Yes, it is spring and it's now time to get the garden up and running for the new season. We have had a up and down time from about mid-February till now. But, given the recent weather, I think we are fine to begin getting the plants into place.
I have 3 Cabbage, 3 cucumbers and 8 each of Peppers and Tomatoes growing in my basement at this time. They are making good progress so they should be able to be transplanted at or about the last freeze date for my region (7a) in the Mid-Atlantic.
Last week I cut down the final growth of the Winter Rye I planted last fall. It was the third cut I made so that was a pretty good crop for this year. I also lightly roto-tilled the beds last week after making the final cut of the growth. I think I may have to do another cursory cut to kill the crop for the year. I do shallow tilling so as not to tear up the root system of the Rye in the soil in order to allow for the plants I am planting to use the Rye root structure to give a better support to their roots. Plus, as the Rye's roots decay, they release their nutrients into the soil for the vegetables to feed upon all through the growing season. I have noticed a difference each year since I started using the cover crops.
Well, that's all for now as I have to get out there and do some more preps. I hope you are having a good start to the season so far. Happy gardening everyone!
