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Winter preparation is almost done here at the Veggie-Bed. After cleaning up the beds and working manure and compost into the soil, we covered the beds with black plastic.

By covering the beds with black plastic, the soil is protected from the winter rains washing away the nutrients as runoff. Another benefit of covering the beds is that it kills existing weeds and stop weeds from sprouting. When the spring comes around, the black plastic will help the soil warm quickly.

After a quick inspection by Lucy Lou, we are moving on to cleaning the greenhouse.

Writer: Tom Myrick

Photo credit: Tom Myrick

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Lucy Lou turns six years old today. She brings much excitement and activity here at the Veggie-Bed. Her duties consist of chasing rabbits, squirrels, and occasional raccoons away. Lucy Lou is truly a valued and loved member of the Veggie-Bed.

Writer: Tom Myrick

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With the 2021 growing season approaching, the garden plan for the Veggie-Bed is prepared. All the vegetable plots are rotated according to our crop rotation practice. The crops selected produced a high yield in the previous growing seasons.

Writer: Tom Myrick

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With the peanut harvest in here in Virginia, it was time for a road trip up to the countryside to purchase some hand-picked Virginia peanuts. Peanuts fall into four basic types in the United States – Virginia, Runner, Spanish, and Valencia. Virginia Peanuts are a variety of peanuts grown primarily in Virginia; however, they are also raised in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. Personally, I think the Virginia peanuts grown in Virginia are better tasting; perhaps it’s because of the soil they are grown in. Virginia peanuts not only taste great but also have the unique ability to fix valuable nitrogen into the ground. They contain nodules in their root systems that produce nitrogen compounds. The fixed nitrogen is released when the plant dies; this helps to fertilize the soil.

Writer: Tom Myrick

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With the growing season ending here at the Veggie-Bed, I would like to take this opportunity as the founding member of Urban Gardening to thank everyone for your posts and input. This growing season Urban Gardening has grown in so many ways. We have truly become a global group showing that people can come together to support each other.

Play in the dirt,
Tom Myrick

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Petite Sweet Little Finger Carrots are another favorite root vegetable grown here at the Veggie-Bed. These carrots were sown in bunches of six in this 6 ft row; however, they grow well in 12-inch containers. With 60 days to harvest, we will start having fresh carrots in our kitchen by June.

An extra sweet, baby-type carrot the Petite Sweet Little Finger Carrot was developed for canning and pickling in France. With smooth skin and a small core, they are also great for snacks.

Writer: Tom Myrick

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After finishing an early morning planting, the Veggie-Bed is entirely planted out. This season’s vegetable crops include:

• Kale
• Collards
• Carrots
• Onions
• Peas
• Beans
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Squash
• Chives
• Cilantro

All plants were started at the Veggie-Bed from seeds.

Now the real work begins – weeding!

Writer: Tom Myrick