Cold Frame

I've had an old storm door stored in my garage for at least five years now with the intention of building a cold frame. Well, I think it is finally time. I have the door, and thanks to a deck removal, a large supply of scrap wood. The benefit of a cold frame is that you can get a jump on the growing season. I know, I have a heated greenhouse but there is never enough space! A cold frame also has the benefit of being a passive system that shouldn't cost anything to operate!

Free lumber is always good! I have lots of plans for this pile of wood. At least that is what I keep telling code enforcement!

Designing the angled sides is the most difficult part. Be sure your angled edge is not wider than the width of your door. Some of these cuts were a bit tough with a circular saw. It would have been nice to have some more equipment. But as you see here I got it done.

I made the legs to extend one foot into the ground. This helps to support the weight of the door. Mine is really heavy. It might be wise to go with something lighter if you have a choice.

Once the angled pieces are complete, you can assemble the rest in the field. I used lag screws to attach the boards. Once again, make sure this assembled measurement does not exceed the total length of your door.

Base complete. Be sure to angle your frame to the south for the best sun exposure. The intent is to capture as much sun as possible during the day.

I attached the door with door hinges. It still needs and additional board and some sealing to efficiently hold heat but for the most part, it is done. I will put some new top soil and compost inside and will definitely use it to harden off plants this spring. I had hoped to use it a bit more this spring but as my husband reminded me, its done. Its ready for fall use and is no longer taking up space in the garage! The cost to build can be summed in the total cost of the lag screws(about .35ea). The rest was recycled. Let me know if you have questions.

Plant Profile: Pasque Flower

If you are not familiar with this spring flower you should be! Pasque flower is an unexpected spring wonder. It is also known by prairie crocus, wind flower, Easter flower and meadow anemone. What ever you choose to call it the large, bold flowers are beautiful. Fuzzy buds show almost before the leaves! The petals catch the sun making it a great choice next to the front door or close to the edge of a path where its early show can be appreciated. I have seen it in shades of red, purple and pink.

The entire plant only reaches about 12" tall. After blooming its lacy, mounding foliage and fuzzy fruits contribute to the flower bed well into summer. Be cautious, this one can be very poisonous to humans!

Seed Starting

I start many of my own seedlings in the greenhouse. You don't actually need a greenhouse to do so, just a place with a lot of light. I like to get them started in a tray of perlite. It holds moisture well and separates easily when it comes time to pluck out the seedlings and plant them into soil. Here you see sprouted cabbage, brussel sprouts and broccoli. At this size they are ready to be transplanted into soil. In this tray I also have my tomatoes and peppers but they have not sprouted yet! I'll post some images of the transplanting process soon! I am so happy to be busy with the workings of spring! Be sure you are getting your seeds going too!

Babies Babies Babies!

I have no fewer than 5 baby quilts to crank out before June this year! That's madness! It would help if some people wouldn't crank out two at a time! Making baby quilts are one of my favorite gifts to give and make. It's quick and I can try all kinds of new patterns and skills! These two were shipped to California! This is the first time I worked with a panel. I do have to say it was sinfully quick and easy and had beautiful results! My daughter is three and I now keep her baby quilts in the car. They make perfect lap quilts for those cold mornings in the car!

This one is a bit more traditional but I love the bright colors! I trend away from pastels for babies. I think they need something bright, vibrant and fun!

Made From Scratch

Following is an excerpt from MADE FROM SCRATCH: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life:

"Don't look at your current situation as a hindrance to living the way you want, because living the way you want has nothing to do with how much land you have or how much you can afford to spend on a new house. It has to do with the way you choose to live every day and how content you are with what you have. If a few things on your plate every season come from the work of your own hands, you are creating food for your body, and that is enough. If the hat on your head was knitted with your own hands, you're providing warmth from string and that's enough. If you rode your bike to work, trained your dog to pack, or just baked a loaf of bread, let it be enough.

Accepting where you are today, and working toward what's ahead, is the best you can do."

This book was a recommendation that I found most enjoyable despite it's lack of pictures. The author spends the chapters explaining the not so apparent pleasures that come from the luxury of a handmade life. The quote above really spoke to me and the place I currently find myself in. I think occasionally we all don't give ourselves enough credit for where we are and the simple things we have done.

Transplanting Shrubs

Now is a super time to transplant shrubs and other plants in your garden. For shrubs, you want to try and get them right before they start to wake up. You can tell by being an observant gardener and watching for the buds to swell. Once they start to look a bit green, it is probably too late for all but the most aggressive varieties. Some shrubs will sucker making them good candidates for sharing with friends. If you were thinking ahead you took your shovel and separated them from the mother plant this fall. This gives them a chance to establish some of their own root system before transplanting. If not, proceed as follows:
1) If the plant you are digging is connected to another, sever it from the host plant with a shovel.
2) Next your need to go about digging out the plant. The more soil you can capture around the root ball and not disturb, the better. My soil was very sandy and dry this fall so I was not successful in capturing any. It is better to keep soil on because the soil can pull off tiny roots that are vital for survival if you do not keep the soil intact.
3) Transplant your plants directly to a new area or put into pots to root for later planting and sharing with friends. Be sure to not plant them any deeper in the pot than they were in the ground.

4) Lastly, water your plants well. Both those in the ground and in the pot will need to be gently brought along this summer. Water often as the plants have a minimal root system for supporting the water needs of the plant above ground.

Hello Spring!

Hello Spring! It is soooo nice to see you! I look forward to walking in your sun, watching the plants green, smelling the earth warm and delighting in just being outside! The bugs are warming, tree buds are pushing and the spring flowers are well on their way. I can feel the energy of all the activity! This means it is also time for the gardener in you to get busy! This is a good time to start cutting back the dead plants. Some of my grasses were already starting to put on some green. Clip your grasses to about 6-8". Oh yes, and wear gloves! Dried grass tends to give wicked cuts!