In the Garden: Sprouts!

The days are long and the sun is shining--summer is on its way! We've been spending more time in the garden this year weeding and watering, and finally have some very satisfying sprouts to show for it.

Summer squash in the sun

Beans in the shade

The transplanted leeks are looking good!

Not everything is growing so nicely; there have already been a few failures. The spinach and mache never took off (maybe that section of the garden was just too shady?), and the King of the North red bell peppers didn't do so well once I moved them outside. And, to date, only 2 Christmas limas have sprouted. But what lovely sprouts they are!
Planting a garden has been very rewarding so far, and we haven't even really seen the "fruits" of our labor yet. It makes me so happy to see those little sprouts--participating in the entire process of producing food, from seed to plate, gives me a huge appreciation for all the hard-working farmers who bring our food to us. And, 'tis the season to support small farmers by visiting your local farmers market to pick up fresh, nutritious produce!