Laurel's Garden: Twelve Inches of Snow

Monday, February 21, 2011

Twelve Inches of Snow

We got another 12 inches of snow yesterday and right now it looks like it is snowing harder than it did yesterday.

This is what we're doing while we wait:

I planted celeriac seeds today.

Celeriac seeds are tiny.

Oops. Forgot to water the artichoke. Well, if it survives, we'll know it's a hardy one.

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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.