Kitchen Garden and Hen House Happenings

We've made a lot of progress on the Hen House.  I'm finished with my part of the painting.  I just need Ben to paint the very tippy-top of the front side (he's 6' 3").  Our colors are "Pearl" and "Sauteed Mushroom."

Side view, shutters closed

Shutters open

Back side, chicken door closed

Chicken door open

Front view, almost done

 Interior

The chicks got to stretch their legs for a few hours today.

They're in that awkward stage.

We have a lot growing in the kitchen garden, but it's about to EXPLODE next week.  Stayed tuned.

Our garlic is thriving.

 Spinach is doin' it.

Arugula, my favorite.

The beets are happy.

 Every time I think I'm finished thinning the carrots, more pop up.

 I can't wait to taste the first strawberry.

 I finally got the wineberries in the ground.

Amish snap peas have finally grasped the fence.

Wineberry row.  Support system to follow.

Let's see what's headed for the kitchen garden.

 Eggplant

A sea of tomatoes

 The peppers are growing up.

 Pesto?

 Sweet delicate thyme

 All the squashes and melons are saying "hello" to the world.  This is a Waltham Butternut.

 Our last frost date is April 18th.  I have a lot to transplant during the next two weeks.  At the top of my list are artichokes, a gazillion flowers and tomatoes.  I'll also be sowing sunflowers and corn.  Happy planting!

Greenhouse Haiku

When it is snowing

I can always count on you

To be warm inside

I wasn't going to write today.  I had it in my mind that if I dodn't upload it, then it never happened.  I had awakened to the first (and I hope the only) spring snow.  But I changed my mind after a trip with Miles up to the greenhouse.  That place is always full of inspiration, and it just makes me feel good.  Here are some of the highlights:

My big, strong heirloom tomatoes

The artichokes have come out of their cold treatment and are happy to be back in the greenhouse.

I love this Ruby Moon hyacinth bean.

The eggplants are alive and well.

Hops

This nasturtium popped up over the weekend.

The parsley will be ready to set out soon.

I'm a firm believer that you can never grow too much basil.  I've got about fifty seedlings going.

Baby thyme

The poppies are doing a lot better than I had expected.

Get a load of these blueberries!

 

So while things are all hunky-dory in the greenhouse, let's take a look outside.

As I write this, the snow has stopped falling and it's already beginning to melt.  Yes!  It isn't too awfully cold out, and I'm not really worried about the greens and root vegetables in the kitchen garden.  Things are often more resilient than we think.  If they to subcome to the harsh weather, I'll just have to sow some more.  I love sowing seeds, I'll shed no tears.  The asparagus and blueberries are going to be alright.  This snow is just a minor annoyance.

Back inside, the girls are doing well.  It's so hard to get a good picture of them.  They're always fluttering about when I enter their room, and the red heat lamp doesn't help.  In addition to "Judith," "Iris," and "Eunice," we now have a "Big Beulah," and "Large Marge."  Big Beulah and Large Marge are the big bosses.  They're also loudmouths.  I admire their spunk and attitude.