There’s a reason I have not posted in a week. I’ve been completely dorking out on growing food. Organizing my seeds, planning my plot; standing in my yard, staring at the weedy brown mess and feeling like I could levitate on hope alone.
We established our garden space last May and I sporadically and fanatically tucked some seeds and starts into the soil, completely ignoring the half of the plot that contained weeds growing like, well, weeds. I regularly told myself to take care of the jungle before they went to seed but every time I had time to get in there, I decidedly turned to the tomatoes that needed propping, the beans that needed picking.
And so the season ended, the weeds fell from full attention to a winter’s nap. They awoke this month with a little posse of weed babies cheerfully waving at the lengthening days. While I wish I’d yanked the roots last summer, I am kind of happy I waited because I am SO MOTIVATED this spring. There is no place I’d rather be than in my garden with my dog, chickens and kids; dreaming with every weed yank, smiling with every unearthed worm; my husband floating in and out of vision, tools swinging on hips, working on his own projects inside our home.
A few weeks ago I opened the door to the garden shed to find that our resident squirrel had been at it again. I thought I’d closed all the holes but he found a way in and managed to, for the third time, fill every single corner, shelf and vessel with pinecones. I decided to make peace with it. He works so hard to get all those pinecones in there. We shall live with towers of pinecones and a chatty rodent who screams at me when I enter *his* home.
I found my seeds under a pinecone pile and moved the boxes out to our picnic table. Moments later, homeboy was giving me the squirrelly middle finger via high cackles and showing of teeth. We had a conversation where I told him he could keep his stash in my shed but he had to know that I would need to be in and out of there. He seemed to understand.
I didn’t buy any seeds this year, determined to use up what I’ve got. True, germination rates decrease over the years but I planted four seeds per 4-inch pot and will thin and repot as needed.
I planted tomato, melon, bean, squash, onion and kale with rotating companionship.
They will stay in the sunroom until after our last frost, sometime in mid-May.Seed starts in the sunroom!!! I have been looking forward to this since we first laid eyes on this house!
<< GARDEN TIME INTERRUPTED FOR PAPA BIRTHDAY >>
This man.
He turned 35. We made a supremely chocolatey cake that I am thankful is no longer in my home for I am certain I would be eating just one more sliver until I reached a cocoa coma. It was ugly. And it was SO good.
This last weekend, on a spring-warmed day, I set my attention to garden prep in a big way. I dug and pulled for hours and ended the day with a glass of Sangiovese and half my plot ready to receive seeds. Um, yes, it’s the half that I’d already worked last year. The weedy Jenga puzzle still lies locked under a leaf mulch camouflage, waiting for my maniacal swing of the hoe.
That little bit o’ green on the left? Our strawberry patch.
Studying millipedes and worms
I’ve yet to plant seeds but will today. As soon as soil is thawed and dry enough to be worked (you don’t want to work with muddy soil too much as you smoosh beneficial bugs and microbes) I plant peas, arugula, lettuce, spinach. So, in our zone 4, I sow these early-season seeds mid-March, with another round planted in April.
What are you up to in your plots or planters or window sills? What will you grow?
:: :: ::
I am feeling uneasy about kindergarten. Simply, it doesn’t feel right to imagine being apart from my daughter five days a week. In this week’s mama digs, I published an essay I wrote when Margot was eight weeks old. I’m listening to the words of my five-years-ago self. Click to read mama digs: oh change. Also, there’s a wonderful conversation happening over on my facebook page about this transition.
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Yay for it being time to start gardening in Missoula! I’m planting peas, spinach and salad greens, too. Happy Birthday to Andy. I think ugly cakes always taste the BEST! My oldest started kindergarten this year and it’s great. I do miss him during the day but the full-time school experience has been wonderful. He’s learning so much, so fast! Give it a shot. Like you said, you can always switch up if it doesn’t feel right for Margot and your family.
“I am feeling uneasy about kindergarten. Simply, it doesn’t feel right to imagine being apart from my daughter five days a week.”
There’s a reason for this…I don’t think we SHOULD be apart from our little ones for so many hours, so many days a week. You don’t have to send her away. You can homeschool her. You have so much you could teach her right there in your beautiful, creative home…they will be gone the rest of their lives. These are the only moments we have with them when they still want to be with us.
Ironically enough, I have been poring over my seed catalog for hours today! I am so nervous to plant, because I have never done it before- I have spent three hours agonizing over which tomatoes will be the best choice. You see, I only have a small balcony and space to plant two tomato plants- only TWO! A lot of pressure in choosing the perfect ones, let me tell you. I usually feel super confident about my abilities and my capacity to learn new things, but gardening is one of those things that I want to do so badly but feel zero confidence in. I hope it comes someday! Good luck on your planting, Nici! Can’t wait to see that garden as the summer progresses!
Yay, thank you for this post. I was hoping you would give us gardening details!
How can it be that in Missoula it’s time to plant but in Iowa we’re still ankle deep in snow? I’m glad I can garden vicariously through you until it’s my turn!
Ah, I wish I had half your energy right now! And I’m so envious of your half-ready-to-go garden! Mine is requires some (much needed) overhaul before I plant this year. Basically two years of lying fallow was probably good for it, but not great for my back. 😉
I mostly agree with April’s comment above about how we are separated from our little ones so much – but my perspective is colored by first working part-time and then a year of working full-time away from my munchkin. I missed him so much it hurt. I was home schooled up until high school (mixed feelings about it) – and so my husband and I are struggling with the preschool question right now. However, there’s a lot to be said for trying something and seeing if it works, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. You’re certainly very adept at working with that!
This is my favorite time of year! (And it should be noted that I say that same thing at almost *every* time of year…). Dirt under my nails, sore muscles, and a million hopes for our garden-to-be are motivation and excitement around here! Can’t wait to see the progression and successes of your garden, too!
Oh, Nici, I love the photo of the squirrel, Alice, and the cake on the deck.
Your soil is looking good. I haven’t broke ground yet in the garden, but we started some tomato and lavender seeds so far setting in the kitchen window. Jolie spotted the first growth a few days ago and we are so excited! I didn’t get to garden last year because of my heart and being completely wiped out for a while. My Grandaddy passed away the day after Christmas a year ago and he always had a huge garden. Always searching for heirloom seeds and plants. This year is going to be special. I’m going to try to pull off the best one yet for me and my Grandaddy. Also for my Gammy, my best friend, who is still here with me and loves it all as much as I do. I always meditate when I’m gardening, mowing, pulling weeds. Whether I mean to or not. Good medicine, it is. Love it.
Not sure why I just told you all that. It flew from my fingers. I know what it is though. You’re a good energy with a big love for family, real food, and earth. Thanks for being you.
Here’s to Spring and getting dirty.
-Angie
what a great garden space you have created! as fellow missoulians we also recently planted seeds. they have already begun poking through the soil and it’s oh so satisfying and exciting. i’m glad to hear that someone else talks to squirrels and other such animals 🙂
I’m so happy for you starting your gardening season! I am envious of your big open garden! Ours is in three parts combined because we’ve expanded over the years. And I’m always nervous as to when to start!
Felt the same way about my first baby going off to kindergarten. It was an awkward change for us but after we got into a groove we both realized it was needed for personal growth. I knew I had to let him spread his wings and experience some independence. But it’s not easy for us mamas, that’s for sure 🙂
,,,cheers to gardens in the making, squirrels who just wanna have fun, sangiovese as a reward (or just because) 35th birthdays and chocolate cake! oh i miss my garden in DC (sad),,,
Oh I love the view from your veggie patch! We are just beginning to look for our first house and the image I keep returning to is very like that. A veggie patch. A lawn. A view. Space to breathe and grow. I’m a little envious!
Taking it easy with a CSA share this year because I’m growing a little melon due in late July. I can see why many home school, especially as my daughter enters middle school, but the teachers she has spent her days with have been such an important , loving part of her life, I can’t imagine her without those experiences.
I just planted last weekend here in Florida. Bush beans, wax beans, a whole assortment of peppers and melons. Also trying my hand at carrots this year. We’ll see how it all goes.
I really like your blog. A lot. And your kids seem awesome.
There is nothing about leaving your kids (especially little new babies)with someone you don’t know well that as a mom you “should” feel comfortable with. Your feelings are natural and uneasy but you should keep riding it or maybe not leave them? Honestly I was hoping you guys would homeschool- not like I actually know you or anything or you care what I think- but come on you have a really popular blog. I like to think of you guys doing your thing all family style hardcore together all day long. Anyways I’d like to read about you guys. Happy week.
Im so excited to see your garden grow! Im relatively new to gardening but im more motivated than ever this year!
Spring is in the air! Yes, it’s time to get moving on those garden beds- thanks for the reminder. I love your compromise with Mr. Squirrel regarding his storage. We were at war with a nutria several years back (ugh) and the battle was ugly- he raided our raised beds and stole laundry off the line. (He won.)
My oldest went to kindergarten this year. I was iffy about it at first, but it’s been the best thing for him in terms of confidence and new friendships. I find that I actually enjoy his independence and so does he. That said, each kid is different so I’ll be curious to see what you end up doing. As an earlier commenter said, you can always start kinder and see how it goes…
I’ve totally got the spring planting fever too, and the not-leaving-my-kids for 35 hours/week fever also. (And some other fevers too, if you must know). I know you’re going to grow something beautiful in the garden , in your life.
We started our seeds last weekend too. Nearly everything is indoors, but moving we’re them outside this weekend after we finish building our hoop houses!
Do you have any issues with your chickens getting into your garden? We have a 3 foot fence on one side (the other sides either have a 6 ft or 8 ft fence, or our house) and they are always flying over it! Any suggestions? We don’t mind them in there once it’s established, but they ravage the seedlings.
You darlings need a rototiller. Gosh, I have such a hankering to see y’all. I have yet to see the house. Missoula seems forever away. xoxo
THE only plotting I am doing is dreaming of seeing anything green!! I know it is there, somewhere beneath the 2 feet of snow on the ground….a tropical 12 degrees right now!
LOVE…..
~ Your plot as it thickens!
~ Margot & Ruby….gardening in Tutus, sizing up worms!
~ YOU
~ Alice!
~ Birthday Boy
and ~ “weed babies”
xoxo, your ever lovin’ mama!
I love that you and your squirel have come to an agreement! I have recently learned that you can cut the end off a bunch of celery, soak the end in warm water for a few hours, plant, water and it will regrow. So far I am regrowing three bunches and they seem to be coming up fine. I may never have to go any farther than my window sill to get celery and I am really excited about that.
1. The deer. The deer cause me such agony in gardening. I’ve been pinning things about growing 40 pounds of potatoes in a planter but the deer… they come right up the porch steps, stroll by the dining room window and go down three steps to the enclosed deck… and eat my spinach. I have 5 freakin’ acres and I can’t grow a garden. They broke down the dog run. Seriously. A HERD of them coordinated and rammed both ends and broke off the posts. Fortunately the dog rarely leaves the couch but still….. End rant.
2. steel wool and spray foam. It keeps the mice out of my shed. Just jam the crannies full of steel wool and then seal with spray foam.
3. Grade K. What everyone else said. Even the ones that contradict each other. It will be right.
4. The weeds. Have you considered covering the area with black plastic and letting the weeds cook themselves? Then cover with layers of cardboard and go for some “lasagna” gardening? Or go after it with the hoe and call it a core workout. Snow outside today but you are making me feel so inspired……
I love this comment so much! Thanks.
1. Oh mama. The deer! They can be so annoying. My husband listened to an amazing podcast about deer fencing study where the ONE HUNDRED PERCENT deer-proof conclusion was two three-foot fences, two feet apart. They won’t jump it.
2. Huh. Awesome.
3. Couldn’t love this anymore! Rad.
4. I have. But it would take a season to do it right and I am enjoying the work. What you said about the core workout! Rings true here. It’s all about perspective.
THAT is a beautiful sight. I am so charmed by your new garden and that sunroom – what magic 🙂
I’m sowing tomatoes, peppers, melons and cucumbers indoors for my first official plant sales in April and all kinds of greens and peas outdoors for our household. Plus our new hopyard went in last weekend. Go homebrew!
I’m positively drunk on spring.
I started chile seeds and basil two weeks ago on a heat mat–the basil was up in 4 days, the chiles in 7. I’ll start almost everything else around April 1. Last year in Minneapolis at this time, I had crocus in bloom and buds on the tree peony. This year: still getting snow, and the WC today was -5. That tree peony has snow up to her hips–i.e., half-way up the plant. But, I’ll go XC skiing Thursday and in about 3 weeks, things will be coming up at a more normal time.
thx this post made me laugh, everything from the squirrel to the random birthday man!
we also have a squirrel that tells us off non stop, especially in august as there are over 50 wild hazelnut trees on the acreage and of course they are ALL his ( I have given up that battle, as much as it pains me to not have homemade nutella from foraged hazelnuts).
super exciting that it is seeding time! we started onions, leeks and herbs in feb and now we have tomatoes, cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower and peppers on the go. last week we transplanted some favas, komatsuna and peas into the garden under mini hoop tunnels (some experimental gardening to add another month to our growing season!)
happy planting! super glad you have chickens to eat the weeds! I was too preggy and lazy for the fall garden clean up, and I left kale, collards and swiss chard in the ground and guess what!? they are ALL sprouting new leaves right now! it will be some of the first food we get to eat out of the garden, super exciting!!
Hey, even ugly cakes have feelings….(dark, chocolate, buzzy styled ones, but still).
So far I’ve only divided some muther-sized ornamental grasses, and turned over my compost pile (gleefully, it was crammed with worms); I love finding that type of gold. I already have garlic sprouting, and hopefully by the weekend, we can get the peas in the ground. I am still a novice at growing a veggie garden, so I have more reading to do, soil preparation to complete.
I commented on FB about the conversation, and for another mother stuck in the same tug, I truly enjoyed the variety of feedback. There are so many options, but follow your gut. Your instincts will pave the way to maybe even a co-op of friends who create their own schooling.
(the second photo of the squirrel is awesome!)
I work for a school garden non-profit and our official start of the season is april 1st. The kids quickly plant peas (often on my first day!) so that they can measure their growth week by week. We also do lots of items for salads (different varieties of lettuce, asian greens, and radishes). By the end of the school year in June, kids come out for a salad party and make personal salads. I would say half refuse salad dressing – and eat a bowl full of fresh veggies ‘dry’ and beg for seconds. I rarely have a kid who refuses to make a salad or eat the produce they grow in their garden!
Happy planting!
Oh wow your job is awesome and so important! Love this.
I commiserate with you on this kindergarten thing. We are registered. Like I said before, I’m a teacher, I thought that would make this all easier but I think it had the opposite effect. My daughter’s birthday rides the line for the cutoff date and she technically could have started last year and would have been the youngest in the class. We opted to wait and she will be closer to 6 when she starts this year. Giving her this “gift of time” did make it easier to digest, or at least gave me more time to digest it—there is just no way I could have sent her off full day 5 days a week when she had just turned 5. We are in a full day district and I wish it was half day. There is a half day option but she’d miss all the fun stuff in the afternoons like art, p.e. and music- the good stuff. Somehow despite all my worries and anxieties about this huge change coming in less than six months, I feel deep down like she is going to love it. If things don’t go well I am here and ready to be her teacher. Good feeling to know it’ll work out either way.
We want to start a garden this year, and this post gives me some inspiration. I, too, am freaking out about K. It’s a stressful time to be a Mom.
I’m looking for a chocolate cake recipe for my husband’s bday. I’d love your recipe!
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