Berries, berries, and berries!

This spring I’m changing it up.  I’ve had a garden since I was in my thirties.  I love everything about gardening.

Digging up the soil, carefully placing the plants and watching them grow is all joyful to me.  I carved out a beautiful spot in my yard that gets lots of sun.   I plant the usuals…tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, zucchini, and kale.

I grow herbs in a separate area and use them to cook my favorite Italian recipes. You can never have too much basil, parsley, and rosemary!  I share my harvest with my neighbors and friends. I freeze some things and make zucchini bread to treat my Airbnb guests, throughout the winter.

This year, I’m doing something different.  I’ve decided to dedicate half of my garden to berries.  My friend Heather offered some beautiful strawberry plants on Facebook.  I jumped at the chance and drove to her house and filled a box with strawberry plants to give them a new home.  I also purchased some raspberry and blackberry plants.  Today I will start my berry garden.  I’ve been told that berries are easy to grow.  We shall see. 

I love treating my Airbnb guests with fresh berries and am hoping for a great harvest this year.  I will use the other half of my garden for tomatoes, zucchini and whatever else catches my eye. Now is the time to prepare the soil and plan.  I usually add some compost, turn over the soil and hurry up and wait!  The rule of thumb is to wait until Memorial Day weekend.  The soil must be warm and there must be no fear of a last-minute frost.  So, for now I’ll put the strawberries in the ground and try to be patient.  Until planting time, I’ll visit my local greenhouses and hurry up and wait!

My favorite is Morris Farm.  It’s close to my home and the owner and staff is always willing to share ideas and help if I have any planting questions.  All the plants are high quality and I love supporting local businesses!