Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Spring Garden Preparations

Last week at the cabin I did get to prepare the soil in my floating garden for spring planting. Last year at this time it was still frozen. This winter is milder, so I was able to work it up, no problem.

We went to Canadian Tire to get steer manure. It's early in the season, so we had to go out back and get it off a pallet. Half a bag went in each bed, then I used the shovel I won in the Sunset Magazine garden photo contest to turn the soil over and dig it in.

The manure helps replenish the nutrients in the soil. Now it can rest for six weeks until I do my planting in April. That way it won't burn my seeds or seedlings.

Last Fall I really cleaned out my beds. The annuals and strawberries came out and were added to my compost pile. All that remains are my herbs and asparagus. And my daffodils and hyacinths that are already poking their noses up. Mr. Bunny is trying to protect them, but someone is nibbling the tender tips.

While we were at Canadian Tire, they had Primulas on sale. I couldn't pass up those bright spots of colour. I bought four to add to my planters on the deck. I didn't realize they are perennials. Most of my Primulas from last year survived the winter right in the planters. They are small, but look like they will come back again.

Gardening is one of my favourite things to do on a sunny (or even partially sunny) day. It's a hint of the pleasures of summer days to come. - Margy

4 comments:

  1. I just love seeing your greens, spring comes so much earlier to you. Today I'm watching curling while it hails outside.

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  2. Guess that's why we get so many people wanting to retire in our town. Even though jobs are fewer, our population has remained the same over the last ten years. - Margy

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  3. I wish I had a green thumb. I love your floating garden Margy. It's so cool! The only thing I am good at when It comes to gardening is the eating part!

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  4. Heather - I just learn as I go. Some things work and I do them again, some don't and I just either try a different way or give up on that kind of produce. Try a few pots. One I really like (and it's so easy) is Scarlet runner beans. Lots of green leaves, beautiful red flowers that hummingbirds love, and tasty beans. I grow mine in a half 55 gallon barrel and train them up on a trellis I got at the nursery. - Margy

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy