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I got my plots both mulched during the winter. Planted some cantaloupe seeds, habanero, cherry tomato and several cantaloupes came up. They’re looking good. Tabasco plants were dried and brown, to my surprise they started growing small plants form the bases. I have 7 or 8 a foot tall now. Been munching on asparagus the past 3 weeks or so, planted it 3 years ago, it was torture to not pick one for 2 years and let it get established. Good stuff.

Got some carrots planted a few days ago, a bunch have sprouted. I never let them mature, I like the 3 inch long baby carrots. Same for corn, need to plant some more though, didn’t get enough to suit me so far, it’s about 6 inches high.

My sister brought in some cherry tomatoes, my seeds didn’t do a thing, still hoping the Romas come up, if not I’ll have to buy some. Late I know, but I’ll live with it. Also have a dozen garlic plants going well.

I never till any more, I cover my plots with mulch about 4 to 5 inches thick, throw a few earthworms in and they till it for me. I have some large nightcrawlers in the woods 30 feet away, dirt is almost black and soft as it can be, haven’t touched a tiller in 4 years.

Off topic, but if you want worms for fishbait, or your garden, get a foot long piece of rebar and a large screwdriver. Poke the rebar into the soil, rake the screwdriver up and down a few times, watch the worms hit the surface to get away from the vibrations.

I also don’t to rows, everything stays flat. Mulch holds in moisture and acts as insulation, the bottom layer turns into fertilizer. I mulch up dead leaves in winter and make sure it’s at least 4 inches thick, I’ll never till again, the worms do it for me.

I’m also thinking about putting in a cold frame. I’ve had no success starting seeds, our greenhouse stays too cold. Too much air leakage. My cold frame years ago (another location) was madef rom a couple of old woo frame windows, a hole dug over a foot deep and lined with bricks, and a prop to keep the windows open during warmer days, facing south and the windows at a 10º angle when closed. It worked great.

I grow all organic, no chemicals at all, mulch and earthworms keep the soil in great shape.