Red Dirt Ramblings®

Firmly rooted in the Oklahoma soil

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Garden Coaching
  • Travel
  • Contact
  • My Gardens
    • The Back Garden
    • The Potager
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Red Dirt Ramblings®

Firmly rooted in the Oklahoma soil

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Garden Coaching
  • Travel
  • Contact
  • My Gardens
    • The Back Garden
    • The Potager

Dear friends and gardeners, 2010, week one

1 March, 2010 By Dee Nash

by Dee Nash
1 March, 20101 March, 2015Filed under:
  • Grow Your Own Food
  • Roses
  • Seeds
  • Vegetables

Does anyone remember the series of letters Carol from May Dreams Gardens and Mary Ann from Gardens of the Wild, Wild West and I wrote to each other last summer profiling our vegetable gardens?  We enjoyed our comparisons, and hope you did too, because we’re doing it again this year.  If you like, feel free to do something similar with your friends like plant the same variety of a particular vegetable or flower and compare notes.  Think of it as a weekly “Dear Friend and Gardener” meme.

Dear Carol and Mary Ann and Gardening Friends Everywhere,

I sit in my cozy kitchen/office typing as I watch the sun rise in all its golden glory.  Yesterday, the north wind wasn’t too biting, so I got outside for the second time this year.  For me, and many other gardeners across the U.S., winter has stayed way past its welcome.  I can’t wait for even milder temperatures and the end of snow before planting, or I might miss the window of opportunity.  However, I admit the rain and snow have done my garden good.  The soil was nice and damp, but not too wet.  Like Goldilocks would say, it was just right.

Plan of the potager; the centerpiece is a fountain.

We haven’t finished building the new, kitchen potager, but hope to by the time it is tomato and pepper planting time (i.e., end of April or early May).  The bad economy took some of the oomph our of monetary sails, so we’re taking it slow.  We want to use tumbled, concrete pavers (because stone is cost prohibitive for this Oklahoma gardener) to edge the beds.  The red, brick walks between won’t cost anything except labor, because we recycled them from a paving job, and that’s where we’ll start first.

The weather hasn’t cooperated either, but the plan is drawn, and we’re doing it in stages.  At one end, is a greenhouse facing the garden.  A fountain, maybe a blue urn, will be the centerpiece and attract wildlife.  I saw one in an ornamental bed in Oklahoma Gardening’s studio garden, and I’d like to do something similar.  Here’s a shot which I took in September 2009 of their fountain.

Blue fountain surrounded by yellow lantana at the Oklahoma Gardening studio gardens

I have room in the back garden for my early spring crops.  It doesn’t get crowded until later.  Yesterday, I did some clearing and trimmed up a couple of roses.  Then, I planted.  In honor of my beloved Grandma Nita, I’m growing Alaska shelling peas.  Since the weather has been so cool, I’m hoping I’ll have time to reap a nice harvest.  Some years, warmth comes too quickly, and the peas don’t fill out their pods.  These, I planted along the north fence where I hope they’ll clamber with a bit of help.  HH did some fence repairs screwing the rails into some of the posts.  We also replaced a broken rail at the end of the garden.  I noticed my blueleaf honeysuckle was planted too close to a ‘Belinda’s Dream’ rose, so I moved it before it broke dormancy.  I also dug up some old daylilies I no longer want.

The other seeds I planted were Little Finger baby carrots, Lacinato Nero Toscana kale, Early Wonder beets, Petrowski turnips, Tatsoi mustard, Bourdeaux spinach, three kinds of lettuce: Red Sails, De Morges Braun and Marvel of Four Seasons.  I still have my potatoes, snow peas, swiss chard, dwarf pak choy, and onions to get in the ground.  After today, the weather is supposed to be nice again.  I also realized I didn’t plant any Black Seeded Simpson lettuce, so I’ll need to buy some.  Weren’t we also going to plant Speckled Troutback (a/k/a Forellenschluss) lettuce together this year to see how it performs across our three zones?  I’ll get a packet of it too at TLC Nursery.  They have a lot of seed varieties.

Eating their favorite scratch. The white rooster on the left is Alex.

Also wanted to let you know the chickens are doing great and eating us out of house and home.  They should be laying eggs soon, and I’ll show you the different colors of the brown and rainbow eggs.  Remember cute, little Alex?  He’s the big, white rooster on the left.

Just getting out in the sun and touching the crumbly soil with my hands did this gardener good.  Oh, and I saw the first crocus of the season.  How are things in your neck of the woods?

Dee

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related

Tagged:
  • Carrots
  • Chickens
  • Food
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Tatsoi
  • Vegetables

Post navigation

Previous Post Time to start planting a cold crop veggie garden
Next Post The Dowager Duchess must be freed

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janell West says

    5 March, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    Dear Abby (I mean Dee,)

    Who knew Paniculata Clematis was the dreaded Sweet Autumn Clematis that the MG’s advised this newbie to avoid. When I saw them at TLC I picked two up.

    Just like yours, they thrived last year in their maiden season — looked really pretty framing my half-circle window — but having read this post, I’m now afraid.

    The foliage is all dead due to our hard freezes — but I noticed some greening up at the top of the arch — rather than at the bottom — so I’m not sure (if I continue with my plan to let it go another year) how best to trim this.

    Should I cut it back to the 6-12″ above ground as recommended for other Type 3’s — if I want to make your same mistakes — and give this lovely girl another year of life?

    Afraid in Mesta Park
    .-= Janell West´s last blog ..What Would Jesus Drive? =-.

  2. Deborah at KIlbourne Grove says

    3 March, 2010 at 7:52 am

    I love your plan for the Potager. A couple of years ago, I put in some raised beds in a classic, four square design. They have proven to be the most useful thing I have ever done. Need a holding area for a gift plant, there it is, bought a plant on impulse, plant it in the Kitchen Garden beside all the others until you figure out a space. It looks lovely every time of the year, thanks to its strong design. I had grass between my beds, which I finally got rid off last fall. I would like to use stone or brick between the beds as well, but I think that project is a bit further down the (ever growing) list.

  3. LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD says

    2 March, 2010 at 10:45 am

    Still looks like winter here, but definitely feels like Spring! Your plan looks lovely; I think getting it down on paper is often the most difficult part because you have to abandon some ideas and commit to others. So even that much is a big first step. When we began our garden we said it was a 10 year plan, knowing we would do most of the work ourselves and also try to find recycled and scavenged materials to lower the costs. We are beginning year 13 (!) because we keep coming up with ideas for new features and now some parts are mature enough to need a lot of maintenance. But it’s really all about the process; the flowers and food are just an added bonus as is the beauty!

  4. Sweet Bay says

    1 March, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    You have a wonderful variety in your winter garden. I always think of planting a winter vegetable garden but never actually do it. A blue urn will be beautiful in the center of your potager.

  5. Carol, May Dreams Gardens says

    1 March, 2010 at 8:26 pm

    Well, dang, Dee, we haven’t had even the hint of a decent day to get out into our gardens here in Indiana. The snow is still melting and the ground is saturated. But I’m still hopeful to be sowing peas on March 17th. Oh, and I have to redo some of my raised beds. How high up will the sides of your beds be? Using some kind of stone or tumbled concrete pavers might be better than the cedar boards I used originally. Some of them need to be replaced!

  6. Christine B. says

    1 March, 2010 at 8:15 pm

    Ah, things are not well in my neck of the woods. Just when I thought winter’s death grip was loosening, we get another four inches of snow and temps in the teens. Yuck.

    Christine in Alaska

  7. Jenny B says

    1 March, 2010 at 8:05 pm

    So glad you will be doing the garden report again this year. I found it to be very informative, interesting, and entertaining. I am very impressed with the plans you have drawn for the potager garden–beautiful! I look forward watching it’s progress too. I have seen the daffs in bloom around town, as well as the Bradford Pears budding. But not in my garden yet. So much to look forward to!

  8. Dana Nichols says

    1 March, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    Dee —

    I love the chickens!
    I wish we could have them where we live.
    Dumb country neighborhood association rules! Oh well….

    We are getting started outside- it is a slow go however. Lots of things to clear off.

    Love to read what is going on in your garden!

    Dana

  9. Monica the Garden Faerie says

    1 March, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    Wow, Dee, that’s some kind of wonderful potager garden! Love the rcecyled brick idea. Also, the chickens are very cute. We still have snow. But this is MI not OK! 🙂

  10. Janell West says

    1 March, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    Dee,

    Loved your graden report.

    On a much smaller scale, I’ve been noticing a little garden activity as well. My roses are coming out of hibernation, the dafffodils are springing up (looks like the Civil War Daffodils survived my Scottie dog’s ditch-witchy ways — though with only one crocus, I fear its partners weren’t so lucky..

    My lettuce seed is in and I’m trying to grow tomatos and a few anuuals in the house. My kitchen counter has become a makeshift indoor garden — if I can grow my own annuals, it will keep down the cost of two neighbor gardens that I care for — bedding plants can be costlly.

    Like you, I amxious to get my hands dirty.

    Janell

  11. Gail says

    1 March, 2010 at 1:30 pm

    They grow up so fast…and before you know it they have eggs of their own~ What a handsome flock you have. Dee, what a charming potager you’re creating…Once winter takes a hike we can all begin to allow our dreams to take flight into reality. gail

  12. commonweeder says

    1 March, 2010 at 12:19 pm

    I love your plans – and your garden correspondence. I can’t wait for our 3 FEET of snow to melt and the resurrection of my Monday Report. I am planning an Early Garden right in front of the east end of the house which is dry and protected. I think I can get a big head start on cold hardy crops.

  13. Mr. McGregor's Daughter says

    1 March, 2010 at 10:07 am

    Your potager will be so beautiful! I can just imagine it from seeing your drawing plan. Nothing ever seems to go exactly as planned, but you seem to be plugging along as best you can. Those chickens sure grew quickly. What a treat it will be for you to have freshly laid eggs.

  14. deb says

    1 March, 2010 at 9:33 am

    I really enjoyed reading these last year. So glad you are still doing it.

  15. joey says

    1 March, 2010 at 9:21 am

    My, what exciting plans, Dee. Besides more blooming crocus, you have much to look forward to. After seeing your handsome chickens, I have a yen for fresh eggs … they must taste amazing! Happy March Monday 🙂

  16. Jenny says

    1 March, 2010 at 7:45 am

    I love the plans for your veg. garden. Will look forward to seeing the final job. Chickens, I would give anything for some chickens. We have always lived in suburbia where chickens weren’t allowed but if I had my time again I would look for a place in the countryside where I could have them. Lucky you. I can just imagine how yummy those eggs will be.

  17. Lisa at Greenbow says

    1 March, 2010 at 7:39 am

    What fun. You get to play in the garden. Oops, of course I meant work in the garden. This post makes me want to get out there to see what I might be able to do. Your sketch of the potager looks very energetic. I can’t wait to see it completed. The fountain will be a great center piece.

Primary Sidebar

About Dee

Hi, I’m Dee, a professional garden writer and speaker born and raised in Oklahoma. Here you’ll find all my best dirt on gardening and travel. Welcome!

Read More

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Subscribe Here To RDR Updates.


* indicates required
Email News
Email Format

Garden Coaching

Garden Coaching

Grow a beautiful and manageable garden with personalized pointers from Dee!

Learn More

Give my podcast a listen!

Our podcast logo! The Gardenangelists.

Search me baby!

Travel

It's time to get the leaves off of the pansies.

It’s time to plan for next year’s garden

9 November, 2022 By Dee Nash

Yes, I know we're all exhausted from the summer from hell in Oklahoma and Texas--or is that just me? But it's time to start planning for next year's dream garden. Trust me, it's time, and who knows? Maybe next Read More

Fun days at the daylily national convention

16 July, 2022 By Dee Nash

For July's Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, I want to share my visit to the daylily national convention. A region of the American Daylily Society puts on the AHS National Convention each year. Region 15 put on this Read More

Road trip to Yellowstone National Park

28 October, 2019 By Dee Nash

Bill and I traveled all summer. I'm not gonna lie. It was tons of fun, but after getting back from our road trip to Yellowstone National Park last month, I am tired and will be staying home for a while. I Read More

GOW Footer Widget Header

Ask me a question!

Please feel free to ask me a question here or at my email addy: dee@deenash.com.
I’ll try to answer every question and get back to you as quickly as possible.

Contact Us

Footer

Blogs I Dig

  • Clay and Limestone–TN
  • Cold Climate Gardening–NY
  • Dirt Therapy–PNW
  • Each Little World
  • Faire Garden–TN
  • Greenbow–IN
  • Growing With Plants
  • Joanne's Cottage Garden
  • May Dreams Gardens–IN
  • Redeem Your Ground
  • Rock Rose–TX
  • Toronto Gardens–Canada

Red Dirt Sisters

  • Curtiss Ann Matlock
  • The Not Always Lazy W

Follow Us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Let’s bring back the Monarchs

Let’s bring back the Monarchs
For more info about speaking and other work, visit my other website!

Dear Friend and Gardener

Join our virtual garden club and share all summer

Join our virtual #garden club and share all #summer

Disclosure Notice

Red Dirt Ramblings participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and its affiliates.

Occasionally, I also accept some garden items for review. If I review one of these items, I will let you know in the post. Thank you.

© Copyright 2023 Reddirtramblings.com · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Sitemap

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
 

Loading Comments...