I have always been interested in keeping a garden. My mother did. My grandmother still does. I'm pretty sure my great-grandmother did. They were all farmers. Or married to farmers. Or daughters of farmers. Either way they all kept a garden.
Which brings me to the fact that I have two, green thumbs. That being true, every year brings it's own challenges. This year, it's the heat. Nebraska is a desert. Truthfully, it is. This year is terrible. So I have resorted to watering at night, with a soaker hose. That way the ground can drink as much as it wants while the tempurature is in a happier place. Regardless of my guerilla watering efforts, some plants just want to die. Basil for instance. Dead.
Greens. Dead.
Pumpkins? ALIVE!
Yes, I have found that pumpkins will thrive in the heat! I cannot wait until October! Carrots need more space. They are still hanging on. Tomatoes. Whew......tomatoes are the diva of the garden. They demand so much. Water, heat, support, love, songs, bedtime stories and an allowance. If you grow tomatoes, and grow them well, you know what I'm talking about. Growing tomatoes is like having kids. If you already have kids, you have more kids with tomatoes. If they weren't rooted in the earth, I'm sure I would have to drive them to soccer practice, or dance class or something.
Moving on. Amaranth. Amaranth will not quit. Seriously, my wife tried killing it. On accident of course. No matter, now it's huge! Peas are easy but hate the heat. They just gave up. Oh well, I'll try again in the fall. Radishes are picky about their soil, but go ca-razy when they like where they"re at. Especially French Breakfast. Wow.
Beets are stubborn. Green beans are easy. Next year I will plant 10 times as many beans. I will also plant sweet corn and wheat.
Onions I still do not understand. I don't know that I ever will. So. If anyone can help.......
It's all a work in progress. I imagine I will never stop learning and always keep trying and always keep growing.
Loving your blog so far. Looking forward to more. Please stop by my blog sometime. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Sara
aka: Chicken Jane at BoiseBackyardChickens.blogspot.com
Love your blog! I would love to pick your brain. I'm obviously new, but, how do I make a picture a link?
DeleteAnyway, my bed time reading tonight will be getting caught up on all your past posts! Thank you so much for the early support! I hope this turns into something a lot more than it is. :)