We consider Memorial Day to be the last reasonable day for planting the garden. Most years we have it planted before that.
This year is different. After weeks of rain, we finally had a dry week late in May. June 1 found us planting our garden (and getting ready to plant fields) in a frenzy.
Thought you might like to watch. These are some seed potatoes cut up and ready to plant. We try to leave two eyes on each section.
Stick the nifty potato planter in the ground and drop the potato section in (I wonder if there is a more technnical term for it?)...
Repeat. Before you know it, you've got a row planted. The string is so that we plant straight--important when you begin rototilling between rows.
We planted the rest of the garden that day, too, including our strawberries. Strawberries are supposed to be planted in April (or at latest) early May. June 1. That's a first for us.
It's important not to cover the "crown" of the plant with dirt--strawberries need to be planted just right--not too deep and not to shallow.
We've been very busy with field work--so busy that I can't keep up with blogging. I've decided that I may just stop trying for long blog posts over the summer--just a photo and a few words. No time for more!
wow, Memorial Day is when most of us plant our gardens since that's our last frost date. Best wishes on a successful harvest.
ReplyDeleteOur last frost is Memorial weekend, but this year the cold is hanging on extra long for us, too.
ReplyDeleteI planted strawberries for the first time this year and was wondering if they need replanted each year?
Wendy, I think our last frost date is probably Memorial Day, too. But if it's warm enough and dry enough, we plant before it and take our chances. Thanks for the good wishes!
ReplyDeleteShelley, we do strawberries on a two-year rotation. Plant them in April, picking off all the blossoms so that the plants don't produce berries that first year and can put all the energy into spreading out. Plant another patch the following April (pulling off the blossoms), and harvest the first patch in June. Continue with the two-year rotation for best results.
I've heard eyes and sets for potato sections.
ReplyDeleteWe had scads of tiny wild strawberries this year. No size at all, but so full of flavor.