Spring gardening season -- it's here!

[chathamgardener]

I know it's hard to believe, given our ridiculous weather of late, but it's time to be thinking about early spring vegetable crops in the near future. Personally, I'm waaaay behind on getting my vegetable garden in shape. First the ground was frozen, so weeding wasn't possible. Then it was covered in snow/ice, and now the soil is so wet that handling it at all will do more harm than good. And I have raised beds that drain well. But no beds stay dry with so much precipitation falling.

So how much thinking about the new season have you other Chatham gardeners done? Home vegetable gardening is supposed to be THE big trend this year, as folks try to save money by growing their own. But don't forget the herbs and at least a few flowers. They'll attract beneficial pollinators and add beauty and flavor to your table.

I'm planning on growing all the usual suspects, starting with a spring garden of lettuces, spinaches, snap peas, beets, carrots, and cabbage -- that's IF the weather will cooperate.

I've ordered some new tomato seeds this year. I'm always looking to try new varieties. Same for squashes and green beans. After nearly breaking my knees picking bush beans last year, I'm going to try some pole beans as well as my reliable bush plants. If the pole beans produce and taste as well as the bush plants, my bush bean-picking days will be done after this year.

I'll plant the usual marigolds and cosmos flowers for a bit of annual color among the veggies, but mostly I'll rely on my perennial flowers to bring season-long color to the landscape.

So what are ya'll dreaming up, garden-wise?

[natvrabit]

I know it's hard to believe, given our ridiculous weather of late, but it's time to be thinking about early spring vegetable crops in the near future. Personally, I'm waaaay behind on getting my vegetable garden in shape. First the ground was frozen, so weeding wasn't possible. Then it was covered in snow/ice, and now the soil is so wet that handling it at all will do more harm than good. And I have raised beds that drain well. But no beds stay dry with so much precipitation falling.

So how much thinking about the new season have you other Chatham gardeners done? Home vegetable gardening is supposed to be THE big trend this year, as folks try to save money by growing their own. But don't forget the herbs and at least a few flowers. They'll attract beneficial pollinators and add beauty and flavor to your table.

I'm planning on growing all the usual suspects, starting with a spring garden of lettuces, spinaches, snap peas, beets, carrots, and cabbage -- that's IF the weather will cooperate.

I've ordered some new tomato seeds this year. I'm always looking to try new varieties. Same for squashes and green beans. After nearly breaking my knees picking bush beans last year, I'm going to try some pole beans as well as my reliable bush plants. If the pole beans produce and taste as well as the bush plants, my bush bean-picking days will be done after this year.

I'll plant the usual marigolds and cosmos flowers for a bit of annual color among the veggies, but mostly I'll rely on my perennial flowers to bring season-long color to the landscape.

So what are ya'll dreaming up, garden-wise?

I did somehow manage to get out one day and get the weeding done before the arctic blasts arrived. I did recall there was a sprig of poison ivy amongst it at long ago look, but couldn't recall where. I "found" it a few days after the clean up..in the form of rash. Probably the only case of poison ivy rash in the county in  Dec.
I hear from and see more and more people planting veggie plots and venturing into other edible landscape options of blueberries, raspberries, figs, fruit trees etc.
I have a limited sunny space, that restricts me somewhat.

[missjane]

My husband wanders around with the seed catalogue in his hands and I know he's seeing tomatoes growing up through the snows of August.

[Grumble69]

I've already got some veges started indoors and am about to start some more.  But I really, really need to weed and clean out the garden.

[seavey]

I'm exited to get my first asparagus this year but you are all so right: must weed!   I also meant to move the irises.  Is it too late?   

[chathamgardener]

Are we talking bearded irises, Seavey? If so, conventional wisdom says that the optimal time to move them is late summer. However, I move mine whenever I get around to it. If the chunks of rhizome are relatively small, they may not produce flowers this spring. Likewise, if you're moving them because they've been in too much shade and thus not blooming well, they'll probably need a year to recover back to blooming condition.

No weeding today with the rain due any second. And tomorrow's cold, fierce winds will also not be conducive to gardening tasks. Here's hoping for a calm, dry, relatively warm weekend!

[wilsonmusic]

Lettuce and broccoli seedlings are up in my window seal and the row of garlic I planted last Sept. is looking good just waiting on the warm weather to start growing again. Ordered all my seeds a month ago and already have them. Going to try celery this spring and I will be sowing the seeds indoors this week. I'm so ready for spring.

[mamamia]

What do you all know about growing artichokes here? I'm suspecting it gets too hot, but they're gorgeous plants and I love to eat them.
Anyone have any luck?
I cannot WAIT to get out there and get my hands dirty.
m

[natvrabit]

It is ready, start, GO on the veggie garden/seeding. Long haul to go to that perfect tomato sun ripened on the vine Tomorrow is my seeding day for all. Need some sunny days tho'

[wilsonmusic]

I tried artchokes 2 years ago and they did well until July, and they slowly died, even though I kept them watered. I don't think I will try again.

[seavey]

Thanks, cg.  Yes, they are bearded, and yes, too much shade.  I'll go ahead and more them and I won't flip out when they don't do much this year. 

[Welshman]

Hi Folks,
This is my first time posting since forever so apologies in advance for any odd looking messages.

Artichokes never worked for me, but I have seen Cardoons growing in Durham as ornamentals.  Its been a while, but a house on Small street in Pittsboro had a very nice Cardoon patch.  So I would try Cardoons for the ornamental aspect.  You are right, they usually are not cold tolerant and hate the heat which is why I remembered the Pittsboro patch.
Best,
JW

What do you all know about growing artichokes here? I'm suspecting it gets too hot, but they're gorgeous plants and I love to eat them.
Anyone have any luck?
I cannot WAIT to get out there and get my hands dirty.
m

[belle]

Thanks, cg.  Yes, they are bearded, and yes, too much shade.  I'll go ahead and more them and I won't flip out when they don't do much this year. 

I always "heard" optimum was august or late winter. experience, from digging them up by accident or by dog, was that they took root anytime. they may bloom this year, if you move them now, so they get some dormant time before spring. if not, next year!

and yes, the more sun the better. your yard is as short on sun as mine. try the driveway, about a foot inside the edge.

[Stargazer]

Cardoons aren't only beautiful ornamentals but they are also edible-they are used a lot in Italy. 
I haven't yet had the heart to "slaughter" mine though.

My spinach and rutabaga survived the winter uncovered.  Had mesclun and some Asian greens
growing under cover.

For the first time I've had an artichoke plant make it through the winter - course it's covered with
snow right now so who knows.

The only daffodils I've had blooming so far are dwarf varieties and of course they are under snow
also.

[Snowball]

I'm looking for shade-loving flowers/periennials for the spring - something other than impatiens.  I hear the hellebore family is a good bet. Anybody know anything about hellebores?  Where can I get them around here?  Other periennial suggestions for shade? Thanks!

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