Today was all about the soil :) Double Dig'd a 2X12 portion of the garden, removed the straw mulch to have the soil attract more heat and cleaned up some Shrubs and Berry bushes. Hardening off the Brassicas, Leeks and Onions, I started 4 weeks ago. Planning on a sowing fiasco in the cold frame tomorrow :)

The seedlings I planted about a week ago have all sprouted except the Cauliflower, which may take a little longer, but I'm not worried, being ahead of the game and all:) Trying my darnedest to keep an eye on moisture and maintaining a cool growing temp in the space to promote compact, not spindly growth! Denise one of the attendees, brought in a puff of cotton with little black seeds inside and since she has no space, I agreed to indulge her :) Graph planning the vegetable patch, which is now a minimum of 75 sq feet among the perennial vegg and ornamental beauties, we all gotta indulge in! Completed a second, but much larger cold frame with all the fixings, alongside friends at the seed-trade! Black Tarps are currently helping to dethaw the earth and in 10 days or so, I will have the perfect space to plant out my growing seedlings. Had such an inspiring day, I think I'll make a tea and get on with the busy planning work. Spring is finally here :)

One of the PVC FRAME supports collapsed under the blanket covering Oakville! Had to will myself into the cold to add some temporary fixes just holding till spring! Maybe I need to reinforce this next year, either that or get a brush to clear off the heavy snow! Beware PVC users :p Re-enforce the frame and if possible brush off that snow, it will prevent dilemmas on cold days and maybe even extend the life of your cold frame :) Got a start on seedlings yesterday...the madness (a good kind) has just begun :)

Tomorrow: Starting Leeks, Onion, Brassicas, Peas and Indoor Alpine Strawberries. Planting another succession of Boston Leaf Lettuce, Arugula, Radishes and Carrots in the working, UN-heated cold-frame :) Of course, a full rotation is needed to prevent those pests!! After, will be dusting them with diatomaceous earth and potash rich: wood ash, from this winter. They say to start Brussels in the middle of winter, so, I suggest we all get to it for a long and much needed maturity time:) 130-140 days!! Pruning the fig tree to send it into dormancy until next winter as well, trying to keep it compact, as its potted. Vermi-compost system is working well. I purchased the red wigglers from an Eco-House in Hamilton "Green Venture". $22.50 for 2L, which is enough to start with, for any beginner :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5rHZE9H7OA&feature=youtu.be A MUST SEE!