Garden Photos

Since some people have asked what my garden looks like, here are some current photos: lettuce, wild plum blossoms, and a tulip.

Greenhouse Manual

For some time now, I have dreamed of a passive solar greenhouse. The dream began in seventh grade for a research project. Now I find myself wandering around the yard, trying to figure out the best placement for maximum sun exposure.

However, since I won't be doing this any time soon (too many trees, not enough cash), I've read "The Northlands Winter Greenhouse Manual" by Carol Ford and Chuck Waibel. The book has practical information for growing food in the depth of a Minnesota winter. It is written in a conversational voice with stories about the greenhouse. Also, readers will find an empowering message: "Yes, you can!"

Upcoming Appearances

Want some free gardening information?

On Saturday, April 24, I'll talk about organic gardening at Fairview Gardens in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, at 10 am.

On Monday, April 26, I'll be at Richmond Library to talk about "The Kitchen Garden" at 6:30 pm.

On Saturday, May 15, I'll repeat "The Kitchen Garden" and also stay for a question and answer session, starting at 11 am at Howard Lake Library.

Hope to see you there!

Bulbs!

The burst of blooming daffodils is ending now. They are truly magnificent. Most of the daffodils I received from my Minneapolis neighbor and I've lifted and divided until I don't know where to put them anymore. This is only the second time in my life when daffodils bloomed on my birthday. The first was when I was pretty young and I can't remember the year. Will this trend continue?

This year the Siberian squill is lovely, the crocuses are slowly disappearing (in a weird way--I suspect rodents), and the pasque flower is a delight (this is the first year). I love spring!

Product Tests and Book Review

I am testing "potato bags," a soft circular bag that claims to have excellent drainage in order to grow potatoes. When I was in England, I picked up some gardening magazines and they were very popular in the ads. One mag tested the product and said it worked well. I've bought the American equivalent and I'll give it a test.

Have you seen the new DK book, The Kitchen Garden? It's a beautiful book and fun to look through. However, the information is not accurate for the Minnesota climate. That's not to say that some of the information cannot be applied here; it's just that it shouldn't be the primary source for the zones 3 and 4 gardens. For example, the book says to harvest rhubarb in March. The only thing we harvest in March in Minnesota is snow (this spring being the exception).

Another garden item this spring is the Sun Chips compostable bag. I put it in one of my compost heaps March 15. I'll post what happens later.

No Fooling

Today is lettuce day. I shall eat some lettuce from my garden. No fooling. I am going to try this overwintering technique again this fall and see if it works again. (It could be a one-time weather-dependent success.)

The crocuses are looking good. I love this time of year because all those bulbs I've planted in the fall and forgotten pop up for a delightful feast for the eyes.