I am so anxious for this year's garden that when we had two exceptionally nice days this week, I had to make my move. With last weekend seeing the signs of spring approach thanks to warming temperatures, I searched for someone to till my garden. Last year, one of my neighbors used his full size tractor to plow the new garden space. This year however, the garden had to be tilled using a small tiller as I had built a permanent structure, including the chicken pen and wildflower garden after that initial plowing.
Happily I found Stephen Hicks from his Craig's List advertisement. To the right is Stephen tilling the garden. If you are in the Knoxville area, I would definitely recommend him. He not only tilled the garden but also delivered a pick-up truck load of his organic compost all for a very reasonable price. Tuesday being a record setting 79 degrees Fahrenheit and Wednesday being 71 it was the perfect time to have the garden tilled. Stephen arrived on the Wednesday near the agreed upon time and had the job completed very quickly. Before he tilled the garden, I removed the strawberry plants that had overwintered, with no protection, in the center of the garden. Then while he tilled the garden, I planted the strawberries in hanging basket and other pots.
It is still a bit early to plant anything but early season veggies. This week I hope to lay down the landscaping cloth and set the broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus from my local co-op. The chickens, now numbering 10, I found one dead for now apparent reason about a month or two ago, are in their plastic wrapped pen where they spent all winter. The plastic is the same that is used on greenhouses and was perfect for absorbing the sun's warmth during the cold days. I also supplemented this warmth with a single heat lamp, the same one they used to keep warm when they were chicks. Within the next month, their plastic wrapping will be removed and their shade tarp put back on. This type of chickens, Buff Orpingtons, can stand temperatures as low as 17 degrees Fahrenheit so there are no worries there. Did I mention they are producing enough eggs to supply my family and neighbors and still have excess. I get about 50-60 organic eggs per week!
As the garden moves forward, I will keep you updated! Remember last year's garden...
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HA. I'm so anxious, I've been planting fake blossoms in my yard. I also have tomato plants a foot high in my sunroom and have already harvested a handful of Basil.
Come on spring.