Photo: Great grandparents at their farm in Blandinsville, IL, with five of their six children .. my grandpa was yet a twinkle in grandma's eye. Stable boy and governess also pictured. Hodges farm, circa 1903-4

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

The Garden Chronicled - March 2, 2010

Yesterday was an unusual snow/frost free winter day in our neck of the woods ... so it proved to be the perfect opportunity to work outside in the oh-so-bleak gardens.  The ground is just ready to explode with abundant green life after the winter rest.  I'm sure this process will begin slowly as it's still winter ... and we could even get hit by a snow shower or two ... but for now, time to get the soil prepped.  the top three pics are of the same garden plot.  The bottom pic is located nearby.  Both gardens are carved out of sunny clearings in our backyard forest and are surrounded with wire fencing to discourage the deer and moose from dining on the produce.  Not the prettiest fence ... but it works (so far;) and is sturdy enough to use as support for climbing plants. 

5 comments:

Maria Stahl said...

If you covered the freshly turned soil with black plastic sheeting till you're ready to plant, would it help warm it a bit early?

I heard an interview with a guy on Wisc. Public Radio about people who heat their water with solar heat, and how they usually have too much heat rather than not enough, and he knows some of them who run pipes out to their garden and use the excess heat to prewarm the soil, extending their growing season by as much as a month. I was fascinated.

Mr. H. said...

Looking good, you are way ahead of me. I like the way you are using the wood logs. The soil is pretty much thawed I think, especially after the last couple of days. Are you going to plant any herbs this year?

Mrs. Mac said...

Maria ... the black plastic sounds like it would work. I'm going to put up a few row covers that I can put on/take off in a small area (just to get some lettuce growing. May plant some peas and cover them up at night under plastic milk jugs.

Mr H. Lots & Lots of herbs will be planted ... and wild flowers around the edge. If I have the energy, I will add two raised beds in between our three small fruit trees.

Troy said...

I keep itching to go out and dig in the garden, but sadly I would have to dig down about 8" just to reach the dirt.

It was over 40 degrees today though, so a lot of snow melted. A couple weeks like this and we will be off to a good start.

If you get a chance, stop by my blog and enter my giveaway, it would be a great help in your garden.

http://i-refuse-to-recede.blogspot.com/2010/03/abc-wednesday-g-is-for-giveaway.html

Chiot's Run said...

Looks GREAT. I can't wait for the snow to melt so I can get outside as well and get to work.

At least I have the sugaring to keep me busy until then!