Life around Garden and Café

[Phaedra]

The first sowing (veggies) is done

Peas for shoots, broad beans, lettuce, small brassica, Japanese crown daisy (for leaves)

Tomorrow, i will sow seeds for cut flower patches.

 

[SPedigrees]

The first sowing (veggies) is done

Peas for shoots, broad beans, lettuce, small brassica, Japanese crown daisy (for leaves)
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Tomorrow, i will sow seeds for cut flower patches.

On a *much smaller* scale I've been growing pea shoots in this little grow kit over the past winter months. They are wonderful in salads. Last night I finally "retired" them, and the root systems these small plants had grown were remarkable. Roots entirely filled these tiny pots.

I started over with new soil and spinach in one pot and a lettuce mix in the other. In a couple months I will replace these with tomato starts, and then retire this indoor grow kit for the summer, as fresh greens will be available by then at the farmers market.

Will you be transplanting your plants to outdoor locations, or growing them indoors?

 

[Phaedra]

On a *much smaller* scale I've been growing pea shoots in this little grow kit over the past winter months. They are wonderful in salads. Last night I finally "retired" them, and the root systems these small plants had grown were remarkable. Roots entirely filled these tiny pots.

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I started over with new soil and spinach in one pot and a lettuce mix in the other. In a couple months I will replace these with tomato starts, and then retire this indoor grow kit for the summer, as fresh greens will be available by then at the farmers market.

Will you be transplanting your plants to outdoor locations, or growing them indoors?

Yes, I transplant them as early as I reasonably can. This first batch usually handles a bit of late frost just fine. Keeping them indoors for too long actually creates more problems — pests, excess moisture, and that constant need to manage everything.

A few years ago, I sowed very early and ended up with a greenhouse packed full of young plants. It was overwhelming. I realized I don’t enjoy that kind of pressure, so I stopped doing it.

These days, my first sowing is always around Valentine’s Day.

 

[Dahlia]

I did. Last year, part of my vegetable growing (especially leafy greens for salad and herbs, as they don't need so much direct sunlight) shifted from the main garden to the front yard (in front of cafe).

It's very interesting decision, and customers see what's on their plate are just within twenty steps away where they sit. Besides, front yard is also responsible for producing flowers for each table in the outdoor sitting area. To be honest, it's the beauty of staying small.

So many people asked why we don't move to a bigger place (and can earn more money) - I am confident that I can earn much more than such a garage-based cafe, but I don't want, as I only need certain money to keep building our financial independence. Enough is enough, and i am not willing to exchange more time for that.

As for the main garden, it gradually becomes a perennial garden and brought me a lot of joy 'foraging' on our own property - wild garlic/chive/scallion patch, berry patch, asparagus patch, fruit trees and vines start bearing fruits, herbs and roses, perennial flowering plants...etc. I became more like an observer and forager - and this role also brings totally different delight.

I will have 10-days off from next week, to start sowing for this growing season and re-arrange the outdoor sitting area, can't wait.


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Another beauty is, when people come, I serve, otherwise, I am back to my daily life and keep what I should do to enjoy each day in 10 steps - this flexibility is something a bigger place can't afford.
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And I keep studying and improving my recipes - to create food lighter and easier for body to digest.
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Also turned cakes and cookies into Gluten-free, as gluten is not needed for both. More people can enjoy desserts~

Gluten-free strawberry chiffon cake
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daily lunch set (no fixed menu)

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Next new project~
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I wish you were nearby as I would love to come eat at your cafe and look at all of your plants and crafts!