Around The House and Gardens

Everything looks a little drab this time of year.   But it's a time for planting and doing.  A random sunny day has been sneaking in and the clover starting to pop up.  There's also the unmistakable scent of citrus blossoms on the wind....so some trees are most certainly blooming.  Guess that means I'll have to clean up the remaining fruit on the trees and trim them! 

 The bees are loving the blooming Asian Mustard.  The broccoli heads have been picked, but I am still harvesting plenty of side sprouts.  Enough for salads and dipping.

 My new green house I got for Christmas.  It's small, but I believe it's going to be perfect for starting my seedlings.  That's really all I need it for.  I'd like to change the covering to shade cloth in the summer.  I think I'll have to make that myself....and I'm not so sure how to tackle that...will see.

The seedlings are popping up.  If you are going to start your own seeds in the New Orleans area....do it now...yesterday would have been better.  Seeds to start early are:  tomato, eggplants and peppers.  Large seeds such as beans, corn, squash, melon, cucumber, okra,  etc....are best planted directly in the garden...and it will be time to plant those very very soon.  Prepare your beds and get your seeds ready.

Tomato popping up.

Thai Basil.

Here's the bench Byron made.  Look at my nice deck flooring Byron built to put the green house on!  Luv it.

Cabbages are just gorgeous!  Beautiful.  I think cabbages are lovely!

I've been collecting cardboard boxes and putting them on the paths.  Getting ready for the mulch!

Broccoflower....taste like cauliflower.  Lovely color.

Herb wheel.  Green onions, coriander, parsley, dill, rosemary, and natursium.

Lettuce!

Today's harvest.

 Some more of today's harvest....a wagon load of cabbage!

Ready for sauerkraut, coleslaw, cooking and pickling!

Wanted to mention....MY BANANAS ARE FRUITING!!!!!!!! Amazed!  They're only what, two years old?  I'm excited is an understatement.

Get ready for the season by:

Preparing beds (don't forget you can grow bush and compact varieties in pots!)

Ordering seeds
Baker's Creek Heirloom Seeds  This is a good source.

Planting in pots:  tomatoes, peppers, herbs, artichokes, and eggplant (there may be others you want to plant)
Mother Earth "Starting Seeds Indoors"