Everything left from the winter garden has awaken and sprung to life. We too, have been enjoying the sunshine and warmth. The hummingbirds arrived today which is two weeks ahead of schedule! Spring feels early and we are loving it.
The winter garden is rapidly maturing. The Swiss Chard tasted so much better this past winter that it will no longer be grown during the summer. Planting it in the fall will save effort watering it during droughts.
This month's garden is nothing compared to last year's March's garden (2024) when I canned 52 quarts of greens for Reese; but, I have been able to do it again even with a smaller garden! He will be shocked when he comes home on vacation. It is much more than he can use but it will fill his pantry. He has seen how some years are plentiful and others are sparse. It is best to get what you can because it might not be there the next time.
Last month, I bragged about how much this bed of onions had grown and how big they were since they were the first seeds started last fall - now, every single one has bolted. It appears starting them earlier wasn't a good idea after all.
Potatoes will be planted this month. Those that sprouted in the pantry along with the ones that were newly purchased are sitting on the porch soaking up the sun.
Some of the Red Pontiac have already begun forming little potatoes. They are definitely ready to be planted!
We have big plans for the garden this year. We are adding a little more area, focusing only on our favorites and will be installing a tall fence. The critters have become too prolific as multiple large subdivisions are springing up all around us and forcing the wildlife into our area. Inflation won't be slowing anytime soon so we are going to get as much as possible from our garden.
Great job! That's good to know about the hummingbirds. I'll make up some food for them. Those Red Pontiacs obviously want to make you potatoes!
ReplyDeleteThere is even more good news. The Purple Martins arrived this week a few minutes after Bill got their houses up. We think they were perched in the trees watching and waiting for him to finish.
DeleteOh man, fresh grown potatoes are the best! I loved when my mom would pick out the baby ones and fry them up with butter. I'm so impressed with the amount of greens you process! Can you pull the onions and still use them?
ReplyDeleteOh, the onions will not be wasted. They will be pulled as soon as I have a free moment. The white bulb will be chopped and used in salads, or frozen for other uses. My husband and one son likes the whites but not the green leaves. I, like all parts of the onion. The green leaves will be dehydrated and ground into a powder for seasoning. Neither has complained about onion tops in recipes. The leaves have a milder flavor than the bulb so it takes much more in a recipe. It will absorb moisture from the air in the jar and become clumpy so it is vacuum sealed when stored for long term use. Salt or corn starch can be added after the jar is opened to keep it free flowing. Store bought spices (here in the USA) have added chemicals but I have had reactions to them. They can't be healthy which is why I try to grow as many of my own herbs as possible. Dehydrating a whole row will make quite a bit of onion powder but I can fly through it (along with garlic) when cooking. It will be shared with friends and family so nothing will go to waste.
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ReplyDeleteSpring brings sunshine and big plans. I look forward to visiting your garden all year round.
I enjoy you visiting year round also!
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