Seeds for Carrots, Peas, Sugar Snaps, Beets, Turnips, and Radishes were planted two weeks ago in the warm soil of the raised beds in the vegetable garden. I also planted seed potatoes; Yukon Gold and Gold Rush. The beds with Carrots, Beets and Turnips have been covered with plastic painters drop cloth to keep the soil moist and warm. I will remove this cover as soon as the seeds sprout, any day now. This week I will plant the starts for Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Yellow Squash and Zucchini. The nights should stay above freezing from now on, although I will cover the Squash if it threatens to be cold.
For color and fun I fill pots with Nasturtium flowers and sprinkle them around in empty spaces. By late July this will be an area of bountiful beauty and ripe vegetables, provided the moose do not discover this treasure. Last year the moose ate all the mature Broccoli in my neighbors garden. We really need to think about moose protection for the garden and the trees. I hate the idea of a fence, but it may be the solution. Something to ponder. Ideas anyone???
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist
