Green News

I took a chance this week and planted the rest of our garden. Tomato and pepper plants are in, and the bean, squash, zucchini, and cucumber seeds have been sown. I took a lot of time this year hand-tilling all the areas I planted in, which served more of a purpose than I had expected. I was able to pull out the grubs and beetles and fling them out to become bird food, which may help later on with pests. Also, even though it added significant time to my tasks, I saved every earthworm I could. For each area I was digging out, I would make a separate little hole nearby where I would deposit the worms as I unearthed them, then add a little dirt on top so they didn't dry out in the sun. I figure - we're both on the same team. I want better dirt, and they want to process the dirt.

I know it's still a bit early, but the soil is warm and the risk of frost is low. Last night we narrowly missed a large thunderstorm, instead getting an 8 hour soaking rain. I guess my risk is paying off so far! I also put a good amount of mulched leaves around anything that has popped up so far, hoping to offset any cool nights left.

Yesterday Brent asked to go for a walk down the little road next to us, which for now only leads to empty lots, and has almost no traffic. Alex wanted to stay and play in the sand table, so Brent and I headed out for an impromptu walkabout. When we got to the end of the cul-de-sac, he asked which direction to go. I told him I was following him (which I later regretted). Without hesitation, he turned and headed fearlessly into the woods. After winding over logs and around brush, with me barely able to keep up, I asked him where he was going exactly. "Somewhere I've never been before, Mommy!"

I couldn't argue with that. I know where he gets it from ;)