The flowering cherry trees, which line the road in front of the garden, are in full bloom. This year, they are particularly spectacular because the weather has been benign. The honey bees have had several hours of warm weather and dry enough to take advantage of the nectar and pollen the blooms provide. They have also been busy pollinating the plum blossoms.
Garden Herbs
We have more herbs back in production. We are harvesting sprigs of mint. Yesterday, we harvested tarragon for the first time this year. Chives are growing well, and we are harvesting them. The rosemary is looking better. Sage and thyme are slow to break dormancy. We will replace the plants that did not survive the 10-degree days and nights. It was too cold for their liking.
The French sorrel is vigorous and growing well. We will start harvesting this week.
Peas
The peas are up two weeks to the day since we planted them. We removed their black plastic blanket, installed wire hoops, and covered everything with a frost blanket row cover. We expect to harvest in May/June.
Every year, we harvest pea shoots from the peas that are part of the cover crop. There are finally enough of them that we can start harvesting in limited amounts.
Perennial Flower Beds
We had enough dry days that the soil dried enough for us to weed without damaging the soil structure. So, we weeded all of the perennial flower beds and applied compost in preparation for a productive growing season.
Broccoli
We continue to harvest the overwintered sprouting broccoli. All of it is purple, but only one variety of the four we planted is actually named “Purple Sprouting Broccoli.” That one is the last to produce. It will come into production in the next few weeks.
The Greens Bubbler
We are enjoying the greens bubbler because we use it for all sorts of produce. It is way more efficient, thorough, and less messy than our previous methods. If you come out to the garden, we will be glad to demonstrate!
-Anna
