Successes, Failures & Progress

Mulched beds for strawberries with some compost added

The time is (slowly) arriving for us to begin planting, both our started seeds and our direct planted crops. Being where we are in Idaho, we have to contend with uncooperative weather, so at times it seems like a bit of a gamble to get plants in the ground.  But come what may, we are endeavoring to make the garden work.

Our first transplants were peas and corn, and they did not fare well. First off, corn is not normally a transplant, but we wanted to use just a few of our seed kernels to try it.  For a while the started corn did pretty well but the temperature swings I think eventually got the better of them (in the course of their 2 weeks in the ground we had 75 degree and 25 degree days, plus high winds).  The peas had it rough to begin with.  In their starting cups indoors they thrived; springing up to large plants but unfortunately they became root-bound too quickly, before it was safe to plan them outside. Adding to the root binding the temps outside (which they were not adequately hardened against) they were kaput within a week.  So, in the end these pioneers (guinea pigs?) got raked into the soil, becoming food for those who follow.

Attempt 2 were strawberries.  We have two varieties, Ft. Laramie and All-stars.  They came from the seed company as pre-sprouted dry root bundles.  It was a matter of wetting them to separate the roots and planting.  This time we put mulch down on top of the seedlings after planting. So far they are doing quite well, despite the weather.

Finally, just yesterday we planted onion and garlic. This time we prepared the beds with compost.  After that, we planted, watered and finally put mulch down. There's not really much else we can do for them-so our hopes are high!

Much more to come!