- Cilantro and Dill © 4 2011
Spring has sprung here in the Piedmont and this Southern girl could not be happier…or any more tired…as I have been busy making preparations for my 2011 lasagna gardening ventures. My latest experiment involved planting organic vegetable seeds in my Aerogarden. What is an Aerogarden you might ask ? Well, it is one of my best gardening purchases ever. I found mine at Tuesday Morning; however, you can find their products online at aerogarden.com. The Aerogarden is known as “The World’s First Kitchen Garden Appliance” and uses hydroponics, lighting, nutrients and built-in timers to make growing just about anything a pleasurable experience. This picture shows the cilantro and dill I grew inside all winter, for use in everything from salads to guacamole, using my Aerogarden 7. I have since transplanted them outside and they are growing beautifully.
Since everything else I venture to grow has done so well in my Aerogarden I decided to try starting my veggies from seed at home rather than spending money purchasing the plants from a retailer. It is amazing how being unemployed sparks creativity. 🙂
- Aerogarden – Day 6
- © 4/19/2011
This is day 6 (right). My cucumbers, squash and okra have sprouted and are growing unbelievably fast! I also planted peppers (jalapeno and green), tomatoes (Roma and Cherry), basil, marigolds and zinnias.
Squash and Zucchini from AG © 4 27 2011
This is what my squash and zucchini look like today (left), 13 days after planting. I have transplanted them to pots already. Aren’t they beautiful??? I am hardening them so they will be ready for planting outside in my lasagna garden May 3, 2011, as that is the best day for planting above ground crops per the almanac . ‘Hardening’ means that I take them outside each day, increasing the time daily, allowing them to become acclimated to the outside light and temperature gradually.
As you can see from this picture, it won’t be long at all until my other seedlings are ready to transfer to pots in preparation for the hardening and planting process.
- Seedlings © 4/26/2011
To say that I am excited is an understatement. There is so much I want to share with you:
1) The progress of the green peas, Yukon Gold potatoes and asparagus
2) My experience using sawdust as a border
3) Preparation techniques, Sweet ‘T’ style, for last years’ lasagna rows
But right now, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the out-of-doors is calling my name so….until next time….if you need me, I will be in my little piece of heaven on earth….my garden!!! Chow~
