Friday, April 24, 2009

And we're off!

Spring is springing around Kay's Leaning Tree Farm! When nightly low temperatures are in the 50's, my planting season kicks into high gear. The 10 Day Forecast (thanks Weather Channel!) has the lowest low at 49. So I'll be outdoors (and dirty) every daylight moment for at least the next ten days.

This is what my mother wanted in her Easter basket this year. No marshmallow peeps. No chocolate bunnies. A pick axe. This one is sort of the "ladies model." It's called a Matlock and it's a little shorter and lighter than your average pick axe. I'm glad the doctors fixed her heart, and she's feeling invincible again.

Surprise! As I was planting my potato patch I found a survivor from last year's crop! Isn't he a beauty?! For winning the reward challenge, he'll be served alongside a BIG steak and some fresh-picked asparagus.

My first tulip! Welcome to the sea of yellow and white daffodils!

Fresh cut flowers decorate my bathroom. A sure sign that the long winter has passed.

Updates: The chicken coop is progressing. Thanks to Nicci, it now has doors! People doors, that is. I'm working on the chicken door. I've had to take a break from construction to work on my gardens. The potato patch is nearly complete. I've selected Yukon Gold, Red Pontiac and fingerlings for this year's crop. Last year my potato garden was underwater several times. I replanted twice, and finally picked a spot with better drainage. I decided to dig a drainage ditch from the old potato patch to the big drainage ditch by the street. I'm about 2/3 of the way there. This will let me utilize two boggish spots for vegetable gardens. Yes, my back is stiff. Lots of digging around here!

7 comments:

glutenfreeforgood said...

Kay -- I love your "survivor" potato! That's amazing, it looks so perfect. I also love the story about your mom and the pick axe. Very cool and good for her!

Your photos are beautiful and I'm jealous as always when I stop by Leanin' Tree Farm. I can almost smell your bathroom flowers and enjoyed hearing about the chicken coop progress. Aren't farm fresh eggs just the absolute BEST?! I could never go back to grocery store eggs. There is no comparison.

And thanks for your comments on acai. I responded at length on my blog because you brought up such good points about nutrient absorption and digestive disorders (intended or not, great input).

Happy spring! I'll be back for more photo updates.

Melissa

H.Peter said...

This post made me happy. I am sad tosay it snowed one more time yesterday and maybe today here in calgary and your flowers cheered us up here.

Thanks.

glutenfreeforgood said...

Kay (aka guru gardener girl),

I have a question for you. Can I put piles of dog hair in my composter? I have an Alaskan Malamute that is shedding like crazy. Every time I brush him I end up with a grocery bag full of dog hair. Will it break down with the food okay or is that a no-no?

Thanks!

Melissa

Gluten free Kay said...

Hi Melissa,

I don't think you should put dog hair in your compost! If I'm not mistaken, it is all protein and takes forever to break down.

Maybe you can stuff couch pillows with it . . .

Hi H Peter,

Snow?! NO! I couldn't take snow this late in the year. I'm already picking asparagus.

glutenfreeforgood said...

Thanks Kay! I knew you'd have an answer. Maybe I'll knit a sweater instead.

:-)

Melissa

Bloomin'Chick Jo said...

How've you been? Isn't it wonderful that the new gardening season is finally upon us?! So much to do, so exciting! I hope you are well!

Gluten free Kay said...

Hey Jo, great to see you! Glad we've both survived the winter.

I'm picking asparagus every day. The rhubarb is ready to harvest, just as soon as I have time to bake. All my potted vegetable starts will have to wait to become earthbound. We seem to be in a monsoon season here in Indy.

Checked out your blog. Glad to see you are writing! I started blogging when my horoscope advised "Create a ritual of intention." It was good advice.