Gardening Week 1 2011

Some of you may remember that last year I tried my hand at gardening with mixed reviews. Basil was really the most successful thing that I grew on my small porch.

This year I made sure I researched what would grow best in Ohio. I am also grateful Brad chose to go with the townhouse facing a field, because of this, it gets plenty of sunshine all day long! Great for growing many herbs and tomatoes. If anyone knows anything about the Midwest this time of year, then you know it is still COLD! That means I had to start the seeds inside over the last week.

Yes, I planted a LOT of seeds, but I figured if one died, I had two other shots at it. Also, some do not survive the transplantation to a bigger pot. That is why I used the little pods. They can be transplanted straight over to the bigger pots when the time comes. Now the back of the packages say to start them at least 6-10 weeks before the last frost. As spring has arrived early, I believe that this will easily be the first or second week in May. I have one problem though...

They've already started sprouting! Some of them are supposed to sprout this early, but most were not supposed to start breaking through the surface until today.

I am very excited because most of these herbs I have never grown before. There are a few that I have finally had some success in growing.

I cannot wait until I am able to use these in my cooking!

These ones are not herbs, but in fact are steakhouse and roma tomatoes, as well as hot peppers.

These ones were sprouting very early. The first one was after only two days.

I am eager to see if I can actually get tomatoes out of these plants. The last tomato plants I attempted grew like crazy, but never produced any fruit before spider mites infested them and killed the plants.

I am so excited about the season! I want to get outside and enjoy warm weather again. I found a patio set that I am eager to get so I can sit outside and have breakfast on warm mornings.

Another exciting event took place over the weekend: Brad's Birthday!

He turned 25 and was showered with gifts from his loving family.

The first stop of the day was to the Blissfield Model Railroad Club. It was very interesting and gave me a greater understanding of what Brad would like to accomplish with his own layout that we are planning to start once we move into a house.

This is the grill that his parents purchased for him and we are putting together this weekend. If only it were warm enough to actually use it. We are not one of those that is willing to freeze our tails off to grill.

He received the grill on St. Patty's Day when his parents came and took us for dinner.

Brad's sister gave him a monster truck card and I kept teasing him that he was a five year old. He was a little grumpy I made him do a picture. I think he's cute. It was a great day spent with his family as it was also his nephew Drew's birthday. I love spending time with the family and I can't wait to have the pleasure again.