MAGNIFICENT MARCH 2012 - VEGETABLE GARDENING

My Vegetable garden is also coming along well! 
Top Left - Yes, these are cucumber and squash plants.  (Park Seed Organic Early Summer Squash and Park Seed Cucumber, Early Spring, Burpless).
I started these plants indoors with my other plants.   However, with my lack of experience with seed starting, the date of 02/26/12 was way too early to start these plants indoors!  I did not have the heart to just kill them, so I decided to give them a try outside.  With the warm weather we have been having they are doing quite well so far, not sure what the future brings for these
Top Right - Kale, Dwarf Blue Curled, Vate's Strain (Ferry-Morse). I have already had a harvest from this Kale in which I made some yummy Kale and Lentil Soup, for which I came up with the recipe myself!
Center - In the large bed my husband and I have transplanted my Broccoli (De Cicco), Brussel Sprouts (Catskill), Cabbage (Copenhagen Market, Early), Cabbage (Crisp and Cool).  In the small bed are my Radishes (Cherry Belle).
Bottom Left - My Lettuce (Grand Rapids) is ready for harvest! 
Bottom Right - Spinach (Bloomsdale, Longstanding Heirloom) is also very close to harvest time!

Happy Gardening!
Mindy

I am linking up with Tootsie at Tootsie Time for "Fertilizer Friday"
Check out all the wonderful blooms and excitement at http://www.tootsietime.com/

See Part II below (Flower Gardening)

RADISHES (Raphanus sativus) 'Cherry Belle'

I love planting one of vegetable gardening's quickest selections, Radishes. 

I planted 'Cherry Belle' Radishes on 03/11/12.  I planted them in the small raised bed my husband just made for me.  Germination took only 4 days!

This picture of tiny seedlings was taken on 03/15/12. 

I took this picture today, 03/24/12.  Wow look how well they are coming along. 

This particular radish is ready in just 22 days!

Radishes are a great plant if you want to feel the thrill of victory in planting from seed in a very short period of time!  They also grow very well in any kind of container. 

They are also considered a garden hero because they will draw aphids and flea beetles from peppers; protect cucumbers, squash, and melons from cucumber beetles; and rout two-spotted spider mites from tomoato plants.  They can be planted amongst the above plants to stand guard duty!

What a versatile plant.  I would love to hear of any other great stories about radishes, ideas for planting, or great tips for growing these awesome veggies!

Happy Spring!
Mindy