An Odd Day

Lots of spring cleanup today.  Burned back some bananas and other brush.  Cut down some cold damaged things from year before last that obviously was not going to recover.   Actually had to water the garden today.  The recent cool snaps have slowed growth down to a crawl, but also reduced humidity.

Discovered a large hive of bees in the big Live Oaks.  The current debate is whether to have a bee keeper remove them, of just let them be.   No decision.  They are only 100 feet or so from the veggie garden, so the pollination help would be appreciated and probably quite productive as well.

What else?  The Bay Tree is blooming.  As far as I know this the first time ever for that to happen.  I'll try to grab a few interesting pictures tomorrow.

Another Bit of Gardening Education

This one is from the good folks at High Mowing Seeds, http://www.highmowingseeds.com/

Good Health is Built on Brix, Not Bricks, Brix

I got this in an email today from Jon at http://www.highbrixgardens.com/.   Good info.



Last of the Edamame.And,,,,Cutworms, I Must Kill All Cutworms.

Lost a melon, a Bell Pepper, and an Eggplant to cutworms.  Pretty sure one of my tomatoes was hit as well.  Tough year for those little buggers.  And I have millions of little tomato, cucumber, and squaash volunteers out there.  Why can't they mess with them instead of my prize babies.

Anyway, I planted the last Edamame bed, the Midori Giants are in the ground, in the raised bed to the right.

A Broken Angel Watches Over My Garden and Me

She was in many pieces when I found her, today, reinstated she stands watch over the garden and me.

When You Use Compost, You Never Know What Will Pop Up

I suspect these are Butternut Squash Seedling.  Gonna hate to weed them out, but they came up in the wrong row, lo.  Actaully, I'll leave two just for the fun of it.



Heavy rains and nasty weather yesterday.  Today was sunny, but a little chilly.  I drove in the Tomato stakes, and put up the first section of netting for the peas.  I even got most of the Edamame planted.  And that danged Cutworm struck again, cutting down my Black Krim for the second time.

In the left raised bed, I planted Black Pearl from Territorial, and finished up a small space with Disoy from Ferry Morse.  In the center bed, I planted more the remaining Disoy, Misono from Territorial, and just labeled Edamame from Naylor Bros.   The right bed is still unplanted.but I have a bag of Midori Giant to go there, but back was tired before I got to that one.

And they pop up in the Compost Bin as well.

Heavy Rains Today

We needed rains, but this was some pretty heavy stuff.  I was out, so I won't get to see if there was any damage till the morning's daylight arrives.

Day Started and End With Limestone, But In Between,,,,,,,,,,,,

Got home last night with a load of Limstone in the back of the pickup, well not that late, but too late to shovel it out.   What a way to start the day, but shoveling 2 tons of Limestone out of the back of a truck.  But I got it done, and then work.  Over lunch I ran out and planted the Bell Pepper and Eggplant seedlings.  The Bell Pepper looked great, the Eggplant not so great, but the all went in the ground regardless.  We'll see.  So, then at the end of the day, with all of the big holes filled the big truck showed up with the Limestone to reconstitute the driveway, or at least the first hundred feet, or so, of it.  Then I had to go drive over it a few times and rack the limestone from the center back to the tracks of my truck.  Boy am I whipped.  Now, if we can just get the rain tonight they are predicting,,,,

Almost forgot, I planted the two Goji Berries as well.

Louisiana Harvest Calendar

I ran across this the other day on the Internet.  It was meant mostly as a guide for those seeking local produce, but is also a great guide for what is commonly grown here.  Click to see a legible copy.

Up, Up, and Away

Six of the seven rows of the garden are now planted. Only the row of Bell Peppers and Eggplant remain. That will be planted in the next couple of days. The Edamame Soy Beans will be planted into the raised beds at that time as well.


The chicken are in their summer home now via the chicken tractor, well OK, not really a tractor as I have to drag the pen by hand over a hundred feet. Not much fun, but it got done. And now the pen sits over the old gravel road bed, that will not only help with drainage and mud, but will also give them access the grit they need as well. A third benefit it that it significantly reduced the likelihood of a predator digging its way in.

On the ornamental side of things, I moved and divided the daylily by the driveway back within the bounds of the flower bed. I planted the little Iris Denny gave us over by the front brick steps on the right side. I grab some out of the front later to do the same of the left side of the steps. I am slowly picking through the remains of the house plants, repotting what is still alive and tossing the rest into the compost.

I hauled my first thousand pounds of Limstone yesterday to fix holes in the driveway. My little Loadhandler made the job far easier than a shovel alone. As near as I can tell, I will need to do that at least 2 more times or 3 more times before bringing in the big truck for a gate pour.

Great Spring Weekend in the Garden, Oh, and the Corn is Up

Lots of cleanup work this weekend, and lots more to go.  Almost done planting the veggie garden.  Got the Squash, and the Peas planted, including a surprise batch at the end of the driveway.  Only thing left is to finish out the Melon row, and the Bell Pepper/Eggplant Row.  The seedlings for the last are still quite small, but I might just stick them out anyway, as I have spares in the seedling tray.

I walked around the garden for nearly 2 days before noticing that the corn was up, and about an inch high.  Well, at least half of it is up.   Now, where the heck are those potatoes?

Winds blew all day at 20 mph and above.  Poor tomato seedlings were hanging on by the tips of their roots.  I hope they were damaged. Over by the Artichoke seedlings, of which only one of the three remains, I looks like a little tomato is volunteering.  I thinned out the seedlings so it will have a chance.  I also seeded some of the Purple Peppers where the two Artichoke seedlings are no more.

Hmmm, what else.  I pruned the grape vines today.  And the chickens are steady on their march from under the oaks to their new home at the head of the veggie garden.

God Gave Me a Good Day

Lots of clean up here and there, but the best part was the garden.   Got the first row planted with various Squash and Zucchini.   The peas are basking in a Ziplock with their innoculant tonight and will go in tomorrow along witth the Bell Pepper and Eggplants.  By the end of the day tomorrow, the garden will be fully planted.

Planted Cucumbers and Melons Late Afternoon

Left to right, starting mid row on Row 3 to the end are:

Longfellow Cucumber (Freedom Seeds)
Fanfare Cucumber (TruValue)
Cucumber (Rafe wedding)**
Giant Cucumbers (fall garden 2010)
Rich Sweetness 305 Asian Melon – Baker Creek
Mexican Melon – Gotreaux Farms
Sun Jewel Melon – Gotreaux Farms
Midyat Melon - ebay
Tigger Melon – Baker Creek
Hales Best Jumbo Canteloupe – True Value

For the size of the top, I was very surprised at how little root development there was on these seedlings.  The were just starting to emerge from the seed plugs, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

One last update for the night.  I just planted out another seed tray with Hot Peppers.

1. Jalapeno Pepper - from Bill, labeled Publix
2. Cayenne, Large Red Thick - Martha Stewart (2003)
3-8. Hot Pepper Mixture - from Bill, Burpee (2009) (mixture of Anaheim Chili, Ancho, Hungarian Wax, Jalapeno M, and Long Red Cayenne.

Another Tomato Bites The Dust, Then So Does the Culprit

As suspected, another tomato was felled by the cutworm last night.  I could almost forgive it, if it actually was seeking food.  Instead they just bite the stem of the seedling in half, leaving both parts then uneaten.  A total waste on all accounts.   So far, the  Rutger’s Tomato and Wild Everglades Tomato were the victims.  This morning, after a bit of excavating I found one worm, and dispatched it.  Hopefully, that was the one.  I rebuilt the row and planted the replacements.

Hopefully we are done with this circumstance.

After this original post, I went back out and noticed that the third tomato in the short row was gone.  It was the Brandywine.  Unlike the others, I could find no trace of it, any of it.  I replaced it also.

I Hate Cutworms

My tomatoes made it through the first night looking good, except for one.  Fell victim to a Cutworms on the first night.  Now this is gonna be fun.  No doubt he'll claim another tonight, but I'll make time to find him and dig him out tomorrow.  Glad I seeded spares of each variety.

Tomatoes are Spending Their First Night With Their Toes in the Soil

Tomatoes are in the ground.

Row 4 (Looking left to right, #1 is nearest bayou)

1. Hillbilly Gary – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
2. Box Car Willie – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
3. Garden Peach – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
4. Black Zebra – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
5. Brandywine OTV – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
6. Paul Robeson – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
7. Orange Strawberry – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
8. Blondkophchen – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
9. Julia Child – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
10. Costuluto Genovese – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
11. Ugly Ripe Tomato – Bill from Florida
12. Plum Lemon Tomato – Bill for Florida
13. June Flame Tomato – Bill for Florida
14. Big Rainbow Tomato – Burpee
15. Mortgage Lifter Tomato – Burpee
16. Burpee’s Supersteak Hybrid VFM – Burpee
17. Big Rainbow Tomato – Park Seed
18. Rutger’s Tomato – Ferry Morse
19. Wild Everglades – Bill in Florida
20. Cherokee Purple – Bill in Florida
21. Black Krim – Ferry Morse Heirloom Seeds
22. Pruden’s Purple – Ferry Morse Heirloom Seeds
23. German Pink – Seed Savers Exchange
24. Amelia Hydbrid – Top Notch Seed
25. Chocolate Strips Purple – Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
26. Giant Delicious “World Record Variety” – Weeks Seed Company
27. Dixie Golden Giant - Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Giant Collection
28. Ultimate Giant - Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Giant Collection
29. Cosmonaut Volkov Slicing – High Mowing Organic Seeds

Row 2 (left to right in last 3 spots next to Artichokes*)

1. Brandywine – High Mowing Organic Seeds
2. Giant Oxheart - Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Giant Collection
3. Giant II – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Giant Collection

Rows were freshly tilled, with a very light bit of homemade compost worked in. Each planting hole had about a tablespoon of Espoma Organic Bio-Tone Starter Plus worked into the planting hole. They were then watered in with a combination mixture of Sea Magic Seaweed from Bonadea Gardens, and DIEHARD™ BioRush®. Yep, I got a Orgientific on em’.

*Note on the Artichokes.  The first two, on the west side came from Naylor's in Baton Rouge.  Note sure the label said much other than Artichoke.  They are a silver grey like my old ones.  The three new seedlings are Emerald Artichoke from Ferry-Morse.  Actually the seeds came from Bill in So. Florida.  There were 6 in all, so I got a 50% germination rate.

Old Nellie's Coming Out Party

I have decided to give Old Nellie a "coming-out party" here on FB. No, not that kind of coming out party. As you can tell, even when young, Nellie wasn't much of a looker, so her parents (before I adopted her) never gave a coming out to society party for her. So, here you go Old Nellie, the world awaits you. Now go dance in the garden with me.

Blisters on Both Thumbs, Yep, It Was a Good Day in the Garden

Retilled and hilled a few rows today.  On the last row and second to last row, I planted the first five steps with Candy Corn Sweet Corn.   And I planted the last five steps on the first row with Painted Mountain Ornamental Corn and the last five steps on the second row with Earth Tones Dent Ornamental Corn.  In the middle of the I planted Silver Queen Sweet Corn.   And then,,,,,,,,,I remembered I had planted the first row with potatoes.  Awe, poop.  After a bit of laughing at myself, and a little web research, I found that I can find interplanting corn and potatoes is not unheard of.   I had planned on interplanting beans anyway, so this is a slightly different variation on the plan, right, still laughing.

So, I went ahead and planted the middle of the second to last row with Silver Queen corn as well.  And that row, I will interplant with beans, after the corn is 12 to 18 inches tall.

So tomorrow, I think I'll put down my first Cucumbers, and maybe a Melon or two.

Oops

Good day in the garden. Planted the corn. Sat back, thinking about my succession planting, then I realized. I planted my corn right over the top of my row of potatoes. Awe poop. Planting another row of corn was easy, Weeding the corn out of my potatoes, well. Still laughing at myself over a glass of wine.

A Little Me Time in the Garden

Beautiful weather today prompted me to get out in the garden.  My neighbor had already done the heavy tilling with his tractor, so normally, I would just pull out the mantis to assist in building the rows.  But the Mantis is in the shop, so I pulled out Old Nellie.  In spite of the fact that Old Nellie is a thousand years old and rescued from my old bosses junk pile, she did an admirable job.  Anyway, I hilled up the corn row.  But after looking at the long range forecast, I am ready to pronouce winter over, so I am going to start putting the Cucumbers and Tomatoes too.   Of course, I'll keep some backup seedings in reserve, just in case.

Well, it's late, but maybe another update tomorrow with pictures.

Veggies Go In

Time for bed, got to wake up and plant. Was only gonna plant corn tomorrow, but with the date and long range weather forecast, I am going for it. Tomatoes and Cucumbers are going in the ground tomorrow. But I'll keep some backup seedlings in reserve too, just in case.

Seedlings, Seedlings Everywhere, But Not a Vegetable to Eat,,,,,Yet

The Egg Plant seedlings started to pop up today.

And I seedling a propagator full of melons today, as well,

Propagator – Melons

1. Midyat Melon - ebay
2. Sun Jewel Melon – Gotreaux Farms
3. Mexican Melon – Gotreaux Farms
4. Ogen Melon - Rons-Seed-Store, ebay
5. Charentais Melon - Rons-Seed-Store, ebay
6. Rich Sweetness 305 Asian Melon – Baker Creek
7. Rocky Ford Melon – Rons-Seed-Store, ebay
8. Delicious 51 American Melon – Baker Creek
9. Tigger Melon – Baker Creek
10. Hales Best Jumbo Canteloupe – True Value
11. Petit Gris de Rennes Canteloupe – Baker Creek
12. Ambrosia Hybrid Canteloupe – Martha Stewart, 2004 Seedlot

Only thing left to go in propagators now, are the Squashs.  I hope to get to that tomorrow.

But God, I Don't Like Grass

God checked out my seedlings, and said, “You don't need those, I plant the garden for you.” “Well, God, I just haven’t developed a taste for grass,” I replied. God then added “Sorry about that. I gave the best taste buds to the cows you know, but I did slip some into a few vegans as an experiment.” I asked, “so, how’s that working.” He chuckled, “Well, the cows are happy about it”.

Soak Up the Sun

The Tomato seedlings are now hardened off, thanks to this moderate weather, and are spending full days in the sun.

The Bell Peppers spent their first full day with the propagator hood off and got a couple of hours of evening sun.  Over the next three days, I'll work them up to full sun as well.

I'll do the same with my little Artichoke seedlings too.

Another Tray of Seeds Goes Into a Propagator

Another Seed Propagator Tray (Very Experimental)*

1 – Lemon Cucumber (from plant that has volunteered here for several years, seeds likely came from Maria, NorCal.)
2 – Giant Cucumbers (came from fall garden in 2010, do not remember origin)
3 – Tomato (Rafe wedding)**
4 – Cucumber (Rafe wedding)**
5 – Banana Pepper (Rafe wedding)**
6 – Fanfare Cucumber (TruValue)
7 – Longfellow Cucumber (Freedom Seeds)
8 – Sugar Crunch Hybrid Cucumber (Martha Stewart, 2003 lot)

*These reused cells were very old, and didn’t expand enough to completely refill the tray sockets. The seeds were place on top of the cells and the final quarter inch on top was fill with “Compost and Cow Manure” from the local store. Not the sterile environment typically recommended for seed starting, but it they make it, the seedling should be much healthier.

**At a friend’s son’s wedding reception, small containers of seeds were offered as a parting gift. I took one of the three different kinds. These are those seeds. Should they make it, it would be cool to send them a basket of vegetables from those seeds.

Potatoes Are In, Corn Coming Up Next

The ground is still a little wetter than optimum, but not bad.  I was running late on the potatoes, I so I hand raked a 60 foot row and got them down today.   I still have a dozen or so seed potatoes left, maybe I'll stick them in one of those raised beds, since I don't have a clue what to do with those beds anyway.

Tomato seedlings got a taste of real sun yesterday and today, thanks to the moderating weather.  It'll be good all week, it looks like so they'll appreciate that, for sure.   The Bell Pepper seeds are all up as well, so I'll start hardening them off as well.

Tomatoes Saw Their First Sun, Egg Plant Seeds Saw Their First Soil

Temps moderated today with a high of 60 and sunny skies, so I put the tomato seedling out at noon and let them enjoy their first taste of real sun for nearly 5 hours.  I have to think they are feeling a bit satisfied tonight.

On the seedling side, I did a tray of 40 Egg Plant seeds today.  Here is the layout.

1. Burpee Hybrid, Martha Stewart, Seedlot 2002/2003
2. Pandora Striped Rose, Baker Creek , Seedlot 2011
3. Cookstown Organ, Baker Creek, Seedlot 2011
4. Rosa Bianca, Freedom Seeds, Seedlot 2010
5. Turkish Orange, Rons-Seeds-Store on ebay
6. Black Beauty, Top Notch Seeds, Seedlot 2009
7. White Egg, Martha Steward, Seedlot 2002
8. Black, Gotreaux Farms, 2010
 
It will be fun to see how these shape up, especially those old seedlots. 

Seedlings

The Tomato seedlings have been thinned to one per cell.  Tomorrow, they'll even get their first taste of real unfiltered through glass sun. 

The Bell Peppers are almost all awake in their propagator as well.  This weekend I'll seed the Eggplant.  Next week, the Melons and Cucumbers go into the propagator.  We are well on our way for spring in 4 weeks.  I have started more than enough seedlings to plant in the garden, survive a late frosts, and still have many to give away to friends.  Now that is gardening at its finest.

I am still designing the layout of the seven 60 foot rows of this years garden.  And the three 8x15 foot raised beds, and the vegetables that will be interspersed into the ornamental beds. And, whatever I have yet to dream up.

Does God Get Cold

God was out in the garden this evening. “Where have you been, it has been a while?” I asked. “I’m here every night, you just having been in the right frame of mind to see me” he replied. We just sat for a while, and then I said “It is pretty cold out here tonight, so I guess I’ll be going inside now.” “Right behind you,” God chuckled.

I Took the Back Roads Today

Say hello to the world, little tomatoes.

My one attempt at catching the effect of the frozen icy mist on the trees this morning. Kind of a ghostly, almost twilight zone look.

Tomatoes Anyone?

Tomatoes seedlings are popping up around here like popcorn in a microwave.  Well over half of them are up and awake.   Unfortunately, this is reminiscent of last year.   Last year they popped up, but winter and overcast days lingered on, and I have tall stringy weak seedlings.

Sure as I put these in we have an uncharacterisically late cold snap, days of overcast skies, and another cold week predicted next week as well.   Thankfully, I started them late, after seeing what happened last year.  Hopefully, I can keep them strong this year.

Another Seedling Tray - This time the BellPeppers, etc.

Tray 1 - Bell Peppers (save two) (old seed playbox)
Carnival Mix Bell Pepper - Burpee 2010 (from Bill in Fl.)
Red Ruffled Bell Pepper - Territorial Seed Company 2011
Flavorburst Hybrid Bell Pepper - Park Seed 2011 (Holland)
Habanero - Martha Stewart 2003
California Wonder Bell Pepper - Martha Stewart 2003
Big Dipper Bell Pepper - Martha Stewart 2004
Cubanelle Sweet Pepper - Martha Steward 2002
Carnival Mix Belle Pepper - Martha Stewart 2003
Peter Pepper - Top Notch Seed

Winter's Last Fling, or At Least I Hope So.

Looks like an early February arctic blast is coming through.  Dropping from a high in the mid-60s today, down to a low of 26 and a very chilly next 4 days with lows below freezing 3 of the 4 nights.  Fortunately it has been cool winter, so nothing out there has attempted an early awakening for spring.  Things are nice and hardened off, so this should be no biggie in the plant world, or at least in my plant world.

Late on the Potatoes, Just Right on the Tomatoes

I am two weeks late planting the potatoes, and that will likely extend another week or two, with the cold and rains. 

But I planted out the Tomato seed trays tonight, right on schedule for planting at 6 weeks old.  Here is the layout for 2011.

2011 Seedlings


Tray 1 - Tomatoes (fun tray)
Wild Everglades – Bill in Florida
Cherokee Purple – Bill in Florida
Black Krim – Ferry Morse Heirloom Seeds
Pruden’s Purple – Ferry Morse Heirloom Seeds
German Pink – Seed Savers Exchange
Amelia Hydbrid – Top Notch Seed
Chocolate Strips Purple – Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Giant Delicious “World Record Variety” – Weeks Seed Company
Dixie Golden Giant - Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Giant Collection
Ultimate Giant - Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Giant Collection
Cosmonaut Volkov Slicing – High Mowing Organic Seeds
Brandywine – High Mowing Organic Seeds
Giant Oxheart - Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Giant Collection
Giant II – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Giant Collection

Tray 2 (fun tray)
Hillbilly Gary – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
Box Car Willie – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
Garden Peach – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
Black Zebra – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
Brandywine OTV – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
Paul Robeson – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
Orange Strawberry – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
Blondkophchen – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
Costuluto Genovese – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
Julia Child – Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection
Ugly Ripe Tomato – Bill from Florida
Plum Lemon Tomato – Bill for Florida
June Flame Tomato – Bill for Florida
Big Rainbow Tomato – Burpee
Mortgage Lifter Tomato – Burpee
Black Truffle Hybrid – Burpee
Burpee’s Supersteak Hybrid VFM – Burpee
Big Rainbow Tomato – Park Seed
Rutger’s Tomato – Ferry Morse

So, what does fun tray mean.  First it means that these seed plugs were used last year and that means that there are other seeds from last year still in the plugs alongside the new Tomato seeds.  Now, by all accounts those seeds were duds, but sometimes they surprise you and pop up a year later after having been allowed to go completely dry.  No doubt some surprise things will pop up.   Second, they are not central to the 2011 Tomato crop which will be more proven hybrids.  In other words these seedlings are for fun and pleasant surprises, both Tomato and non-Tomato.

Hmmm, Something Looks Different. Gonna Be Some Happy Earthworms Tonigh

My neighbor showed up with the tractor and made short work of tilling in the remains of the winter crops.  There is a ton of organic matter in that soil.  I suppose it will be an Earthworm paradise, till I do it again in about 5 weeks, till it up again, and hill it. 

It's Another Cold Winter. Not Quite as Cold as Last Year, But Plenty Cold Enough

This big Philodendrun lost every least last year, with out coldest year in 15 years.  This year it is a bit bronzed around the edges, but it'll look fine in no time.

I have decided to harvest out the garden, and as soon as it is dry enough to go ahead and till it/hill it in preparation for spring.   I still have the 3 raised beds to grow some late winter veggies.   They'll get some Broccoli, Cauliflower, Potatoes and some Snow Peas as well.  I think I'll even transplant the onions and garlics from the main garden as well.

Still got Mustard Greens, Collard Greens, Cabbage, and Kale out there, but its got to go. One more cutting, and we're tilling for spring.

Those rows just don't look 60 feet long, do they?

Purple or Red

Dead Red. Amazing number of peppers still left on that plant. Surprised it had room for leaves.

Time Marches on to Spring

I am now certain that I will not do a second planting this winter in the main garden.  Now, I may play around in the 3 raised beds a bit, but that is it.  All activity in the main garden will be the continued harvesting of items still growing like Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Red Russian Kale, etc. and most importantly preparing for spring.  After my experience this fall with the vigorous growth, I am moving my rows from 3.5' on center to 4' on center.  I am fairly certain that will be better for the plants, and 100% certain it will be easier on the gardener.  As soon as it dries up enough, I'll get my neighbor to bring in the tractor, bust it up good, work in the amendments and wait for spring.   And depending on how this year goes, spring is only 5 to 7 weeks away.

In the meantime, looks like the nasties are heading our way tomorrow with an 80% chance of rain with temps in the mid to low 30s.  Buhyuck.

4th Quarter?

God popped in this evening. "Its been a while, where have you been?" I asked. "Just watching." God answered. "So, you're a lurker?", I asked. "Well, I wouldn't put quite that way" he answered. He elaborated, "I'm more like a coach. I sent the play in from the sidelines, and see how well you listen and execute." I answered, "I'm trying God, its not the 4th quarter, is it?"

Happiness

Who could have possible known the happiness that millions of people would feel by the simple experience of planting a seed in the soil?

I Could Pretty Much Repeat the Last Post

Its been warm for a few days, but the cold comes back in tonight.   Lows are heading down to the upper 20s in just a few days.   I tilled up the raised beds, and bought some Compost and Cow Manure to amend them.  I'll get that done tomorrow or day after, but I think I'll wait to put in my new Cauliflower seedlings till after this cold snap.  Hopefully we'll get a good rain by then as well.  Things are getting awefully dry out there.  What a contrast this is compared to last winter, when we up to our eyeballs in rain.  Oh well, that's nature.

Warm, Then Cold Again

We had a couple of warm days in the low 70s, but its back to cold again.  And next week it will be back to warm for a few days, then back to cold again.   We should call this the "see saw" season, instead of winter.

I was wondering through the garden today.  I tripped over an old vine, and out popped a nice Acorn Squash that I missed.  I split it, saved the seeds, and cooked it with a little butter and brown sugar.  Talk about goooood.   Wonderful complex flavors, but simple to prepare, and healthy.  Got to love that.  Its funny, that my family, in-laws, and no one else I know ate the winter squashes.  They sure were missing some good food, but I'm not.  They'll always be a part of my garden from here on out.

While I was in seed saving mood, I went out and got some Cucumber seeds.  I had read to let them get yellow and soft before harvesting the seeds.  Needless to say, I wasn't looking forward to this operation, but in spite of the fact that they were pretty disgusting looking, yellow and soggy, the insides still smelled like fresh Cucumber.  To say I was relieved is an understatement.

The second set of heads are starting on the Broccoli, in spite of the fact, that I let a couple of large first round heads go to flower.   Hey, at least the bees love me.  They are all over those pretty yellow Broccoli flowers.  I did lose a couple of Cauliflower heads, which turned yellow and ugly after the freeze of last week, but I had already harvested, and gave away so much, that I can't say that I minded.   I still have some Cheddar Cauliflower coming along, too.

And still got a great crop of lettuce, along with enough Georgia Collards to feed a small army.  My Curled Leaf Collards are shaping up great as well, while my spinach looks like really sorry.  Beets and Carrots don't look so good either.  Go figure.

Lots of Cold Early This Year

We have a couple nice little freezes last week, and over the last two nights we've been down into the upper 20s. The fall garden is officially frozen and done.  Winter garden is not showing near the vigor of the fall garden.  Pretty much same soil, same prep, the weather hasn't been quite as friendly as the fall weather, which was darn near perfect as far as gardening goes.  I have to admit, I am tempted to just harvest out the rest of the winter garden crops, till it all up, cover and wait for spring.  I am just not sure that what I will harvest of what is still growing is worth the effort as opposed to being really ahead of the game in spring.  I'll wait till the first of the year to make a final decision, but sure am leaning to the early start for spring.

Last of the Mohicans, err, I Mean Last of the Bell Peppers

This was the last Bell Pepper harvest before winter finally did them in.  We stuffed and froze them.  Hopefully, there are enough of them to make it till spring.   I've always thought of stuffed Bell Peppers as kind of a winter food anyway.  I am funny that way.

I Showed Up at the Front Door with a Bouquet of Lettuce?

Ain't I just a romantic?

Got Sick, and Winter Arrived

I got sick right after Thanksgiving.  Something flu like, but it kept me in bed for nearly a week.  And after than, in the first week of December winter slipped through the back door with a series of freezes and heavy frost.  Most of the grasses are now a nice warm brown, the bananas and elephant ears are melted, and the deciduous trees are losing leaves fast.  The fall veggie garden is toast, quite literally.

I Am Not a One Trick Pony. I Can Be Mr. Cauliflower Head, Too

The fall garden was on steroids.  What can I say? 

And these were not isolated incidents.   Pretty much all of the Cauliflower and Broccoli were that big.  And I have enough Georgia Southern Collard Greens to feed a small army as well.

My Friends Call Me Broccoli Head

And I haven't a clue why.

Jailbreak, Sound the Alarm

I'm not certain, but I think these Mirliton may be planning a jailbreak.  And I am going to let them.  Into the pots they go, for planting in the spring.

Can't Quite Put My Finger On It

It really didn't seem like I did anything all that different, other than making rows, but this year's fall garden has been nothing short of incredible.   This head of Broccoli is nearly twice the size of a basket ball, and it is the second one.  On the first, we ate fresh Broccoli, made Broccoli Soup, and froze 3 pints of blanched Broccoli.  And that was all from one head of Broccoli.  This is the second one, even bigger than the first, with several more on the way.  Beats everything I have ever grown, or even seen.

Everything is Burning

My pepper are fully dehydrated, to the point of having just a slight roasted taste. In spite of the fact that I had 1 tray of Bell Pepper (no heat), 3 trays of Banana Peppers (no heat), and only a half tray of my little Tabascos, this stuff will kill ya. As I was pouring the powder into my recycled shaker can through a funnel, I could taste the heat on my tongue from the airborne dust.  My nose started to burn next.  Wowza, this stuff is blazing.  

Another Super Wet Winter, I Hope Not

I got my rain gauge mounted last week, just in time to measure 3.5 inches of rain.  I had hoped for little rain on my newly tilled and planted rows.  After 3.5 inches I only hoped the seeds might still be in the near vicinity of where they were planted.   It was tough on them for sure, and on the new rows as well.

Last night, today, and tonight I suspect we will be well over 2 inches, many more.

I sure hope this is not the beginning of another year like last year, when over the 3 months we call winter, we got as much rain as an average whole year total.

Oh, our nomadic skunk was back.  Smelled so strong when I opened the front door, I feared he might be under the front porch.  Needless to say, I didn't stick my head under to look.  Anyway, I call it nomadic because I only smell it every 2 or 3 months.  Then its gone again.

Mixed Palette Today Signaled the Season End

Today was a mixed bag of activities.  I put out the last batch of compost tea for the season.  Temps are getting too cool for the stuff to cook effectively.  I'll wash it all up in the next few days and it'll go into storage till March.

I dehydrated some Bell Pepper, Banana Pepper, and Tabasco Peppers till they had a lightly roasted smell, and ground them up into a rough powder, and added a tad of salt.  I haven't done this in years, and may even get around to making a bit of hot sauce this year as well.  Its been nearly a decade since I've done that.

Also, used my Cajun Tipsy Cooker today.  Got a nice Smart Chicken at the grocery store, too.   The chicken was awesome.   Then I took the stock that the chicken produced and used that along with the last of the Yellow Squash of the season to make a new soup.   Assuming you like the taste of squash, that too, was awesome.

First frost should be showing up any week now, and that will bring big changes in the garden, opening up nearly a third for replanting when the melons, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes come out.

Mixed Results/Mixed Emotions in the Garden

We narrowly missed an early frost in the garden last week, then as abruptly as that cold front swept
through, the heat returned.  To say that this is caused a bit of confusion with the plants in the garden, and the plants in the landscape as well, is a bit of an understated.

On the good side, the Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Banana Pepper, Hot Peppers, Eggplant, Melons, etc. are still with us and still producing.   It sure is nice to run out to the garden to grab a fresh pepper when preparing a meal.  And to still taste a fresh tomato is great, cause when ther're gone it will be nearly 6 months before they return.

On the other hand bugs are taking their toll on the winter crops that are growing, and the ones that are just starting are hesitating.  The spinach is coming along OK, but the carrots and beets are sitting in a holding pattern. 

I think everything wish the weather would just go one way or the other.  I guess that is the norm for every spring and fall here in Louisiana, and some winters as well.

Is This The End, The End of the Fall Garden, That Is.

Its a nice cool crisp evening out there.  It dropped into the 40s pretty early on.  I've been sitting out on the back patio with my brother-in-law just soaking it in.  Its heading for a low of 33, according the weather service, but I sure hope they're wrong.  I fired up the bbq to a little extra warmth, and cooked some Sweet Potatoes while we were at it.  And there's no wind, so frost is likely, too.  I'm already mourning the loss of the fall garden.  I did throw some old blankets over the Tomatoes, but is about all I could do.  I will miss walking out during meal prep and just grabbing peppers, squash, etc. whenever needed.

A Little Spaghetti Anyone, Spaghetti Squash That Is?

Just prepared my first Spaghetti Squash. They are some cool to deal with, so I've got to grow some next year. Of course, I saved the seeds from these.  That means, except for a little labor, that will be a free effort next year.  Now, I'll have to get some seeds from a reputable seed source, too, as these may be hybridized, so who knows what may come out.  Seeds are a minimal expense anyway, so one way or the other, or both, I'll be raising some Spaghetti Squash next year.

Pumpkin Ain't That Scary, But It Is Delicious

I "put up" the Halloween Pumpkin today, in the freezer, that is. Well, at least I did the large one. I still have 3 more to do, but all together they are not as big as the big daddy.

Now, on to find some Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Pie, etc, recipes for a future nice cold day in January.

Canteloupe, mmmmm

Breakfast fresh off of the vine. Only a couple left out there, then its bye bye Canteloupe till spring.

Tomatoes are Falling, No Wait They're Not Falling, But It Is Fall Tomato Time

Almost forgot to mention, its fall tomato time.  I havested 3 yesterday and 2 today.  Haven't had any for months, so I can't wait to see if they have that awesome taste of spring tomatoes.   Maybe a tomato and egg sandwich for breakfast tomorrow morning?

My Back Hurts

It was a busy day in the garden today.  I pulled out the last of the Sun Jewel Melons and Yellow Crookneck Squash.  I then tilled and rehilled those areas, some unplanted areas, and some areas where I was trying old seeds.  In all it was probably around 150 of row that was reworked and planted.  On the carrot side I put down Carrot Nantes Coreless, Chateney, Danvers, and Imperator.   On the beet side, I planted Detroit Dark Red, Detroit Red, and Early Wonder.  I also planted some Red Creole Onion seed.  First time I have tried onions from seed.  I planted about 20 Onion sets also, some yellow, and a few reds that I found in the wheelbarrow from last year.  Last, and most certainly least, I planted some radish from that old 2003 seedlot named 'Easter Egg II Blend.'

So, now I am tired and my back hurts, but it hurts good.

Oh, I left the Mexican Melon and Canteloupe.  Yeah, there pretty much done, but there is so much fruit left on the vines, I have to give them just a little longer.  I am not sure I could have gone any longer, anyway.

Country Boy Simple Fun

Had a little simple country fun just now. I was just cleaning up in the garden, so everytime I found a melon that was a little over ripe, bugs in it even better, I threw it straight up in the air high as I could, watched it come down and explode, then watched the chickens come a running to devour.

Judging by the remains, I think the chickens really liked this Mexican Melon.

Something's Bugging Me

Actually something is bugging my garden.   First came the moths, then came the little green worms who are devouring everything in sight.  They started with the melons, the Cucumber, Mexican Mellon, and Sun Jewel Melon, and that was OK, cause they were about done anyway.  Then they headed to the Yellow Crookneck Squash, skelotonizing every leaf in sight.  And that was OK, too, cause I was about done with them.  And that was all in the space of a couple of weeks.  But now they must be stopped before they set their sights on the Cabbage, Mustard Greens, Kale, etc.  Fortunately a cool front arrives tonight which should slow them down.  Next, I'll move in with an organic insecticide, like BT, to finish them off.  One thing for sure is you can't take your eyes off of a southern garden for long, or the insects will pick it up and carry it away.  Kind of reminds my of a Borg episode on Star Trek.

Whole Lot of Shaking, Err, I Mean Harvesting Going On.

Been waiting for the recently planted seeds to come up, and for the moon to say its time to plant the root crops.  In the meantime, we have harvested so much we have run out of freezer space.   We have room for an upright freezer in the utility room, so its decision time.

I am getting ready for spring as well.  I used a gift certificate from Cel, to get 10 bags of chicken poop and other supplies, which are all stored away for winter. The two large compost bins are full and set to slow cook over the winter. Seeds are purchased and in storage. The only thing left for spring and summer crops is a good back. And after the cold of winter, that hard work and sweat in the sunshine of spring will hurt so good.

Fall Means Football.

And Sun Jewel Melons?   Well, I bought this cool melon from Gotreaux Family Farms in the late spring.   It was pretty cool so I saved the seeds, which I then planted this fall.  And I've got a ton of them, so this one definitely qualifies as botha  spring and a fall crop.

Kuato Says To Open Your Mind

The garden can be a little sci-fi'ish every once in a while.   Check out this wild pair.

The Keith-Saver

Putting up squash tonight. Vacuum sealing the old fashioned way, with a straw zipped into the corner of the ziplock bag, inhale, squeeze the straw closed, remove and finish the zip in one smooth motion.  Flatten and freeze.

Moon Says to Plant, Who Am I To Argue.

First Quarter Moon - Plant above ground crops over the next 3 days, 14th to 16th, but be done by Saturday eve, no planting on Sunday. Here in Louisiana that includes Spinach, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohlrabi, Mustards, Brussel Sprouts, Lettuce. And maybe Swiss Chard. Who knows why Swiss Chard is maybe?


So, today I finished off the last 15 feet of Row 1 by seeding with Tall Utah Celery and Bright Lights Swiss Chard.
 
I planted Row 5 with Souther Curled Mustard, Even' Star Champion Collards, Red Russian Kale, and Long Island Brussel Sprouts, in that order from rear to front.

Rains Said Yes, and Now, So Does the Moon

We had a really good rain yesterday in advance of cooler weather.  Its still quite warm out there, but not the record heat of last week.  And the rains were just in time as growth was starting to slow down.  Now things are back in high gear, although I am already tired of eating Cucumbers and by the numbers of Yellow Crookneck Squash out there, that will be the next thing to overwhelm my diet.  But at least the squash are easy to "put up."  

And about the moon.  I am paying more attention to planting by the moon this year.  Not that I am all that convinced of the science of it, at least not yet, but I have to say its fun.  And what's the harm anyway.  Who knows, maybe it works.  So, we are tomorrow is 1st quarter.   Got the next 3 days to plant above ground crops.

Fall Harvest is Kicking Off

Its a good fall harvest this year.  The weather is cooperating nicely and the bugs are being gentle.  Here is a picture of today's harvest.

Put de Lime in da Corona, Make You Feel Betta

Harvested some Limes today. Due to the freeze damage resulting from last year's 15 year record lows, the citrus harvest will be a fraction of what we got last year.  We'll have enough to enjoy through the fall, but it won't be like last year when I am sick of eating Citrus while the trees are still full in late winter.

Canes and Canes This Week

The Hurricane Lilies popped up out of nowhere over the last week.  I'll add a picture this weekend.

And also this week marks the beginning of Sugar Cane harvest, with cane trucks having popped out of nowhere as well.  Time for extra safe driving as we deal with slow moving tractor to barreling 18-wheelers hauling cane from here to there, and everywhere in between.

Cucumbers or Aliens?

I just harvested a dozen Cucumber that are 18 to 24 inches long and over 2 inches in diameter.   Never seen anything like them.   The rains have been near perfect in timing.  The soil great in this area which is a new spot this year for the vegetable garden.  I have used only Espoma organic products.  But I still can't quite explain this.   Here is a picture of half of today's harvest.  And there are still many more Cucumbers on this vine.

I Am Holier than a Pin Cushion

The fall palm pruning is done, well 95% of it, and it should have been done in mid summer, too, but with all of those disclaimers out of way, the palms look great.  Or at least as great as they can look having endured back to back hurricanes year before last, and a 15 year low freeze last year.  Let's just say Louisiana life has been hard on the them.  Yet, more are looking fine.  And shame on me for not doing the palm pruning earlier, too.   A quick touch with the weedeater at some point this week will finish off matters for the year.   Soon our normal dry fall will come into play at which point summer weeds and grass will bid their adiue.   Of course it won't be long thereafter that winter rains and winter weeds will their debut, but somehow they are much easier to tolerate giving a little green against the brown of winter.  As for the palms, all we can do is to pray we make it out of hurricane season storm free, and that we have a mild winter.   If that happens, we should be fully recovered by the end of next summer.

Here is a picture of my newly pruned Canary Island Date Palm (CIDP)

The Vegetable Garden is Starting to Hit its Stride

The garden is starting to roll. The rains and overcast days are just what the young plants needed to get a break from recent low 90 degree temps.  We've got 4 to 6 inch long cucumbers all over the place.  Already, there is one Sun Jewel Melon already 6" long and 3" in diameter. The tomatoes plants are 2' tall and starting to flower heavily. We are up to 21 Potato plants are now showing above ground.  I saw at least 3 small Canteloupe about an inch in diameter starting to form.  The Yellow Squash seedling are now 1' x 1' and beautiful.  The newer seedlings are starting to put on new dark green leaves to replace those sickly light green "I was raising a greenhouse" leaves.  Its an exciting time in the garden.

Growing and Cooking

‎Potatoes have broken the surface, 18 in all. More additions to the veggie garden include some hardened off some Canteloupe seedlings from Shelton. I put them in the ground today. Recent heat and full sun days have been hard on seedlings of all sorts, but some rain is in the forecast soon, so, now I am hardening off 18 Georgia Collards and 6 Red Cabbage Seedlings to plant at the end of the week.

Tonight, I gently cooked down some Yellow Squash in a skillet with Olive Oil and Honey. In another pot I browned some pork in another pan along with Onion, Garlic, and my homemade Cayenne Hot Sauce.   Then I made a pot of rice and mixed it all together.  Cel and I ate it, and talk about good, cher.

Quote of the Day

“He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.”


- Elbert Hubbard

The Garden Continues to Grow

I put the tomato cages up today, as the fall tomatos have topped the 2 foot mark.  Not sure what to do with the Cucumbers, I guess I'll just let them ramble around the garden.  The last few days have been very hot and dry.  My poor new seedlings were hanging on for life.  Just as I finished watering today, the clouds move in.   The rains were light, but hours of cloud cover were most appreciated by both the plants and me.

Quote of the Day

Faith can move mountains, but don’t be surprised if God hands you a shovel. - Anonymous

Lots To Do Today, But I Just Don't Feel Like Doing It.

I put some of the furniture back on the porch.  Fired up the pressure washer for just a few minutes to touch up the door mats for the front porch.  Got out the remaining empty 5g gas cans, went down the corner to fill them, and the boat up, with gas.  Not that I am going fishing, but the boat holds 24 gallons of gas.  All of the equipment will be filled and remain full, as well.  We are entering the prime time of hurricane season, so having some extra fuel around is always a good idea.  I always add fuel stabilizer, and then try to burn the fuel over the winter, so that all the cans are empty again by spring.   This insures no stale gas around, which can cause lots of chaos (and expense) in the spring.  Stabil costs a bit more to add to the already high price of fuel, but is worth every penny in the long run.

More Additions to the Vegetable Garden

Just planted those Acorn Squash seeds, and the Acorn Squash seedlings. Hedging my Acorn bets with seeds and seedlings.  I also planted some Butternut Squash, Bok Choi, Swiss Chard, and a couple of Artichokes, too.  I planted those Artichokes down on the end where all those shells were.   Thought it might help.

It Was a Great Day, For a Bug, But,,,,,,,,,,,

Its late summer in Louisiana, which is a fine time, if you're a bug, including the most despicable of all, the roach,   So I pulled everthing off the front and back porches and finished power washed the house. You know, I dreamed of having a pressure washer until the second time I power washed the house. The first time it was Tim the Toolman (manly grunt) cool. After the second time, the dream changed. Now I dream of hiring someone to pressure wash the house. Not really, grunt.

The only bad thing after a good fall cleaning, is you really don't want to put all of the stuff back on the porches.  You just want to appreciate the clean.   But, the cooler fall weather is coming.  It's prime outside time in Louisiana.  And I can't wait to sit out on the porches and feel the cool breeze hitting my face, or back, or side, or heck, anywhere, just cool the heck off weather, would you.

Who Says Acorns Aren't Good to Eat

Cooked some good Acorn Squash tonight. Is it too late to go plant the seeds for a little fall crop?  Feedback says go for it, but don't delay.

Almost Forgot, The Squash is No Longer Squashed, it is Squash Again

OK, I am not sure that made any sense at all.  So, the real news is the newly planted Squash is up.   Amazing the different fresh seeds makes.   Of course there is always the odd chance that one of those plants is one of the old seeds, but I doubt it.   Either way, I am hoping for a small Squash harvest before winter sets in.

Some of my new seedlings are Butternut and Acorn Squashes as well.  Funny, until a few days ago when I cooked that Butternut Squash, I never even knew I like Squash.   Life is funny that way.

A Long Weekend or Not Much of Anything?

Well, it is certainly starting out that way.   Seedlings are still sitting on the back deck of the boat.  The garden is still unwatered, and the grass still unmowed.   And NOBODY is complaining, not even the grass.   Its a beautiful day with full sun, high of only 89, and 50% humidity.  After this summer's record heat, this is almost like winter time. But don't worry, I'll get out in the garden sooner or later, probably later.  There is still lots on tap for the weekend, I think, lol.  In the meantime, where is that glass of wine.

Squashing the Squash

I have declared the old 2002 seedlot squash seeds a failure.  After digging around in the row, not only can I find no sprouting seeds, I can find no seeds at all.  I assume they quickly went to, or are rapidly going to rot.  I re-seeded the row with fresh Ferry-Morse, certified organic, Yellow Summer Crookneck Squash seeds.  

Just heard that this was an all-time record hot August, and with a prediction for a warm fall as well.   That's good for the late fall garden plantings, but maybe not so good for the winter garden, so I'll wait an extra couple of weeks before putting those seeds in the rows.

Rainy Days are "Relaxin, Maxin, All Cool" Days

It rained off and on several times today, with small bouts of sunshine in between long stretches of cloudy skies.   Good conditions for the garden, and especially for the small plants trying desperately to establish themselves in their struggle between life and death.

Still no sign from those 2002 seedlot Summer Squash, but I expected them to take a week or two, at best.  Still, if they don't show by the end of the week, I'll replant that section of row with fresh seeds, or even better with transplants if I can find them.  I am pushing slightly past the deadline on the fall stuff, but running slightly ahead on the winter stuff.  I'll pray for a cool fall, but with a late frost.  Hey, it never hurts to pray, right?

So, here is the overview.  The tomatoes look really good, save for one, which is not gonna make it, and won't be replaced.   Just for grins, I had a spot left over on the end of the row, so I put a few seeds in just to see what would happen.   The Cucumbers are going gangbusters.  The Melons look great, but better get a move on to beat the winter.   The potatoes should show in the next couple of weeks.  I planted the Celery too early, but I have lots of seeds to replant later.   The newer seedling, Cauliflower and Broccoli were pretty weak upon transplanting, and it was tough on them with sun and heat right after transplanting, but I think these moderating temperatures and rain now happening will allow them to get a grip.

Welcome Break From the Heat, and Some Good Hard Work to go With It.

This morning was overcast, breezy, and with some occaisional misting type rain.   Made for perfect conditions for me to get out and finish the new vegetable beds.  With my Mantis tiller in hand, which was running OK, but not great, I tilled the last 200 feet of vegetable rows and hand raked then into rows with a metal rake.   Can't say it was easy, but I kept telling myself this was the other half of the health benefits of my vegetables.  Benefit one being that they were mostly organic, but benefit two being the physical work I was doing to grow them.  Oh, and the three blisters on my hands will heal just fine.

Although a bit late, I will cram into the fall vegetable garden whatever seeds I have left, but the first real planting on these beds will be the winter garden.

"gretel, snowcrown, packman, and butterstick" No, It's Not 4 of the 7 Dwarves

More planting in the garden after work today. Seedlings included 2 Eggplant 'gretel' (white), 6 Broccoli 'packman', 6 Cauliflower 'snowcrown' were planted.

Another 15 feet of row was planted with Summer Squash 'butterstick hybrid' seeds.  These seeds were from a 2002 seedlot.  Storage was OK, but far from ideal, so it'll be interesting to see what becomes of them.  The seeds definitely looked old, but also looked like they were maybe still viable.  I love to experiment.  They'll be ample opportunity to replant the section with a nice winter crop if these fizzle.

Zoo Doo Gold

It all started a couple of weeks ago with an article on NOLA.com about Zoo Doo Gold from the Audubon Zoo.  "Created to be a mulch for top dressing existing garden beds or as a planting medium for new beds, ZooDoo Gold is made of tree chippings, plant trimmings, shredded cardboard boxes, Starbucks coffee grinds (with the appropriate acidic base), shredded Audubon office paper, grass clippings, and "contributions" from Audubon's ostrich, zebra and elephants." it read.   Well, just from the cool factor alone, I had to have some.  A friend was traveling that way to get some for himself and offered to grab me a couple of bags as well.  Even better, he was a member of the society and got a discount, which he passed along to me, too.

So, today I found my cabbage seedlings over at Chastant Bros.   I got a six pack of Dutch Flat, and another six pack of Rio Verde.  Down they went this evening, with a nice top and side dressing of Zoo Doo Gold.  I wonder if they'll taste different, like an elephant that's been drinking coffee, lol.  

One Potato, Two Potato, Three Potato, Four,,,

The potatoes went in the ground today (Sunday.)  I had 60 potatoes left from the spring crop, all Irish Potatoes except for 3 or 4 of the Yukon Purple Potatoes.  With even a modest 5 to 1 return, this should easily tide us over the winter, and provide another 60 potatoes to plant in the spring.  This has got to be one of the best (funnest, as my niece might say) crops.  Super easy to grow, fun to harvest, and a cinch to store.

When All Else Succeeds, Fertilize Anyway, But Organically Of Course

The seedlings are mostly looking great, but I know as they continue to put on growth, they will need more and more food.  Best to start early and gently.  I spread some Espoma Tomato Food, but wasn't particular.  I used the same food on the Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Melons, and even on the unsprouted Celery.  Gee, I wonder if my Celery will taste like Tomatoes.   That wouldn't be too bad.

Look at Those Melons

Sun Jewel Melon, Mexican Melon, and Canteloupe seeds have now all sprouted except one pod of Canteloupe, which I am sure will pop up any day, too. We just might have a mellony fall indeed.

And it was so cool to see those seedlings coming up, that I went back in the house, pulled out the seeds, and pulled out the planting guide, just so I could go plant something else. It is still a little early for the winter items, but I did find "Tall Utah Celery" seeds that the guide said could go in now.  I've never tried to grow Celery before, so I only planted about 6 feet of row.
 
Its a shame I didn't get those rows raked up this weekend, because it is time to put in the Irish potatoes.  I saved enough potatoes from last years crop to plant a row or two of those.  Since it rained last night, I'll have to wait a few days before raking rows.  And I'll have to till again as well, to kill the weeds that have popped up.   One way or the other, going in the ground later this week or weekend will be the Irish Potatoes cause they're easy to grow, fun to harvest, and I have a young niece that I think is going to have a ball doing just that.

News Flash - Its the Sun, No, Not That Sun

Just went out in the garden to check my new plantings.  Seems that the Sun Jewel Melon seeds have sprouted in all 3 planting holes.  Wow, that was fast.   And I'll have to do some thinning, too.  There are multiple seeds sprouting in each hole. 

Still waiting on the Mexican Melon, and the Cantaelope.  I have a feeling they are close behind. 

All the Fun I Can Stand, on a Mid-90 August Day

Well, a couple or 3 hours on the end of a weed trimmer was just about all I could handle this morning.  Big thunder heads are all around, so come on rain, fall and remove my temptation to go out to do more. Wait, let me go prune the roses, then it can rain.

Back inside, pruned the 7 roses in the garden.  Hauled the Mimosa and Cumquat trimming up the burn pile in the front.   After that's burned, I'll spread those ashes out in the garden.   The rose prunings will just be mowed up and allowed to decompose back into the soils.  

I try to waste nothing here.  Its that sustainability thing, you know.   Well, we're not all the way there, but I'd say we're in the 90% range of reduce, reuse, recycle.  By this time next year, God willing, I think we might be around the range of producing 50% of our food.  We are getting to the exciting point.

Attack, and Counter Attack

Here is the vegetable garden, less than 2 weeks after tilling, and just a few days after a rain or two.  Note the voracity of the Coco Grass attempting a total reclaimation.

And this was a thorough tilling too.  Just scattered around the nuts.  Coco Grass is also know as Nut Grass, or Nutsedge.  Here is a closeup.   Don't worry, though, I'll get it.  Have tiller, will till, and re-till, and till again, till the energy of the nuts are expended.

Here's a shot of the first row, the only one I raked into a hill so far.  You can barely see the Tomato, Bell Pepper, and Cucumber seedling mentioned in the earlier post.  And the string laid out to rake up the second row, which I hope to get through this weekend.   Note the abundance of Oyster and other shells.  Guess this was an old parking spot or somthing decades ago.  Never know what you'll run across out here in the country.   Can't wait for the fall garden to come in, but I think I'll enjoy the winter garden even more.

Seeds are Great, Seedlings are Easier, But,,,,

Can't seem to find cabbage seedlings anywhere.  They are always a no lose proposition.  My dog could grow a cabbage seedling.  Actually, he has, pee'd on the poor thing nearly everyday.  Grew up to be a fine cabbage, too.  Of course we could not quite bring out selves to eat it, but the chickens enjoyed it just fine.

So, anyway, I do have some Cabbage seeds somewhere.  Guess I run them down and get them planted.  Hoping to harvest a few by Thanksgiving so I can continue Pa Joe's tradition of giving them away to his less fortunate neighbors. 

Fall Planting Is Underway

I am running a little late, but am still gonna try to sneak in a fall garden, before swinging into the winter crops.   For the fall, I just put in 2 Florida 91 Tomatoes, 2 Heatwave Tomatoes, 2 Phoenix Tomatoes , 4 Bell Peppers, 3 Burpless Cucumbers, all as seedlings.   In the seed area I also planted 3 Cantelopes, 3 Mexican Melons, and 3 Sun Jewel Melons.  Its gonna be close, but I should make enough fruit to make it worth the effort. 

I found this neat little calculator to use to calculate days to harvest.  Just look at the seed pack to see days to harvest for whatever you are planting, then go to this site (http://www.timeanddate.com/date/dateadd.html) , put it in, and shazam.

Using that site, at 75 days, my Sun Jewel Melons should be producing by October 25th.  Most years that would give me around a full month of production, and a little longer, if I chose to provide some minimal frost protection.   Considering that my cost for the seeds was zero, having been saved from a organically grown melon I ate, I can hardly lose.

Here is another handy site for Gulf Coast Vegetable Gardeners as well.  This is LSU's planting guide for Louisiana, but should be good anywhere in Zone 9a/8b.  http://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/BA17B15B-099A-41BE-AB42-0D8861446228/56100/Pub1980VegetablePlantingGuide2009HIGHRES.pdf

The Great Escape

Last minute, long weekend, Ft. Walton Beach, no oil on beach.  Throw in an old hotel with a tropical garden.  Oh yeah, I am there.

But wait, I just bought seedlings, and they won't survive even a few days without care in this heat without constant attention.  No problem, seedlings are going to the beach, too.

Now, let's see that tropical garden.  Wow, yep, that is a tropical as it gets on the northern Gulf Coast.

And how about a 3 to 4 story tall rock grotto in the middle of the pool, with a swim in bar, and full grown palms on top.  Yep, this place speaks to my heart.

Made a friend at the beach too, and he's got a little Captain in him.

OK, last shot.  The bar at the beach.  Yeah, I told this was a great place.  Unfortunately, what should have been a miserable crowd was hardly anyone.  First, was the economy in general, and then the bad publicity of the BP Oil Spill.  Yes, these folks were hurting.  It was our pleasure to visit and contribute some money to the local economy.  They'll recover, but the pain will be remembered.

Well, back to the real world, and to the garden, yehaw!

Oh, funny story.  I found a little cubby hole in those beautiful tropical gardens and set my box of seedlings out to get a little sun.   A few hours later, when I checked on them, my box of seedlings was gone, kidnapped.   Some time later, I ran across one of the grounds keepers and explained my situation.   He quickly told me they were over in "the shop" and pointed me in the right direction.   Before I made my way that way, another of the groundskeeper showed up at my door with seedlings.  He explained they were all avid gardeners, and had assumed that a friend had dropped them off for them.  All ended happily, and the seedlings made it back to Louisiana soil.