I made a trip out to Colour Paradise a week ago, remembering that last year, in early COVID days, many plants sold out early. I bought herbs and flowers mostly, and a smaller amount of tomato plants than last year. I still have seeds too.

Feverfew plant in planter and potatoes in the long bed

A friend had more seed potatoes than she needed and offered some to me, once she had planted what she needed. My husband loves potatoes and I think it made him happy that we’d have potatoes this year. Remembering a previous year when he planted the potatoes in a clump together alongside the gardens. They grew, however they were all clumped together since he hadn’t cut the potatoes in pieces. None of the potatoes got very big. I hope this year’s experiment will work a little better.

I’ve been hardening off the plants outdoors in the daytime. Quite a few people have put all their plants in already, including the fellow who plants at our church. Although it’s been unseasonably  warm this week, I’m still going to wait for next Saturday.

I was going to help with that planting at church, but the gentleman didn’t call for help, perhaps didn’t remember that he had offers.

A week ago, after I had added compost and some new soil to the raised and other garden beds, my daughter brought her son to help. He loves to dig in the dirt, and this was perfect for him. He also helped water the plants in the existing beds that day.

Yesterday she brought him again and he dug in the beds that are not yet planted (until all danger of frost is past) and helped water my plants from the nursery. He’s a good little helper and has already learned to water carefully, not pouring in too much at once.

careful watering

Plants are thriving

Next weekend I get two other helpers — my oldest granddaughters — to help plant the veggies and herbs and probably some of the flowers in the window boxes too. They’ve been helping, with the exception of 2020, since they were three. That’s when I figure they can learn to plant.

Winter sowing experiment

We’ll also plant the seedlings (that have grown since my last photo) from the winter sowing experiment. Several jugs of soil with seeds that I thought were not going to sprout have now made a small showing. Probably those came with warmer soil conditions.

And I look forward to growing lettuce and herbs in my new three-tier planter.

made in Holland of recyclable materials

Most of my writing at the moment is about gardening and book promotion as I continue to promote my newest picture book, Sophie and the Giant Boy.

I’ll post again once the entire garden has been planted.

Take care, stay safe.