We could not ask for better weather during our February garden tour. It was cold, but clear. We met in our regular meeting area, Brooks 203, and discussed the Superbowl Fundraiser, and how strange the week had been. Hopefully, this atypical winter will lead into a premium growing season! And, away to the Little Garden we went.
The snowstorm held off until the next day, so the plots were unburied. The cover crop must have been planted just after it would have germinated, and the soil was bare. Very likely, the cover crop will begin growing when the ground warms some, and beat the weeds. If so, we will have a much easier time dealing with the difficult clay.
As of right now, we plan on letting the back half stay covered with an intentional cover crop (very unlike our awful theory of weeds being better than bare soil), while we work on amending the front half. Clay tends to retain water, but becomes rock hard when dry. This combination is incredibly difficult to work with, and tackling the job over two years will give us time and energy to do a thorough job. The finalized plans are still being worked on.
We arrived at the big garden as the sun was nearing the horizon. Tiny cover crops of crimson clover looked unhappy to be above ground, but were still green with hopes of spring. The stone circle in the middle held sleepy looking lilacs, lavender, and sage. The garlic rows brought fond memories of the man who taught us the proper way to plant garlic (making sure all cloves face the same direction because the plants will have optimum space when they grow up), and the fact that he did not speak english. That, right there, is the beauty of gardening: plants transcend the barriers of spoken language.
We finalized the tour with voting on the e-board. All who applied were granted their positions and a hefty round of applause. Well done, garden crew.
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