Peas on ice

Friday, February 22, 2008
Peas on my ice-covered garden, February 22, 2008

February 22. George Washington's birthday. The day I intended to crack the winter seal on the vegetable garden and usher in spring with a planting of peas. The songbirds had been coaxing me along for weeks with their spring melodies, the Canada geese spelled out vernal in gigantic V-formation, and I had every indication that it was time. But alas, Nature is teetering precariously between seasons. Today, with an ice storm, it is clearly still Winter.

So, when I speak of cracking the seal on the garden, I don't just mean that figuratively. I'd actually have to get out there and start chipping away at ice. Worse, under drizzling cold rain.

Pea planting is on hold for now. Until soon. Hopefully, very soon.

13 Comments:

Blogger Robin (Bumblebee) said...

We had a couple of warm days last week and, in a fit of optimism, I got out the pea packages. Fortunately, I restrained myself. Today was an ice storm!

Still, I am setting up my cold frame next week and, come hell or high water, I'm planting!

Robin at Bumblebee

9:38 PM  
Blogger O.I.M said...

I know just how you feel. toronto is still buried under several feet of snow. warmer days ahead are encouraging. I just keep repeating my mantra...soon, soon. soon.
cheers
irena

11:10 PM  
Blogger Aunt Debbi/kurts mom said...

My ground almost never freezes but I am still afraid to put out the snow peas. If it freezes they are toast or really just a melted mess.

11:48 PM  
Blogger Frances, said...

I was thinking you were going to go out and crack the ice like an ice fisherman! Our peas were planted on Valentine's Day. The problem where we live in TN is that it gets hot so quickly, the peas need a longer cool growing season, they just melt in the heat. We shall see how early is too early, they have not germinated yet.

Frances at Faire Garden

5:47 AM  
Blogger Matron said...

Well happy Birthday yesterday to GW! Actually I stole some heritage Vermont Cranberry bean seeds from his kitchen garden at Mount Vernon a couple of years ago! Thanks George! xx

1:33 PM  
Blogger Whyite said...

Here's a new gardening adventure. Gardening under Ice. When I saw the photo I thought thats what you did to plant your peas. :)

10:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Christa, now I can relax! At least I know you haven't forgotten. Weather permitting then...
Pea-obsessed in Annapolis

8:02 PM  
Blogger Diana said...

Christa-I'm like Frances - I usually can't grow peas because they melt in the heat when we have a few warm days. I hope your ice melts soon and you get your hands in the dirt!

10:21 PM  
Blogger kate said...

Soon, soon ... one of these days, your peas will be planted.

How is your knitting going? Have you started on a sweater or are you making another scarf? I'm still knitting scarves ... it's an addiction!

10:12 PM  
Blogger Miranda Bell said...

Seeing your packets of seeds... I shall being doing mine this weekend - there's always so many jobs to do at this time of year and a real need to prioritise! Keep up the good work... Miranda

6:18 AM  
Blogger Christa said...


Hi, everyone, thanks for stopping by. Matron, I wonder how many other people have also stolen seeds from Mount Vernon - and elsewhere? My dad is notorious for "collecting" unusual seeds from places he visits. :-)

Kate, thank you for asking about my knitting. I'm on to project number two -- a tote bag -- which I'm using as my work-up-the-courage-to knit-a-sweater project. So far, so good... except for a few dropped stitches here and there. Eh, did I really need those stitches anyway? ;-)

7:49 PM  
Blogger Christa said...

P.S. I got out in better weather two days later and planted that package of peas. The steady rain today should help them get going!

8:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can hardly wait for the snow and ice to melt here so I too can plant peas. I'm planning a much larger vegetable garden this year.

Diane (formerly Sand to Glass)

11:44 PM  

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