Papa is back!

Spring is early this year. Let’s get busy! You see what’s going on in the grocery stores and supermarkets. All the more reason to start and maintain a vegetable, herb, and flower garden!

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I apologize for the time away. Let’s not look back, but forward. I’m ready, when you are!

The groundhog did not see his shadow. So, we have an early spring.

I have started some of my spring flower and vegetable seeds (with the help of Miss Kitty). Let’s see; broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale for the veggies and bachelor buttons, calendula, dianthus (pinks), hollyhocks, Johnny Jump-Up, Painted Tongue, Zebrina (hibiscus) and pansies for the flowers.

         

We’re going to be seeing these beauties in the near future. I can’t wait and I’m getting impatient!

What Will Be Your Next Step

Do you have areas marked out for planting? Have you bought your garden seeds and plants? How about your additional supplies? Garden lime, fertilizer, row covers, potting soil, pots, trays, trowels, shovels, etc. will be needed to make your garden a success.

As soon as the ground can be worked, bring in the hoe, rake, tractor and/or rototiller. This is going to take physical effort, so please pace yourselves. By the way, don’t forget your post hole digger, fence posts, and garden wire. The critters will soon be active.

A Quiz for You to Ponder

What are your favorite flowers and vegetables? Do you have a particular tomato that you cannot live without? Almost forgot the herbs! My favorite is Sweet Marjoram. I love the aroma, it is calming to me. Do you know about sweet marjoram flowers? Many of the pollinators are parasitic and parasitoid wasps, which are key at destroying many types of caterpillars.  

I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Thank you for your support!

Papa

What’s Happening?

Introducing our newest family member – Oakley (who doesn’t like her picture taken!) She is quite the lady and has started learning the skills of country life.

 

We like our birds!!!! A small showing of our “regulars”.

 

Hoop house growing! The spinach and cabbage remain delicious!

 

Let’s not forget Miss Kitty, our tomato transplant supervisor. As quick as the transplants were re-potted, she would playfully paw them out of the pot. She is a very curious kitty!!

 

Papa presenting at the Wabash Valley  Master Gardener Spring Conference in Terre Haute, Indiana. The topic , “Starting a Seed Saving Garden”. This wonderful group of dedicated Master Gardeners is very active in their community. Kudos to all your community service projects!!

Wabash Valley Master Gardeners

 

Spring  flowers are cheerful! It is a delight seeing colors once again! Real “eye candy” for the soul.

 

Papa

Miss Kitty vs Victory!!

Miss Kitty had a nervous relationship with Victory, during my daughter and granddaughters visit!

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Mr. Victory was the perfect gentleman. He gave Miss Kitty a lot of space. There were no flare ups!! Such a beautiful boy!!

I believe we humans could learn a thing or two from his example!

Papa

How May I Help You?

I want to thank all of you who have responded to my posts. I genuinely want to hear from you! No question is too large or small. I want to hear from you!! Please make use of my 40 years of horticultural experience!

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Miss Kitty in the squash harvest October 2014.