We seem to be having an El Nino pattern spring - warmer and drier than usual. So I'm pushing the envelope. There's only been a few times in my gardening years that I've successfully convinced the early greenies to launch and survive before about mid-April. A worthwhile challenge, short of moving to (gasp) California.
With the help of Guentner's Nursery in Salem (GORGEOUS and impossible-to-pass-by veggie and herb starts), our first covered raised bed looks downright tropical!
I know, it's cheating. The coast nurseries are a few weeks from having starts. But I did put in some seeds, a couple weeks ago. Look closely. (double click on the picture)
Those little green specks in the middle front are PEAS, by gum! And just to the left are some Lancinato kale peeking through, and just this morning I finally welcomed a square of mixed lettuces which got brave enough to make their presence known to the right of the peas. Micro greens, for sure. Worth their weight in gold, this time of year.
The other beds are in process, with peas scheduled to go in the first one in a few days, and spinach, kale, chard and green onions in the middle bed. More lettuces from a starter-flat in the house will be ready to head outdoors before long. Head. That was a pun?So far, Mom has got to murder only 3 slugs, using the sure-fire scissor method (deadly and non-toxic), at the cost of part of a small lettuce leaf. Now the bait is spread, and we're watching for signs of slimey intruders.
That's the only downside of starting a garden this early. We have to put on our slug patrol hats every morning - but AFTER breakfast. Those scissors - ewwwww.
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