The air has that scent of spring. You know, that damp, musty smell of dirt waiting, wanting to be turned and handled. Garden gloves in hand, boots at the ready, I delve in with gusto. This is one of my passions and my husband knows that I am happiest working in my garden, tilling, planting, weeding or harvesting. I once read a quote ‘ He who plants a garden plants happiness’. I don’t know the author but the words stayed with me and ring true. I want to share this years journey to spread some of that happiness.
Our first chore was to obtain some well-composted sheep manure from our next door neighbour. We donned our rubber boots and filled the trailer to the brim.
We then spread the aforementioned load evenly onto the garden plot, using muscles which had been dormant for several months. The added boost to the soil will be worth any effort expended.
After a week of intermittent rain and snow I used one of my favourite birthday gifts, a garden tilller, to turn the manure into the soil in preparation for planting.
The next step was to plan my planting strategy. Every year is it different as I learn from my mistakes and make adjustments in seed choices etc. The one constant has been sugar snap peas. I love the crisp, tender edible pods as do my grandchildren. The challenge has always been finding the best way to provide a trellis for these climbing plants. This year we have come up with a stable permanent solution which we hope will prove to be better than those of former years. Check out the pictures below!
We used cedar rails, which are abundant on our property, to construct the framework and stapled chicken wire along the tops to provide the climbing material. I have one row of peas in the ground and will stagger the next planting to provide a constant harvest for as long as possible.
Look for further posts as the season progresses and happy gardening!
Sunflower Girls 
Looking very good, DohNa! I look forward to some sugar snaps this summer if it’s not too hot.