Another sign of spring’s approach - flats of seedlings growing under lights.  On the left are tiny petunia seedlings, which can be a challenge to grow.  I start with pelleted seed, which is more expensive, but worth it since I get much better results.  Pelleted seeds are covered with a coating that dissolves in water.  The [...]

The daffodils are nearly ready to bloom.  These sprouted right through the snow, and their tips have been nipped by several hard freezes.  In years past I worried that they wouldn’t bloom, that the damage would be so severe that they might wither and die away.
Silly me.  Daffodils are tough, and these old heirloom types [...]

When I start a new batch of seedlings, I tend to plant a few extra.  Or a lot extra.  I like to allow for mishaps and disasters.  Last fall, I planted a lot extra because we had more than our share of garden disasters last year.
I like to be prepared.
The only fall seedling disaster was [...]

Every time there’s a frost advisory in the forecast I pick all the roses in bloom.  Just in case.   If I didn’t, and I woke up to find the blossoms frost-kissed, browning, spilling their ruined petals on the ground . . . well, I might have to cry.  Then the dogs would get upset.  They [...]

Autumn has been kind to the flowers this year. The two light frosts thus far have barely nipped the tender plants in more exposed areas. Most of the farm is protected by sheltering belts of trees that ease the sharp bite of the wind. Rock outcrops gather heat from the day’s sunshine and the tender plants nearby benefit from these warmer pockets as the heat radiates back into the air at night.

It’s the time of year when all things seem possible.  I dream of verdant growth, record harvests, perfect blossoms, and fruit unmarked by insect damage and snacking birds.   My wish list of seeds and plants is long and well over budget, yet still I dream.  I’ll grow long, tall rows of corn and salad greens [...]

Last night we had a hard frost, and it nipped a few tender plants and blossoms. As the sun eased over the horizon, I trudged out to the orchard, camera in hand to document the damage. The warmth of the morning sunlight already was melting the frost crystals from the blooms, so the damage wasn’t [...]

This winter’s tatsoi (mustard greens) crop is in full bloom in the greenhouse. The leaves are no longer yummy, but I’ve left the plants to flower because the blossoms make me smile whenever I step inside. The seed saver in the neighborhood is hoping there’s enough insect activity in the greenhouse now to sufficiently pollinate [...]

Champion collards, planted in the greenhouse September, 2007. Collards, like most brassicas, are biennial – that is, they go to seed their second year. Collards don’t keep calendars. They had their warm season and winter, and now it’s warm again. So it’s the second year by plant reconning.
It looks like little side shoot of broccoli, [...]

Years ago, I had two little snowdrop plants by my front steps. Those were my early harbingers of spring. The first appearance of the snowdrop blooms meant spring truly would come, and the world would be right.
Now, two homes later, it’s the daffodils that give my mood such a boost. Mine aren’t blooming here at [...]