SPRING GARDENING

So far, with some warm weather and some rain, this spring has been good for growing things.  Unfortunately for Grand Forks, this combination contributed to major flooding in the downtown area and nearby subdivisions.  The flood did a lot of damage but it was so good to see the volunteers that worked hard at sandbagging and helping out as best they could.  The river levels are down now and the clean up process has begun.  Again, we local people and volunteer organizations who have set up in town to help.  Very encouraging.

All is well here at home and we’ve been working away at smaller projects.  Stuart is always building something useful—he’s working on a wooden storage box for truck liquids that will sit in the back corner of the truck box.  Pictures to follow when the job is done.

I’ve been hanging out in the greenhouse for a while every day and have had success with most of the seeding.  Still waiting on cutting celery and Serrano peppers that I’ve re-seeded at least 3 times.  It must be poor seed as everything else I planted has sprouted. 

 Last week, I started planting squashes outside in an area near the shop.  They spread out so much that it’s best to keep them out of the main garden area.  So far, they are adapting and will be joined by watermelon and cantaloupe in a few days.

I’ve planted the cucumbers, a few tomatoes, peppers and basil.  This year I am growing regular celery which is supposed to be a difficult plant to manage.  They require no more than 6 hours of sun, need lots of moisture and should be shaded in the hottest part of the day.  I’ve planted 4 of them in different locations to see which ones do the best.

 We have been golfing a few times and are enjoying it very much.  It is not too busy at the golf course yet and the course is in excellent condition.  Such a treat to walk down lush green fairways amongst green trees and shrubs.