2014 Gardening Season Begins!

Let the shoveling and seeding begin! The 2014 spring season is here and it is time to start preparing the soil for the seeds and plants.

first kumquat of the spring season

I ended last season on very high note. I moved and thought a small pot garden on the patio would be fruitful during the fall 2013 season. Unfortunately we had a very warm winter. The days were cloudy and warm while the temperature dropped at night. This unusual weather pattern wreaked havoc on my seedlings and none of them survived.

October 2013 patio garden

My herb garden is growing strong and survived the dry California winter. I trimmed back most of the oregano and basil to give the fresh tender shoots the ability to grow out by the beginning of summer. I currently have oregano, basil, rosemary, and catnip in my patio garden and I would like to add another herb plant. However, I am not sure which kind of herb plant to add. Please leave me a comment below this post if you have suggestions on herbs and how I am may use the herb in the kitchen.

oregano, rosemary, sage

 A new addition to the patio garden is a small yet study Kumquat tree. My father bought the tree from Costco for $19.00. It was a great price. The tree was loaded with  yummy orange kumquats. All of the fruit was eaten within a few weeks. I harvested over three baskets full of kumquats from this little tree. I cannot wait for this year's harvest.

In preparation for the summer MVG patio garden, I transplanted the Kumquat tree and will be filling up the additional pots with soil and organic fertilizer. I cannot stop imagining cucumbers, beans, corn, and bell peppers growing in these pots. I am going to have fun this summer!

new pot means more room to grow

kumquat is pushing out new shoots

Later this week, I will return to the main MVG garden to prepare the soil, mix in the compost, and begin the seeding process. YUP! You read that last statement correctly. I will return to where this garden madness all started and plant a new season of MVG veggies and fruits. My parents will help with the watering and harvesting but I have to get things started. I see lots of sweat, shovels, soil, and two stinky compost covered dogs in my future.

Stay tuned for the list of items planted on the patio and in the main garden... until then happy gardening!