I love animals...

I have always loved animals. When I was a child I loved animals.  I was "destined" to have a zillion animals.  I would be taking the dinner bowl out to our dog, Pedro, and it would take an hour as I wandered around the yard feeding all my pretend animals.  Yes, I had imaginary cows, too!

Fast forward to 17-18 when you are REALLY looking at what you want to BE.  I loved animals so much there was actually no way I could be a vet.  It would break my heart to see them in pain, have to put someone's pet to sleep, or even "give a shot!"

Fast-fast forward thirty-mumble years.... yes I still love animals. So much so, as I've had to put beloved pets down. I have seen my pets hurt or sick.  I have bawled while taking animals to their ultimate goal of nourishing our family.  And I've given shots... lots of shots.

Funny how life works out.

Spring is coming - 11 weeks before last Frost

This week we will actually start sowing some of our cold weather crops inside to get them started for replanting outside.

You should be sowing the following:

• Chinese Cabbage
• Collards
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower 
• Leeks
• Head Lettuce
• Onion
• Parsley

We will be growing our starts in the cellar for the next few weeks as it has some of the heat from our home.  Once we actually see sprouts, we will turn on the grow lights. 

CABBAGE

Cabbage is a cool-weather crop. Grow cabbage in spring so that it comes to harvest before the summer heat or start cabbage in mid to late summer so that it comes to harvest during the cool days of autumn, winter, or early spring.

• Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost in spring.
• Place cabbage transplants in the garden when they are 3 to 4 inches tall as early as 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring.
• Direct sow seed outdoors when the soil can be worked in spring.
• In mild-winter regions, start seed in late summer for a winter or spring harvest.

WHERE TO GROW CABBAGE

• Grow cabbage in soil rich in organic matter that is well-drained. Prepare planting beds ahead of planting by covering beds with 2 to 3 inches of aged compost or commercial organic planting mix and turning it under to 12 inches deep.
• Cabbage grows best where the soil pH is between 6.5 and 6.8.
• If clubroot disease has been a problem, adjust the soil pH to 7.0 or slightly higher by adding lime.
• Add plenty of well-aged compost to planting beds before planting. In regions where the soil is sandy or where there is heavy rain, supplement the soil with nitrogen.
• Adding a moderate amount of nitrogen-rich blood meal or cottonseed meal to the soil ahead of planting will enhance leafy growth.

Spring is coming - 12 weeks before last Frost

This week we will actually start sowing some of our cold weather crops inside to get them started for replanting outside.

You should be sowing the following:

• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower 
• Leeks
• Head Lettuce
• Onion
• Parsley

We will be growing our starts in the cellar for the next few weeks as it has some of the heat from our home.  Once we actually see sprouts, we will turn on the grow lights. 

BROCCOLI SOWING AND PLANTING TIPS

• Start broccoli from seed.
• Seed is viable for 3 years.
• Start seeds in individual pots
• Sow seed ¼ to ½ (6-8 mm) inch deep in the seed-starting mix.
• Keep the mix moist but not wet.
• Seeds should germinate in 5 to 10 days at an optimal temperature of 77°F or thereabouts.
• Transplant seedlings into the garden when they 4 to 6 inches tall with 2- to 4-leaves.
• Grow broccoli in full sun for best yield, but broccoli will tolerate partial shade.
• Add 3- to 4- inches of compost and well-aged manure into planting bed, before transplanting; broccoli needs friable, moisture-holding soil.
• Avoid planting where cabbage family crops have grown recently.
• Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart; plants spaced 10 to 12 inches ) apart will yield smaller heads.
• Space rows 36 inches  apart.
• Protect seedlings from the cold for 2 to 3 weeks after planting covering them with a cloche or plastic tunnel or cold frame.
• Fertilize with an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion at half strength.