March garden update

As we have mentioned before, we are working on expanding our garden space. Last week, we decided to check on our compost, to see if it was broken down enough to use on the new rows we were planting. When we lifted the plastic compost bin off, the contents inside retained a cube-like shape! We decided there wasn't enough compost for us to use (and that it is too dry). So, we turned it around a bit and then covered it again for future use. We are really missing the worm-bin we had in Tampa because of the amazing speed in which those worms have to assist with breaking down all that vegetable matter. We need to find some Maui worms I guess. . .

















Here you can see the three new rows we have added. In the row closest to the right, there are beets and Purple Osaka mustard greens starting to come up. We amended the soil with some of our neighbors compost (thanks!) and also some oyster shells, (that's why it looks a little white).


Next to the beet/mustards row is broccoli and cauliflower. It is coming right along for the most part. Although, there was about 5 plants that rotted around the bottom of the stem and withered away, which we will need to replant soon. And then there are the snails and slugs that are nibbling on the leaves a little too. . .




Everything else we had planted in the winter season is still maintaining itself pretty well, with the exception of the tomatoes. We replanted a few new varieties of tomatoes but they are starting to get that white mildew-y type stuff on the leaves. . .but we aren't sure why. But the garden is helping out some now with cutting back our grocery bill. We are hoping that will continue to help, as the garden grows more. Oh, and the baby Pak Choy we planted is sprouting up quite well, but too small to see it here yet, (same goes for the parsnip and carrot rows).