So this is the first year we are actually growing veggies and fruit with self-sufficiency in mind. Previously, it was "fun" and "tastey". But now, we actually have another goal - reduce our grocery bill, eat healthier, take care of ourselves. This new way of thinking causes me to want to learn more, record more, take more careful notes, repeat the good and avoid the bad....this seems like the obvious place to take notes. I'm a little behind the 8 ball in doing so, but better late than never.
1. The first foods this year came from the asparagus. Wow it was yummy. It is all over by now, though. There was never enough, so I planted 30 more crowns. Problem: I planted it in the old veggie bed which is overcome with nut grass. I'm going to have to move them, and I discovered the news about nut grass only the next day after covering the asparagus with a thick layer of compost from the bin. Dan and I have to talk about where to make a new bed and move everything - SOON.
2. The strawberries we planted last fall are Quinalt. They are producing very well. The label says they will not fruit until June, but they have been giving fruit for 3 weeks or more. I just read that they need good water and lots of mulch to keep fruiting. They have mulch (oh - good thing I covered them with bird netting - first time we have done this and it works), but don't get as much water as they could.
3. I did not plant enough sugar snap peas. I have not even had enough to photograph. I just eat them off the vine every day. Plus, only about 3 of the vines are performing. The other 3 are not - 1 is barely alive. I am pretty sure it is too late to plant any more. Bummer.
We put compost on the tomatoes, asparagus, peas and melons (melons just planted this weekend from transplants) this weekend. Some compost tea, also.
The Beauregard sweet potatoes came but I have not planted them yet, but they are drying out. Need to fix that. Today I planted the basil that was growing from seed. About 20 plants. I hope they make it. Need to keep them watered.
Got 3 pepper plants for mothers day today and planted them by the tomatoes.