something new

I've been wanting a long time to grow asparagus. Few years ago saw some lovely tall delicate ferny plants in a small local nursery- it was asparagus for sale, in pots! But wrong time of year to plant them (fall) so I went back in spring, and the nursery was gone. Closed. So disappointed. I asked at the other local-owned nursery nearby and they never carry asparagus. So I bought seed.

I should have mail-ordered crowns instead. The packet tells me it takes up to two months for the seed to germinate, to start indoors ten to twelve weeks before the last frost date. My timing is off. Should have done this in Feb. (Our frost date is supposed to be April 20 this year). Well, I have them now so still going to try, even though growing seed that takes a long germination period has usually failed for me. I sowed two small trays, four seeds each (three mature crowns would fit in bed 1). I put one in my usual seed-starting spot, on top of the fridge, and the other out in the greenhouse uncovered. The problem I've had in the past is either the seed simply fails or mold grows on the soil, from me trying to keep it evenly moist so long...

Happy outside to see more plants emerging- columbines, lungwort, cranesbill (wild geranium) and shoots of peony in the front flower bed. My crabapple tree is glorious with blossoms (I think because I actually pruned it some last year). Ajuga is budding, vinca (though I want to pull it all out) making tiny blossoms and turtlehead coming up. 

More growth in my pot of chocolate mint (though the parsley next to it is still very much dead).

All my young tomato plants, dill and green onions are staying in the coldframe now, easier to just put the lid on and off when the temperature shifts. Though they will still have to come inside a few nights before the frost date.

And my coldframe needs repair, but more on that later.