We’ve officially made it through another Michigan winter!

We’ve had an incredibly lucky week full of 70°+ days, which means I have had a week full of indulging in warm-weather hobbies.

Gardening

I walked into the hardware store yesterday with the sole purpose of buying 3 hydrangeas. I walked out with ZERO hydrangeas, 3 begonias, and a ton of vegetable plants. I blame the 78° sunny day and sale prices.

Starting my yearly garden this early is definitely risky, and I could very well end up with dead tomatoes before Memorial Day. The Farmer’s Almanac predicts our last frost is May 7th this year. Looking at the 10-day forecast, we may already be past the last frost. After weighing the pros & cons, I decided it was worth the risk.

Pros

• Earlier start = earlier harvests
• There’s a giant tree in my yard, so planting early gives the plants a bit more sun in their early days.
• If things die, I can always replant. As long as I replant in May, I shouldn’t be behind schedule.

Cons

• If they die, I’m out $20.
• Replanting is more work.

What I’m growing this year

A list of everything I’m growing this year + how I’m starting them.

• Tomatoes – plants
  • Early girl
  • Lemon boy
  • Cherokee purple
  • Sungold cherry
  • Sweet 150 cherry
• Cucumbers – plants
• Zucchini – plants
• Breakfast radishes – seeds
• Broccoli raab – seeds
• Little gem romaine lettuce – seeds
• Spinach – seeds
• Onions – bulbs
• Green beans – seeds
• Strawberries – plants

I also have a full herb garden started from seed as well. I am most excited for my sungold tomatoes, chives (chive butter? Yes, please!), and little gem lettuce.

You may have noticed a few glaring gaps in my list. I’m working with limited space, so some cuts had to be made. I’ve decided that carrots, potatoes, and squash are too much work and are simply better from the farmer’s market.

I’ll be sure to update you all as the season progresses.

xo,

Shelby

Please note: this post was orginally posted on Substack on April 25th.