What did I forget?

Right around dusk I need to go close up the chicken coop. I usually have Maddy keep an eye on Naomi and run down to the coop on my own. Its getting dark and easier to do it without the help of a 23 month old. For weeks Joe has been telling me that I am going to regret doing something and well it finally happened. Its rather comical actually but needless to say I will be changing what I do. Here is what usually happens:
I head to the coop, open the gate and shut the chicken door before they realize I am out there and all run out, I then open the roof check and check for eggs. The roof is heavy and a two handed lift, so at this point I slip the egg or two that we are getting into my pocket. Then I lock up the rest of the coop, grab the chicken feeder, and head back to the house. On the odd occasion that we have three eggs I put them on top of the chicken food in the feeder as three won't fit into my pocket. Once back at the house I hang the feeder up, take off my boots and go inside. Hang my coat in the closet and then its on to start dinner. Do you see what I missed? I didn't either. Until I went to put my coat on the next morning and wondered what was oozing out of my pocket. Yup, eggs. lol I think I will start bringing the egg basket even if it is only one egg. :)

Garden Planning 2010

This years garden is going to be our biggest ever. I have yet to measure and map it out but at least four times last years size! I am so incredibly excited about this and cannot wait to place my seed order. The other day a friend said that seed catalogs are gardener's porn. lol I couldn't agree more. I have loved looking through my seed catalog this year and dreaming of all the possibilities. It is now very well marked and the cover is falling off. So onto the garden. Here is a list of what we are growing this year:

Summer Squash Cocozelle
Basil
Catnip
Chamomile
Chives
Cilantro
Dill
Fleabane (insect repellent)
Horehound (used for coughs and colds)
Mint
Stevia
Strawberries
Horseradish
Garlic
Shallots
Arugula
Green Beans (bush and pole)
Beets
Brussel Sprouts
Carrots
Cabbage
Celery
Chard
Corn
Cucumbers
Fennel
Pak Choi
Leeks
Anuenue
Lettuces (many varieties, including a hot weather one)
Melons
Kincho
Bunching Onions
Red Onions
Walla Walla Onions (will not be ready till next year)
Peas (shelling and snap)
Pumpkins (edible varieties)
Radishes
Spinach
Yellow Crookneck Squash
Zucchini
Butternut Squash
Sweet Meat Winter Squash
Ground Cherries (yes I am trying these again, even after last years fail lol )
Tomatoes (several varieties)
Watermelon

In addition to growing for ourselves and preserving/storing for the winter we are growing a few items for my mom. We have also offered up a share of our garden to local friends (mini CSA style). I didn't think anyone would be interested in buying a garden share from us but threw the idea out there anyway. Now we have a list and are thinking about doing a second share. After I do the actual mapping and planning I will decide if a second share is even possible. I wouldn't want to commit to one and then realize the space is just not there.

What is going on in your garden right now? Are you just at the planning stages or in harvest season? I love getting comments and read each and every one.

Happy Gardening!!