This is the start of the season for my little vegetable garden. We are way ahead of most years because we had a really warm May. A few years ago we still had snow in the garden in late May so that gives you an idea. I organize certain things in the garden to vine up a trellis or take up more space. I also rotate my garden by thirds meaning it won't be back in that spot for two years in between.
I love to garden. I really love to weed in my garden but to keep the moisture in and many weeds out I mulch my garden with grass clippings. They help feed the garden and help keep my mini raised beds from drying out too fast. One year my onions were rotting in the ground and a neighbor told me about digging trenches and making raised beds. This also was helpful with the children went into the garden because they knew where they were allowed to walk around. It also helps keep the soil around the plants fluffier so they have better root growth. I fertilize at the start of the season with blood meal, bone meal, potash, and egg shells. Since our growing season is only about 3 months long, it lasts pretty much the whole summer.
Today I am making sure my tomatoes don't have any low hanging branches. As the plants get taller, I snip off the lower branches to help keep them from early blight. By the time I am going to stake them they will have about 12" of space between the ground and the branches. If I do see any early blight I snip off those branches as well to keep it from spreading early on. I don't worry too much about late blight as it is usually taking place closer to the end of the growing season.
I also put these clippings in a composting area that won't go back into the garden.
We have enjoyed spinach and kale so far this season. I will pull some baby beets and kohlrabi soon to help space them out easier. If we don't eat the thinning, our bunny will.
I am so excited about our warm weather these next few days. The garden should love it!! Happy gardening!
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