The first phase of the kids' garden was planted last night, with little two-year-old fingers planting peas carefully in each spot. In addition to peas, the kids' garden (consisting of a couple pots on the back porch) now has radishes and lettuce planted.
As it continues to warm, the kids' garden will probably have carrots, more lettuce, and possibly potatoes (great to tip the pot over and let them paw through the dirt to find all the potatoes!)
Every year I eye the fancy cold frames advertised in various catalogs, but I just can't justify shelling out $100 (or more!) for a manufactured cold frame. It was easy to build, and has been serving me well for more than four years now.
Making something similar is simple and cheap, and at least in our mild NW Oregon springs, seems to provide all the protection I need. I built a simple box, with the back taller than the front, from leftover outdoor plywood, and a frame that fits over the top and rests on cleats on the front and back.
Each year, I stretch a new piece of 3mil plastic over the frame. I've found that attaching it with duct tape and then stapling through the duct tape works best, the duct tape holds the plastic in place so it can be pulled tight, and reinforces the plastic when it is stapled, reducing the chance of tears. One small roll of plastic is enough to cover the frame four times.
In total, the coldframe is about three by five feet, and every year has successfully sheltered tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and more from cold spring nights. If you don't already have one, try building your own.
Last weekend was the first planting weekend, with tomatoes and tomatillos being started in the garage under lights. Spring peas, parsley and onions have already been in for a couple weeks. Its a muddy mess still in the garden, but spring is coming!
Varieties planted include Oregon Spring, Stupice (becoming a favorite), Momotaro and of course Sun Gold cherry tomatoes.
Next on the list of garden tasks is to start lettuce and the spring flowers, and to plant another row of peas outside in the garden.
