We know half the country is still blanketed with snow, but April is off the chain in southern gardens. It’s going gangbusters here, folks. Come August/September our garden will look like death warmed over (scorched, in fact) so this is our time to enjoy the benefits of rain and cooler temperatures.
Carrot harvest includes (left to right) Pusa Asita, Cosmic Purple, Yellowstone and Red Core Chantenay.
Sylvia and the other hens eat the carrot tops.
Strawberries covered with bird netting. We harvest every one.
Let cilantro go to seed. It benefits bees, parasitic wasps, and other beneficial insects. We’ll let this re-seed itself and hopefully have cilantro again soon.
Trying Tithonia (Mexican sunflower) for the butterflies this year. Success!
Jerusalem sage is going off right now.
Hummingbird sage stretches toward the sun. It will re-seed itself nearby.
The bees are loving this Ceanothus (California Lilac) hedge out front.
Winnetka Purple artichokes are showing off. Grown from seed last year. They are delicious. We fed them with kelp emulsion just before flowering.
Navel oranges are setting fruit as we pick the last of the winter crop.
Our new Snow Queen low-chill nectarine is proving successful.
Santa Rosa plum is starting to flower and leaf out. Come July we’ll have deep red fruits.
What’s growin’ on in your garden or greenhouse? Starting seeds under grow lights? Sprouting cucumbers in the garden? Transplanting tomatoes into pots? Post a picture to Instagram and tag @gardenerd1.
