Spring is early this year. Actually, winter never really arrived. Just snow for a day or two, then rain, then 40 degrees. I have been planning and planning what I am going to do in my backyard this year. First, I had someone come in and cut down the huge maple tree in my backyard. I felt bad for cutting down a tree, but I have so many and I really, really want to expand my garden! So they left about 6 foot of the trunk for my nephew to carve a nice tree bench out of. Can't wait to see it!

I started some broccoli, cauliflower and swiss chard plants this week. I am thinking I will be putting them out in a couple of weeks. I am going to try something new this year, garden sticks. I saw this on Growingyourowngreens channel on you tube. They are pvc pipe with holes drilled in it. Then filled with dirt and plants like cauliflower, strawberries and other put into the holes. The strawberry one was on www.pinterest.com so that gives me a couple of sources that have tried them. There is a company on the web that sells them, runs $100 for a 6 footer. I think I may be able to make my own for about half that. Interesting to try anyway!

I am thinking I may try to start my flowers from seed this year. I know I will be using lots in my new gardening areas front and back this summer, so why not? If I can successfully start tomatoes and green pepper plants, then I should be able to grow marigolds.