This morning I headed out to check on the beds, and I’m happy to report that things are finally starting to show some life.
The Sprouting Begins
Bed 3 (rear) gave me the first real thrill of the day, three of the potato plants are just beginning to sprout. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing those first green shoots pushing through the soil. Bed 4 is still quiet for now, but I’m staying hopeful. It’s still early in the game.
Over in Bed 2 (front), a few seedlings are emerging between the remnants of my October plantings that never quite took off. Honestly, I don’t remember exactly what I planted there, but seeing new growth is encouraging regardless. My main concern now is protecting them over the next 48 hours before the next cold snap rolls through.
Bed 2 (rear), where I planted the parsnips, is showing three or maybe four tiny seedlings. It’s still early days, but it’s promising. Like the front of Bed 2, these will need some careful protection as the temperature drops again.
Bed 1 is coming along nicely. The radishes are definitely showing, along with a few other mystery seedlings I planted earlier. There’s always something satisfying about watching new life push through the soil, even when you’re not entirely sure what it is yet.
Prep Work and Planning Ahead
Today I also laid down more cardboard and topped it with a thin layer of soil, less than an inch, just enough to weigh it down and give my clover seeds something to root into. I’ve got those seeds soaking now and I’m planning to plant them tomorrow, right before the cold snap and expected rain move in. My hope is that the rain will help them settle in and start establishing, even in the chilly weather.
I’ve got loads more cardboard ready to go down, but I’m holding off for now because I don’t have a good way to secure it all yet. Still, I’m prepared, and the beds are ready for the next steps.
Looking Forward
All in all, things are looking positive. A little green is starting to show across the garden, and it’s motivating to see everything slowly coming together, even with the unpredictable swings of a Florida winter. Progress feels good, and I’m excited to see what the next few weeks bring.
