Uncertainty

April brought some gorgeous days and some unexpected snow and hail storms. The indoor seedlings took up as much space as they could and I began to use the cold frame to harden off the cold-weather flowers: violas, pansies, and snapdragons. This was an uncertain month, watching the weather closely and having covers at the ready. The hellebore, snowdrops, and only 1-2 crocus appeared. Spring definitely was underway at the end of the month.

April 2nd

A surprise weekend in the 60s. 

I planted indoors: 

  • 2x Cabbage – Napa One Kilo Slow Bolt
  • 2x Tomato – Black Plum Tomato
  • 2x Tomato – Brad’s Atomic Grape
  • 2x Tomato – Classic Beefstake
  • 2x Tomato – Golden Jubilee
  • 2x Tomato – Prairie Fire
  • 2x Tomato – San Marzano Roma Pole
  • 2x Kale – Lacinato – Dinosaur
  • 2x Kale – Dazzling Blue
  • 2x Kale – Dwarf Curly 
  • 2x Cauliflower

And direct sowed :

  • 9x Radish – Japanese Wasabi
  • 9x Spinach – Bloomsdale
  • 9s Swiss Chard – Five Color Silverbeet

I transplanted the onion starts in a sqaure-foot gardening measure – 9 plants. I planted seeds where there were too few starts of red, yellow, and white onions.

I transplanted the Leek starts and planted seeds to make up 24 plants in 2 square feet. 

I placed hoops over the plants and covered them in a row cover, secured by binder clips and stones. I have left the Tatsoi and Winter Choy uncovered in the heat.

The Dahlia tubers arrived. 

April 9th

I planted indoors: 

  • 3x Dianthus – Black and White Minstrels
  • 6x Orlaya – White Lace
  • 3x Portulaca (Moss Rose) – Double Blend
  • 6x Stock – Sakura No Kagayaki
  • 6x Zeolights Calendula (Pot Marigold)
  • 3x Basil – Cardinal
  • 3x Basil – Genovese
  • 3x Basil – Lemon
  • 3x Basil – Lettuce Leaf
  • 3x Basil – Tulsi
  • 3x Basil – Custom and Culinary Blend
  • 3x Marshmallow – could not find!
  • 3x Broccoli – Emerald Crown
  • 6x Lemongrass

I photographed the bulbs to mark where they are.

April 15th

I plated the following flowers in the front and back yards:

  • Calendula – Mixed
  • Love-In-A-Mist – African Bride & Mixed
  • Poppy – Amazing Grey
  • Poppy – American Legion
  • Poppy – Brilliant
  • Poppy – Hungarian Blue
  • Sweet Pea – Azureus Blue
  • Sweet Pea – Elegance Blend
  • Sweet Pea – Knee High Blend
  • Fountain Blend Cleome (Spider Flower)

I also planted:

  • Pea – Snap Sugar Daddy
  • Pea – Snow (Oregon Sugar Pod II)

I am hardening off the pansies, violas, Sweet William, and Snapdragon.