peas and other produce

Over the past four years living in our little home, Seth and I have learned to struggles and joys of home ownership.  There is no one else to mow, weed, plant, vacuum, dust, paint, or build except for us.  We are the owners of this little piece of earth and home and because of that we have a responsibility.

One of the first things we did when we moved in was target a little plot of earth that would be great for starting a garden.  We both like to eat healthy, fresh food, and in this economy, it doesn't hurt to grow some of your own produce.  

This year's garden has gotten off to a great start.  We've already eaten the lettuce and most of the radishes.  And one of my favorites is almost ready- PEAS! I love fresh sugar snap peas.  They are about ready and I think after we get back from our trip to Pennsylvania, they'll be ripe for the eating! 

Here are some pictures of this year's garden.  It has grown much bigger over the past 4 years, especially as we've seen what we can grow (asparagus can't get itself together, and the birds haven't let us eaten a blueberry since we planted the bushes), and how much we can eat or can for the winter.  

We started out small with 3 raised beds, approximately 4x8 feet.  After the first year, we decided to expand to its current size, approximately 20x20. It's definitely a commitment that I know not everyone has the time for, but it sure is rewarding.

If you do start a garden, start composting your food and putting it in the soil.  Fallen leaves in the autumn work great for preparing good soil, too.

Circa March 2013

April- early May 2013

 Birds-eye-view from last week when we were putting up the gutters

Peas are almost ready! (admittedly, there are a lot of weeds there).

 This apple isn't from our yard, but hopefully someday we may have some of our own.

"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt."
-Margaret Atwood

**here's to growing food (and eating it)**