Kick starting the garden

Spring finally arrived, and we've been quite fortunate thus far this year. Nearly every weekend in April has been dry, and sometimes, it's even been warm. We've not been sitting all soggy from rain and lamenting the weather. Maybe this means we'll have a stellar summer as well- here's hoping for it!

Last spring brought non-stop rain and cooler weather-that's just a big welcome party for slugs to come and eat all of your delicate little seedlings. And they did, more than once. It took me a bit to realize that's what was happening; I thought my green thumb had turned black or the soil was to blame. Given these challenges, I decided to hedge my bets earlier this season with starting some crops in big planters. In early April, I started lettuce, chard, spinach, beets and carrots in pots. Sectioned off some growing areas to help with planning a more structured space this year, and admired the over-wintered onions and garlic that seemed to be doing well.

Last weekend, with the temperatures reaching mid-seventies (in April! so happy!), I tempted fate and got some crops into the bare ground. After weeding and spreading compost, I seeded beets and carrots and planted some leek starts. A few additions to the herb section of the plot (dill, more thyme and tarragon) and the garden was holding promise for the season. Come on Seattle- keep those glorious sunny warm days coming...