Update, Raised Beds

We had our first salad from the winter garden last night! I pulled (thinned) several lettuce plants and nipped others, Radishes are mature enough to eat, now. Notice open places in the beds, already seeded with more lettuce and carrots. Chard is already to start cutting. I cut off outside leaves and use them. Chard will continue to produce into summer months. Tomatoes all are showing flowers. I kept red and white onion sets in the refrigerator over the summer and set them in a row fronting tomatoes. All are growing. Beets seeded in front of them two weeks ago are showing growth. Planted marigolds along outer edge. All up and showing growth. Had trouble with the spinach seeds. A few germinated but were quickly removed by some critter. Started a new batch in seed flats. Most have germinated. The plan: Set them out in circle bed on outer edge of peas. By the way...more trouble with the disappearing peas - I planted the second bunch about a week and one half ago. Covered with extra heavy shade cloth, weighted with rocks. About 1/4 germinated and , again, suspicious holes where the rest had been planted. These rats and mice must have deep pockets and I'll bet they are dancing around gleefully during the late night feasting! They are in for a surprise, though. Cayenne pepper will be sprinkled around my third attempt! I also read that cotton balls soaked in oil of peppermint is a rodent deterrent. If cayenne fails, BEWARE! Plan B has already been devised! Peas are our favorite vegetable and we do intend to keep trying!

Our raised beds were first seeded on September 29th. And it is still not too late to plant ! Note that the drip irrigation is in and my hand watering has ended. Currently running for 10 minutes daily ( early morning ) and seems to keep the beds moist. I think the organic potting soil and compost has enhanced the growth greatly.