The Snow is Gone: Yard Transformation in Progress

We're getting off to a late start here in the Mat-Su Valley, but progress is being made.  Here are a few pictures I took on the property today:

Most of these were started in early and mid April.  They need to be transplanted soon or run the risk of becoming root bound.  We also need the ground to thaw out a bit more so we can dig the new garden beds for the squash and other cool-weather veggies.

All plant starts were moved outside in late April to take advantage of the natural light and lengthening days.  Yes, they are in a greenhouse inside of a greenhouse.  The pop-up greenhouse has a small fan heater with a thermostat set at 45 degrees.  This system kept everything safe and sound through two large spring snowstorms and temperatures down to 20F.

One of the shelving units for the plant starts.  Some are doing quite well while others are getting a bit big for their britches.

So far, a 9x9 area has been set up on pallets for the portable pop-up greenhouses we brought over with us from Germany.  One of the large ones is brand new and in good condition.  The other large one is in poor condition, and this likely will be it's last season.  The little guy is on his last season also.  These things are nice, but they sure don't last long (2-3 years max).  Eventually, we will have either a large raised garden bed or a small greenhouse here.   Currently, the only plants in the greenhouses are some potato starts that have just come up.  The boxes wrapped in plastic are our sweet potato boxes.  They are both filled with hay and each contain a 100 gallon smart pot filled with soil.  Sweet Potatoes aren't an easy crop to grow in Alaska as soil warmth is very important.  There are many different methods that people have tried with varying results, and this will be our attempt this year.  

Potatoes in a Smart Pot

Hay lines the greenhouse floors for added insulation

Location of the soon-to-be-built 8'x16' greenhouse.  A garden plot for veggies such as kale, chard, broccoli, and cauliflower will sit in front of the greenhouse.  The ground still needs to thaw out a bit more before we can proceed here.

The main greenhouse will contain all tomatoes, peppers, and bush beans.  The plot in the foreground?  We still need to see what pops up.  There are rumors of a rhubarb and asparagus bed, along with wild strawberries and raspberries.  We shall see!  The pile of rocks were picked from the dirt that was brought up when our well went kaput a few weeks ago (now fixed and running great).  The pallet box near the greenhouse will be used for garden compost.  The dirt in front of the spruce came from the raised beds in the greenhouse.  This dirt will be used as filler in beds and pots as it is clean.  

Siena and Névé explore the yard and enjoy the sunny Spring day