Noting the last post of less than optimal conditions, I do want to record some tomato notes.
Yellow Tomatoes - First time to grow the yellows. The Yellow Grape tomatoes (Blondkopfchen) were both prolific and delightfull. The Plum Lemon Tomato from Bill in Florida was the same. And the big surprise was the Yellow Peach Tomato, the Garden Peach from Gary Isben’s TomatoFest Gourmet Collection's name comes from the fact that the fruit is a little fuzzy, just like a Peach, and it has a very refreshing taste to go along with it.
Everyglades Wild Tomato was also quite tasty and very prolific, preferring to travel the ground, rather than to gow upwards. This was a little problematic as I was always walking on them, but it hardiness made up for its awkwardness.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Spring Turbulance
Hard to believe how long it has been since my last post. Nearly 2 months ago. If you read this and see other posts it will be because I backfilled with my memory.
All in all it has been a really tough spring in the garden. Drought has been relentlous. For the exception of a day or two, my plants have not know real rain water, only irrigation. After this weekend, I will let most of the garden go, and the water bills are no longer I will keep the drip irrigation running only on the row of tomato plants.
The Seven Rows
On rows one and two, we harvested the corn, just under 200 ears in all. Would have been double that if we had rain. The tomato what were interplanted are alive, but just not making potatoes are there simply is not enough water.
Row three was the melons and cucumbers. Save for a handfull of cucumbers this row was a complete failure.
Row four was the tomatoes. An OK crops, thanks to the drip irrigation. It is still going
Row five was the peas. Thankfully these guys don't need much water at all and the pea harvest, mostly Dixie Lee were quite respectable.
Row six was the Bell Pepper and Eggplant. The harvest of Bell Pepper is OK and still going. The Eggplant does not look good at all.
Row seven were the squashes, and we got a few, but again, all in all rated a failure.
So, spring 2011 winds to a pretty bad close with drought ruling the days.
All in all it has been a really tough spring in the garden. Drought has been relentlous. For the exception of a day or two, my plants have not know real rain water, only irrigation. After this weekend, I will let most of the garden go, and the water bills are no longer I will keep the drip irrigation running only on the row of tomato plants.
The Seven Rows
On rows one and two, we harvested the corn, just under 200 ears in all. Would have been double that if we had rain. The tomato what were interplanted are alive, but just not making potatoes are there simply is not enough water.
Row three was the melons and cucumbers. Save for a handfull of cucumbers this row was a complete failure.
Row four was the tomatoes. An OK crops, thanks to the drip irrigation. It is still going
Row five was the peas. Thankfully these guys don't need much water at all and the pea harvest, mostly Dixie Lee were quite respectable.
Row six was the Bell Pepper and Eggplant. The harvest of Bell Pepper is OK and still going. The Eggplant does not look good at all.
Row seven were the squashes, and we got a few, but again, all in all rated a failure.
So, spring 2011 winds to a pretty bad close with drought ruling the days.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Thank You God, For Such a Wonderful Weekend.
No rain, so no grass to mow. Cool temps, breezy, and sunny. Could not ask for better weather. The plants are thirsty, but irrigation will have to do.
I planted the Moonflowers on Paw Joe's Grate Arbor on Sunday. Can't wait for the smell of their sweet blossoms in a month or two. And speaking of sweet blossums, the Jasmine has been blooming for over a week now. The scent fills the entire front yards and is as heavenly as any perfume.
I got my seeds in from Kumar in India on Friday, and potted them today. I love plants with a story, and these to have a story.
Kumar's description was "dates of the 'Maktoum' variety (From the holy city of Medina). These are quite large, brown rather than black, with a crusty peel and a dry interior that requires a bit of chewing - not one of those melt-in-your-mouth candy varieties. The taste is very agreeable though and it does not become sticky inside the mouth."
According to Kumar, the second seeds were from the "stalk of our solitary Caryota urens begins ripening - and that means an unending litter of fruit all day everywhere and plenty of curses and grumbles as the inevitable cleanup is ordered - not to mention a freeze in our relations with the neighbours."
Also, today, my new hens started laying. Well apparently she started laying yesterday, but I found the egg this morning, and another this afternoon. It is great to have the fresh yard egg train moving again.
I also harvested the first Cucumbers or the vegetable garden today. Got some tomatoes starting to get on, a couple nearing 3 inches across. Probably more cucumbers and melons coming along, but the weeds are atrocious this year.
The Mulberries are doing well in spite of the drought. Certainly they would be bigger and juicier had we gotten some rain, but I did some supplemental irrigation to help a bit. Our newest Mulberry on the east sid eof the driveway also fruited for the first time this year. And its berries do seem a bit sweeter than out large tree, which was a cutting from Mr. Picard.
Most of the Citrus trees have flowered and are making fruit. Again, the drought has had an impact on fruit retention, and again, I have used some supplemental irrigation to help. It looks like we will have a respectable Citrus crop, and certainly more Limes than we can use.
Same comments as above, but with the Avocado. Its flowered insanely this year. Although most flowers dropped without fruiting, there is still tons of fruit left on the tree. This year, for sure, it looks like we will have an Avocado crop.
Too early to tell on the Olive Tree. It too has lots and lots of small fruit, and this tree should not be bothered at all by the lack of rain, as it comes from a Mediterannean climate. Its challenge will come later as the summer rains arrive. We'll see if this year, we might actually ripens some Olives.
Lots more to talk about this spring, but not all in one post. Tomorrow will come another.
I planted the Moonflowers on Paw Joe's Grate Arbor on Sunday. Can't wait for the smell of their sweet blossoms in a month or two. And speaking of sweet blossums, the Jasmine has been blooming for over a week now. The scent fills the entire front yards and is as heavenly as any perfume.
I got my seeds in from Kumar in India on Friday, and potted them today. I love plants with a story, and these to have a story.
Kumar's description was "dates of the 'Maktoum' variety (From the holy city of Medina). These are quite large, brown rather than black, with a crusty peel and a dry interior that requires a bit of chewing - not one of those melt-in-your-mouth candy varieties. The taste is very agreeable though and it does not become sticky inside the mouth."
According to Kumar, the second seeds were from the "stalk of our solitary Caryota urens begins ripening - and that means an unending litter of fruit all day everywhere and plenty of curses and grumbles as the inevitable cleanup is ordered - not to mention a freeze in our relations with the neighbours."
Also, today, my new hens started laying. Well apparently she started laying yesterday, but I found the egg this morning, and another this afternoon. It is great to have the fresh yard egg train moving again.
I also harvested the first Cucumbers or the vegetable garden today. Got some tomatoes starting to get on, a couple nearing 3 inches across. Probably more cucumbers and melons coming along, but the weeds are atrocious this year.
The Mulberries are doing well in spite of the drought. Certainly they would be bigger and juicier had we gotten some rain, but I did some supplemental irrigation to help a bit. Our newest Mulberry on the east sid eof the driveway also fruited for the first time this year. And its berries do seem a bit sweeter than out large tree, which was a cutting from Mr. Picard.
Most of the Citrus trees have flowered and are making fruit. Again, the drought has had an impact on fruit retention, and again, I have used some supplemental irrigation to help. It looks like we will have a respectable Citrus crop, and certainly more Limes than we can use.
Same comments as above, but with the Avocado. Its flowered insanely this year. Although most flowers dropped without fruiting, there is still tons of fruit left on the tree. This year, for sure, it looks like we will have an Avocado crop.
Too early to tell on the Olive Tree. It too has lots and lots of small fruit, and this tree should not be bothered at all by the lack of rain, as it comes from a Mediterannean climate. Its challenge will come later as the summer rains arrive. We'll see if this year, we might actually ripens some Olives.
Lots more to talk about this spring, but not all in one post. Tomorrow will come another.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Spring Garden is a Fight This Year, Lack of Rain, Carnage, and Disease
The last 2 rains weren't much, so I am again watering the garden. I had to replace a couple of plants in the garden, and was amazed at how dry it was down in the soil. And I was replacing the plants because while the last storm brought little rains, but it did bring very damaging winds. Gusts were clocked over 50 mph, and over 80 mph in a nearby town. Some of the Tomato plant were busted up pretty good. I also seem to be fighting some kind of wilt here and there. Have replaced multiple tomatoes so far.
I finally got around to pulling the stake on the L. decipiens palm on the west side of the drive. And finally move the little L. saribus that has struggled so bad as well. The new planting this year are manageable, but a little natural rain sure would be appreciated.
Other notes. The Jasmine on the pole is ready to flower, but waiting for moisture, as is the rose on the old Pig Trailer. They Yellow Lady Banks put on a nice show this year, but it was cut short by lack of moisture as well.
I finally got around to pulling the stake on the L. decipiens palm on the west side of the drive. And finally move the little L. saribus that has struggled so bad as well. The new planting this year are manageable, but a little natural rain sure would be appreciated.
Other notes. The Jasmine on the pole is ready to flower, but waiting for moisture, as is the rose on the old Pig Trailer. They Yellow Lady Banks put on a nice show this year, but it was cut short by lack of moisture as well.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
God Gave Me Another Blessed Day
Started out the day by weeding the garden. Hard on the back, but good immediate gratification work. I spread out another 20 or so bags of scavenged Oak Leaves, did some cleanup here and there, and got my last Oak planted out in the front. I nicknamed him "Big Nut" after his large acorns. Did a little watering, too, as things are getting dry again. We didn't get a whole lot of rain the other night. Hopefully we'll get a big rain storm soon.
I put some Zinnia and Cosmos seeds in one of the propagators. I also took out quite a few bags of old seeds too, but spread haphazardly in a cutting bed area.
Finished out the evening with family out at Cypremort Point and took a few great sunset photos over the bay.
I put some Zinnia and Cosmos seeds in one of the propagators. I also took out quite a few bags of old seeds too, but spread haphazardly in a cutting bed area.
Finished out the evening with family out at Cypremort Point and took a few great sunset photos over the bay.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Finally, Rain
Last night, I finally heard the patter of rain drops. My veggies must have been in shock, as it was the first real nature provided rain many of them have ever experienced. Cool temps followed, along with clouds. It will give them time to soak the rain, and the fertlizer I put out, really well. When the sun returns on Friday along with a bit of eat, I am expecting some explosive growth to follow.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Running Around Like a Fertilizer With My Head Cut Off
Rains are finally on the way. Got tied up earlier so was covering ground fast trying to spread fertilizer. Still using up the last of my old chemical ferts on the non-food items. In the food producing areas, it was a compost tea, organic Tone products, and some good old Alfalfa pellets.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Planting Odds and Ends
Today, I planted the Althea cuttings that I made last year along the East Side (New) side of the driveway. I also planted the little volunteer Oak from the broken pot under the Oaks. Last to go in the ground was the old Antique Rose that originally came from the side of St. Joe's Tower. And ironically, I planted it back on the tower, in the center this time, after 2 years in a pot. And when I pulled it out of the pot I was amazed it have even survived with so little soil for the last two year. It is one amazingly tough rose for sure. I only one Oak left to plant, nicknamed Big Nuts, after its large acorns. I'll stick that in the ground this coming weekend for sure.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Leaves, Leaves and More Leaves.
I gathered, loaded, unloaded and spread around 80 bags of Live Oak leaves over the weekend. Best year yet, and more to go before spring cleaning ends. Some of those were mega bags from the Gorilla yard men. This was down the road from the first, and with the same industrial strength bags, so no doubt is was the same gorillas. At any rate, the four mega beds are covered with 6 inches of leaves, and should do it for both weed control, and soil building.
Back at the ranch, it was still cleanup, cleanup, and cleanup. We burned the last of the burn pile. That will be the last of burning of winter debris. Composting will be able to keep up with it from here.
I replaced the northwest Azalea in the statue beds once again. This is my fourth attempt there. It is a tough spot for sure, but every year the Crepe Myrtles get larger. And it is definitely a water issues, which I took some technical steps to resolve as well, aka water absorbing crystals.
Pa Joe’s Bougainvillea rises again like a Phoenix from the ashes. This is an amazing Bougainvillea. It has endured incredible cold, yet year after year it returns from the roots. I weeded it, but on a half inch of compost, and gave it a good watering. This should be its best year in quite a while.
I moved the compost pot over to the head of the gardens, where it will be at its best. Best of all it is most convenient there. And excessive rains, if it leaches the nutrients will leach them right in the vegetable garden. The question becomes how to hide it from plain view. I thought of bananas, which would do great, but I need to be able to work my little Mantis tiller in there from several directions, so something shorter is needed. Then it hit me. I need to move those Cannas, the ones whose seeds I brought back from Miami, for the dog yard. Perfect height to surround the Compost Pot. Tall enough to hide it, but not too tall that I can’t throw the tiller up in there and work it. Yeehaa.
Hmm, what else. Still haven’t found the courage to dump the rest of the seedlings in the compost bin. And a good thing as my brother in law came by and wanted some more. Sure wish I could give them all away. I have a plan, lol.
Back at the ranch, it was still cleanup, cleanup, and cleanup. We burned the last of the burn pile. That will be the last of burning of winter debris. Composting will be able to keep up with it from here.
I replaced the northwest Azalea in the statue beds once again. This is my fourth attempt there. It is a tough spot for sure, but every year the Crepe Myrtles get larger. And it is definitely a water issues, which I took some technical steps to resolve as well, aka water absorbing crystals.
Pa Joe’s Bougainvillea rises again like a Phoenix from the ashes. This is an amazing Bougainvillea. It has endured incredible cold, yet year after year it returns from the roots. I weeded it, but on a half inch of compost, and gave it a good watering. This should be its best year in quite a while.
I moved the compost pot over to the head of the gardens, where it will be at its best. Best of all it is most convenient there. And excessive rains, if it leaches the nutrients will leach them right in the vegetable garden. The question becomes how to hide it from plain view. I thought of bananas, which would do great, but I need to be able to work my little Mantis tiller in there from several directions, so something shorter is needed. Then it hit me. I need to move those Cannas, the ones whose seeds I brought back from Miami, for the dog yard. Perfect height to surround the Compost Pot. Tall enough to hide it, but not too tall that I can’t throw the tiller up in there and work it. Yeehaa.
Hmm, what else. Still haven’t found the courage to dump the rest of the seedlings in the compost bin. And a good thing as my brother in law came by and wanted some more. Sure wish I could give them all away. I have a plan, lol.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Maters, We's Gonna Have Maters
Today, I tied up all of the tomatoes their stakes. As I was doing so, I noticed my first tomato flowers. It won't be long now, before I see those little round green fruit starting to form. Yeehaa. I went ahead and gave them their first fertilizer today as well, and watered it in. Actually I fertlized everything but the corn. I read somewhere not to fertilize corn too early. Got to go look that up and find out when is not too early, lol.
Saw some catepillar damage down on the EggPlant seedlings. I may have to address that, but will continue to monitor for now as I also say some beneficial insects out there as well. BT might be a safe organic bet, if I have to resolve it through controls.
Saw some catepillar damage down on the EggPlant seedlings. I may have to address that, but will continue to monitor for now as I also say some beneficial insects out there as well. BT might be a safe organic bet, if I have to resolve it through controls.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Gorillas in the Yard
Well, not my yard. I hauled a dozen bags of Oak Leaves home to mulch the outlying beds. And these were mega-bags. Their yard men must have been gorillas. And there are still six more at the road there, and another 8 or 10 normal sized a little bit down. Still got a ton of beds left to mulch, so I guess I'll get out early tomorrow and grab them, before trying to make a living.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Sweat and Hard Work Today
We continue to make headway in the spring cleaning. More mowing, weedwhaching to start. Today, we also pruned the Crepe Mytles. No Crepe murder here, just removed the suckers. We also shaped up the Parkinsonia. I found more disturbing damage and fear this year may be its last, but then again, I have said that every year for the last 3 years. Who know, but its replacement was planted last year, so when it goes it goes.
I gave a lot of seedlings away today, too, so that was awesome. I hated to see them go in the compost bin, but my garden is full, and so are my friend's gardens too, with a little help from me, lol.
It's back out tomorrow. And we won't finish the job, but maybe just one more weekend after this, and we can cruise into summer with just upkeep.
One last positive, too. A friend with an incubator took the last 3 of my hen's eggs. With a little luck we might get some progeny from my sadly missed hens.
I gave a lot of seedlings away today, too, so that was awesome. I hated to see them go in the compost bin, but my garden is full, and so are my friend's gardens too, with a little help from me, lol.
It's back out tomorrow. And we won't finish the job, but maybe just one more weekend after this, and we can cruise into summer with just upkeep.
One last positive, too. A friend with an incubator took the last 3 of my hen's eggs. With a little luck we might get some progeny from my sadly missed hens.
Surprise Surprise
Guineas woke us early morning. As I neared the pen, the sickening realization that my big Rooster was gone, set in. Despite my fortifications, the predator had made his way in yet again. I was beside myself. Since it was 5:30ish, I decided to just make a pot of coffee and stay up, rather than going back to bed. It wasn't long after, that the Guineas started making a rukkus again. As I snuck around the side of the house, I spotted what I thought, was a dog out in the fog. As I continued to sneak forward and squint, it turned, the head and tail came up to reveal a Fox. Our predator is a Fox. I was quite shocked, never expecting to see a Fox on our property. With dogs, cats, lights, etc. I would have throught it way too busy for the shy Fox to be around.
So, I am out one Rooster and my two best Laying Hens. I added even more fortifications to the pen. And looking at trapping options for the Fox. Once I am sure the Fox issue is resolved, it will be time to go Hen shopping. I am thinking some Cochins would be really cool, but those steady laying Buff Orpingtons have me spoiled. Two of each?
So, I am out one Rooster and my two best Laying Hens. I added even more fortifications to the pen. And looking at trapping options for the Fox. Once I am sure the Fox issue is resolved, it will be time to go Hen shopping. I am thinking some Cochins would be really cool, but those steady laying Buff Orpingtons have me spoiled. Two of each?
Never Take Beauty for Granted
Each year we are blessed with the Azalea bloom. Last spring, after the big freeze it was pretty much a non-event, but maybe this year nature will make up for it. This is my first year to get a really pretty bloom from this one. I raised it from a baby. I am happy to show it to you.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Sad Day Today. The World Hates a Predator
Something burrowed into the chicken pen last night. My two hens are no more. When I walked out in the afternoon to feed the chickens I began to see Guinea feathers all over the place. As I got closer, I could see the Guineas were OK, a bit beat up, but OK. The big Rooster was there, but my two hens were nowhere to be seen. Then I saw the hole on the backside of the pen where a predator had dug its way in. As I began to expand my circle of search, I found the one of the hen's body, deheaded and disembowels. I only found feathers of the second about 50 yards away. I am gonna miss my two girls. They rewarded my feedings with many eggs over the last 2 years.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Edamame Rising
Elsewhere in the garden, cooler temps and lack of rainfall have slowed the growth down a bit on the tomatoes and corn. The potatoes have still not broken ground, but should any day. Bell Pepper are perking up, but the Eggplant are pouting from the cold. All of the squash have broken ground, finally. And the cucumbers and melons got a bit sunburned when the sun returned after several cloudy days, but are recovering just fine.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Long Day Out Today
More spring cleaning. I weedeated the large front beds in preparation for mulching. I'll be crusing for bags of Live Oak leaves thrown to curb, again this year. If others won't conserve by mulching and composting what they already have, I'll help. I did this in only a few beds, and in the vegetable garden last year and was quite pleased with the results. This year, I plan to do all beds like that, including the vegetable garden. I am certain the results will be even better than last year.
I removed the the litte weeping Mulberry, and the Ichy Persimmon, and the Corkscrew Willow this spring. I may removed a Loquat as well. All were diseased or damaged beyond recovery from the 09/10 freeze. I still have a few minor things to remove, but for the most part that is it in the discard phase of spring cleanup.
All in all, I spent 10 hours of hard labor out there today. I am beat, but it is a good beat.
Here is a picture of this year's garden seedlings from a couple of weeks ago just before I did the planting.
I removed the the litte weeping Mulberry, and the Ichy Persimmon, and the Corkscrew Willow this spring. I may removed a Loquat as well. All were diseased or damaged beyond recovery from the 09/10 freeze. I still have a few minor things to remove, but for the most part that is it in the discard phase of spring cleanup.
All in all, I spent 10 hours of hard labor out there today. I am beat, but it is a good beat.
Here is a picture of this year's garden seedlings from a couple of weeks ago just before I did the planting.
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.
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.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
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