Garden Update--5/30/2015

Hello All:

It's been a while.  With my not feeling well for two days and my phone dying, it was somewhat impossible for me to provide an update.  In spite of this, I have been in the garden in the last three days.  Here is my progress:

Prior to today, I spent the last two days creating beds.  Here's an example of a bed created.  I planned to put spinach in this bed, but it is getting a little late in the season, and I'm afraid that the spinach will bolt, or go to seed (which will make it tough and bitter when eaten).  Perhaps I'll plant some spinach here in August.

I've gotten a TREMENDOUS blessing today.  For those who REALLY know me, know that I am anti-tilling.  Based on my research, constant tilling beings up weed seeds--hence the picture above.  Despite this fact, there was a gentleman who also has plots at the community garden...and a tiller.  He said he watched how hard I worked--in terms of either chopping weeds with my hoe or pulling them up by hand, and wanted to help by rototilling the remaining land that I haven't weeded.  Because I surmise that the County will not change its practices on tilling the ground, knowing that this land is technically not mine, AND this gentleman's persistence to help a "damsel in distress", I relented.  I'm showing this plot of land that is behind mine because I didn't think to take "before and after" pictures.  This is a small example of what my plot looked liked before tilling...a weedy mess!

Here are the "after" pictures.  The picture on the left is my entire garden.  I started my work on the farther side, and have done so completely by hand.  Another blessing is the cardboard.  One of my neighbors at the garden had extra cardboard, asked if I needed cardboard for my paths--in order to suppress the weeds. I gladly accepted, and thus...the cardboard in the paths.  The paths are not fully covered, but what was provided was a start.

The picture on the right is the are that was rototilled.  I plan to create beds for corn, melons, and perhaps--a small "cereal patch".  I'm debating as to whether to plan barley or oats.

 

Another blessing.  The tomatoes and pepper plants that you see here--the plants that are freshly watered, were given to me by the neighbor that gave me the cardboard.    She had extra tomato and pepper seedlings.  In addition to the Brandywine, Mortgage Lifter, and Black Krim that I planted earlier, in this bed, I planted jalapeno and poblano peppers and a Cherokee Purple tomato.

 

Here are more tomato plants donated by my neighbor. 

 In the picture on the left, there are two Paul Robesons, a San Marzano, and a Brandywine OTV.  

In the picture on the right, there is a Yellow Pear (which toppled a bit, but I'm sure it will recuperate), two San Marzano, a Green Grape, two Verona grape tomatoes, and a hybrid with which name I have forgotten (I know it's a hybrid because of the "F1" on the tab).

LOOK AT MY COLLARD GREENS!!!  THEY ARE LOOKING REALLY GOOD...and let's pray that they keep looking that good.  

In the picture on the left, there is one collard green seedling (to the left) and borage volunteers (to the right).  The borage was planted here last year.  It's an annual, but it is self-seeding--hence the volunteers. There were some borage volunteers that I removed, but I'm going to keep this because they're near my Rutgers Tomatoes. Borage is a wonderful companion plant for tomatoes--as it is improves the flavor, keeps pests away, and attracts pollinators.

In the picture on the right are a couple of the bigger collard green seedlings.  I expect it to get bigger within another month and a half.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but I am DETERMINED to have homegrown collard greens.

Here is one of three cayenne pepper seedlings.  Mind you, these were direct seeded, and also covered with a water bottle to aid in germination.  Looking good so far.

WOW!!! LOOK at this Rutgers tomato seedling!  I have five more seedlings too.  Like the cayenne pepper, this too was direct seeded and covered with a water bottle. It has true leaves on it.  So excited!  Because of the move we made last year, I grew these, had a bumper crop, and was unable to can them.  I am determined to can these--so that we have tomatoes for sauce and salsa in the winter.

The frilly leaves here are Danvers half-long carrots.  I see a few coming up, and oddly, I found a carrot seedling in my Rutgers Tomato/Collard Green/Cayenne Pepper bed.  Because carrots are a good companion plant for tomatoes, I kept it there.  I planted a 12 foot row of these, and am anticipating some sweet, yummy carrots.

NOTE:  The reason why I planted Danvers half-long carrots is because the soil is straight clay.  Many carrots have difficulty growing in clay soil, and the Danvers grow in clay soil well.

Turnips are coming up nicely.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm planting these for my mother. I'm sure she will be pleased.

LOOK AT THE PEAS!!! WOW!!!  This year, I'm experimenting with growing them without a trellis or support.  It will still work, AND these are Little Marvel peas.  The plants only get but so high, and therefore, do not require support.  The only issue is that peas wrap their tendrils around EVERYTHING...including the weeds.  The one "weed" that is giving me difficulty here is a Wild Morning Glory.  While I love morning glories, these wild ones are highly invasive and can either smother or choke the crap out of everything in its path.  They were wrapped around my peas like something terrible!  They had to go, and I weeded this bed by ridding it of as much of the wild morning glory as possible.  I did notice, despite my weeding, that new sprouts for it are popping up.  I have to be more vigilant in my weeding of this bed.

Ok.  I know that this looks like nothing here,  but these are sweet potatoes.  

The picture on the left is the whole sweet potato bed. The picture on the right is one sweet potato slip.  I know, they look dead, but sweet potatoes are known to suffer from some SERIOUS transplant shock.  I'm not worried, because with proper care and time to get established, they will recuperate and thrive.

CHECK OUT MY GREEN BEANS!!  They are really starting to pop up.  I'm getting excited! 

I didn't get any last year, some I'm EVER so determined to have some this year.  The County (who is responsible for the community gardens) supplies seed packets--including green beans.  The ones provided are Tendergreen, and I grew them my first year.  However, my mother didn't like them, and insisted on having Blue Lake Bush beans.  That being said, I planted a mess of Blue Lake Bush beans, and bought extra packets--so that I would have enough to plant.

(THRIFTY TIP:  The Dollar Tree sells 4 seed packets for $1 in the winter...including the Blue Lake Bush beans.  More on the seed packets later in another entry)

Red Russian Kale on the left and White Russian Kale on the right.  Looking good!

Swiss Chard still looking good.  I harvested a little, and took some to my mother--who has never tried Swiss Chard.  She tried it...she LOVED it.  She was also impressed on how it looked--saying that it look exactly as that one would see in the grocery store.  WOW!!  What a compliment!  Unlike the grocery store chard, the stuff that I gave her was freshly picked.  Lord knows how long the chard in the grocery has been on the shelves, where it is from, and how it was grown.  If I must say so myself, my chard is a thousand times better! 

Kohlrabi is looking good.  It got a watering yesterday, so I'm sure that it is EXTREMELY happy!  I still have to research on when and how to harvest it.

As you can see, I got much work done...AND got some help and some COOL free stuff!  I can note the free stuff as a "Thrifty Tip", but the free stuff from neighbors is never guaranteed.  What I CAN guarantee is that by getting to know your neighbors--whether is be at a community garden, or even at home, it makes your life richer.  

My neighbors and I discuss what we're planting and bounce off gardening ideas and tips.  More importantly, we're establishing rapport and relationship.  When encountering new people and establishing new relationships, it is of utmost importance to see each encounter as an opportunity to learn from that individual.  It should also be an opportunity for that person to learn from you as well--whether it be gardening or whichever hobby...or learning about each other.My life's motto is "Life is like school.  You never stop learning."  So, essentially, I'm being taken to school with each encounter.  And who knows what other blessings you'll receive...maybe some free tomato plants! :-)

 On my next trip to the garden, I plan to plant corn, melons, zucchini, and cucumbers. I will provide an update.  So until then...later and think thrifty!

Dawn

Garden Update--5/25/2015

I spent almost 7 1/2 hours in the garden yesterday. Please excuse the delay in post--as I was extremely tired.  The only things on my mind were food, a hot shower, and a cold glass of water.  Here is my work from yesterday:

I created four beds yesterday.  These are two that have been created, but haven't been used yet.  The one on the left, I planned on planting lettuce and onions. The one on the right, I planned on planting dry beans, rosemary, and petunias (or nasturtiums)

Here are three tomato plants which, unfortunately, I bought.  I'd prefer to start my own, but I just thought of another experiment.  I will plant a seed in the ground--the same kind as the plant, and do a comparison in growth.  I will give you updates on this experiment.

Here is another experiment.  In this bed, I planted black beans. Usually, I would spend at least $2-$3 on a packet of black beans seeds from a seed catalog, but since I'm trying to save money, I bought a bag of black beans from The Dollar Tree for, you guessed it...ONE DOLLAR.  I heard somewhere that beans used for the purposes for cooking might not be as good for germination purposes. That being said, I sown the beans literally on top of each other, and will thin, if needed.  I am anxious to see if these will germinate.  Details to follow should things progress.

I also watered the tomatoes, black beans, green beans, sweet potatoes, and kale.  I am planning on going to the garden after work today.  So, until then....think thrifty!

Dawn

Garden Update--5/23/2015

Today, I had to literally peel myself out of bed in order to go the the garden today.  I was just...really...tired this morning.  I would usually get there on Saturday mornings between 10 and 11 am. I didn't get there until 1:30pm.  I can at least say that I got some  things done.  Here is my progress:

The tomatoes and peppers (at least the seeds that have germinated) were covered on Friday due to the threat of frost.  I also see some borage volunteers from last season.  I may keep them there--as they are good companion plants for tomatoes.  Borage attracts pollinators and helps keep certain pests away.

This is the kohlrabi.  It's looking really good.  Since this is my first time growing kohlrabi, I don't know what it would look like when it is ready to harvest.  This would be something for me to research--as well as information with which to make a future post.

Wow...wow...WOW!!!  LOOK at this Swiss Chard!!!  It is looking AMAZING!  I've never grew Swiss chard before, nor have I tasted it.  Because it was looking sooooo good, I took a leaf off and ate it as a snack.  It tastes like spinach, but has a savory-ness to it--as if it has seasoning in its veins.  I can see either cooking it like spinach or eat it raw in salads.

One of about 4 or 5 collard green seedlings. PLEASE LORD, I PRAY FOR COLLARD GREENS THIS SEASON.  If you've never had homegrown collard greens before, then you are missing a treat.  SOOO much better than the stuff that sits in the grocery store.  I encourage EVERYONE to grow collard greens--even in pots.

  

Petunia and rosemary plants.  These will be planted inthe green bean bed.  Petunias and rosemary are perfect companion plants for beans--as they repel Mexican bean beetles.

Petunias and rosemary have just been planted.  The green beans are also starting to come up.

Here is a green bean seedling--up close and personal.

These are tomato plants and sweet potato slips.  Normally, I would start these myself, but circumstances did not permit me to do so this year.  

Just at the Rutgers tomatoes, I took am taking a risk by direct seeding tomatoes.  I'm also trying another experiment.  I will direct seed my heirloom tomatoes, but on the side of the seed, I'm going to put a plant--to see the difference in how they both grow, and the duration of the seed to the plant in terms of when there will be a harvest. I'm only doing this for the tomatoes I can find at my local garden center.  The ones I cannot find will be totally direct seeded.  Above I have plants for Brandywine, Mortgage Lifter, and Black  Krim tomatoes.

In terms of the sweet potatoes, these are called Jewel.  For the last two years, I planted Bunch Porto Rico.  Unlike most sweet potatoes--with which the greenery grows as long vines, Bunch Porto Rico grows in a bush fashion.  Bush habit plants vine a little, but for the most part, grow upright.  I was told at the garden center that these vine, but are similar to the Bunch Porto Rico.  We'll see, and hopefully, I'll have a wonderful harvest.

Sweet potato slips have just been planted.  Over the course of the next couple of weeks (and finances permitting), I will plant thyme and summer savory alongside the sweet potatoes.  These herbs serve as companion plants--as they improve the flavor of the sweet potatoes and repel sweet potato weevils.

Sweet potato slip--up close and personal.

My garden is coming along slowly but surely.  I also planted onions and beets along the Red Russian and White Russian Kale.  Unfortunately, I did not get to plant the tomatoes, but since I have a three-day weekend, I have an ample amount of time to do so.  I will be in the garden all day on Monday--with which I will provide an update.  So until then...think thrifty!

Dawn

Cranberry Cardigan

Since it was raining earlier today, I decided to keep myself busy by working on a sweater--one of which I should've had done months ago.  But what can you do...stuff happens.  I already made a mustard cardigan this fall, now I'm making a cranberry one to match a particular dress that I have.  Here is my progress:

This is the back of the sweater.  If you look at the shoulder seams, you'll see it will have raglan sleeves.

This is the left front.  I finished this about two weeks ago.

This is the right front--currently a a work in progress.

All that needs to be done are the sleeves, the seams and the buttons sewn.  I will provide updates as they come along.

In terms of the thrifty factor, I bought the yarn (which is Vanna's Choice from Lion Brand Yarn) on sale at AC Moore for about $3 a ball.  I got 6 balls, and with the buttons (of which I still need to get), I expect to spend about $20.  The yarn was originally about $4 a ball, so a $6 savings?  I'll take it!  So, until then...think thrifty!

Dawn

Garden Update--5/16/2015

Over the last week or so, the meteorologists said that there would be chances of rain.  Because of these "chances", I forgoed time in the garden--with the hopes of getting much needed rain.  As I heard over the course of the week, there was a chance of rain today, but when I woke up, it was sunny and humid.  Because of this, and the fact that I still have work to do in my other plot, I figured I would water what's currently growing--as well as create and hoe some beds for my heirloom and cherry tomatoes, dry beans, and lettuce.  This is what I came to this morning.

I was FINALLY able to get into the garage--to get my other tools and my gallon jugs for water.  There are two wells at the garden, and since the one near me is broken for the UMPTEENTH time, I had to drive over to the other one.  This is Part 1 of the first water run.

First Water Run--Part 2

Collard Greens are starting to come up!  After two years of failure, I'm praying for success!  There's nothing like homegrown collard greens!

Cayenne Pepper Seedling.  As mentioned before (if I haven't done so), I'm taking a risk by planting peppers and tomatoes by direct seeding--as opposed to the seedlings that I usually do.  Certain circumstances forbade me starting seedlings.  This is a bit of an experiment.  I'm sure it will work; although, it will take a bit longer.  Only time will tell as to what kind of harvest I will get...and when.

The kohlrabi is looking well.  I've seen it, but never tasted it.  I'm intrigued as to what it tastes like.

Red onions--rearing their heads out of the soil.

Here is my oregano.  The one on the bottom is done.  I'm hoping to save the top one--as well as the other two plants.  MAN, we need rain!

Curly and flat leaf parsley.  Some of it looks done, but some of it is looking fairly well. 

Peas never fail me.  I ALWAYS get a good crop of peas; although, I'm the only one in my house that eats them.  Peas are SO easy to grow and are SO sweet fresh out of the garden!

Red Russian Kale.  Before leaving, I saw some little bugs eating it (Ugh).  I need to get some onions in there--PRONTO!  Onions protect brassicas (i.e. cabbage, kale, collard greens) from cabbage-eating insects.

Rutgers Tomato Seedlings.  As with the peppers, I'm direct seeding these.  Also, I plant at least two seeds--to guarantee that at least one seed germinates.  As you can see, both seeds have germinated. Let's see which one comes out the strongest.

The sage is all looking really good!  I'm looking forward to having some yummy sage for seasoning roast pork.

Wow!  Look at the Swiss chard.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, it was looking a little shriveled when I checked it prior to leaving town for Mother's Day weekend.  It is adjusted really well, and am looking forward to having this raw in salads or sauteed with onions, garlic, and olive oil.

Turnips are coming up.  I'm growing these for my mama--since she likes them so much.

White Russian Kale.  This isn't growing as prolific as the Red Russian Kale--as I only see two plants coming up (there are six Red Russian Kale plants).  I hope to see more though.  Last year, I have a bumper of Lacinato (Dinosaur) kale, so I'm hope for the same with this.

Second Water Run--Part 1

Second Water Run--Part 2

As you can see, the soil looks a little dry around the plants.  You can also see that I've done two water runs.  I also created three more beds--one for black beans, and two for my heirloom and cherry tomatoes.  That's the extent of what I've got done--as clouds began to roll in.  That being said, I went home, and 20 minutes later, WE GOT RAIN!!!  HALLELUJAH!!!  I'll have to either continue the bed preparation either tomorrow or Wednesday (Monday is calling for more rain, and Tuesday I have to work my second job), so until then....think thrifty!

Dawn