First Winter

So, since I've started the beginnings of a garden, I'm experiencing my first winter. When I started this garden, I knew it was going to be tough because of the winter. But, I also knew it was possible because I live in California. The winters are short lived.

I planted my garden with high hopes and have lost several pods from one factor or another. However, I have a good handful of plants that have held on. I even have the cutest garlic garden growing with no problems. Here is an update of my plants that have held on...

The "Cheater" Broccoli is doing great.

I'm so proud of my cauliflower! Completely grown on my own!

I have 4 Jalapeno plants holding on...2 for dear life. lol


I have some Peppers from a Hot Pepper Mix also holding on.


Tomatoes and Pot of Gold Bell Peppers are still kicking!


Wow, so wimpy. I should of transplanted a long time ago. :(


I have a small garlic garden. So far, so good.

I can't believe all of these plants are doing so well. Since I'm experimenting...I'm really surprised at how well they are doing in this cold weather. I thought they would all turn brown and wither away because of the low 40's weather we've been experimenting. But, they are all still green and alive. Cool.

Winter Wishes,
Monica ;0)

Transplanting

I've read that you can plant turnips directly into the ground and I've read you can start them in pods and transplant them. Reading all of these different gardening books has confused me a bit more in some areas. Regardless, I finally transplanted the turnips. They were toppling over. I'm afraid I waited too long and that I'm going to lose them. I even accidentally killed a broccoli plant today. I'm not sure how I did it but I basically snapped it's neck. lol, poor thing.

I took some photos of my progress. My only dissapointment is that I didn't transplant them sooner. However, I'm not entirely sure that would of been the best thing to do either. I'm just going to have to see what happens from this point on.

Transplanted turnips.

Next to be transplanted are the brocolli sprouts.

An area in my backyard that could use some love.

I wanted to plant my "experimental garden" in containers just in case we moved. However, I don't see us moving anytime soon and this empty area in my backyard could use some plants. I'm just not sure what to plant there. It would have to be a plant that requires part sun and part shade. Any ideas?

Transplanting Wishes,
Monica ;0)

The Sprouts Keep Coming!

It's so fun to wake up each day to find there have been changes and growth! Today, I have 3 new varities that have sprung up. Lavender, Endless Summer Tomatoes and Cauliflower. The Turnips have reached a height I didn't forsee. So, my husband took me to Lowes and we picked up a 3 cubic bag of all natural soil. I can't wait to start transplanting the sprouts into bigger pots. I'm not sure how I will go about transplanting the rapid growing sprouts like...turnips, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Here's the latest update on the sprouts.

A top shot of the turnip sprouts.

A photo of the towering turnip sprouts.

Top shot of the broccoli and Hybrid Tomato sprouts.

Long photo of the Broccoli and Hybrid Tomato sprouts.

My 17 mo. old touched the tip of the turnip sprout tonight and he just smiled. Then he tried pulling out a knife marker. lol

I'm starting to think there are some plants you just plant directly into the ground because of how rapidly they grow. By the time I transplant my sprouts into a larger pot I'm guessing there will be a ton of roots compared to others. Well see.

Happy Sprouting,
Monica ;0)

2nd Season Line-up

Here are the herbs, flowers and veggies I have planted for the 2nd season line-up...

Broccoli (De Cicco) - Heirloom
Bell Pepper (Pot of Gold)
Bell Pepper (Big Dipper)
Spearment
Lavender
Zinnia
Jalapeno
Tomato (Super Sweet 100 Hybrid)
Pepper (Hot Mix)
Tomato (Endless Summer)
Cauliflower (Green)
Lettuce (Salad Bowl)
Spinach
Turnip (Purple Top White Globe) - Heirloom
Rosemary

The only thing I'm bummed about is that these seeds were not labeled organic. Since I want an all organic garden this presents a small problem. I say small problem because since this is my first I'm really just doing this as an experiment. I wanted to watch, learn and enjoy the hands on experience. I plan on odering my organic seeds from ... Seeds of Change. The key reasons I want to order from them are ...

• They are 100% organic seeds for: vegetables, flowers, and herbs
• They have over 1,200 varieties of: heirloom, native and hard-to-find seeds
• and, they gurantee garden performance

More good news ... this afternoon I found 2 broccoli sprouts! Yeah!

Happy Sprouting,
Monica ;0)