Oh my friends, it has been far too long since I have put my fingers to the keyboard on this blog. The need to write again, however has risen up within me. Perhaps because it is the middle of February and quite simply I CAN'T be outside gardening! I long for the days of Spring, heck I would be happy to see mid March so I can start my indoor seedlings. The winters in Ontario just make it soo darn impossible for a gardener to be happy. Other than starting some new indoor Basil, my green thumbs have remained sadly white.
I have not spent too much time outdoors this winter. It has been very cold and it is too sad a
reminder that all my lovely flowers, herbs and perennials are hidden under at least 3 feet of snow. I can't wait to see some greenery pop through the white blanket above it.
Due to the fact that my vegetable garden did not do well last Summer, I have every intention of
amending my soil this Spring. Though we did add some organic manure and topsoil, it clearly wasn't enough. Our vegetable garden was put in above grass three years ago using layers of paper, 4 inches of manure and 4 inches of top soil. The first two years were terrific! We
got loads of tomatoes, carrots, green peas, snow peas, turnip and prolific herbs. Last Summer,
however, it was a very sad looking garden. After talking to a few other local gardeners, including a master gardener, they too did not have good production. Perhaps it was the too many overcast days and rain, or perhaps a combination of poor weather conditions and my soil having lots most of its previous vigour....
I am determined this year that I will not waste hours and days of time on a garden that I neglect to first and foremost take care of it's soil.
How about all you other home veggie gardeners out there? How was your produce last year?
What did you do to ensure good soil?
Would love to hear from any of you on your experiences with Summer 2010.
Let's all hope for terrific Ontario garden conditions this Spring/Summer and work hard to get the most bang for our planting buck!
About Me
- MsGardener
- I have lived all my life in Ontario, Canada and moved from Toronto to a small town in rural Ontario almost 23 years ago. I love it here! Everything moves at a slower pace and there is room to grow lots of various plants. I have 5 children whom are all adults now and two granddaughters that I adore. I love to learn, learn and learn some more about the various uses for plants, companion gardening, natural methods of pest control etc. etc. etc.
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