Garden Update

I thought is was about time to give you an update on our garden. My husband has started working on the walkway, which he tells me must go in before any more garden beds. It's a little dangerous out there, as he's getting ready to pour cement, and there are forms right where you would normally walk!

On to the plants! My garden is growing well overall. Both kinds of peas are off to a good start. The carrots, not so much. We found it's hard to keep the soil moist in the corners of the raised bed. Before we replant those spots, we plan to line just the corners with some plastic to help keep the moisture in. The spinach, chard, and turnips are doing well, though we have had some leafminer damage. For now, I'm just pinching off the leaves as I find them. I'm considering taking other measures -- everything from planting marigolds to buying some beneficial insects. I'll probably try the marigolds first.

We still have one small bed unplanted. This bed doesn't get any sun until around noon, so I'm undecided what I should plant there. I have some basil and parsley starts almost ready to plant. I think it will be too shady for the tomato seedlings we currently have in pots. I'm trying to avoid the temptation to go out and buy plants -- it's so much more money -- but I don't think we'll have enough tomatoes if I don't get more plants somehow!

Overall I'm happy with how things are going. Despite some damage from a windy day, the leafminers, our dog running through the bed, and other critters walking through and doing a little damage, the garden is still thriving. It's nice just to go our and look at all our little (some, not so little!) plants. I try to take the time every day -- it's very peaceful and satisfying all at once.

If you've got a garden, or plan to, how is it doing, or how are your plans coming? Any advice or suggestions? This is the first time in 10 years we've had a garden, so I'm definitely finding myself a bit "rusty"!