Year II Begins at the Community Garden

After a successful year at the South Orange Community Garden last year (see posts here, here and here), I couldn’t wait to get started this year! In fact, I signed up the the day plots became available! I may or may not have been one of the first people in line on that cold February morning…

Jacket: J.Crew (old) – similar, Jeans: American Eagle, Shoes: Adidas, Shirt: Loft (old) – similar, Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Sunglasses: Toms

Plot Prepped and Ready for Seeds and Seedlings! Prepping the Plot Took THREE HOURS.

So when the garden opened in mid-April, I already had my garden bag in order and my seeds purchased. Over the last three weeks, I have prepped my plot with soil and compost (my arms STILL hurt from pushing that wheelbarrow), planted various seeds and seedlings and built a trellis for my sugar snap peas. It has been CRAZY busy!

As of right now, I have planted arugula (seeds), mesclun (seeds), spinach (seeds), sugar snap peas (seeds), green beans (seeds), carrots (seeds), heirloom beets (seeds), white radishes (seeds), red radishes (seeds), dill (seedling), fennel (seedling), cauliflower (seedling), baby broccoli (seedling), green onions (seeds), escarole (seedling), brussels sprouts (seedling), lettuce (seedling) and baby cabbage (seedling).

Escarole

Baby Broccoli

Lettuce

Brussels Sprouts

Arugula SPROUTING!!!

Sugar Snap Peas and Green Beans

More Lettuce

Per my fellow gardeners advice, I am waiting until after Mother’s Day to plant my tomatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers, cucumbers and zucchini. I am planting a wide variety of tomatoes this year, including cherry tomatoes! I am so excited!

I decided not to plant herbs (beyond dill) in the garden this year. They take up a lot of space and when I need them for a recipe it is a far walk for a few sprigs or leaves. I instead have them planted in pots on my balcony, for easy access. They get lots of great morning sun and are growing beautifully!

We have been getting a lot of rain here in New Jersey this week so I haven’t needed to visit the garden to water everything. I cannot wait to visit the garden this weekend to see what has sprouted!