… That is the Question

Actually, that is not quite right. That heading should be something more like “To sow indoors, or to sow outdoors, that is the question.” Permit me to provide a little context for those of you that are telepathically-impaired. We are at the tail end of ordering this year’s seeds and it by far dwarfs what we planted last year. This coming spring will mark significant changes for Brambleshire.
Our seed list:
Peas, Bush Beans, Broccoli, Lettuce (Iceberg, Summer Crisp, Wild Mix), Summer Squash, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Bell Peppers (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red), Hot Peppers (Jalapeño, Serrano, Poblano), Celery, Parsnip, Corn (Sweet, Dry, Pop), Tomato (Red, Heirloom), Cabbage, Carrot, Onion (Green, Red, Yellow), Brussels Sprouts, Spinach, Watermelons, Pumpkin (Giant, Jack O’Lantern), Sage, Basil, Feverfew, Bee Balm, Mint, Hyssop, Lemon Balm, Valerian, Phlox, Marigold, Sunflower (Tall, Dwarf), Wild Flowers, Cosmos, Verbena, Zinnia.

Over the coming weeks we will sow many of these indoors, others will get directly sown outdoors. Figuring out which sowing process is best for each variety has been and still is quite the endeavor. We also have some items on order that will not arrive until spring, including blackberry bushes, strawberry plants, rhubarb, clematis, and wisteria.

Pumpkins of Mass Destruction (PoMD) …

Last year we waited too late in the season to plant pumpkin. Therefore, in an effort to make up for the lack of pumpkindom last year, we have decided to plant two different varieties, a standard Jack O’Lantern and a gargantuan pumpkin variety called Dill’s Atlantic Giant or what I am affectionately naming Pumpkin of Mass Destruction. The label says an average size is 200-300 pounds, however, sizes in excess of 1,000 pounds is attainable. So with that said, this pumpkin will get its very own patch. (The Great Pumpkin will be SO jealous!)

… Becoming a Beautiful Swan … err … Mock Orange

One of the items that was (please do the double finger-quote sign!) “supposed” (this concludes the interactive portion of our blog.) to arrive in the spring. Instead our little bundle of joy arrived a few months early. What can I say? Some guys just can’t hold their Philadelphus coronarius. So, our mission, should we choose to accept it, and since it is paid for, I am pretty sure we will, is to keep this little fella alive until spring.

For a parting thought, I leave you with this: Consider growing something this year, anything will do. A small house plant, herb garden, or a small potted flower. Or think outside of the box: grow a beard, grow some toe fungus, grow mold in the refrigerator, or even grow tired of reading this blog. The important thing is to contribute to society in some meaningful way … and … world peace.