All that we have left are the tomato and pepper plants.
Here is a carrot that emerged from the ground this weekend. The white root is what will grow into the carrot.
This is a small radish. The red root will grow into the delicious vegetable, or as the boys say, “the hot and spicy vegetable.”
In addition to the radishes, the spinach, peas and some lettuce varieties are growing in the new raised bed.
The crops we planted the weekend of May 18 emerged from the ground today. Here Sam is examining a green bean plant. Note the brown part by his fingers is the seed pod that is still attached to the plant.
Planting Update
The boys learn a variety of skills while in the garden. Here they are learning how to read a tape measure as Steve measures the distance needed between the rows that have mulch.
Underneath the mulch, we installed a drip irrigation system so that we can supply the vine and tomato crops with a more consistent water supply. Throughout the season, I have the boys researching the crops to learn more about their water and nutrient needs. Look for the kids’ updates in future blogs.
There is a mulching machine on the market, but we have not yet invested in it. Instead we are building strong boys. They like to pull the roll across the field to help build their strength for the sports they enjoy playing.
After transplanting our vine plants and planting some seeds, we watered and fertilized them.
We also planted a few more seeds including cucumbers, several pumpkin and gourd varieties and broom corn.
Of course, all work and no play doesn’t work well. The boys again found great joy in looking for worms and creating their own “pool.”
I really enjoyed reading your blog! You just can’t bet kids learning & having fun in the garden.
Thank you for the follow. Appreciate it!
Love this wonderful blog! I wish we lived close to your home/garden so we could partake in the CSA. The people in your area are blessed to have you!
Keep the great recipes, gardening tips, and photos coming-I will read them. Lesley
Thanks Lesley for the kind words. Miss our regular chats and laughter.