April Showers...

It’s planting month!  The ground has been broken, the weather has warmed, and the time has come to put the seeds in the ground!

The first thing we did in April was put up a fence.  We have the dogs and, though thankfully our neighborhood is light on deer activity, rabbits who pose unique threats to the growing plants.  To combat them both, we have invested in a light fence that is easily added to with extra paneling when we expand the garden (this kit even came with a gate!).  Unfortunately, cheap, easy, and movable also equals not dug in well.  So we have added an anti-dig fence (not pictured) to keep the bunnies from burrowing after our veggies.  Of course, this second fence would block the gate area so we cannot put anything over that particular panel.  This leaves a two and a half foot long vulnerability.  We have elected to solve this problem by digging down under the gate and placing cinder blocks there to keep tiny rabbits and eager pups from tunneling in.

Now that their safety has been provided for, it’s time for the first crops to be planted this year. These are going to be spring onions, onions, brussel sprouts, and garlic!  We are also going to plant some lavender around the edge of the fence. 

Lavender is tricky as it needs very specific light and moisture conditions to grow.  We planted the seeds by simply pushing them down into the soil in order to give them plenty of sunshine and misted them with a little bit of water to keep them from drying out but also preventing over-watering!  Now we wait to see how the little ones will do in the coming weeks.  

The seeds were planted about a foot apart (we used our outdoor measuring tape for this) and once sprouted they should grow well as lavender can thrive almost anywhere once it roots.  It is getting that initial growth that is the challenge.  We will keep our fingers crossed as the plants will help us to repel mosquitos and fleas (a quest my dogs heartily approve), and I have always loved the scent.  Even after the spring blooms are over, the flowers can be dried and used around the house or in a tasty tea.  Thankfully any plants that do take this year will very likely return next year and the gaps in the line can be filled in with new seedlings. The ultimate goal is to create a lovely and effective perimeter hedge. 

After following the planting guidelines for the remaining crops, we had a good little garden underway.  The smaller space we have already tilled is pretty much used up and we will have to add more fencing and break more ground at the end of this month for our May plants, but we are excited for our current little garden to take off!

Part of the patch is going to “remain fallow” this year.  I say this even though we have seeded the ground.  Since we know that the soil of our yard is not the best, we have elected to plant a collection of nutrient rich crops such as oats, millet, and flax that will die off in the winter and add to the quality of the soil.

We have also planted some potatoes this year that are not going to be eaten.  While any plants that do not thrive are going to be composted into the earth to prevent waste, the potatoes are an exception and will instead serve a very special purpose.  Due to the nature of their growth, potatoes act like a sponge, soaking in everything around them.  It is our hope that this year's potatoes will remove some negative elements from the soil and thus contribute to next year's crops.  I have always been eager to find a natural solution to soil health that does not involve chemical pest controls, soil additives, and fertilizers!

As the month draws to a close we have already started to see a little growth.  The garlic is frankly thriving, it has popped up quickly and the sprouts are green and healthy.  The brussel sprouts are coming along as well, tiny and fragile for now but soon enough mighty stalks will take over the patch!  The onions are a bit behind, which is not surprising as onions can be temperamental, and the lavender is still too young to see any growth, but we will be sure to keep you informed on their development as the spring proceeds.

The olives and figs are welcoming spring too as they begin to wake up from their winter naps.  Here is Ollie in April 2025!