May 12, 2020, seeding carrots and spinach

Today the ground is still too wet from melted winter snow to till the main garden. It should be just about right in a few days, if it doesn’t rain. Not too wet or heavy.

In the raised beds we planted some transplant seedlings of spinach, arugula, romaine and butter lettuce.  These seedlings were growing in the greenhouse so they were tender and not 'hardened off'.  They were covered with floating row covers in the raised bed to prevent wind and insect damage. Night temperatures are hovering around freezing. The floating row covers provide a degree or so of protection from frost. Tonight might get down to freezing if the sky is clear. The plants can tolerate a bit of cold.

We also planted carrot seeds and spinach seeds. The ground is warm enough. 

In the greenhouse, I discovered aphids on the basil, peppers, and fennel. Aphids love these plants. I took the plants outside and washed the aphids off with cold water. Aphids hide under leaves, on stems and where new growth emerges. Out of all the plants in the greenhouse, it is a wonder that these insects find the plants they love and set up infestations. I use sticky yellow sheet traps to trap flying aphids. The aphids can be picked off, washed off, and dealt with. Once discovered, check plants every day. Aphids weaken young plants and spread plant disease.

Follow-up: these measures worked. Aphids did not return to plants in the greenhouse. 

A hike in the U of A farm.