Garden Planning

Winter is only getting going, but spring will be here before I know it and I need to start preparing for the next growing season.  I have made some tentative plans of where I want to plant things this year, but that always changes a little when it comes down to the actual planting of crops in the dirt.  I usually try to work out the big picture first and the details will follow in due time.

I did want to try a few new crops this year, so I made some changes to my garden rotation to accommodate the new additions.  I will definitely be planting fewer cucumbers this year since I am still inundated with pickles from last summer's pickling marathon.  I also think I will skip planting cabbage in the fall since I can never get it to head up before it becomes over run by aphids or below freezing temperatures.  My new additions will be a few different kinds of peppers and tomatillos.  I also want to try growing some honeydew type melons and a new variety of winter squash.

Most of the garden will be started from seed so I will need to start some things very early to ensure that they have enough time to reach maturity before the growing season ends.  The things I start indoors are usually celery, peppers, broccoli and tomatoes.  I am going to add tomatillos to that list if they do well this year and if I have enough room under my grow lights I may start a few of the melons early as well.  Most everything else will be direct seeded outside once the temps are steadily above freezing.

I am in the process of getting my seed starting area cleaned up and soon I will be filling the pots with dirt and seeds.  Soon the hope for another great garden season will be happily growing in my kitchen.

Bringing In the New Year

2019 began with a snowstorm that dropped an unusual amount of snow on this high desert landscape.  The pure white blanket that covered the earth made for a beautiful little hike to help bring in the new year.  It was a gentle reminder of how a new year can mark a fresh start.  The slate can be wiped clean and if things aren't going the way you had hoped, this is just a chance to begin again.  May your journeys be all that you can dream them to be.