Heavy Mulch Fabric

In my classes, folks have been interested in heavy duty mulch fabric and nettings. A good source is http://www.americannettings.com Only 118 visits away from the $50 in free plants winner. YOU MUST BE A BLOG MEMBER TO WIN, SO SIGN UP NOW, DETAILS AT RIGHT!

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Jeannie, Kelsey & Jeri........thanks for joining!

Elderberries

If you have never had elderberry jelly or elderberry wine, you have been missing out! This year we will have elderberry plants for sale in 1 gallon pots. They are actually native and grow around here, but getting to them before the birds is a challange. Their flavor is very unique, and no, they do not taste like 'chicken!' When I was a kid, a few years back, my dad used to take us along the Minnesota River to gather these berries. The mosquitoes were bad, but the fruit was good. They have beautiful white flowered heads in early spring, plants grow from 8-12 ft. tall.

Spring planting underway

Yesterday, planted my second set of plots of spinach, lettuce, radish, beets, chard, mesclun mix, kohlrabi. First set 8 days ago and most of it is peeking through already. Last year was a BIG experiment in the hoop house. The list of goodies I just rattled off did beautifully inside the hoop. Other plants did no better and were no faster than their sister plants that were installed outside, like green beans, peas & some flowers....so they got the boot. Tomato did well in there too, so saving their spot. You could start your tomatoes & peppers from seeds indoors now. Reminder to harden them off for several days before installing them in the garden. To be explained in detail at veggie garden class, sign-up! Details at right hand column.