Garden Time 2018

[CountryGuy]

Well think we're finally getting close to spring. though still concerned we might get a few below freeze nights. But onward... so Saturday I was popping thistles out of the bed next to our front walk steps and then went ahead and planted a mix of strawberries and onions into the bed/ mulch. I think it looks good but the Mrs... not so much. She was like you have a garden why would you plant stuff there. I was like well Zone 1 in permaculture but besides it's right where we walk by multiple times a day so easy to pluck a weed if I see any and also 12' from the spigot to ensure they get watered well. I know I should probably pinch off all the blooms this year but I'll likely leave a few. I'm hoping if Mrs and kiddos get some sweet treats it'll change minds on where I put them.

She doesn't seem to believe me that edible landscaping is starting to make a big surge. It seems people are finally getting the idea that if you're going to plant a tree or shrub or other plant you might as well do it with ones that provide a return. Apples, peaches, strawberries, blueberries... I found a guy local that has some bareroot elderberries and paw paws that I'm hoping to get some off before he sells out to fill in between some trees and shrubs that right now don't yield anything other than the work required to trim them 2 or 3 times a year.

Anyone else doing this sort of thing around your home or homestead...

[dalewick]

I currently have apple and blueberry established in the yard and have to pick up 2 more apple trees, 2 peach trees and 3 blueberry bushes at the new Rural King store tomorrow. We have strawberries and blackberries established in our "wild area" and I'm building a grape arbor this summer to start new grape vines (Concords). We also have yucca, day lilly and bamboo in the yard which serve well as alternate crops. My Little (300 gallon) pond also supports lotus and fish, crayfish but I have had to post pone building my new greenhouse for 2 more years. Such is life. I'm also trying to locate some hazel nut bushes to plant in the front yard. Anyone know a good source? Been wanting to plant more in the garden (I have snow peas, onions and garlic all up) but the weather (cold & wet) won't cooperate. Almost forgot, I also rhubarb up and planted in the yard and garden.

Dale

PS - the wife wants honey bees for her birthday (June). I got a good one.

[ZAGran]

I know it is almost May but freezes here in April have had me spending the weekends carrying tomato plants in and out all month! Snow/sleet the first week of April, Freeze the second week down to 27 degrees, 30 degrees the third . Hopefully I'll be able to transplant this next week. Just in time for tornado weather. Hopefully no hail.

[CountryGuy]

Dale - not sure what variety or if this is what you're looking for but I have heard extremely good things about this company Cold Stream Farms

https://www.coldstreamfarm.net/categories/deciduous-trees/hazelnut.html

I've been searching Craigslist for ads for trees and bushes. last year when I didn't have the money there were several fairly local people with ads up for all varieties of fruit trees and bushes like blueberry, goji berry goose berry but now when I'm trying to find them no luck. And today I went to the link I had for the elderberry ad and it said ad was expired so couldn't contact the person... ugghhh oh well think with the weather even people selling are slow to put adds out. I've noticed the nursery's aren't even very busy yet.

[dalewick]

Dale - not sure what variety or if this is what you're looking for but I have heard extremely good things about this company Cold Stream Farms

https://www.coldstreamfarm.net/categories/deciduous-trees/hazelnut.html

Thanks Country!

I just got back from purchasing my trees. Bought a Pink Lady and a Honey crisp in Dwarf apple trees, 3 Duke blueberry bushes and 2 peach trees that I can't remember there names. Also bought 2 white spruces to replace 2 that died in my new wind row. I'm still working at taking my place to a sustainable permaculture homestead.

Dale

[dalewick]

Recently added a American Chestnut (hybrid), plum tree and an apricot tree. Rural king has a wind mill that I'll purchase next spring as it pumps air which I can use for a aquaponics system. Planning on it at the same time I'm building a new geodesic greenhouse. Too much to do and never enough time or money to do it all.

Dale