Spring Garden Dreams and Happenings

All the lofty dreams, overwhelm, anxiety, and excitement about the 2021 Growing season have finally reached their jumping off point as we leave March, enter April and inch slowly towards warmer weather.

Things to know about this small patch of land we steward:

I live in the Northern Hemisphere in zone 6. We are currently in what I am hoping is our last frost, and I can finally start planting warmer climate plants into the patiently waiting garden beds.

We live in the city.

We live on unceded Kaw and Osage Land.

Some changes to my garden from last year:

A greenhouse. Beautiful Persephone…. a darling gift from several amazing folks, built last year in blustery fall weather with some friends while our kiddos ran around us, and welcomed into our yard space with a bonfire. Home to one small raised bed currently teeming with various greens.

The Nettle patch returning with gusto, spreading around the garden and all around large and in charge.

Seven new garden beds, of varying shapes and sizes, cobbled together from scrap wood, bit n’ bobs, and a couple of cedar beds my love surprised me with.

I laid down extensive cardboard and mulch in the front yard to take out most of the front lawn grass.

Chickens! For joy, for eggs, and to help destroy the lawn grass and slowly rewild our lawn.

Bulbs. My flower love/worship has intensified over the past several years. Just to gaze upon daffodils, crocus, tulips, and irises is enough for me. But I planted some bulbs all around the yard in several spots, hoping they will show their lovely blooms next year.

Things that didn’t work:

My first attempt at seed starting failed, as some warm spring days raised the greenhouse temps to over 100 and cooked the seedlings. Lots of wasted seed.

Improper posture leading to back pain! (Lift with your knees not back friends).

Not doing proper inventory of all my tools before I began gardening again.

Learning the difference between a regular drill, and impact drill to save on time and exertion.