Success in the annual garden stems from a good start. Planting seeds, caring for seedlings, and preparing planting beds for the season keeps me busy from January to May. Anything planted much later is unlikely to survive a Georgia summer without nearly constant watering.

Things started off well enough. I ordered seed in January, started one flat in early February and two more a week or two later. I got off track a little later and barely touched any of it for weeks.

Tootsie got sick in February. Caring for her was job number one for the next month. During the eight days she was in the hospital, I stayed home and waited for updates. We saw our regular vet numerous times and went to the emergency room several times before and after her stay in the hospital.

Getting another dog after losing Tootsie was a priority, but I didn’t expect to find Mavis barely 12 hours later. The days before I got her I caught up on my sleep, puppy-proofed the house, and otherwise prepared for life with an 8 week-old puppy.

Keeping Mavis out of the cold frame has been a challenge. A hose spewing water is her favorite toy. She ends up soaking wet whenever I try to water. I see a wading pool in our future. Thanks to Mavis, planting anything, anywhere in the backyard is an act of extreme optimism.

Chances of survival this season are slim to none. Keeping her out of backyard planting areas is unrealistic. Anything she doesn’t rip up is likely to get trampled. Her big paws may always be a threat, but I’m hoping she’ll outgrow her habit of pulling stuff up.

And then there’s the rain or, more specifically, the lack thereof. We’re already in a drought with no rain to speak of in the forecast. No point planting more than I can keep watered.

I am growing a few things, but between the drought, Mavis in the back, and the deer out front, the odds are against me. Seedlings started earlier are ready to be planted out. Wherever they’re planted, I’ll fill in around them with seed on hand and cross my fingers.

I’ll keep you posted. As always, thanks for stopping by.