"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Monday, February 27, 2017

The Winter That Wasn't


Though it might not be over yet, I think the end of winter is nigh.  Yay!  Spring is my favorite season. Only a few daffodils are open, but I'll take them.  Today I am planting more seeds in peat pots, though I haven't had good results with that.  They either have a damping off or aren't warm enough or something.  Going to try again anyway.  I found these teeny tomato seeds about the size of pearls that I had a few years ago. They are a bite bursting with flavor.  I hope some of them grow.  

I bought two raised beds for the city house.  They are waist high and I put them on either side of the house to see which one gets more sun.  Vegetables need at least 6 hours of sun per day.  There isn't anywhere else here for vegetables, so I'm giving it a shot.

This weekend I bought the weenies a pup stroller and we used it this morning.  They were too nervous to enjoy it, but hopefully will as we do it more often.  At least it got me out for a walk.  I've spent the winter being a slug and I hope to change that.  

Hope this week finds you out in the garden with lots of sunshine.

34 comments:

helen tilston said...

Hello Donna, I share your love for Spring too. I love the sounds of those pearl size tomatoes, I can almost taste them. Have a great week
Helen xx

Out on the prairie said...

I have a tray for soil that fits in a tray to fill with water and just start rows of tomatoes. I transplant into bigger pots when they get a first real leaf.I have a tool to make newspaper 2 1/4" pots I put in trays. I use a soilless starting medium and water from the bottom, just filling the water trays. For lighting I use a 4 ft double bulb shop light on a adjustable chain. I keep it 1 " above the plants. I plant 6-10 varieties each year to have lots of flavors and color.

Sandra Cox said...

Good for you for getting out and walking. Hope those tomato seeds make it. I've got little pepper plants growing in the house. First time I've ever tried it. We'll see how that goes.

ellen abbott said...

yep, here too. been shoveling dirt for two days and still haven't got it all out of the truck. bought a yard but it isn't enough. the bed is about 2/3 full.

Joanne Noragon said...

I'm out looking, between silly bursts of snow. Looking at all the bulbs popping up, I realize I forgot aconites. On my list for fall.

Michelle said...

I am looking forward to some planting, but not until the 1st of May, around here. I am also trying to get out more. Was a bit of a slug myself, this winter!

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

I used to start my own seeds, but now I just buy seedlings at the garden centre. I would love to see a picture of that pup stroller with your pets in it! -Jenn

donna baker said...

Hello to you too Helen. The tomatoes are just the perfect size and so flavorful. Territorial Seeds catalogue is where I found them. Great seed catalogue. Hope your week is wonderful too.

donna baker said...

I just put them in a sunny window so maybe they need more heat. Tomatoes are my favorite things in the summer garden. At the farm the deer eat them and we have something in the soil which makes them keel over after large green tomatoes form.

donna baker said...

I almost got lost, but we'll go again today. Hopefully, we'll find new places to go, but for now, I'm just staying on the sidewalks and going where I know.

donna baker said...

It does seem like there is never enough. I bought some bags that are too big to handle. Lesson learned.

donna baker said...

Can't wait to see yours. Did you say once that you used creeping thyme for a ground cover?

donna baker said...

I need to plant bulbs and seeds for that's all the room I have. Has anyone used Preen?

donna baker said...

Okay Jenn. They spent the entire time turned backward looking at me. I went when I know there wouldn't be lots of people strolling with their dogs as Sister will bark her head off (nip if she could.) There is netting enclosing them.

jerilanders said...

I'm thrilled over this puny winter... gone! We barely used any propane this year. I'm finding all manner of plant life sprouting up through the garden earth. It should be really interesting for you, in the new city house, to see what surprises await in your gardens.

donna baker said...

Yes Jeri, glad for a mild winter. I only have room to plant bulbs in the spring before everything fills in. I put down Preen this year as the former owner said she did Feb. 1st each year to take care of the weeds. I'm afraid to put out seeds as I think the Preen keeps those from coming up. Not sure how Preen works yet. Will probably have to start seeds in pots then transplant while still small. Ground is so dry I am going to have to start the sprinkler system.

Sandra Cox said...

I hope it really is spring...(Love your heading;) I keep a wary eye out.

donna baker said...

I know. Unusually warm which makes me worry about a very hot summer. We are already in drought conditions. Many years ago, we had a foot of snow in March. That would not make me happy were it to happen again.

La Table De Nana said...

I can just imagine you w/the pup stroller..one day at our lake/beachfront..a girl w/ 3 chihuahuas..had all 3 in one..very cute..
love your flower arrangement.
I hate peat pots and will never use them again..they dry out..roots don't prosper.
I saved my yogurt pots and will poke holes..the pearls sounfd great!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

I grow my Morning Glory seeds in peat pots, and they do very well, last year I made my own from rolled up newspaper.
I can just imagine you walking with the pup stroller, it's a sweet idea.
Your raised beds sound like something I would be interested in, I could put fencing around to stop the 'you know what' from eating the contents !!
Ooh dear.
Hugs,
~Jo

donna baker said...

I just haven't had luck potting seeds. Have to direct seed them when the weather warms or buy them already growing. They sure know how to grow them in peat pots but they sell for $3.98 a pot so too expensive. We went again this morning and they still weren't having a blast, but I'll keep trying.

donna baker said...

One is a basket weave patterned plastic from Sams for $81.99. The other was from Wal Mart and is red cedar. It was $144.00 and I'm hoping it will turn gray. They also now have them on wheels so you can move them. Gardeners Supply Co. at gardeners.com has some great ones, but I just got the catalog today :(

RachelD said...

Weenie strollers! Jonquils in a brown eggshell! Tee-ninecy berry-sized tomatoes! Oh, my you're giving SPRING on all levels.

We had a bit of a lightning storm last night, which surprised me, for we'd been in the fifties all day.

I've got all the sheers and Battenburg valances down and laundered, and we're washing blinds and re-hanging things today. That's a great start, for me.

r

donna baker said...

That is a great start. I wish you would come help me. I just scrubbed all the bathrooms and had to come sit down. Shouldn't, but did. Big blow here last night - cold front - so must have moved your way. No rain or thunder, just wind. Only part of spring I don't like. Keep up the good work. It inspires me.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm trying to decide when to move my seedlings outside...
Have a great one, Donna.

donna baker said...

Oh, I've been caught too many times then a freeze. Our last freeze date is April 15th, but Mother Nature didn't know that.

Mary said...

Getting chilly again here for the weekend - I'm nervous for my azaleas as they are opening pink buds this morning after heavy rain last night, much too early. Don't want a freeze!!!!!

donna baker said...

When it gets to 70's during the day, there should be no more freezes. My law of weather. You have a good climate and earlier than mine. I am chomping at the bit to plant.

Sandra Cox said...

I love your daffodil vase. What a perky picture.
YOU have a great one:)

donna baker said...

Oh thank you Sandra. When I had chickens, I also used the eggs to sprout seeds. That, and good source of calcium for the chickens.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Second year in a row we have hardly had winter. I feel like I am living in Arizona. I need raised beds too! I need things right under my nose to keep an eye on them. So dry here. Your daffy's in the eggshell is full of charm!

donna baker said...

And your house is full of charm Jacqueline. I'm going to like these planters.

Ry @ Sotto Il Monte Vineyards said...

We had one really deep freeze at my house. I was in Arizona and came back many dead plants that I will have to replant. Looking forward to springtime.

donna baker said...

Oh no. It got down to 27 last night. It is so dry, I've been wanting to turn the sprinkler system on, but I have to make sure it won't freeze for a couple of nights. I am chomping at the bit to get started.