There are so many things growing in your garden! The pictures are great.

And your ultrasound story reminds me why I take the gender determination of ‘girl’ with a grain of salt. I’m always afraid they’ve just, you know, overlooked something. ;-)

Cloudhands, yes I believe I planted it last year though it could have been the first fall we lived in our house. I hope to spot it at the garden centers so that I can figure out what it is!

Abbie, thank you for specifying what you meant. After I read your advice, I asked my husband what “thinning” was and of course, being the North Branford native he is, he explained what I needed to do (you see, the spinach and peas were my idea). And I think that it’s great that you speak with knowledge about your subject area–I think your students expect you to know more than they do . . . it’s part of why they respect you, yes? The great part about you and other great teachers is that you make your wide breadth of knowledge accessible to your students, and let them into the expert’s circle. That’s how I see it, anyway, based on what I observe about your classroom via your blog.

And thanks for reminding me that I need to clarify! Perhaps I’ll do a post on thinning when I acutally have something to thin!

I’ve noticed with my students, I’ll expect them to know something when they don’t. The other day, I said, “You know, those flowers look like strawberry blossoms.” I knew what they looked like, but none of my students had seen them, so sometimes it’s nice to get a reminder to step back and define my terms.

I think you have correctly identified your peas and spinach! It seems so from the photos you’ve shown. Your phlox and pansy are so sweet. Don’t you love the little faces on pansies? They are a welcome sight to these winter-weary eyes! Thank you so much for sharing your garden.

Abbie, thank you too. What exactly should I do to “thin” my spinach?

Everyday woman, I am so excited and curious as to what life will be like with a boy and a girl. For the most part, I cannot wait to meet my son, though I anticipate it will be different than it has been with a girl. Oh, and I will definitely rely on weeding help from my hubby. The vegetable garden is his area of focus come May 1 when we begin planting tomatoes and more. In the meantime and while I have the energy to keep up, I love being outside with my plants and in the dirt. Besides, Annabelle seems to like it too. :-)

OK, for me, the garden certainly takes a back seat to the new baby growing inside you! But…your garden does look wonderful, too! You’re SO far ahead of our gardens due to your warmer climes! Enjoy the baby and the garden, but don’t be afraid to let a few weeds grow, too, or have someone else help with the weeding. The job you’re doing right now is way more important!

Hugs,
Ruth

I’d say it’s time to thin those spinach seedlings. Check the packet for how far apart they should be. I’ve found that if I neglect to thin early, the plant’s growth will be stunted.