Mar 22, 2011

Spring Sunshine & Seeds. And Rain.


The sun appeared on Saturday and my parents hauled in some new soil for their raised beds.  And I was on hand to handle the dirt.  It was too much to resist - all that fresh, new soil!

Ever the optimists, my mother and I planted peas and a few lettuces in her beds and said a few petitions to the gods of good growing.

For those who are interested, I live in Southern British Columbia, Canada.  We are a zone 6.  Usually, we wait until May long weekend (May 23rd - Victoria Day) before we do any serious planting of perennials or vegetables such as tomatoes & peppers.  But if you have raised beds you can usually plant weeks earlier, depending on the crop, because the earth in raised beds warms up earlier in the season.


Raised beds generally have better drainage as well as aeration for the plants, because the dirt in the beds does not get compacted by people walking on it.  The only downside, is that they can take up alot of space, and if you use wood to frame your beds, it will eventually have to be replaced as it decomposes.

All this garden excitement is somewhat tempered by the torrential Spring rains we are getting.  I'm not complaining though, because the rain is greening up the grass and giving the parched Winter earth a good drink. 

Soon the buds will open, and the seeds will sprout.  I don't mind waiting a little longer.



12 comments:

mermaid gallery said...

oh, you lucky, valley bottom dwellers!...up here on the side of the mountain we still have piles of snow...how I would love to plant my raised beds...probably another six weeks here. ...but the rains are taking away the winter gloom and leaving spring anticipation.....nice photo!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Good luck to your lettuce and peas!

Lilac SilverFox said...

So lucky!! We're still bitter and some snow and I can see more coming even if it doesn't stay. I'm hoping to begin some indoor seeds for when it warms up!

Kathy said...

Way too early here but I love to live vicariously. I'll be getting my seeds planted in my window pots and mini-greenhouses this week.

I'm learning to love gardening.

mxtodis123 said...

Just when I was getting a touch of Spring fever, we have more snow in the forecast.
Mary

suzanne said...

Sounds lovely! My dirt is still frozen. :/

Dede said...

Sounds like you and your mama had an awesome time. Looking forward to getting the skin graph and okay from doctor to get into the dirt. Did plant a fig tree a couple of days ago. Wishing you a green week!

(((HUGS)))

brandi said...

~oh we are going crazy wanting to get out in the yard and start tending but alas the rain just won't stop here...our littles started some sunflowers sweet peas and zinnias inside and they have already sprouted into little starts...so for now our growing has been kept indoors...lucky for you to be able to get your hands dirty! happy belated ostara blessings and i thank you much fo rall of yoru loving words and support you have blessed upon me...much love light and blessings always shining brightly upon you my dear friend~

Judith said...

Last day for frost in our area is April 11, but I already put my snap peas out... they love the cold weather!

Lois said...

Here in Southern Ontario we wait until the May long weekend as well, although I've been known to get my garden in by the 2nd week of May to jump-start the season! Today we have snow, but I know it will go quickly and not hang around. Love playing in the life.

Suzie said...

Fresh soil does smell wonderful, doesn't it? Beyond its warm, earthy fragrance, there is a sweetness there that can't be duplicated. Mmmmmmm. . .

Wishing you much success with your peas and lettuces! I'm sure that they will be tender, sweet, and delicious! The seeds look SO precious in that soil. .all anxious, just waiting to start rooting, and leafing out!. .oooh, the anticipation! I think that is what Spring is all about!

HappyCrone said...

another nice thing about raised beds is you don't have to wait for the soil to dry to be worked, unlike my garden plot that can't get a tiller into yet!!! Nuts! Like you, I can't wait to get dirt under my nails!