April 2025

It’s been a cold winter, and spring in NJ has been slow to warm up. Windy days have dominated our area, with temperatures bouncing between the 40s and 70s before dipping back down again. It also looks like we’re in for a rainy season ahead. Despite the chill, signs of spring are emerging, trees are beginning to show hints of green, forsythia is bursting into golden blooms, and daffodils stand proudly in front yards. In my own garden, I’m eager to get the beds ready this weekend. I just need to gather the last few ingredients for my raised garden bed soil, and then the real work begins! We are still growing micro greens and the next batch is almost ready for harvest. Our broccoli and kale sprouts are coming along nicely—although the kale took a little longer to get going.

Seedlings are growing and more micro greens are on the way
The seedlings are growing strong, and we have another round of microgreens on the way. Some are nearly ready for harvest again! We've been really enjoying them in salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. They're so fresh and keep well in the fridge for quite a while. After harvesting, we wash and prep them right away so they’re ready to eat. It makes things easier and quicker when it's time to enjoy them! The vegetable seedlings are really coming along-they're growing bigger each day and looking strong and healthy! In the photos, you can spot lettuce, tomatoes, and nasturtium. We’ve been giving them a light feeding with Ocean Solution, the same gentle nutrient mix I use for my microgreens.

Spring Planter Refresh: From Winter to “Yay”

There’s something deeply satisfying about that first spring refresh—the moment when you clear away the tired remains of winter and make space for life and color again. Today, I rolled up my sleeves, pulled out the faded evergreen and from my planters, and replaced them with one of my favorite spring combinations: bright, cheerful pansies and soft, whimsical pussy willow stems. Pansies are little powerhouses—vibrant, hardy, and full of personality. They’re perfect for this in-between season when the air is still cool, but you’re itching for signs of spring. Paired with the soft silvery buds of pussy willow, they create a playful yet elegant contrast. I love the texture the branches bring, rising above the flowers and swaying slightly in the breeze. It’s a gentle reminder that nature is waking up again.

Refreshing a planter doesn’t have to be complicated. I start by removing any lingering winter decor and loosening the soil. A quick mix of compost can help revitalize the dirt if it’s compacted or depleted. Then I cluster my pansies closely together for a lush, full look and tuck in the pussy willow stems for height and movement. The transformation is immediate—and so satisfying! It’s a small act, but it brings a big dose of joy every time I step outside. Spring is here, and it's time to bloom—one planter at a time. Only if the temperature was a bit warmer.

Refreshing My Square Food Garden

I’ve been gathering all the necessary ingredients to set up three square foot gardens, and the first one is officially done! I bought exactly the right soils for Mel’s Mix, mixed everything together, and divided the garden bed into individual square feet. It took me a few hours, but I got it all finished. After that, my daughter helped me plant the first seedlings. It feels so rewarding—a great start to what I hope will be an amazing growing season.

In the below video you will see the process from clearing out old garden beds, mixing soils and planting plants.

Visiting Dresden in Germany for Easter

When spring break in both Germany and New Jersey happens to fall at the exact same time—and Grandpa’s 80th birthday is right in the middle—it’s a perfect excuse to visit family in Dresden, Germany. We spent our days exploring Opa’s beautiful backyard garden, filled with blooming flowers and a few vegetables. It’s always such a joy to wander through it. We also visited the Botanical Garden of Dresden, enjoyed a camellia exhibit in nearby Pirna, and took a scenic train ride through Dresden’s Great Garden. The trip flew by too quickly, but it was wonderful to celebrate with family during such a special time.

First Vegetables are Growing Strong in the New Square Foot Garden Beds

The first vegetables that we planted in mid April are looking nice and strong by end of month.

Garden Diary