March 19, 2012

Swiss Chard planted last September gives us
greens while we wait for spinach.

Spring has come and is on the way out before the calendar says it arrived at all.  Everything is happening a week ahead of last year, and last year was two weeks ahead of normal schedule.  Peach and cherry trees are finished blooming, and apple trees are budding out.  There was no time to waste during our 80-degree weekend since everything seems to be on an accelerated schedule.    It left us feeling truly breathless. 

Broccoli under milk jug covers.

Tomatoes, dill, and basil are sprouting indoors while this list of chores were accomplished:
1.  Planted 50 ft. of sprouted pea seeds.
2.  Planted 50 strawberry plants.
3.  Transplanted 8 broccoli plants into the garden.
4.  Transplanted bell peppers to larger cups.
5.  Pulled all brussels sprouts plants; cleaned, blanched, and froze 6 quarts.

Brussels sprouts on several stems.

We've managed to tune the lawnmower since the lawn needed an early cut, and the tiller is next.  Red clover is reaching skyward about an inch a day, and it's just about the height it was last year when we tilled it under.  Last year we used "red" clover (named red because that's the color of its blossoms, but we don't let it go to seed) as a green manure or cover crop because it fixes nitrogen in the soil.  After incorporating it into terrible subdivision soil, we had the best corn crop we've ever seen!

Peach blossoms on the way out one week ahead of last year.

April 18, 2011

An especially turbulent cold front that caused damage across the nation arrived Friday night into Saturday, making any meaningful gardening impossible on the weekend.  We received 1.6 inches of rain overnight, and strong winds brought the last cold snap of the season.  Sunday mornings low in the 30's F was too chilly for heat-loving plants.  Fortunately we heeded the warnings and moved everything back inside under fluorescent lights for the weekend.  At worst, our house got a good pressure washing from the storm.

Fair weather to start this week will be ideal for transplanting.  Rather than improve the entire garden at once, I amend each individual transplanting hole with plenty of organic matter and nitrogen-rich composted manure.  A milk jug with the bottom removed caps each transplant until the space inside is filled with vigorous new growth.

Carrots and Onions

Our spring garden is healthy and green.  Five rows of spinach is producing regularly while peas are starting to climb their fence.  These carrots and onions are growing well. 

Spinach

What to do with all this spinach?!  By end of April we will be blanching and freezing it to pull out later, but while it is fresh this is our family's all-time favorite recipe:

Spinach and Cream Over Linguini

1/2 cup cream

1 Tbl butter

Linguini (4 servings)

20 ounces fresh spinach

Dash nutmeg

Salt to taste

Freshly shredded parmesan cheese

Bring cream and Tbl butter to soft boil on stove top on medium-high heat, stirring frequently.  As it is simmering, it will reduce considerably - turn heat down to monitor boiling rate.  Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil and prepare linguini according to package directions.  Measure 1/4 inch water in a second large pot with lid, bring to a boil, add spinach and cover.  Cook until it is wilted nicely, stirring occasionally so that it cooks evenly.  Drain spinach well, press some of the liquid out.  Add spinach to cream and stir with a dash nutmeg and salt to taste.  Drain linguini and toss, arrange on plates.  Serve spinach and cream over linguini with fresh shredded parmesan.  Serves 4.