Root Crops

Did you know onions are to be planted on the "dark of the moon"?  Well, Monday is the day and my sets are ready to go!  Can't wait for sweet onion slices on big fat hamburgers!

Potatoes, red and russet, will go in the ground on in Monday also.  It will be a busy day!  Those little eyes are "scabbing"  over right now.  The scabbing process helps ensure healthy eyes that don't rot once in the ground.  Potatoes take around 90 to 120 days to mature so I will probably get in two crops this year.  I just love these early springs, but I am not foolish enough to start above ground crops as yet.  I do believe we might have a frost or two before this winter is officially over.

I did get my greens planted last week and can already taste those fresh turnip greens and a large slice of cornbread, but the pot lickker is this best part.

Until next time  . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

My World in April

Only a few days left before we see whether or not or diligence has paid off and we are blessed with new chicks.  The process hasn't really been that bad, but has been a little inconvenient having to turn the eggs three times a day. 

Wouldn't you know it, one of our hens has gone back to brooding (sitting) on her eggs.  It would have been nice if she had decided to do this 20 days ago.  Anyway, that means I will be doing without her eggs for a few weeks, but I have two more hens that have started laying regularly.

Plan on getting some tomatoes and pepper plants in this weekend in between yard selling and visiting with my grandchildren.  My potaoes are growing profusely and the beets, beans, squash, and lettuce are all showing their little heads and the rain scheduled for tomorrow will not only provided relief from the pollen, but also give these little guys a much needed drink.  After the weekend I will put the okra in as the ground will not only be moist but warm enough for the temperamental okra seeds to sprout.  I do believe those little okra seeds have a thermometer stuck in them and they refuse to take action until it reaches the ideal temperature - maybe I should put them in the incubator.

My hostas and canna lillies have started poking their beautiful green foliage through the ground and I am anxious to see how well they multiplied in their first year.  I will dig them up and separate in the fall, but I usually let them rest in the first year.  I do believe I managed to kill my asparagus fern by dividing this spring.  Usually, an asparagus fern needs to be divided each spring by removing from the pot and cutting into four equal pie shaped and then replanting in fresh potting soil.  I noticed when I divided my two pots, the roots were extremely spongy so I was unsure whether they would make it or not.  I should have seen some new growth by now as it has been almost two weeks since I divided and re-potted.  I may need to start over with the ferns.

In all my 50 years in dealing with plants, I have never been able to grow Aloe.  I know, everyone says it is the easiest thing in the world to grow, but up until this year I could kill it by thinking about it.  My dear sister gave me several plants when I requested some droppings from her Chandelier cactus (fern).  A story in itself as to how she came about having this unusual, but beautiful plant, but I seemed to have left mine exposed during an early cold snap year before and wanted to start some more.  Not only did sis bless me with many baby cactus, but gifted me with many, many Aloe. 

I tried something different and am well pleased with the results.  I took a couple of fish bowls, poured sand in the bottom to about 2 inches, adding 3-4 inches of potting soil, then watering until the potting soil is damp (not wet) once a week.  The aloe has flourished in these bowls and they make a beautiful centerpiece.  The fronds lift out of the bowl and spread.  I added a few small animals to the bowls which has become a favorite topic of conversation. 

Time for me to get a move on it.  I am making some pretty halter tops and vests to go in my online shop (http://www.clairescollections.etsy.com/), but that will have to wait until after my yard sale this weekend.  Keep your eyes open I may have something just for you listed soon.  I hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping in!

Happy reading!
Belle

Spring is Coming!

If I say that enough, maybe it will come on!  Check the weather for our area this morning and guess what 3 days of 50 degree weather, followed by another cold week.  But no rain, except for Monday, so-o-o I cut my potatoes so they can cure and I can finally get them planted.  I had read that it was best to allow the cuts on the potatoes to "scab" over to prevent rot.  I had never heard this before and have previously just cut and planted.  Maybe this will mean more as well as healthier plants. 

I know I am late in my planting,  but according to my friends planting chart I should be able to plant on the 1st through the 6th of March.  That will give the little cuts 10 days to cure before going in the now soggy ground.  I tried to test the ground last week.  I dug a little hole which immediately filled with water.  My little potato eyes wouldn't stand a chance, so I have postponed until the ground can dry a bit and warm up a little.

I am so anxious to see new green growth I can hardly stand it.  Even the chickens are no laying regular.  Guess their little tushes get cold trying to push those eggs out.  Can't much blame them.  Chickens actually need so many hours of sun a day to be productive layers and we definitely have been lacking in getting sunshine.

I still have much pruning to do.  Yes, I am behind on that too, but I have an aversion to not only cold, but wet weather.  Combine the two and I become non-functional. 

I want to insert a request before I bid you farewell for today.  The season is always in for giving and supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation.  It is coming on the time for the wonderful efforts of the many "relays for life".  As a breast cancer survivor I would much appreciate all the support you can give in any of these efforts whether it be time, money, or some other venue.  But right now you can click on the breast cancer awareness site and "click" for free mamograms.  There have been tremendous strides in the fight against all cancers. Any and all support is greatly appreciated!

Time to move forward and get myself in gear. Thanks for dropping by.

Happy reading!
Belle