Gardens are Made for Kids

This day could be categorized as Garden and Post Garden!  My poor house will be neglected until I get everything planted...and maybe beyond. ::snort:: 

Allie left the house early, but shortly after she left for work, I was in the garden with my Chai. Krista made me this mug to celebrate the conclusion of my homeschooling career. (As an aside I need to go find those photos and blog that).  It says, "Some saw weeds, but you saw potential," and the dates are on the handle. It's 16 oz...the perfect size for chai and it is a great jump off point to remembering. 

I opened the hoop house and the green house, settled the chickens, collected eggs, and picked spinach. I'm ready to plant beans where the spinach is and it's on the edge of going to seed....spinach/bacon omelets, spinach salads, green smoothies... planting early in the greenhouse worked well. It is nice to be able to eat from the garden before the end of July. 

I got Dad settled and then told him I was going to get out in the garden for a couple of hours before his lunch. I reminded him he can yell out the window if he needs me. My goal was to get the broccoli and cauliflower planted today.  I weeded the bed and around it, I added some soil and went about selecting the best starts. I ended up planting 9 broccoli plants and 12 cauliflower plants.  As you can see there are spots where weeds have come through the cardboard and wood chips...but it is so much better than past springs. 

Before

15 plants in this bed and another 6 in the new bed. Eight and half of Eleven beds planted. 

After

The chickens love the pots of weeds I toss their way. Today they also got the starts I didn't use. 

The only starts left in the greenhouse are Tomatoes (I already planted THREE BEDS of tomatoes) and Brussel Sprouts (I've planted 3 and will plant more as I have space). My next project is to figure out where to plant these seeds. 

I learn a little bit more about gardening each year. This year three things are making life in the garden easier. I found a pair of gloves small enough for me to actually garden while wearing them... this has eliminated slivers, many cuts and stings from stinging nettles and I am avoiding the "garden manicure" look.

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The Extra Tuffs (boots) Carrie bought me are making for many less turned ankles and no noxious weeds are grabbing my feet...though I do sorta like flip flops in the garden. Finally, I borrowed Michael's knee pads as he's traveling anyway. GAME CHANGER. They are much more comfortable than the foam rectangles made for kneeling in the garden....and I don't have to mess with moving the foam when I move. 

It's the small things that make life happy! LOL 

Stacia had gone to her first day of work. She came home and I realized I had lost track of time. She made GG a late lunch, I put things away outside and thought I'd better hit the shower. 

Cory called and their family came over. The battery for the riding mower has been charging and it started up. The push mower is still out of commission. He mowed all that he could on the riding mower. 

Arielle has given the boys haircuts. Benny wanted his hair buzzed for the summer. Charles wanted a "hair cut like GGs" (bald) and Danny sat still long enough for the bottom to be cut, leaving the top long. They are all darling.  Charles, as is often the case, was ran up the ramp yelling his greetings.

 "I got my hair cut like YOURS, Bachan." ::snort::  

Mine isn't quite that short, buddy. 

I heard him say, "GG my hair is like yours!" Now that's closer to the truth. 

The boys were all determined to fill the watering cans and help water the garden. LOL 

Then it was time to play! 

Danny and Charles like to "help" GG with his puzzles. We got a laugh out of Charles' technique. GG went to put a piece in, and it wouldn't fit. Charles said it was o.k., and he took a couple pieces out to make room for the offending piece. 

I got dinner going which led to Little Miss exploring Bachan's cupboards. She discovered all sorts of wonders.  None of the kids have ever gotten into these cupboards. 

Allie came home, CoRielle and the kids went home, we had dinner and settled into watching "Mig Big Fat Greek Wedding."  Luke came home via New York. It will be nice to have everyone back home by the end of the week. 

I love being able to be outside so much of the day now. It feels like winter is far, far away. LOL