Thursday, May 20, 2010
compost
Gave a guest tour of our garden and compost operation. Received lots of complements. Cautious about compost complements. Sent sample for testing. Result: Compost not quite "done" but OK for compost tea (much to my surprise). Would still like it to be more mature. [Copies available upon request. Submit email address.]
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Surprise of Spring
As discouraged as I was over our winter garden, I could not have predicted the stellar recovery life makes when allowed. The aphids which had thoroughly infested the Swiss Chard are no where to be seen. Because nothing was added, Ladybugs were able to thrive. We are now on our third crop of larvae who are keeping everything clean and healthy!
(2) [of many] For the first time in my 50 years in this house, I saw a hummingbird nest outside our front window! That it was the day after our mom's Celebration of Life service is no surprise. From the count of the others in and around the back yard, there must be another half-dozen nests not far away either.
(3) The fire ants are gone! I was giving a tour to my nieces who had come to visit in March and, of course, I had to show them the compost. There was the swarm! Arrgh! I couldn't live another year with their belligerent threat. Lee suggested boiling water and I haven't seen them since. (We do have another swarm, but they do not seem to be threatening. I sent a few to the lab for testing, just to be sure.)
(4) A neighborhood community garden has begun!!! How many times I have passed by a vacant lot down the street and wondered what it would take to make compost there. Now it is happening!!! A former friend from high school had five acres he was willing to lend to the cause. Another high energy visionary had the faith and there you have it. A miracle in the desert! It is blooming and growing and who can keep up with it?
(2) [of many] For the first time in my 50 years in this house, I saw a hummingbird nest outside our front window! That it was the day after our mom's Celebration of Life service is no surprise. From the count of the others in and around the back yard, there must be another half-dozen nests not far away either.
(3) The fire ants are gone! I was giving a tour to my nieces who had come to visit in March and, of course, I had to show them the compost. There was the swarm! Arrgh! I couldn't live another year with their belligerent threat. Lee suggested boiling water and I haven't seen them since. (We do have another swarm, but they do not seem to be threatening. I sent a few to the lab for testing, just to be sure.)
(4) A neighborhood community garden has begun!!! How many times I have passed by a vacant lot down the street and wondered what it would take to make compost there. Now it is happening!!! A former friend from high school had five acres he was willing to lend to the cause. Another high energy visionary had the faith and there you have it. A miracle in the desert! It is blooming and growing and who can keep up with it?
Friday, January 15, 2010
Winter Garden
For as much enthusiasm as I had about winter gardens, this one has been disappointing.
My expectation was for crispy, sweet lettuce all season long. The romaine, however, has become bitter and me with it (or vice versa).
The compost is still cooking and I haven't seen the ants. My brother says they've gone underground. I'm hoping to get down there to chill them out before the cold weather leaves.
Did I tell you I got the report back from the Department of Agriculture? Southern Fire Ants!
Our lemons are spectacular, though. Nothing is all bad. (Maybe if I could do away with judgment alltogether...)
My expectation was for crispy, sweet lettuce all season long. The romaine, however, has become bitter and me with it (or vice versa).
The compost is still cooking and I haven't seen the ants. My brother says they've gone underground. I'm hoping to get down there to chill them out before the cold weather leaves.
Did I tell you I got the report back from the Department of Agriculture? Southern Fire Ants!
Our lemons are spectacular, though. Nothing is all bad. (Maybe if I could do away with judgment alltogether...)
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