Spring Crop Time

In the last couple of days, we were able to get our spring garden in the ground. In the Ozarks, we are setting about 4 weeks out from our average last frost date of April 15th. So, there are lots of crops ready to hit the ground.

I have added lettuce, spinach, onions, endive, carrots, and snow peas. And of course you can't have an Irish wife and not plant potatoes. Now is the time to get them in. In an earlier article, we mentioned we already had our corn salad planted. All of these types of crops can be sown directly into the ground. You don't even have to plant deeply for most. I do cover my onions and peas. For the next two weeks, it ought to be a good time to plant through much of the Central United States. Southern states are ahead of us, and it is a bit early yet for the northern most states.

We were blessed with a 60 degree day today, and my wife Robin was off work. So, we were able to bring all our plants outside for the day (the ones we have had growing a couple of weeks now in seed planters inside. I am sure the plants have enjoyed the sun.

So, get with it! St. Patrick's Day has come and gone. It's time to get your Celtic Ozark Spring Garden in the ground. In our next article, we will talk about broccoli and cabbage.

We'll talk again soon,

Ray Province
The Celtic Ozarkian

Turnips Are the Best

Wow,

It has been a while since I took time to update the progress of my garden. The Spring was successful, except for snap peas. We just received too much rain in the Ozarks. We have eaten Spinach and lettuce until we are as green as our Irish pride. That helps to make up for the loss of some snap peas.

Turnips are one of my favorite Spring time plants. I grow a Purple Globe Heirloom turnip from the Baker Creek Seed Company. They are easy to grow, and very hardy.

Plant them from seed in Mid to late March. As the turnips begin to grow, you want to thin them so 4" of room exists between each of your plants. I must admit, however, that I do not always do that well. I so enjoy the greens! So, I each my way to the proper distance between the turnips.

After my turnips get around 2" in diameter, I break off the tops. This will cause the turnips to grow larger. It won't kill the plant.

I like big turnips. The strong flavor tends to moderate in larger ones. You do have to watch for plant rot, however. I have included a picture for you to see.

Til next time, happy gardening,

Ray Province

Ray Province is a retired minister and owner of the Celtic Ozarkian, a website dedicated to creating a chronicle of life in the Ozarks. You can reach him at contactus@celticozarkian.com or @celticozarkian on Twitter.

March Madness in the Garden

Finally, March has arrived. I experience my own version of “March Madness” every St. Patrick’s Day, when it becomes time to start the spring garden. I almost always start my garden by St. Patty’s. Why? Mostly because I can. In my growing zone, I can start spring plants any time between now and the end of the month. The last average frost date for me is April 15th.

So what can you plant? Here is my list for spring: snap peas, spinach, onions, lettuce, turnips, and beets. In two more weeks, I’ll add some brocolli and cabbage that I have started inside. So far, the weather has been good here in the Ozarks heading into the first day of Spring. If it goes bad, I am ready.

I keep some old sheets around to through over things, should the temperature drop. I do not like to use plastic, unless I have the greenhouse up. I have been so busy this winter, I have not had time to build the greenhouse again. So, I go back to plan one. A cold frame is also perfect now. (You can refer back to my article on cold frames on my Celtic Ozark Garden page on Squidoo.)

I have my peas set to climb walls 5 ft tall, made of PVC pipe and 1″ by 2″ rectangular garden fence. Once they get going, I will help them start up the fence. The spinach and lettuce is planted inbetween the pea fences. The turnips, beets, and onions are in a different bin by themselves.

I am going to add a video on this process this weekend, so you can see what I have done.

Failte go a garden!

Ray Province
Life in the Ozarks

Ray Province is a retired minister and owner of http://ping.fm/dY1qc The website chronicles life in the Ozarks. He also freelances in SEO, website development, and social bookmarking.

March 19th, 2009 Tags: cold frame, garden, lettuce, madness, march, onions, spinach, spring