Down Mulberry Lane

The Garden...it's time...

We are finally beginning to think about the garden.  It seems late, but with the cold weather and late snows... we hadn't had a chance to get out into the garden and get working on it. 

I see my rhubarb is starting to pop out of the ground.  I hope to split a couple of those bunches and give the roots some room to spread out once again.  The rhubarb did not put out too well and after talking to some seasoned rhubarb growers, they said that if you pick heavily from them, the roots can get bound.  They just need to be split so they have room to spread once again.  So that is my plan for this spring... to split my rhubarb patches up a bit.  Now if I can just find a tool strong enough to do that... last year I broke a handle on my pitchfork trying... I was hoping that perhaps spring is a better time to do it.  It is to rain for a few days straight, so hopefully that will soften the ground to get me into it easier.

Dh tilled the garden.  It took him a while, but he got it done today.  It will rain good this week and he'll likely need to till again before I plant so it is once again soft enough for me to move it around. 

I went to the garden store and bought some seeds and onion sets.  I spent $24.  I was feeling guilty when I realized I was buying groceries and how much money would I likely be saving... a whole bunch more, I hope!  The plan for this year is to harvest as much as possible out of the garden.   I'm sure it will be a trying year, but I hope to can and freeze in abundance.  I thought I did alot of beans and applesauce last year, but we've run out of applesauce a couple months ago and I only have 3 pints of green beans left.  Only a few tomatoes as well.  NOt likely to make it even until this years harvest.  I'm trying to make a pantry plan and a better menu plan so I can actually make sure I will make it the entire year with the harvest... after we've gotten our fill, we plan to bless others with extra veggies and fruits that we have grown. 

I'm looking forward to the garden.  Has anyone tried the garbage can potatoes?  I'd like to try growing them this year if only I had some directions on where to place the can... drainage needed, etc.  If anyone has any suggestions... I'd love to hear them!

Warmly, ~Melissa

have fun

8:22 PM, April 23, 2008 .. Posted by blessingsbaound

with your garden. I love working in the garden!! I have never tried the potatoes in a garbage can. I would be interested in hearing how that works out if you do it. Have a great week! Love, Mrs. Joseph Wood

Untitled Comment

6:13 PM, April 27, 2008 .. Posted by reginaclarejane

You have a lovely blog here! I just joined homesteadblogger and it seems like a wonderful group of people. Gardening has never been one of my strong suits, but I love hearing about (and seeing) the wonderful results other people have!
Blessings to you!