Planting Spring Greens

Today I spent an overcast, but mild day working out in the Kitchen Garden. After looking carefully at the 15-day forecast, I decided to throw caution to the wind and direct seed my Spring Greens. It seems that the El Nino weather pattern is back and we are predicted to have temperature highs in the low 60's by the end of February. And there are no lows predicted anywhere near freezing. So, even though it's only February 13th, I decided to plant some Spring Greens and see what happens. In the worst case scenario, I am only out less than 1/2 of each packet of seed and can replant in another 6 weeks. In the best case scenario, I am going to be enjoying fresh salads by Mid-March!

I first brought in some new Nature's Best Soil to help rebuild the three raised beds that last held my Winter Squash last Summer. Then I slowly direct seeded each bed. In the first bed I planted "Heirloom Cutting Mix" Leaf Lettuce and "Mild Mustard Mix" Signature Greens. This leaf lettuce is the same mix that I planted and harvested so very well last Spring and early Summer. I am hoping the seed is still viable one year later. The Mustard is a brand new experiment for me. In the next bed I seeded "Renee's Baby Leaf Blend"  Cut and Come Again Lettuces and "Catalina" Leaf Spinach. Both of these varieties are new for me this year. Finally, in 1/2 of the 3rd bed, I planted "Sweet Greens and Reds" Lettuce Blend. I just discovered on-line a very interesting Arugula that I will plant in the finally 1/2 of that bed. I just need to order it. After all of the seed was planted I got out a large sheet of Remay and metal hoops and covered all three of the beds. Now it is time to sit back, hope for some nice, gentle rainfall, and see what comes up in the next week.