My package of parsley seeds clearly states, “Plant seed as early in spring as ground can be worked.” Last year on this date there was snow on the ground, but this year the heavy rains washed away the last of the ice and defrosted my raised beds. The sun has been out strong. Yesterday the ground could be worked, and so I did! In went the cool-weather greens – parsley, spinach, kale, chard and scallions.
Gardening is an exercise in optimism. I’m thinking that in two weeks I’ll have micro-greens in my salad. Then again, we could have another April snowstorm that dumps half a foot of plant-killing slush. But, if that happens, I’m only out about $2 worth of seeds. Having the excuse to spend an hour in the garden, in the dirt, in the sun, yesterday, is worth more than that.
Ohhh, I think that is wonderful! I want some raised beds this year. (Recently read a book called, The 60-Minute Vegetable Garden, by Jeff Ball which got me enthused about benefits of raised beds) I wish I’d put them in last fall but I wasn’t used to thinking ahead to a full summer at home so I’ll have to start them in the spring. I bought a packet of lettuce seed and think I’ll plant them in a window box container that I have and try to protect it from the elements and see what happens. I hope all your healthy greens make it to harvest and thanks for the tips on what I should be starting, if possible, now. I have a lot to learn about gardening! :)
What wonderful black soil you have. Since St Louis is at the foot of the Ozark mountainous terrain we have hard clay and needs to be worked for years to get a soil to grow anything except oak and hickory trees.
My soil is granite-rocky and rather barren. But the stuff in my raised beds is a combination of top soil, aged cow manure from a dairy farm in town, and my own compost from the chickens, etc. It’s very good stuff!