In January, the planning started for a historic kitchen garden. The Barkhamsted Historical Society granted permission and research began. Old Sturbridge Village historic documents, papers, and articles provided extensive information on gardening and farm life from 1790 - 1840.
Primary source documents were consulted for garden methods,
vegetables were identified that were common in New England kitchen gardens of the time period,
and specific varieties of seed available in catalogues during the early-to-mid 1800s were researched.
Seeds were ordered from Monticello where Thomas Jefferson grew over 300 varieties of vegetables for his culinary delight. Growing hops in 19th Century New England was researched and plans were made for securing hops rhizomes (Mt. Hood and Willamette) to plant in the garden. Soil samples were taken and sent off to UCONN Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory for testing. Last, donations of herb and vegetable plant starts were secured from White Flower Farm.
And finally in early May the garden was staked out,
four beds measuring 7 feet x 4 feet with a 3 foot wide walkway, in preparation for digging and planting.
