We green to grow!

We are expecting rain and right now, it's raining off in the distance with the wind blowing to the East and a little south according to the clouds.  75-85% chance of rain starting tomorrow and running to Friday. So given the cold and possible rain, didn't have to water outside. 

The tomato seedlings have sprouted finally and I think one of the cucumbers. I brought them inside and was keeping them on the microwave because that was the warmest place. We had sun for a few days and then I noticed one of the tomatoes had sprouted but it was very lanky. I moved both trays to the kitchen window because that gets warm enough if the windows are closed and the sun is shining. I thought I took pictures of them but I think I held off because at the time they weren't very big. I think one cucumber is sprouting but it is so much too cold for that one right now. Need to start some peppers soon.

And the 'Paradise' rose is blooming at least. Just one flower, the yellow also has a flower but the other one that was stripped is growing, but not flowering. Stupid gardeners.

 I have no idea what Dolores plans to do with that cat shelter/litter box top. Maybe using it as a place holder or something for later because it certainly won't make a good planter with that cut out on the side. The garlic is doing well at least. I moved some of the logs away so they weren't being pushed under the wire. IF I'm lucky I might see some garlic by the end of summer.

 

The skies were clear yesterday with a slight almost smokey haze. The Norfolk Pine is now taller than I am. That tallest trunk is six feet tall. Certainly has survived and thrived with what it's gone through to this point. 

Things are growing, still no money for compost so I'm hoping that the timing of the seedlings works with getting money next month. I know I say that every month about having money and never do but some day, it will be true.

Not much to report

 The skies are clear, temps are still low at night into morning, mid to high 40's by sunrise. Breezy wind rustling the windchimes downstairs so I know it's got some force behind it. 

Top of one of the trees showing the clear blue sky. Yes it was that color, no enhancements needed on that. I think that's an elm tree that has lost most of the leaves and is growing them back at the same time. Short lived winter here for sure.

 

 

I started working the soil in the raised bed, digging deep and discovering more roots. I'm thinking they are from whatever is growing below, like the logs or something. I pulled and broke up most of them and then said 'what the heck, might as well' and dumped the rest of the in ground compost that Dolores had given me. Compared to what is in there, it is an excellent amendment. I need about twenty more of those 1 cu ft bags for that bed. Oh and I dug up what was left of the potatoes. Seriously, the one sprouted clump had two tiny, bb size nodules on the roots and nothing left of the original piece of potato. I'm going to have to give up on growing them at all.  I just don't have the room, soil and patience for it. Sure I have that crate right there to grow them in but that needs a bag of soil all on it's own. To really replenish my beds I need about $50 worth of soil.

 

At least the garlic is doing okay so far.  Nothing has disturbed any of the beds recently but am not taking any chances. Oh and none of the seeds I planted have sprouted yet. Likely too cold since they're outside. Will see if I can remember to bring them in after the sun goes down.

I heard not only the hawks yesterday morning, but crows and some ravens as well. Purple Finches, I think I heard some Lesser Goldfinches, and the Mourning Doves have returned. I haven't heard that many Eurasian doves lately which I'm a bit relieved actually. Mourning Doves are native, the Eurasians are not.

Oh and they came and chopped back the pepper tree sprouts again. They're going to likely keep doing that with the chainsaws every six months I bet. Thought I had a picture of them but can't seem to find it or they weren't worth keeping due to screen and window. So here's a shot of the skies to the north the other day.

That's all that's fit to print at the moment.