Monthly Archives: April 2016

The New Normal

Posted on April 24, 2016 by NearlyHomeGrown.com

The phrase “the new normal” usually has all the cheer of a dark, grey storm cloud with it’s reference to sluggish GDP growth, wage stagnation and growing wealth inequality, but there is another new normal that is happening parallel to … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Gardening, Sustainable, Urban Farming | Leave a comment

I Break For Blossoms

Posted on April 23, 2016 by NearlyHomeGrown.com

I took a break between tending to existing plantings (pruning, mulching, thinning, tying up) and starting on seeding new plantings (cilantro, cucumber, edamame, squash and zucchini) to enjoy the blossoms that beginning to pop up around my garden. Sugar Ann … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Gardening, Cherry Tomatoes, Raised Bed Gardening, Square Foot Gardening, Sugar Snap Peas | Leave a comment

Berry Delicious

Posted on April 23, 2016 by NearlyHomeGrown.com

First* strawberry of spring! *technically the third one to ripen, but the first one that I beat the birds to.  The strawberries are now covered enough to keep birds and squirrels out but let the pollinators in.

Posted in Backyard Gardening, Raised Bed Gardening, Strawberries | Leave a comment

One Boy, Three Sisters

Posted on April 23, 2016 by NearlyHomeGrown.com

Me:  Let me snap a picture before you plant the rest of the seeds. 9yo:  Sure, but let me grab the dibber first! I served in an advisory capacity last weekend as my 9 year old planted Glass Gem and … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Gardening, Blackeye Peas, Companion Planting, Corn, Dibber, Flint Corn, Garden Toy, Glass Gem Corn, Heirloom Varieties, Strawberry Popcorn, Sustainable, Zucchini, Zucchino Tondo Chiaro Di Nizza | Leave a comment

A Berry Short Haircut

Posted on April 19, 2016 by NearlyHomeGrown.com

Last fall I had a niggle as I watched the lush, green growth of the strawberries yellow in some places and brown in other.  I made a cursory search for winterizing strawberries and fall strawberry preparation and did not find … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Gardening, Kaizen, Raised Bed Gardening, Strawberries, Sustainable | 2 Comments

Green Mulching

Posted on April 17, 2016 by NearlyHomeGrown.com

While looking for a readily available, organic mulch to compliment my semi-composted pine needles, I have learned that the list of mulching styles and materials is truly endless.  The list of possibilities include but is not limited to: sheet mulching, … Continue reading →

Posted in Asparagus, Backyard Gardening, Common Chickweed, Foraging, Mulch, Pine Needles, Sustainable, Thrift, Wild Edibles, Yellow Woodsorrel | Leave a comment

Sunlight Like Tides

Posted on April 17, 2016 by NearlyHomeGrown.com

Sunlight, like tides, wait for no man. Yesterday I watched as the morning sunlight set fire to the jewel toned Lollo De Vino lettuce and determined to do a spring garden update.  By the time I took the update photo … Continue reading →

Posted in #Food(Growing)Porn, #LettucePorn, #NoFilters, Container Gardening, Food Porn, Lettuce, Lollo De Vino Lettuce | Leave a comment

Finally Spring – Garden Update

Posted on April 16, 2016 by NearlyHomeGrown.com

The average last frost date for this area has come and gone and the lowest nighttime temp forecast through the end of the month is 41.  I think spring is finally here to stay! The French Breakfast Radishes are speeding … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Gardening, Blueberries, Collards, Container Gardening, Figs, French Breakfast Radishes, Front Yard Gardening, Herbs, Lettuce, Lollo De Vino Lettuce, Radishes, Raised Bed Gardening, Septoria Leaf Spot, Square Foot Gardening, Strawberries, Sugar Snap Peas, Sustainable, Tomatoes, Urban Farming | Leave a comment

Last Frost Date

Posted on April 10, 2016 by NearlyHomeGrown.com

Last night was a low of 28 so the tomatoes were covered (again) and I am optimistic that it was the last night of freezing temps (again).  This time, at least, I have the Average Last Frost Date in my … Continue reading →

Posted in Acorn Squash, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, City Chickens, Container Gardening, French Breakfast Radishes, Kale, Lettuce, Lollo De Vino Lettuce, Radishes, Snow Peas, Sugar Snap Peas, Sustainable, Tomatoes | Leave a comment

Growing Smiles – Early April Planting

Posted on April 1, 2016 by NearlyHomeGrown.com
Posted in Sustainable | Leave a comment