Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Playing Chicken with Mother Nature

Last year we were fortunate to have an early spring, and planted the first seeds in the garden on March 28.  This year, the garden was still covered in snow on March 28 (This is the winter that never ends…it just goes on and on my friend…).  I’m not saying we were impatient or anything, but Jason actually considered using the snowplow on the garden to try to thaw it out a little faster. 
On April 9, we decided to take a big chance on Mother Nature’s mood, and planted the first seeds of spring:  spinach, radishes, swiss chard, green onions and pak choi.  Potatoes, bulb onions and peas followed the next weekend.   These are crops that can be planted “as soon as the soil can be worked.”  But in addition to being thawed out enough, the ground also has to be dry enough to keep the seeds from rotting before they sprout.  In practical terms, when you can squeeze a fistful of soil in your hand and have it break apart, it is dry enough. 
Last week we saw the first tiny green signs of life in the garden and for a while, it looked like we might be in the clear.  Sadly, the future is now looking white.  And cold.  Snow is in the forecast, so we’ve tucked the tender plants in for the night, under a thin “blanket” of woven material to hopefully protect them from the crazy weather.  Oh, merciful Mother Nature…please let our leafy greens live to see another sunrise!