For the past couple of years we have (somewhat successfully) grown tomatoes, peppers, and various herbs in both a community garden plot and then last year for the first time, in our own backyard. Those of who who have seen our backyard know that we have tons of space so this year we were ready to expand a bit and try a few new things. Tomatoes, peppers, and other summer veggies (that I’m starting from seed!) will go in the ground in a few weeks in the main, sunny plot at the south end of the yard. This weekend we also tilled up a slightly shadier side plot (that was mostly weeds and a few tulip bulbs) and it’s becoming our root vegetable plot!

On Sunday we even got a few rows of seeds in the ground – two types of carrots (a red and a purple variety), radishes, and golden beets. We bought seed potatoes but are letting them harden off for a few days before they go in. In a few weeks, we’ll probably plant another row (or two) of each of these, so that we’ll have some to harvest later in the summer as well.

I’m excited to see what happens…we’re deeming this the year of trial and error, so I’m expecting that some stuff will succeed and some will fail. In addition the standard summer veggies, we’re also planning an area for strawberries, shallots, and a bigger herb garden than in past years. If nothing else, at least we have cute garden markers, complete with mediocre vegetable drawings.

Are you growing anything new in your gardens this year?