My calla lily bulbs look ready to go into soil after a long winter in a paper bag! It will be a pleasure to see them bloom again this year. I'm planting early because I sense this Summer is going to come on fast. We've had almost no rain yet this year, which isn't normal for this Pacific Northwest coastal region. Despite weather and health issues I intend to grow flowers and food in 2024!
My grandma always grew and loved calla lilies. These ones have a pretty white bucket blossom during Summer. They need to be kept fairly damp, and don't like too much hot sun. They grow well in containers so I'm doing it that way, which allows me to move them around to control how much rain and light they get.
I split them up into two pots, adding some perlite to lighten the soil, then giving them a good watering. They should be up in a couple weeks.
Already up are the bulbs I put down in Autumn, like some snow drops, daffodils, and garlics.
Here's today's update photo, showing more progress turning over the upper garden bed, and more rows of watered seeds filling in.
Notice how dry and brown the grass is! It should be green and lush at this time in the year. Check out a closeup of the soil, which I turned over a few days ago:
Other than the cat urine in the center of that shot (...*grumbles * ...) the top layer of soil has fully dried. I can't believe it, but I'm going to have to get out my hose and sprinkler in March! That's usually unheard of until at least June.
Over the past few days I planted snow peas, green shelling peas, green leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, two rows of carrots, Swiss chard, green onions, and yellow onions.
In addition to the Calla Lilies, today I planted a row of "Monstreaux de Viroflay" spinach:
So there's a fair bit in the garden now, especially for this time of year. I'm not certain all of the seeds are fresh and potent, so between that and the weather, we'll have to see what I can do.
Speaking of weather, here's the govt forecast:
What do you think? (0oC is the freezing point, for you Americans!) It's looking pretty dry, and it might briefly get a bit frosty at night, but the next week looks reasonably good for my garden's prospects. I haven't planted anything that requires warm temperatures, so most of the seeds and sprouts will be fine down to freezing or even a little below. Unless there's a late "Arctic outflow" in April, I think I'm home free. If that's the case, my early start gamble will pay off, and I'll be on track for one of my best gardening years ever! Stay tuned.
And grow in peace.
DRutter
I think you're right about planting early this year. We had some severe frosts last winter, and I think my deep pink Calla lilies got done for. Conditions now do seem to justify early plantings, and I'll follow your lead.
Thanks!