Before the creeping crocuses stick their heads out of the frigid earth to alert us to the fact that Spring is here, it is time to do a little Spring planning!
The Chef being an avid gardener has lived by the same planting calendar for more years than he cares to admit (especially as his birthday soon approaches). When we lived in the US - he had to start his tomato seeds by Valentines day and the rest of his garden by St. Patricks Day. Some things could be planted (outdoors) by 'Mothering Sunday' but for the most part it was Memorial Day weekend (usually last weekend in May) before he took the chance - incase of a final cold snap.
Alot of this timing has to do with what hardiness zone you live in. Now that we are in Zone 9 we can start 'seed setting' right now and will be planting a lot of items outdoors no later than St. Patricks Day. OF course because he has the Polytunnel (http://www.polytunnelsireland.ie/index.html) he can grow a lot of hardy winter crops all year round like rocket/arugula, cabbage, carrots, parsnip, turnip, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary etc.
Living in Europe - click here:
or for those living in America
On my 'wish list' this year is perpetual garlic, onions and spinach. The kids want strawberries and lots and lots of flowers. Ron is more inclined to plant an edible garden so I see a lot of colourful nasturciums in our future.
Seeing as there are a few more weeks of winter to suffer through before the ice melts for some, spend a little time taking care of your feathered friends. Around here they behave like they have not eaten in months and are scavengers when it comes to feeding time. Feeding the birds need not be an expensive hobby as they are quite happy to get your stale bread or cereal, and it is one of the most enjoyable passtimes we enjoy with the kids - absolutley free and right outside our back door!
That is all the WiseWords I have for today,
WiseMóna
2 Comments:
Love the european zones link Mona, Spring is some way off here yet
I know - same with our friends in the US. Even inside the polytunnel today it was lovely. Freezing ( - 8) outside and yet the ground is not too cold to kill the veggies!
Post a Comment