It's Showtime!

Planting is going on almost daily and I'm pleased to say that a number of things are beginning to poke their heads above the soil line.


I'm new to this so providing an accurate estimate of expected harvests is still difficult, but I'll go out on a limb and say that my first market day will probably be June 16th or 20th.


Check this blog a little closer to the dates indicated and I'll be far more certain.  In the meantime, the rhubarb is almost doubling in size every day so I anticipate a good quantity for the 16th, along with some salad greens.


I'll take the camera down with me today and snap a few pictures.  It still looks like a dinosaur's graveyard, but one with hints of green here and there, a promise of things to come.  Stay tuned.

No More Tables, No More Windows

The plants under the tables are regularly rotated with the ones on top.

I'd hoped to get some more seeds planted in the field this week but it may be wiser to wait until the rain lets up.   However, there's plenty of action here in the house.

I was told to expect less than 75% germination so I over-planted to compensate.  

 It would be lovely to start a few more things inside but there's no place to put any more seeding trays.  Perhaps this summer people who drop by can suggest ways for me to create a makeshift greenhouse for next year.  Of course, with Cape George being the windiest spot in Nova Scotia, this too might be a challenge.

They may not look impressive, but these sturdy little broccoli plants are thriving despite the less-than-optimal light.

 One of my neighbours suggested that I read 'Carrots Love Tomatoes' by Louise Riotte.  I found so many of her companion planting suggestions intriguing that I decided to include specific flowers in the agricultural area because of their effects on insect predators.  

Primarily supportive flowers, seeded to help deflect insect and nematode activity in the field.

 This used to be the guest room; it's now a plant nursery (just like the rest of the house).  I thought that including the (well-scrubbed) dog wading pool as a drip pan was a touch of genius.

This used to be a night stand.

 Yes, there is room for a few more pots in the pool.  Unfortunately, I seem to have run out of pots and am now cutting up waxed cartons because many of the seedlings have outgrown their original pellets.  Sigh . . . 

This is the bed in the spare room.

I had more sweet potato slips last year so there's a good chance that this year's crop will be used as a seed crop.  However, if I do have a decent year I'll sell any extra that I produce.  This variety is Georgia Jet.

Even the formerly non-compliant sweet potatoes are springing to life.

Herbs - formerly my sewing table.

More herbs, just breaking through.

 Remember to keep an eye on this blog so you'll know when Rose Cottage Garden opens for the season.  

'nuf said

Food For Thought

Take a moment to watch this short video.  Although it was produced by Hellmans, I believe the message speaks to (and about) all Canadians concerned about our food security.


Oh, and for the record?  Planting has begun so I expect Rose Cottage Garden to have its opening day in early to mid June.  Stay tuned.