Feeling Contained

     This has been the longest winter ever and most people in these parts are starting to wonder why on Earth they’re living here in the first place. There’s an end in sight however as we’re supposed to hit 70 today! All I want to do now is get my garden going. This is the first year I’ve taken anything more than a haphazard approach to my garden. Previously I would throw whatever I felt like in there and if it didn’t like where I planted it or how much I watered it, too bad – it was worth a shot. Not this time. Since January I’ve been obsessively reading everything I can get my hands on about container gardening. By far the best book I’ve found is called “Bountiful Container” (actually my wife found it, but I have since claimed it as my own).  This book was perfect for me and explains everything you need to know like what plants to put together in one container to get something to harvest at any time of the year. I’ve also been pouring over heirloom seed catalogs. Most gardeners already know about all this stuff, but I had no idea. Most of the varieties these companies offer I’ve never even heard of. I didn’t know carrots could be purple, or watermelons could be orange, or the inside of a tomato could look like fire. I love the idea of starting with organic seed, and watching it develop into food I know beyond any doubt is safe for my family. I also love the names: Dragon, Moonglow, Bright Lights, Flame.

 

    I’ve got a few flats of seeds started already out in the garage, with a heat pad underneath them and a grow light overhead. I’m expecting a visit from the DEA any day now. I read our last frost in southeast Minnesota is right around May 15^th. After that it is full speed ahead. Oh and as for the backyard project, I’ve had a few contractors out to get bids on pouring some concrete. It’s running right around $4 per square foot. I’m not sure how it will affect the price to have it stamped or colored. I’ll let you know. In the meantime, here’s stuff I love at the moment:

 

Heirloom seed companies:

www.seedsavers.org  - awesome source for really old and hard to find cultivars. I’ve ordered from them several times and they’re great. Everything I’ve planted so far has sprouted no problem.

http://www.territorialseed.com/ - Huge variety of seeds and tools. Territorial also sells Columnar Apple Trees. Thought you didn’t have enough room? Think again!

http://rareseeds.com/ - I like Baker Creek. I want to order one of everything from these people.

 

Reading Material:

Bountiful Container – Everything you need to know to grow a perfectly respectable vegetable and fruit garden, anywhere you want. (thanks Tau – you were right!)