This year, we’ve got a real plot of dirt instead of patio pots, and I’m optimistic for another try. Plus, starting with dirt means less expenditure on potting soil!

I do dream of eventually being stable enough to live in a place throughout a year so that I can put in a big garden. I had a pretty good garden last year. I did have to leave in mid-August, but I still got some good crops.

I love planting perennial herbs, too! Basil makes great “background” greenery in a flower garden, and smells fantastic. Tarragon and sage (also beautiful greenery) tend to be hardy in my zone (border 7-8), too.

I didn’t think about roasting them. I am just starting to get into the roasted veggies thing (made two big pans full last night!) YUM!

I have to laugh when you ask if it’s summer yet: here in AZ we are starting to harvest our tomatoes and have been eating salad greens out of the garden for weeks already. I know, we’re lucky now; but I can’t grow a thing in June, July and August.

@Lindsay: I love it: passive income with food! LOL

I did roast some in the oven too. Sliced in half, drizzled with olive and salt. Roasted flat side up until caramelized. Yummy. Is it summer yet?

Freeze them whole and then when you rinse them (frozen) under warm water, the skins slip right off. Put ‘em in a sauce pan just covered with water, mash ‘em a bit, and you have the beginning of a great vegetable soup – white beans + italian seasoning + green beans + italian sausage = italian wedding soup. w/ Black or kidney beans + chili powder, cumin, onion, corn, garlic = awesome chili soup.

Can you post the details of the Master Gardener Show in Portland? I was thinking of starting fewer seeds. We are simplifying our garden this year too but more along the lines of “grow only what is worth growing”. Last year we had failures growing corn, broccoli, plus got a ridiculous amount of cherry tomatoes that are only good for salads and snacks.

I understand your limited posts as you try to balance your time. Random posts about your garden are good.

Kris,

I have a question about seed starting. When they say for example cucumbers cannot be transplanted, do they also mean I cannot use a bio-dome or jiffy where I can transplant the whole pod? I don’t think I am disturbing the roots.

Thanks!

I hope this year will be better.

I bought a ton of seed packets last year, and probably used about 1/3 of the seeds in the packet in my garden.

This year, I plan to use some of those seeds, PLUS the seeds I harvested directly from the garden at the end of the season.

Free is good!

This year, I’m going with a farm share CSA program for most of our greens and veg, and will try planting something I love and have never grown before – brussels sprouts

I always store my leftover seeds in an airtight bag or jar in the fridge. I haven’t noticed a problem with germination the second, or even third, year.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2010845906_pacificpfootvictory31.html?cmpid=2628

Also, the plastic containers that grape tomatoes and other fresh produce come in, is especially good for starting seeds. they also come with a top, which essentially makes it a mini greenhouse. Here in Mohave Valley, AZ, we are harvesting a lot of lettuces, and our tomatoes are just now coming to ripeness (they are in a “cold frame” type structure over a raised bed.)

Happy gardening, everybody!

If you’re going bother to put the time into a garden, you owe it to yourself to spend 69 cents on a new pack of fresh seeds.

(Speaking as someone who has burned out on travel this year. I don’t regret any of the trips, but I made a conscious decision to limit travel this semester, despite opportunities– I’m tired!)