April Showers.

I’ve started obsessively checking the weather forecast lately – partly because I’m eager to get my tomatoes out, partly because I want to bike to work on the good days, and partly because it seems to change every freakin’ minute. April, after all. It’s a very changeable month.

But there is no denying that spring has fully and firmly taken hold in Vancouver, with temperatures in the mid-teens, flowers popping everywhere, and lots more people getting on their bikes (as evidenced by the crazy-busy bike store I was in yesterday to get a flat fixed).

In my garden I’m about ready to plant my earliest tomatoes which are looking a bit spindly – I think because I didn’t fertilize enough at a particular stage. I’m hoping they recuperate enough to put out some more leaf and flower, but at the moment I’m not sure which way they will go once planted out.

Although I was warned against planting too early, I’m glad to say my carrots and beets are both sprouting which excites me to no end. My peas are coming up strong, my broad beans are little trees at the moment….. There’s just a million things going on in the garden every day, and I am endlessly excited to watch it all come to life!

This is one of the best parts of gardening. Before the bugs come, before having to water twice a day, before any significant weeding commences. Between getting the beds set up and planted and later spring when issues start to emerge, a brief lull in which to enjoy the emergence of new life. The weather right now is the perfect combination of sun, ran and good temperature – and I’m just waiting for the burst of growth that comes with it!