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.
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