The Strength in a Seed

We have had several pounding rains since I planted my lettuce and arugula seeds outside. Because these seeds were so tiny, I was afraid that the rain would wash them away. While looking for any damage from last night's storm, I found that my arugula has sprouted! Amazing.

I also noticed a couple of pea plants starting to sprout and an onion beginning to come up through the dirt. My tomato, pepper and eggplant seedlings are thriving indoors. And the raspberry canes I planted a few weeks ago are growing, too. Maybe it's a bit nerdy of me, but I get excited watching the life and strength in these plants.

The Morels are Back!

After four trips out to the woods, scouring the ground for a sign, I found the first morel mushrooms of the season. Ten little guys, about an inch high, greeted me on my walk to the mushroom patch last night. Not exactly enough for a meal, but they bring the hope of more morels in the next few weeks. It's mushroom season!! :)

April...Finally!!

It was with a great sigh of relief that I turned the calendar to the month of April. It has been a long, long winter. April promises warmer temperatures and the beginning of the gardening season.

Last week, I planted my tomato and pepper seeds indoors. My tomato seeds are already sprouting! I chose heirloom varieties this year. Pink Brandywine, Gold Medal and Beefsteak tomatoes. Anaheim peppers. California Wonder green bell peppers and an Italian red bell pepper variety called Quadrato d'Asti Rosso. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds also sent me some free eggplant seeds - an unusual variety from Thailand. I'm curious to see how they do!

I'm building a second square foot garden box, so I can grow twice as many veggies this year. In a few weeks, I can sow my cool weather veggies - lettuce, arugula, onions and sugar snap peas. I'm also growing carrots and cucumbers this season. Gurney's sent me a seed and plant catalog with a $25 coupon. I used it to buy 4 Heritage Red Raspberry plants. They just arrived and I need to get them in the ground. If things go well, I'll have quite a selection of homegrown foods. Wish me luck!!