Laurel's Garden: December 2010

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Seed Catalogs Come

Jung Seed Catalog came Tuesday, 12/28

Territorial Seed Catalog came Wednesday, 12/29

Monday, December 27, 2010

Record Snow

We've had record amounts of snow this year, the most since 1969.

33.4 inches in December alone. Normal is 10 inches.

Monday, December 20, 2010

More Snow

Last weekend we got 17" of snow. They're predicting another 5-6" of snow today.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Blizzard

So far, 14.6 inches of snow today and we're expecting -30F windchills tonight.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Snow

I am hoping that the eight inches of snow we got this weekend will create a thick, warm blanket for my garlic and my artichoke.

The Plot

The top 9 inches:

-imported topsoil
The next 3 inches:
-densely packed gravel
The next 2 plus feet:
-densely packed, sandy soil
-the foundation of a home

Soil tested 5/08 and 4/11
-Organic Matter 13.5% (high)
-Soluble Salts 0.8 (satisfactory)
-pH 7.5 (a bit alkaline)
-Phosphorus 50+ (very high)
-Potassium 300+ (very high)

2007

-Ground broken fall 2007.

2008

-I started gardening here in spring 2008.

-Added chicken manure, peat, and trace minerals.

-Hand-tilled soil to loosen hard packed gravel.

-Very few bugs, no worms or grubs.

2009

-Added horse manure in early spring and earthworms from a friend's garden.

-Hand-tilled soil in back half of garden.

-Water creates pools in areas.

-Some bees and butterflies. Occasional worms and grubs.

2010

-Fertilized with fish emulsion and blood meal.

-Slug problem, squash beetles emerge.

-Water still pools, runs off raised beds into path.

-Many butterflies, bees, and other insects.

2011

-Birds, insects, worms and grubs are abundant.

-Slugs and squash beetles are better this year.

-Soil re-tested. Nearly identical results as 5/08.

-Drainage better. Less hard-packed soil below.