2nd spring planting

It rained all weekend, but I finally got out and planted more — the rest of the peas, two kinds of lettuce, and 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes.

Before that, however, I finished laying out the soaker hoses:

I pinned everything in place and boy was that back-breaking labor.

Now that the hoses are in place, I have started mulching.

I’m about two-thirds of the way done.

I like to put down 2-3″ of mulch early in the spring so as to keep my spring veggies warm and insulated.  Later on in the summer, the mulch will keep my plants’ roots cool and moist.  And, of course, there’s the benefit of keeping weeds out.

I also put out deer repellent on the roses, blueberry bushes, and one Japanese maple.

I know, that blueberry bush looks so pathetic; the heavy snow really beat the hell of out my plants.  Yes, those are pine needles — I mulch all my blueberries and azaleas with them in the fall to increase the soil’s acidity and protect the plants’ roots during the winter.

I’ve never used these garlic clips before, so when I opened the bag, I was overwhelmed by the smell and my stomach lurched in revulsion.  With any luck, these will keep the deer from snacking on my plants.

Also, see all those grass paths around my gardens in the first two photos?  I’ve started covering those with chunky pine mulch.  (With landscaping paper underneath to smother the grass.)  It’s going to take a while, but the results will be worth it — nice paths, no more grass encroaching on my gardens, and less for Pete to mow.

Finally, I bought two semi-dwarf apple trees today and hope to get them planted in the next few days!