Spring work in the garden

Between raindrops, tiny starts of plants are slowly making their way into the garden.  I have vowed to mulch mulch mulch this year, to help keep out the weeds, so any chance I get, tiny plants are surrounded by a layering of newspaper and grass clippings.  Old coffee sacks are also being used over newspaper as an alternative mulch to grass clippings. Berwick Academy and Boys Scouts from South Attleboro both spent a day making raised beds for the garden. The beds look great, and with added compost  really add ease and beauty to the garden!! I feel so grateful for all their long hard work!  I could not have accomplished a fraction of what they accomplished in just a day each.

Every spring I marvel at the  act of planting a small seed in a big garden full of dirt, bugs, grass and weeds. How will a tiny plant ever survive? Well, not all seeds do survive, but enough of the seeds send up the tiny shoots out of the dirt.   Not all of those shoots survive, but many live and grow into bigger, productive plants.

Spring is the busiest time in the garden; trying to plant, keep the weeds at bay while the tender vegetables are sprouting, and getting all the particular garden plants in as early as possible. The days pass quickly regardless if one has planted the corn or squash on time. Unfortunately, this year our pumpkin plants are behind schedule…as the seeds have not yet been planted…soon though, very soon!!

The great news: while I’m still busy planting seeds and starts, the radishes are already ready to pick! Their multi-colored reds and whites are a delight to see and taste! Fresh vegetables are tender and very flavorful, unsurpassed by store-bought vegetables. These wonders are garden highlights we like to share with all who visit the garden.      

by Tracy