Potager Palaver in Early July

Hope you all are enjoying this rainy Sunday. I was going to say lazy Sunday but it is anything but that over here, so probably isn't there either ; ) 

I have to show you this absolutely gorgeous volunteer calendula in my garlic bed. Is it not a stunner? 

Okay, here are the things I found this week that caught my eye... 

Let's start with this first of all... seeds on sale! Yay! Great looking seeds, both flower and veggie. Having a wedding next year? Asters and basil (yep, basil) look great in bouquets. Check out all the lovely calendula varieties! Or what about some lime green nicotiana? One of my all-time favourites. They also have the little Gem marigolds in orange! So many goodies! All Products – Stems Flower Farm. 

From 'A Way To Garden' 

Another company that I buy seeds from, Victory Seeds, is also having a summer sale. Want to grow some really great, cool tomatoes, especially the dwarfs? This is your go-to place. The shipping is a bit higher from this company as they are just a wee business but is so worth it for the cool varieties. 

Speaking of seeds... I had a conversation with a young man the other day (9-ish years old) who has been growing and studying how to grow really great sunflowers. Here are some of his tips. 

1. Don't waste your money on little packets of seeds, grab the ones that are in birdseed mixes and plant those instead. They grow great and make seeds that the birds love.

2. The bigger the cup or pot that you pre-start them in, the bigger your sunflower will grow. This is a super great tip. Applies to other plants, too. If your tomato (or whatever) starts are small or stunted, pot them into something bigger for their roots to have room to grow and the plant will get bigger and better in a matter of days. 

3. If you plant them out into poor soil, very well draining (sandy, gravelly soil) you will get big, fat, sturdy stems on your sunflowers that are really well rooted in the ground. Good soil tends to make them wimpy. 

4. Feed them with bunny poop for a great, organic fertiliser. They love it. 

Gorgeous al fresco dining with tips to make your place extra special. 24 Outdoor Dining and Entertaining Tips for Your Backyard - Twelve On Main

 

You all know how I feel about lawns ; ) Here are some ideas for making a change  rethinking the lawn, with ecological horticulturist dan wilder - A Way To Garden

Berry crisps! Yummy and Healthy Berry Crumble - Dr. Julie's Fun Life (drjuliesfunlife.com)

Are you serious about growing lots of food? Wanting to know more about succession sowing and growing through all the seasons? Check out this video from the Vegetable Academy. Wow. Very impressive. If he can do this in Saskatchewan, imagine what you can do here in the PNW! Lessons from the Homestead Garden | June 2022 - YouTube

This is great timing... ideas to make your watering chore easier, and better for your plants, too. Best Watering Tools and Methods | How-to Tips | joe gardener®

And one more great article from Joe...super practical gardening advice. Non-Negotiables for a Successful Summer in the Garden | joegardener®

This is a fabulous video from Charles Dowding on how to save seeds from all sorts of garden veggies. Really enjoyed this one. Saving seed! Save your own seeds with tips on storing them - YouTube

How pretty is this super organized shed, eh?

I am obsessed with this Japanese florist/herbalist that I just recently came upon. The use of wire baskets, enamel wares, plants in buckets, all the lovely things. 

That is it for me for this week. Will likely post one more of these fun palavers next weekend and then that will be the final hurrah. 

My Salt Spring Extra Early has been lifted and is looking good! 

Wishing you all a great week ahead ~ Tanja