First of the Blooms

Here's Siberian Squill, the first of the bulbs to bloom at my place.

Is this highly unusual? Yes.

As a Minnesotan, this early spring makes me nervous because I feel like we will pay for this early spring with something awful later...a blizzard? a drought? freezes in May? People have talked about how this could a sign of global warming. Perhaps it is, but we'll only know it after we've experienced it. We can forecast all we want, but it is only after the trends are collected and analyzed can we draw conclusions. To borrow a cliche, hindsight is 20/20.

Since I can't worry about these dire predictions yet, I will get outside and enjoy the good weather.

First Seeds Planted

Even before the first day of spring (today!), I have planted some seeds. With our unseasonably warm winter and above average temps currently, the garden bed I prepared in the fall seems ready. Will the temperatures stay warm? Will the seeds rot? Stay tuned...

Big Squash

Zucchini make lovely pets!

Freezing

We made lots of wonderful applesauce this fall. We ate the majority right away, storing it in the fridge. But I froze some. Here's a photo of applesauce, blueberry applesauce, and roasted tomato sauce, frozen flat in plastic bags (which saves space in the freezer).

Beans

Yep, this was a good year for beans. I grew Roma and purple green beans, harvesting right up until the weather killed them off. I had plenty to eat, to give away, and freeze. I really miss picking them from the garden just before making dinner. I suppose there's always next year (or maybe a trip to a warmer climate this winter).

Urgent! Cover everything...

Yes, this is a bit early for a frost and a freeze, but Minnesotans cover anything you want to survive tonight and tomorrow night as well. Use cloth (such as blankets and sheets) and not plastic. Since it is windy today, it'd be best to weigh them down. Good luck!

Zucchinni

Zucchini is a thing of beauty. Yes, it is. Here's proof. And it tastes delicious. I have had grilled baby zukes with a little bit of butter. Today I added some diced pieces to spaghetti for lunch. I will freeze some, too. Hint: Pick them small!