Wow... What a difference a month makes!
The garden is looking better than ever, and full of green bounty! We've enjoyed an endless supply of lettuce, green onions, sugar snap peas, and snow peas... so far... and it's only June! Although, I'll admit, that the peas haven't actually made it to the kitchen. They are way too good to snack on while working in the garden. I've learned a lot in the past month, including the need for quality food. I found an organic vegetable food at the local improvement store, specifically containing lots of nitrogen, bone meal, and other healthy ingredients. I've only applied it once so far and the veggies seem to love it. That, and the sunshine we've actually received lately. =) Plus, I'm actually watering all my plants... something I know a few of you were skeptical about!
Slugs have been the common pest in the garden. We started by putting coffee grounds around the perimeter of the garden bed. This helped a little, but some slugs still crossed the boarder. Our local nursery told me about
Sluggo, an organic product that is safe for kids, pets, and most of all edible vegetables. I've applied it, and so far so good, but my beans still need to recover from their hole ridden leaves. I also finally gave up on my corn this year. With this weather, there was no chance for success when it comes to that sun loving vegetable! In its place I planted Rainier strawberries and patty pan squash. Both seem to like the location, and the blooms on the squash are absolutely stunning... especially lying next to my nasturtium. Neither have produced any fruit, but are growing rapidly.
Speaking of squash, I have a funny story. There's a booth at the local farmers market that I love to go to. They always have the healthiest starts and the freshest veggies; and even last week they had the most gorgeous peonies... my favorites! Well, I purchased some zucchini starts from them awhile back and I've watched them triple in size the past month. Except, what do I find? Broccoli!!! Yep, they must have mislabeled their container, because this definitely is not producing the yummy zucchini I was so looking forward too! Of course with my 'new' gardening eyes, I didn't even catch it until the broccoli started to flower. Lesson learned!!
I think what I've enjoyed so far is the fact that the garden has been somewhat successful. I'm so proud to show people what I've done, even more so than I ever thought. Even if it's just lettuce and onions so far, those are things I've been able to pick daily as I need them. And I know that no one else has touched them, processed them, or put any chemicals on them. There is definitely something to be said about washing the lettuce you pick from your own garden. I find it so therapeutic to wash the lettuce I've grown myself... a chore I have not previously enjoyed!
Slugs have been the common pest in the garden. We started by putting coffee grounds around the perimeter of the garden bed. This helped a little, but some slugs still crossed the boarder. Our local nursery told me about Sluggo, an organic product that is safe for kids, pets, and most of all edible vegetables. I've applied it, and so far so good, but my beans still need to recover from their hole ridden leaves. I also finally gave up on my corn this year. With this weather, there was no chance for success when it comes to that sun loving vegetable! In its place I planted Rainier strawberries and patty pan squash. Both seem to like the location, and the blooms on the squash are absolutely stunning... especially lying next to my nasturtium. Neither have produced any fruit, but are growing rapidly.
I think what I've enjoyed so far is the fact that the garden has been somewhat successful. I'm so proud to show people what I've done, even more so than I ever thought. Even if it's just lettuce and onions so far, those are things I've been able to pick daily as I need them. And I know that no one else has touched them, processed them, or put any chemicals on them. There is definitely something to be said about washing the lettuce you pick from your own garden. I find it so therapeutic to wash the lettuce I've grown myself... a chore I have not previously enjoyed!
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