Small Steps in Early Spring
Things are growing and it also keeps on snowing. Two steps forward, one step back. So far none of the weather has killed off tree buds, that’s a plus. This time of year in Minnesota can be painful for the gardeners who are desperate to get things going. (On the other hand, it also helps the procrastinators and uber planners who might need some extra time.) I fall into the desperate category this year, wanting to have my gardens in before the baby arrives might be a challenge.
The Ecological Gardens garlic crop is going gang busters! We have been pulling up a few raspberry and straw shoots but have very little weed pressure. This is important since garlic is not a good competitor. We have 10 varieties of heirloom garlic, therefore the plants vary in size but they are averaging 4-7+ inches tall already!
I am happy to announce that my co-worker Lea will be our lead garlic farmer this season. I will continue to manage the garlic operation but will take some rest for maternity leave this summer. Lea has worked on the Ecological Gardens crew, is well versed in permaculture, and has grown her own garlic for a couple of years as well. She stopped by for her first garlic work day of the season this week.
Another new thing is our shiitake mushroom log. I have inoculated logs with mushroom spores a couple of times on the past but it was always for other people. I love to watch things grow and learn to grow new things I can eat. This led me to the solution for this season to start small with a log that was already inoculated. The added bonus is that my toddler (and everyone else) has instant gratification of being able to watch mushrooms grow and then land on our plate. She fondly checks it every morning for new growth. I look forward to updating you on my mushroom learning curve.
This is a 4′ red oak log, inoculated a year ago by Jeremy McAdams at Cherry Tree House Mushrooms in Minneapolis. Jeremy leads local mushroom workshops and owns his own urban mushroom business. His wife blogs about their homestead happenings here - http://northmidwest.blogspot.com
One year old asparagus has made an appearance. I planted these last spring and expect another 2 years before a serious harvest can begin. Asparagus is worth it!!
Everything growing indoors is ready for transplanting, I am doing a little day by day right now. Here are the tomatoes in seed blocks.
Note the unique heirloom German Pink variety has completely rounded leaves unlike the toothed edge of most tomatoes.
Garden Journal Notes:
- Daffodils in full bloom, no buds on tulips yet.
- Asparagus up, 4/15
- Transplanted pansies outside to front welcome containers, 4/17
- Kale and spinach up in front containers but very tiny still.
- Soil blocked Walking Stick Kale and another full tray of Lupine.
- Garlic weeded, new straw laid down, paths and borders mulched, 4/17.
- Shiitake log has 3 budding fruits and 1 medium sized one. Brought log in due to snowy weather, indoor warmth might be increasing speed of growth.
- Planted peas, 4/19 for Clara’s pea tunnel. High Mowing Sugar Daddy Snow Peas and Seed Savers Green Arrow Pea.
