Last week we puttered around a little, but today was Opening Day for Robbins Farm Garden 2012! A big "thank you" to Arlington’s Parks & Recreation for letting us leave the garden in place over the winter so we didn’t have to waste today putting the fence back up.
Lisa and Elisabeth started the day moving 3 yards of Bob & Guy Lalicata’s excellent "black gold" (compost), distributing it among all the beds. Later we spread it out so that we wouldn’t smother the winter rye, which can keep growing until we’re ready to plant the crops. This could be the happiest winter rye in Arlington.
"Rock Star" Michael tackled a bed that had never been properly dug.
A few hardy spinach plants survived the snowless winter, so we’re giving them a chance to enjoy the cool spring weather. The soil temperature was 50 degrees.
Melanie organized the cilantro volunteers that are sprouting all over the place and Sue got the fava beans (Windsor from Johnny’s) into the ground nice and early this year.
The kale from last fall still looked good, but we had to get the peas in the ground right where last year’s kale bed was. (We ate some for dinner tonight, and it was the sweetest, tenderest kale we’ve ever had.)
Three varieties of peas went in: Alderman heirloom shell peas (Thompson & Morgan), Mammoth Melting Sugar snow peas (Burpee), and Sugar Snaps (Johhny’s). We planted them by the "Crockett" method: dug a wide trench about 4" deep, spread the peas an inch or two apart, and covered with 1" soil so we can slowly fill the trench in as the peas grow, keeping their roots down deep where it’s cool. We’ll be eating the first peas by the end of May.
It was a perfect day at Robbins Farm Garden thanks to this great early spring and having the privilege of getting back to work with our friends. As I’ve said many times before, gardeners are some of the best folks around. Come see us next Saturday at the EcoFest, then come on over to the garden.
