The beautiful birth of spring gives new hope again to growth and the potential of the soil. Lying dormant through the cold months of winter and storing energy in the earth, the green shoots of new growth slowly emerge from the ground and the leaf bud as temperatures begin to warm.
Can you tell that i am a bit of a romantic regarding spring? We have seen some strange weather here though, as i'm sure many have witnessed in their own area. From 70's one day to sleet and 30's the next seems to be the range of fluctuation from day to day. Spring temps were very slow in warming this year and i have appreciated the time invested in a small cold frame. Although the local fire ants have taken up residence (they too appreciate warm soil), several plants have thrived in the small greenhouse. The changing and unpredictable weather seems to warrant the use of greenhouses or some level of controlled growing environment. Just my thought.
I have been busy with work and the day to day needs of life lately. The main website has been down for a while though i have a blessing of a gift in a new server host. Being out of "tech" for so long has made it a challenge for me to get the site back up and learn to use new tools. It will get there soon, i pray.
With spring comes more landscape work. Several new and old clients have called about some "work". There is also a start to a small garden using some makeshift coldframes and gathered soil from compost piles and other stored sources. i was talking with several of the residents involved in the prison ministry and they are making their own efforts at starting a garden on the prison grounds. The H.O.P.E. group helps them out with seeds, plants and other needs - though they don't seem to need it based on their success last year. Being able to share a common love of growing with these men has been a way of ministering, or just talking. That is time that i have enjoyed sharing with them.
This walk of faith continues. ...just walking a step at a time...
Love and Blessings of new growth,
~ ab
Hey my brother... I am working on doing a container garden this year... I already planted some pototoes, onions and sugar snap peas in some old feed tubs and such...
ReplyDeleteI am having no luck on my tomatoe seeds as of yet, slow to peek out... got any good info on building cheap cold frames??? I am not very good on directions since I am very visual.. but any good info with diagrams and pics would be a wonderful good thing!!
Until later.. and thanks for the note of encouragement..
Love,
Judy
Great to hear Judy! I survived on container grown plants last year. If you have any small landscape area/yard space to put the pots, you can set them in the ground halfway and mulch around the pots - saves water through the season. But... if you'e growing them in good containers on a porch, that's a great way too.
ReplyDeleteMy tomatoes were slow to sprout too, they like the soil really warm. I planted some back in February with no heat and just last week, two more seeds sprouted. I guess they were just waiting for the right time.
I do have some good ideas on cold frames and they are easy to make from wood scraps for the sides, part of an old fence maybe, and an old window or two placed on top. Depending in the size. I scrapped together a quick one in about an hour and filled it with soil. The one i built took about 3 hours.
Thank you for coming to see me here. That is great encouragement to me Sister - just to read your words.
Love you too - & Big Blessings Flowing Your Way From Yahushua,
~ ab