Matt’s Adventures in Northwest Gardening

Here is a picture of the bleeding heart that I posted about here.

As you can see, it has grown very large very quickly. We tried to plant a sister plant to this one last summer, but the dog dug it up. This one is so big, I think it would probably fight back.

Below is the promised picture of my garden, where I planted the peas, beets, carrots and radishes. I also have included a picture of the peas, since nothing else has sprouted yet. Jen was not happy that I put those white little stakes in the ground with the string tied to them - but the dog was being stupid and walking through it this week, so I wanted to give him a little discouragement. I figure that they will come out when there are some actual plants there and dog realizes it.

  Finally, here is a close up of my little asparagus that is trying to grow. I planted them last year. It grew and went to seed and died. You are not really sposed to see any real edible asparagus until the second season, so its encouraging to see it still alive.

According to the Wikipedia, the term Asparagus derives from the Greek aspharagos or asparagos, and the Greek term originates from the Persian asparag, meaning “sprout” or “shoot. We also often think about asparagus in terms of its unpleasent odor when you urinate. This, though, is not a universal trait - apparently only 40% of people can actually percieve a smell. I, dear readers, am on of the lucky 60%. Now you know.

Today, Baseball’s Opening Day 2007, I have decided that my mourning period over my lost tomatoes has ended. The carnage is done. The wounds have not completely healed, but Jen says I can’t punish the cat or I will have to sleep in my truck. Something about him not understanding, as well as being “ridiculously cute”.

So, below you will find pictures of my tomato plants from today. I re-potted them to these mid-size containers on Thursday night, with the intention of upsizing them again once more before I put them out in the green house. Last year, I put them in the ground the weekend before Mother’s Day. I think I will shoot for that again this year.

I also have planted some of my first seeds of the year in the garden. Going in last weekend were the beets, carrots and radishes. It immediately frosted over a bit the next morning, but it was light, and I doubt it effected the seeds. Today I planted to two rows of spinach, which grows well all year, but preferring the cold. I will put some pictures up tomorrow when the sun is out.

My mom also bought me a packet of these seeds:

They are called Donut Seeds. Um. I couldn’t help myself, I had to open it to see what was inside. Apparently, donuts are grown from what appears and smells like ground up cheerios. I wonder if I should start them indoors?