Out of Hibernation

So I just looked at my calendar and I could have sworn that it said Memorial Day was this weekend.  That's just crazy... oh wait, that's true?  Hmm, it seems that the longest winter in history has clouded my concept of time and my ability to blog!  I apologize for the long hiatus, I have in fact been continuing my locovore ways throughout the winter and early spring and will update you all on the info I've been storing up during my time in hibernation.

For now though, let's get back to the topic at hand, freaking out about getting my garden started.  Actually, I'm just being dramatic.  If you're like me and haven't started your garden yet, no need to give up on it.  In fact, if you live in the Northeast like I do, this week is probably the perfect time to get it going since we're more than likely past the danger of any frost that may damage young plants.  Also, many farmer's markets have an abundance of fruit, vegetable and herb plants ready to go into your garden so there's no need to worry if you didn't plant seeds early indoors.  That's actually my plan this year.  Again, I'm not entirely sure what black hole the last few months fell into, but I certainly didn't stay on task and prepare for spring as I usually do.  However, since our garden worked out pretty well last year, I have a pretty good idea of what I'd like to do with it this year, keeping many of the plantings the same, but possible omitting a few that we don't really need.

Here is what I'm thinking:

There is nothing that I love more than fresh greens in the summer so the romaine lettuce, arugula, and spinach will definitely return.  I think I'd like to give rainbow chard and kale a try as well given that we eat so much of it and basil is always a staple as well.  The sage we planted last year is a perennial, so it has come back looking very healthy and this year I plan to plant mint since both herbs in addition to the basil pull double duty as delicious flavorings and animal deterrents.  They are planted all around our greens for that reason.  Other items to return will be yellow squash and zucchini, cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, bell peppers and green beans.

If you're planning on getting a garden started or haven't planned it, but think you might like to it's not too late!  This is the perfect time to get it going and be sure to stop at your local farmer's market to check out what they've got.  You'll be sure to get a lot for your money and can even talk to the farmers to get some planting and care tips.  Happy planting!