Update

I've been taking pictures since my last post but never getting around to posting them.  So here are a few things that have happened since the last post.

The trees have blossomed and I covered the two beds underneath until the tree looses its blossoms.  We asked our neighbor if we could remove the tree since the tree grows over our property because of it's placement next to their house.  They gave us permission but want to make sure the roots will all be removed because they are going to then plant another tree to help shade the house.  We decided it wasn't worth the work if they are just going to replant a second problem for us.  Since we don't plan to stay here long term we will just deal with it until we move.

I have seen a few cabbage moths around since it has warmed up so I made sure to cover the kale right away.  The right side of the tunnel has lots of extra fabric so that once the peas are pulled if I want to extend the kale or other brassicas I can easily cover them too.

 If only the things I planted as quickly as this Canadian Thistle that sprouted in the last week.  I have to get on top of them otherwise I will be growing weeds and not veggies.

Weeds Already

The weather has been so mild that weeds are already growing.  I am NOT ready for weeds.

Canadian Thistle

I have to weed the garden about once a week.  The weeds keep popping up but as long as I stay on top of them they aren't a problem.  Except for one.  The bane of my existence and arch nemesis is Canadian Thistle.  Canadian Thistle spreads though an underground network of roots.  If you pull the thistle and break the root you have not gotten rid of the plant but allowed the root to split and produce two.  Canadian Thistle runs rampant, will push its way into any open space, and can grow anywhere.  I think even during atomic warfare Canadian Thistle would be the only surviving organism.

My first year gardening I pulled the weeds and doubled my problems.  So last Summer I started by using an organic natural spray to spot treat just the thistle and kill them.  But this quickly became pricey and they just kept coming.  So I started just snipping off the leaves at the soil level.  This doesn't get rid of them and they do come back at the same root.  However if I catch them while they are small it does keep them at bay.  I've tried boiling water which seems to work well but now that the garden is planted I would be killing off my vegetable plants also.  

An excellent example of how much of a terrorist this plant is.  This one has managed to grow into the wood and push through the paint on our privacy fence.