New blueberries by rock wall
We had a colder than usual winter and a number of my more tender lavender plants (Spanish lavender) died. This left a section of our yard looking quite a mess. Today, I tackled removing all the dead lavenders and I decided to replace them with edibles, in this case blueberries. I selected early and mid-season varieties. With our short summers in Seattle, the late varieties have a tough time maturing before our warm weather ends. In addition to removing the lavenders and planting the blueberries, the whole section needed a good weeding. I definitely got a workout today!
First asparagus spear
I planted a 4 x 6 bed of Jersey Knight asparagus this spring. Finally, the first asparagus spear has broken through the ground. Although I purchased 2- to 3-year old crowns, it will still takes a few years before I can start harvesting the asparagus because the roots need to get firmly established first.
Pea planting bed
- Cucumber: Alibi (pickling)
- Cucumber: Green Slam (slicing)
- Cucumber: Boothby’s Blonde (slicing)
- Watermelon: Yellow Doll
- Melon: Ambrosia
- Pumpkin: Small Sugar
- Pumpkin: Cinderella
- Squash: Early Butternut
- Squash: Small Wonder Spaghetti
- Corn: Golden Bantam
The melon and watermelon plants were selected because they have pretty much the shortest growing season possible. These can be tricky to grow with our short season in Seattle, so in addition to selecting short-season varieties, I plan to grow these directly in the greenhouse. I hope they work out!
Happy gardening.
Sandy
The 10 Year Challenge 
You had a very productive day Sandy! Looks good and you are smart in selecting varieties that mature quickly – that’s a requirement for success in our region.
Isn’t it exciting to see the first asparagus spears poke through? My bed is starting to really get a move on and has multiple spears poking through now. Already harvested the first few spears – but looking forward to the more abundant main crop in the weeks ahead.
Your melons should do great in your greenhouse, they will love the heat. The row of peas are looking spectacular.
I’m jealous! I am still awaiting my first asparagus spear. I am hoping they will be alright as they had to sit in their bags longer than I hoped before planting because of our lovely early spring weather… we couldn’t get our beds ready in time! Same thing with my rhubarb.
Lisa, I checked today and still only have one spear poking through! I hope the others will show up soon.
Boy, I’ve got to start my melons and more cukes. More soil blocks are in order. Great work Sandy!
More blueberries? You’ve got tons of plants, and I thought I had enough at 4! Hehe. Go for it!
Man, my peas still haven’t germinated yet, but I planted late. I’ve got to live at DoubleD’s site to make sure I’m not behind the game, hehe.
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