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ZZZZZZZ – Still Sleeping

February 5th, 2014

My 5×5 garden is still sleeping, there’s a little snow on the ground now, but we’re forecasted to get a nice layer today. There will be no planting in my garden any time soon. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do, it’s planning time for the garden. Time to decide what you want to grow and plan out where they will go. For those of you that live in the southern areas it’s time to start thinking about getting started.
5x5 garden in winter 2
In case you’re wondering why there is short fencing in the garden – it keeps the chickens out. Last fall they kept scratching up my endive seedlings. Even though the garden is still asleep, I noticed my lemon thyme peeking out from beneath the snow. It will be ready to season delicious meals in a few months.
5x5 garden in winter 1
I’m undecided as to which vegetables I’ll be growing this year, most likely something different than the last. Lettuce is a sure thing, as are flowers of some sort and a tomato as well. The remaining sections of the garden are still up for grabs.

What do you think I should plant in the 5×5 garden this year? 

10 Comments to “ZZZZZZZ – Still Sleeping”
  1. Kathi cook on February 5, 2014 at 7:05 am

    Globe basil looks adorable in small spaces. A lot of garlic can be grown around the border but of course that would have to be done in late fall. I planted Renee’s garden container zucchini seeds a few years ago and they were great size plants for a small space.

    Reply to Kathi cook's comment

  2. Amy S on February 5, 2014 at 9:24 am

    this may not be where you want to go with this project but what about some type of climber to show us how to stake up for it. Going up in the 5×5 space. How about some type of bean?

    Reply to Amy S's comment

    • Susy on February 5, 2014 at 12:21 pm

      That’s a great option, I was thinking climbing beans or peas this year.

      Reply to Susy's comment

  3. Egon Wittmann on February 5, 2014 at 10:00 am

    I need to rebuild 3 of my raised beds this spring. I’m already planning for the work, but I can’t take any measurements because my old ones are still under 2 feet of snow.

    Looking at your first picture, that is a great idea about putting the boards together. In the past, I’ve fixed my problem by using a ton of screws. I’ll give your approach with at least one bed a try this year.

    Reply to Egon Wittmann's comment

    • Susy on February 5, 2014 at 12:22 pm

      No screws in this raised bed. Mr Chiots took a timber framing class and wanted an easy first project. This this has held together like a champ.

      Reply to Susy's comment

      • Egon Wittmann on February 5, 2014 at 3:05 pm

        A while back when you were still at Chiot’s Run, Mr Chiots built some really nice hoop/stoops houses. Has he improved on those? I’m looking for ideas for the spring.

        to Egon Wittmann's comment

  4. Ilene on February 5, 2014 at 10:21 am

    How about white sweet alyssum around the edges? Attracts beneficial insects and looks pretty, too.

    I had Calendula in my garden last year and discovered the cucumber beetles hung out in the yellow flowers rather than attacking my cukes.

    I love the way you’ve put your raised beds together at the corners.

    Reply to Ilene's comment

  5. Tom Wolfe on February 5, 2014 at 11:18 am

    Fine work with the wedged tenons Mr. Chiots. Here in Canmore, Alberta we are reckless to consider anything other than potatoes and salad greens — but of course the challenge of planting the odd tomato seedling (no sooner than July) by a sunny wall can be irresistible. It’s -31C today and the farthest thing from my mind, until your post, was gardening.

    Reply to Tom Wolfe's comment

  6. Marcia on February 5, 2014 at 1:08 pm

    I’ve seen asparagus peas in the seed catalogue and was curious about them. Maybe you could try those.

    Reply to Marcia's comment

  7. Reid on February 6, 2014 at 6:04 pm

    Tongue of Fire Beans, Ground Cherries, Lettuce Leaf Basil, Noordhollandse Bloedrode Onions (North Holland Blood Red onions) from Baker Creek, borage, Purple Basil, Merlot Lettuce, bush delicata squash, Fish Peppers, green and white oregano, Tom Thumb peas (Seed Savers). These pease get 8” tall at maturity and they produce lots of peas. I have them growing in the basement now and have eaten a few. It is a little taste of summer!! Shiraz Tall Top beets are a good idea.

    These are just a few off the top of my head. I can’t wait to hear what you decide on putting in your 5×5 garden.

    Also, could you share your big garden plans on this site?

    Reply to Reid's comment

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This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.

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