My fiance and I are learning to garden. When I say this, I mean it in the most basic sense. We don't have a clue what we are doing.
Alright, perhaps that is a little bit of an exaggeration. I know that I like plants. I've taken many Biology classes, and I can explain to you in detail the process of photosynthesis, so I can tell you roughly what a plant needs from it's surroundings. As an environmental educator, I also have a basic knowledge of native plants. Now I can't fairly speak to Dave's level of comfort, but I can tell you that he was fascinated by a lesson from Seattle Tilth regarding how nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium help plant growth. He is also far superior when it comes to watering (while I exist in a permanent state of dehydration).
I've been contemplating the pea patch idea for a while, and decided to ask Dave to garden with me this winter. So, we got on the waiting list for the Marymoor and Kirkland programs. We were offered a plot at Marymoor, which was great, since most Seattle waiting lists take years. Then we visited the plot...it was more overgrown than I would have expected. I wish we had taken photos - there were old corn stalks, weeds, and piles of compost covering the entire 10'x40' space. Oh, howstupid naive we were!
We have since learned that the entire Marymoor Community Garden suffers from an infestation of comfrey. While the Wikipedia article may make it appear harmless, make sure you note the comments on eradication. Dave refers to the weed as "Devil's root." And with good reason! The roots of comfrey can be 2" in diameter, go 8' deep, and snap off with the slightest tug. What's worse, the plants can regrow from a 1" hunk left in the ground. And our plot hasn't been gardened in a couple of years. Hello infestation.
To make matters more complicated, after accepting the Marymoor plot, Dave and I were offered a space at a Kirkland pea patch, which is much closer to home. The garden is adorable, and our plot was nearly weed free when we went to visit. It took me all of 10 minutes to weed the whole thing. This has not helped with motiviation at Marymoor. But, we had already put in a couple of days' work at Marymoor, so we decided to keep both.
This past Sunday Dave and I (finally) finished weeding out all the comfrey (for the second time), formed mounds, and planted. While it's been a huge challenge (read: pain in the neck), it was incredibly gratifying to see a space that formerly looked like an abandoned lot converted to a tended garden. Cross your fingers the comfrey doesn't give us too much more trouble...
Now our Kirkland plot has been a joy. Dave and his dad built new raised beds, we added compost and turned the soil, and we have planted all the beds. Our lettuces, broccoli, cauliflowers, leeks, chives, onions, potatoes, and beans seem to be thriving. The only sore spot has been the warm weather plants - our cucumber, zucchini, and basil has not been very happy. A few days ago we started covering the plants with plastic containers at night to try insulate from the cold. It looks pretty funny having a garden bed with salad containers, half a milk jug, and green plastic cups! Just wait 'til we add the pinwheels to our Marymoor plot!
Our tomato and pumpkin starts are still living at home with mom and dad (yes, we refer to the plants as "the kids"). Soon we hope to send them off to the pea patch. Thank goodness I just bought some plants for container on the balcony, to help me fight empty nest sadness!
I feel like we've already learned a lot from the gardens. I wonder how I'll feel about eating these little plants I've cared for?
I've been contemplating the pea patch idea for a while, and decided to ask Dave to garden with me this winter. So, we got on the waiting list for the Marymoor and Kirkland programs. We were offered a plot at Marymoor, which was great, since most Seattle waiting lists take years. Then we visited the plot...it was more overgrown than I would have expected. I wish we had taken photos - there were old corn stalks, weeds, and piles of compost covering the entire 10'x40' space. Oh, how
We have since learned that the entire Marymoor Community Garden suffers from an infestation of comfrey. While the Wikipedia article may make it appear harmless, make sure you note the comments on eradication. Dave refers to the weed as "Devil's root." And with good reason! The roots of comfrey can be 2" in diameter, go 8' deep, and snap off with the slightest tug. What's worse, the plants can regrow from a 1" hunk left in the ground. And our plot hasn't been gardened in a couple of years. Hello infestation.
To make matters more complicated, after accepting the Marymoor plot, Dave and I were offered a space at a Kirkland pea patch, which is much closer to home. The garden is adorable, and our plot was nearly weed free when we went to visit. It took me all of 10 minutes to weed the whole thing. This has not helped with motiviation at Marymoor. But, we had already put in a couple of days' work at Marymoor, so we decided to keep both.
This past Sunday Dave and I (finally) finished weeding out all the comfrey (for the second time), formed mounds, and planted. While it's been a huge challenge (read: pain in the neck), it was incredibly gratifying to see a space that formerly looked like an abandoned lot converted to a tended garden. Cross your fingers the comfrey doesn't give us too much more trouble...
Now our Kirkland plot has been a joy. Dave and his dad built new raised beds, we added compost and turned the soil, and we have planted all the beds. Our lettuces, broccoli, cauliflowers, leeks, chives, onions, potatoes, and beans seem to be thriving. The only sore spot has been the warm weather plants - our cucumber, zucchini, and basil has not been very happy. A few days ago we started covering the plants with plastic containers at night to try insulate from the cold. It looks pretty funny having a garden bed with salad containers, half a milk jug, and green plastic cups! Just wait 'til we add the pinwheels to our Marymoor plot!
Our tomato and pumpkin starts are still living at home with mom and dad (yes, we refer to the plants as "the kids"). Soon we hope to send them off to the pea patch. Thank goodness I just bought some plants for container on the balcony, to help me fight empty nest sadness!
I feel like we've already learned a lot from the gardens. I wonder how I'll feel about eating these little plants I've cared for?
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