Forsythia and vinca

First asparagus harvest

The first asparagus harvest is nearly a month later than last year due to the cold spring.

Asparagus bed

First harvest

Turtie to the rescue!

Our favorite turtle has once again come to the rescue carrying weed fighting tools to the asparagus bed. With her help I was able to eradicate the vicious and deep rooted Curly Dock.

Turtie facing off against the fearsome Curly Dock

Turtie smiles victorious!

Warmer temperatures have finally arrived

This past weekend was productive. I was able to start another tray of 3/4" seed blocks (180 blocks) to make up for things that did not germinate well in the last batch (most likely due to lower soil temps). I planted sweet pepper, basil, chard, celery and more tomatoes (Sun Gold). I also started kale, romaine lettuce, morning glory and catnip . This time, I put a 6' string of lights under a single tray and set the thermostat to 80 F. Kale and lettuce seedlings began to appear within three days.

I also harvested about 6 gallons of kale before the plants got too far along in bolting. Much of that will be frozen for use in smoothies.

On Monday I transplanted from the basement into the garden about 50 plants composed mostly of choi and mizuna along with a couple of chard.

First transplants

Pre-transplant harvest

New 3/4" seed block tray with kale and lettuce sprouting