It is so difficult to say goodbye. After lovingly giving rise to life, from conception to full adult, there comes a time to let go. I am sorry to say, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, you must move on. I thank you for the abundance of sustenance we shared this spring and summer. I enjoyed your bushy and overwhelming greenery and beauty you brought to my garden. But, the time has come. Gone are all the tomato plants and squash.
Now the seeds of fall lettuce and snap peas have been planted and I must start the care cycle again. Soon I will plant additional winter vegetables and hope that I have some success with the new crops. I will soon plant potatoes, peas, onions, perhaps some beets. It is good for the soil to rotate the crops and since the weather is fairly mild here, I should be able to grow all season.
Since my pumpkins did not survive, I will use my overgrown zucchinis for jack-o-lanterns this year. I hope they carve well and bring some creativity to the front porch.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Zucchini Madness
Back in March/April, I planted two zucchini seeds right next to each other, just in case. Well, both plants have grown huge. The leaves are about a foot and half wide. I actually cut back the leaves because I was afraid that the sun would not get to the fruit for it to ripen. I don't know if that helped, but the fruit is flourishing.
I have so many zucchini that I have been searching for good recipes. I made three zucchini breads with slightly different recipes. I tried using Splenda instead of sugar, but when I finally made one with fine grain baking sugar, oh the difference was amazing. I added orange zest and chocolate chunks in one experiment and it was good but not enough nutmeg. I just made one with lemon zest, white chocolate and macadamia nuts. It is very good, but still could use more nutmeg.
I also made a really nice, low-fat, low calorie zucchini soup. I took my monster zucchini -- one that grew to the size of a small child -- and cut it up and simmered it with onions, garlic and low fat chicken broth. Then I pureed it with two tablespoons of lite sour cream - delicious.
Now, I only have half a dozen more that are ripe and in the frig. Hmmmmm.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Corn Success At Last
After the disappointment at my desire to overdo the garden, I am proud to say that I harvested three delicious ears of corn today. I picked the corn, threw it on the stove to cook and we ate it with our grilled burgers for dinner. It was smaller than the market corn, only about 6 to 8 inches in length. Two of the ears were pretty thin and one was thicker. The taste was sweet, but the kernels were a bit chewy, so I am not sure if they were over-ripe or over-cooked. I expected sweeter than ever taste, but they tasted "just like the supermarket ones, Mom". Oh well, after four years of unsuccessful attempts to harvest corn, I am thrilled with my little ears.
The zucchini are making up for the small corn size. I have been checking the plants daily to prevent the fruit from growing to large, but with the current heat spell they have gone crazy. The tomatoes are ripening like crazy too. I used my first ever Fresno Pepper in an avocado and crab salad soup. I had to get out the ice pack because I must have wiped my nose after I cut the peppers and my face was on fire! Next time, I will use gloves and glasses before I handle the pepper. Who knew? This is the adventure I had hoped it would be!!
Still waiting for the cucumbers and melons, but they look like next month's harvest at the earliest. I do have one artichoke growing, which I am very surprised by since I thought the plant would not fruit until next year. It is growing right out of the center of the plant. Not sure what it is supposed to do, so I will just keep an eye on it.
The zucchini are making up for the small corn size. I have been checking the plants daily to prevent the fruit from growing to large, but with the current heat spell they have gone crazy. The tomatoes are ripening like crazy too. I used my first ever Fresno Pepper in an avocado and crab salad soup. I had to get out the ice pack because I must have wiped my nose after I cut the peppers and my face was on fire! Next time, I will use gloves and glasses before I handle the pepper. Who knew? This is the adventure I had hoped it would be!!
Still waiting for the cucumbers and melons, but they look like next month's harvest at the earliest. I do have one artichoke growing, which I am very surprised by since I thought the plant would not fruit until next year. It is growing right out of the center of the plant. Not sure what it is supposed to do, so I will just keep an eye on it.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Excess Breeds Disappointment
I have read many books on successful organic gardening in small spaces. When I started, I followed the rules religiously. I planted only four lettuce plants in one square foot, and left a quarter of the garden for one zucchini plant. However, as I became more experienced, I decided that I was leaving too much space unused and could definitely plant more things.
This year, I doubled my garden size and could have really spread things out and still had a hearty bounty. But, as often happens, I wanted more and I wanted the garden to look plentiful. So, in search of "bigger" and "more" crops, I dispensed with the planting rules and went with the more traditional "row" planting. Rather than carefully measure out a few lettuce seeds for the allotted space, I sprinkled the seeds throughout the rows. And what a great harvest I expected to have.
At first everything was progressing better than I could have imagined. The lettuce filled the garden so that no dirt could be seen between the rows. The carrot tops were like a sea of green feathers covering the entire area. I had achieved my desired goal, a gorgeous lush garden that would provide months of fresh harvest . . . or had I?
As I started to harvest the lettuce, I realized that the leaves were very leggy and the plant bases were soaked and rotting. When I pulled out the plants, hundreds of larvae and centipedes were swarming in the soil. I noticed cocoons on some of the lettuce leaves, and disgusting slugs slithering through the dirt. Yuck! How could this externally gorgeous garden have yielded such disappointing results?
I went back to the books to find out what I was dealing with and why. Apparently, if you plant lettuce too close together they become leggy and fail to grow strong, broad leaves. Also, by planting so close that the soil was not exposed to the air and sun, it created the perfect breeding ground for disgusting pests. The only way to get rid of the pests is to spray poison -- not an option in my organic garden -- or to remove all the plants and seal the soil with plastic to try to suffocate the pests.
So today I removed about a third of the lettuce. I had to discard more that half. I was able to save enough lettuce to make a nice salad for two people. Not the bounty I had planned to boast about this season. The carrots were unfazed by the pests and I have lovely, sweet carrots. However, since I did not thin the carrots, they had tortuous growth paths and strange shapes as a result. I also had created the pest breeding ground by again, not allowing any space for air and sun to reach the soil. I harvested an entire row of carrots and am hopeful that the last remaining row will now have enough surrounding space to diminish the pests.
As a last ditch effort to destroy the pests, I poured boiling water over the now barren soil. I don't know if that will be effective, but it was worth a try. I hope to be able to plant some other -- well spaced -- vegetables in the open space if the pests can be defeated.
I weeded the entire garden, removed a volunteer tomato that was overtaking my peppers, cucumbers and herbs, and laid down compost/mulch. The garden looks orderly, more properly spaced and healthy. I won't know, however, if it is healthy until I return to the dirt next weekend.
My pride and boastfulness lead me to ignore all I had learned so that I could grow a garden that exceeded all of my prior harvests and proved how great a gardener I had become. Alas, mother nature brought me back down to earth and reminded me that excess does not bring the anticipated joy, happiness and recognition. Rather, excess leads to disappointment (and breeds nasty pests!).
I will remember this lesson and try to always strive for quality, strength and appreciation for these attributes and avoid the tendency for pride and ego to lead me astray. It is back to the books and rules for me.
All is not lost, however, I still have a bumper crop of tomatoes, lots of peppers, corn, squash and other veggies.
This year, I doubled my garden size and could have really spread things out and still had a hearty bounty. But, as often happens, I wanted more and I wanted the garden to look plentiful. So, in search of "bigger" and "more" crops, I dispensed with the planting rules and went with the more traditional "row" planting. Rather than carefully measure out a few lettuce seeds for the allotted space, I sprinkled the seeds throughout the rows. And what a great harvest I expected to have.
At first everything was progressing better than I could have imagined. The lettuce filled the garden so that no dirt could be seen between the rows. The carrot tops were like a sea of green feathers covering the entire area. I had achieved my desired goal, a gorgeous lush garden that would provide months of fresh harvest . . . or had I?
As I started to harvest the lettuce, I realized that the leaves were very leggy and the plant bases were soaked and rotting. When I pulled out the plants, hundreds of larvae and centipedes were swarming in the soil. I noticed cocoons on some of the lettuce leaves, and disgusting slugs slithering through the dirt. Yuck! How could this externally gorgeous garden have yielded such disappointing results?
I went back to the books to find out what I was dealing with and why. Apparently, if you plant lettuce too close together they become leggy and fail to grow strong, broad leaves. Also, by planting so close that the soil was not exposed to the air and sun, it created the perfect breeding ground for disgusting pests. The only way to get rid of the pests is to spray poison -- not an option in my organic garden -- or to remove all the plants and seal the soil with plastic to try to suffocate the pests.
So today I removed about a third of the lettuce. I had to discard more that half. I was able to save enough lettuce to make a nice salad for two people. Not the bounty I had planned to boast about this season. The carrots were unfazed by the pests and I have lovely, sweet carrots. However, since I did not thin the carrots, they had tortuous growth paths and strange shapes as a result. I also had created the pest breeding ground by again, not allowing any space for air and sun to reach the soil. I harvested an entire row of carrots and am hopeful that the last remaining row will now have enough surrounding space to diminish the pests.
As a last ditch effort to destroy the pests, I poured boiling water over the now barren soil. I don't know if that will be effective, but it was worth a try. I hope to be able to plant some other -- well spaced -- vegetables in the open space if the pests can be defeated.
I weeded the entire garden, removed a volunteer tomato that was overtaking my peppers, cucumbers and herbs, and laid down compost/mulch. The garden looks orderly, more properly spaced and healthy. I won't know, however, if it is healthy until I return to the dirt next weekend.
My pride and boastfulness lead me to ignore all I had learned so that I could grow a garden that exceeded all of my prior harvests and proved how great a gardener I had become. Alas, mother nature brought me back down to earth and reminded me that excess does not bring the anticipated joy, happiness and recognition. Rather, excess leads to disappointment (and breeds nasty pests!).
I will remember this lesson and try to always strive for quality, strength and appreciation for these attributes and avoid the tendency for pride and ego to lead me astray. It is back to the books and rules for me.
All is not lost, however, I still have a bumper crop of tomatoes, lots of peppers, corn, squash and other veggies.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Feast
Nurture your creative side, a festival fortune teller advised. Practicing law takes creativity, and I garden, I responded. Does that count? When I sit gazing out at my garden, with its purple, orange and yellow flowers contrasted against the dark greens of the arugula, the reds of the leaf lettuce and vibrant greens of the corn stalks, I think, I have painted this picture. It may be transitory and temporary -- I need to take more photos to capture the creation -- but it is still a feast for the eyes and the stomach.
I think raising children is creative too. Just as with the veggies and flowers, I lay the groundwork, nurture the children, leave them to grow on their own, and take great pride and joy in their progress. Thankfully, we don't feast on our children, but the time with them also is transitory and temporary. They still are beautiful.
My lettuce will be with me for only a season, my children only for so many years. Soon they will be on their own, living their own lives -- I need to take more photos to capture the creation -- but they are still a feast for my soul.
I think raising children is creative too. Just as with the veggies and flowers, I lay the groundwork, nurture the children, leave them to grow on their own, and take great pride and joy in their progress. Thankfully, we don't feast on our children, but the time with them also is transitory and temporary. They still are beautiful.
My lettuce will be with me for only a season, my children only for so many years. Soon they will be on their own, living their own lives -- I need to take more photos to capture the creation -- but they are still a feast for my soul.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Bunny is caught
Our bunny, trapped in the yard but outside of the veggie garden would perch on the fence and stare longingly at the food on the other side. We finally caught him and released him to the warren area of the open space. However, my veggies are still being eaten. Hmmmm.
The weather is not cooperating. It is the end of May and the temperature is in the low 60's instead of the 79's or 80's where it should be. Everything is growing, but not at the comfortable rate they would in warm weather.
Have eaten lots of lettuce already . I don't notice any special taste with the leaf lettuce, but the arugula and mesclun is very spicy. Nothing else it far enough along to share with the lettuce on our plates, but I am thrilled with the lettuce.
The garden also looks beautiful, with all the flowers and greens mixing together. Now if we can just get some heat.
The weather is not cooperating. It is the end of May and the temperature is in the low 60's instead of the 79's or 80's where it should be. Everything is growing, but not at the comfortable rate they would in warm weather.
Have eaten lots of lettuce already . I don't notice any special taste with the leaf lettuce, but the arugula and mesclun is very spicy. Nothing else it far enough along to share with the lettuce on our plates, but I am thrilled with the lettuce.
The garden also looks beautiful, with all the flowers and greens mixing together. Now if we can just get some heat.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
If you plant it, it will grow
Life gets in the way of tending the garden. I have the best of intentions, I plan the garden, set goals for planting and tending to it, create projects to improve it, and dream of how it will turn out. But, alas, my plan goes by the wayside, my goals don't match the financial budget, my time for tending and new projects gets sidetracked by personal and work obligations, and the insects and rodents have plans of their own. Sounds somewhat like how life seems to go in any given month.
But still, when I walk through the garden and take in the progress, even with the leaves chewed down, and ripening strawberries stolen away, it remains a wonder. The flowers are blooming and adding such lovely color against the shades of green from the thriving lettuce. The herbs are growing heartily, except for the basil (is that like doing well at everything except math?)
I had so much to do for wedding showers, birthdays, holiday celebrations that I hardly had time to check on the garden. But when I did, it was still standing, still growing, still working hard to become all it can. I am grateful that even when I falter and get distracted, things continues to flourish. It may not look or act like I planned, but it is lovely just the same.
But still, when I walk through the garden and take in the progress, even with the leaves chewed down, and ripening strawberries stolen away, it remains a wonder. The flowers are blooming and adding such lovely color against the shades of green from the thriving lettuce. The herbs are growing heartily, except for the basil (is that like doing well at everything except math?)
I had so much to do for wedding showers, birthdays, holiday celebrations that I hardly had time to check on the garden. But when I did, it was still standing, still growing, still working hard to become all it can. I am grateful that even when I falter and get distracted, things continues to flourish. It may not look or act like I planned, but it is lovely just the same.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Flower Power
After reading several garden design magazines, I continued to plant and design my veggie garden. I planted today more lettuce, so that it will mature later in the spring and give me longer periods with lettuce supplies. I also planted some watermelon seeds. I know that you are supposed to start melon seeds inside and transplant, but I decided to take a risk and plant directly in the ground. I'll report back success or defeat.
I also planted a flat of marigolds as both a path liner, and throughout the garden since the flowers act as a natural pesticide. It also looks great. However, I have decided that I need some complementary colors, and so I want to plant some lavender or purple and maybe some pink and white flowers. I have plenty of room now to add this design feature without losing space for vegetables. Although I don't have enough space to have a zen-like sitting area, I am still trying to create a tranquil garden that promotes peace and well-being.
I added compost throughout the garden today to strengthen the soil content. My strawberries are finally thriving and I even saw several little fruits growing. Hopefully the new fence will prevent anything from stealing the fruits of my labor!
I also planted a flat of marigolds as both a path liner, and throughout the garden since the flowers act as a natural pesticide. It also looks great. However, I have decided that I need some complementary colors, and so I want to plant some lavender or purple and maybe some pink and white flowers. I have plenty of room now to add this design feature without losing space for vegetables. Although I don't have enough space to have a zen-like sitting area, I am still trying to create a tranquil garden that promotes peace and well-being.
I added compost throughout the garden today to strengthen the soil content. My strawberries are finally thriving and I even saw several little fruits growing. Hopefully the new fence will prevent anything from stealing the fruits of my labor!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Week 3 - The Fence
The foundation for the fence is complete, with the chicken wire attached. Although I still don't have a gate, my garden is now fenced off from the wildlife. I am sorry to say that before the almighty fence was erected, I lost a tomato plant, two squash plants and my edamame. I still worry that the crazed critter is really a mouse, which of course, will not be deterred by the fence. But, hope springs eternal.
My lettuce seeds have sprouted and are bursting toward the sun. The carrot seeds are less sure of the great unknown and most remain safely hidden underground. But, there are a few sprouts and once we get some warm weather again, I am sure they too will be dancing in the sun.
The zucchini seeds have sprouted their sturdy initial leaves. The rest of the seedlings are are fighting for survival through the cold, rain and wind. I wonder as always, "Did I plant too soon?" I rather think I just have a bit of bad luck each year and pick the wonderfully warm weekend to plant, which is always followed by a week or two of winter weather. Luckily, I don't have to contend with snow or frost. So all should be well.
I planted some additional seedlings today. I planted an artichoke at the very end of the Back 40. These plants get really big, so I am hoping that placing it where nothing else will grow will give it the space it needs. One plant should last years, and keep providing delicious artichokes to the family. If only I could could grow organic butter to dip them in!
I also planted a new cherry tomato plant to replace the lost one. I planted a rabe broccoli from organic seedling even though broccoli is supposed to be a winter plant. I am experimenting to see if it really makes any difference in Southern California. I planted broccoli in the winter two years ago and had terrible luck, so I will let the gardening world know if I have better luck in spring. I also planted an organic pumpkin seedling. I am hoping to have carving pumpkins in October. This is another first for me because I never before had the space to grow pumpkins in Spring, which is when you need to start them to have them for Fall.
I still need to plant my corn seedlings and my marigold flat. I am hoping the wind stops tomorrow so I can do that. My garden is really shaping up in terms of crops. I need to add some stones and other material to create pathways between the plantings. I also want to add a few more flowers and some ornaments to add to the overall design. But, it feels great to see my little veggie garden take shape in the midst of city life.
My lettuce seeds have sprouted and are bursting toward the sun. The carrot seeds are less sure of the great unknown and most remain safely hidden underground. But, there are a few sprouts and once we get some warm weather again, I am sure they too will be dancing in the sun.
The zucchini seeds have sprouted their sturdy initial leaves. The rest of the seedlings are are fighting for survival through the cold, rain and wind. I wonder as always, "Did I plant too soon?" I rather think I just have a bit of bad luck each year and pick the wonderfully warm weekend to plant, which is always followed by a week or two of winter weather. Luckily, I don't have to contend with snow or frost. So all should be well.
I planted some additional seedlings today. I planted an artichoke at the very end of the Back 40. These plants get really big, so I am hoping that placing it where nothing else will grow will give it the space it needs. One plant should last years, and keep providing delicious artichokes to the family. If only I could could grow organic butter to dip them in!
I also planted a new cherry tomato plant to replace the lost one. I planted a rabe broccoli from organic seedling even though broccoli is supposed to be a winter plant. I am experimenting to see if it really makes any difference in Southern California. I planted broccoli in the winter two years ago and had terrible luck, so I will let the gardening world know if I have better luck in spring. I also planted an organic pumpkin seedling. I am hoping to have carving pumpkins in October. This is another first for me because I never before had the space to grow pumpkins in Spring, which is when you need to start them to have them for Fall.
I still need to plant my corn seedlings and my marigold flat. I am hoping the wind stops tomorrow so I can do that. My garden is really shaping up in terms of crops. I need to add some stones and other material to create pathways between the plantings. I also want to add a few more flowers and some ornaments to add to the overall design. But, it feels great to see my little veggie garden take shape in the midst of city life.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Week 2
The lettuce seeds are all sprouting, even with the high winds and bunny disruptions. The carrots have not sprouted yet. The bunnies ate my only cherry tomato seedling, but left a few leaves, so I have caged it and am hoping for the best. I am still planning to plant some melon and watermelon seedlings, but I don't think they will be available for a couple of weeks.
Although I previously harvested my own seedlings, they were so weak that they did not survive the transplant. I also had trouble keeping them warm but moist as they were growing before transplant. So I gave up and started purchasing the seedlings locally.
We live in Conejo Valley, which means Rabbit Valley, so the bunnies are an expected problem. My fence is coming along very well, thanks to my husband, but still not completed. I have high hopes for exclusion of the conejo's with this fence, but I am worried they will be crafty and figure out how to get under or around it.
I hope that my link to my photos gives a good indication of the size and design of the garden. I will continue to diary the growth with photos, but can't seem to post images here, only links.
Although I previously harvested my own seedlings, they were so weak that they did not survive the transplant. I also had trouble keeping them warm but moist as they were growing before transplant. So I gave up and started purchasing the seedlings locally.
We live in Conejo Valley, which means Rabbit Valley, so the bunnies are an expected problem. My fence is coming along very well, thanks to my husband, but still not completed. I have high hopes for exclusion of the conejo's with this fence, but I am worried they will be crafty and figure out how to get under or around it.
I hope that my link to my photos gives a good indication of the size and design of the garden. I will continue to diary the growth with photos, but can't seem to post images here, only links.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Rejuvenation and Cultivation
Southern California winters, I know, not much in comparison to the rest of the nation. But, somehow the draw of Spring runs strong, the air becomes lighter, the grasses are green and the trees are blooming. It is time to get back into the garden to start the veggie garden anew.
Yesterday was the perfect day for spring planting. The weather was a lovely 70 degrees or so, the sky was clear and shorts and T-shirt the right choice for working in the garden. I have my new, expanded veggie garden, although the protective fence is not yet built. I decided to risk the onslaught of bunnies, mice and other critters and to plant now, before the fence is complete.
I developed an entire plan for the new garden, drawing it on a map of the area. Each group of vegetables or herbs carefully scripted to its precise location to create blast of color, scents and crops. Then, there is reality, how much space do the peppers really take? And the lovely herb wheel I envisioned, had to move because the fencing work is being conducted right where I wanted my herb garden. So, much of the beautiful plan was scrapped and I planted according to my eye and actual space needs.
I spent time in the garden turning the soil to ensure all the compost was properly mixed and as many of the rocks were weeded out. I then planted from seedlings: Burpless Cucumbers and Italian Cucumbers in the existing troughs I designed for vertical planting of vining crops. In front of the cucumbers I planted one Edamame plant, several hot Pepper plants, several yellow sweet Peppers, and a Japanese Eggplant.
Next comes the small herb plants, not everything I want to plant because I couldn't find the seedlings in the local store. I planted Thyme, two Cilantro plants, Lemon Balm, and Dill. I planted them in a nice 2-1-2 arrangment that should grow in nicely.
From seeds I planted 4 small rows of orange carrots, right in the new center of the garden that I hope will have several feet of soft dirt for the roots to push through easily. I planted the rows parallell to the major path. Then I planted 4 small rows of lettuce in rows vertical to the path. Looks very nice now, but likely the contrast will disappear as the lettuce grows. I planted Mesclun, crunchy Bibb, Romaine, and Red Leaf. I will plant several more patches of lettuce in a couple of weeks so that I can have an endless supply of greens all summer long. I also planted 4 Zucchini seeds which I may need to thin out to one or two plants to avoid them overtaking the whole garden.
To repell pests, I planted a border of mixed colored Marigolds. I did not get quite enough, so a few more trips to the garden supply will be necessary.
In the older section of the garden, lovingly referred to as "the back 40", to reflect the 40 feet or so of space, I planted next to the Strawberries (currently starting to bloom), several Yellow Squash plants. I still have Onion and Chives growing in this area that are not quite ready.
I still plan to plant one Artichoke plant, a few more herbs (for teas) and several Tomato plants. I will also try, once again, to plant some Corn. I have never had sucess with Corn, but now that I have some area that has mostly full sun, I am hoping I get a least a few ears this year.
The time in the garden flew by. I had my Ipod on listening to music, feeling the heat of the gentle sun on my back and enjoying the scent of freshly turned soil. Life just does not get any better than that.
Of course today, even though I hit the eliptical almost everyday, my gluts and hamstrings are very sore. It is that great achiness that lets you know you accomplished something satisfying both physically and emotionally. I look forward with anticipation to growth, continued planting and victory over the critters.
Yesterday was the perfect day for spring planting. The weather was a lovely 70 degrees or so, the sky was clear and shorts and T-shirt the right choice for working in the garden. I have my new, expanded veggie garden, although the protective fence is not yet built. I decided to risk the onslaught of bunnies, mice and other critters and to plant now, before the fence is complete.
I developed an entire plan for the new garden, drawing it on a map of the area. Each group of vegetables or herbs carefully scripted to its precise location to create blast of color, scents and crops. Then, there is reality, how much space do the peppers really take? And the lovely herb wheel I envisioned, had to move because the fencing work is being conducted right where I wanted my herb garden. So, much of the beautiful plan was scrapped and I planted according to my eye and actual space needs.
I spent time in the garden turning the soil to ensure all the compost was properly mixed and as many of the rocks were weeded out. I then planted from seedlings: Burpless Cucumbers and Italian Cucumbers in the existing troughs I designed for vertical planting of vining crops. In front of the cucumbers I planted one Edamame plant, several hot Pepper plants, several yellow sweet Peppers, and a Japanese Eggplant.
Next comes the small herb plants, not everything I want to plant because I couldn't find the seedlings in the local store. I planted Thyme, two Cilantro plants, Lemon Balm, and Dill. I planted them in a nice 2-1-2 arrangment that should grow in nicely.
From seeds I planted 4 small rows of orange carrots, right in the new center of the garden that I hope will have several feet of soft dirt for the roots to push through easily. I planted the rows parallell to the major path. Then I planted 4 small rows of lettuce in rows vertical to the path. Looks very nice now, but likely the contrast will disappear as the lettuce grows. I planted Mesclun, crunchy Bibb, Romaine, and Red Leaf. I will plant several more patches of lettuce in a couple of weeks so that I can have an endless supply of greens all summer long. I also planted 4 Zucchini seeds which I may need to thin out to one or two plants to avoid them overtaking the whole garden.
To repell pests, I planted a border of mixed colored Marigolds. I did not get quite enough, so a few more trips to the garden supply will be necessary.
In the older section of the garden, lovingly referred to as "the back 40", to reflect the 40 feet or so of space, I planted next to the Strawberries (currently starting to bloom), several Yellow Squash plants. I still have Onion and Chives growing in this area that are not quite ready.
I still plan to plant one Artichoke plant, a few more herbs (for teas) and several Tomato plants. I will also try, once again, to plant some Corn. I have never had sucess with Corn, but now that I have some area that has mostly full sun, I am hoping I get a least a few ears this year.
The time in the garden flew by. I had my Ipod on listening to music, feeling the heat of the gentle sun on my back and enjoying the scent of freshly turned soil. Life just does not get any better than that.
Of course today, even though I hit the eliptical almost everyday, my gluts and hamstrings are very sore. It is that great achiness that lets you know you accomplished something satisfying both physically and emotionally. I look forward with anticipation to growth, continued planting and victory over the critters.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Time to turn over
It's February and I feel spring in the air. I know that it is still too early to plant, but I feel the urge to get in the dirt. I need to turn my winter lettuce into the ground now to help fertilize for spring. I have added a lot of new area, so I will be re-designing and attempting crops that did not fair well in the past. Like sweet corn. There is something so satisfying about plotting the plot.
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