March is when we finally start to come alive and activity starts, both indoors and out. Spring bulbs are finally starting to bloom, the weather starts to warm consistently and new green begins to appear everywhere. This is the month that I finally start to feel alive again. The big kicker this month is that we have found out that we need a bit of surgery to do some body and fender work on this ole' frame of ours. I reckon it is to be expected with age and I reckon this will put a bit of a damper on things later this spring, but we'll figure out a way to keep going. Wednesday, March 4, 2009 Received first of my seed orders today. Looking forward to starting planting early next month. It's funny that the seed order from the farthest away seed company came first.
- Early Wonder Tall Top Beet
- Nero Di Toscana Kale
- Romulus Romaine Lettuce
- Italian Saladini Blend Salad Greens Blend (Mesclun Mix)
- Pronencal Winter Mix Salad Greens Mix (Mesclun Mix)
- Little Gem Romaine/COS Lettuce
- Devils Tongue Romaine/COS Lettuce
- Flashy Trout's Back Romaine/COS Lettuce
Friday, March 6, 2009 -
Purchased the materials to build a second raised bed. The bed will be built out of 2x12's and placed on top of landscape timbers, the same as the first. The timbers are to be used as a base to make up the difference after I have cleared and leveled the ground for the bed and will be placed on top f a gravel base for drainage. First, I have to get the sandbox built for the granddaughters and for a place to store extra sand. I also have to get the new back steps built to make it easier for momma (my wife) to get up and down the stairs.
Cost -
- 4 Landscape Timbers @ 3.99 = $ 15.96
- 2 2x12x12 foot treated boards @ $ 17.56 = $ 35.12
- 1 2x12x8 foot board @ $ 11.10 = $ 11.10
- 14 pcs. 1/2 inch rebar @ /foot = $ .70/per piece = $ 9.80
(Rebar purchased as 20 foot lengths and cut to 2 foot pieces)
- 12 3/8 inch x 6 inch long Lag bolts w/ flat washers = $ 7.65 (bought by the pound)
- 6 inch long, ring shank nails = $ 16.89 (5# box)
Total Cost To Build New Bed = $ 96.52
Friday, March 6, 2009 -
Got the second of my seed orders today.
- Bush Blue Lake 47 Bean
- Tall Utah 52-70 R Improved Celery
- Harmony Hybrid Spinach
- Green Knight Hybrid Cucumber
- Super Snappy Pea
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 -
Got the third shipment of the seed orders I placed from two companies. These were
- Talladega Hybrid Tomato (determinate)
- Sunmaster Hybrid Tomato (determinate)
- Volccano Pepper (free trial offer)
- Jetsonic Hybrid Tomato (free trial offer)
- Purple Top White Globe Turnip
- French Breakfast Radish (2)
- Champion Radish (2)
Thursday, March 19, 2009 -
Received the last of my orders today (other than a couple of back-orders). Among the items was the seed starting kit, soil testing kit and paper pot maker. I'm hoping that the testing kit and pot maker work as well as planned. A note on the soil test kit. This is a much more involved and professional level kit than I originally envisioned. I will really need to video this kit in use. I also think that the pot maker will make for a nice picture series for the newsletter.
Friday, March 20, 2009 -
Put light garden together today and made my first recycled paper pots. (see picture series)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 -
Filled and planted seeds for this spring. Much of the garden may be late this year, but it will be planted. Here's what I planted today: Celery - Tall Utah 52-70R Broccoli - Small Wonder Eggplant - Hansel Hybrid Pepper - Volcano Squash - Early White Bush Scallop Squash - Splineless Beauty Zucchini Tomato - Jetsonic Hybrid - Indeterminate Tomato - Talledaga Hybrid - Determinate
(see picture series)
In checking the latest seed order, I realized that most of the order from this company was never even written up for picking. Of the seven items ordered from them, they only wrote up two items and one of them was for a substitute that was not shipped. This is partly what happens when you order late. I have sent an email to them in regard to this issue. We shall see what comes of it. I originally ordered from this company because it is a larger company with an excellent selection of offerings. It is a fact that issues will come up with orders from time to time and the later an order is placed, the greater the chances of problems arising. At issue here is how the company chooses to handle it. If They force me to make a personal phone call in order to resolve this issue, I'll really be quite upset. This will be the second time I have had an issue with this company. The results of this issue will determine whether I order from them again, regardless of their offerings.
Thursday, March 26, 2009 - Took a look at the most recent weather forecast and what a shock! After weeks of warm weather in the 60's and 70's for the most part with some rain, they are calling for highs only in the 30's with snow and freezing rain starting this Friday night. I had considered taking a chance and planting some peas and other early crops, but I'm glad I chose to wait.
Saturday, March 28, 2009 - Many of the seeds from the first planting are already sprouting! This was extremely fast! What a difference the heat mat made. I've used heating cables in the past with reasonable success, but the heat mats are totally different and much more effective. I planted more seed today. They include: |
