March 31 Status

Beds 1,2 and quarter plot north and south are dug, beds 3 and 4 partially dug except for leeks and radicchio.

Peas are up in beds 1 and 2 and all or almost all lettuce/radish etc. plantings in bed 2 are up.  4 rows of glads in bed  4. 6 broccoli and 4 cabbage set out in bed 4.

Notes for future.  I didn't get all the glads from quarter plot north last fall.  Ideally I'd strain the dirt and get them all.  The ones I missed sprouted, probably around Mar. 15 or so.  Might try replanting a couple rows of glad bulbs in the fall under leaf mulch.

Around the house, completing the second row of landscape blocks.

March 20 Status

The peas in bed 1 are showing, Lisa has lettuce in bed 2, plus radishes and spinach.  Been carrying water every day but the water troughs were righted this morning so hopefully water will be turned on.  Planted 4 or 5 rows of glads in bed 4.  Forgot the bulb planter so not sure how deep they are.  Perhaps need to add soil after they get up. 

Started spading south quarterplot, the winter greens are bolting or close.

Lisa Says: No More Seeds

She resolves not to start seeds, particularly impatiens, next year.

Weather is warm and dry (80 today), carrying water to the garden for the peas, stocks, and onion sets.  Harvesting collards etc.

Status Mar 9

Lisa planted peas and stocks in bed 1 yesterday, I watered today. (Low on rain and none in the 7-day) Bed 2  should be ready to plant Sunday. 

Got soil samples from the beds, but haven't sent them off yet.

Raising Beds

Raised the sides of beds 1 and 2 today, though still some work to be done as the old beds weren't even for their 18' length.  Bed 1 is starting to get into condition.  Weather has been above normal all winter-- the degree days are about 500 below normal (20 percent) .

Miscellaneous--Status

Finished bed I spading.  Thought I could work the soil this morning, but the low was below 32 so the clumps were still frozen.  Lisa has leeks, radicchio, mustard, kale, and collards in the garden.  About a week ago she started geranium and impatien and cabbage seeds.  Planning to buy red cabbage seedlings if hers don't sprout.

Got 4 bleeding hearts today from Merrifield, as well as onion sets.  Could have gotten caladiums, etc.

Soil Tests August 2010

From Aug 2010
Q1  needs nitrogen and sulfur  PH was 7.6
02  PH 7.3  needs nitrogen,  no sulfur
03 PH 7.5  needs sulfur and 10-10-10
04  PH  7.6 needs sulfur and  nitrogen
01  PH 7.4   needs 10-10-10

lawn  6.4  turf type fertilizer

Need to do soil tests again.