Compost tumbler

Revitalization of our ancient, 14-year old tumbler is still in progress. Yesterday, a short trip to the hardware store for a pipe and some bolts to replace the rusted core.

Today, Lee and I were able to pick up a bag of "grounds for the garden" from our local Starbucks. We had fun breaking up the espresso clods into the tumbler. The leaves and steer manure are a week old but already look months old!

My temperatures are not over a hundred yet. It has been years since I made two-week compost. Next week, I'll put it all into my growing pile and start again. I've been using a leaf vacuum to shred the leaves but I think I need to increase my manure balance too.

P.S. the hose is for some water in a tub to de-gas. I'm sure the chlorine in the water set me back last batch.

No pineapple to worm bin

http://www.redwormcomposting.com/general-questions/are-pineapple-and-papaya-harmful-to-worms/

Babies!

Photo

깻잎

http://www.underwoodgardens.com/local-food-growing-your-own/how-to-store-your-seeds-for-next-year/

Korean Sesame Leaves ( 깻잎)

Our Perilla is growing strong, both in the perennial herb bed and independently in pots.  Cultivated from

seed, it receives muted sun under our 50% shade fabric for morning and noon hours.  Afternoons are in full shade due to the arrangement of the house and garden.
We use water that has had a chance for the chlorine to evaporate as well as water them directly from the hose.  Every couple of weeks, we add a bit of seaweed extract before we water.  The plants seem to appreciate it.
All our potted plants are grown in Mel's Square Foot Gardening Mix we got from Plant World.  It's a bit pricey, but at this stage of our lives, the simple and easy aspect of it is worth every penny.  The beds in the ground get a mix of home made compost, store bought compost and chicken or steer manure.

castor oil plant

summer growth. out for the fall. they usually freeze over the winter.

Good morning. This is us at our first home garden in 2001 when we moved in with Mom. By November, the turnips were doing great!

We are looking forward to cooler weather to start our Fall garden. We still have the shade up and water mornings when it is cool.

Generally, we plant leafy greens to take us through the winter months. The more woody-stemmed peppers and eggplants do better in the summer.

The pepper leaves have been the choice food for tomato worms this year. Lee's the one who notices the bare stems. I'm still looking at the dirt, mulch and water under the pots.

The front yard gives us hope for the future. We can keep an eye on things going in and out. The thought of creating beauty there inspires us.

Tomorrow we go to the senior community garden. We have a few beds there. One of the hose bibs is leaking. I think I have a washer that fits. We water three times a week. Again, no planting for a few more weeks until it's cooler.

Nice to chat with you. Happy to see any photos of what you've got growing!