It never fails, we get one really nice sunny day up here in Washington and before you know it I’m rushing outside to transplant seedlings. And this time of year, it’s a total crapshoot.
If we get another cold snap, all the seedlings will die a horrible death. But, if the weather stays decent, I’ll totally be ahead of the game. And even though I know the odds are about 50/50 I still do it every year. 😉
Yesterday I transplanted broccoli starts to the center of 8 wire cages. I planted peas around the edges of the cages last week and am waiting for them to pop up through the soil anyday now. I figure by the time early June rolls around both the peas and broccoli will be ready to harvest and then I’ll be able to plant something else in their spot. 
Check out the leeks. Aren’t they gorgeous? Too pretty to harvest if you ask me. 
And take a look all the garlic. Whoa Momma! The big ones in the center of the bed is elephant garlic. 
Red onions. I’ll be sharing a little more about these later in the week. Typically I like to grow 3 types of onions. Red {for salsa}, Walla Walla {for salads and sandwiches} and Yellow onions {for cooking}. I’m sure they are a gazillion different varieties I could try, but I like to stick to what I know goes best in my garden.
My backyard garden. It’s not much, but it’s a start. Before you know it all those raised garden boxes will be full of vegetables. Yee-Haw… the light at the end of the tunnel is finally here. 🙂
Spring – Bring it on!
~Mavis
Janet W. says
RE broccoli: Last year I left my plants in the garden after I cut the big main stem in the middle. I had little shoots through the summer until we had a killing frost. They will continue to produce small side shoots, so don’t dig them up so soon.
sharon says
when you are ready to harvest the leeks, dont remove them from the round. Cut then off 1 inch above the soil and they will grow again for you
Karen at A Glimpse Into My Reveries says
I like the idea of planting peas around a broccoli starts!
Does it help hide them from cabbage moths?
Which variety of pea is short enough for such a short trellis?
Nikki says
Mavis: i have to tell you my own brassica story: I’m in the PacNW too, but a few hundred feet above sea level, so my brassicas aren’t getting planted out till next week. I am hardening them off right now outside, so at dusk I went to take them from their nice sunny but cold spot next to the chicken yard into their cozy coldframe, and I missed the BIG RAT lurking behind the tray! EEEEK!!! In all honesty, I think he was more freaked out than I was, but still!
I love my chickens, but I HATE their squeaky little admirers. I have a cat to try and keep the population in check, but he’s been sleeping on the job, i guess. Have you had any problems with squeakers visiting the chicken coop?
Mavis Butterfield says
No mice, but we do get coons and hawks everyone in awhile. 🙁