Hello My Friends
No flowers here yet. Probably the first we will have all be California poppies. Here is the new raised bed that was put together a few weeks ago. I have been working the soil in it and adding compost, steer manure, and organic fertilizer. Sweet peas were planted along the back edge. This spot gets morning sun and as sweet peas don't like a lot of heat, shade cloth will be put up to protect them from afternoon sun. I have always liked sweet peas and have wonderful childhood memories of helping the elderly lady across the street plant them. That was in the San Joaquin valley. They would grow and bloom and then the heat would finish them off. When I lived in Grover Beach three blocks from the ocean they could be grown almost all year round. I like to gather up bunch of the blossoms and bring them in the house, their fragrance is very nice.
Here is another bed. This on is a couple years old. Last summer cucumbers and squash were planted her but the crops were very disappointing. The soil just wasn't right. Nothing planted here yet, just working the soil. I am finishing up a second garden tunnel and when it's finished half the bed will be planted with beets. Fresh beets from the garden, boiled with a little unsalted butter. That's when you realize why they make sugar from beets.
And here are some survivors from last summer. They made it through the snow storms. Oregano, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. They were all given a haircut where needed. Dead or damaged bits were removed and they had some steer manure and Dr. Earth organic fertilizer dug in. Then they were all given an inch or so of mulch. Even though it's not the growing season yet there is always plenty to do.
Happy Gardening
Jack
