First Greens of Spring
We’re now in the identity crisis of spring, where the weather can’t decide if it’s spring, summer, or “tonight I’m putting on my winter frost face”, thanks very much. I’m still seeing some late daffodils and tulips and the lilacs are still out, but I’m starting to see irises and my roses are getting buds on them! Officially the last frost date in my area is May 10th, but I just had frost last night and more is predicted. Wild asparagus is at its prime, while garden asparagus is starting to come in season. Those whose lettuce has survived the periodic frosts may have lettuce, but I’ve never had a lot of luck with early spring lettuce, due to the fickle weather.
So, according to some, I should have planted my peas, spinach, radishes and lettuce by now. But last year, we had frost in late May, and then had hail about 4 weeks apart that knocked all the blossoms off my garden twice so that I didn’t have tomatoes, peppers etc. in July and August. Instead, I had them in October and November!
So this week, I’m waiting. Waiting for the lilacs to be done (wish they’d bloom always) so that I can trim them. Waiting for it to get just a tad warmer so I can plant radishes, peas, and lettuces. Waiting for the tomatoes and peppers I’ve ordered from http://www.thechilewoman.com to come in so I can get them planted.
But that’s okay. While I wait, my husband, with a bit of help from my son, have put corn gluten meal on the lawn to keep weeds from germinating; he’s pulled a bunch of tree seedlings that were trying to come up, as well as thistles; they’ve mowed the lawn and they’re going to build at least one more square foot garden for me. Or should I say, for them, because they really do like to eat what comes out of our gardens!
And while I wait, I can still enjoy listening to my 5-year-old sing and play while I putter around inside and out, getting dinner. I can enjoy the scent of my lilac bush and my tulips and my spring-blooming hazelnut, given to me by a friend who called it “spicebush”.
Waiting’s good. It slows me down.
Soon I’m going to be waiting on some pork chops coming off the grill. Subscribers will get 7 quick menus, with recipes and shopping list. This week’s includes Thai Pork Burgers with Asian Slaw; Lamb, Asparagus and Snow Pea Skillet; a quick Greek Chicken; a Spring Salad and more. The menu is up now and starts Saturday, but you don’t have to wait if you’re hungry!
