tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19248241349906813902024-02-02T06:35:29.933-08:00The Nitty Gritty PotagerPotager Style Vegetable Gardening on Canada's Wet & Wonderful West CoastTanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.comBlogger345125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-3046513696793347522022-08-20T09:07:00.000-07:002022-08-20T09:07:12.160-07:00September Garden Ramblings - A Repost. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GEFo2O21vwM82PJ2NqeqnOuvc8dqUPQKY3lxk7P74zccCVeo7DbVufek0vI6kqatVUnbcXhonKqK05Faq9wkAAQC2L7ZWjCtL29kWDjyVZMZzEfnkiYKQVSCVSAhGoJQgqAOa6-uOWEe8thYDdRYVDu8YHzUGmbX_0cqESo2EKbweYVTxghijbSF5g/s800/IMG_9178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GEFo2O21vwM82PJ2NqeqnOuvc8dqUPQKY3lxk7P74zccCVeo7DbVufek0vI6kqatVUnbcXhonKqK05Faq9wkAAQC2L7ZWjCtL29kWDjyVZMZzEfnkiYKQVSCVSAhGoJQgqAOa6-uOWEe8thYDdRYVDu8YHzUGmbX_0cqESo2EKbweYVTxghijbSF5g/w640-h428/IMG_9178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: futura-pt;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.83921568627451);"><span style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a re-post from September 2020, an </span></span><span style="color: #a00027;"><span style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">unusually</span></span><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.83921568627451);"><span style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> cool summer, similar to this year. </span></span></span></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">September means busy harvest month here on the acreage, so much to do that I barely know what to tell you about first. </span></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have had such odd weather on the island this year. If this was your first year of gardening, rest assured that not all years are this weird. If you made it through this one and are still game to do it again next year, welcome to the crazy homesteader life. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">September is all about canning, dehydrating, and freezing the garden goodies for winter. The summer garden is harvested, cleaned up, top dressed, ready for winter by the first weekend in October. Phew, seems like a lot to do if one looks at it like that. Best to take it step by step and veg by veg. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some tips on how to get the rest of your vegetables to finish off in preparation for garden clean up and winter. ….</p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0Uj2vTLh-MMnowlfTjxUOFvO66HeqPAMytY0_AAgzo2AsSkcMnkuxqM5GLGJrxD6Lm6FnYP3Pe4sC0-HIjaM8ZnfDEGtALA5t5Ejt3CWZxjyVa9470Lqy9E5Kk1iHQ5MEutvHZQ0YKiGMdvDai9on7WcTnnKAHvVVrpkXRald2wGTDUpLmoX-PTiLg/s720/IMG_4241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0Uj2vTLh-MMnowlfTjxUOFvO66HeqPAMytY0_AAgzo2AsSkcMnkuxqM5GLGJrxD6Lm6FnYP3Pe4sC0-HIjaM8ZnfDEGtALA5t5Ejt3CWZxjyVa9470Lqy9E5Kk1iHQ5MEutvHZQ0YKiGMdvDai9on7WcTnnKAHvVVrpkXRald2wGTDUpLmoX-PTiLg/w640-h426/IMG_4241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Tomatoes - a little bit of info about everything to do with tomatoes. </em></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are finally kicking into high gear, with loads ripening daily. I mean, we have been eating some fresh in salads and sandwiches but the canning tomatoes have just started to turn red over the past two weeks. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have 100 tomato plants in the garden this year, 50 of them are paste tomatoes for canning,. We are really, really hoping to harvest them all before the fall rains begin as the risk of blight increases with each rain fall. Late blight will wipe out a tomato patch in mere days, so I am always a bit nervous when rain is forecasted. So far, so good! </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-rTXyZAFCID1ycDfgnKBdgZgjaJsfY_r4vgWOi2pU0km-QUyPz6F2ofjuoXrOJ8C4MopGTnXWxLHBK5lhKmfSnnaobw7UvBu3dLrV5sfLcf6g2K3f-gnX7uK_e62RlhQOoWoEom3at9uVdzGSHgg05oybCLa2XdQ5nnbveHP7fuiK9yudaMfSRzGeg/s720/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-rTXyZAFCID1ycDfgnKBdgZgjaJsfY_r4vgWOi2pU0km-QUyPz6F2ofjuoXrOJ8C4MopGTnXWxLHBK5lhKmfSnnaobw7UvBu3dLrV5sfLcf6g2K3f-gnX7uK_e62RlhQOoWoEom3at9uVdzGSHgg05oybCLa2XdQ5nnbveHP7fuiK9yudaMfSRzGeg/w426-h640/IMG_4009.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><p></p><p class="" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661005713580_845" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">To make our ketchup, passata, and spaghetti sauce, we use paste tomatoes (Roma style) as they are less juicy and pulpy, very meaty and dry. This means a shorter cooking time for a thicker sauce. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">You do not have to use paste tomatoes though, can use any kind from cherries to beefs, they will just take longer to cook down those juices. You can always add some canned tomato paste if it is not thickening up for you. Or.. slow roast some tomatoes in the oven for a few hours, they add depth of flavour to your sauce, and will help to thicken it up, too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vlOD_yh4QPgV5LbK2kjt9lzgcRQ62crmx57WCPQ0v_z5xWDIimKnjiL61A4hzevBhVIN1u8Zq78DVAQQ9CrQ5lXsOL4ucsJd3Wnkh59ZghET0GTmAlbo4KJTJ1bMZkcCKtxKxNrZ_OqkjqwUj1VTusi0f-Wx8UAhRBTy2OXW2mFZ6RBKKWh-7UHbTA/s640/IMG_1115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vlOD_yh4QPgV5LbK2kjt9lzgcRQ62crmx57WCPQ0v_z5xWDIimKnjiL61A4hzevBhVIN1u8Zq78DVAQQ9CrQ5lXsOL4ucsJd3Wnkh59ZghET0GTmAlbo4KJTJ1bMZkcCKtxKxNrZ_OqkjqwUj1VTusi0f-Wx8UAhRBTy2OXW2mFZ6RBKKWh-7UHbTA/w640-h426/IMG_1115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">We still have loads of time for tomatoes to ripen on the vine, so try not to worry too much. I leave them on the vine as long as possible as I find that the counter top tomatoes just don’t have that same vine-ripened, homegrown flavour. Here are a few tips that will help your tomatoes ripen faster if they are straggling… </span></p><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p class="" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nip the tops off of your vining tomato plants. This puts the energy into ripening the tomatoes rather than making more blossoms/tomatoes.</p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p class="" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remove any blossoms as they will not have time to become ripe tomatoes this late in the season. You can also remove any small fruits as they also will not have time to grow/ripen. </p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p class="" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remove<em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"> some</em> of the excess foliage to allow more sun at the tomatoes and hasten the ripening process. </p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p class="" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can also start to hold off on watering your tomatoes. This will let the plant know that it is end of season and they will begin to ripen those stragglers.</p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p class="" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">In mid to late September, you can start bringing them in to ripen. Do not pick really hard, green tomatoes to bring indoors, they will not ever ripen, no matter what you do. The tomatoes need to be starting to ripen just a bit, they can still be green but with just a wee hint of colour starting and need to be a bit soft rather than rock hard. </p></li></ul><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tomatoes can be frozen whole, just as they are, if your month is too busy with other things to process right now. The tomatoes can be tossed into soups, stews, chilis just as they are, or take a couple of bags out of the freezer and do some canning when you have more time on hand. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlff3huOV2C1KaTzE9_CnlNT_1X7MBlFwX7bspd4ogfAg9dxSWyN3CHdA43mpxcajz8Qa6wY1L-zFHOH03USog8IcOXJmRVzwNFQkF-s4aknbESdPF-0FijyjqtVoagqXFH1SyDf1obLMC9sJn85fjBrAOETC0Q4YqR0mWW6tImeFmu-ZGawm-8zhc1w/s720/IMG_4269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlff3huOV2C1KaTzE9_CnlNT_1X7MBlFwX7bspd4ogfAg9dxSWyN3CHdA43mpxcajz8Qa6wY1L-zFHOH03USog8IcOXJmRVzwNFQkF-s4aknbESdPF-0FijyjqtVoagqXFH1SyDf1obLMC9sJn85fjBrAOETC0Q4YqR0mWW6tImeFmu-ZGawm-8zhc1w/w640-h426/IMG_4269.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"></em></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Roasted tomatoes are fantastic, too. Toss them in the oven with some olive oil, salt and pepper, add peppers, onions, garlic, herbs, etc.. for more flavour, if you like. There is no right or wrong here, anything goes! Slow roast them at a low heat for several hours till they are nicely caramelised. They can then be added to your sauce to add more yummy flavour or burr them up to use as a spread. Tastes fantastic with goat cheese on bruschetta or in your panzanella (bread salad). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1e_3gVeiNk9WPO51XDf1CdIVxn2PyVQdjG2YxDcFyWYS_zQBFSmCJ0-PqYtfA9CBFmNYeIxQZ0uYuSdtyDofB0jVdbc4y2fJgHgSOSLjp64lsLRfyhyfCh_R8D2eqbAKEUbTOsTy3pMvbv15N6eyNYWEPXOE-skOlOmOtnEerHQPC6u9Jx1IdOUQHQ/s606/IMG_4148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="606" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1e_3gVeiNk9WPO51XDf1CdIVxn2PyVQdjG2YxDcFyWYS_zQBFSmCJ0-PqYtfA9CBFmNYeIxQZ0uYuSdtyDofB0jVdbc4y2fJgHgSOSLjp64lsLRfyhyfCh_R8D2eqbAKEUbTOsTy3pMvbv15N6eyNYWEPXOE-skOlOmOtnEerHQPC6u9Jx1IdOUQHQ/w640-h506/IMG_4148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></em></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Cucumbers</em><strong style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"> </em></strong></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vines may start to yellow now and perhaps even have powdery mildew. At this stage of the game, just finish off the last of the cucumbers and then take down the plants, do not worry about trying to treat the mildew.</p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Powdery mildewed vines and leaves can be tossed into the compost, not to worry. The spores live on plant material, will not survive the composting process. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can find this yummy, super easy Fridge Dill Pickle recipe <a href="https://smittenkitchen.com/2014/07/easiest-fridge-dill-pickles/" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(29, 46, 20, 0.255); color: rgba(29, 46, 20, 0.85); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding-bottom: 0.05em; text-decoration-line: none; transition: border-color 0.15s ease-out 0s, color 0.15s ease-out 0s;">here</a> at the Smitten Kitchen. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKle2E1q0CRdfLyyODQxoZnCbiMzIIng6wK7-ohaiOI0Vc1T5m1jKsJieShoRqxkGpnwPR2ExZAQ5IrecF9rV5i_vtGYnVFUtj1Vr1mEukNLkRbsRJgR55jjvq4NfBkC5D5M2PZ4jLd6MvEWrwIBPcVwurFQAL4RtGBTwZ6AwNQiLqkaHkMcJMKizaTw/s800/IMG_1095.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKle2E1q0CRdfLyyODQxoZnCbiMzIIng6wK7-ohaiOI0Vc1T5m1jKsJieShoRqxkGpnwPR2ExZAQ5IrecF9rV5i_vtGYnVFUtj1Vr1mEukNLkRbsRJgR55jjvq4NfBkC5D5M2PZ4jLd6MvEWrwIBPcVwurFQAL4RtGBTwZ6AwNQiLqkaHkMcJMKizaTw/w640-h428/IMG_1095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Squash - </em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">As with the cukes, do not worry about the powdery mildew at this stage of the game. Allow your last fruits to fully ripen, which they will just do just fine despite the mildew, and then just discard the vines.</span></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">For fresh eating, you can grab the squash from the garden at pretty much any time. However, if you want them to keep well in storage, they need to be fully ripened and cured for a bit first. Leave them on the vine until they are fully ripened, they will grow just fine even if the vines look like heckadoodle. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leave on a bit of a stem, place in a warm and sunny place to cure for 2 weeks time. I pop them on a table in the greenhouse or hoophouse so they don’t get rained on. They can stay in there until I have time to deal with them. Do not place them on concrete or they will begin to rot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhyO5OoaTeqHhCkK-JXcG3gREsfIL-etSV2uAr5zOorSSC7vZ9TqyWvuHSlUHrR5cIP-TolO4lhTRhQXnSieA71lcM5yw6-vulzQoZ7JF4hBlt5R5G7RishJpomJbAd2d410TFLeyq2ScRGZt7kAtWIEUBR7Spzr5AAdqJOuSdRALmybV-VfYQ54liw/s720/IMG_3988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhyO5OoaTeqHhCkK-JXcG3gREsfIL-etSV2uAr5zOorSSC7vZ9TqyWvuHSlUHrR5cIP-TolO4lhTRhQXnSieA71lcM5yw6-vulzQoZ7JF4hBlt5R5G7RishJpomJbAd2d410TFLeyq2ScRGZt7kAtWIEUBR7Spzr5AAdqJOuSdRALmybV-VfYQ54liw/w640-h426/IMG_3988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Onions </em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">- Wait till 90% of tops have folded on their own and then push the rest over. Wait a week to pull them up and then cure for a few weeks before storing. My onions were ready to go early this year, so have already finished curing! </span></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EIYkoY7oHiXL_fbLrlReWpLeHu-kZbTnGA9CJfN9fNTZJd0Wb4Qd1DtS-J8gbybNUQVa2eBhifBeDMNRXx61EoZjxPNLfoQHxOQCxIPSV27SZRThI6gaNBAlSi1sdXj13fapZcW74QQtdg0-hqdsjOixdo44tS0SPTnyMkXUEkM0HZZrIdBzk-Zflg/s1440/227852984_3711483158957084_3799013846699385435_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EIYkoY7oHiXL_fbLrlReWpLeHu-kZbTnGA9CJfN9fNTZJd0Wb4Qd1DtS-J8gbybNUQVa2eBhifBeDMNRXx61EoZjxPNLfoQHxOQCxIPSV27SZRThI6gaNBAlSi1sdXj13fapZcW74QQtdg0-hqdsjOixdo44tS0SPTnyMkXUEkM0HZZrIdBzk-Zflg/w640-h640/227852984_3711483158957084_3799013846699385435_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Root crops</em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;"> like beets and potatoes can stay in till about Thanksgiving but do not overwinter in the garden, whereas carrots and parsnips can be left in the ground and harvested as needed, even through the snow! </span></p></em><p></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lift potatoes when the tops have fully yellowed and died down. Lay them out to cure for a few days on a flat surface. They will then have nice thick skins on them so will last in storage till spring. Place in a cardboard box in the garage or shed. Cardboard will insulate them from the cool temps but will also breathe to let out the moisture so that your potatoes do not go mouldy. Do not put them in a well sealed container or you will lose them (ask me how I know ; ) </p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs-FN9cOPy_JyrMDKVn9LK3VeturvfNYNF2n8dVzm8cfnej9_lSsJ60eeEYrc-YlzuuBslOw8qGg0MHMSDtIcAY1rxHSdP7kwVWPcOA2EkB390IFX0Mj1kITpjjaKwy6sjVHU98fmLMlojhuCHzB8BvtlP36iAhW98HeUapymuXNnhEqVkd6JepIhBQ/s717/IMG_2231.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="717" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs-FN9cOPy_JyrMDKVn9LK3VeturvfNYNF2n8dVzm8cfnej9_lSsJ60eeEYrc-YlzuuBslOw8qGg0MHMSDtIcAY1rxHSdP7kwVWPcOA2EkB390IFX0Mj1kITpjjaKwy6sjVHU98fmLMlojhuCHzB8BvtlP36iAhW98HeUapymuXNnhEqVkd6JepIhBQ/w640-h402/IMG_2231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Celery </em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">- I take stalks from the outside as I need them and leave the celery plant itself in the garden. It stays crisp and green and healthy until a really hard frost knocks it down, even after that, the centre will begin to regrow new stalks when the weather warms up again. </span></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leeks - Leave them in, harvest as needed all winter long. They will be fine as long as you harvest before you plant new ones in 2020 ; ) </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cabbages, Kale - Leave them be, too. They can stay in the garden till needed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DRmUhrXaEruOMEx-OwijiPDXYQM6cQkN4LuOup-IfcaWk773chFU6lExmDiU0977yoInPzTPjDHgG5P7UZjHo9JzVd7RWg16_aF-NMg73mzG-CfpOQZ2IAy9wz4HNzwm840YudWm_o1APP_TkKw6nRUS6VB8fKArROxkLvwcHKcN92FYZClqJE6FMg/s720/IMG_4173-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DRmUhrXaEruOMEx-OwijiPDXYQM6cQkN4LuOup-IfcaWk773chFU6lExmDiU0977yoInPzTPjDHgG5P7UZjHo9JzVd7RWg16_aF-NMg73mzG-CfpOQZ2IAy9wz4HNzwm840YudWm_o1APP_TkKw6nRUS6VB8fKArROxkLvwcHKcN92FYZClqJE6FMg/w426-h640/IMG_4173-001.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Peppers </em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">- Most all of the peppers will keep on producing till November, so if you can, leave them till then and harvest as needed. Homegrown peppers are amazing in your sauces and other canning, they also taste great pickled or dehydrated. Make your own paprika powder, cayenne powder, crushed chili flakes, or just a nice blend of medium hot or super hot peppers, depending on your tastes. </span></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Yams </em>- Leave them in till end month! They need more time. Remember when I sold them to you in spring, I said that they have a really long growing season and so would be the last plants you harvest from your garden. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Fruit trees </em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">- The pears and Asian pears are just about ready to harvest. You may have Bartletts, in which case you have already been harvesting. I have Bosc pears, my absolute favourites, but they are a bit later than the other types. Fun and weird fact… Pears do not ripen on the tree, oddly enough, they need to be harvested and then stored for up to a week at room temperature to finish and be edible. Left on the tree, they begin to rot from the inside out. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0GOiaJ-z6UQytkTwO6jHONK23ISClDuTGBdPI5i_t7hpt_CUPLzjSpH8P8XaWEjVH3G9lW4MhcMq7xfOIyfB9jhSX7Ohr3_hxiujI8Cmb7x138oLZUWEsIKL1LuNjSCdychoPZ-Wz_wWCyGvDlDIIhR-Tra-6f8PdoSzYYFjhHxdbQO5PB1bwa66BQ/s720/IMG_4278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0GOiaJ-z6UQytkTwO6jHONK23ISClDuTGBdPI5i_t7hpt_CUPLzjSpH8P8XaWEjVH3G9lW4MhcMq7xfOIyfB9jhSX7Ohr3_hxiujI8Cmb7x138oLZUWEsIKL1LuNjSCdychoPZ-Wz_wWCyGvDlDIIhR-Tra-6f8PdoSzYYFjhHxdbQO5PB1bwa66BQ/w426-h640/IMG_4278.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">Grapes are coming along really well this year. Try to leave your grapes on the vine till they are nice and sweet but before the wasps get to them. It is a bit of a challenge to figure out when to harvest each year, I tend to pick them just a bit early as I do not want to deal with those angry late summer wasps. </span></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">Strawberries - are making runners right now. To rejuvenate your bed or to add new plants, just root in these baby strawberries where you want them. Strawberry patches need to be redone every 3rd or 4th year for the best berries or they become dry, warped, seedy, not tasty. </span></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Herbs - As you are pruning them back for fall, hang them up to dry or chap and freeze in ice cuber trays to use throughout the winter. Just chop or buzz in the grinder, top with with a bit of water and freeze, or add a bit of olive oil plus water and freeze. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">Brussel sprouts were planted in May and are starting to make their little sprouts along the stems. As you do your clean up this month, if you do not yet see sprouts coming along, twist or cut off the ‘cabbage-like’ tops. </span></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kale, too, is good left in for the winter. It can handle snow, frost, and anything else that Mother Nature throws at it. Leave it be, harvest as needed. Plant more if you need more. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDrbqD2Dsvc4sCjgI_YwpG1tGMz0jgSnDLf4PqEiFeo9T0FEgaCPic50bnAcY20tA-fNKVGxg4uNZAkSXTbiRIMpmixmhEYGnaMnMFz7D0AhApB_DAMnFYaH6S9jp2cqLZh2VDV7Or3OCidBZRHF0m4gVgOCHnn0jvgKt0CDxP_RYmSiJ284y40YMvA/s800/DSC_0344-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDrbqD2Dsvc4sCjgI_YwpG1tGMz0jgSnDLf4PqEiFeo9T0FEgaCPic50bnAcY20tA-fNKVGxg4uNZAkSXTbiRIMpmixmhEYGnaMnMFz7D0AhApB_DAMnFYaH6S9jp2cqLZh2VDV7Or3OCidBZRHF0m4gVgOCHnn0jvgKt0CDxP_RYmSiJ284y40YMvA/w640-h426/DSC_0344-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><br /><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">Other stuff… </span></p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Sunflowers</em> - how to know when they are ready to harvest for the birds? Check out this link to my old blog..https://oldethymefoodgarden.blogspot.com/2015/08/sunflowers-theyre-for-birds.html </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Roses - </em>Do not feed! Feeding will encourage new growth which may be fatal when the colder temps arrive.<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" />Stop deadheading. Allowing hips to form on your roses lets it know that it is time to shut down for the year.</p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Clean up</em> as you go. While you are harvesting, pull out any plant material that is done for the year. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Wash up pots </em>and leave them out in the sunshine to dry nicely before you put them away, ready to go again in spring. Do not leave ceramic pots or terra cotta out in the elements, they will crack or sliver into chards with the rains and cold temps. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Make note</em> of what did well, what you want to do again next year, or what you do not want to do again next year. I always think that I will remember, but after going through the Christmas craziness and whatnot, inevitably I forget. So, throughout the growing season, I jot down all sorts of ideas as they occur… a plant I want to try, someone passes on a new garden link to check out, what I did not like in pots or the garden, what to move, what to grow again… so many ideas are in those journals! Like, grow more luffas in the hoophouse next year ; ) </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">The <em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">October post</em> will be all about how to feed your soil, putting nutrients back in for next year. For now, harvesting and a good clean up. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Keep weeding</em>! As soon as the rains start in earnest, weeds will be sprouting like mad. Try to stay on top of them to prevent them from seeding again so that the entire process is repeated next year. </p><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Perennial flower beds</em>… check them out, look for empty pockets, are you happy with the look? This is a great time to pick up perennials to add more colour, to fill in empty spaces, make your late summer garden better than ever next year. I actually do this throughout the seasons, take note of what I need to add and where for year round colour in the huge front perimeter beds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLnOHOZkaktoEBwDQwWfXRSEl57XaXzWhKwuo4jWVB_mLDAD40WVgEAsmvfRR6gQV6uMhATFiPnDtLcHeS-KI-Cq9Y3OuR5e8USxuSbTRrB3jlf_5lg8RUZQdeBjFTSNxiyaKuFhAFjlxZfx-33nwNgOGCXd_IPIzsZqWS4rG5nYbAv8yTbhqXEh09A/s720/IMG_2596-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLnOHOZkaktoEBwDQwWfXRSEl57XaXzWhKwuo4jWVB_mLDAD40WVgEAsmvfRR6gQV6uMhATFiPnDtLcHeS-KI-Cq9Y3OuR5e8USxuSbTRrB3jlf_5lg8RUZQdeBjFTSNxiyaKuFhAFjlxZfx-33nwNgOGCXd_IPIzsZqWS4rG5nYbAv8yTbhqXEh09A/w640-h426/IMG_2596-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">What veggies to plant </em><strong style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">from seed</em></strong><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"> in September?</em></p><p class="" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661005713580_976" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"> You can still plant some things from seed, as long as you plant soon.<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Beets (for the greens, not the roots - is too late to plant for roots)<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Collards<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Corn Salad aka Mache<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Greens, like arugula, mustards<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Lettuces<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Mesclun<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Pak Choi<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Radishes<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Spinach<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Turnips<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Winter radishes, like China rose, Daikon, Black Spanish</p><p class="" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661005713580_976" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">What to grow from starter plants... </em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;"> Is getting to be borderline time for some starter plants, but as one never knows how the fall is going to go. Maybe take a chance and see what happens? If we have an early winter, you will have lost just a few bucks, but if we have a nice, long Indian Summer, you have everything to gain! </span></p><p class="" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661005713580_976" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Sure bets from starters are..</em></p><div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" data-block-type="2" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1599320696189_60129" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; padding: 17px; position: relative; width: 1259px;"><div class="sqs-block-content" style="outline: none;"><p class="" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Arugula<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Collards<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Greens<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Kale<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Lettuce<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Leeks<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Mescluns<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Pak Choi<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Spinach<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Swiss Chard<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Turnips<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> <br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"> Getting late but maybe chance it? </em><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Broccoli and Cauliflower<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Brussels sprouts<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Cabbage<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Kohlrabi<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> - Onions</p><span style="font-size: medium;">Garlic can be planted from early fall through till mid November, ideally.<br />For now, get your bed prepped and ready.</span></div><div class="sqs-block-content" style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Top dress with manure or compost, garlic is a heavy feeder.</span></div><div class="sqs-block-content" style="outline: none;"> <div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbNWs0podigNRUsexvMVlmxdjWGSzza756GUo3JAkHCDYM8rLL9nsrad0wCsu6ebKt5EwVDApvychMyG4erogR0KmJ44gaBO0ozgao7bZwm2-veZTC69pPwuiYw-StHhV-8dDBFo33sg67DUOoMxDdkcA0MGH5bQ9OdfQtGHpmCi-PXoBZM3X2JsbEQ/s800/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbNWs0podigNRUsexvMVlmxdjWGSzza756GUo3JAkHCDYM8rLL9nsrad0wCsu6ebKt5EwVDApvychMyG4erogR0KmJ44gaBO0ozgao7bZwm2-veZTC69pPwuiYw-StHhV-8dDBFo33sg67DUOoMxDdkcA0MGH5bQ9OdfQtGHpmCi-PXoBZM3X2JsbEQ/w428-h640/IMG_1344.JPG" width="428" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Start thinking about your fall planters while you are out shopping about.. </i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I have to confess that I had hubby toss out the hanging baskets and summer </span></div><div class="sqs-block-content" style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">planters just a couple of days ago. </span></div><div class="sqs-block-content" style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I really did not love them and was tired of taking care of them (I know, is so early) </span><span style="font-size: large;">so </span></div><div class="sqs-block-content" style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">am now getting ready for my fall planters.</span></div><div class="sqs-block-content" style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to something new and fresh.</span></div><div class="sqs-block-content" style="outline: none;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifmVanvxNnzO1JqcviDvsmmTwjl00XtZF-Z7loejtrCSX9AbSEyZuklKDGw9oCLfm5UloocMwbCydrWEaC_ScL5QcVESzXa5Oqjpq2BRCNoz0_3L3rban8rW9yZ0EQno-zbuTtLiVyuoH201sy2Sq9YcYgvWJ99ttKiKzLre9ifHn51tBQCDlNKZ-Zg/s800/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifmVanvxNnzO1JqcviDvsmmTwjl00XtZF-Z7loejtrCSX9AbSEyZuklKDGw9oCLfm5UloocMwbCydrWEaC_ScL5QcVESzXa5Oqjpq2BRCNoz0_3L3rban8rW9yZ0EQno-zbuTtLiVyuoH201sy2Sq9YcYgvWJ99ttKiKzLre9ifHn51tBQCDlNKZ-Zg/w640-h428/IMG_1205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661005713580_1016" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy Gardening and Harvesting! </p></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-68482924253847859162022-07-10T10:42:00.002-07:002022-07-10T10:42:48.360-07:00The Very Last Palaver From The Potager (greenhouses, watering, lilies) <div>Well, here we are. The final Sunday at the acreage and my lovely potager. Next week, I will be at the new house, pondering and planning the new potager, greenhouse, and landscape. Will post the new blog information as soon as I get it all ready to roll. Hope you will all follow the new chapter. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDBBbVdYbVlbTL-C4k3uiUf4Q0LvpTTk4p2ePaDmCxclgPv1G3aEhiqgXsFBLaobfHO65eqUIbShSXPyGQhLEkdRmQEPok-4Up-edb79uBdG6Xo9YMO2cRHQB2w7_Llggw-TDVZdOElTwInFytB4aVbiQXNl_Cr7bBhK1Mn4iwa6yJb_TNeBdOprWyg/s720/IMG_8955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDBBbVdYbVlbTL-C4k3uiUf4Q0LvpTTk4p2ePaDmCxclgPv1G3aEhiqgXsFBLaobfHO65eqUIbShSXPyGQhLEkdRmQEPok-4Up-edb79uBdG6Xo9YMO2cRHQB2w7_Llggw-TDVZdOElTwInFytB4aVbiQXNl_Cr7bBhK1Mn4iwa6yJb_TNeBdOprWyg/w640-h426/IMG_8955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>From the potager though... boy, are things ever late this year. The garlic is usually laid out to cure in the curing shed by now, but not this year. Only the two most bottom leaves have dried up so far, which means they could still use a couple of weeks yet for the best sized bulbs. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not sure when to lift yours for the best and biggest bulbs? Read all about when and how to go about harvesting and curing your garlic <i><a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2021/07/how-to-harvest-and-cure-garlic-for-best.html" target="_blank">HERE.</a></i> </div><div><br /></div><div><div>I have begun lifting mine already even though it is not all fully grown and ready. We leave in a few days time and I have decided that I am taking it all with me. Some of it for cooking and lots for planting. </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFIYCS95npHWFCZCmRRosAtgbZZCHJgC-eNLi7Jzv4b7NsHXr-9QJQrd8Rm8xM09f2b-DD97GsA6z9WidRQD0AkIK-fHeQR0VnFDzYvzcUYuMWkKJly-v74vwzS7NV0182TrF_AGxGl-bkqffwUKWv_gh2cwEPvOp1u_llp0OiF_t8der0hLQHlNZ4w/s800/IMG_8398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="542" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFIYCS95npHWFCZCmRRosAtgbZZCHJgC-eNLi7Jzv4b7NsHXr-9QJQrd8Rm8xM09f2b-DD97GsA6z9WidRQD0AkIK-fHeQR0VnFDzYvzcUYuMWkKJly-v74vwzS7NV0182TrF_AGxGl-bkqffwUKWv_gh2cwEPvOp1u_llp0OiF_t8der0hLQHlNZ4w/w434-h640/IMG_8398.JPG" width="434" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking for drought tolerant perennials that bloom from July through September? Flowers that add colour to your garden during the hottest and driest part of the year? I count on echinacea and rudbeckia, verbena bonariensis, with a bit of gaillardia, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lilies are also one of my favourites. If you buy lilies in spring, summer, and fall, you will have blooms at different times of the year. If you only buy them all at the same time, you will get bulbs that all flower around the same time of the year. Try to look for early, mid, and late season bloomers. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1uiPRP41xdogpoJujJedQa0INkkg5gDV2wZT8EJBNoh_vmr-h91sScrYbaVp9qmP3zIdTsUkQBvIEjYCVs2fb2Ju6fsa4Lz3wSqajNshq5UI7h1Is7VaQqLcgqGqwE6EThxy7eOwrStIWAWJbp-8N_dIRhwCvjphuqZH3hwsLrmD3KXqZ_peqblpng/s800/IMG_5503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1uiPRP41xdogpoJujJedQa0INkkg5gDV2wZT8EJBNoh_vmr-h91sScrYbaVp9qmP3zIdTsUkQBvIEjYCVs2fb2Ju6fsa4Lz3wSqajNshq5UI7h1Is7VaQqLcgqGqwE6EThxy7eOwrStIWAWJbp-8N_dIRhwCvjphuqZH3hwsLrmD3KXqZ_peqblpng/w640-h428/IMG_5503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Here is what else I have found this week... </div><div><br /></div><div>Water wise gardening by planting gardens instead of lawns. It does not have to look like just grasses and dessert plants, unless you want it to, there are so many other ways to go with this. The alternative lawns are a great place to start, adding drought tolerant perennials that can go weeks without water is another. What flowers are those? Echinacea, rudbeckia, gaillardia, helianthus, lilies, daisies, catmint, salvia, liatris, and even roses. <a href="https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/landscaping/native-plant-lawn-guide?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_sunsetmagazine&fbclid=IwAR17blPWURlW_ZUNJpkTVoeNw_Q2WRusDSdC07mf9FmRSrFW6UwBcSQQgsA">How to Plant a Native Plant 'Lawn' - Sunset Magazine</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is an idea how to direct the water to those gardens and plants, too. This is a great idea in our rainy part of the world and for storm water runoff. <a href="https://gardentherapy.ca/design-a-rain-garden/">Design a Rain Garden to Redirect and Filter Rainwater - Garden Therapy</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iZ8X-PV2a0qDRmeemtxO8uMu4Ps3YCkNTtPN8WgsEGD-o2KXGz7k0O4SwacXyUIOESlpBvgJid3V-38vF8E3ivAcMaJov3nJX8tgewwbAR6c0LHpZW-Pg1v8dxZFAZ4HCJHIYlh6EfWitcRNWET8_NHoqPkf5UJ16Vd889lTOfj_UGRHKn3PPn7OsQ/s720/IMG_6370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iZ8X-PV2a0qDRmeemtxO8uMu4Ps3YCkNTtPN8WgsEGD-o2KXGz7k0O4SwacXyUIOESlpBvgJid3V-38vF8E3ivAcMaJov3nJX8tgewwbAR6c0LHpZW-Pg1v8dxZFAZ4HCJHIYlh6EfWitcRNWET8_NHoqPkf5UJ16Vd889lTOfj_UGRHKn3PPn7OsQ/w640-h426/IMG_6370.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Are you a lover of martagon lilies, like I am? If so, you will love this! <a href="http://helenashemotradgard.blogspot.com/">Helena´s Hem & Trädgård (helenashemotradgard.blogspot.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Two really great articles about greenhouses. <div><br /></div><div>This first one is terrific for setting up a new greenhouse, what to think about, how to orient it, and most importantly ,"A clean greenhouse is a thriving greenhouse!" <a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/common-greenhouse-problems-and-solutions?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=">Common Greenhouse Problems and Solutions - Dave's Garden (davesgarden.com)</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>This one is especially great if you do not have a heated greenhouse, to keep your tender seedlings warm enough in spring or to help protect your lemons and other less hardy plants in winter. A greenhouse within a greenhouse! All you need is bubble wrap and a shelving unit, no need to go fancy! <a href="https://lovelylife.se/linnea/2022/04/22/ett-vaxthus-i-vaxthuset/">Ett växthus i växthuset - Lovely Life Bubbelplastväxthus till alla små plantor</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Here is a super easy salad recipe. I have always liked the wilted lettuce and spinach salads best so that is likely why this caught my eye. <a href="https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/killed-lettuce?utm_campaign=southernliving_southernliving&utm_content=bestof12months&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=62bf4d1069ae92000170a937&fbclid=IwAR07L4aEJvJQGWo7W6nK6ZTPjOtJbZDT_uaZ7LwrA-SAta0usBgBDPo420s">Killed Lettuce | Southern Living</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the wattle fencing with wild flowers, the rose garden, and then scope out the lovely yards, too. Just amazing and so inspiring. <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-hampton-court-palace-garden-festival/gardens/2022/rhs-rose-tea-garden?fbclid=IwAR032Is_5DTxjC6HjwyyO3Xsuv5eFSeotomRqrk9i0xmUWvnkSFyYQ30_3E">RHS Rose Tea Garden | RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2022 / RHS Gardening</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the prettiest little Scandinavian <i><a href="https://www.myscandinavianhome.com/2022/06/jessicas-beautiful-swedish-country-home.html" target="_blank">cottage and garden</a></i>. What dreams are made of. </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Now that you are all growing your own veggies, here are some ideas on what to do with them. <a href="https://camillestyles.com/wellness/easy-ways-to-eat-more-vegetables/">10 Easy Ways To Eat More Vegetables, From a Dietician (camillestyles.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_EZIP7Bok2R62BmB0aE5CJ4Boj-iC6_RMzEbJEbI_XM5CLQZoRK2aF62hpFIT6qxziWJiR92L_WJr6wlYfM_ZOVEKQoeah0KgJdohjGJg0PDUZquJ4CXOUB3-MH3kPRMdMbhZCaXTFEV_nAL3sAeQSq1ni3tSe0VGafBjR1by633ZDqvTwjg5eGkQw/s720/IMG_8918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_EZIP7Bok2R62BmB0aE5CJ4Boj-iC6_RMzEbJEbI_XM5CLQZoRK2aF62hpFIT6qxziWJiR92L_WJr6wlYfM_ZOVEKQoeah0KgJdohjGJg0PDUZquJ4CXOUB3-MH3kPRMdMbhZCaXTFEV_nAL3sAeQSq1ni3tSe0VGafBjR1by633ZDqvTwjg5eGkQw/w640-h426/IMG_8918.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a sneak peek/teaser that has something to with the new garden blog ; )</div><div style="text-align: center;">Info in a couple of days time! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Thank you all so much for following and supporting the ngp! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">I shall miss you all so very much. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Take care, be well, hope to see you again ~ Tanja </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-66546982073242886772022-07-03T16:28:00.000-07:002022-07-03T16:28:10.386-07:00Potager Palaver in Early July <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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 ; ) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uAm1ATPcRL4jZ5yxBoUca2EgrWzoc01wEEHeNIoZh2NAivOCffPeVmmOUX1oUargOJFld8np_XgDvFKYsDDfi3rNSrZeTDvu7ikvkWIcrAtOBF0BsJRfR1CeX04m_EuRkh4O1HoGeIHDlA_0NZDx4sIpJFX3czRxgjj5zjYv_8siVslldBgMXtsWPA/s720/IMG_8881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uAm1ATPcRL4jZ5yxBoUca2EgrWzoc01wEEHeNIoZh2NAivOCffPeVmmOUX1oUargOJFld8np_XgDvFKYsDDfi3rNSrZeTDvu7ikvkWIcrAtOBF0BsJRfR1CeX04m_EuRkh4O1HoGeIHDlA_0NZDx4sIpJFX3czRxgjj5zjYv_8siVslldBgMXtsWPA/w640-h426/IMG_8881.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to show you this absolutely gorgeous volunteer calendula in my garlic bed. Is it not a stunner? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5haSLm64I08tv7ua3-xpqgHCEfhYYsIRCWUXugfKUlJiiGa87hEj2_jn87kaNj3vB0PbPugIL170pi3WqyKckVZyfmIElPlxArG0OFARFoouELxSMOHKa-0lEoNX3qzcHYf3g3TwSDnluGf4xNH_hLSTAvPXAMO8eQV6cpv6Yu8mFUsiHmf00y3SxQ/s800/IMG_3445.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5haSLm64I08tv7ua3-xpqgHCEfhYYsIRCWUXugfKUlJiiGa87hEj2_jn87kaNj3vB0PbPugIL170pi3WqyKckVZyfmIElPlxArG0OFARFoouELxSMOHKa-0lEoNX3qzcHYf3g3TwSDnluGf4xNH_hLSTAvPXAMO8eQV6cpv6Yu8mFUsiHmf00y3SxQ/w640-h428/IMG_3445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, here are the things I found this week that caught my eye... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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! <a href="https://stemsflowerfarm.ca/collections/all-products?page=1">All Products – Stems Flower Farm</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGybjWZY5Cm9-_wB42n_VDeuwotoECjV-9okrtYT9S9ebxkXQd-qYW0rC2hqQ27s85Z7_AlelPQDPrF1sbwZRhlyx3FmDmo-f0MCp-wpBbEYbM-jXMRSX6H0taxCGHTkgs1fr-vz1l-EgnwT64seurYo_gbdYcDD-QXI2omMS1OFSXHUp1sQDomPVyAg/s640/more-dwarfs-sliced-2015-640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGybjWZY5Cm9-_wB42n_VDeuwotoECjV-9okrtYT9S9ebxkXQd-qYW0rC2hqQ27s85Z7_AlelPQDPrF1sbwZRhlyx3FmDmo-f0MCp-wpBbEYbM-jXMRSX6H0taxCGHTkgs1fr-vz1l-EgnwT64seurYo_gbdYcDD-QXI2omMS1OFSXHUp1sQDomPVyAg/w640-h480/more-dwarfs-sliced-2015-640x480.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://awaytogarden.com/best-tomatoes-craig-lehoulliers-heirloom-picks-plus-dwarf-tomato-project/" target="_blank">From 'A Way To Garden'</a></i> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another company that I buy seeds from,<i><a href="https://www.victoryseeds.com/?fbclid=IwAR3yM5V4YcA05uo5TzgDHUh7m-L05i2ODhpBUgHvnM6g9Unqv2hGabLKJzw" target="_blank"> Victory Seeds</a></i>, 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. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx_j_veu440bRSakfi0U069hwsxso264UMjGVmmwUVqp4BaCQGQXsjgmXnuAdlpiNlVSgFFlOuaCVZXL85JBwgn3S4ezb93FOFkFOMoQWQqQzVfcyfVRjhODxQ-jjZZJxwDte_AJppv9UFQT-0xJby2TKWRGcOsaUhNccjXU_nVRmvH9g7YJR4ZLPJQ/s4608/IMG_20191009_154432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx_j_veu440bRSakfi0U069hwsxso264UMjGVmmwUVqp4BaCQGQXsjgmXnuAdlpiNlVSgFFlOuaCVZXL85JBwgn3S4ezb93FOFkFOMoQWQqQzVfcyfVRjhODxQ-jjZZJxwDte_AJppv9UFQT-0xJby2TKWRGcOsaUhNccjXU_nVRmvH9g7YJR4ZLPJQ/w480-h640/IMG_20191009_154432.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>4. Feed them with bunny poop for a great, organic fertiliser. They love it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gorgeous al fresco dining with tips to make your place extra special. <a href="https://www.twelveonmain.com/24-outdoor-dining-and-entertaining-tips-for-your-backyard/">24 Outdoor Dining and Entertaining Tips for Your Backyard - Twelve On Main</a></div><div> </div>You all know how I feel about lawns ; ) Here are some ideas for making a change <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/rethinking-the-lawn-with-ecological-horticulturist-dan-wilder/">rethinking the lawn, with ecological horticulturist dan wilder - A Way To Garden</a><div><br /></div><div>Berry crisps! <a href="https://drjuliesfunlife.com/yummy-and-healthy-berry-crumble/">Yummy and Healthy Berry Crumble - Dr. Julie's Fun Life (drjuliesfunlife.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>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! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wtx7kVXggQ">Lessons from the Homestead Garden | June 2022 - YouTube</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is great timing... ideas to make your watering chore easier, and better for your plants, too. <a href="https://joegardener.com/how-to-water-and-what-to-use/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com&fbclid=IwAR3dhB9wlLn4FgOuWJP4s-0LvNxq0wPYINHawm6pFKBTZiziNOh50ew5lIM">Best Watering Tools and Methods | How-to Tips | joe gardener®</a></div><div><br /></div><div>And one more great article from Joe...super practical gardening advice. <a href="https://joegardener.com/podcast/nonnegotiables-successful-summer-garden/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com&fbclid=IwAR0mKxH6AcEpGQM-mhukT7ybaNuLNP8cSagMitFTvTY8TWw6Q3pGKkiAEuQ">Non-Negotiables for a Successful Summer in the Garden | joegardener®</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a fabulous video from Charles Dowding on how to save seeds from all sorts of garden veggies. Really enjoyed this one. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHFg6ZEsMCw">Saving seed! Save your own seeds with tips on storing them - YouTube</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiko5G2_BeMi82fhh3n60YxmJGPq7YRg1ZHtoHis0akVtj3rfnQkJJPSoJvtI5Sm_Llz4XmsdeocoVPICI_baUJaZvu0FiA-R2byR_u61hvtKc-E2kvs7YZ17JKAWb4asckoAHLQq2AjUa3HARKihO8YjEjd5AC52cr54KN7ggYMA_bdhya4JYFM5Xw-g/s1152/7-25-2011-allard6-mg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiko5G2_BeMi82fhh3n60YxmJGPq7YRg1ZHtoHis0akVtj3rfnQkJJPSoJvtI5Sm_Llz4XmsdeocoVPICI_baUJaZvu0FiA-R2byR_u61hvtKc-E2kvs7YZ17JKAWb4asckoAHLQq2AjUa3HARKihO8YjEjd5AC52cr54KN7ggYMA_bdhya4JYFM5Xw-g/w432-h640/7-25-2011-allard6-mg.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>How pretty is <a href="https://www.finegardening.com/article/a-truly-grand-garden-tool-shed" target="_blank">this super organized shed</a>, eh?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS2J7Mfkv2bJa4DR9e2Ceh8PsTAXfxDJQUy2FBYEq4DTAs7vTReFxPYsauIu1Dsct_GVBJ-k59aR_W7ExbSFsiDWsMZU7xnXZZvMKz60Lu6skqFAymV94hmmSlbpcQcvJVCfXGLvYn_ZljI1-vONrCj7fVTCG6b4s__OK8Yb_2fWBvu5tCP5jgg_rKA/s1200/78383e27529e0fcc2c246e58e701602b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS2J7Mfkv2bJa4DR9e2Ceh8PsTAXfxDJQUy2FBYEq4DTAs7vTReFxPYsauIu1Dsct_GVBJ-k59aR_W7ExbSFsiDWsMZU7xnXZZvMKz60Lu6skqFAymV94hmmSlbpcQcvJVCfXGLvYn_ZljI1-vONrCj7fVTCG6b4s__OK8Yb_2fWBvu5tCP5jgg_rKA/w512-h640/78383e27529e0fcc2c246e58e701602b.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div>I am obsessed with this Japanese <a href="https://herbalhouse.imagingcraft.com/index.html" target="_blank"><i>florist/herbalist</i></a> that I just recently came upon. The use of wire baskets, enamel wares, plants in buckets, all the lovely things. </div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs-FQLwOneaEAF94O0Q5xXx8XmveO8j6pIjUDAJ9F_vIeCVosbz6z6gyLWH8URcD_Z4QfUy0vP_McFQd4u_Tf6s6lHcC4FmbAWsilydkscGkyVyHuQcVJFY9JTU6inTwkuINZsnQdDN77fpBh_PS1ij1BuqttKEtL-Mgb88KTwW7pTU90DWBS2pwM7A/s565/IMG_8883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="565" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs-FQLwOneaEAF94O0Q5xXx8XmveO8j6pIjUDAJ9F_vIeCVosbz6z6gyLWH8URcD_Z4QfUy0vP_McFQd4u_Tf6s6lHcC4FmbAWsilydkscGkyVyHuQcVJFY9JTU6inTwkuINZsnQdDN77fpBh_PS1ij1BuqttKEtL-Mgb88KTwW7pTU90DWBS2pwM7A/w640-h540/IMG_8883.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My Salt Spring Extra Early has been lifted and is looking good! </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: xx-large;">Wishing you all a great week ahead ~ Tanja </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-33376473327524456652022-07-02T09:15:00.001-07:002022-07-02T10:19:02.694-07:00July Garden RamblingsThis is a repost from 2020 as I actually have little to nothing in the food garden this year. We will be leaving this lovely acreage and my potager in just two weeks time, off on a new adventure. More info on that to come! <div><br /></div><div>So, here is the post from 2020 as the start to the summer was very similar that year with cool, wet weather. I have tweaked things here and there and added a few blurbs about this year. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHAO3VOtuoJCHLx2pBDd4rgknTTN-U9hU8XzxXb32NFnANAxgRuRysBwL7liumPto1b8tf3x7R8YQyLCxDU6qvCsBiFgklv546Mt4Hq2NHIckgwXj9th_CRxSx3XNj1K2TwK6i1jt-Vta55NBb6Ei3vXFOPA3aBMNVS1f1gbAEMF3sWBVi3P2J2x0Pg/s664/IMG_8822-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="664" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHAO3VOtuoJCHLx2pBDd4rgknTTN-U9hU8XzxXb32NFnANAxgRuRysBwL7liumPto1b8tf3x7R8YQyLCxDU6qvCsBiFgklv546Mt4Hq2NHIckgwXj9th_CRxSx3XNj1K2TwK6i1jt-Vta55NBb6Ei3vXFOPA3aBMNVS1f1gbAEMF3sWBVi3P2J2x0Pg/w640-h390/IMG_8822-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yay! Summer has finally arrived. Most of June was wet and grey with just a sunny day here and there to break things up but finally we are getting sunshine and heat. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lettuce, radishes, greens, brassicas have been loving the cooler weather but are now beginning to bolt quickly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJaiYFtjbzyxZfOFCeONAkOOIaqZX_Q7eLJba5rvo8h9SZoiw6K1e-yUy_e3mVRXebjZCOKm2ENShFMBeYpAPnqWRRPe_pv6JwGoVUBwAF8L3gFUWjzaG7DeqrBDmB6S4dIsgV9M1MRF58iKiWO4W65qpVyduICBL39SrqxHK8Zui4vrVD6NYQEd6dg/s657/IMG_6261-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="657" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJaiYFtjbzyxZfOFCeONAkOOIaqZX_Q7eLJba5rvo8h9SZoiw6K1e-yUy_e3mVRXebjZCOKm2ENShFMBeYpAPnqWRRPe_pv6JwGoVUBwAF8L3gFUWjzaG7DeqrBDmB6S4dIsgV9M1MRF58iKiWO4W65qpVyduICBL39SrqxHK8Zui4vrVD6NYQEd6dg/w640-h396/IMG_6261-001.JPG" width="640" /></a><i style="color: rgba(64, 64, 64, 0.91); font-family: pauline; font-size: 23px; letter-spacing: -0.02em; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is what is going on in the garden right now.. </i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Garlic</em>. - <span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">Usually I would have already harvested my early varieties but everything is a late this year (2022) so we are still a few weeks out with all the varieties. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have harvested the scapes, stop watering your garlic now, if you haven't done so already. Garlic bulbs that are full of moisture do not cure well. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">Lift bulbs when the stems are yellow about halfway up and the bottom 4 or 5 leaves are yellow/brown, all shrivelled up, while the top 4 or 5 are still green. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">Not sure if yours are ready? Read more about harvesting and curing <i><a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2021/07/how-to-harvest-and-cure-garlic-for-best.html" target="_blank">here. </a></i></span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLaJS8sfRzz37ko0saWAtuVSfpOmN2lfTQm35pkXHH3I6XII4Z3jvAI1fX_RZzPw8oZU-TvC9W3SahHTmQ7rayS_zksfSCnbSXa6JhDR9rKrvmLOK0bMMorMsfFsWjOeiGBNUQfcexIZBvPl5KuKFwvW1T9wcQHbl9mbDIQCKPM3dH6wXAZrVlwS4Kw/s720/IMG_1157.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLaJS8sfRzz37ko0saWAtuVSfpOmN2lfTQm35pkXHH3I6XII4Z3jvAI1fX_RZzPw8oZU-TvC9W3SahHTmQ7rayS_zksfSCnbSXa6JhDR9rKrvmLOK0bMMorMsfFsWjOeiGBNUQfcexIZBvPl5KuKFwvW1T9wcQHbl9mbDIQCKPM3dH6wXAZrVlwS4Kw/w640-h426/IMG_1157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Peas </em>- picking, eating, and freezing peas for winter. These Little Crunch container peas only grow to about 2 feet, so I let them drape over the edge of the raised beds. You can grow them in pots, too and either let them drape over the sides or grow up a wee trellis for ease of picking. These peas are now done, not flowering any longer, so I have pulled them out to sow some more carrots. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">I may have gone a little bit pea crazy with my succession sowing this spring as I still have three patches yet to harvest. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Beans</em> are slow for me this year. So slow. The pole beans were planted in late May, into a nice warm garden bed, germinated nicely.. and then we went into June-uary ( a very cool month of June). So they have not yet done much of anything, are just starting to play catch up now. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Cucumbers</em> are pretty much in the same boat as the beans, have finally started to put on some flowers and grow up the trellises. Looking forward to tons of cucumber sandwiches and salads. I find that growing cucumbers in pots gives me the best success with our wonky summer weather. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Beets</em> are coming along fine, will be ready for pickling in about a month’s time. We will need lots more beets though, and some for fresh eating, too, so I’m tossing seeds in any empty pockets I can find throughout the garden. With the cool weather crops thriving in this weather, not bolting, is proving hard to find places to sow seeds. A nice problem to have, am not complaining about fresh greens in July : ) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSOmfBgyb8PAIoHjHVe-1MQZWXw2sGl9Q-1kMSpqNzjAF2HqQyUC0vxECj2OEnXofR7m4x9Dl7Np_5_8OomrbRnoqnQrfA1cCSbjbFDT0bDRyL4cZEtKprJlapk47JpfKpxPbu-EpxZ9RoiQm7Ww5nVME4_A67rCJXn729ktj_20rVez1JFconJWfsA/s720/IMG_3629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSOmfBgyb8PAIoHjHVe-1MQZWXw2sGl9Q-1kMSpqNzjAF2HqQyUC0vxECj2OEnXofR7m4x9Dl7Np_5_8OomrbRnoqnQrfA1cCSbjbFDT0bDRyL4cZEtKprJlapk47JpfKpxPbu-EpxZ9RoiQm7Ww5nVME4_A67rCJXn729ktj_20rVez1JFconJWfsA/w640-h426/IMG_3629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFwdiRcey_9D-SEt7FmWyii9BN-UYBGRe3WyxbryOv0DFk2A7ckDhV4ZsDdzLDqbGEFr_FAraAu4S2r028W0i_eW0HaCRL2mR6viay5yDRZH_KCmMLh8myEEI9-_8RvY1hLn-6I6-J1QlqNut7pJWGpVW9yiRCYnnUNADD-5cHvtcY7csP_lzgz0TNw/s720/IMG_3639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFwdiRcey_9D-SEt7FmWyii9BN-UYBGRe3WyxbryOv0DFk2A7ckDhV4ZsDdzLDqbGEFr_FAraAu4S2r028W0i_eW0HaCRL2mR6viay5yDRZH_KCmMLh8myEEI9-_8RvY1hLn-6I6-J1QlqNut7pJWGpVW9yiRCYnnUNADD-5cHvtcY7csP_lzgz0TNw/w640-h426/IMG_3639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Winter and Summer Squash </em>- In the top picture you can see that my spaghetti squash is putting on loads of wee little squash… but in the bottom picture you can see two of them have yellowed and withered. This is normal. Nothing wrong with your plant or your soil, those blossoms just did not get pollinated. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Squash of all kinds, winter and summer, make both male and female blossoms, these blooms are only open for one day. You need both a male and a female to be open at the same time for pollination to occur and this can sometimes take a while. Once they do, the bees go from flower to flower to pollinate them. Some will go around and hand pollinate the females in order to ensure pollination.</p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">What can you do about it? Plant lots of squash. They do not have to be the same kind to pollinate each other… can be zucchini, pumpkins, pattypans, etc... ideally it is summer squash that pollinate summer squash, winter with winter, but do not stress it if not. As long as there is a male and a female flower blooming at the same time, you will get squash : ) </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not keep the seeds if you are growing different sorts of squash in your potager. The fruits from those will not come true, will be some sort of frankensquash. While some of these oddball squash may be edible, they will likely not be very tasty, and there is a small chance that they can be toxic, as well. Best to use fresh purchased seed annually. </p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePq9R28QpGXAsElxCsejEhjKT-VcL7LW1tMXqL6rzjvlaY6FmHRXKdXN0n_1qaWMZo-NvRXgK7J04mChD0H-REaMAWixo0XOYArORwlhhjClA5_U9y5htXSm-DDO-tMBW_ATEShuHqi0EC4MiNJl2hencjyQSomYP45e6rWWM1-1yNC7qbwP2rN4BRg/s655/IMG_3762.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="655" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePq9R28QpGXAsElxCsejEhjKT-VcL7LW1tMXqL6rzjvlaY6FmHRXKdXN0n_1qaWMZo-NvRXgK7J04mChD0H-REaMAWixo0XOYArORwlhhjClA5_U9y5htXSm-DDO-tMBW_ATEShuHqi0EC4MiNJl2hencjyQSomYP45e6rWWM1-1yNC7qbwP2rN4BRg/w640-h436/IMG_3762.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tomatoes in early July absolutely loaded with blossoms. Was a good tomato year but a late harvest. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><em style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></em></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tomatoes </span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">- doing really well! Despite this weather. Although I am not growing my own tomatoes this year, most everyone that I have spoken to says they are doing really fine! In the cool summer of 2020, this is what stage my tomatoes were at... thinking it might be fairly similar this year. </span><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2020 - So far, just flowers and wee baby fruits, no ripe tomatoes as of yet. You may remember that we planted 100 tomatoes at the end of May (okay, maybe 105 but don’t tell hubby;) </span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some were planted with Gaia Green 4-4-4 and the others with Tomato Acti-Sol. Both sides are doing really well, flowering, nice and deep green in colour.. but thus far, the Acti-Sol ones are noticeably bigger. Will be interesting to see whether there is any difference later on or whether they end up being about the same… will update you as the season goes along. </span><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">(<i>psst - there was no discernible difference at the end, plant with either one and you will have great results). </i></span></span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.83921568627451)" face="futura-pt"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.83921568627451)" face="futura-pt"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbE_AG7ApiJ6ET11dmnWFD315h8VWYDcG3Itwa7_tZWa0Qo2-YxymSEj24-P-SZBO4hzq4PVMidW-9QpAXmH8Kb3CNSLG_7YCzm9Rl17UHaHK4a-ctr4-Dy7VYdeIaiRmnMOk9xaeHAaEbF_D02jOFNG2duAU7HtRlXHPJuTwBsj9rFN-GsJLtFJ-eg/s800/2019-06-261.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbE_AG7ApiJ6ET11dmnWFD315h8VWYDcG3Itwa7_tZWa0Qo2-YxymSEj24-P-SZBO4hzq4PVMidW-9QpAXmH8Kb3CNSLG_7YCzm9Rl17UHaHK4a-ctr4-Dy7VYdeIaiRmnMOk9xaeHAaEbF_D02jOFNG2duAU7HtRlXHPJuTwBsj9rFN-GsJLtFJ-eg/w640-h428/2019-06-261.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t forget to stay on top of pruning suckers from your indeterminate (vining/cordon) tomatoes. These tomatoes are usually grown up a stake or a string, pruned back to just one main stem. If you let the suckers get away from you, you will get a beast of a plant that takes over the garden bed. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzkluenEZ-FeNJM_kBaX4_0I3xaJAfyEyGoe99CWtwW3OgE8ijFR12OFVwiMahTECh4rUSH5q1N646cWgjzW4zD4Q1LuN8VNIC811rAvqZwnYPbvjqx31twJrpnEbU74bSWgUUTg90YdnqoG02cEFtG99T6TvNn1cYcCFkZXGJltXSD0Z3zAj9Z4Llg/s720/IMG_1726.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzkluenEZ-FeNJM_kBaX4_0I3xaJAfyEyGoe99CWtwW3OgE8ijFR12OFVwiMahTECh4rUSH5q1N646cWgjzW4zD4Q1LuN8VNIC811rAvqZwnYPbvjqx31twJrpnEbU74bSWgUUTg90YdnqoG02cEFtG99T6TvNn1cYcCFkZXGJltXSD0Z3zAj9Z4Llg/w640-h426/IMG_1726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I predict that we are going to be faced with zippering and cat-faced tomatoes again this year due to the cool weather when the flowers were being pollinated. It will mostly affect your beefsteak varieties and there is nothing you can do about the weather so not to worry.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">To prevent BER, make sure to deep water every 3rd or 4th day (stick your finger in to check for moisture). Good deep soaks on a regular schedule will give great BER free tomatoes with that yummy, real tomato flavour, too. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are interested in reading more about tomatoes, tomato issues, pollination problems, etc… that may soon be coming our way, <i><a href="5. Pest control - Your flowers should be all starting to flower and thrive now, attracting all sorts of beneficial insects to your garden. If you were to sit in the garden and watch for a bit, I bet you will find ladybugs or other insects taking care of your pest problems. As I picked peas yesterday, I noticed a few green aphids crawling around the pathway. They must have been hiding in the vines. While I kept on picking, I saw a few ladybugs in the area, as well. During the short time that I was out there, they had already taken care of quite a few of those aphids. I just walked away and left them to their business. Ideally, do not spray with anything, even organic safe sprays, if you do not have to. Wait it out a bit to see if nature does not help you out with that. If you enjoy these tips and want to learn more about organic growing practices, sign up for some of my food growing workshops in late winter and early spring 2021. They are a fun and informational way to learn while hanging out with great, like-minded peeps. Shameless plug : ) " target="_blank">here is a post</a></i> </span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">about common tomato issues. </span></div><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sVy_kYhKE95BraC4-d6P_wL5P_ptMgAviNIJVNTRCveyOSCjoKNzZtaZk_6P3klbmPuFjvcV3x_sOpLTwDVeCthRvygx2lKnZVr663fcccAfaZ_C1OD09v_LZlQHyov2txKPnJ8kAbUGt4L7LQ59nGStVXppoY0ExwBSjFmErwJq_hkxFZtvMafifg/s707/IMG_8635.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="707" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sVy_kYhKE95BraC4-d6P_wL5P_ptMgAviNIJVNTRCveyOSCjoKNzZtaZk_6P3klbmPuFjvcV3x_sOpLTwDVeCthRvygx2lKnZVr663fcccAfaZ_C1OD09v_LZlQHyov2txKPnJ8kAbUGt4L7LQ59nGStVXppoY0ExwBSjFmErwJq_hkxFZtvMafifg/w640-h406/IMG_8635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><h3 style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(64, 64, 64, 0.91); font-family: pauline; font-size: 23px; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.02em; line-height: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; white-space: pre-wrap;">What to do this month? </h3><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">1. Find pockets in the garden to sow more seeds into for late summer, fall, and winter vegetables. </em></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">The garlic bed </em>- I use the same bed for garlic year after year. No, this does not present any problems as I have not had any issues in that bed. If I were to get a soil borne issue, like white rot, I would have to move on out, but as it stands currently, this is the best bed for my garlic to grow so it really has to stay there. If you have rust, not to worry, that is just a physiological issue (due to our weather this year), is not a soil issue. I checked with <em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">farmer guy</em> ( the garlic farmer) about this to make sure and he assures me that all is well, not to worry. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">So… that means I have this entire bed that I can use for about 3 months. If, like me, you use the same bed for your garlic, you know how hard it is to find something that goes from seed to harvest in that time. It cannot be greens and such as garlic beds are in a full sun location so is too hot for greens. I have tried different things throughout the years and find that bush beans, daikon radishes, turnips, kohlrabi, and cucumbers work the best. They thrive in the heat, grow quickly, are harvestable in late August and throughout September so that I can feed my bed with compost and plant next year’s garlic. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Spring veggie bed</em> - If you have some brassicas, greens, lettuces, etc.. that are just about finished, harvest them before they bolt and use that space for planting. If they have already bolted, pull them out and toss in more seeds. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Interplant</em> - Sow seeds in rows between your summer crops. Carrots, spring onions, beets, turnips and other small root crops are great to toss in between your brassicas, your rows of lettuce, in the tomato bed… </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">2. Sow and grow more veggies.</em> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjbFVCOp_LgU4b45E0I_frJGfmjnfMmOFdo9DRaaXJYontwF8QQr-7QIbUcGfED4bDavyn4O8DmQG3MabnFWI-IeJNZN__yaHuowrTH74ynwCT6r_Pj_JCCJmUCMmPydnXf7vT-LEehlbvMXIop_ujYnf6HotHRDeF5qmtDjtIvQMblIRdyNfz18mfQ/s1440/227852984_3711483158957084_3799013846699385435_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjbFVCOp_LgU4b45E0I_frJGfmjnfMmOFdo9DRaaXJYontwF8QQr-7QIbUcGfED4bDavyn4O8DmQG3MabnFWI-IeJNZN__yaHuowrTH74ynwCT6r_Pj_JCCJmUCMmPydnXf7vT-LEehlbvMXIop_ujYnf6HotHRDeF5qmtDjtIvQMblIRdyNfz18mfQ/w640-h640/227852984_3711483158957084_3799013846699385435_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Your winter carrots (sown in January) should be pretty much ready to harvest. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0.36px;">What can you be planting right now?</span></em></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Carrots</em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;"> - This week is your <i>last week </i>to toss in some more carrot seeds. It will be too late for them to size up if they are not in the ground before mid-month. I would not even leave it that long. The 7th is usually my cut off date. Carrots do not need to be harvested all at once in the fall, just leave them in the ground and harvest as needed throughout the winter. Keep seeds moist until the germinate! Water once or twice daily, cover with burlap sacks to help hold in moisture till you see sprouting. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Potatoes</em> - you can grow a late crop if you plant right now, ones that will be ready for Thanksgiving dinner. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Brassicas </em>- Start these now in pots or 6 packs or can be direct sown now if you can find the room. Here are some ideas of what you need to start soon in order to grow fall and winter crops. If you do not have the time or energy, the shops and market growers will have some for purchase in August. </p><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Broccoli - for eating in fall</p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sprouting broccoli - for eating in early spring</p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cauliflower - for fall harvest </p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cauliflower (Galleon ) to eat in spring.</p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beets - for fall</p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cabbage - overwintering kind ( Ballhead, Early Jersey Wakefield, Deadon…) </p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Daikon - grow for fall harvest or can be left in garden and harvested as needed</p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kale </p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kohlrabi - can be sown this month and harvested throughout the fall and winter</p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lettuces and greens </p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Peas - sow these towards the end of the month for a fall harvest</p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Turnips - succession sow all summer and into early fall</p></li><li style="list-style-type: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Walla walla - start now to transplant next month and harvest next year in late spring<span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;"> </span></p></li></ul><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">2. Weeding… never ending job, especially in the pathways and flower beds</em>. <em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Keep on them, try to get to them before they go to seed (easier said than done, I know). </em> </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">We mostly crawl around and pull them, hoe them out if we can, and sometimes use the weed torch in the gravel pathways. Do not do this near mulch, shrubs, or peat moss based gardens as they catch on fire very easily at this time of year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksSx82RkrZREPz_hAzpAOp3uP1O7jAT7cdQSSWQIQFC6nhfW6xJRWz_6vAsE-tbvAl6fT0Q6NTUpR0i4Q1JwgIEpnpJRRUPUHSDSA2-dweeiSZMA4FFIvvT-iFj8YPoSbhl-3uFFMdh26COYXVSzz3uqUovdp83UvQS_HXh-HRq8mvODrZsv6nd1bEA/s720/IMG_1420-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksSx82RkrZREPz_hAzpAOp3uP1O7jAT7cdQSSWQIQFC6nhfW6xJRWz_6vAsE-tbvAl6fT0Q6NTUpR0i4Q1JwgIEpnpJRRUPUHSDSA2-dweeiSZMA4FFIvvT-iFj8YPoSbhl-3uFFMdh26COYXVSzz3uqUovdp83UvQS_HXh-HRq8mvODrZsv6nd1bEA/w640-h426/IMG_1420-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Proper Watering -</em><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Honestly, I love hand watering. There is little that I find more satisfying and soothing for the soul than puttering about with a watering wand… at least until the hose kinks up or gets caught on something, causing me to lose my mind and turn the air blue. </span></div><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, as enjoyable (for the most part) as hand watering is, it is much less effective and not as beneficial for the plants. Slow-watering less often with soaker hoses or drip lines creates stronger, healthier, sturdier plants than shallow hand watering daily. Water tomatoes, squash, and such, every 3rd day and root crops/brassicas every 5 to 7 days. Cucumbers benefit from watering a bit more often, every second day, if you can. </p><p id="yui_3_17_2_1_1656714471003_838" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">I leave the hand watering for my hanging baskets, pots and planters, and to occasionally water the edges of the raised beds to give the border plants a good drink. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Try not to wet the foliage and try to water your veggie beds during the morning hours to keep fungal issues like powdery mildew, or worse, taking hold in your garden. In the picture above, my tomatoes are planted 2 feet apart for good air flow so that I do not end up with mildew, wilt, or blight. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OpJV6tJUqYCID5-LLyfTqXI7oWbqzLGD_JEANBTqLEc-mAFxBlnNrwmXLInaQ9-lxInlcITEJ9aYJUtLeQacj4Wq9JUSblGwxvmF7G9swgFNsytS0uaiCMVzsIKEsi2BZDZioozbpssKEfj0zA-GSuXVYdyEhQcIST8rfwArRLqq8CzOXT95ReWAdg/s800/DSC_0067-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="800" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OpJV6tJUqYCID5-LLyfTqXI7oWbqzLGD_JEANBTqLEc-mAFxBlnNrwmXLInaQ9-lxInlcITEJ9aYJUtLeQacj4Wq9JUSblGwxvmF7G9swgFNsytS0uaiCMVzsIKEsi2BZDZioozbpssKEfj0zA-GSuXVYdyEhQcIST8rfwArRLqq8CzOXT95ReWAdg/w640-h444/DSC_0067-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">4. Feeding - Anything growing in pots, planters, or baskets will need a feed this month</em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Annual flowers </em>need a weekly or bi-weekly feed in order to keep blooming as they will soon use up the nutrients in their pots/baskets. I use a general 15-30-15 or similar, something with a bigger middle number to keep the flowers blooming all summer long. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Roses, bay trees, citrus trees, olives,</em> etc.. that stay in pots year round, will get a shovelful or two of manure as a top dressing to keep them happy and thriving. If you have a slow release fertiliser, this can be mixed in with the manure. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Peppers and tomatoes</em> in pots get a tablespoon or two of Epsom salts on top of the pots. Tomatoes are fed with an organic seaweed based fertiliser once a week, peppers only if they look peaked and need a boost. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the garden - I do not usually feed anything the veggies in the garden as the soil is fed with compost and manure annually and sometimes we add organic feed to the planting hole. Everything should be performing nicely. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">If your soil is not up to snuff yet, if it is new and you are just starting to build it up, you can either feed the plant or feed the soil once or twice a month. To feed the plant, use a liquid seaweed or manure tea to spray onto the foliage or water in with an organic vegetable food. Kelp tea is also a great idea! </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">To feed the soil, side dress between the rows and around the plants with really good compost or manure, they will get a slow feed each time you water. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqDN_EoCDSiCMt0mHYjWq_U9aZLxiA642VQVCAyu-sWaGPmjgvvLa88VMDl--V6reMlp4ctndxYrpWqKlu9Ykz_GwvFSuHKBq98qLo_a9gp3JrYOKj4PZJ0rb0b7vlbYNMkuImuJfY9zQIZbh5hffShTX7wyoZuUYb_F1pi7R4dPeutW0a-3nArUooQ/s720/IMG_8854.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqDN_EoCDSiCMt0mHYjWq_U9aZLxiA642VQVCAyu-sWaGPmjgvvLa88VMDl--V6reMlp4ctndxYrpWqKlu9Ykz_GwvFSuHKBq98qLo_a9gp3JrYOKj4PZJ0rb0b7vlbYNMkuImuJfY9zQIZbh5hffShTX7wyoZuUYb_F1pi7R4dPeutW0a-3nArUooQ/w640-h426/IMG_8854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">5. Pest control - Your flowers should be all starting to flower and thrive now, attracting all sorts of beneficial insects to your garden. </em></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you were to sit in the garden and watch for a bit, I bet you will find ladybugs or other insects taking care of your pest problems. As I picked peas yesterday, I noticed a few green aphids crawling around the pathway. They must have been hiding in the vines. While I kept on picking, I saw a few ladybugs in the area, as well. During the short time that I was out there, they had already taken care of quite a few of those aphids. I just walked away and left them to their business. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ideally, do not spray with anything, even organic safe sprays, if you do not have to. Wait it out a bit to see if nature does not help you out with that. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsKNJQTuWWcVzB2fGjuoMeTriKE7M9iO4rgB8nAz8RjGVwtNAHfXyL594Z9iGvyRgJ54TjWEJLLRiXqWgQEz4BoPc8VjSRiCh05ZPWZegvzwCUilHHk3sDBwXaj4oDHMbjiXIWdDQRSUT4orXJDJpRuNgr-00y8V2yFdMKpnpXeWZ-AXyduRKMO3LLQ/s690/IMG_8874.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="427" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsKNJQTuWWcVzB2fGjuoMeTriKE7M9iO4rgB8nAz8RjGVwtNAHfXyL594Z9iGvyRgJ54TjWEJLLRiXqWgQEz4BoPc8VjSRiCh05ZPWZegvzwCUilHHk3sDBwXaj4oDHMbjiXIWdDQRSUT4orXJDJpRuNgr-00y8V2yFdMKpnpXeWZ-AXyduRKMO3LLQ/w396-h640/IMG_8874.JPG" width="396" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)" face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is my last Garden Ramblings posts on the NGP. I do hope you follow me on the next chapter at the new house and garden. </span></div><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">To know what to do from month to month if you live on the west coast, in a zone 5, 6, 7, 8, please check out the archives. There are many, many years worth of monthly, and even weekly, information. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will post the name of my new blog and the fb page for the new house very soon. Hoping that many of you will follow along. The garden zone will not be the same and the timings will be a bit different, but you all know that I love to chat so there will be tons of new and interesting information from the new 'wee' homestead. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep growing lots of great, organic foods, and wishing you all the the very best in your gardening endeavours! </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Happy Gardening ~ Tanja </span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-68379877005465857602022-06-25T11:30:00.002-07:002022-06-26T16:24:27.818-07:00End June Palaver From The Potager<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I missed out on getting this post out last weekend with everything going on. Father's day, family time and grandbabies time amongst the packing, purging, cleaning, organising, and selling. Moving is a big deal, moving a whole province away is a really big deal ; )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems like summer has begun for us here on the island. Sunshine is here and is supposed to stay awhile. Fingers crossed for heat and sunshine... though maybe not quite as hot as last summer with the heat dome and heat waves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This post is a cross between a Garden Ramblings and a Potager Palaver post... shaking things up a bit for my last few weeks ; ) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDU9fLqtsvMf0rA_KQiNfFpmIAmLw6Iair5iqOSdl4IIsRkf8MfzW-uvSXTgl3F56Ly-KPYssHtOAj2qR4KbwS7U1Y3ZIU-o9tbDgQP8uGfAHnh9OvPrw9WL5DWPWV40UAGKIMJLlF-Sm18fdQfZYhKomJbGx2JDjytro8q_6Owetrrufy_pcAIHoiw/s720/IMG_1399.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDU9fLqtsvMf0rA_KQiNfFpmIAmLw6Iair5iqOSdl4IIsRkf8MfzW-uvSXTgl3F56Ly-KPYssHtOAj2qR4KbwS7U1Y3ZIU-o9tbDgQP8uGfAHnh9OvPrw9WL5DWPWV40UAGKIMJLlF-Sm18fdQfZYhKomJbGx2JDjytro8q_6Owetrrufy_pcAIHoiw/w426-h640/IMG_1399.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope the heat has come in time for your heat loving summer crops? As I did not plant a garden this year, I am not sure how things are making out. Are your tomatoes hanging in there? Thriving? Struggling? Now that the heat is here, give them a nice foliar spray with liquid seaweed, if you have some, a drink of manure tea or kelp. and watch them perk up and start to thrive with the temps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember, check for water. Every 3rd or 4th day with a good soak to have the best tasting tomatoes and no BER (Blossom End Rot). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQGLq_aS6wWEHq2ly2T4CDNhVvdHMTSWZvh944eVgMkRWIfPH8E5_7ZcyoN32bEQBrL1lvFNzt4ehvbUiLgQI1lBEyZb-mCQPtPHBs-sBLXHxb29JERE41I9x5zmbenRXSrarWN9UR7UJplu9zT3GCeasCJiAmfoWMZKxPBs7Bzpp6Vbh4A49Gkdjbg/s720/IMG_6594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQGLq_aS6wWEHq2ly2T4CDNhVvdHMTSWZvh944eVgMkRWIfPH8E5_7ZcyoN32bEQBrL1lvFNzt4ehvbUiLgQI1lBEyZb-mCQPtPHBs-sBLXHxb29JERE41I9x5zmbenRXSrarWN9UR7UJplu9zT3GCeasCJiAmfoWMZKxPBs7Bzpp6Vbh4A49Gkdjbg/w640-h426/IMG_6594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sow some cucumbers <i>now,</i> whether long English, slicer, or pickling, they will do great. The heat will have them germinating in just a few days and they will just take off like gangbusters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cucumbers, bush beans, and carrots are great crops to sow over the next few weeks. Wondering what else you can sow this time of year? Here are some ideas... <a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2018/07/what-veggies-to-plant-in-middle-of.html">What Veggies To Plant In The Middle Of Summer? (thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I won't be doing a Garden Ramblings post for July with all the what to do and what to plant/sow info but if you go into the archives, you will find a decades worth of what to do in July ; ) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is one... <a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2017/07/july-garden-rambllings.html">July Garden Ramblings (thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhyU3eWkuEWgkOGrGod2cFEiCE0b4uMIeNWXB3f3eKkvcpcJ_UAWaqkTO1hL5asN6HiM_0sN9k1v0WpH-MHpOsXqfrki6HGbadrAkLzuD3bU8BWWqUMKai9oWuvNowuLzegt3yLe9wYtvBD4-eIaN9houC_UZut4R1xuOuRAC5CN-VfVAcpdfzxBqLw/s800/IMG_8176-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhyU3eWkuEWgkOGrGod2cFEiCE0b4uMIeNWXB3f3eKkvcpcJ_UAWaqkTO1hL5asN6HiM_0sN9k1v0WpH-MHpOsXqfrki6HGbadrAkLzuD3bU8BWWqUMKai9oWuvNowuLzegt3yLe9wYtvBD4-eIaN9houC_UZut4R1xuOuRAC5CN-VfVAcpdfzxBqLw/w640-h428/IMG_8176-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some of you have rust on your garlic from the wet, cool, humid weather we were having. Cut off the worst of the leaves and if it seems like it keeps on spreading, lift the bulbs early. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rust is not a soil borne disease, luckily, is completely due to the weather conditions, so no worries about planting in the same bed again. If you want to use that same spot again, look into improving the air flow around your garlic, if possible. Is it in a tight corner where the air does not move? Is it surrounded by other plants that are keeping it from getting good air around it? See if you can somehow make a change so that the air moves better in that area next year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is my write up about <i><a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2021/07/how-to-harvest-and-cure-garlic-for-best.html" target="_blank">garlic harvesting, cleaning, and curing. </a> </i>in case you missed it yesterday.<i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCATR9kb7f6AosIVJJOh7XMILDnIPY8JugAhJ-Zt7u_cy-r1v8-dHlmaFtw-Jk_2IPfeJPC5J7nzOWSgtaCkLbcaGJCTtmavCCg1TiTPgW3nntK_qQQedX-4UFgInMqLThjvJO878sn_Bzn8qAM5RbcmKtplwA_0nvRwSpNCtXwck0o9qHvG3GKfRWdw/s800/IMG_8200.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="800" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCATR9kb7f6AosIVJJOh7XMILDnIPY8JugAhJ-Zt7u_cy-r1v8-dHlmaFtw-Jk_2IPfeJPC5J7nzOWSgtaCkLbcaGJCTtmavCCg1TiTPgW3nntK_qQQedX-4UFgInMqLThjvJO878sn_Bzn8qAM5RbcmKtplwA_0nvRwSpNCtXwck0o9qHvG3GKfRWdw/w640-h406/IMG_8200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This picture is not from this year as I have no garden this year, but is from this same time frame. It was taken on the 2nd or 3rd of July in 2017, so just a few days out from where we are now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spring crops start to bolt when the weather changes, warms up, with less rains so you may not be able to stop it but you can slow it down by watering deeply, regularly, and by picking often. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember with things like peas, beans, and even sweet peas (the flowers), the more you pick, the more they make. If you stop picking for about 3 days, they will start to yellow, figure that they are finished producing for the year, staring making seeds instead. Pick, pick, pick! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXY6noUg6yGwNbTopa0u8BKMxj6z1vROmfU54REIKruJyqrqRXufWA8NLSIyNyJOomyZXCDuEEu-qqnUOSW3m1wFbKyQoCMFhazxSSgPkCLc4G-pps0NkB6SxiuxhNhqTq9HAPWRmGzUM-ZhDlfEucQwDdHDvbF8h5xw0ij28LrijNLlBoeWttI-x37Q/s720/IMG_6504.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXY6noUg6yGwNbTopa0u8BKMxj6z1vROmfU54REIKruJyqrqRXufWA8NLSIyNyJOomyZXCDuEEu-qqnUOSW3m1wFbKyQoCMFhazxSSgPkCLc4G-pps0NkB6SxiuxhNhqTq9HAPWRmGzUM-ZhDlfEucQwDdHDvbF8h5xw0ij28LrijNLlBoeWttI-x37Q/w640-h426/IMG_6504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lavender is in full bloom now. This is the time to harvest it if you would like to use it for crafting, scenting, cooking. Here are some ideas for how to dry it and what to do with it .. <a href="https://www.interiorfrugalista.com/2016/09/how-to-harvest-and-dry-lavender.html">How To Harvest And Dry Lavender From The Garden - Interior Frugalista</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you harvest it now, you will get a second flush of blooms in 6 to 8 weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Here are some of the articles that caught my eye over the past two weeks... </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHnxBPpX0aqcy7O7XaP7YKFlFSRJDqlJLKSebde1905a_Czy97COV0ezcDMMxee-v1RMJ8yY2zzYf8PW43RRQAJbyXoOu3-45y5NdezftfHbKcGdMgsKfqVrcSuVk5_23mb3dtMZVss6K8E0ebU0TsNNPIa4Vig9gtAKl392gSNFahAokIsomSzFTmg/s800/IMG_5648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHnxBPpX0aqcy7O7XaP7YKFlFSRJDqlJLKSebde1905a_Czy97COV0ezcDMMxee-v1RMJ8yY2zzYf8PW43RRQAJbyXoOu3-45y5NdezftfHbKcGdMgsKfqVrcSuVk5_23mb3dtMZVss6K8E0ebU0TsNNPIa4Vig9gtAKl392gSNFahAokIsomSzFTmg/w640-h428/IMG_5648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a very good article for new gardeners, super information! <a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/new-gardener-advice-and-suggestions?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=">New Gardener Advice and Suggestions - Dave's Garden (davesgarden.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This lovely article about what a potager is and how to create one. <a href="https://www.bbg.org/gardening/article/potager">Learn to How to Create a Potager: A French Kitchen Garden - Brooklyn Botanic Garden (bbg.org)</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvFC2SDqdGK4DyPTiJPDDOm7ZkBI4cCMj-6blFZ-NpdKuEqNWYzQiDjue8hrZNMjvBefm-B3R0y5Fq-053pV6qalLL1Z5RKvRC8amR_QuwO7wO2xj8INg791xIXVFkxqDCCUucarHBcNBrO7SLVTuoSU2_T-JUH_3tQK57w4GzonRbk85R_wG44ho0A/s800/IMG_5322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvFC2SDqdGK4DyPTiJPDDOm7ZkBI4cCMj-6blFZ-NpdKuEqNWYzQiDjue8hrZNMjvBefm-B3R0y5Fq-053pV6qalLL1Z5RKvRC8amR_QuwO7wO2xj8INg791xIXVFkxqDCCUucarHBcNBrO7SLVTuoSU2_T-JUH_3tQK57w4GzonRbk85R_wG44ho0A/w640-h428/IMG_5322.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We have been talking about drought and effective watering here at the ngp since 2016. Here on the west coast, we get rain and more rain in winter but not much of any moisture in summer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last year was brutally dry and hot from June through September. Here are some excellent tips on how to best water, how to conserve water but keep your plants thriving, how to choose the best plants for your landscape. <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-keep-your-yard-healthy-and-attractive-with-less-water-stsetivw-vs~160733646?bsft_aaid=329e9826-7f03-489a-bf58-7ecadf452c0f&bsft_eid=3a522472-15f6-40ca-9cab-18c3e4e2c52b&bsft_pid=a78f86eb-b97d-442a-89fd-3dced9ca46ca&utm_campaign=061422-us-homeowner-newsletter&utm_source=blueshift&utm_medium=email&utm_content=clean-lined&bsft_clkid=1206ed9e-ce93-40d7-b496-6719ef4687fb&bsft_uid=c8e70056-f63d-46cc-a7b5-59ee40c9e7bb&bsft_mid=8b4762dd-4bba-4477-acd7-bb3281950b39&bsft_pp=6&bsft_link_id=9073&bsft_mime_type=html&bsft_ek=2022-06-14T08%3A00%3A41Z&bsft_lx=62&bsft_tv=13&utm_term=block1prod3">How to Keep Your Yard Healthy and Attractive With Less Water (houzz.com)</a> </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kPBbdiy1hZIHpPyY3kBKBVkrQ36ZK7PWGSHCs9mvch7Ht-CuvezxiujyCWmYyQ0LNV9pvN7QH-QuSA0S-pJJzGQnz0Pr4xZNA5txGbhRSUXmnQGaAB--7oGYNL4zR3904lYWfhTkXf2m6Ustc9CV6O_l0SiE0PdHbwkG5URObMp4DHZTtmB7Z5TAqQ/s700/419772.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="700" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kPBbdiy1hZIHpPyY3kBKBVkrQ36ZK7PWGSHCs9mvch7Ht-CuvezxiujyCWmYyQ0LNV9pvN7QH-QuSA0S-pJJzGQnz0Pr4xZNA5txGbhRSUXmnQGaAB--7oGYNL4zR3904lYWfhTkXf2m6Ustc9CV6O_l0SiE0PdHbwkG5URObMp4DHZTtmB7Z5TAqQ/w640-h286/419772.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Feed the soil to feed your plants : ) I could go on and on about how we have been misled, by fertiliser companies, that we need to feed our plants all the time, but will instead share a few of these tips about organic feeding. Feeding the soil, rather than the plants is better for your plants, better for our ground water, lakes, and oceans, better for your soil, and our planet. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a short article <a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/fertilize-flower-gardens-the-right-way?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=">Fertilize Flower Gardens the Right Way - Dave's Garden (davesgarden.com)</a> and here is another good one. <a href="https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/best-organic-fetilizers-zm0z17amz/?fbclid=IwAR1rw6gpNizMF8Y2RdYvWu5rRxTYK3drXx06ZS9qNHIElRNTgyqDWLIluFI">Best Organic Fertilizers – Mother Earth News</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Along that same line, here is a great post from Erin at Floret Flower Farm about organically improving and building up the soil. Flowers or food crops, does not matter, organic growing practices is best for us and our lovely planet. If you have the Magnolia Network, check out the farm on the 4 part series, as well. So much information and inspiration. <a href="https://www.floretflowers.com/soil-preparation/">Soil Preparation - Floret Flowers</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6K-invpL_5E29L3BThwLCcL5CN02KgRmjnOzoZngqgUbB8ZGkpkHkvPTSZojT1ni9cmRQa7VWo8vZ70pVFhiRInV49WucUI93BZqAq7n-LFFR6XhzVoGVgbNoxmDvOXej3bBYWvSTQtGNXiUYOxg9kmQFl5WRODlOvqnA93vfTThoZtUgkIGRnhQy7w/s1395/UskefBkaLuZ2goDrYsGkR7QIflbpmormbM6h14mL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1395" data-original-width="930" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6K-invpL_5E29L3BThwLCcL5CN02KgRmjnOzoZngqgUbB8ZGkpkHkvPTSZojT1ni9cmRQa7VWo8vZ70pVFhiRInV49WucUI93BZqAq7n-LFFR6XhzVoGVgbNoxmDvOXej3bBYWvSTQtGNXiUYOxg9kmQFl5WRODlOvqnA93vfTThoZtUgkIGRnhQy7w/w426-h640/UskefBkaLuZ2goDrYsGkR7QIflbpmormbM6h14mL.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These raised bed border gardens are a great way to add a new bed very quickly, more garden space and they look great, too. Can be fit in just about anywhere. <a href="https://www.gardenary.com/blog/border-gardens-are-the-perfect-solution-to-small-garden-design">Border Gardens Are the Perfect Solution to Small Garden Design • Gardenary</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqhKX6kmJIu3XZHhu1CiQ3gajNZ4bIs2JML9ZLZqTZ963VAkSTuSVIEGZ2Q4WdgHbGzY5k-vREus9ORn3wrlyWZz0_njoEp5XYBJERPk4yr84l2m4KadhIKmsnHobaw5Vqhq3-LnRv9CjDgDj6GfBHRiVDEXZoQ0oWm2f1GlMJFZtjaoBq3cpCTaMoA/s1125/midsummer%20tablescape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqhKX6kmJIu3XZHhu1CiQ3gajNZ4bIs2JML9ZLZqTZ963VAkSTuSVIEGZ2Q4WdgHbGzY5k-vREus9ORn3wrlyWZz0_njoEp5XYBJERPk4yr84l2m4KadhIKmsnHobaw5Vqhq3-LnRv9CjDgDj6GfBHRiVDEXZoQ0oWm2f1GlMJFZtjaoBq3cpCTaMoA/w426-h640/midsummer%20tablescape.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I will leave you with this lovely picture. This weekend is Mid-Summer, a holiday in Scandinavia. Is this setting not just simply amazing? What a lovely way to spend time with family and friends. I was just thinking... Wouldn't this be absolutely perfect for Canada Day, too? I would so love to hang out in the garden with great food and friends in celebration. <a href="https://www.myscandinavianhome.com/2022/06/a-beautiful-midsummers-eve-table.html">my scandinavian home: A Beautiful Midsummer's Eve Table</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a really super weekend ~ Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-20901556768744024972022-06-23T10:16:00.000-07:002022-06-23T21:03:21.010-07:00How To Harvest and Cure Garlic For The Best Garlic Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7wECvms_QP6Yq1f8zXeo_GJNsUSfAz-T7nIp-eJZn1g6pZM71fdJy_PNj_xenmdgdSkd-XpilR4V_1ojn21vI_JHpR7EL0rKZsAl9UG9-qBx1dlaakbvDkmZ4cb3un78vRaQED9iYaeC/s720/IMG_3595.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7wECvms_QP6Yq1f8zXeo_GJNsUSfAz-T7nIp-eJZn1g6pZM71fdJy_PNj_xenmdgdSkd-XpilR4V_1ojn21vI_JHpR7EL0rKZsAl9UG9-qBx1dlaakbvDkmZ4cb3un78vRaQED9iYaeC/w640-h426/IMG_3595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Growing great garlic is dead simple! It's the harvesting and curing that can throw us for a loop. </div><div><br /></div><div>Start with great soil and healthy bulbs, lots of sun, a bit of water, and you will have really great garlic... but when to harvest can be a bit tricky. Too early and it has not grown to it's full potential, too late and they have split open, are full of soil, and won't cure.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjU8KIcuUzioQFySPR4hDjROGuloN5dqSufF4mOHCrXv-6t7qGRN5A8xMtwv1y1dx-5BmLCEeg23hcTBiP-h8CFmaRFtW8hiVlLp2bGKg7H8cVCkITiVdAxvvduvR1GHgxTGtgpmhlOK0/s720/IMG_5988.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjU8KIcuUzioQFySPR4hDjROGuloN5dqSufF4mOHCrXv-6t7qGRN5A8xMtwv1y1dx-5BmLCEeg23hcTBiP-h8CFmaRFtW8hiVlLp2bGKg7H8cVCkITiVdAxvvduvR1GHgxTGtgpmhlOK0/w640-h426/IMG_5988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Harvest - Garlic harvest can be anywhere between May and August depending on the weather, when the bulbs were planted, how much sun your bed gets, and the variety of garlic you're growing. </div><div><br /></div><div>The majority of varieties take 8 to 9 months to go from planting to harvesting. I plant mine up mid to late October and am lifting the hardnecks some time in the month of July. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you were to grow some of the early maturing types like artichoke (softneck) or Turban garlic, you'll find that they are ready 2 to 4 weeks earlier. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOKbXDh-WadIrN5vzWe-rZabDCS-ghQKafOXiuOL01x88-ga7aYLYfNbhdZYdxSFI1GY795tdgVWGMjdORCATsnNJSQZ3iX69B50jVdGbuD57zMl6dTO7HXbbfvUic5YSFP3cSyk9HfGo/s720/IMG_3501.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOKbXDh-WadIrN5vzWe-rZabDCS-ghQKafOXiuOL01x88-ga7aYLYfNbhdZYdxSFI1GY795tdgVWGMjdORCATsnNJSQZ3iX69B50jVdGbuD57zMl6dTO7HXbbfvUic5YSFP3cSyk9HfGo/w426-h640/IMG_3501.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div>Tip #1 - Your garlic will be ready to harvest 3 or 4 weeks after scapes have formed on your hardneck types. </div><div><br /></div><div>When your garlic forms scapes (the curlicues at the top) remove them to divert the energy back to the bulb for larger bulbs. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you remove the scapes when they are young and tender, they are easy to just snap off with your fingers. Go to the topmost leaf and bend the scape with your fingers, it will easily snap right off. However, if you miss that window and you scapes are not tough, you will need pruners to snip them off. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tender, young scapes are delicious to eat. We like them roasted on the bbq with a bit of evoo and salt or made into a pesto but there are so many ways to use them, they keep really well in the fridge for about a month, too. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8LhGxA4_icgnNM8oRU6HvAawh4DbDU_79hWEu1V0nCRYjQONwKuwV3UVPSJmIIn_UuLJ6vg9S7McAmyOiWSOxg53XjaH_POw_qtlex9-xhLTGLVDUij2-bQX8pjVLS7nX03GTb786lgP/s720/IMG_5991.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8LhGxA4_icgnNM8oRU6HvAawh4DbDU_79hWEu1V0nCRYjQONwKuwV3UVPSJmIIn_UuLJ6vg9S7McAmyOiWSOxg53XjaH_POw_qtlex9-xhLTGLVDUij2-bQX8pjVLS7nX03GTb786lgP/w426-h640/IMG_5991.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tip #2 - Stop watering your garlic shortly after you harvest the scapes and the bottom leaves start to yellow. </div><div><br /></div><div>Do not water for the last 2 to 3 weeks before harvest. The bulbs will cure better if they are not bloated with moisture or covered in wet muck. </div><div><br /></div><div>It also becomes much harder to brush the soil off of the bulbs at harvest time if the soil is wet, making the bulb more prone to mould and rot. This is especially true if you have clay soil or heavy soil. </div><div><br /></div><div>Try not to worry if it rains after the scapes have been removed. It is out of your hands. Cross your fingers for dry and sunny weather while your garlic is curing. Please do not lift the garlic early just because it is raining as you just never know how many weeks of dry weather you will have after the rains go away. Leave them in the ground till they are fully ready. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADRxKhVo_EA7XgiA5ayrgRbCYdSis3ME19pEoXOS6qSN4OmYtiN6-w7ihAj1eGx1lHjmTCwPMwU_vHBpIzy2c72X1wPbtAFOPACaQTyd5Rc-VZD1KKxpLn5_AzOlawDaRbcGmzFD77kKV/s720/IMG_5992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADRxKhVo_EA7XgiA5ayrgRbCYdSis3ME19pEoXOS6qSN4OmYtiN6-w7ihAj1eGx1lHjmTCwPMwU_vHBpIzy2c72X1wPbtAFOPACaQTyd5Rc-VZD1KKxpLn5_AzOlawDaRbcGmzFD77kKV/w426-h640/IMG_5992.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div>Tip #3 - Harvest when half the leaves have turned brown/yellow.</div><div><br /></div><div>The leaves will turn brown one at a time, from the bottom up, will look like these two that are lying on the ground in this picture. When all of the leaves on the bottom half are brown and only the top 4 or 5 are still green, it is time to lift. When this leaf (that I am pointing to) turns brown, I will be harvesting this garlic. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you forgot about them and left them in the ground till <i>all</i> the leaves went brown, the bulb will have split open. This garlic is still edible but will not cure for storage, too much soil and bacteria will have entered the open bulb. Use these cloves up in your cooking, mince and freeze, or dehydrate into yummy garlic powder.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEChoGGB2qHZO7NTSkpsgxBZ3LAdxvTh6AhBlCa_nqeZMg7d71c0OglwkgScJ9LS5LERY_SNcu_BWJ9O2ja7uJfTTmYGIXEobjWbCmkTAB6bezMoB_uvGL-kJDGyhkJ7DfCOkOkcpRrZS/s640/IMG_0451.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEChoGGB2qHZO7NTSkpsgxBZ3LAdxvTh6AhBlCa_nqeZMg7d71c0OglwkgScJ9LS5LERY_SNcu_BWJ9O2ja7uJfTTmYGIXEobjWbCmkTAB6bezMoB_uvGL-kJDGyhkJ7DfCOkOkcpRrZS/w640-h428/IMG_0451.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Garlic harvested too late will split it's 'wrappers'. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>I grow a bunch of different varieties of garlic, 14 different kinds this year. They all pretty much taste the same to me (I am apparently not much of a connoisseur;) but I find such joy in harvesting the different kinds and colours. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most of all though, I like that they all mature at different rates so I can stagger my harvest days. I used to kind of dread garlic clean up day. Cleaning up several hundred bulbs all at one go was a day or two of boring, repetitive, hot work, and painful for my arthritic fingers. </div><div><br /></div><div>I new do things a bit differently. Made the task easier and faster, fits into my days better so that I now enjoy the clean up. That tip is coming further down... </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV1iSQZQzk6bDQieDH8UmPTI1tybuG28cb-byBXvBMOobQ1_YQGBYVAH6g1lwUm4JyGt5J_7AowFYJijkwz2caDsxO5C6X932oXRrLzXh-Hj5yamw4BriCalATMkoXveFuhTmQe8QajLc/s640/IMG_3104.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV1iSQZQzk6bDQieDH8UmPTI1tybuG28cb-byBXvBMOobQ1_YQGBYVAH6g1lwUm4JyGt5J_7AowFYJijkwz2caDsxO5C6X932oXRrLzXh-Hj5yamw4BriCalATMkoXveFuhTmQe8QajLc/w426-h640/IMG_3104.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div>Tip #4- Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the bulb. </div><div><br /></div><div>Place the fork into the soil about 3 to 4 inches away from the stems to keep from piercing the lovely bulbs. If you jab them, they will not cure. Push down on the handle of the fork to gently loosen the bulbs from the soil. Gently pull up on the stalks and they should pop right out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Treat your bulbs with tender loving care; they bruise easily which shortens their storage life. Do not bash them on the ground to get the soil off of them ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpR_4CJygNdgA8MCce3AmXCZhACmAP734oCHrbuZinJQInCwtijDo9f5OfkpEFNwJxuVgn8d_X4Ahf9VZ8KicpsUeXqZ4caTZxtpZCaCKqKTCULNjxjMHKy7WffnOn9phZTjbv_CC2jjF/s657/IMG_6261-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="657" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpR_4CJygNdgA8MCce3AmXCZhACmAP734oCHrbuZinJQInCwtijDo9f5OfkpEFNwJxuVgn8d_X4Ahf9VZ8KicpsUeXqZ4caTZxtpZCaCKqKTCULNjxjMHKy7WffnOn9phZTjbv_CC2jjF/w640-h396/IMG_6261-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><i>Now this is where I veer off on my own trail, do something different from the masses ... </i></div><div><br /></div><div>The traditional way of curing garlic is to gently brush some of the soil off of the bulbs and shake it out of the roots and then set them out to cure. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lay the bulbs spread out on tables or hang them up to dry/cure for a minimum of 3 weeks. I usually cure mine at least 6 weeks so that they last in the pantry better. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3lQ9Uwe-lS33D07__6rMjUSksT0N9BVBWdthxoeGVa64ZpYlg0MtnYj_CW4AjvZ4MuGG49CxnzDT4ld5gXiEVU-HWf1oxDSB94UpZiiciIrytmuRU3AzWH56iyRcy5zBPZ92Bv7ql8_3QMdujqKHpfNuYwSpotAAx_OUl2RYRUUcpNfQJj910UTp0g/s800/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3lQ9Uwe-lS33D07__6rMjUSksT0N9BVBWdthxoeGVa64ZpYlg0MtnYj_CW4AjvZ4MuGG49CxnzDT4ld5gXiEVU-HWf1oxDSB94UpZiiciIrytmuRU3AzWH56iyRcy5zBPZ92Bv7ql8_3QMdujqKHpfNuYwSpotAAx_OUl2RYRUUcpNfQJj910UTp0g/w640-h428/IMG_1374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the roots are dry and crispy and the leaves are papery dry, it is clean up day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rub off the soil, chop off the stalk, trim off the roots, remove the top layer or 2 of the dry, papery skin from the neck to polish up the bulbs nicely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is tougher than you think to peel off those layers when they are fully cured and the roots get tough, so... </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXdiMIlqiRpgdHePDypgAhOyGWD3AoCNKAyjXX7b1wx_lmhlYQNWLT8BzLOmka5CE7Vgq-BhZxbnbFERrGo-o65l6YvSl66OdUn5PQ30ymZUwFzidspy8SVn7w1NIChgftEQE443btFut/s720/IMG_6002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXdiMIlqiRpgdHePDypgAhOyGWD3AoCNKAyjXX7b1wx_lmhlYQNWLT8BzLOmka5CE7Vgq-BhZxbnbFERrGo-o65l6YvSl66OdUn5PQ30ymZUwFzidspy8SVn7w1NIChgftEQE443btFut/w640-h426/IMG_6002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is what I now do, is my personal tip to you for an easier and more successful crop. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tip #5 - Prune the roots off right away at harvest time, while they are still nice and soft. I use a pair of kitchen scissors. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Conventional ways tell you to leave the roots on till your garlic has fully cured, they say that it helps to draw the moisture away from the bulb. If there is a benefit, it is very, very small and I did not notice any difference at all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Honestly, if you wait till the roots are dry, they are so hard to trim off. You need super sharp pruners or scissors. If you have arthritis in your hands, as I do, it becomes a very painful task after a while. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlaaqDpETaWBU8g47GQ_0oxXlK17Em-Fw8QoqKdZ-ZbTjvW1nfMicUR2YHZfdl94FU_hXdY6Vt-aitRlj6la4vPLaUWx9Agu5_1U2Xq3_MmL3xLD1KwRt9M__uiYkdKlRzFTSs94LHYyQ/s720/IMG_6000-002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlaaqDpETaWBU8g47GQ_0oxXlK17Em-Fw8QoqKdZ-ZbTjvW1nfMicUR2YHZfdl94FU_hXdY6Vt-aitRlj6la4vPLaUWx9Agu5_1U2Xq3_MmL3xLD1KwRt9M__uiYkdKlRzFTSs94LHYyQ/w640-h426/IMG_6000-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tip #6 - Remove the topmost yellow leaf, maybe even the first green leaf layer from the bulb. <i>Remember, each leaf on the stalk is a layer of skin on the bulb.</i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pull the leaf all the way down to peel it off the entire bulb for a nice clean bulb as seen in the picture above. This technique removes the soil, plus a layer of two of wrappers from the bulb for better curing. The more layers of wrapping you have on the bulbs, the longer it takes to cure as they hold in the moisture. I aim for 3 or 4 layers, never less than that! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found that in a humid summer, I used to lose a few bulbs to mould when I cured them in the traditional manner. If we had a humid summer, I lost more than just a few. Growing these beauties for 9 months and then losing them during curing is heartbreaking. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cleaning them up right away takes away those worries. I have had zero losses to mould so far with this method.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, as I have a mixed bag of garlic varieties, they all mature at different rates, so I am only cleaning up a dozen or two at any given time. If you have all the same variety, you can still stagger your harvest by cleaning up a few rows a day. This might not be an issue if you still have nimble fingers and time on your hands, but if like me, there are a million chores needing doing, taking them a bit at a time has made me love garlic harvest and clean up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEIv9WjJL-OC6QuobGeaV9sY99fiyhfT6V10s0zAMauAtO3-McBfq-YKbUllyhMOWb2rn97pk2sI0APnFP63b75KAMod0dA7iPBUiLsaX2raaalurz2WfzNkMTgAWbgrJo9ugV6WdXAze/s720/IMG_6266.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEIv9WjJL-OC6QuobGeaV9sY99fiyhfT6V10s0zAMauAtO3-McBfq-YKbUllyhMOWb2rn97pk2sI0APnFP63b75KAMod0dA7iPBUiLsaX2raaalurz2WfzNkMTgAWbgrJo9ugV6WdXAze/w640-h426/IMG_6266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Tip #7 - Leave those stalks and leaves on! Do not cut them off until the garlic has finished curing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you cut the stems down too early, bacteria might set in. Leave them be, once the leaves are all dry, brown and papery, your garlic is cured and ready to go. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgyZL4WXfkt8BXgY5cF9mKKeTSenSnNV-Mz3fEQx59ADyoqWSJ_GGcg2mE4Bsu1eY7QAaENyyxHS-lC5z-4XKCDR2VDI-8g-gF_9imZVRN_bIji19JlO7f0xh_PL2Q8p0gAsE8s2mRX6R/s720/IMG_3871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgyZL4WXfkt8BXgY5cF9mKKeTSenSnNV-Mz3fEQx59ADyoqWSJ_GGcg2mE4Bsu1eY7QAaENyyxHS-lC5z-4XKCDR2VDI-8g-gF_9imZVRN_bIji19JlO7f0xh_PL2Q8p0gAsE8s2mRX6R/w640-h426/IMG_3871.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Tip #8 - Place them to cure in a shaded, well-ventilated area. </span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I have a lovely curing shed that I think was originally a carport for either a small tractor or a ride-on lawn mower. It is open on three sides for great air flow and shade from the sun.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can cure yours in a carport, under a porch, on a table on the shady side of the house, in the garage or shed for shade. If you need to move the air around for better circulation, set up a fan to blow over them during the day. Any place that you have good shade from the sun and great air flow around the bulbs is the perfect place to cure your garlic. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEPMqPoCaPMvTQu8o4JAXXwW1uvknUsDcNQo0UpfeLAoae5l9WA4i2towvq8jhHxlXlGBEO79caEnKxwvUkbwzcT2s3jpKZw0PeNt-N-hyJwGctD6H1ELkzciIaXhP0gCLM3Yokh6mYiN/s720/IMG_1262.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEPMqPoCaPMvTQu8o4JAXXwW1uvknUsDcNQo0UpfeLAoae5l9WA4i2towvq8jhHxlXlGBEO79caEnKxwvUkbwzcT2s3jpKZw0PeNt-N-hyJwGctD6H1ELkzciIaXhP0gCLM3Yokh6mYiN/w426-h640/IMG_1262.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This picture was taken the year before my new technique ; ) </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Tip #9 - Hang in small bunches to cure or lay them flat with good space between each bulb. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are short on space, is often easier to hang your garlic up in small bunches to cure. Stagger the bulbs in groups of 6 to 8 bulbs and hang them to dry, leaving space between each garlic bundle. Great air flow is essential. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_6pVAJ3Ktefv-4oE8Y-By_tmwWRcMfO2j_LJoMhhsOaVTupAyxek5e9nNh0pL48FMWQ6m24Ll3i9JBeZV5BQluSoSKk9mXJOtE6G85HWAjE0vhKvuzhhED_QP1xRGD8UZ6qtu28zcHvj/s720/IMG_3873.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="720" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_6pVAJ3Ktefv-4oE8Y-By_tmwWRcMfO2j_LJoMhhsOaVTupAyxek5e9nNh0pL48FMWQ6m24Ll3i9JBeZV5BQluSoSKk9mXJOtE6G85HWAjE0vhKvuzhhED_QP1xRGD8UZ6qtu28zcHvj/w640-h376/IMG_3873.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>To lay out your garlic to cure, you never want to put them on bare concrete. I have these fantastic vintage bulb trays with wire mesh bottoms that allow me to stack my varieties and still have great air flow. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before I found these trays, I used to lay them out on the wooden tables from my greenhouse, well spaced out from each other. If you have nothing of that sort to use, you can also lay them out on a wooden pallet, on cardboard, on newspapers, or in wicker baskets. </div></div></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj365diKVIvUpce4rczOifigdd-HCZmLGimw2g9Vx1wMRxVpDd-RHywyfCa-qfwk8MGbl3YkyfD5A1kXbgizKBsbqrbErrz80g2Hi2Ur08mBXpS9sAApFH0F7jHK3VFmb5xQLrYAunO_3T1/s588/garlic-braids-insta+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="588" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj365diKVIvUpce4rczOifigdd-HCZmLGimw2g9Vx1wMRxVpDd-RHywyfCa-qfwk8MGbl3YkyfD5A1kXbgizKBsbqrbErrz80g2Hi2Ur08mBXpS9sAApFH0F7jHK3VFmb5xQLrYAunO_3T1/w640-h494/garlic-braids-insta+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Internet picture, not my braids : ) Aren't they amazing!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to braid your garlic, is a good idea to wait until the leaves are quite dry but still pliable so that the leaves are not still green and wet when you make them into plaits. Softneck garlic is much easier to braid as it does not have that hard stem in the middle, is more flexible. Google for directions, there are some really good sites that will show you how to do it step by step. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHM8qNm1tV-XhaFTUqxMA8F_LETkHtIWIb1wNwt-it59M1eBR-1PI4RDTTDF2zFf5ZGNhYYW7eC9M5qACpy8SwEVcMAYKhFOJrTCcLs1ETfa6mSVy38jodBxjYVmvJZQzWW4OQ1qsTmLdi/s800/IMG_6176.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHM8qNm1tV-XhaFTUqxMA8F_LETkHtIWIb1wNwt-it59M1eBR-1PI4RDTTDF2zFf5ZGNhYYW7eC9M5qACpy8SwEVcMAYKhFOJrTCcLs1ETfa6mSVy38jodBxjYVmvJZQzWW4OQ1qsTmLdi/w640-h428/IMG_6176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Tip #10 - Leave your garlic to cure for a minimum of 2 weeks but ideally 3 or 4. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>I leave my garlic in the curing shed for about 6 weeks to ensure it is super well cured and stores well in the pantry. Well cured garlic lasts us till we harvest the next year's crop so we are never without homegrown. No one wants store bought after growing their own ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div>I also am not in any rush to deal with them as there are so many other garden tasks to do in the heat of the summer. Towards the end of August or early September, I finish trimming them up and bring them inside. This is when I usually need garlic for my tomato sauces and other canning, so the timing is perfect. </div><div><br /></div><div>As they are already clean, I just snip off the leaves, leaving about an inch of stem to use as a crank to open up the bulb when you need it for cooking. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you prefer to do the traditional way of curing, this is your big clean up day when you trim up the roots, clean up the bulbs, cut off the tops. Turn on the tunes, sit in the shade, drink lots of water, laugh with a friend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Store with good air flow in a cool, dry spot. I keep mine in an open wicker basket in the pantry. If you braided yours, hang in the kitchen or pantry, out of the direct sun. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMMai6YEhHTl9hkwPnmQ10x_me-6ko7zMq4Fu1599y8L0IMaSFgYpQ79e4ZMqef2Fp_5QBb38f222d33b5J33K7XOGU5z3zMqsMpDttguHj138owjj5ZGpLK09Ef9CO1PhROfSba82C43/s677/IMG_3861.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="677" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMMai6YEhHTl9hkwPnmQ10x_me-6ko7zMq4Fu1599y8L0IMaSFgYpQ79e4ZMqef2Fp_5QBb38f222d33b5J33K7XOGU5z3zMqsMpDttguHj138owjj5ZGpLK09Ef9CO1PhROfSba82C43/w640-h364/IMG_3861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Things of note... </div><div>- Do not leave your garlic out in the sun to dry or cure, you will have issues with the curing.</div><div><br /></div><div>- Do not wet your bulbs. We are too humid here in the PNW for garlic to cure well if wet. </div><div><br /></div><div>- Always leave three layers of wrapping on the bulbs after you have finished cleaning it up. </div><div><br /></div><div>- If you notice any of your garlic yellowing, falling over, not looking right while growing in the garden, pull it out right away and have a look at it to check for worms. If you were to leave a wormy bulb in the ground, the worms will go from bulb to bulb, possibly ruining your entire crop. </div><div><br /></div><div>- What to grow in the garlic bed after harvest? Your fall and winter crops, bush beans, beets, your winter carrots, cucumbers, daikon radishes (watermelon radishes are fantastic). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m9Y5GZ9QV0U19N0oNDwNrpFiXAh7o3L5ElgepB4epRiA7BegUhEP6ZF7VVrxUMnsORLM8MG_rthuYHm8pAMjyB1J8hFD_HD2qo1IsjuKEhssGwtuTLu0KpPul7gxsl9JyBpvYW3042YF/s720/IMG_6182.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m9Y5GZ9QV0U19N0oNDwNrpFiXAh7o3L5ElgepB4epRiA7BegUhEP6ZF7VVrxUMnsORLM8MG_rthuYHm8pAMjyB1J8hFD_HD2qo1IsjuKEhssGwtuTLu0KpPul7gxsl9JyBpvYW3042YF/w640-h426/IMG_6182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy Harvesting and Curing ~ Tanja</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-6839606297723449292022-06-12T17:52:00.003-07:002022-06-12T17:52:56.981-07:00Potager Palaver (Recipes, Wheelbarrows) <div>What a wild week it has been here. Getting the house, yard, greenhouse, and shop ready for the move is no small feat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Crazy how much stuff one accumulates! Both hubby and I are trying to find the right balance with our hobby items (my gardening, his woodworking), figuring out what to take, what to sell, what we consider irreplaceable. So many decisions to make in very short order. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkAzXNrwzX78xx2qtfHha5TOAZ_9XBz1HVlqxjL181fxuv364eQKDpA9yWMs5RZwvMVvDsQokTLfWUeKJYlga7WuCnwcYKJRH7HbwYUwRxR76XQXr5Z-78XOhnnpulDZRMrIbeEy3Uv8i5bN_sJZ949bFqDHQey_nkBYk4P_JPB9FdsFl3wid1SdOzw/s720/IMG_8676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkAzXNrwzX78xx2qtfHha5TOAZ_9XBz1HVlqxjL181fxuv364eQKDpA9yWMs5RZwvMVvDsQokTLfWUeKJYlga7WuCnwcYKJRH7HbwYUwRxR76XQXr5Z-78XOhnnpulDZRMrIbeEy3Uv8i5bN_sJZ949bFqDHQey_nkBYk4P_JPB9FdsFl3wid1SdOzw/w426-h640/IMG_8676.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div>Anyway! The great news is that the garlic is finally making scapes! Yay! A bit later than usual but looking so good! I am super excited. They are looking really fine, with big fat stalks. Hoping the bulbs have enough time left to size up nicely before I have to yank them out of the ground to take them with me ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLW432iiif4qVrUhMCllxfDC9ZkBjU6I9CXNRNQfUDSM7UdVLgJ4sqxChftKf2J6UcKm_2tgF7NQkRCo8qlV5W31LVqX53RLdakmBDiyY53oMxisrp-k8_oDfCCJCAW3Yi9Q4Nb5rDF9gkTGAFO9Q1AwiJl3fn0yIt7fcerz2XRkO8fnOkQp_vy-arw/s640/52117683408_170785ea94_z.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLW432iiif4qVrUhMCllxfDC9ZkBjU6I9CXNRNQfUDSM7UdVLgJ4sqxChftKf2J6UcKm_2tgF7NQkRCo8qlV5W31LVqX53RLdakmBDiyY53oMxisrp-k8_oDfCCJCAW3Yi9Q4Nb5rDF9gkTGAFO9Q1AwiJl3fn0yIt7fcerz2XRkO8fnOkQp_vy-arw/w640-h428/52117683408_170785ea94_z.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div>Here are a couple of recipes that caught my eye this week. I very rarely share recipes but both looked so good that I just had to do it : )</div><div><br /></div><div>As it is just about strawberry time, this one comes at the perfect time! A Finnish and Scandinavian favourite, check out <a href="https://smittenkitchen.com/2022/06/strawberry-brita-cake/">strawberry brita cake – smitten kitchen</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Plus this super yummy potato salad with cucumbers and lots of tasty, crunchy veggies that looks so good. <a href="https://smittenkitchen.com/2007/06/dilled-potato-and-pickled-cucumber-salad/">dilled potato and pickled cucumber salad – smitten kitchen</a></div><div><br /></div><div>A bunch of wheelbarrow gardens! <a href="https://empressofdirt.net/wheelbarrow-planters/?fbclid=IwAR2IFWUpQ2eNi3AvnMrlhqSPB67JUv1JFJ9DVswaL_6SPXSIOyDYw9uhsUM">12 Creative Wheelbarrow Planter Ideas | Empress of Dirt</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPEXW-rNryFAIqgI_cAVsxTfFld6OixgrABUAO9DATy6z2yMZ_MJAZdWuyh395yrYjnNVLXuT1d9pD3ovcpQuqZPFH9b932yg_m0y6vlg74N1p98WML-EczudXrecQqB7qkHWsQSVTBLyGu5_24n7sCo-NWzaFiZfNOUm-Q2YvRONBpqMX1vI9Lwrfg/s1100/Edible-Landscape-1-1-1100x735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1100" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPEXW-rNryFAIqgI_cAVsxTfFld6OixgrABUAO9DATy6z2yMZ_MJAZdWuyh395yrYjnNVLXuT1d9pD3ovcpQuqZPFH9b932yg_m0y6vlg74N1p98WML-EczudXrecQqB7qkHWsQSVTBLyGu5_24n7sCo-NWzaFiZfNOUm-Q2YvRONBpqMX1vI9Lwrfg/w640-h428/Edible-Landscape-1-1-1100x735.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Doesn't this look dreamy? <a href="https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/edible-landscape-zmaz10onzraw/?fbclid=IwAR0AEPPlGoGYgrE2iRhNwDrp7NXeDz6KhvHJqoA4YocH447EBHL9BuCwOjc">Create an Edible Landscape – Mother Earth News</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a fun idea for <a href="https://www.teaandforgetmenots.com/an-unusual-way-to-hide-a-garden-hose/" target="_blank"><i>hiding your garden hose</i></a>. This would look lovely at my place! </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a good one about mulch. Mulching for weeds? Starting a new garden bed? Here are some tips you need to know. <a href="https://www.backtoedengardening.com/blogs/garden/how-to-install-a-back-to-eden-garden-in-the-spring-its-not-too-late">How to Start Growing a Back to Eden Garden Anytime of Year! – Back to Eden Gardening</a>. If you enjoy that post, click on the gardening tab up top for lots of great links for organic weed control and other organic ideas. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TBcdvx1eMEDKwtL5pIA4mFz5C18sMOuQgx882z1wcQ_wm5oNE9CVC-UrqnNHYsIXBtBSwHjTrAE0S61n0qpXbKGQ5RTe_PxcaN-YOp658n7_XynsrmFOsm_Jm2caazgHxLJzLIJJUgm5jU6J9-GctOYnIqxx-Q6rv92oBdCrUMjBQvjWHoRg_IbppQ/s720/IMG_8681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TBcdvx1eMEDKwtL5pIA4mFz5C18sMOuQgx882z1wcQ_wm5oNE9CVC-UrqnNHYsIXBtBSwHjTrAE0S61n0qpXbKGQ5RTe_PxcaN-YOp658n7_XynsrmFOsm_Jm2caazgHxLJzLIJJUgm5jU6J9-GctOYnIqxx-Q6rv92oBdCrUMjBQvjWHoRg_IbppQ/w640-h426/IMG_8681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a really great week! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Hope to see you before I go! ` Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-84099888364189631072022-06-05T11:50:00.000-07:002022-06-05T11:50:06.173-07:00June Potager Palaver<div>Holy moly, it sure has been a wet few weeks. The grass is growing like crazy, when to get a dry day to mow it? Yikes! At least the pollinators will love it, even though we are no longer in No Mow May ; )</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_n7pXNPWI6kJ5WiSglMG75FCpdqzqweC_wbiYaP-tTeYd_ePiqQnXCswXfik05LlU5y_0Or79h4fO2yuhDobPFAOLgdi-rC385JLnRB4iHXA27wsoR_P87WenmZwHXXgh3G4LG4cDnkN1A-HSjCZLsC4UwY8xeQwZ1KsiEjVbZ5V_dFMmgtTOi-sYA/s720/IMG_3551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_n7pXNPWI6kJ5WiSglMG75FCpdqzqweC_wbiYaP-tTeYd_ePiqQnXCswXfik05LlU5y_0Or79h4fO2yuhDobPFAOLgdi-rC385JLnRB4iHXA27wsoR_P87WenmZwHXXgh3G4LG4cDnkN1A-HSjCZLsC4UwY8xeQwZ1KsiEjVbZ5V_dFMmgtTOi-sYA/w426-h640/IMG_3551.JPG" width="426" /></a></div></div><div>Sadly, it looks like I may have lost my most favourite rose, the Poseidon, due to that super hot, dry summer that we had last year. I am trying to be hopeful as it still has a branch or two with leaves on it but it is not looking good. Is always hard to lose one's favourites. I'm still not over losing my Forest Pansy three years ago ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIxKKVJfRCq36HtoMBqEWGq1-wcrN8ZMHgoOzBymnLQQgjOu59oo0Fy8lNz3fcs0xV8BK3NCE_vDhoyHL_c0SWjXgXnec97BgAfBNFvsaKY5UsaJo6u6jUIB32mrlqqz2hd72UMgZ-NVXqJbZsafAtf8-aPNhn7JWxBSu8QcEG63d3ry-6abjiaiJsg/s720/IMG_5627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIxKKVJfRCq36HtoMBqEWGq1-wcrN8ZMHgoOzBymnLQQgjOu59oo0Fy8lNz3fcs0xV8BK3NCE_vDhoyHL_c0SWjXgXnec97BgAfBNFvsaKY5UsaJo6u6jUIB32mrlqqz2hd72UMgZ-NVXqJbZsafAtf8-aPNhn7JWxBSu8QcEG63d3ry-6abjiaiJsg/w640-h426/IMG_5627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Luckily, most everything seems to be lush and happy, just a wee bit later than usual. The lilacs and dogwoods are having a great year! I would take a picture of them but it is pouring out there, yet again. </div><div> </div><div>Other than the weather, we are keeping super busy on the homestead, purging and selling for the move has begun. So much stuff, oh how it accumulates. If you think of something from the shop, the nursery, or the greenhouse that you would like to purchase, please give me a shout. Plant benches, cabinets, tables, accessories, they all have to go. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnhCegq3ZArmGPXUFll732Pay-XppNzcwvFCZ18HrpCKl991SjBvn-wRTMs9h5UDPVjmzgY4h5p17jXdPeFqKqAvt9FckyII3TgMZS5X1GvJ2iUdDUTJG4m7Kfrp9OwfLWln5I7xmpVSg279tzfYGOwonTqRIMCz0UMt0TQDdiZ5GROQbGjarsArKjw/s640/240457123_230958882283811_597683554791477645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnhCegq3ZArmGPXUFll732Pay-XppNzcwvFCZ18HrpCKl991SjBvn-wRTMs9h5UDPVjmzgY4h5p17jXdPeFqKqAvt9FckyII3TgMZS5X1GvJ2iUdDUTJG4m7Kfrp9OwfLWln5I7xmpVSg279tzfYGOwonTqRIMCz0UMt0TQDdiZ5GROQbGjarsArKjw/w640-h640/240457123_230958882283811_597683554791477645_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>How lovely is this white sunflower from last year, eh? I tend to like to grow tons of assorted sunflowers as the bees really love them, the centres are abuzz all summer, and then the seeds feed the little birds in later in the year. <i> </i> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here are some of the great links I found of interest this week. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Bumble bees! <a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/the-buzz-about-bumblebees?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=">The Buzz About Bumblebees - Dave's Garden (davesgarden.com)</a> and here is something you can do with the kids to save the bees! Count the bees! Take part in this bee project. <a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2457">Sunflowers, Counting Bees and Citizen Scientists - Dave's Garden (davesgarden.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdvPqMUpAW4up5HmdGdMqbh4uFmmUg0212nzufJnT4lny213-eSPBLos0BVx9XV-sHsDgMVALexk2qil5Sz8Qt59OrHd9cQbRMRM5D2JzMCMvYDtY13MvAj2Ojthd7POLdBnhg9L3l1pN0DuO9iAksF9htisd2K2YAun0P8egL5hSHvxybeK5tsC-6Q/s720/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdvPqMUpAW4up5HmdGdMqbh4uFmmUg0212nzufJnT4lny213-eSPBLos0BVx9XV-sHsDgMVALexk2qil5Sz8Qt59OrHd9cQbRMRM5D2JzMCMvYDtY13MvAj2Ojthd7POLdBnhg9L3l1pN0DuO9iAksF9htisd2K2YAun0P8egL5hSHvxybeK5tsC-6Q/w640-h426/IMG_3765.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>I think those of you who have been following me or have come to my workshops likely know what the term potager means, but I am always up for sharing more about this type of gardening! <a href="https://www.gardenista.com/posts/garden-decoder-potager/">The Garden Decoder: What Is a 'Potager'? - Gardenista</a></div><div><br /></div><div>What a great article this is. With the price of groceries having sky-rocketed this year, projected shortages, growing food is more important than ever. <a href="https://laidbackgardener.blog/2022/04/11/self-sufficiency-in-vegetable-production/">Self-Sufficiency in Vegetable Production: Why Not Give It a Try? - Laidback Gardener</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Growing food on Vancouver Island? Check out this newsletter from VI Pest, Pollinators, and Beneficial's. They are also on Facebook, check them out for all sorts of great information about aphids, those caterpillars in your trees, other apple tree pests, and more... <a href="https://mailchi.mp/6a8c2bdbe1b8/the-maggot-edition?fbclid=IwAR1PmzJ2yI6yeyRt6EcegXPwhekbHLyPmvTAZh1FW7pqr0oJpHaep642vhc">The Maggot Edition (mailchi.mp)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you been checking out the Chelsea Flower Show highlights? Here are some of the new trends featured in this year's show. <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/7-landscape-trends-from-the-2022-chelsea-flower-show-stsetivw-vs~160574220?bsft_aaid=329e9826-7f03-489a-bf58-7ecadf452c0f&bsft_eid=31d77907-9a24-436a-ac8a-5d689fe54be8&bsft_pid=37946927-0e86-43d1-8415-25109365d821&utm_campaign=060122-us-homeowner-newsletter&utm_source=blueshift&utm_medium=email&utm_content=checkerboard-template&bsft_clkid=98e34294-0f9f-45b4-946c-fce6ffacf335&bsft_uid=c8e70056-f63d-46cc-a7b5-59ee40c9e7bb&bsft_mid=7e7fb6a2-1126-40ad-8e11-7b24e491da52&bsft_pp=6&bsft_link_id=9073&bsft_mime_type=html&bsft_ek=2022-06-01T08%3A00%3A41Z&bsft_lx=60&bsft_tv=9&utm_term=block1prod3">7 Landscape Trends From the 2022 Chelsea Flower Show (houzz.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8fMVUKz35J7yO7GAgYfjw_0IsFsCqcI7H-7ipxj1VB5KIDMQDr_qmSWcndhOOx00VuxWLcIwxbczbOqPkRYmGkhogqeVuyGgLOrWUoisuSXgQsJuUIJpSQcEONPZ4iQbKLFa_hBDIv58DSmHG5SHHreMGMp0w7FXNfFibw1R8r286LCRDXkR899zAA/s728/sq7-snail-hosta-damage-v1.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="728" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8fMVUKz35J7yO7GAgYfjw_0IsFsCqcI7H-7ipxj1VB5KIDMQDr_qmSWcndhOOx00VuxWLcIwxbczbOqPkRYmGkhogqeVuyGgLOrWUoisuSXgQsJuUIJpSQcEONPZ4iQbKLFa_hBDIv58DSmHG5SHHreMGMp0w7FXNfFibw1R8r286LCRDXkR899zAA/w640-h640/sq7-snail-hosta-damage-v1.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div>You are going to love this one. How to deal with slugs and snails! You know that I am a<i>lways, always, always </i>going to say go the eco-friendly route. <a href="https://empressofdirt.net/garden-slugs-snails/">Dealing With Slugs & Snails Without Harming Your Garden (empressofdirt.net)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Wondering what to do in the potager this month? Here is what Charles Dowding is doing.. <a href="https://charlesdowding.co.uk/june-2022-first-summer-harvests-new-book-compost-value-result-of-saving-beetroot-seed-wood-affecting-growth/">June 2022 first summer harvests, new book, compost value, result of saving beetroot seed, wood affecting growth - Charles Dowding</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2T9k42HP90iODO3ioUme0XcCNUVBfP5qUS68NxtJOFHhsKGHHQ15P0mmTlGpRzdHkEXm-ttZ-zY12RYKHbCnUQunyRQzSwCuRUVQaK3jxoI195U-1sjSt9T1Fi83F1Q3WLrvnrij4zpeAsmBoEPVsWHuEluQRnNd-jRqkK465WBAjOje6WT0SHb_zw/s720/IMG_8645-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2T9k42HP90iODO3ioUme0XcCNUVBfP5qUS68NxtJOFHhsKGHHQ15P0mmTlGpRzdHkEXm-ttZ-zY12RYKHbCnUQunyRQzSwCuRUVQaK3jxoI195U-1sjSt9T1Fi83F1Q3WLrvnrij4zpeAsmBoEPVsWHuEluQRnNd-jRqkK465WBAjOje6WT0SHb_zw/w640-h426/IMG_8645-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Happy start of June! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a lovely week ~ Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-84605817453367480222022-05-29T10:58:00.002-07:002022-05-29T11:00:22.438-07:00End of May Potager Palaver (myths! bio-intensive gardening, herbs, super easy flowers) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh8G2lxJJ5G5AdQoUfWGjJPa4lgNdZxoY95NbvowCt8_Pv7Mmk9xxlbnE3gK2PjC3C4ewaeDexTjDDyV_Yn4d8CfaZE3KKJvK4EgEGhStH3u56iVtP_3XAuiMYHIllfnmpdMf0B6guOF_saR9ztf0udwR5iGOEGcDz8ONbGf7XDsm1XL77HG_b59-tA/s707/IMG_8635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="707" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh8G2lxJJ5G5AdQoUfWGjJPa4lgNdZxoY95NbvowCt8_Pv7Mmk9xxlbnE3gK2PjC3C4ewaeDexTjDDyV_Yn4d8CfaZE3KKJvK4EgEGhStH3u56iVtP_3XAuiMYHIllfnmpdMf0B6guOF_saR9ztf0udwR5iGOEGcDz8ONbGf7XDsm1XL77HG_b59-tA/w640-h406/IMG_8635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The weather is finally warmer so we gardeners can plant our tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, corn, beans... all the heat lovers. Sunshine seems to still be hard to come by though, just spurts now and again. </div><div><br /></div><div>The cool weather veggies are starting to bolt at my place. The winter broccoli, spinach, and radishes. My lettuce is still doing okay but will likely bolt very shortly. All of these veggies make wonderful flowers that you can toss in your salads, or leave them be for a while to feed the pollinators.</div><div><br /></div><div>Garlic is coming along so nicely, things are looking good! No scapes yet but am sure they will soon start, everything is a wee bit later this year.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqhV4gp22zED3kthi6qMmNd9CX4xgpdWVUNWS_IrYqxCgyST75yPTb3_rTEEU1Y_AcM8N3n7J18hmw-r0soxHebl5w02dcVJM4eQQ8AkwpwUCqfC6M2rfSHp40voBu9feRLduOlYH73hWiI31SFnMvCAFvv-k8YcGsMhzs9caEx-K0ZhFtNNr70njMw/s647/IMG_8626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="647" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqhV4gp22zED3kthi6qMmNd9CX4xgpdWVUNWS_IrYqxCgyST75yPTb3_rTEEU1Y_AcM8N3n7J18hmw-r0soxHebl5w02dcVJM4eQQ8AkwpwUCqfC6M2rfSHp40voBu9feRLduOlYH73hWiI31SFnMvCAFvv-k8YcGsMhzs9caEx-K0ZhFtNNr70njMw/w640-h348/IMG_8626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Alliums are blooming in the front garden and these ones in the potager, as well. They are always such a delight in the spring garden, bright and cheery... the foliage though! Ugh. It always looks yellow, brown, just terrible by the time the flowers show up. Just take off the foliage or grow some bushy plants in front of them, like anemones or catmint would look amazing. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Here are this week's links, a bit of all sorts of interesting things to peruse. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>These are great tips for everyone, not just new gardeners. Check out #10. If you take nothing else from this article, remember number ten! <a href="https://empressofdirt.net/beginner-bloopers/">10 Beginner Garden Tips That Avoid Bloopers (Great & Small) (empressofdirt.net)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh my goodness, this is a cute idea! <a href="https://wmdesignhouse.com/repurposed-garden-baskets-make-beautiful-outdoor-hanging-lights/">Repurposed Garden Baskets Make Beautiful Outdoor Hanging Lights - WM DESIGN HOUSE</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Love these ideas for alternatives to a lawn. There are way more cool ideas than I had ever thought of, plus check out the comment section for even more pictures and ideas! <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inspiring-alternatives-to-the-traditional-lawn-stsetivw-vs~93296611?bsft_aaid=329e9826-7f03-489a-bf58-7ecadf452c0f&bsft_eid=95851d68-4921-4d99-8ae7-f69a088d1d67&bsft_pid=b14c120d-e7f2-442d-a75c-1d0f61933a3b&utm_campaign=052522-us-homeowner-newsletter&utm_source=blueshift&utm_medium=email&utm_content=3-bathroom-makeovers&bsft_clkid=03a27b23-e140-4635-b53a-ef7ec9182759&bsft_uid=c8e70056-f63d-46cc-a7b5-59ee40c9e7bb&bsft_mid=d41c70c5-a02e-45b1-8b79-cdce32bd03a8&bsft_pp=9&bsft_link_id=9096&bsft_mime_type=html&bsft_ek=2022-05-24T08%3A00%3A39Z&bsft_lx=83&bsft_tv=32&utm_term=block1prod6">Inspiring Alternatives to the Traditional Lawn (houzz.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a really nice article about nurturing a wildlife friendly habitat in your yard. We talk about this each fall and at the workshops, how to make a yard that is eco-friendly and critter friendly to give you an organically healthy yard and garden. <a href="https://joegardener.com/podcast/the-humane-gardener/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Greetings+From+England+%7C+And+May+is+Garden+For+Wildlife+Month&utm_campaign=JG+Broadcast%3A+May+28%2C+2022">The Humane Gardener | Nurture a Backyard Wildlife Habitat | joegardener®</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsKFS54Jbr9hLtuUxQ_NTB3UQj1FVBUTk8vxEB6qVyfukd5LxfpIsTg5R9GGaInnzbF6zyzbiwofZZtivRXpRcrtN--xFC9SkFkBXJZH8gCNK5PaR5_0h3xnOYI-KN4vYWo23xYKsAeoQ7XgxaGgptUHRJp__QrnLrh0uVNL6wBOZG3gURr42tcQlsw/s800/IMG_8748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsKFS54Jbr9hLtuUxQ_NTB3UQj1FVBUTk8vxEB6qVyfukd5LxfpIsTg5R9GGaInnzbF6zyzbiwofZZtivRXpRcrtN--xFC9SkFkBXJZH8gCNK5PaR5_0h3xnOYI-KN4vYWo23xYKsAeoQ7XgxaGgptUHRJp__QrnLrh0uVNL6wBOZG3gURr42tcQlsw/w640-h428/IMG_8748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Super easy-to-grow flower/shrub ideas for great colour in your foundation bed or, like us, a privacy garden across the front yard. Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), Beebalm, Catmint, Salvia, and fall asters are my go-to's for super hardy, long blooming, drought tolerant, colourful mid to late summer plantings. They also feed the pollinators. <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/8-plant-pairings-for-high-impact-color-in-the-fall-garden-stsetivw-vs~112620371">8 Plant Pairings for High-Impact Color in the Fall Garden (houzz.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Love </i>this article about what herbs to grow in your garden. Herbs for cooking with, decorating with, and best of all, pollinators love herbs of all kinds! <a href="https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/10-best-herbs-to-grow-why/">10 Best Herbs to Grow & Why - Recipes, Tutorials and more (thepondsfarmhouse.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLA-s2jcigKstBOPtWb7CVNvIOb-AP3T5UKbM5RQkbbSZfDAlTsazR_p4W1_Lb3WgT2me5iERFxxCUMuXwEVAWzNZ41EvSG6Ctkw8AlZAhr-5gsd_woM2OjwVh7gSFXaAHv9HVCHsqEwrdgNGGRidfLke6GpQRRCsTKHIq0gB_Jd9lFRR0TFdfJQ75Ag/s2121/GettyImages-645199544-ccc3dbcf82424b0c844d2152f5755304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2121" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLA-s2jcigKstBOPtWb7CVNvIOb-AP3T5UKbM5RQkbbSZfDAlTsazR_p4W1_Lb3WgT2me5iERFxxCUMuXwEVAWzNZ41EvSG6Ctkw8AlZAhr-5gsd_woM2OjwVh7gSFXaAHv9HVCHsqEwrdgNGGRidfLke6GpQRRCsTKHIq0gB_Jd9lFRR0TFdfJQ75Ag/w640-h426/GettyImages-645199544-ccc3dbcf82424b0c844d2152f5755304.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-french-intensive-gardening-5184736"><i>What Is French Intensive Gardening? (thespruce.com)</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Want to really go down some gardening rabbit holes? Here are some fantastic links about mulching, how and why to do it, Ruth Stout, new beds, and this great link about bio-intensive gardening. Remember that workshop that I held in spring about how to grow more food in a smaller amount of space? Here are a whole bunch of short videos with organic food growing information that you can watch in spurts as you sip your morning coffee. See the short video at the bottom of the page and the link is right above it. <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/garden-prep-how-to-make-a-bed-with-cardboard">garden prep: how to make a bed, with cardboard - A Way To Garden</a> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Happy Gardening - Have a great week! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-68521181307354706142022-05-22T09:56:00.002-07:002022-05-22T10:07:22.204-07:00May Long Weekend Potager Palaver<div>Happy Victoria Day weekend! Traditionally, all across Canada, this is the big gardening weekend. Heat lovers like tomatoes, corn, beans go in the ground. </div><div><br /></div><div>This year, I wasn't so sure what was going to happen. Spring has been unusually long, with cool, grey, wet weather. However, the sun came out to play and the weather is great for planting and sowing! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x4bWO8HBcWgLEgEdYFogzHoWzwpqOVC6S6rdbYN0okD1sFstrd4dtTj-KlQAWrb3YU6Iijs18TikjE6AVPHy5uhusTTtY1d7ZULOxL0ox3tG024vwQAVp-GXr1snJqZfJxEaTmOL_fD0/s800/IMG_8660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x4bWO8HBcWgLEgEdYFogzHoWzwpqOVC6S6rdbYN0okD1sFstrd4dtTj-KlQAWrb3YU6Iijs18TikjE6AVPHy5uhusTTtY1d7ZULOxL0ox3tG024vwQAVp-GXr1snJqZfJxEaTmOL_fD0/w640-h428/IMG_8660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Our homestead, our wonderful wee little urban farm, is up for sale, so I am planting very little this year. Tomatoes are a must though, some cucumbers in pots in the greenhouse, plus a bit of flowers, basil, and peppers. I think that about sums it up as I certainly do not want to over-whelm the new owners when they take over. Who knows what wonderful plans they will have for the acreage. Exciting yet very anxious time when one puts their dream up for sale. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1Gn5Oeww9dh3XJrSOXG-wbxsmjl_Gj2UkgJzJDixOtm1s4q-6PEYKW_kRSAaSX8wWgcPxMur9EnDage-yDrYiHYmo4b72Qz91xbUHevqbLz6bJW-1Wmw3m-AIburVI3WzIk7HwCUtWNNoEdKOuS428PmE-HcpErytNe6XG_-9KIFn2yVTX0F83npdQ/s800/IMG_8681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="800" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1Gn5Oeww9dh3XJrSOXG-wbxsmjl_Gj2UkgJzJDixOtm1s4q-6PEYKW_kRSAaSX8wWgcPxMur9EnDage-yDrYiHYmo4b72Qz91xbUHevqbLz6bJW-1Wmw3m-AIburVI3WzIk7HwCUtWNNoEdKOuS428PmE-HcpErytNe6XG_-9KIFn2yVTX0F83npdQ/w640-h362/IMG_8681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Here are the links that caught my eye this week, a little of this and a little of that. Hoping you are all having a wonderful weekend in the sunshine. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wondering what to grow from seed and what from starters? Read how Dawn decides which route to take. <a href="https://creativecaincabin.com/plants-seeds-raised-bed-vegetable-garden/">Plants or Seeds in A Raised Bed Vegetable Garden - CREATIVE CAIN CABIN</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This one about growing veggies in raised beds! <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/7-tips-to-ensure-success-with-raised-bed-gardening-stsetivw-vs~86180361?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u18258&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery6_6&newsletterId=18258">7 Tips to Ensure Success With Raised Bed Gardening (houzz.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here on the island, we face drought and water shortages each summer. Read <a href="https://modernhippiehw.com/five-reasons-why-you-need-to-harvest-rain-water/?fbclid=IwAR3r4sv-IkUA9mx8ZruEYhACogaDjRHR5Q1JDS8-0Wi_2tD-m0AAQSlSw0k">Five Reasons Why You Need to Harvest Rain Water (Especially if You Live on the Sunshine Coast) | Modern Hippie Health & Wellness Inc. (modernhippiehw.com)</a> for some water saving tips. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://joegardener.com/podcast/all-about-native-bees-heather-holm/?popupally_stop=subscribed&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=All+About+Native+Bees+%7C+Misunderstood+Species+of+the+Pollinator+World&utm_campaign=JG+Broadcast%3A+May+21%2C+2022">All About Native Bees, with Heather Holm | joegardener®</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfc-nYwOefPfC6DIaCWcOSmIW3ZwUT2B2ymS7QUYhKxmNOiVsRXeAtztyFfLh9VoHaHpc2K6B2srZX7T2H4-YgVfWdTUhnyxHP6DtRvJFCrDlGLOIHombarw0sFQyVzoZIv-UufQqszaPQvi5ZvpfXqZ45XTV51klTkpSwJufkYkSLAmPTA5tsOntOQ/s1230/EN2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="820" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfc-nYwOefPfC6DIaCWcOSmIW3ZwUT2B2ymS7QUYhKxmNOiVsRXeAtztyFfLh9VoHaHpc2K6B2srZX7T2H4-YgVfWdTUhnyxHP6DtRvJFCrDlGLOIHombarw0sFQyVzoZIv-UufQqszaPQvi5ZvpfXqZ45XTV51klTkpSwJufkYkSLAmPTA5tsOntOQ/w426-h640/EN2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div>Check out this super cute summer glasshouse <a href="https://www.planete-deco.fr/2018/08/03/une-petite-maison-dans-le-jardin/">Une petite maison dans le jardin (planete-deco.fr)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Are you dreaming about your own greenhouse? Wondering where to start and how to choose the materials? Here is an article for you with all the tips... <a href="https://www.azurefarmlife.com/farm-blog/the-perfect-greenhouse">How to design the perfect greenhouse for blissful indoor gardening - Azure Farm (azurefarmlife.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is an article that I wrote about what to think of when buying or building your dream greenhouse.. <a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2018/01/buying-your-dream-greenhouse.html">Buying Your Dream Greenhouse (thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This podcast is an <i><u>excellent read</u></i> (or listen, if you prefer) about mulch. Everything you need to know.. how deep to go, what kinds to use, about mulch volcanoes, nitrogen in the soil. Great, great information! <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/how-mulch-works-and-how-to-use-it-with-bill-fonteno/">how mulch works (and how to use it), with bill fonteno - A Way To Garden</a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya7JROqRTlfrPPsyjzXDPNX3IL6NOJWDX3AnQmj14boMXp_gCOyKUQ27f4D8S3yuQRo5QtrLdt8Ys08XEVNakvQxRU9UJXRHXxdQXEVS7LaApiaGSxpYuv0wU1RreRlZ7X4Gs3Dq5FbiwPDXGXSdAM2st3WgKCsN3Tn6ddNlZwBDQLfPiictqeCRh_Q/s720/IMG_3764.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya7JROqRTlfrPPsyjzXDPNX3IL6NOJWDX3AnQmj14boMXp_gCOyKUQ27f4D8S3yuQRo5QtrLdt8Ys08XEVNakvQxRU9UJXRHXxdQXEVS7LaApiaGSxpYuv0wU1RreRlZ7X4Gs3Dq5FbiwPDXGXSdAM2st3WgKCsN3Tn6ddNlZwBDQLfPiictqeCRh_Q/w640-h426/IMG_3764.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The potager in mid July last year. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a really wonderful long week-end ~ Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-87628385062479978002022-05-15T09:13:00.005-07:002022-05-15T09:13:46.448-07:00May Potager Palaver<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugowi273Z0s2aBzjxIJU7W-so_dy-U0p0LPK_KBarkMTk5wL0ZH8fcOIwxUcxadkkxoZJOV-aa90mUB7izLQOdyQaltpqNdMKWGECHGLNZe3lJFYwOaYCkvCL5scth2C5plt_3Kr1VzJWi-dkkcoWCZ7GjZAd2JSOa7tVAbZZToAKuJdsiKDwtCjukQ/s720/IMG_8593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugowi273Z0s2aBzjxIJU7W-so_dy-U0p0LPK_KBarkMTk5wL0ZH8fcOIwxUcxadkkxoZJOV-aa90mUB7izLQOdyQaltpqNdMKWGECHGLNZe3lJFYwOaYCkvCL5scth2C5plt_3Kr1VzJWi-dkkcoWCZ7GjZAd2JSOa7tVAbZZToAKuJdsiKDwtCjukQ/w640-h426/IMG_8593.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The pollinator lawn is full of pretty blue and purple flowers. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We have had the coldest, wettest May that I can remember in a really long time. Rains every day so doing a No Mow May is proving to be super simple.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pollinator lawn changes weekly with the flowers in bloom. It went from spring bulbs of grape hyacinths and squill to Baby Blue Eyes with other blue and purple flowers. So pretty and way more beneficial to the pollinators than dandelions are ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is more about the No Mow May movement for our bees and other pollinators - <a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/no-mow-may-for-our-threatened-pollinators?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=">No Mow May for Our Threatened Pollinators - Dave's Garden (davesgarden.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This blog has really pretty pictures and ideas on the best flowers to grow in your garden beds for the pollinators. <a href="https://shiplapandshells.com/attract-pollinators-to-the-garden/">How to Attract Pollinators to the Garden - Shiplap and Shells</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Do you love cottage gardens and the simple hygge beauty of a Swedish garden? Check out this lovely post. <a href="https://lobsterandswan.com/travel-guide-skane-southern-sweden-part-iii/">TRAVEL GUIDE – SKÅNE SOUTHERN SWEDEN PART III - Lobster and Swan</a></div><div><br /></div><div>She posts monthly ideas about cottage style gardening, too, so check those out. Here is one for the month of June, so fairly time appropriate for where we are right now. <a href="https://lobsterandswan.com/creating-a-cottage-garden-june/">Creating a cottage garden - June - Lobster and Swan</a>. Sadly, I cannot figure out how to follow her so that I get these amazing posts in my emails. Sadness : (</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, this is a good one! You all know how much I love companion planting : ) <a href="https://www.gardeningchannel.com/best-tomato-companion-plants/?fbclid=IwAR3EE7pA56WnuZiuwZcnoSrQm2LljOjLeKFlSvuod8VF17vkhOf6TS--r94">26 Tomato Companion Plants - and 5 You Don’t Want Nearby - Gardening Channel</a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4dPjMheli74c2Dx4AiTQqYvBy83iO3LVfRiE869iyMvqk42GdxQL9SjiyPzFqjEcUxlFz3q0rBfJrpibr8_ZVlss334HYBQJ9yLE7oeCCxqZL9jrtKVBOboji2ejCuJtZ33yqqb6BLVJmIed88SJb9C1PA8hHpAtKtQQoS1gn4V70CaC6NekJ9ZKIQ/s1600/DSC_0471.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4dPjMheli74c2Dx4AiTQqYvBy83iO3LVfRiE869iyMvqk42GdxQL9SjiyPzFqjEcUxlFz3q0rBfJrpibr8_ZVlss334HYBQJ9yLE7oeCCxqZL9jrtKVBOboji2ejCuJtZ33yqqb6BLVJmIed88SJb9C1PA8hHpAtKtQQoS1gn4V70CaC6NekJ9ZKIQ/w640-h426/DSC_0471.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My mint garden wheelbarrow. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1DxMkcc5NXzTVNLrZKJyYJV1C7yXJAXPsrrLNKokmgRJgYtD-9Wl7OkSbegOhIpUF7kChiu8FQcMhyKWlu16pebcEibdBc3UEOzF77DFPi_Fzsbb5x2ZAMUl1xabHQ3lkxTgX6_enaPhKS3wPXzO3YfRHDKihf64m6xfu6WlwojOl62kqtira8gQCQ/s800/IMG_3386.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1DxMkcc5NXzTVNLrZKJyYJV1C7yXJAXPsrrLNKokmgRJgYtD-9Wl7OkSbegOhIpUF7kChiu8FQcMhyKWlu16pebcEibdBc3UEOzF77DFPi_Fzsbb5x2ZAMUl1xabHQ3lkxTgX6_enaPhKS3wPXzO3YfRHDKihf64m6xfu6WlwojOl62kqtira8gQCQ/w640-h428/IMG_3386.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>White and silver wheelbarrow garden for my daughter's wedding. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A whole bunch of ideas for<i><a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=8474450615&blog=4938189&frame_type=none" target="_blank"> wheelbarrow gardens! </a></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a great idea if you have no garden at the moment or no space for a garden... <a href="https://www.annsentitledlife.com/how-does-your-garden-grow/how-to-grow-vegetables-in-garden-soil-bags/">How to Grow Vegetables in Garden Soil Bags (annsentitledlife.com)</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did something similar a great many years ago when I had a small lean-to greenhouse with a narrow, shallow bed to grow in. I placed the bags right on top of the bed to give me those extra inches so I could plant the tomatoes deeper, and in good soil to boot. It worked like a charm. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq9zuI4SJ82NJtD7tacLBZLLPOGfb59fKJr85SPnQj0lCaEfEmg1uuyRqAfTL8K6qBq9Dii6nPRUu0rBWc3uQ_dv59yLZQ1e7PNPDYFsBxFPqOwWocYkeIUsO03J-ZSrznLDOfv07Zz7pyZTZwRE6uSC__hJkYTlw5PmB4cCqZIe1HY8HWitz0l9Afg/s800/IMG_8659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq9zuI4SJ82NJtD7tacLBZLLPOGfb59fKJr85SPnQj0lCaEfEmg1uuyRqAfTL8K6qBq9Dii6nPRUu0rBWc3uQ_dv59yLZQ1e7PNPDYFsBxFPqOwWocYkeIUsO03J-ZSrznLDOfv07Zz7pyZTZwRE6uSC__hJkYTlw5PmB4cCqZIe1HY8HWitz0l9Afg/w640-h428/IMG_8659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div>Have you ever wished you had a cutting garden? Someplace that you could harvest flowers from for gifting and for the table in the house? Some place that you could take from that would not detract from your yard? </div><div><br /></div><div>We put in a 3' by 40' cutting bed in the potager 3 years ago... best thing I ever did! It attracts bees and pollinators to the garden, hummingbirds to eat all the pests, and I have an endless supply of flowers to bring in from early summer through October. </div><div><br /></div><div>Check out this (really long) article with a how-to go for getting started, what and how to grow the best flowers for cutting. She tells you all her ups and downs! <a href="https://www.cottageonbunkerhill.com/how-to-start-a-cutting-garden-this-year/?fbclid=IwAR2tVZAPjgQYSPNYvFTCPB8wJiFgQWYebNtHLmpYPTbPu4YcFRqK9z2G1m8">How To Start A Cutting Garden This Year - Cottage On Bunker Hill</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are her favourite<i><a href="https://www.cottageonbunkerhill.com/10-flowers-to-grow-in-a-cutting-garden-that-are-easy/" target="_blank"> easy flower </a></i>recommendations... </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPSeS0pyhpwD0yvc7RZguZt9KMOsxN5Iec22FZY27YS8w0JWwesrPyAIc53pPzicB_cLbPiQG3bvk2mnYrrxt4pmrSHXS1ZU4Twu4__yKfimy1ELqyH8TKa0XRKFAARNsW2ZV3dSIcjd8XXfVA5m-p3_Wh6E1CVcwrPvtvA22LTVK8v2Yny1hapLQRg/s800/IMG_3445.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPSeS0pyhpwD0yvc7RZguZt9KMOsxN5Iec22FZY27YS8w0JWwesrPyAIc53pPzicB_cLbPiQG3bvk2mnYrrxt4pmrSHXS1ZU4Twu4__yKfimy1ELqyH8TKa0XRKFAARNsW2ZV3dSIcjd8XXfVA5m-p3_Wh6E1CVcwrPvtvA22LTVK8v2Yny1hapLQRg/w640-h428/IMG_3445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>This was my cutting garden the year that my daughter got married on our property. Lots of purples, silvers, and whites... plus some Love Lies Bleeding, of course. Every wedding needs some ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq3N8Daw-KRjwf77-fTZpOUaOKFtfqyeMGSHE38SpNIPUGIvbIL08qpCuS6nezoEKc6Eild1C1o3n-OuPknC_iX6CFfqRNljwaFZH1eQFBmujHQ0Lt3KABASme1jMBlE_Y1DlHS2fBzBtX3J86bB9Nzhvr9uu9nkW_HUQFCDxzPDq18kGq5TbgVKM6g/s800/IMG_4039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq3N8Daw-KRjwf77-fTZpOUaOKFtfqyeMGSHE38SpNIPUGIvbIL08qpCuS6nezoEKc6Eild1C1o3n-OuPknC_iX6CFfqRNljwaFZH1eQFBmujHQ0Lt3KABASme1jMBlE_Y1DlHS2fBzBtX3J86bB9Nzhvr9uu9nkW_HUQFCDxzPDq18kGq5TbgVKM6g/w640-h428/IMG_4039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Wondering how to grow really great tomatoes? Here are some super tips for you. I especially like the very last one. <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/how-to-grow-tomatoes-good-tomato-hygiene/">grow healthy tomatoes: staking and pruning - A Way To Garden</a></div><div><br /></div><div>We have been programmed through endless commercials from a <i>certain fertiliser company</i> to think that we have to constantly be feeding our gardens, both edible and ornamental, with plant food. This is not true, not natural, not good organic practice, and absolutely not necessary; it quite literally just helps them sell make more money. If you feel your gardens need food, whether roses or tomatoes, side dress with compost or manure. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFn7KpELG6tTLtUiLYQ9biDjXdAc4Grr1PFn8LzEOv3JnhvxwC6bzpT1fJ4CBa6I7YLzrQNIxCUr8YprX9ICZE6QgDhSukBls6UH4SSPobddCUNQEKlbhJafOkZnTI3FOAEwP3tLfmo74pzyO9Xgm8cAJQ0OMgfevgUbOaJybzZTH7NO3lyWkvo_2OA/s720/IMG_8578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFn7KpELG6tTLtUiLYQ9biDjXdAc4Grr1PFn8LzEOv3JnhvxwC6bzpT1fJ4CBa6I7YLzrQNIxCUr8YprX9ICZE6QgDhSukBls6UH4SSPobddCUNQEKlbhJafOkZnTI3FOAEwP3tLfmo74pzyO9Xgm8cAJQ0OMgfevgUbOaJybzZTH7NO3lyWkvo_2OA/w640-h426/IMG_8578.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">At least the cool weather crops are thriving ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They say that the sun is coming out a bit this week, less rain, a bit warmer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep your fingers crossed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Have a wonderful week, hang in there ~ Tanja </span></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-79300799772953372652022-05-08T08:57:00.000-07:002022-05-08T08:57:10.749-07:00Mother's Day Potager PalaverHappy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there! <div><br /></div><div>We finally have a sunny day today. With any luck it stays with us the entire day. Our spring has been incredibly cool this year, we relish any rays of sunshine that come our way. </div><div><br /></div><div>The farmer's market has opened up again next door, the sure sign that summer is on it's way. If you are in the area, drop in for some of Bodhi's breads or other baking. His danishes are the bomb! </div><div><br /></div><div>There are many little pop up markets selling plants this weekend, drop in and buy a plant or two in support. Such a lovely way to spend your day! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wQtTd_UQ-6tLgxGWsISnfsm6ErTqitNKTU2NcMmigLKojQaB4BocTUDv4kf4X1BgthiXAvKSTncZ2rq8-lx2LVeH240Dwgltr6X3d7u1WNS0YjOn8HBCWdlQHLzaNvjTgu4MDP1Hpe6GmOKlT_fqMKXHc9Uo-wqupUiQCsY2d7JbOfLqU4z-w4q8NA/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wQtTd_UQ-6tLgxGWsISnfsm6ErTqitNKTU2NcMmigLKojQaB4BocTUDv4kf4X1BgthiXAvKSTncZ2rq8-lx2LVeH240Dwgltr6X3d7u1WNS0YjOn8HBCWdlQHLzaNvjTgu4MDP1Hpe6GmOKlT_fqMKXHc9Uo-wqupUiQCsY2d7JbOfLqU4z-w4q8NA/w640-h426/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here at my wee greenhouse, I am selling my lovely heirloom tomato plants this weekend. Start to harden them off by using your unheated greenhouses or clear tote bins, in preparation for planting them out in a week or two. Do not plant them in the ground yet as the soil in the beds has not yet warmed up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a blurb I wrote a few years ago, with ideas if you want to get your plants in earlier.. <a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2014/04/wait-dont-plant-that-outside-yet.html">WAIT! Don't Plant That Outside Yet! (thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpU6LYqCLwmI7cbh6jEtXHYIoPkBRsCzPOE2Fnp0UXyyl7HlvujecBwVNeF3w1vaCYPb9VINStAoX8h3sbfQeqrWJYOv4CTRMcHUsANnWWXtVIsEbYwspYv11n_Ma-RzpbGCHvNdhK2vqSjML8FlkO2Q9lGkgfc7erA4lWTgGXLJPrL2V5ogbmoQKbw/s750/Grow-your-best-coneflowers-Magnus-lead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpU6LYqCLwmI7cbh6jEtXHYIoPkBRsCzPOE2Fnp0UXyyl7HlvujecBwVNeF3w1vaCYPb9VINStAoX8h3sbfQeqrWJYOv4CTRMcHUsANnWWXtVIsEbYwspYv11n_Ma-RzpbGCHvNdhK2vqSjML8FlkO2Q9lGkgfc7erA4lWTgGXLJPrL2V5ogbmoQKbw/w640-h426/Grow-your-best-coneflowers-Magnus-lead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Here are a few interesting reads I found... how to create a garden that is easy to care for. <a href="https://shiplapandshells.com/12-tips-for-creating-a-low-maintenance-garden/">12 Terrific Tips for Creating a Gorgeous Low Maintenance Garden - Shiplap and Shells</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This amazing read about 'grave; gardens'. Don't know what that is? Check it out! <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/gravel-gardens-with-jeff-epping-of-olbrich-botanical-gardens/">gravel gardens, with jeff epping of olbrich botanical gardens - A Way To Garden</a></div><div><br /></div><div>And this one... super important for the health of our soil and plants as our summers get drier and drier. <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/mulch-faqs">mulch faq's - A Way To Garden</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just found this new blogger that I absolutely love! She writes colour stories and Friday finds that are so lovely. Not really garden related, more life related : ) <a href="https://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2022/05/03/color-story-lilac-season/">color story: lilac season. - sfgirlbybay</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IKxchlQwItq2G56oe29gzIFe1qjuwhvUl9Vbp9TJpOQ6l324TWjUiN7fOxdTZ9rFwC4qxeREngGUBZMjfyQPcJfdnBgwNg0OBLTGpDGWMyRkm_t0wWh-q1foZZcUX-T_OAWQck1Z5YzFb43kdLoWenLs2hAYK1J9Nm7_8Uj9ltwJBi37Px6_fFN6EQ/s720/IMG_5742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IKxchlQwItq2G56oe29gzIFe1qjuwhvUl9Vbp9TJpOQ6l324TWjUiN7fOxdTZ9rFwC4qxeREngGUBZMjfyQPcJfdnBgwNg0OBLTGpDGWMyRkm_t0wWh-q1foZZcUX-T_OAWQck1Z5YzFb43kdLoWenLs2hAYK1J9Nm7_8Uj9ltwJBi37Px6_fFN6EQ/w426-h640/IMG_5742.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a wonderful sunshiny day and a lovely week ahead ~ Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-71935029665859830442022-05-01T08:13:00.000-07:002022-05-01T08:13:28.458-07:00May 1st Potager Palaver (pruning calendula, direct sowing) I think most of you know that I prefer to direct sow everything that I can. Less fussing with little pots, seeds, watering, etc... toss the seeds into the ground at the right time, water, walk away. <div><br /></div><div>Like my zinnias... I absolutely love everything about growing zinnias in the potager. They attract beneficials, feed the birds and the bees, are drought tolerant, go from summer through till frost, bloom profusely the entire time, are super easy to grow... what's not to love? </div><div><br /></div><div>I always direct sow them for the best results as they can be quite prone to fungal issues. I usually sow in mid to late April here on the west coast as our 'last frost date' here is at the end of April. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTDG5LR0zlDLnlRkoqAZeojBKiVUVPBiQTlFE5l1xxEdxZkAxzb3rnZkfnffm6h9h8P7r9eIB7xpt3Fg1v1X3INfGAr1deR2Da2PXPG6i8lTLc2LUZu9tVk9iVzv1QnLktb7j-BjgRMxXBXuG7XI3sxK8ZYlR0UYfTmyLCw6f41m4W8xtpeNnxPuOIA/s720/IMG_3963.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTDG5LR0zlDLnlRkoqAZeojBKiVUVPBiQTlFE5l1xxEdxZkAxzb3rnZkfnffm6h9h8P7r9eIB7xpt3Fg1v1X3INfGAr1deR2Da2PXPG6i8lTLc2LUZu9tVk9iVzv1QnLktb7j-BjgRMxXBXuG7XI3sxK8ZYlR0UYfTmyLCw6f41m4W8xtpeNnxPuOIA/w640-h426/IMG_3963.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a good article about what to direct sow when and how to do it. <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=8456042423&blog=4938189&frame_type=none">Tips For Direct Sowing Seeds Before Last Frost (bloglovin.com)</a> Totally worth your while to try, you'all! </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a great selection of zinnias and sunflowers left, if you want to give it a go : ) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicC47ZEDXiHhKZJDTCxRjjbpoT_QKRtoG0OpSWSFVo9LaxfKDopIm-LDnq23nLgYOsIqCyFLduaBhAXflqtzLJp34vkLiC0V2XeuzjOLMOYP8uwUYfHLTWrRLku_CX5HQvMAagKEpoFzVn8guAlqlNS2BCjW5LQh1TWpOoRYFoiiKaaWTxHbVTXsgIrw/s625/IMG_6514.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="625" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicC47ZEDXiHhKZJDTCxRjjbpoT_QKRtoG0OpSWSFVo9LaxfKDopIm-LDnq23nLgYOsIqCyFLduaBhAXflqtzLJp34vkLiC0V2XeuzjOLMOYP8uwUYfHLTWrRLku_CX5HQvMAagKEpoFzVn8guAlqlNS2BCjW5LQh1TWpOoRYFoiiKaaWTxHbVTXsgIrw/w640-h480/IMG_6514.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Did you pick up a pollinator pack this week? Are you growing Calendula, which is one of the very best attractors for the beneficial insects? This short video will show you the best way to deadhead them so that they keep blooming all the way till fall, even into winter. <a href="https://moviecultists.com/should-i-deadhead-calendula">Should i deadhead calendula? (moviecultists.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a great article. Really gets you thinking! For those of us who are trying to attract beneficial insects and feed the pollinators, it is a bit alarming, too. Read to get ideas on what to do to keep our wee part of the planet a happy, healthy place <a href="https://joegardener.com/podcast/averting-insect-apocalypse-garden-save-planet/?popupally_stop=subscribed&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Averting+the+Insect+Apocalypse&utm_campaign=JG+Broadcast%3A+April+30%2C+2022">Averting the Insect Apocalypse | Garden to Save the Planet | joegardener®</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This one is about organic sprays... the only thing that I would add to this is to say... if you find that you have to spray, let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it off to make sure bugs and spray are all washed off before the beneficials and bees come back to the pollen. <a href="https://www.susansinthegarden.com/2022/04/april-10-column-organic-products/">April 10 Column: Organic Products - Susan's in the Garden (susansinthegarden.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is an interesting read about foraging. Food outside the box. I know several foragers, they amaze me with their innovativeness! <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/food/foraging-spring-canada/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Wednesday%20April%2027%202022%20Daily&utm_content=Wednesday%20April%2027%202022%20Daily+CID_9fb7c66aeb9401dfd4b3d221a6a7f62c&utm_source=campaign%20monitor&utm_term=A%20forager%20wearing%20a%20hat%20and%20jacket%20reaching%20towards%20a%20plant%20branch%20for%20a%20feature%20on%20foraging%20for%20spring%20foods">7 Canadian Foragers Share Their Favourite Spring Wild Foods (chatelaine.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4FGXLz6DyleQ1F7c5V8S8Do5AvIkaLeISjppL9r9-PY_S_6_YMRH-tbfmYh97jfeiq4_GoR0WfANfVZUpbjWvgB1G7Qk4_aWS8CDl_kxyzWntBMF4KpUO5Kchq6lTQ91lUrAijpDBz8-P4eiJStKQQ0-BDNwFQRbPsIp9OHuXVWIrVomeGk2xSprfg/s900/nasturtium-leaves-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4FGXLz6DyleQ1F7c5V8S8Do5AvIkaLeISjppL9r9-PY_S_6_YMRH-tbfmYh97jfeiq4_GoR0WfANfVZUpbjWvgB1G7Qk4_aWS8CDl_kxyzWntBMF4KpUO5Kchq6lTQ91lUrAijpDBz8-P4eiJStKQQ0-BDNwFQRbPsIp9OHuXVWIrVomeGk2xSprfg/w426-h640/nasturtium-leaves-1.jpg" title="From Attainable-Sustainable." width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From Attainable- Sustainable </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>In the same line of thought... here is a recipe using nasturtium leaves! Whoa! <a href="https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/stuffed-nasturtium-leaves/">Stuffed Nasturtium Leaves: Foraging for Your Dinner (attainable-sustainable.net)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Information about using hydrogen peroxide in your garden...<a href="https://empressofdirt.net/hydrogen-peroxide/">Garden Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide (Facts & Myths) (empressofdirt.net)</a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeN-XQNaf_Ju5UZGz-ZZ3vuK349jsKABGNstZSeLXCccSgCln9BwAW1CD7zP_XaY6_2viRiGh3sPSO-6XzeX-7hAQESucenCWk9sldCqCi5fOnfczU0hHRporJEnCgxX4-tvQLHvlupo25fXODL1x6KpWp1nSXaTnXT-OUwyqt2mD7QjOSHvCyURYcw/s720/IMG_8523.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeN-XQNaf_Ju5UZGz-ZZ3vuK349jsKABGNstZSeLXCccSgCln9BwAW1CD7zP_XaY6_2viRiGh3sPSO-6XzeX-7hAQESucenCWk9sldCqCi5fOnfczU0hHRporJEnCgxX4-tvQLHvlupo25fXODL1x6KpWp1nSXaTnXT-OUwyqt2mD7QjOSHvCyURYcw/w640-h426/IMG_8523.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My flower lawn for the bees and beneficials is starting to do it's thing! </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Several ideas for<i><a href="https://www.monarchgard.com/thedeepmiddle/diy-garden-bed-prep-the-good-and-the-meh?fbclid=IwAR0b3ERx_TKv_Ok4ZlTxJ5DM48DFrM4gPkdk4hrjJ6HDr46lJAEkyPSwV0A" target="_blank"> how to prep your lawn or space</a></i> to grow an alternative lawn, a flowering lawn, or a pollinator lawn, like I have : ) </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM-jfbeV6mubCOyPtjCFUYAfVbLMHLLmRb85koDgp1FOBFP9aoSK1Eek8UFFuBpjqJvkdqpnJIoidrKk7R8nD3ebsEGQDl30QOsJJK5Shvg92wrLSUEnqT6HnSGEqrZvXNxG4tMsme3t81M_AA1tqd-WdWF0lBrYMVsQvjKHuFKdn08F3biORIy0H2Q/s1600/iStock-545582750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM-jfbeV6mubCOyPtjCFUYAfVbLMHLLmRb85koDgp1FOBFP9aoSK1Eek8UFFuBpjqJvkdqpnJIoidrKk7R8nD3ebsEGQDl30QOsJJK5Shvg92wrLSUEnqT6HnSGEqrZvXNxG4tMsme3t81M_AA1tqd-WdWF0lBrYMVsQvjKHuFKdn08F3biORIy0H2Q/w640-h426/iStock-545582750.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/the-benefits-of-manure-in-your-garden.htm"><i>Manure As Fertilizer: How Manure Effects The Soil (gardeningknowhow.com)</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I was reading through Margaret's chore list, trying to think of what to share with you and decided to share the entire post as there is a whole bunch of great information in this month's what to do list! <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/may-garden-chores2/">the may garden chores - A Way To Garden</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The only thing I would add, as you know that I always have lots to say (cheeky), is that this is also a great time to go around and feed your roses, trees, shrubs with a few good shovelfuls of compost or manure. It works as mulch feeds your trees each time it rains and when you water. The soil life will also help to move the nutrients down to the roots. Add a bit of bone and blood meal, or a good granular, organic fertiliser, for an added boost, if you like. If your tree is in the lawn, this is still the best way to feed it, spread the manure at the drip line of the tree, rake it in a bit, and it will soon disappear into the grass. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6X3kJHDwHyzIXumNzXovXA7-dfDo8v0NkX_GzCaNC5g5Buah7AWiN76v2uL2L9GBBzPPSfWkCwmjUUnddeBKjSeSEPleHNVpx1HYyY3yPGu6GAhyyQOPt5JvuFCIcCpNPCTblaHIA1gM1mel36fXLSdMoa7myhWp2g3BBDGeKcP-nXg5jRf50AoPyiQ/s1440/217495220_3663461960425871_888164809904014944_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6X3kJHDwHyzIXumNzXovXA7-dfDo8v0NkX_GzCaNC5g5Buah7AWiN76v2uL2L9GBBzPPSfWkCwmjUUnddeBKjSeSEPleHNVpx1HYyY3yPGu6GAhyyQOPt5JvuFCIcCpNPCTblaHIA1gM1mel36fXLSdMoa7myhWp2g3BBDGeKcP-nXg5jRf50AoPyiQ/w640-h640/217495220_3663461960425871_888164809904014944_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am off to prepare for a day of basket making. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">See you all soon, have a great week ahead ~ Tanja </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-66516544800571181482022-04-25T13:25:00.001-07:002022-04-25T13:25:08.895-07:00Potager Palaver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life is sure getting busy around here so am a day late in posting. Hoping to get this renovation finished so that at least the house stuff is semi-organized and done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiUQia4LgI64qKf3Q3YeKJXSaSwFlY4FOY1xREGDgmyEZDWgVVv9y4T3bXFznHSVmyGnls8x_MRO-_9G77m7yETlOeQwcxDKLAEveYQ7gjsjxiJ_Z6cWaridfPs7R3bzbofJNIJn_HlYZS51UCbE2gcw2iVB2CSHow17rEKKzFYuX3hIJVOUV2hrVtQ/s720/IMG_8501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiUQia4LgI64qKf3Q3YeKJXSaSwFlY4FOY1xREGDgmyEZDWgVVv9y4T3bXFznHSVmyGnls8x_MRO-_9G77m7yETlOeQwcxDKLAEveYQ7gjsjxiJ_Z6cWaridfPs7R3bzbofJNIJn_HlYZS51UCbE2gcw2iVB2CSHow17rEKKzFYuX3hIJVOUV2hrVtQ/w640-h426/IMG_8501.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The asparagus is coming up! We'll be enjoying it for many weeks yet as it is just starting out. We have had a very cool spring this year. I have both green and purple asparagus varieties in the same bed, the Purple Passion turns green upon cooking, oddly enough, does not stay purple. It is my favourite one. Very prolific, sweet, and the perfect size spears. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkQR3MK33fKNsN_ukG_VZ-2HTCDcL4AEqcNQu3Qy48luJekPgqZVc8BlJJPd284idWBFYOGzNgawFtSKZQptkW6QljfvocyRAJE69CldiCsvRHkbqn9JDlwZdRKyDtLGXMlNFPLUjAnqz-kN63loXAvl6zH-hmH6FqfZ9oB3FJSsFFRfmDfM8o9dHCQ/s720/IMG_2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkQR3MK33fKNsN_ukG_VZ-2HTCDcL4AEqcNQu3Qy48luJekPgqZVc8BlJJPd284idWBFYOGzNgawFtSKZQptkW6QljfvocyRAJE69CldiCsvRHkbqn9JDlwZdRKyDtLGXMlNFPLUjAnqz-kN63loXAvl6zH-hmH6FqfZ9oB3FJSsFFRfmDfM8o9dHCQ/w640-h426/IMG_2822.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Had my last how-to tutorial type workshops on the weekend. I have had so much fun with you all, chatting about how to grow great organic foods in our eco-friendly yards. Thank you all so much for attending these workshops, not just this year but everyone over the years. We start in our own yards, hoping that the neighbours take note, making the planet better one yard at a time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aEJjNHPcncymdI9XTG7anCM3yg0Vy5q0G3buQxjRcvYEC29GMeyRsnVQ2UHGkusPJH3PzgyFwUpMmD9-lzeQZPCtgi8G5wA06gKu68ynZpV11FLvAl9N4ClTVqJy16qFUmXKodkhekjdopSYNQWWr6WtUCFaXXeGnPcFjeS2renCOT3WVnnErHGf5w/s734/DSC_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="522" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aEJjNHPcncymdI9XTG7anCM3yg0Vy5q0G3buQxjRcvYEC29GMeyRsnVQ2UHGkusPJH3PzgyFwUpMmD9-lzeQZPCtgi8G5wA06gKu68ynZpV11FLvAl9N4ClTVqJy16qFUmXKodkhekjdopSYNQWWr6WtUCFaXXeGnPcFjeS2renCOT3WVnnErHGf5w/w456-h640/DSC_0321.JPG" width="456" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to start with the best article of them all, this week. Or, I think it is maybe the bestest one this week, since I am a food grower, after all. This article will tell you when and how to plant your spuds. </div><div>Hint... anytime now : ) <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/growing-potatoes-organically-when-and-how-to-plant-hill-and-harvest/">growing potatoes organically: when and how to plant, hill and harvest - A Way To Garden</a>. Not to worry though, you have until early June to do it if you are busy with other things or just prefer to not to muck about in the cold. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to read more about growing potatoes, here is a post I wrote a few years back. <a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2015/03/how-to-grow-new-potatoes-aka-baby-spuds.html">How To Grow New Potatoes aka Baby Spuds (thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Best tulips for cutting from Erin at Floret. Check out all the gorgeous varieties. <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/sites/14614/themes/3245416/downloads/8P5D6lnRP6c9sRC3tQD6_Floret-Favorite-Specialty-Tulips-Guide.pdf?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=The+best+tulip+varieties+for+cutting&utm_campaign=4-19-22+Specialty+Tulips+Guide+Opt-in">8P5D6lnRP6c9sRC3tQD6_Floret-Favorite-Specialty-Tulips-Guide.pdf</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ready to make a (big) change in the way you garden? Check out this article that was posted on Earth Day, the 22nd of April. With the west coast getting drier and hotter each summer, something has to change. Could this be the way to go? <a href="https://www.gardenista.com/posts/future-gardening-plan-terremoto/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook">The Future of Gardening: A Plan From Terremoto - Gardenista</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a great idea for adding additional warmth for your wee seedlings in an unheated greenhouse. It is in Swedish but you can either just enjoy the pics or press the translate button. <a href="https://lovelylife.se/linnea/2022/04/22/ett-vaxthus-i-vaxthuset/">Ett växthus i växthuset - Lovely Life Bubbelplastväxthus till alla små plantor</a>. You can also use those clear tote bins in the greenhouse to add 2 or 3 degrees of additional warmth. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkTh4zCOKjbAq0eElwA77aXZ-f2Y0jWFrngNFinhYH2PP2AB70wnp6kJBtuvFtqgmeDqXxU2cCxV8N03F8NKU1WM1n_GrExemxyoCZS_U6QJZmdI2Yo6QnU1kvHE4c8fjkP7MNJt5X_jme9mKdauT_P-Wg5RrkXgAtGYgIkqrocoWcb9xBoa06LJnhg/s655/IMG_2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="655" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkTh4zCOKjbAq0eElwA77aXZ-f2Y0jWFrngNFinhYH2PP2AB70wnp6kJBtuvFtqgmeDqXxU2cCxV8N03F8NKU1WM1n_GrExemxyoCZS_U6QJZmdI2Yo6QnU1kvHE4c8fjkP7MNJt5X_jme9mKdauT_P-Wg5RrkXgAtGYgIkqrocoWcb9xBoa06LJnhg/w640-h434/IMG_2003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Check out all of those bees that visit your garden. The timing could not be better as this is companion planting week at my wee greenhouse. I hold workshops and sell bee friendly flats of flowers that are designed to feed the bees and attract beneficial insects. <a href="https://gardentherapy.ca/types-of-bees/">Identify The Types of Bees Visiting Your Garden - Garden Therapy</a></div><div><br /></div><div>More along this same line... here is an article with ideas to consider when redoing your yard. I just pinned several of them myself, ideas to incorporate for making the yard even more eco-friendly than it already is. <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/12-sustainable-gardening-ideas-from-landscape-design-pros-stsetivw-vs~119118151?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u18118&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery6_7&newsletterId=18118">12 Sustainable Gardening Ideas From Landscape Design Pros (houzz.com)</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Looking for easy care perennial bed ideas? I have most all of these in my south facing, super hot and dry front yard... they really are easy to care for and best of all, most of them are super drought tolerant once they are established. This is so important as our summers seem to get hotter and drier. <a href="https://shiplapandshells.com/10-low-maintenance-flowers/">10 Perfectly Wonderful Perennials Plants For a Low-Maintenance Garden - Shiplap and Shells</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL91d7AVPTgqhEkU-X4jzaWJYuWLxxCDd2cwdBtuPFeyYJkRvUIjAssAjuQndGY1XuAgy-sdsPwiIo0zQgf67U2w_w46CRiBMz38r1dYkIgowgMC2Rl3W3dZ65f-spB0K3QVllKfskW_G_GTTwweZqxasAkBkMuZHAXLcPFSwfhPOYrsz05jSmndnwhA/s711/IMG_8496-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="711" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL91d7AVPTgqhEkU-X4jzaWJYuWLxxCDd2cwdBtuPFeyYJkRvUIjAssAjuQndGY1XuAgy-sdsPwiIo0zQgf67U2w_w46CRiBMz38r1dYkIgowgMC2Rl3W3dZ65f-spB0K3QVllKfskW_G_GTTwweZqxasAkBkMuZHAXLcPFSwfhPOYrsz05jSmndnwhA/w640-h414/IMG_8496-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Have a wonderful week, see you all very soon ~ Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-47748194724687610292022-04-17T12:17:00.004-07:002022-04-17T12:17:45.498-07:00Easter Sunday Potager Palaver<div>Happy Easter everyone! What a gorgeous, sunny day it is, perfect for Easter egg hunts... and yardwork ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzXysFT9Qf8_IL1kOQyZVph9xQAcgvdOhGJB3xT-E6sqjodPtwIEq5ZKTXy_Ie4hwpYd0V56UUPWsGr8x6u_K1GQ_0YRpYjOhZrxtRHtm7XT9PkW0xBR76fQjgCLUegLBXfBSh0R8yltgbGYhisgC2EnJYxpZfvwAnf6CV50t1Fd6fD9ZHQ03N_-y6A/s669/IMG_5609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="669" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzXysFT9Qf8_IL1kOQyZVph9xQAcgvdOhGJB3xT-E6sqjodPtwIEq5ZKTXy_Ie4hwpYd0V56UUPWsGr8x6u_K1GQ_0YRpYjOhZrxtRHtm7XT9PkW0xBR76fQjgCLUegLBXfBSh0R8yltgbGYhisgC2EnJYxpZfvwAnf6CV50t1Fd6fD9ZHQ03N_-y6A/w640-h402/IMG_5609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Is nice to see this sunshine as our weather has been absolutely bonkers, with everything from rain and high winds to frost, hail, sleet, and even some snow. Although the saying 'in like a lion, out like a lamb' is supposed apply to March, this year is very fitting for our April weather. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJ-IDvuABNhBJ31oL3eDgfs5CQexpsAElTft5-m3RP9EawHF-_LFmfiUycqKU0uCeN1RyL6KSVVlLgQSvSjgRjUHewIWgayrrxHPzyJss1yI-Mfu3IXYRwMsDvz68oBFT0VapRP83mndAck9X7Tc8_Jf4jrFf5XfuSOb8v3SCQIneeBLJtKmBtSha6g/s705/IMG_8463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="705" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJ-IDvuABNhBJ31oL3eDgfs5CQexpsAElTft5-m3RP9EawHF-_LFmfiUycqKU0uCeN1RyL6KSVVlLgQSvSjgRjUHewIWgayrrxHPzyJss1yI-Mfu3IXYRwMsDvz68oBFT0VapRP83mndAck9X7Tc8_Jf4jrFf5XfuSOb8v3SCQIneeBLJtKmBtSha6g/w640-h414/IMG_8463.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Hubby gave the wee Garden Shop a bit of a scrub down so as soon as it is good and dry, I will give the stairs a new coat of paint to freshen them up. </div><div><br /></div><div>After a bit of chores, we will head to Baby Girl's for Easter dinner with the family, to hang out with the grandbabies. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYHRC--YIcHM3Rr74DF931tKLXPf4maA6kA99PAr2sEeTkajWpTAdxZLWCwrfiyYlQPMRsBzHwfZRSLWg1pbrHBUopbDsBCBewK7RBFuLXkCZk9rcLryWk3zYqGTKGJ4n19Qow6_ph43-eX2k5jQ6fT4LJHNzjP_WgmW0dGahdHuK6W3NIrIl96ZDwg/s800/IMG_5922.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYHRC--YIcHM3Rr74DF931tKLXPf4maA6kA99PAr2sEeTkajWpTAdxZLWCwrfiyYlQPMRsBzHwfZRSLWg1pbrHBUopbDsBCBewK7RBFuLXkCZk9rcLryWk3zYqGTKGJ4n19Qow6_ph43-eX2k5jQ6fT4LJHNzjP_WgmW0dGahdHuK6W3NIrIl96ZDwg/w640-h428/IMG_5922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>At the greenhouse this week, we are talking about companion planting. I have been growing edibles with ornamentals in the food garden for a very long time, am a very big believer in the benefits of this kind of planting for a pest free and more productive, organic garden. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AKEs5boUfH7KzTZbl5bwf92ByJM3fWmNea0c6r993JtTuXvH5mmermF47NLtF6J8gfXEZRAjkBoezE3Fw8naOWJu-FUspuLQ1Y6AuGfR_gcvuf6a8MojC0aOTx-DG4MA2veHpMjFG5WS71b99gk9J-3orJ1-8sd2BZ93ZkS8MPrvbzCP20iaime1dA/s800/IMG_3827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AKEs5boUfH7KzTZbl5bwf92ByJM3fWmNea0c6r993JtTuXvH5mmermF47NLtF6J8gfXEZRAjkBoezE3Fw8naOWJu-FUspuLQ1Y6AuGfR_gcvuf6a8MojC0aOTx-DG4MA2veHpMjFG5WS71b99gk9J-3orJ1-8sd2BZ93ZkS8MPrvbzCP20iaime1dA/w640-h428/IMG_3827.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>I will have my companion flats of flowers, also known as pollinator flats, available next weekend at the wee shop, along with some of the best herbs for the bees, too. Now I just need to figure out when and how to best get them to you because, of course, I have double booked myself with workshops ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div>More information to come on Facebook this week. </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wNeBqfT_w2ESslzaB4NTI23Vifyz0JpH3oYC6Seql_p9BAdW5JE0hVhgfV-TLir5bZpr1vqpRfRjxY3iNsTHzdarYgnzg3lWBEdOwz6N8WR_NPW7K0EyXOSVd2FuFNLcOb_slNuGgBLhsZjzmLXuePXBgpypr14Rs-DuGdYy1AuH_Vq77HbxC-aJeQ/s800/DSC_0188-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wNeBqfT_w2ESslzaB4NTI23Vifyz0JpH3oYC6Seql_p9BAdW5JE0hVhgfV-TLir5bZpr1vqpRfRjxY3iNsTHzdarYgnzg3lWBEdOwz6N8WR_NPW7K0EyXOSVd2FuFNLcOb_slNuGgBLhsZjzmLXuePXBgpypr14Rs-DuGdYy1AuH_Vq77HbxC-aJeQ/w640-h426/DSC_0188-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>See this pretty blue flower? This is borage. It also comes in white, both are spectacular looking. There is a saying that goes like this.. 'Bees like to forage for borage'. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is an interesting article about this lovely herb <a href="https://gardentherapy.ca/borage/">The Herbal Guide to Borage: </a><a href="https://gardentherapy.ca/borage/">Growing and Usage - Garden Therapy</a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXrgM1i7IIpmSjgyepW6esXuqkCd6pMx_jJrbn0fbkvL46Y2jO4xr3vjEWsNknpwiTyDhNJ9S8DwfgDgk5N5VBZ5V7GARthRRbPdBXZNHqqBAd6F5t7QSz7Y1br3q3zgFjbEryrvYT7zUSfe9WbGU7IvYfWKlZWGMaZHR6perkk-yyNLK10cp2AMIbA/s720/IMG_3654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXrgM1i7IIpmSjgyepW6esXuqkCd6pMx_jJrbn0fbkvL46Y2jO4xr3vjEWsNknpwiTyDhNJ9S8DwfgDgk5N5VBZ5V7GARthRRbPdBXZNHqqBAd6F5t7QSz7Y1br3q3zgFjbEryrvYT7zUSfe9WbGU7IvYfWKlZWGMaZHR6perkk-yyNLK10cp2AMIbA/w640-h426/IMG_3654.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Potatoes in mid summer. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out this podcast about growing potatoes. <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/growing-potatoes-organically-when-and-how-to-plant-hill-and-harvest/">growing potatoes organically: when and how to plant, hill and harvest - A Way To Garden</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I love this article, great information about this fungi. What is mycorrhizae? Want to know more about it and how it benefits your garden? <a href="https://gardenprofessors.com/mycorrhizae-myco-what/?fbclid=IwAR3xgqc5zVnpCLqw_jY-mX0yvjW4qRf20V1vrA7lzpLnoriQo7_WHDSGLxA">Mycorrhizae! Myco what?? – The Garden Professors™</a></div><div><br /></div><div>And then there is this one, peat or coir? <a href="https://joegardener.com/podcast/challenge-and-solution-for-coconut-coir-as-seed-starting-and-growing-medium/?popupally_stop=subscribed&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Coir+as+a+Peat+Alternative+in+Gardening%3A+Overcoming+its+Challenges&utm_campaign=JG+Broadcast%3A+April+16%2C+2022">Using Coir as Seed Starting Medium | Challenge & Solution | joegardener®</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6pq3evme9Fy-cldumda5sdyUvb5FE0A3zODBQ_Vjlz_Ha4ouDAbdblLO7DV2ApauhMZpaUv8fcdjQqrhizf1FHgoC_ZitbVjxJTrWtZLe0GyMNEkxqWW7G0PVqmgtOwhwdSdlhB2ydhyWybK5fiV0jQdhSM3N4bRbNRujMNyAKXaf9O01v23SPisdw/s800/IMG_3346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="519" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6pq3evme9Fy-cldumda5sdyUvb5FE0A3zODBQ_Vjlz_Ha4ouDAbdblLO7DV2ApauhMZpaUv8fcdjQqrhizf1FHgoC_ZitbVjxJTrWtZLe0GyMNEkxqWW7G0PVqmgtOwhwdSdlhB2ydhyWybK5fiV0jQdhSM3N4bRbNRujMNyAKXaf9O01v23SPisdw/w416-h640/IMG_3346.JPG" width="416" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a really lovely Easter ~ Tanja </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-87001890124916056772022-04-10T11:01:00.000-07:002022-04-10T11:01:07.845-07:00Potager Palaver (Tote box mini-greenhouses, the dirty dozen, companion planting, tips and tricks) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO7kMfx99UepEHl6HDcrPGym-7bLqbOBSzp4Ronbt1uKUsI_jSK1fXpQWsgjvwAJEfhG_hcDix3PvYgW8BfwPNAHHnbB0Jo2sMLzplT3Gg6NArWoKaE9CgmgSuUDPDlKq1vB0WpKkzlrxju_xuNCXECLv2p-p1WI28HgCUdt1mwKR0nNWsASDlM8GyQ/s800/10334259_10202277267881804_6386251252884368208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO7kMfx99UepEHl6HDcrPGym-7bLqbOBSzp4Ronbt1uKUsI_jSK1fXpQWsgjvwAJEfhG_hcDix3PvYgW8BfwPNAHHnbB0Jo2sMLzplT3Gg6NArWoKaE9CgmgSuUDPDlKq1vB0WpKkzlrxju_xuNCXECLv2p-p1WI28HgCUdt1mwKR0nNWsASDlM8GyQ/w640-h426/10334259_10202277267881804_6386251252884368208_n.jpg" title="My potager at dusk." width="640" /></a></div><div>Potager style food growing is my absolutely favourite thing. Growing edibles and ornamentals together for a food garden full of colour and beauty. </div><div><br /></div><div>Adding herbs and flowers in with your fruits and veggies is not only pretty though, it is also organic pest control aka companion planting'. Attracting beneficial insects to deal with the bad bugs by planting flowers and herbs in the food garden. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPK4z-lm5Tonk9u1SoTeUByS3F6vGJ-RUMyCZDuARky748tnQNcgpnNHUK_IkG9ffmYcnxFUgDwCGnlKqxuBm5MXCMtnfdhOk44fis8mwh9-0Xh1q0zLdty6HY3RS-U5jbcTJuR5dd63r8xQmJXQ-1Nie8-KXkTfuXDzAVFD38ch59U8_W0oAZQMXn0g/s1600/DSC_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPK4z-lm5Tonk9u1SoTeUByS3F6vGJ-RUMyCZDuARky748tnQNcgpnNHUK_IkG9ffmYcnxFUgDwCGnlKqxuBm5MXCMtnfdhOk44fis8mwh9-0Xh1q0zLdty6HY3RS-U5jbcTJuR5dd63r8xQmJXQ-1Nie8-KXkTfuXDzAVFD38ch59U8_W0oAZQMXn0g/w640-h426/DSC_0298.JPG" title="Companion planting in the potager" width="640" /></a></div><div>If you are unable to join us at the wee garden shop for the workshop, here are a couple of articles that I have written in the past about growing food with flowers. This one... <a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-3-must-have-annual-flowers-for-your.html">The 3 Must Have Annual Flowers For Your Organic Vegetable Bed! (thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com)</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>To write this now, I would switch the order of the #2 flower with the #4 flower as I have learned a whole lot more about beneficial insects since I wrote this post in 2014.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVtk24i1kgbGiUVWx3S7NTMeWsRcuhDQjeTEra-4ILDfCK-kOm9LMBi0S-txSC_3VuVMnYR4sN62n8VtNzN68XLMi9GW7UWFjNHFciS-PkoTSJHkq7sRgZLeGJWZN3KEOOFFnzWZF-LnMG7HPeCrmYghhR81w6vPHUFBTHbMmqPxTzbxUU_Vuj7ITXA/s800/IMG_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVtk24i1kgbGiUVWx3S7NTMeWsRcuhDQjeTEra-4ILDfCK-kOm9LMBi0S-txSC_3VuVMnYR4sN62n8VtNzN68XLMi9GW7UWFjNHFciS-PkoTSJHkq7sRgZLeGJWZN3KEOOFFnzWZF-LnMG7HPeCrmYghhR81w6vPHUFBTHbMmqPxTzbxUU_Vuj7ITXA/w640-h428/IMG_0562.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... and also this one. This is a great post, if I do say so myself (insert cheeky grin here), about organic pest control. <i><a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2017/06/organic-pest-control.html" target="_blank">My top 6 ways for a pest free food garden. </a></i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VghWBYa9PrCMOxZz3vNBmlhwyGB7xmHhTnuVYQeU515Fz-p7sHVuk5eOHRaDiTYn3ceOCwJPf_g_yAp2uFhK8mqlxIXtthO5yHuBu8KV1uYWQyv9quNczt2aVO4IvzIOyr2ufslqM0iyGEKIedAoO5SA1moeP6UrFhiVPd7byhCvP8Vo1kkfUaGDCg/s3456/IMG_4278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VghWBYa9PrCMOxZz3vNBmlhwyGB7xmHhTnuVYQeU515Fz-p7sHVuk5eOHRaDiTYn3ceOCwJPf_g_yAp2uFhK8mqlxIXtthO5yHuBu8KV1uYWQyv9quNczt2aVO4IvzIOyr2ufslqM0iyGEKIedAoO5SA1moeP6UrFhiVPd7byhCvP8Vo1kkfUaGDCg/w640-h426/IMG_4278.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Yikes! Have a look at this list of the <i><a href="https://www.elizabethrider.com/dirty-dozen-clean-15/" target="_blank">Dirty Dozen fruits and veggies from 2021</a></i>. I did not know that they updated the list each year! This article actually lists the 46 most pesticide sprayed food crops and gives us the clean 15, too. Must say, good thing we are gardeners and growing most of our own foods! Holy, this is scary stuff! I think I need to print this out and put it front and centre on my pin board. </div><div><br /></div><div>Want to grow more food but short on space? Grow them in pots and planters instead. Check out how to grow them successfully in containers <i><a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-grow-vegetables-in-containers-stsetivw-vs~24753545?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u18048&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery6_7&newsletterId=18048" target="_blank">here... </a></i></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckK_uhs2Y_0vnbLvxpst3SuEb73efNHdf-7pyKVbH_kxvkRLEPCH3nwp7DXf3MIsod4zgZloX0w54KYT6MQ5Ims4UbxcX6H6ckzwz2kM_CQMtiVPBfYWqF4FgwkY2tXOzTXy3tu9jys9ILutVJCF1m-fb3e7jvqsSKvFlbcqAYhVidMQazM-WnOxeDw/s600/P1010007-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckK_uhs2Y_0vnbLvxpst3SuEb73efNHdf-7pyKVbH_kxvkRLEPCH3nwp7DXf3MIsod4zgZloX0w54KYT6MQ5Ims4UbxcX6H6ckzwz2kM_CQMtiVPBfYWqF4FgwkY2tXOzTXy3tu9jys9ILutVJCF1m-fb3e7jvqsSKvFlbcqAYhVidMQazM-WnOxeDw/w640-h480/P1010007-600x450.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo from Higgledy Garden.</i> </td></tr></tbody></table><div>Have no greenhouse? The inside of the house getting over-run with seedlings? Not wanting to invest in expensive lighting to avoid stretched out seedlings (I hear ya on this one!)? Check out these <i><a href="https://higgledygarden.com/2016/05/11/storage-box-mini-greenhouse-simples/" target="_blank">clear tote mini greenhouses! </a></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Want to get started on making your yard a happy, safe eco-system for the pollinators and beneficial insects? Check out this article : ) <a href="https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/eco-friendly-landscape/?fbclid=IwAR2WEDasKecI28pOc0Ze6SNZr9Gvm6vjmOPCGvqN9kC-O904m1PomtiV2vE">4 Easy Steps to Eco-Friendly Landscaping - Attainable Sustainable® (attainable-sustainable.net)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some super interesting growing information here for us here on the island with droughts every summer. Love the tomato idea. <a href="https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/growing-food-drought/?fbclid=IwAR1fvP9MUhxpwdU1Kg7HQtJ7ZkIjx6OOa_IgQc5BSnX5wf3Cq908yghRFms">Drought Resistant Crops & Water Wise Techniques for the Veggie Garden (attainable-sustainable.net)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, so these are super duper cute and vey practical. <a href="https://gardentherapy.ca/growing-tomatoes-peppers-and-herbs-in-burlap-grow-bags/?fbclid=IwAR0qIZ_lGJ2IOKAImcMOngsXN0QPK8Vy3kMz2DNDS9cU1jchAinV9At7yD0">Portable Gardening: Growing Tomatoes, Peppers, and Herbs in Burlap Grow Bags - Garden Therapy</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This article... holy moly, so many ideas. Pin it, read bits of it at a time. Each link will take you down a new rabbit hole of information. Fantastic article, I am still working on reading through the all the links as I love reading about gardening and getting new ideas. <a href="https://empressofdirt.net/eco-garden-tips/">45 Ridiculously Simple & Helpful Eco-Beneficial Garden Tips | Empress of Dirt</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Are you having a hard time growing peppers? Here are <i><a href="https://www.gardeningchannel.com/pepper-plants-growing-mistakes/?fbclid=IwAR2Pv6PaLcXSfxGngiZdXz2QafR2R2umk6BEIT8n-fujoVtJxsZfy2q47_M" target="_blank">ten growing tips</a></i> for great peppers. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5GSdIdzWhQ9CWxmlPcNL3B97q9ohCBLVYNpnxExRoywQe5vPrBCx95Dq2Ez7A948Zid2OR3UqadXRKqkmVOHGm4lsUsbdvxZRXlrCKZYXxaYJP3p1WPUuSv9FDHnkVOSUS1xuEow4-2jPzT2HN-gBG3jXP_Vs4UyxiuBdyY6ZaGWiMSPDdLePW3tEw/s800/IMG_8534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="800" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5GSdIdzWhQ9CWxmlPcNL3B97q9ohCBLVYNpnxExRoywQe5vPrBCx95Dq2Ez7A948Zid2OR3UqadXRKqkmVOHGm4lsUsbdvxZRXlrCKZYXxaYJP3p1WPUuSv9FDHnkVOSUS1xuEow4-2jPzT2HN-gBG3jXP_Vs4UyxiuBdyY6ZaGWiMSPDdLePW3tEw/w640-h436/IMG_8534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Those are the great posts that I found this week. Perfect reading material on this really yucky, cold day. Is snowing here on the island! Big, wet flakes that melt as soon as they hit the ground, but still... cold enough to be snow rather than rain! Brr! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLJplA1ZmIP6yaEaQifnULID6RLe5CL03XnCmHEKBP1N2R3P2t9CqxpESdWn4mW6fcygtFoHxic9QtgIlE8J_0Kz35uU2u0XPsuNz6pHvGS89giY0mtHHHPpd6mU2a-WLgqX6U0OLoRIVAlVRMPbge--1qGnMR5lX-CcG4_zqVCxwGP_0zHAA7RmLLA/s800/IMG_8660-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLJplA1ZmIP6yaEaQifnULID6RLe5CL03XnCmHEKBP1N2R3P2t9CqxpESdWn4mW6fcygtFoHxic9QtgIlE8J_0Kz35uU2u0XPsuNz6pHvGS89giY0mtHHHPpd6mU2a-WLgqX6U0OLoRIVAlVRMPbge--1qGnMR5lX-CcG4_zqVCxwGP_0zHAA7RmLLA/w640-h428/IMG_8660-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Wishing you all a really great week. Hoping for sunny, warm weather just around the corner so that we can start direct sowing our greens and flowers. Btw, I sow my zinnias in mid April for blooms from July through October. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Happy Gardening ~ Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-82897565720547547362022-04-07T10:15:00.139-07:002022-05-07T18:03:23.467-07:00This Year's Tomato List <div style="text-align: center;"><u style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: xx-large;">The 4 Tomato Groups - Tanja's Tomatoes 2022</u><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: xx-large;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyDDp8tnzXb-I9SLCKKnVaWC-NiV9tDub626YS2XgZEEv6MUJjjsJWc-AYwbp_6GSmrUDxIGckj23bxTEiNOV3D5r_0NtuA1z8Tt3SV0F9U9jn4FlExt5P_d2LiCjGuJh17LRKKziNobTr8p8KLaIbc7uDhANiPngb0INBBEmmgLQZYBMIxXzXlOSuQ/s720/IMG_2058.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyDDp8tnzXb-I9SLCKKnVaWC-NiV9tDub626YS2XgZEEv6MUJjjsJWc-AYwbp_6GSmrUDxIGckj23bxTEiNOV3D5r_0NtuA1z8Tt3SV0F9U9jn4FlExt5P_d2LiCjGuJh17LRKKziNobTr8p8KLaIbc7uDhANiPngb0INBBEmmgLQZYBMIxXzXlOSuQ/w640-h426/IMG_2058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>SLICERS - </i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i>Your everyday use tomatoes, good for everything. These are the tomatoes you find at the grocery store. Mid sized and good for everything. </i></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><b>Anna's Russian</b> - * <i>early, large oxheart tomato. Indeterminate. </i></div><div><b>Black</b> - * <i>large mahogany brown tomatoes. Indeterminate.</i></div><div><b>Black Krim </b>- <i>famous, black tomato with fantastic flavour. Ind</i>. </div><div><b>Black Prince</b> -<i> the one that started my heirloom journey, rich flavoured, medium size, mahogany coloured tomato. Ind.</i> </div><div><b>Bloody Butcher </b>- <i>*love the name of this early, red, German tomato. Ind. </i></div><div><strike><b>Boxcar Willie</b> - </strike><i><strike>l</strike>arge, red, all-purpose tomato that produces tons and tastes amazing! Ind. </i></div><div><b>Costoluto Fiorentino</b> - <i>Love this gorgeous, Italian, ruffled tomato. Tastes fantastic, my must have. Ind. </i></div><div><b>Dwarf Hannah's Priz</b>e - <i>huge, red, juicy, tasty tomatoes that grow in clusters! Love this one!</i> <i>Dwarf.</i></div><div><b>Dwarf Purple Heart </b>- <i>like an oxheart but is purple. Is meaty, yummy, on a dwarf vine. Love.</i> </div><div><strike><b>Early Wonde</b>r - </strike> <i>*compact, early, great for containers. Only have a few of these this year. </i></div><div><strike><b>Glacier </b>-</strike><i><strike> </strike>very few - early, determinate, fantastic tomato. </i></div><div><b>Green Zebra</b> - <i>Shoulders turn yellow when ripe, sweeter than your reds! Been on my top 10 often. Ind. </i></div><div><b>Grushkova</b> - <i>*Saladette type, early tomatoes! Very yummy and versatile. Great for containers. Det. </i></div><div><b>Latah</b> - <i>early determinate, tasty, saladette size! This is a great super early red tomato.</i> </div><div><b>Legend</b> - <i>another early tomato, super yummy, cool weather tolerant, blight resistant. Determinate. </i></div><div><b><strike>Long Keeper </strike></b>- <i>late season long storage tomato, place them in the pantry in a beer flat and they will last till March. </i></div><div><b>Mystery Keeper</b> - <i>another long storage type tomato that ripens from the inside out, lasts in pantry till <b>spring. Indeterminate. </b></i></div><div><b>Old German</b> - <i>Yellow bi-colour, a favourite of one of our local high-end restaurants, big, sweet, yummy. Ind. </i></div><div><b>Paul Robeson </b>- <i>My must grow. Is a bit later than the other blacks but worth the wait. Ind.</i> </div><div><b>Russian Saskatchewan</b> - <i>dwarf determinate tomato plant, is as hardy as it sounds. Early, det. </i></div><div><b>Sasha's Altai</b> - <i>This one has a following. Large, red tomatoes, juicy, tastes like tomatoes should! Det.</i> </div><div><b><strike>Stupice </strike></b>- <i>An island favourite tomato. Semi-determinate so starts early and keeps on giving. Saladette.</i> </div><div><b>Thorburn's Terra Cotta </b>- <i>I got so many great comments about this brick orange coloured tomato last year that I had to bring it back. Heavy producer, great tasting tomatoes, has been around for 130 years! Huge tomatoes, indeterminate. </i></div><div><b>Uluru Ochre</b> - <i>Dwarf tree type tomato, black-orange in colour, super yummy with fruity, sweet, smoky flavour. I really like this one, especially the growth habit. </i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>* means new to the NGP, excited to trial new favourites ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0KA_gXf5noxbiuckrBEhDj9EchdQYK8UxPUTU4EA7rbqLPNCwenxPxPzGG0iwBgc8svueEM8gCeM7cQ_ZHpe_SjT1KkUGqYH0mvZM6Ej2ibHvKjBjYSAM2R8A01WTzfWnlgbVbyJlnUqVbD8lHWBJcSD17N6uxL6liJmKa2ZjvXJjX3KPPyZQPCMzA/s720/IMG_2121.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0KA_gXf5noxbiuckrBEhDj9EchdQYK8UxPUTU4EA7rbqLPNCwenxPxPzGG0iwBgc8svueEM8gCeM7cQ_ZHpe_SjT1KkUGqYH0mvZM6Ej2ibHvKjBjYSAM2R8A01WTzfWnlgbVbyJlnUqVbD8lHWBJcSD17N6uxL6liJmKa2ZjvXJjX3KPPyZQPCMzA/w640-h426/IMG_2121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>CHERRY/GRAPE TOMATOES</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What can I say? These are likely the most popular tomatoes in general. Great for fresh eating, put a bowl of them on the table and they will be gone in no time flat. Grow a few colours to make a gorgeous salad. </i></div><div><b>A Grappoli d'Inverno </b>- S<i>emi-determinate, produces super well, great for storage, Italian heirloom.</i> </div><div><b>Black Cherry</b> - <i>The most famous and popular black coloured cherry tomato, large cherries! Ind. </i></div><div><b><strike>Black Strawberry</strike> </b>- *E<i>arly, sweet, bi-coloured cherry tomato. This new one intrigues me a lot! Ind. </i></div><div><b>Blush Tiger -</b> <i>Gold oblong cherry (grape?) tomato with pink stripes. Vigorous, produces tons, ind.</i> </div><div><strike><b>Bosque Blue Bumblebee</b> </strike>- <i>* Yellow cherry with blue/black shoulders. Sweet, citrusy flavour. Ind. </i> </div><div><b>Brad's Atomic Grape</b> - <i>Oblong tomato with the most unique colouring. delicately sweet. </i></div><div><b>Brown Berry </b>- <i>My personal favourite black/dark cherry, more complex flavour. Ind. </i></div><div><b>Chocolate Pear</b> - <i>This is a stunningly beautiful looking and tasting pear shaped tomato. Ind. </i></div><div><b>Cream Cherry</b> - *<i>Similar in looks to the Blue bumblebee, is yellow with blue shoulders, sweet with thin skins. See picture at TomatoFest, if you like : ) </i></div><div><b>Droplet </b>- <i>determinate, compact, sweet red cherry. Great for containers. </i></div><div><b><strike>Elfin </strike></b>- <i>grape shaped tomato, compact determinate. super yummy. Very few this year. </i></div><div><b>Fargo's Yellow Pear </b>- <i>always popular here at ngp, a yellow pear, sweet, very , very prolific, on a semi-determinate plant so keeps on giving from early summer till frost. </i></div><div><b>Lucky Tiger</b> - <i>This oblong tomato is my most favourite to grow. Is a bi-colour with green stripes, is beautiful like a jewel! </i></div><div><b>Pink Bumblebee</b> - <i>The bumblebees are taking over the cherry world in popularity. They give and give and give. The cherries are striped and pretty and there are lots of them on the indeterminate vines. </i></div><div><b>Purple Bumblebee</b> - <i>see above. </i></div><div><strike><b>Red Fig</b> -</strike> <i>this pear shaped red cherry tomato is sweet, thin skinned and was my favourite to snack on in the heatwave of 2021. Very prolific, tasty, and a good storage tomato, too. Ind. </i></div><div><b>Sprite </b><i><b>-</b>*early, sweet, determinate, grape tomato. </i></div><div><b><strike>Sunrise Bumblebee</strike> </b>- <i>a golden striped bumblebee cherry tomato, indeterminate. Great producer! </i></div><div><b>White Cherry</b> - <i>a pale yellow tomato that is one of the ngp facourites. Determinate. </i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBntTZBaJk7faFZRExO0uATaFbm5UfoFMGecLnRkYbci0v3_M7w3L5d-4HUtrjE21eoVxZ_LpeQAfNVLALh5YUW2NWcpOayebzEDa7HntB2dWP5PsH8Rut7mhLJjgBzwWM7SOjWvlWBe1lCqM1hxOmRxV3D8nM91MaeI7FfvsuieshGO00prkrGI0NQ/s719/IMG_4366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="719" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBntTZBaJk7faFZRExO0uATaFbm5UfoFMGecLnRkYbci0v3_M7w3L5d-4HUtrjE21eoVxZ_LpeQAfNVLALh5YUW2NWcpOayebzEDa7HntB2dWP5PsH8Rut7mhLJjgBzwWM7SOjWvlWBe1lCqM1hxOmRxV3D8nM91MaeI7FfvsuieshGO00prkrGI0NQ/w640-h404/IMG_4366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>PASTE/ROMA/PLUM</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>These are the ones you want for canning, meaty, less pulp, full of great flavour. They are also great for salads and sandwiches as they have less pulp. No more soggy bread. These are my 'boys' favourites, both hubby and son love the pastes. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Black Plum - </b><i>Semi-determinate vine that produces small, mahogany coloured oblong tomatoes. I know several people that love this tomato as a must grow each year for it's lovely flavour. I would not grow this so much for canning bur rather for drying or salads. </i></div><div><b>Heinz 2653</b> - <i>I grew these for the first time last year. These are the tomatoes that they grow in Ontario for a certain ketchup company. When green, it looks like a mini pumpkin. Is a great producer. Det. </i></div><div><b>Martino's Roma</b> - <i>This is the one that became my new go to after I could not get the Ropreco. Now I grow either or both. I grow 40 plants and get between 200 and 300 lbs of tomatoes, depending on the year, to feed the family. Determinate.</i> </div><div><b>Pink Fang</b> - <i>this is the weirdest looking tomato that I have ever seen. I picked it up as I know hubby is going to love it for making sauce or paste as it will be pretty much all meat, no pulp. </i></div><div><b>Romana's Ukrainian - </b><i>a plumper, rounder tomato that I absolutely love. Is a compact indeterminate, more like a semi so produces for longer into the season. </i></div><div><b>Ropreco</b> - <i>this determinate was my canning tomato for nearly a decade and then there were a few years that I could not find the seeds for it after the little seedhouse I got them from closed down. It is back! </i></div><div><b>San Marzano - </b><i>the 'original authentic' paste tomato from Italy. Indeterminate. </i></div><div><b>San Marzano Redorta - </b><i>As above but a bit bigger tomatoes. </i></div><div><b>Speckled Roman </b>- <i>large, beautifully striped semi-determinate tomato. The best of both worlds, produces from early summer till frost. </i></div><div><b>Tondino di Manduria</b> - <i>grown in Italy with little to no irrigation! Can you imagine the deep, robust flavour? Perfect for our droughty summers. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>6 packs of paste tomatoes for the canners - </i></b></div><div><div>Heinz 2653 </div><div>Martino's Roma </div></div><div>Ropreco</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yaEaTHES0HfO9tMOHsOUkQGu1SB3uVs1_udXwZWPEYkkrLNp9Y13oP0-mPpLBu-69U1VPsPJIA-6KrnvCLqj99y-mv6PEJN7G_bGVF5MaAe5oymz8nIxr5bqQ5M4S6zaCNmVJS-lkNV27ChXGLqEBxU3FX6ZckkVJrJ4o3TATeRNmhU59oKj_4BVGg/s720/IMG_4390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yaEaTHES0HfO9tMOHsOUkQGu1SB3uVs1_udXwZWPEYkkrLNp9Y13oP0-mPpLBu-69U1VPsPJIA-6KrnvCLqj99y-mv6PEJN7G_bGVF5MaAe5oymz8nIxr5bqQ5M4S6zaCNmVJS-lkNV27ChXGLqEBxU3FX6ZckkVJrJ4o3TATeRNmhU59oKj_4BVGg/w640-h426/IMG_4390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>BEEFSTEAK - the big guys</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>These guys are my personal favourites, great as sandwich toppers. One slice covers the entire piece of bread. also great for bruschetta, fresh salsas, and canning. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ananas Noire</b> - <i>my must grow each year! This bi-colour is pretty, is sweet, is big, is amazing. </i></div><div><b>Aunt Ginny's Purple</b> -<i> not actually purple, is a big, pink tomato! We grow this each year! </i></div><div><b>Berkeley Tie-dye (green) - </b><i>these open-pollinated beefs are taking the world by storm. They are super good producers, have a rich, dark flavour, win 10 out of 10 in taste tests! Compact indeterminate. My puppy is named after this tomato ; ) </i></div><div><b>Dr Wyche's Yellow - </b><i>Named after Dr Wyche who is said to have fertilised his garden with manure from the nearby zoon. One of the very best tasting yellow tomatoes! Indeterminate, big gold coloured fruits, meaty, few seeds, rich and sweet flavour. </i></div><div><b>German Pink - </b><i>My most popular selling beef. This Bavarian tomato is large, meaty. nearly seedless, indeterminate. </i></div><div><b><strike>Oxheart -</strike></b><i><strike> </strike>a heart shaped heirloom loved for it's meatiness. Is sweet and mild tasting. Indeterminate.</i><b> </b></div><div><b>Pink Berkeley Tie-Dye - </b><i>as with the Berkeley above, people love this tomato! Is a great producer, super pretty, win all the taste tests. Grow on a more compact vine than other indeterminates. </i></div><div><b>Tasmanian Chocolate -</b><i> from the dwarf tomato project, this is a brick red coloured beefsteak that grows on a compact tree-like stem/trunk. Delicious tasting. Make sure to stake it as it makes loads of large beefs!</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>MORE INFO TO HELP YOU CHOOSE : ) </i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKuKDmV-W8EOUjREz-7EWipMnd9t7pC7o0PoEQxaI3PkB0mXLWqAkFSMKbnSfoRD3o79lGpbo8XNT5_Zv2EH_EIKtJwtGrwj5CmCQtv0aD2k3NOaXY7bMP18BHZbgN7WetbSwtbUxx23uhOe45kUu94hL1F1ZP-ij3fg13gcGsxJyIG5u0lhLnc4lBw/s720/IMG_1593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKuKDmV-W8EOUjREz-7EWipMnd9t7pC7o0PoEQxaI3PkB0mXLWqAkFSMKbnSfoRD3o79lGpbo8XNT5_Zv2EH_EIKtJwtGrwj5CmCQtv0aD2k3NOaXY7bMP18BHZbgN7WetbSwtbUxx23uhOe45kUu94hL1F1ZP-ij3fg13gcGsxJyIG5u0lhLnc4lBw/w640-h426/IMG_1593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Very Early Tomatoes</u></i></div><div><strike>Elfin (cherry) </strike></div><div><strike>Stupice</strike></div><div><strike>Bloody Butcher</strike></div><div>Latah</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbTncVrJg69_6297sLlH1xdY8j1weE0IosYKOAzefT2s5p0ZiZyamXqoU_gwPlh-uKdImwvjWJlpmtUzR0kvAL3wBsl9MMUKFUeyV4gNfNAn23jjoN025DQE0k_aefnko_TgPXptYpN8_HvrhEHj9XAoF5dJiuygf1UX4aXYVuNIy045UIyb_FaLArg/s720/IMG_4384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbTncVrJg69_6297sLlH1xdY8j1weE0IosYKOAzefT2s5p0ZiZyamXqoU_gwPlh-uKdImwvjWJlpmtUzR0kvAL3wBsl9MMUKFUeyV4gNfNAn23jjoN025DQE0k_aefnko_TgPXptYpN8_HvrhEHj9XAoF5dJiuygf1UX4aXYVuNIy045UIyb_FaLArg/w640-h426/IMG_4384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><u>Early Tomatoes</u></i></div><div>Glacier</div><div>Grushkova</div><div>Legend</div><div>Russian Saskatchewan</div><div>Sasha's Altai</div><div><br /></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIui1x0CT1twrW9W7ttMTLAJvOYAUzo5yzLSFVIB82cdq1JR3AyuZ4jQIZWzarAgWFx4u2CHkjBIFxC__KmXHFLfE35JZIWyl3Rga1tLQ7luQ5SdpDbAe5qS59W_0WTHMb0Xa4isnYVP87W-17C5_zK1GX6CXnR4RxSQtlFTzTlVN_Bxht9VP7i-Y40w/s663/IMG_4255-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="663" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIui1x0CT1twrW9W7ttMTLAJvOYAUzo5yzLSFVIB82cdq1JR3AyuZ4jQIZWzarAgWFx4u2CHkjBIFxC__KmXHFLfE35JZIWyl3Rga1tLQ7luQ5SdpDbAe5qS59W_0WTHMb0Xa4isnYVP87W-17C5_zK1GX6CXnR4RxSQtlFTzTlVN_Bxht9VP7i-Y40w/w640-h402/IMG_4255-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Cool Climate/Short Season Tomatoes</u></i></div><div>Black</div><div>Black cherry (cherry) </div><div>Black Krim</div><div>Black Pear (cherry)</div><div>Black Prince</div><div><strike>Bloody Butcher</strike></div><div><strike>Boxcar Willie</strike></div><div><strike>Glacier</strike></div><div>Paul Robeson</div><div>Russian Saskatchewan </div><div>Sasha's Altai</div><div>Sprite (cherry)</div><div>Tasmanian Chocolate (beefsteak) </div><div>Uluru Ochre</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFczZlQAc3LEqU6pZC4bAHrxJFgxORcWu4nhuD0IqKCY9GzaQzJGNjaRPtvq6FzIaANZOG8pTAnL3znuwAw-JzBi5SWfN8Uus43TrFMJG_0crnsrylnKANHkogCpXS0h087979RrDKHkOXmbypv7Cv0h5GkI0gmUpBXs2M3B8GCGWAqu5LZkEaSD_ig/s800/IMG_3648-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFczZlQAc3LEqU6pZC4bAHrxJFgxORcWu4nhuD0IqKCY9GzaQzJGNjaRPtvq6FzIaANZOG8pTAnL3znuwAw-JzBi5SWfN8Uus43TrFMJG_0crnsrylnKANHkogCpXS0h087979RrDKHkOXmbypv7Cv0h5GkI0gmUpBXs2M3B8GCGWAqu5LZkEaSD_ig/w640-h428/IMG_3648-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Green/Yellow/Orange Tomatoes</u></i></div><div>Blush Tiger</div><div>Cream Cherry</div><div>Dr Wyche's Yellow</div><div><strike>Fargo's Yellow Pear</strike></div><div>Green Zebra</div><div><strike>Sunrise Bumblebee</strike></div><div>Uluru Ochre (orange)</div><div>White Cherry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLh4wdkbG07br40Ziqjws1Gxj7FthVOlYhLjeiJ5pYcqz_OqA_zM0unQ6RUVQLOL9Lt_R7wDoXcBTTqtJOKNXlc5cveXiwDlJATPpWnMgMW28QWZPvgecXEbyHjYqMg3wwapIGQMo6tXQAO-wHxa948nWGMMI4aMrQt1fN4wlG5QB1Sjpn2Y_pqsoJoQ/s720/IMG_4331.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLh4wdkbG07br40Ziqjws1Gxj7FthVOlYhLjeiJ5pYcqz_OqA_zM0unQ6RUVQLOL9Lt_R7wDoXcBTTqtJOKNXlc5cveXiwDlJATPpWnMgMW28QWZPvgecXEbyHjYqMg3wwapIGQMo6tXQAO-wHxa948nWGMMI4aMrQt1fN4wlG5QB1Sjpn2Y_pqsoJoQ/w640-h426/IMG_4331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Bi-Coloured Tomatoes</u></i></div><div>Berkeley Tie-Dye</div><div><strike>Black Strawberry</strike></div><div>Brad's Atomic Grape</div><div>Bosque Blue Bumblebee</div><div>Lucky Tiger </div><div>Old German </div><div>Pink Berkeley Tie-Dye</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEsPlzWQ5JV0wXDnTAcBXkGcCBNSJVhsrQSMNqL2RPkjs46R7KU1nFqLAukeDvJqon_zSd76t2XvRbpSucCH3chZTTd1jNySmhk0wuSlvW-usK8AwSdcGrzm-e9V1Bl0BtUHE71pY00GOnxsSb7Pcf3e8TD8UGFpg2oBBpeCuKUJ5TwRUeToZxkLbiQ/s800/IMG_3728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEsPlzWQ5JV0wXDnTAcBXkGcCBNSJVhsrQSMNqL2RPkjs46R7KU1nFqLAukeDvJqon_zSd76t2XvRbpSucCH3chZTTd1jNySmhk0wuSlvW-usK8AwSdcGrzm-e9V1Bl0BtUHE71pY00GOnxsSb7Pcf3e8TD8UGFpg2oBBpeCuKUJ5TwRUeToZxkLbiQ/w428-h640/IMG_3728.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Black/Purple/Mahogany Tomatoes </u></i></div><div>Black </div><div><div>Black Cherry</div><div>Black Krim</div></div><div>Black Plum</div><div><div>Black Prince</div></div><div><strike>Black Strawberry</strike></div><div>Brown Berry</div><div>Chocolate Pear</div><div>Dwarf Purple Heart</div><div>Paul Robeson</div><div>Purple Bumblebee</div><div>Tasmanian Chocolate</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzxsemgORzQngFT43znJxUOVP6AZ7MIubmCrzoMPrX5N_O7FcDMs7Ll6HL61Y47AL0YM-CpLydHLr7m1He5aoVxqtjRcITJnbgVHZ0F0WxnV9UCc8POLqOuofAZElYJQqke217GXtXrTAnM2O95OEtFZYuaNz73ppT4QByqcYcIs9MnBfoUS6-wIGkA/s720/IMG_4553.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzxsemgORzQngFT43znJxUOVP6AZ7MIubmCrzoMPrX5N_O7FcDMs7Ll6HL61Y47AL0YM-CpLydHLr7m1He5aoVxqtjRcITJnbgVHZ0F0WxnV9UCc8POLqOuofAZElYJQqke217GXtXrTAnM2O95OEtFZYuaNz73ppT4QByqcYcIs9MnBfoUS6-wIGkA/w640-h426/IMG_4553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Long Storage Tomatoes</u></i></div><div><strike>Long Keeper</strike></div><div>Mystery Keeper</div><div><strike>Red Fig</strike></div><div>A Grappoli d'Inverno (cherry) </div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoycC2Jo_pyTTXpeqiQZws-QknKqrZZ5FA52GMvsyqqnkiF2HA-GEpKFpG1dMDjos8PtQUIGl39t1bf2WRZXkLU_btghSJkj1-VRLagudww-dn2XGTVe6_dhc5-ao9lK4HFXgQwvb_z7vnERNwJlA3qFK1lq2_AKDAC7ou_u0oa4TWV0I-JqLudyUnAg/s3264/IMG_20190801_113848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoycC2Jo_pyTTXpeqiQZws-QknKqrZZ5FA52GMvsyqqnkiF2HA-GEpKFpG1dMDjos8PtQUIGl39t1bf2WRZXkLU_btghSJkj1-VRLagudww-dn2XGTVe6_dhc5-ao9lK4HFXgQwvb_z7vnERNwJlA3qFK1lq2_AKDAC7ou_u0oa4TWV0I-JqLudyUnAg/w360-h640/IMG_20190801_113848.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Determinate Tomatoes (Bush Type)</u></i></div><div>Droplet</div><div>Dwarf Hannah's Prize (tree type) </div><div>Dwarf Purple Heart (tree type) </div><div><strike>Elfin</strike></div><div><strike>Fargo's Yellow Pear (semi)</strike></div><div><strike>Glacier</strike></div><div>Grushovka</div><div>Heinz 2653</div><div>Latah </div><div>Legend</div><div>Martino's Roma</div><div>Ropreco</div><div>Sasha's Altai</div><div>Speckled Roman (semi)</div><div>Sprite</div><div>Tasmanian Chocolate</div><div>Tondino di Monduria </div><div><br /></div><div><div><i><u>Best Tomatoes for Containers- (pretty much any of the determinate varieties listed above)</u></i></div><div>Droplet</div><div><strike>Elfin</strike></div><div>Grushovka</div><div>Sprite</div><div><br /></div></div><div><i><u>Best Tomatoes for Canning</u></i></div><div><div>Black Plum</div><div>Black Prince</div><div>German Pink</div><div>Grushovka</div><div>Heinz 2653</div><div>Legend</div><div><span style="text-align: center;">Martino's Roma</span></div><div>Pink Fang</div><div>Romano's Ukrainian</div><div>Ropreco</div><div>San Marzano</div><div>San Marzano Redorta</div><div>Speckled Roman</div><div>Tondino di Manduria</div></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZeP7pwRJ_UZ7pdy_QEyKTwgX5Ga8YLKxqb-1jk6-zgLtFZGvNGvTjP2zErx9mMIyOIEQx51BEeniasPO7ECtfNPtrdWmPJPUiZOgWBv2rDrzxQcqsXQBUSId19cWSnY1oALktcDplVgp2ZoVBocvFc9NaBSZx5SukkxwAYMeI6I4Kj51sEcU2bCkkA/s663/IMG_4255-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="663" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZeP7pwRJ_UZ7pdy_QEyKTwgX5Ga8YLKxqb-1jk6-zgLtFZGvNGvTjP2zErx9mMIyOIEQx51BEeniasPO7ECtfNPtrdWmPJPUiZOgWBv2rDrzxQcqsXQBUSId19cWSnY1oALktcDplVgp2ZoVBocvFc9NaBSZx5SukkxwAYMeI6I4Kj51sEcU2bCkkA/w640-h402/IMG_4255-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I think that most all of you know that tomatoes are my most favourite thing in the whole world to grow. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>They make me happy, they move my soul, they taste great, and they can, store, freeze, dehydrate well. Very important in today's world. Grow lots and stock your pantry! </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I only grow and sell heirloom tomatoes and some of the newer open-pollinated ones. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The hybrids just do not incite any passion in me, so I do not grow them. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">I truly hope you enjoy this year's selection and have fun making your wish list.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">~Tanja~ </span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-91691926722080111972022-04-03T09:11:00.003-07:002022-04-03T09:11:28.478-07:00Early April Potage Palaver <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0wXHo50i0CK9RXRxK-VB8iFgGesTj4V2lngay_jS-NaLoJV4k5dGJjoR99yP5AvpWTNmGfCOGeSbf6ovsK1m2PJrh9u6r9EvudmDWAkX_GP-YsojHgusogLDJhOLrP-hvkmZ3myO06-VIMF3DtYBlSew2RyotQ4tfCha324SmZN8rFHjpbvq4AC1Cw/s649/IMG_5537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="649" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0wXHo50i0CK9RXRxK-VB8iFgGesTj4V2lngay_jS-NaLoJV4k5dGJjoR99yP5AvpWTNmGfCOGeSbf6ovsK1m2PJrh9u6r9EvudmDWAkX_GP-YsojHgusogLDJhOLrP-hvkmZ3myO06-VIMF3DtYBlSew2RyotQ4tfCha324SmZN8rFHjpbvq4AC1Cw/w640-h466/IMG_5537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Spring has really sprung in the past week. Tulips are well and truly up, crocus blooms everywhere, the nectarine, peach, and plum trees are starting to open up their blossoms. This is a great time of year. Love spring... especially when the sun shines ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div>Today is a bit of a grey, wet day but I keep reminding myself that the trees, shrubs, plants and lawn will just love this rain. When the sun comes out again again, new growth and blooms will pop up everywhere. </div><div><br /></div><div>Plus... rainy days are great for attending workshops, spending time with friends talking about growing food... doesn't get any better than that : ) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqnUdDuVEeGLuJ36bbfafW7ApJZSI7cVW68tdz_3z5BG4oAlMuZM4v5laX4Y_T79WYxxyYN5TxQVLtTFp-WkpyZSkR3ktF_kshWBcvxNn_XOEPEP5TyUQb1__QGCr85nE71-8bQ_IfoG32LzojlJS-eRg9Z8C-2P_EndBmUf59hjbeZaRR3mNlL-k9g/s720/IMG_5579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqnUdDuVEeGLuJ36bbfafW7ApJZSI7cVW68tdz_3z5BG4oAlMuZM4v5laX4Y_T79WYxxyYN5TxQVLtTFp-WkpyZSkR3ktF_kshWBcvxNn_XOEPEP5TyUQb1__QGCr85nE71-8bQ_IfoG32LzojlJS-eRg9Z8C-2P_EndBmUf59hjbeZaRR3mNlL-k9g/w640-h426/IMG_5579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>I missed last week's palaver, was such a busy time with three workshops back to back and hundreds of my own tomatoes to seed, but here we are, back on track again. Going to get this out to you all before I head out for today's Kitchen Gardening workshop, all about organic pest, weed, and disease control. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQfQT0o6DagjUrKVaQM6x5gFfTKe2vp0BsYSdWIhrpdEcJhh7VJQ1OEye_0fl42Dnm5e_ZYQ8zyuz1PStdVHpcfHfpEoe-6_GaoeH09laQsk1sRazBRyWCMoaG8SOUNXBizPt_w4G0XM59kqM3_VXugP0JokFQ-rerHpsZX-cemMKin4-vxTp0qmcPQ/s1280/cutting-garden-potting-shed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQfQT0o6DagjUrKVaQM6x5gFfTKe2vp0BsYSdWIhrpdEcJhh7VJQ1OEye_0fl42Dnm5e_ZYQ8zyuz1PStdVHpcfHfpEoe-6_GaoeH09laQsk1sRazBRyWCMoaG8SOUNXBizPt_w4G0XM59kqM3_VXugP0JokFQ-rerHpsZX-cemMKin4-vxTp0qmcPQ/w640-h480/cutting-garden-potting-shed-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here are some great links that caught my eye these past two weeks. </i></div><div><br /></div>Well, if this just isn't the cutest potting shed, eh? <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/home-decor/cutting-garden-potting-shed/">Step Inside The Cutest Potting Shed We've Ever Seen | Chatelaine</a><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo26FJ8mbgSuH_6pxb8D6jRwtZuBfUDXCfF19zEfCfOpnOWYichQvetp3oncLkZi58oMR6yhgOM9yJAsf_udiHcbSjL5tB_cQBy6FzvMLMX9aIQz7MVuKWcRUMP0oBI0uCYToUShE2vER5Q7_qPgd4hLUuiP7hhEmtUm3yUeiyb6LDkMC_cRukMcJOLw/s720/IMG_7781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo26FJ8mbgSuH_6pxb8D6jRwtZuBfUDXCfF19zEfCfOpnOWYichQvetp3oncLkZi58oMR6yhgOM9yJAsf_udiHcbSjL5tB_cQBy6FzvMLMX9aIQz7MVuKWcRUMP0oBI0uCYToUShE2vER5Q7_qPgd4hLUuiP7hhEmtUm3yUeiyb6LDkMC_cRukMcJOLw/w640-h426/IMG_7781.JPG" title="My flower lawn in November" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our flowering alternative lawn in November</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Want to grow a flowering lawn? This is a great link. <a href="https://www.theenglishgarden.co.uk/expert-advice/gardeners-tips/how-to-grow-an-urban-flower-meadow/?fbclid=IwAR0zVCbZpMYOCBFlr6AbWC4GVktjeLixwD8xmRBUZg6CNKBcrVj7J7p_9nE">How to grow an urban flower meadow - The English Garden</a></div><div><br /></div><div>We picked up one of the seeds mixes from <i><a href="https://www.westcoastseeds.com/collections/lawn-solutions" target="_blank">West Coast Seeds </a> at</i> <a href="https://sharecost.ca/" target="_blank">Sharecost</a>, a local shop here in town, but you can order yours on line or pick up these seeds in most BC garden shops. There are all sorts of blends available, and they are all amazing. </div><div><br /></div><div>We love these flowering lawns so just recently tossed around some of the Bee Turf seeds, more flowers for the pollinators, butterflies, and beneficial insects. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCGES-4p6wsUOouTXa4K_Wd1sDMWXI78SUFctdZV4c1DnPlk0ItxFEVSvi2ZxIqcpqdLc4s23xW0HrV4_nuIOWwrxB6Iu8u2A42n5Lf1rOMlTyRbUuIJl4hTt4cBPpQnBLDCbKyENx7UfrUoTS9CRyIVA6juOZt9_dZt9S2kNeUKyhn2LNAkmnwxTZA/s720/IMG_6370.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCGES-4p6wsUOouTXa4K_Wd1sDMWXI78SUFctdZV4c1DnPlk0ItxFEVSvi2ZxIqcpqdLc4s23xW0HrV4_nuIOWwrxB6Iu8u2A42n5Lf1rOMlTyRbUuIJl4hTt4cBPpQnBLDCbKyENx7UfrUoTS9CRyIVA6juOZt9_dZt9S2kNeUKyhn2LNAkmnwxTZA/w640-h426/IMG_6370.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My Claude Shride martagon lily. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div>All about Lilies! I love lilies in the potager and throughout the entire yard. They bloom at different times of the year, so I always have some stature and glorious blooms. This blog post will tell you all about lilies, the different kinds. I love the Martagons, they are my absolute favourites, but they have all sorts, colours, and kinds. <a href="https://gardentherapy.ca/types-of-lily-flowers/">The 6 Types of Lilies for the Summer Garden - Garden Therapy</a></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVcZkRxPK9Th3JFKumi_DbhcHHFQ2AJykYWoA6UuurC7h_eIPwYADeV7bVpTu6OgOnvZ47bNXVBvPjB-NH5GIk0Ske-ee5fSje1uCv3JMsg55JPYvkVCnFUWzs2KFSbQaRQEEg534Bv9CFMWyFSAIM7vFgq1vkuCnm9f1mqmgjVrVgq5_Bz3sKjFfzA/s800/cottage-garden-summer-evening-SQ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVcZkRxPK9Th3JFKumi_DbhcHHFQ2AJykYWoA6UuurC7h_eIPwYADeV7bVpTu6OgOnvZ47bNXVBvPjB-NH5GIk0Ske-ee5fSje1uCv3JMsg55JPYvkVCnFUWzs2KFSbQaRQEEg534Bv9CFMWyFSAIM7vFgq1vkuCnm9f1mqmgjVrVgq5_Bz3sKjFfzA/w640-h640/cottage-garden-summer-evening-SQ.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>This article is not about growing food but instead about all sorts flowers and what to do with them in the month of April in the PNW. <a href="https://shiplapandshells.com/gardening-month-april/">April Gardening Tips and To-Dos for the Pacific Northwest Region - Shiplap and Shells</a>. Besides, who doesn't like flowers, eh? </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Want to grow food throughout the season but not sure how to do it? Here is a a podcast about succession sowing. <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/succession-sowing-strategies-with-meg-cowden/">succession-sowing strategies, with meg cowden - A Way To Garden</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Found two lovely articles from The Empress of Dirt... this one about what to do in the garden from <i><a href="https://empressofdirt.net/gardening-year/" target="_blank">month to month.</a> </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Then there is also this one about using<i> <a href="https://empressofdirt.net/cinnamon-garden/" target="_blank">cinnamon as a fungicide.</a> </i> </div><div><br /></div><div>Have you always wanted a butterfly garden? Check out this article and all the pretty flowers you can grow for them. One word of advice? Keep it far away from your food garden as you know what butterflies start out as, eh ; ) <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-steps-to-creating-your-butterfly-garden-stsetivw-vs~44769697?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u17970&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery6_7&newsletterId=17970">6 Steps to Creating Your Butterfly Garden (houzz.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://joegardener.com/podcast/overcoming-gardening-hurdles/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=No+more+spending+hours+Googling+gardening+how-to+s%21&utm_campaign=JG+Broadcast%3A+April+2%2C+2022" target="_blank"><i>This article </i></a>coves a whole lot of common garden problems/hurdles and how to overcome them, from weeds to pests. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lQzWvrArhNgOWuPfVAl0oXRZJWwX1jdp-dIvu4GYfGlHlPnW_yuS0yTZzBtaC7jklcJoWyZPILStfpxDQEYbGENaEeFkMSF3iwOOXsGnqdciY3GowmGGvA0K5kbSb-qK-0qIryqphOW0pJG14v3okfkI4Dm8go2k1nnX1METiH6iatjeoZSBXH2sJA/s600/apr22-top-tulips-spinach-broccoli-etc.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lQzWvrArhNgOWuPfVAl0oXRZJWwX1jdp-dIvu4GYfGlHlPnW_yuS0yTZzBtaC7jklcJoWyZPILStfpxDQEYbGENaEeFkMSF3iwOOXsGnqdciY3GowmGGvA0K5kbSb-qK-0qIryqphOW0pJG14v3okfkI4Dm8go2k1nnX1METiH6iatjeoZSBXH2sJA/w640-h426/apr22-top-tulips-spinach-broccoli-etc.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Charles Dowding's farm. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div>Want to succession grow this year? Grow food in three seasons? Here is a good video from Charles Dowding about succession sowing from March through October. Real time, real sowing and growing. This is a very good video as he talks about bug damage through the season, water issues, all sorts of real life issues with 4 plantings. See that video <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGL1Lh1cusw" target="_blank">HERE!</a></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>AND</i>.... Here is another one of Charles' videos about sowing, planting, growing, interplanting, so many fun spring things! <i> </i><a href="https://charlesdowding.co.uk/april-2022-plant-raising-how-to-transplant-using-covers-no-dig-fun-compost-salads-beautiful-food-new-weekly-advice/">April 2022 plant raising, how to transplant, using covers, no dig fun, compost, salads, beautiful food, NEW weekly advice - Charles Dowding</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is another garden blog with what to do in April to help get you started. She also has 'how-to-grow' guides for all veggies at the bottom of this page. <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/april-garden-chores-2016/">the april garden chores - A Way To Garden</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfn_0_IdkZ_2jQOUA_Ka5fhykc8kQ8160MtBN5dqlHlhip2ysxDQXhZi8Lgowukz94xMmWaTCg6QbpDnGVlAWzrsww4i4A0aVeSsVf47YGFVk5xRVosvPZp5Nlv-JpRBhJdRwfwb_z_wEVAINnPZ6BndUN885y72oAg15BhV9Cboz5DYHwjMQjsEydg/s1280/maxresdefault.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfn_0_IdkZ_2jQOUA_Ka5fhykc8kQ8160MtBN5dqlHlhip2ysxDQXhZi8Lgowukz94xMmWaTCg6QbpDnGVlAWzrsww4i4A0aVeSsVf47YGFVk5xRVosvPZp5Nlv-JpRBhJdRwfwb_z_wEVAINnPZ6BndUN885y72oAg15BhV9Cboz5DYHwjMQjsEydg/w640-h360/maxresdefault.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Two articles about starting seeds or planting starter plants. </div><div><a href="https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/transplanting-heijunka-calendar-ze0z1804zsphe/?utm_source=wcemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MEN%20GDN%20eNews%2003-29-22&wc_totalkey=9Asy3F3WllhLHDG0ZX9IhxCygs_Iryvdxcx670T0C4wx6aikLJuPTyGbORUs0z_vrEhGLRYkfsEujaDqKm89Bg">Transplanting vs. Direct-Seeding and The Heijunka Calendar – Mother Earth News</a></div><div><a href="https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/pros-con-sowing-transplanting-zbcz1902/?utm_source=wcemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MEN%20GDN%20eNews%2003-29-22&wc_totalkey=9Asy3F3WllhLHDG0ZX9IhxCygs_Iryvdxcx670T0C4wx6aikLJuPTyGbORUs0z_vrEhGLRYkfsEujaDqKm89Bg">The Pros and Cons of Direct Sowing and Transplanting – Mother Earth News</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>These are some of the questions that came up during the weekend workshops. </i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI05rj42zaieUrq4FfJWrIY8WUENnPAdFleVAYbPgAY8tYocBkVdd96PwYtxolGRcd0m8IC0p-ztjEAbQFeTyrELBCcGatzZ7ehPd1o-dfNbTnFiXICXdj48FsjYfC7Qu4F85S2vpV5u-px-vlE8Bs0A_2Ztwa_oslJgxZwbuGnP3conxvxuRTeCHdA/s720/IMG_8350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI05rj42zaieUrq4FfJWrIY8WUENnPAdFleVAYbPgAY8tYocBkVdd96PwYtxolGRcd0m8IC0p-ztjEAbQFeTyrELBCcGatzZ7ehPd1o-dfNbTnFiXICXdj48FsjYfC7Qu4F85S2vpV5u-px-vlE8Bs0A_2Ztwa_oslJgxZwbuGnP3conxvxuRTeCHdA/w640-h426/IMG_8350.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Here are two different suppliers of the bug mesh for your brassicas (aphids/caterpillars) or your carrots (rust fly) or onions (maggot fly). I use the one from American Netting. Is 13'x 20'. These meshes are expensive but will last you for many years. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://www.americannettings.com/product/bug-out-garden-insect-screen/">"Bug Out" Garden Insect Screen- Bug Screen (americannettings.com)</a></div><div><a href="https://www.agfabric.com/collections/garden-cover/products/garden-insect-netting-6-5ft-5ftw-copy">Garden Insect Netting Screen, White Insect Netting | Agfabric</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUfjNX0Q-V9FLTJ8xbSsG01N8ceua5PdTxaSIpRlTfp5TmaUXVbNLDfSZlw5V4BRLEzAVkB78StziO7DfSWIeei9eTyv9IPxfz41YsqBZi26sRfdEVgbuU6d22tmn1Pp0X6uRNwNkqP7TNe91roszBpplLpjsmjGeR8E7hZ7_7S9Hes1yEB7v3RJCTA/s640/small_version1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUfjNX0Q-V9FLTJ8xbSsG01N8ceua5PdTxaSIpRlTfp5TmaUXVbNLDfSZlw5V4BRLEzAVkB78StziO7DfSWIeei9eTyv9IPxfz41YsqBZi26sRfdEVgbuU6d22tmn1Pp0X6uRNwNkqP7TNe91roszBpplLpjsmjGeR8E7hZ7_7S9Hes1yEB7v3RJCTA/w640-h480/small_version1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>You can also look into screening, like you would use for an outside screen door, to see what that pricing would be like. Or.... In the UK, they often build these screen houses to keep pigeons and bugs off of their crops. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d2I-K5y6IROxZ-SQERYf35fNeb9l_csWHUJyNIGbIbqQUkRE49PRkNO-C-Jk12C2ox2knWGZktRvW2zsuyRvdG_h5FTHLHTCODJXovG-E_ZnGuCfuqYRVKUobOlJkrES6C0z_L7rWPusr0DGVhrloilxjtqo3byanAM62IDIsLrbI31XtLKqJLJYww/s640/IMG_3827.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d2I-K5y6IROxZ-SQERYf35fNeb9l_csWHUJyNIGbIbqQUkRE49PRkNO-C-Jk12C2ox2knWGZktRvW2zsuyRvdG_h5FTHLHTCODJXovG-E_ZnGuCfuqYRVKUobOlJkrES6C0z_L7rWPusr0DGVhrloilxjtqo3byanAM62IDIsLrbI31XtLKqJLJYww/w640-h428/IMG_3827.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Someone was asking about my favourite <a href="https://i.imgur.com/3F3D4.png" target="_blank">companion planting chart</a> that I use. This is the one that I have laminated and hanging in my greenhouse so that I can take it out to the garden at planting time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least... if you are looking to grow a lot of food this year with the price of produce, the predicted shortages coming, check out the <i><a href="https://www.vegetableacademy.com/" target="_blank">Vegetable Academy</a></i>. He is a market grower and will help you immensely at figuring out what to plant, when to plant, how to plant, and how much to plant. His webinars are very informative. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">That is all for this week..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Phew, what a list of fun things, eh? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Have the best week ever, happy gardening ~ Tanja </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaah6NL7Gn-2emVeqiW2U0XP7INcmHRz5qLEahTKNo0NzM1U5wUaT4oKQ2Pa2ArAkj03DlVP1PmYn59r1H_6JQbfxpM1Hy5DO8pFAn9Yss285peqozTgZU9e71-Mam90A8YvRzx4D2ikUUnxxHSpH3wXfe8Ui9zx6r6op1D2BBbpwD7yeT0BSjVYfvA/s720/IMG_8370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaah6NL7Gn-2emVeqiW2U0XP7INcmHRz5qLEahTKNo0NzM1U5wUaT4oKQ2Pa2ArAkj03DlVP1PmYn59r1H_6JQbfxpM1Hy5DO8pFAn9Yss285peqozTgZU9e71-Mam90A8YvRzx4D2ikUUnxxHSpH3wXfe8Ui9zx6r6op1D2BBbpwD7yeT0BSjVYfvA/w426-h640/IMG_8370.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-11404270281281976962022-03-31T13:47:00.001-07:002022-03-31T14:40:38.831-07:00April Ramblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNuXmF8QQXyLbVc2hV5IRY_OT93aaGJK_8xMYdp046JySWUwQMURv9iVHVhy1gw5rMf5JVVC7uHnqBDhpr1O4gRMIzM974IsHoKd0K1oyHoqFtd15mFKq2k88DuOyHoRAKmBnHF8c-Bnc5x64oECXy7Y1GgyeAWL-IfG9d2fNnf_Mt7sQBK8YTfDuiw/s720/IMG_8350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNuXmF8QQXyLbVc2hV5IRY_OT93aaGJK_8xMYdp046JySWUwQMURv9iVHVhy1gw5rMf5JVVC7uHnqBDhpr1O4gRMIzM974IsHoKd0K1oyHoqFtd15mFKq2k88DuOyHoRAKmBnHF8c-Bnc5x64oECXy7Y1GgyeAWL-IfG9d2fNnf_Mt7sQBK8YTfDuiw/w640-h426/IMG_8350.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The plum trees in full bloom. The scent is amazing and the pollinators are so very happy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here we are in the lovely spring month of April, looking forward to all the sunshine and warmth, sitting out front with a yummy bevie while watching the trees leaf out and gardens bloom. <div><br /></div><div>April weather can be somewhat unpredictable ... sometimes lovely, sometimes not... a month with a split personality.<br />
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These past few mornings have been lovely, a little bit nippy but no frost on the
lawn. <br />
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As always in April though, the tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs are popping up everywhere, showing off their brights Easter hues.<div><br />
Magnolia's, forsythia's, camellia's and other spring flowering trees are covered head to toe in glorious blooms.</div><div><br />
Peonies, lupines and other perennials are poking their heads through the soil.<br />
Spring, glorious spring! <br />
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For those of you who feel like you are so far behind this year, relax! You truly aren't behind at all. Our last average frost date in Nanaimo and area is April 28th, so we are actually completely normal, and right on track.<br />
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<i>Tomato seedlings ...buy them in May! Not April! </i></div>
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Please do not get tricked into buying tomato, pepper, cuke, squash or corn seedlings at this time of year should you see them at the grocery stores or garden centres. They need warm soil and warm night time temps of 10C to thrive. Planting too early actually causes them to go dormant and sets you back by 6 weeks! Buy them in May to plant out when nights are reliably +10°C. <br />
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Plus, leave those 6 packs of warm weather annuals, like geraniums and marigolds, on the shelves for a few more weeks, at least! Brrr! If you need to wear a jacket of any kind, it is too cold for those warm weather annuals! Night time temps have been pretty cool! <br />
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<i>At the Nitty Gritty Greenhouse and Potager</i>.</div>
<br />So, what then can you be planting, growing and doing in your gardens this month? Read on, my friends, read on.. <br />
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<u>To Do ... </u><br />Plant out pops of colour to brighten your stoop, your mood, and your yard... Pansies, violas, and forced bulbs of all sorts offer long lasting colour in spring.</div><div> <br />You can still be amending, if needed, in your garden beds... adding organic matter of all kinds so that your beds are ready to go when you are.</div><div><br />Fighting the slugs! Use a pet-safe slug bait that is iron-phosphate based... sprinkle in your gardens, do not place in clumps. Or use copper tape around the plants or the garden bed tops to fight slugs, too. Very effective, though expensive.</div><div>
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<i>Plant artichokes now</i> </div>
<div style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: underline;"><i style="font-weight: 400;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div>With food prices soaring, supply issues, gas prices, and all the uncertainty in the world right now, there is no better time to start growing that you can fill your pantry with. </div><i><b><div><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div></b></i><i><b><div>New to growing food? <span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">In addition to growing all those great veggies for fresh eating this summer, try something new and play around a little bit with crops that you can grow this summer to eat later... </span></div><div><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Crops that you can leave in garden all winter (carrots, parsnips, garlic, brussels sprouts).</span></div><div><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Foods that you can freeze (pretty much everything) </span></div><div><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Plus those that you can process like yummy, organic, pasta sauce. </span></div><div><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Potatoes and beets that can be stored in a simple cardboard box in the garage or basement. </span></div><div><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Drying beans for a great homegrown protein source. </span></div><div><br /></div><u>Vegetables to sow or plant now ...</u></b></i><br />
- Peas! (seeds or starters!) Succession sow every two weeks! <br />
- Artichokes! (starters)<br />
- Asparagus, roots and seeds (roots give you crops in 2 years, seeds in 5 years or more)<br />
- Shallots and spring garlic<br />
- Cabbage (seeds or starters)<br />
- Radishes<br />
- Kale (seeds or starters) <br />
- Broccoli, cauliflower (seeds or starter plants)<br />
- Chinese
greens such as pak choi (seeds or starters) <br />
- Swiss chard (seeds or starters)<br />
- Celery (starter) <br />
- Carrots, beets, lettuce (seeds)<br />
- Onion seedlings or sets<br />
- Some herbs ... parsley, chervil, lavender, dill and cilantro.</div><div><br /><b><i>Seed potatoe</i>s</b> - Plant anytime from early April till mid-June. You have a huge window of opportunity for the potatoes! Succession crop for early spuds, summer spuds, and storage spuds. </div><div>
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<i>Still time to start your tomatoes from seed.. before mid-month.</i> </div>
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<u><i>Seeds to start indoors right now...</i></u><br />
- Tomatoes! It is not too late but start them now. <br />
- Sweet Peppers<br />
- Marigolds<br />
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<i>Direct seed Zinnia seeds in the garden at the end of the month for the best results... </i></div>
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<u><i>Annuals to plant directly into the garden .. from seed or hardened off seedlings in April</i></u><br />
- Sweet Peas! (seeds or starters!) <br />
- Snapdragons (starters)<br />
- Dianthus (starters or seeds) <br />
- Nasturtium (starters or seeds) <br />
- Calendula (starters or seeds)<br />
- Violas and pansies (starters)<br />
- Sweet alyssum (seeds or starters) <br />
- Poppies (seeds)<br />
- Zinnias (seed, mid to late April)<br />
- Sunflowers (seed, they like warm soil wo wait till the end of the month)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfih1PRgnd-RLLgPcrySZWfKHwR2vy97tEbHaomz1pX9Csf3DS1Az3BQ7HkwlwfDmpvxNQxLi7b4Fgd37dXgaNDMbEo2DL6Pk5M_rPltsTe8L4BIcfQ8LX8UzmVrsLAOcueRcDBw_6rhU/s1600/DSC_0823.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfih1PRgnd-RLLgPcrySZWfKHwR2vy97tEbHaomz1pX9Csf3DS1Az3BQ7HkwlwfDmpvxNQxLi7b4Fgd37dXgaNDMbEo2DL6Pk5M_rPltsTe8L4BIcfQ8LX8UzmVrsLAOcueRcDBw_6rhU/s1600/DSC_0823.JPG" width="412" /></a></div>
<br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-21037628279994385922022-03-20T12:53:00.003-07:002022-03-20T13:15:45.789-07:00Potage Palaver (Spring Garlic - What is it? and Powdery Mildew) <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4LyZU5KUoPuTBWkbdWbTHmCzqHQpplLlG2E9VMm4gAGdwO1H2VaGwYo9B_WiI9wZZJTBKk-HfsZzI7aJbz9zMY_eR-iAkF6-BsdY3nDFQrWd25X2uUPj8XrKGvt5yfSgQXEaAaldsZTHskkgKvvxH0p4ybZddIimj2hCLwuA5Vg9rxr1PlFpN55hUBg=s689" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="689" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4LyZU5KUoPuTBWkbdWbTHmCzqHQpplLlG2E9VMm4gAGdwO1H2VaGwYo9B_WiI9wZZJTBKk-HfsZzI7aJbz9zMY_eR-iAkF6-BsdY3nDFQrWd25X2uUPj8XrKGvt5yfSgQXEaAaldsZTHskkgKvvxH0p4ybZddIimj2hCLwuA5Vg9rxr1PlFpN55hUBg=w640-h430" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My plum trees in spring... not yet in bloom this year.</i> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy first day of spring 2022! Things are really starting to happen out in the yard and garden! I love spring. While summer is my most favourite time of year as it gives me tomatoes and cucumbers, spring makes me so happy with all the new colour and blooms popping out. Trees are budding, tulips and daffs are are poking through the ground, little English daisies (Bellis) are popping up in the lawn. Spring is truly on the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My three plum trees have loads of buds on them so will soon be in full bloom like in the picture above. They bloom in early April. The scent is magnificent, sweet like cotton candy, and the trees are completely abuzz, humming with happy bees and beneficials. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCI2uB1v0B9LVR3Jy0je-D8cFh6WfUoy30a7SoXkyjBL14tcju6Dzx-nwwCnzacHFebc0h78HoOH-qBE2ZB6mUfjbW_VyztkMqqD0c7ZIzwVttZAzkFBBELxp5XgA_ACnW25mF31pGeC4k1QYeabttcVGK1i5c4OV7LMvLKLdxDVYAlaPE0W38xNKb5w=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCI2uB1v0B9LVR3Jy0je-D8cFh6WfUoy30a7SoXkyjBL14tcju6Dzx-nwwCnzacHFebc0h78HoOH-qBE2ZB6mUfjbW_VyztkMqqD0c7ZIzwVttZAzkFBBELxp5XgA_ACnW25mF31pGeC4k1QYeabttcVGK1i5c4OV7LMvLKLdxDVYAlaPE0W38xNKb5w=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div>The grape hyacinths, squill, and crocuses are starting to pop out in my flowering pollinator lawn. Putting in that alternative lawn is the best thing I have ever done. I absolutely love the way it looks from season to season. This is just year two for the lawn so will see how it fills out, am expecting bigger and better results than in year one, but time will tell. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGp42nSOdY_vvD1RXGKEBGN7ti1CpMwG_S-hkvRbYzJcv6scQZjY7iotAiI9EQPHEoQokoTtoVv2hVGFrRZzNQu8UZBfWb0hNPpRx3KbZHLclbAQjJKOoxzlQUtjwFygFSC_czlhxInp-HGTzhQ7sWDN1gEOCmWbJ1uu6CQgmUVYPm-NKpd0GMUdT-Og=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGp42nSOdY_vvD1RXGKEBGN7ti1CpMwG_S-hkvRbYzJcv6scQZjY7iotAiI9EQPHEoQokoTtoVv2hVGFrRZzNQu8UZBfWb0hNPpRx3KbZHLclbAQjJKOoxzlQUtjwFygFSC_czlhxInp-HGTzhQ7sWDN1gEOCmWbJ1uu6CQgmUVYPm-NKpd0GMUdT-Og=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div>While main crop garlic is planted in fall, you may be wondering why you are now starting to see bulbs available at the garden centres? It may be sold in bulk but mostly you will find it in a mesh bag, generally 3 per bag. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, what's the scoop? Can you actually grow garlic at this time of year? </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, the answer is both yes and no. You can definitely plant it, it will grow and give you garlic ... but not in the sense that we all are used to your garlic looking. Any garlic planted now is not going to break into cloves but will instead look like a bulb, or an onion, called garlic rounds. No cloves, just a single bulb-like looking thing. This is often called spring garlic, or green garlic, and is a total delight to your summertime cooking! You can also harvest it when it looks like fat green onions for that lovely mild garlic flavour in your cooking. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you cannot find garlic to plant now for summer garlic, you can also harvest some of your fall sown garlic early for a really special treat, before they split into cloves. This only works if you grew extras though, we garlic growers get very possessive about every single one of our bulbs ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY3lqlWsZBzUBZuAdMqD9xTzLzbpShxe6RoYOW7vF7Cy-l8ezEQN6BrLCHx7dYwT5a-Q4dPDsKG041F04qN3TBFKbnD27qI2AlcYNWUbaQ0eCZ73J-8Tqm0NlNprF6IaxWwq9nZZjtH21aLcUQJXhDxCw0ogUVDVuJqoOzZd67IBuIACjBMruVNyU1sw=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY3lqlWsZBzUBZuAdMqD9xTzLzbpShxe6RoYOW7vF7Cy-l8ezEQN6BrLCHx7dYwT5a-Q4dPDsKG041F04qN3TBFKbnD27qI2AlcYNWUbaQ0eCZ73J-8Tqm0NlNprF6IaxWwq9nZZjtH21aLcUQJXhDxCw0ogUVDVuJqoOzZd67IBuIACjBMruVNyU1sw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div>Here is an article about what happens to spring planted garlic, what it is, and how to use it. <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/food/green-garlic-faq/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Tuesday%20March%2015%202022%20Daily&utm_content=Tuesday%20March%2015%202022%20Daily+CID_c35ee63af0c9f3307984e9dc2f561fdb&utm_source=campaign%20monitor&utm_term=Everything%20You%20Need%20To%20Know%20About%20Green%20Garlic">Everything You Need To Know About Green Garlic | Chatelaine</a></div><div><br /></div><div>And here is an article that I wrote about it last year, when I heard about it and decided that I had to have these wonderful rounds in my life. So yummy! <a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2021/03/picture-from-thegarlicfarm.html">Spring Garlic (thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is really good timing as we just had the tomato starting workshop this week. Here are some tips for how to <i><a href="https://awaytogarden.com/how-to-start-seeds-18-confidence-building-tips/" target="_blank">start most anything from seed.</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a great article about <i><a href="https://empressofdirt.net/powdery-mildew/" target="_blank">powdery mildew</a></i>, the bane of our squash plants in late summer. I use the milk solution, practice good garden spacing, and water at soil level to prevent or minimize powdery mildew. </div><div><br /></div><div>This blog always has really lovely pictures and great flower growing information. <a href="https://shiplapandshells.com/spring-projects-to-make-summer-garden-thrive/">12 Spring Projects That Will Help Your Summer Garden Thrive - Shiplap and Shells</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiY7HPqwLBY4phG63f21JE9vOBtO3cmpXXY4PiZuQrBd1d0-R91elpRVXuX-a_5pq9g3PV90Jz23WpyN_Qe3EQXQLmjZ0_Yq2j7dhmM5NesriFKMgvcJXqlohWJL2MmHlQ9sld_fW5OxQD7Fwkw6ocjib6ExM-4yTWkAae8pEllPgoh__i-j6Oiz4nqg=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiY7HPqwLBY4phG63f21JE9vOBtO3cmpXXY4PiZuQrBd1d0-R91elpRVXuX-a_5pq9g3PV90Jz23WpyN_Qe3EQXQLmjZ0_Yq2j7dhmM5NesriFKMgvcJXqlohWJL2MmHlQ9sld_fW5OxQD7Fwkw6ocjib6ExM-4yTWkAae8pEllPgoh__i-j6Oiz4nqg=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Like to read about gardening? Here is <i><a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/" target="_blank">gardening website</a></i> with tons and tons of information about anything and everything. What to do each month, when and how to do spring clean up, pruning, seed starting... just about everything you can think of. So much information on this website, you need to check it out. </div><div><br /></div><div>I joined up for their 10 day grow-along seminars and have thoroughly been enjoying it. Today is the last day sadly, so I cannot send you the link to it, but if they do it again next year, you really need to check it out. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXEEdvwadCrDbKlxrkUaH8U1Sh2F9RM6mXPSb5readCjNi8VflNesZQQw5hdrDc8irEoPOrt0snKqD5Q7KTHC26QbqPyQJM9aokPVMf8XjVMPV8jm917JCHyARekRAT6zy5CjOSU_Eddrsm4c9olkBNAn1ubmyyaj4ixncj4loyhbUEDk0_wQ-I4t10Q=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXEEdvwadCrDbKlxrkUaH8U1Sh2F9RM6mXPSb5readCjNi8VflNesZQQw5hdrDc8irEoPOrt0snKqD5Q7KTHC26QbqPyQJM9aokPVMf8XjVMPV8jm917JCHyARekRAT6zy5CjOSU_Eddrsm4c9olkBNAn1ubmyyaj4ixncj4loyhbUEDk0_wQ-I4t10Q=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>I saved the best till last. Check out this really great podcast with Joe about Companion Planting and <i><a href="https://joegardener.com/podcast/value-predatory-beneficial-insects-garden/" target="_blank">Beneficial Insects</a></i>. I love, love, love everything about growing flowers and herbs for pest control in the garden. No spraying at all, none, zero, and a thriving, organic, happy food garden. <br /><div><br /></div><div>I am huge on companion planting, it is near and dear to my heart, as they say. Want to grow food without worrying about bugs? Come chat about gardening with beneficial insects? Which plants to grow and why? Join me at my <a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">workshops. </a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtgap3kBR1clLPTyf2lDRyBvUcQY6V0Fjirk2lQil4jzq5RNbpeOZ3tzj20OPpijp4sXd8D11BCZVhN0AMj7JtvrHLqB-sXHMQVXwWRRz7JFl_gmhtW0kGwYeGst-Qx6aqmsv30XicgQbtRYNQ9KvqBsJQiy6a1vz-VgaTgT3d-Udu8o3ePvvT6I0r9Q=s720" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtgap3kBR1clLPTyf2lDRyBvUcQY6V0Fjirk2lQil4jzq5RNbpeOZ3tzj20OPpijp4sXd8D11BCZVhN0AMj7JtvrHLqB-sXHMQVXwWRRz7JFl_gmhtW0kGwYeGst-Qx6aqmsv30XicgQbtRYNQ9KvqBsJQiy6a1vz-VgaTgT3d-Udu8o3ePvvT6I0r9Q=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nectarine in bloom : ) </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a really wonderful week ahead ~ Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-2698765613253056242022-03-13T15:22:00.002-07:002022-03-13T15:22:21.503-07:00Potage Palaver (sowing timelines) <div><span style="font-size: medium;">All things are pointing towards a rainy, gloomy week ahead. This bursts my bubble a wee bit, I must say, as this is the week that I was planning to prune the rest of the roses and then weed, feed, and mulch around them at the same time. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwazV40HTtkr55tPjHVLqJTLbYFW0TdtzTf-dnjsbL3OCs0sZ-3UVqQOCn5aFAZDfGz7hFADM6lz4q60_Lp0731v77oNo5NBbJ-npHDTNl_7bp2JSPW7VHTc9xPHP5c67ra54UUPrrmvskSOT6djk2BFb62y4xDAyTOHlIANIFz2okH9QkPh74sBWsWg=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwazV40HTtkr55tPjHVLqJTLbYFW0TdtzTf-dnjsbL3OCs0sZ-3UVqQOCn5aFAZDfGz7hFADM6lz4q60_Lp0731v77oNo5NBbJ-npHDTNl_7bp2JSPW7VHTc9xPHP5c67ra54UUPrrmvskSOT6djk2BFb62y4xDAyTOHlIANIFz2okH9QkPh74sBWsWg=w640-h426" title="Plum blossoms just about to burst open" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Today started with rain but then turned into a gorgeous, warm, sunny day. If this is how the week goes, these plum blossoms will soon be out in full glory. They are impressive each spring, buzzing with bees and smelling sweet, almost candy-like. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhavH4F11geYoOOXw6EuHaXJwuHN6beQIvdtxskz5ecSyjcD7J9w3941Kz_Y19W7-7FBbIP9pBCBwfL1scC6v1LDMqzp5bEkYfdhPqAqceHBsbGQEFvzOxDea-joe_M3TmUmfC2EKBEnMOPnaU6ovBJ2smRFWvyrGFsMQVa7Ai2GQXzISK78yFl0NZ9AQ=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhavH4F11geYoOOXw6EuHaXJwuHN6beQIvdtxskz5ecSyjcD7J9w3941Kz_Y19W7-7FBbIP9pBCBwfL1scC6v1LDMqzp5bEkYfdhPqAqceHBsbGQEFvzOxDea-joe_M3TmUmfC2EKBEnMOPnaU6ovBJ2smRFWvyrGFsMQVa7Ai2GQXzISK78yFl0NZ9AQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the greenhouse, the companion plants are coming along nicely. I have lots of tidying, moving, and organizing to do before next weekend's Tomato Sow & Grow workshops so not yet sharing how it looks inside. Eek! </span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1gD3FhTPLMwJbEHTZ44wF82Qm9jfgMQR-jM--PO1hQo5c5uBl9bTViM3501rrLTWfjyPgcdgVjcgEzAJtwUmV_Vj6HBHFYR1EOzXSOvvFl9KdJAb2jzeX1AuBgcABrEHF0uSJ_KgZUAbRDBemIW6WB6cs5LeqD2njapX-845gkr6qMjjQvAs7YM8SVw=s720" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1gD3FhTPLMwJbEHTZ44wF82Qm9jfgMQR-jM--PO1hQo5c5uBl9bTViM3501rrLTWfjyPgcdgVjcgEzAJtwUmV_Vj6HBHFYR1EOzXSOvvFl9KdJAb2jzeX1AuBgcABrEHF0uSJ_KgZUAbRDBemIW6WB6cs5LeqD2njapX-845gkr6qMjjQvAs7YM8SVw=w640-h426" title="Tomato seedlings ready to go into the potager" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I have delayed tomato seeding by a week this year. Last year, I was right on track for selling on Mother's Day weekend, everything looking great really great... and then boom! We had a hot spell at the end of April, beginning of May. The seedlings got lanky despite my best efforts with the shade cloth. Ah, Mother Nature, you are so cruel. So, this year will start later so that even if that were to happen again, you will have good sized, perfect seedlings. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivwkloPz1jvM_PkiewG4oLopFhqTIJo5G60TmEkSpKpQrOrUyvb63l8Sa95IlFkhqq1QUWxqGoQ9tDLdmaH4htMNQd-b68Txxc9L5iFuMuaCrtQpfVlbP3uDDMXuFvlHR6Hs1Ep2PBzl6Uz8zknjjJDy50wmzK9PPlGv-HIyT_xdrR-UpCBF34k_kPtw=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivwkloPz1jvM_PkiewG4oLopFhqTIJo5G60TmEkSpKpQrOrUyvb63l8Sa95IlFkhqq1QUWxqGoQ9tDLdmaH4htMNQd-b68Txxc9L5iFuMuaCrtQpfVlbP3uDDMXuFvlHR6Hs1Ep2PBzl6Uz8zknjjJDy50wmzK9PPlGv-HIyT_xdrR-UpCBF34k_kPtw=w428-h640" width="428" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">If you are sowing your tomatoes on the west coast, mid to late March is a great time to start them for planting out in May. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMJkGr4LgZ8MAKdT_fj25yfA4s5KMd3yP2yR3LMVKrmhvDMsyNmVAqCl3kMQquDzRY64Gl5VaXEB08P_Po_rXfJwxSRf_KAF4sb05BVX4O0Q0u9pHkWXkMZbyZr9HFHBqgROFonyKTrOpp-8YgxDn8B8pkASR_WZMg71vwMf4Mrm_g3w8k-R3ghYWg9g=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMJkGr4LgZ8MAKdT_fj25yfA4s5KMd3yP2yR3LMVKrmhvDMsyNmVAqCl3kMQquDzRY64Gl5VaXEB08P_Po_rXfJwxSRf_KAF4sb05BVX4O0Q0u9pHkWXkMZbyZr9HFHBqgROFonyKTrOpp-8YgxDn8B8pkASR_WZMg71vwMf4Mrm_g3w8k-R3ghYWg9g=w640-h426" title="The shower is going to be huge!" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Here in the house, we are still working on the en suite bathroom renovation. It is starting to come together now, cannot wait to show you all the final product.... I know, has zero to do with gardening but is super exciting. Looking forward to an end to all the renovation dust!</span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSKg6jI7yloeQ6a8YLYzOk-uydgOC54l_fM9-pEkWxllUxP7WKU9Mn73e1OH0dI0C6iV4RFbZlI-pZsYfZSssUCUq5Jx4Y8vpyxDg3AdxlHDOEHXrYBzBptB0rfD6fpoZkANnfrAz4DlPBsyRPr81pdCggdrtoVxTK4_o-cws0x2PiQrxmWym-B0CQnQ=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSKg6jI7yloeQ6a8YLYzOk-uydgOC54l_fM9-pEkWxllUxP7WKU9Mn73e1OH0dI0C6iV4RFbZlI-pZsYfZSssUCUq5Jx4Y8vpyxDg3AdxlHDOEHXrYBzBptB0rfD6fpoZkANnfrAz4DlPBsyRPr81pdCggdrtoVxTK4_o-cws0x2PiQrxmWym-B0CQnQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This was a lawn last spring, is now just clumps of grass and weeds. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hubby and I are also looking at what we can do about our front lawn this spring. We hired a lawn company last year in the hopes that we would have a lush, thick lawn this spring but instead they pretty much killed it all off. The grass is pretty much all gone, is now a patch of weeds and grass clumps; we have a huge task on hand. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Our current plan is to rake some turf soil over it and over-seed with <i><a href="https://www.westcoastseeds.com/products/bee-turf" target="_blank">Beeturf (from WCS)</a></i> or one of the other flower/fescue lawn blends. Will let you know if that is the route we take or what we end up doing. Insert deep sad sigh here. </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Anyway, all will be well. Is just another one of those things. That is the catch up of stuff that is rolling around in my brain at this time... Here are this week's fun links to check out. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPSjUF9oePXdYFvIOpQu_5US0dze_43A86lTFIt2TC-CoXZex72IksHBUb5dojQ6evvMtvYExNuTFJjTEHjyfeesZR2e0s7M-WwlsZetkalMGXDoThrEy_R8wnMalUoXHzVnxnuShzNkojM-qAYr-jy_bJSRnVvpgq_msCoQJ3mYZlue6VLoR0NSMChA=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPSjUF9oePXdYFvIOpQu_5US0dze_43A86lTFIt2TC-CoXZex72IksHBUb5dojQ6evvMtvYExNuTFJjTEHjyfeesZR2e0s7M-WwlsZetkalMGXDoThrEy_R8wnMalUoXHzVnxnuShzNkojM-qAYr-jy_bJSRnVvpgq_msCoQJ3mYZlue6VLoR0NSMChA=w640-h428" title="My cutting flower for Baby Girl's wedding." width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Looking to grow some cutting flowers this year but not sure what to sow and when to do it? Check out this really good article from <i><a href="https://higgledygarden.com/2015/02/06/how-what-when-to-sow-up-a-cut-flower-garden-in-spring/" target="_blank">Ben at Higgledy Garden. </a></i></div></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">... and here is the link to <i><a href="https://higgledygarden.com/blog/" target="_blank">his blog</a></i>, lots of tips on growing and sowing flowers from seeds. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Here is info about when to start your cool weather veggies... </span><a href="https://www.gardenista.com/posts/cold-weather-crops-when-plant-spring/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook">Is It Too Early to Start Planting? How to Know When to Plant Your Cool Weather Crops - Gardenista</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And one more link about sowing seeds or planting seedlings. <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/seeds-or-seedlings-how-to-get-your-garden-started-stsetivw-vs~60845108?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u17881&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery7_8&newsletterId=17881">Seeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started (houzz.com)</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, and this chili pepper information. What makes them hot? <a href="https://joegardener.com/podcast/all-about-chile-peppers/">All About Chile Peppers | Good to Know & How to Grow | joegardener®</a></span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdd1KZAWN0OaNklkFy4INUn-xyHqq_Z1ddMX7yHmEuQKInL2Ctevp6RrqyGcQ1MfLap-sx7xzTW8taVqg8LMiONsIml1lPohchRNes-P5qu_xy4SyfnrXiOCuq6_ApSidxiHRyaUQIJEuwgN9eEovdL0O9fmgWPql2i_g6hqkp5i7iXUDBeNG0aszhXg=s637" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="637" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdd1KZAWN0OaNklkFy4INUn-xyHqq_Z1ddMX7yHmEuQKInL2Ctevp6RrqyGcQ1MfLap-sx7xzTW8taVqg8LMiONsIml1lPohchRNes-P5qu_xy4SyfnrXiOCuq6_ApSidxiHRyaUQIJEuwgN9eEovdL0O9fmgWPql2i_g6hqkp5i7iXUDBeNG0aszhXg=w640-h444" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Garlic is coming along fine. <br />Check out the funny growth pattern on the Tibetan garlic in the middle, eh? </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a really wonderful week ahead ~ Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-64882166128540501162022-03-08T09:17:00.002-08:002022-03-08T09:17:35.122-08:00March Ramblings <p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcoming the month of March with spring flowers, longer days, and sunny, warmer weather. The air has been a bit on the chilly side, the wind down right cool, but the sunshine make it all feel just fine. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bulbs are popping through as roses and plum trees begin to leaf out. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk8THoEEIgET_htnpSQW45PsFIFGY7dUbyMJn5nEBMOlUNGS5f-t_5vI64OnUzZq4lbZ_5U5t47N5LBeAvEmeLfN0sZUPr67kyLmC3JqTZQDY6q70HvLAVf9QSRqErx43WOZ7zU-ACrtoDAtBrZqls3TIQ7zU52SIUw7NGCokxtzHOLyXAnmu5DIwzcA=s5944" style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3890" data-original-width="5944" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk8THoEEIgET_htnpSQW45PsFIFGY7dUbyMJn5nEBMOlUNGS5f-t_5vI64OnUzZq4lbZ_5U5t47N5LBeAvEmeLfN0sZUPr67kyLmC3JqTZQDY6q70HvLAVf9QSRqErx43WOZ7zU-ACrtoDAtBrZqls3TIQ7zU52SIUw7NGCokxtzHOLyXAnmu5DIwzcA=w640-h418" width="640" /></a></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Yard and Garden tasks.. </em></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">Start with veggie bed clean up, making sure to remove any weeds and top dressing garden beds with manure or compost, some kind of organic matter, if you did not get to it last fall.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Still time to prune your fruit trees. When pruning, never remove more than 1/3 of the tree per year, no matter how over-grown or out of hand it may be. Pruning too much at one time will stress out the tree and cause suckering and water sprouts. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rake up the soggy messes last year's perennials left as they died down to the ground, toss these bits into the compost. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prune your (summer fruiting) raspberries now, too. Take out the grey stalks that fruited last year, leaving in the brown ones. If some stems are very skinny and puny, remove those as well, leaving in just nice, strong, healthy looking brown stems. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Move winter mulch away from the crown of your plants, including your garlic if you mulched it in!</p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cut back ornamental grasses. Take off the dead tops of your sedums, it is easier to do now before the new growth gets too tall. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Feed your trees and shrubs… Add a ring of manure or compost at the drip line of your fruiting and ornamental trees, and around the base of your shrubs, perennials, and roses, too. This is an organic feed that is super easy to do annually; it slowly works itself down to the roost system with the help of the spring rains and earthworms. </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even better than just manure… Fill your wheelbarrow with some manure (or compost), add lots of shredded leaves, pine needles, leaf mould (I rake up the goodies from the 'floor of my wee wooded area'), add a couple handfuls of blood meal for nitrogen and bonemeal for phosphorous, or an organic, all-purpose fertiliser. Shovel this organic goodness around your blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and the fruit trees, too. Everything! This is really feeding the soil life, your shrubs will thank you for it with a lot of new growth and fruits/flowers, or berries.</p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdbaEA3AKYwkJhYa9NboT1OiFBO0bl-wXmTkoZ5STRyz9ZDSsfzeoy5nWhG1gFhOhKiUFeX0Xaoc8J8MaKgMe-4VfzCuAzl9PHDXKJ08ecSeKPZk0k2BcWrcbT7tqoSPFDsH0FHNNtlArciO_upejPZcTFiLYbTDLBN1AdkYxyjyXP3mqXm5jlze5uOA=s704" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="704" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdbaEA3AKYwkJhYa9NboT1OiFBO0bl-wXmTkoZ5STRyz9ZDSsfzeoy5nWhG1gFhOhKiUFeX0Xaoc8J8MaKgMe-4VfzCuAzl9PHDXKJ08ecSeKPZk0k2BcWrcbT7tqoSPFDsH0FHNNtlArciO_upejPZcTFiLYbTDLBN1AdkYxyjyXP3mqXm5jlze5uOA=w640-h414" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">Cut back your roses by 1/3 to 1/2 in height. Remove dead, broken, or criss-crossing branches now, too. Pruning now will help them flush out beautifully this spring.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4M5zbiLBYEkS_jlR8ULIyKj-AGxy4nFDw0Y8t2jNLR3bAA_2ljB3Poxe3yy5sy9PGjCt6UNEDQEMNPiNgOyE5w-TNyzMxTGInw1r-Wtxe44I2u9nwzG5330lCd2guNtdLXaRfVNTnfjG-d26-juAs8jxyEcGamHTMZKJkYVLdkI5qJJ165ESHJsg74Q=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4M5zbiLBYEkS_jlR8ULIyKj-AGxy4nFDw0Y8t2jNLR3bAA_2ljB3Poxe3yy5sy9PGjCt6UNEDQEMNPiNgOyE5w-TNyzMxTGInw1r-Wtxe44I2u9nwzG5330lCd2guNtdLXaRfVNTnfjG-d26-juAs8jxyEcGamHTMZKJkYVLdkI5qJJ165ESHJsg74Q=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Seed potatoes… </em> </p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Regardless of the rain and cold, buy your <em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">seed potatoes</em> this month and put them out to chit. It is not essential to chit your spuds, so if you do not get to it, do not fret, they will grow fine nevertheless!</p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chitting is simply setting out your spuds to sprout a few weeks before planting for an earlier harvest. Take your seed potatoes out of the bag or box and place on a tray, or in a low shoe box, or in an egg carton. Set out in a warm and bright place (though not in direct sunlight) for two or three weeks. The eyes will soon begin to grow little nubs. Once these nubs or sprouts are about an inch long, carefully plant the potatoes out in the garden.</p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">I plant my potatoes in the potager mid to late April but if you want to do them in pots, tubs, or laundry baskets, this is a great time to get them going. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1qik6VRb2D31ZvBRW0kD8DI34obumQ9ZD_l-QXju1oiRWwPfBHwRwQY4kppt2UC_FAqBVNQXxHmPMgGRpl_MdWziYb2cCQm4rulJrYyPZasfHeV14WQzmpwx_MLwWoZIuYWJopL0Jgw469nkYQ8ObleVk9q0h-NhxcfH6l1e2jDXYZxwu0esy2H23HQ=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1qik6VRb2D31ZvBRW0kD8DI34obumQ9ZD_l-QXju1oiRWwPfBHwRwQY4kppt2UC_FAqBVNQXxHmPMgGRpl_MdWziYb2cCQm4rulJrYyPZasfHeV14WQzmpwx_MLwWoZIuYWJopL0Jgw469nkYQ8ObleVk9q0h-NhxcfH6l1e2jDXYZxwu0esy2H23HQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="color: #444444;">To help you feel like spring...</span></em></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Buy some potted up, blooming tulips, daffs, primulas, etc... and pop into your tired winter planters for a quick pop of colour…. or a pre-made spring planter! Pop them in your urns or planters for instant spring.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHsDFaBYtpafYztQoVnwXtI0ElVhivHnSFJuhJnifhRllyQD_4P_L0I4Rn9bNP0Er3yp4hI-cPU5eRMs7MARhwSvha_rIXSXRv45aRramA9FNSZBTpTqiTL3i1MiPmXrSE3bMAGgYIfTsVKGIEwF7_w_upK8vkpZ2jY8E5ojIQtzgFsvphGS0uR8FY_Q=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHsDFaBYtpafYztQoVnwXtI0ElVhivHnSFJuhJnifhRllyQD_4P_L0I4Rn9bNP0Er3yp4hI-cPU5eRMs7MARhwSvha_rIXSXRv45aRramA9FNSZBTpTqiTL3i1MiPmXrSE3bMAGgYIfTsVKGIEwF7_w_upK8vkpZ2jY8E5ojIQtzgFsvphGS0uR8FY_Q=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div><em id="yui_3_17_2_1_1646595292767_825" style="color: #444444; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Growing and Seeding... If you are itching to get at it, here are some ideas for what to start indoors this month</em><span style="color: #444444; letter-spacing: 0.36px;">... </span><p></p><p id="yui_3_17_2_1_1646595292767_817" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><em id="yui_3_17_2_1_1646595292767_835" style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Veggies</em><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Peppers<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Eggplants<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Tomatoes <i>(mid to end month)</i><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Broccoli and Broccoli Raab <i>(my fave!) </i><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Cabbage <br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Cauliflower<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Celery<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Onions and leeks <br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> <br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> <em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Herbs</em><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Chives<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Parsley<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Borage<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> Chamomile<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /> <br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;"> Flowers</span></span></p><div><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Columbine </span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Campanula</span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gaillardia</span></span><div><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"> Marigolds <br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Asters</span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Sweet Peas</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"> Zinnias </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444;"><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be careful if you are starting Zinnia's indoors to grow on as transplants. They are difficult to grow as they often get root rot, stem rot, or mould. They must be kept on the dry side, have good lighting and air flow. I direct sow my zinnia seeds straight into the garden beds in early to mid April, depending on the weather. </span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Direct s</span><em style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">ow these seeds out into the garden in the latter part of this month ...</em><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leeks Peas</span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lettuces, greens, spinach</span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Radishes</span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Turnips and Rutabagas</span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Swiss Chard </span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carrots</span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beets (for greens) </span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Onion seeds</span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sweet Peas ( I prefer to direct sow in the garden rather than pre-starting but you can do </span><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">either) Larkspur Calendula </span><br style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Poppies</span></span></div><div><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Foxgloves</span></span></div><div><p id="yui_3_17_2_1_1646595292767_817" style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><em style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">I have mentioned this before but it bears repeating… if you chose to sow or plant nothing this month and waited till April to do it all, you would lose out on nothing. Everything will just take off that much faster in the warmer soil and longer days. So, if you do not feel like messing about while it is so cool outside, just leave it for a few weeks longer. I do 95% of my own planting and sowing in April. The only things I make sure to get in the garden this month is a bit of peas and leeks, if I am doing them from seed. I will also toss in flower seeds as they take no work at all. </em></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plant some lovely asparagus roots. They can be planted as soon as ground can be worked. Do not start from seed, unless you have the patience of a saint. It takes 5 years to go from seed to harvest. The how-to instructions to grow a great and successful asparagus patch can be found<a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/2014/04/asparagus-and-more-in-new-potager.html" target="_blank"> <em style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(29, 46, 20, 0.255); color: rgba(29, 46, 20, 0.85); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding-bottom: 0.05em; text-decoration-line: none; transition: border-color 0.15s ease-out 0s, color 0.15s ease-out 0s;">HERE! </em></a></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Garlic is coming up nicely... do not do anything, all is fine, let them grow. If you feel like yours need a boost, side dress with a bit of manure and bone meal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggocDcRExNkc1ioivOY4IcbAEquZiFqlgcdgutIMRAyHJDTlJZVEsMnSyIfL-A9h-SUHCIFDjuRn9IrMTmjO1PxzZ6F4AXYtyudXj-Lur_U5U56gIPmmHLEIWp_3CvxHAkFnHXtAFQ8ud9EKfrcrlbDi9Ff01i78psqrmEQczqUckW-qSN4kj3BFwWzQ=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggocDcRExNkc1ioivOY4IcbAEquZiFqlgcdgutIMRAyHJDTlJZVEsMnSyIfL-A9h-SUHCIFDjuRn9IrMTmjO1PxzZ6F4AXYtyudXj-Lur_U5U56gIPmmHLEIWp_3CvxHAkFnHXtAFQ8ud9EKfrcrlbDi9Ff01i78psqrmEQczqUckW-qSN4kj3BFwWzQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">This would probably be a good time for me to remind you NOT to roto-till your soil ... ever! Rototilling compacts soil, destroys healthy soil structure, kills off earth worms, micro-organisms, and healthy bacteria, plus promotes weed growth in your garden.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">If you have 200 lb mastiffs lying around in your raised beds all winter, compacting the soil, simply use a broad fork or a garden fork to lift and gently loosen, plus aerate, the soil.</span><br style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;"> </span><br style="letter-spacing: 0.36px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;">If you do not have a mastiff problem, you do not have to lift, loosen, or aerate your soil : ) Remember to top dress your beds with manure, compost, and/or organic matter once or twice a year, then let the earth worms and Mother Nature take care of the rest. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCDuMonlpKCgUpNa-Ez3t_e-HmxKvvh2OD8B9Ni9fAQhkkKYA4_6AcRgAEFndlL6rpY33DAtyIZsTrjB7xSonCz-eglAw_gwpHZirjh_nywpApCSgAxg_arnmmKwV1k4dJ6QRDloqVpdiqdDMbOJRKeC5QpCJCBj-cb0aOlrKumnZwZuzqcz9TVxD4ag=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="532" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCDuMonlpKCgUpNa-Ez3t_e-HmxKvvh2OD8B9Ni9fAQhkkKYA4_6AcRgAEFndlL6rpY33DAtyIZsTrjB7xSonCz-eglAw_gwpHZirjh_nywpApCSgAxg_arnmmKwV1k4dJ6QRDloqVpdiqdDMbOJRKeC5QpCJCBj-cb0aOlrKumnZwZuzqcz9TVxD4ag=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: 0.36px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Spring is nearly here! </span></p><h3 style="background-color: #fcfdfc; color: rgba(64, 64, 64, 0.91); font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.02em; line-height: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Happy Gardening ~ Tanja</span></h3></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-59710447477360164742022-03-06T11:03:00.005-08:002022-03-06T11:03:45.767-08:00Potager Palaver (cool weather veggie garden, tomatoes, feeding the bees)<div>We are having a gorgeous sunshiny weekend here on the west coast, perfect weather for soaking up some Vitamin D while we go around top dressing garden beds and feeding trees and shrubs with some compost or manure. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig8NM1Rv-FS0K7ePndMgeOZlKYosBTmp7GTBKJxyIAVH5mLp75u3T_WEycRNBD93x5SziG6HctS2-7PkjJ0eCPGU86-nWWJdmRwTTa3Uc0l7z5Ky6TepFes7WAwuKMI-JkEW0IwK6tRKOJ_wNUtOrkxt4bVdnWfBHID0oE4Dolntv9A7ZwnS0nCwE0Tw=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig8NM1Rv-FS0K7ePndMgeOZlKYosBTmp7GTBKJxyIAVH5mLp75u3T_WEycRNBD93x5SziG6HctS2-7PkjJ0eCPGU86-nWWJdmRwTTa3Uc0l7z5Ky6TepFes7WAwuKMI-JkEW0IwK6tRKOJ_wNUtOrkxt4bVdnWfBHID0oE4Dolntv9A7ZwnS0nCwE0Tw=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><div>To organically feed roses, trees, shrubs, fruiting and ornamental, pick up a load of manure or compost and give each plant a shovelful or two of this organic matter around the base.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5Vqo08kTnWBmcsB17t77eWX1EUXwL_34vtuX2mM-3er_bfP3NP1nwP6OqP2_StnraCWcd_ziMYegTQbkc2mcbHslEAmXzX15zTgh_FsJvGWvZbzW0L68B29MMAidFN7FrZwx_WNxWH0CxfxwcXxsc2Z7t8eXFObmrsQD4_9RBD5-vtDCV_gztA74nrg=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5Vqo08kTnWBmcsB17t77eWX1EUXwL_34vtuX2mM-3er_bfP3NP1nwP6OqP2_StnraCWcd_ziMYegTQbkc2mcbHslEAmXzX15zTgh_FsJvGWvZbzW0L68B29MMAidFN7FrZwx_WNxWH0CxfxwcXxsc2Z7t8eXFObmrsQD4_9RBD5-vtDCV_gztA74nrg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rhubarb coming up nicely in this sunshine! </i><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>You can do this even on top of bark mulch if they are mulched up. The rains will bring the nutrients to the root system. </div><div><br /></div><div>For trees that are planted in the lawn, throw down some manure around the drip line (where the rain drops fall from the branches) and rake it in. It will soon be dispersed to the roots by the rains and soil life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have trees or shrubs growing in large pots? Feed them some manure, too. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWMb6z8cwBXzDxilD-d5gzTg2eVaDTtfUan2uStipy1chJdWzIGzfMaznxUfOv7YYcxVXCUkaGjmnowDYI8Ut0qn5gqQOzMfwtsTJKFmlpXGS_xAVdVjblqS4OZwkK_UX5B6Fb_4jhKdA-rQ2yt1fZ-zrsBlNI6ohV6U91ZVUA3qF4P4W7C__K9X77yg=s704" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="704" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWMb6z8cwBXzDxilD-d5gzTg2eVaDTtfUan2uStipy1chJdWzIGzfMaznxUfOv7YYcxVXCUkaGjmnowDYI8Ut0qn5gqQOzMfwtsTJKFmlpXGS_xAVdVjblqS4OZwkK_UX5B6Fb_4jhKdA-rQ2yt1fZ-zrsBlNI6ohV6U91ZVUA3qF4P4W7C__K9X77yg=w640-h414" title="The Lady of Shallot" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be getting out there to prune up some of the roses that I did not get to last month, mostly the climbers and ramblers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Weeding, as always, is also on the agenda. This time of year, I try to get to all the Hairy Bittercress, the seed-popping weed, before they shoot out hundreds of wee little seeds everywhere. </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Here are the fun links that captured my interest this week... </i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA-DVs4Odzuov-1V22D0msl_AReF6TgnJx5X0LFqLT1QNbNHSx04ujPzD2ZA_OcldEzGvK7Rm5YBsDrNdSCcj4FxLuaBsEMTb2W6zcQ5xEwpmop2UWFvWZrBmPJhjvxlFcxRrTs3kfCl0uMazjLqx6xNnH-U0-MzKS8TornocVm5p-AGFTXEQv81TrIA=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA-DVs4Odzuov-1V22D0msl_AReF6TgnJx5X0LFqLT1QNbNHSx04ujPzD2ZA_OcldEzGvK7Rm5YBsDrNdSCcj4FxLuaBsEMTb2W6zcQ5xEwpmop2UWFvWZrBmPJhjvxlFcxRrTs3kfCl0uMazjLqx6xNnH-U0-MzKS8TornocVm5p-AGFTXEQv81TrIA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Two tomato articles. I am crazy passionate about growing tomatoes. Love everything about heirloom tomatoes. Check out this article about growing great tomatoes in pots.. <a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/tomatoes-for-containers?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=">Tomatoes For Containers - Dave's Garden (davesgarden.com)</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>This one is about dwarf tomatoes... I wish it had more pictures, I love tomato pics, hahaha. Click on the link for the dwarf tomato project. I grow several of these new dwarfs and just love them. They are sure to become the new heirlooms of the future. <a href="https://www.gardeningchannel.com/what-are-dwarf-tomato-plants/?fbclid=IwAR2Na7rKfx-NNV90-ZGm5K0s14_G0tIKRU24zga0-RdBZT3mR1BZj4j2aDo">What Are Dwarf Tomato Plants? - Gardening Channel</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJDum3uH7Z5NkLtayEtnh_QXdV99ebplDWmMeoRZMVU6TdfKYCLF2mjPpbHvgsrVLwCjhKD7nBJvkpBKGe0PeTrdf5cRTvxc9krA6Unip-DZ5I264UBFRkzJFIItKiuurD6revC2M6g-UPYwIS-mxCNDt3i93PLZeYvm1DySXGnb11AZ7aiZH1cI8MMw=s652" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="652" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJDum3uH7Z5NkLtayEtnh_QXdV99ebplDWmMeoRZMVU6TdfKYCLF2mjPpbHvgsrVLwCjhKD7nBJvkpBKGe0PeTrdf5cRTvxc9krA6Unip-DZ5I264UBFRkzJFIItKiuurD6revC2M6g-UPYwIS-mxCNDt3i93PLZeYvm1DySXGnb11AZ7aiZH1cI8MMw=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Want to attract more bees to your yard and potager? Here is a list of flowers, trees and shrubs for the bees, check out the box with annual suggestions at the bottom <a href="https://www.uidaho.edu/-/media/UIdaho-Responsive/Files/Extension/county/Kootenai/gardening/pollinators/planting-a-bee-garden.pdf">planting-a-bee-garden.pdf (uidaho.edu)</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>This one is even better, a great blog post for what to plant in the potager <a href="https://www.tenthacrefarm.com/flowers-vegetable-garden/?utm_source=ml&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=6_flowers_that_i_grow_in_my_vegetable_garden&utm_term=">6 Flowers to Grow in the Vegetable Garden - Tenth Acre Farm</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>What about making part of your yard into a meadow? Maybe on the septic field? Or the side yard? A drought tolerant, water saving front yard? <a href="https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/landscaping/plant-garden-meadow?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Sunset&fbclid=IwAR3T1AhMZhtiXZpTjQtg98NrhGNRR0lSlFEJdXjtbYZK9FrMs7GxPu_KzIg">How to Plant a Meadow Garden—Even in the City - Sunset Magazine</a> Btw, I do not take off my adblocker ever, just click on the 'Continue to Site' to leave up your adblocker. </div><div><br /></div><div>Interested in becoming a garden coach? Or finding out more about coaching? <a href="https://www.gardenary.com/blog/behind-the-scenes-of-building-a-garden-coach-business">Behind the Scenes of Building a Garden Coach Business • Gardenary</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a nice article with some good information in it if you are thinking of buying or building a greenhouse. Love that shiplap one : ) </div><div><a href="https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/choosing-a-greenhouse/?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Hot%20stuff&utm_term=33606118&utm_campaign=GW%20Reviews%20March%205%202022_1620166_Gardeners%27%20World_Reviews%20newsletter_21362240">How to Choose the Best Greenhouse - BBC Gardeners World Magazine</a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdixSqQcvsTFt3NLwzQd-l9aVzEMf2NTCxTG77zlI70Gaxb4vZhObfcP1VUEcCyyTOg9C5kSCJF1DPSeOF5exffkYRxgVH_5jFJgl7-kDlhnq0xAFdj2BLgcCH4Gr1t_BcLOszswRAS7scdtbk70q_SN-r_lSjXxR-f3nTk8I20fHIDwOMafGgrEiXnA=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdixSqQcvsTFt3NLwzQd-l9aVzEMf2NTCxTG77zlI70Gaxb4vZhObfcP1VUEcCyyTOg9C5kSCJF1DPSeOF5exffkYRxgVH_5jFJgl7-kDlhnq0xAFdj2BLgcCH4Gr1t_BcLOszswRAS7scdtbk70q_SN-r_lSjXxR-f3nTk8I20fHIDwOMafGgrEiXnA=w640-h426" title="Crocus coming up in my flower tapestry lawn." width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The spring flowers are popping up in my tapestry lawn. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a really lovely sunny Sunday ~ Tanja </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-72317980489330220132022-02-27T11:58:00.000-08:002022-02-27T11:58:04.387-08:00Potage Palaver<div><span style="font-size: medium;">What a crazy week it has been around here again. Not with the garden or greenhouse as much as with the bathroom renovation. A huge job and a huge mess, we have dust everywhere! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the greenhouse, I am seeding some flowers right now. If your seed packet says to start the seeds 6 to 8 weeks before last frost, this is when you can get started on them. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I posted all my workshops last weekend. You can find them up above under the '<i><a href="https://thenittygrittypotager.blogspot.com/p/workshops.html" target="_blank">Workshops' tab</a></i>, if you are interested in having a poke about to see what is on offer. One of the most well attended and appreciated workshops of my workshops year after year, is the one about Companion Planting. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I am a huge proponent of of companion planting, it is actually my number one method of pest control. All the flowers and herbs that I plant in the potager and yard are chosen to not only add colour and look attractive, but to attract beneficial insects and critters to the potager so that I have little to no pests. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">If you have not yet tried it and are fed up with aphids and caterpillars in the garden, give it a go this year. Start small or go big right away, there is no right or wrong. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY1UhFxdYNTlcrJRlGTeEPOzJLrctz1BVuCulZPETBbs-E6urOE7e-Ezs0n9txJPGvWJWdKxZsh4Brgi1d8s_MEnxzy6-qTJXSFq2NIjzpXWlw_YD4-9d7qhba2BKKy5F7Z_U12RWwb4Dxra1jvKcmh6FmunS2d5udzqxJZK742yWLwTdnyR9J8E_iNQ=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY1UhFxdYNTlcrJRlGTeEPOzJLrctz1BVuCulZPETBbs-E6urOE7e-Ezs0n9txJPGvWJWdKxZsh4Brgi1d8s_MEnxzy6-qTJXSFq2NIjzpXWlw_YD4-9d7qhba2BKKy5F7Z_U12RWwb4Dxra1jvKcmh6FmunS2d5udzqxJZK742yWLwTdnyR9J8E_iNQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The pink volunteer sunflower that popped up in my potager last year. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This is good read, a fun article about companion plantings that go with cucumbers. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">All of the ideas are great except I disagree about the sunflowers. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Sunflowers are allelopathic, meaning that they release a toxin which inhibits the growth of anything planted near them, and might even outright kill the other plants in the area. Take it from someone who has tried it... several times, actually, because apparently once was not enough proof for me</span><span style="font-size: large;"> ; )</span><a href="https://www.gardeningchannel.com/cucumber-companion-plants/?fbclid=IwAR0pXPKa5mpEcLTrMIBcyvtkCVwQpvpl4DjWAEirf_UznPOc4xxcYItVIBo"><span style="font-size: medium;">14 Cucumber Companion Plants for Your Vegetable Garden - Gardening Channel</span></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT2xMtgJYPBgNRXKokXCEAZZkJge0qJF6ac-g4psPilOqPq3cSmJ7fkdM_KJN97AEY6YC7Y72j8nkzqAvTsR8eNgzsQgQ6IdtMp363nFRqAZTOCZjnZwkGbtoGhnlGz7-8mQ4WCOsFbb-gjhDIGA-fkxy0IFppVNyUSzASrnOCA2cwRuSYEgIvyLHHew=s900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT2xMtgJYPBgNRXKokXCEAZZkJge0qJF6ac-g4psPilOqPq3cSmJ7fkdM_KJN97AEY6YC7Y72j8nkzqAvTsR8eNgzsQgQ6IdtMp363nFRqAZTOCZjnZwkGbtoGhnlGz7-8mQ4WCOsFbb-gjhDIGA-fkxy0IFppVNyUSzASrnOCA2cwRuSYEgIvyLHHew=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Are you nuts about growing tomatoes? Do you tend to read all the articles, try all the varieties, geek out about growing bigger, better, earlier, later? Here is a podcast interview with Craig LeHuillier, the author of Epic Tomatoes... a fellow tomato geek ; ) </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://awaytogarden.com/the-pick-of-the-tomatoes-with-craig-lehoullier/">the pick of the tomatoes, with craig lehoullier - A Way To Garden</a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB1APLIsxjlaOzdVNDJjLqAJOeZs_CKM62eEZ-VWdISfyGZaFCBvle0CzHOClC3KLvaVJ7HgAmSwCz1nay8yHO8RTI8_PdZ_--ClU_Sv3PyHvotkcwJCGwt38jARvFwFRPZKPZygmmW_Xj1HhNsJhdwB5jR1RFYe8cs4LCSbDudlzdcEUzqkKlM8T3TQ=s5762" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3574" data-original-width="5762" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB1APLIsxjlaOzdVNDJjLqAJOeZs_CKM62eEZ-VWdISfyGZaFCBvle0CzHOClC3KLvaVJ7HgAmSwCz1nay8yHO8RTI8_PdZ_--ClU_Sv3PyHvotkcwJCGwt38jARvFwFRPZKPZygmmW_Xj1HhNsJhdwB5jR1RFYe8cs4LCSbDudlzdcEUzqkKlM8T3TQ=w640-h396" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">We built a fence around the entire perimeter of our property when we moved here, it was the first thing we invested in. We made it fancy out front and just plain ole deer fencing out back. Boy oh boy, did it ever cost a pretty penny but so worth it in the long run for that piece of mind. No fighting with the deer or worrying about the pups getting out on the road.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A fence is not an option for everyone though, here are some ideas for plants to grow if you are doing battle with deer eating the plants in your yard. Lots of links if you want to go down the rabbit hole. <a href="https://awaytogarden.com/deer-resistant-plants-resource-lists-gardeners/">deer-resistant plants & fencing: resource lists for gardeners - A Way To Garden</a></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQcMy59zDoCB9L8DtSojg4Gqatnq46ODF2IqHod2Qmvun6fHIdH_hOB0mgsfMYTP90rwdACc5yQHLZ7Ym4qWzHQX3BGxLt3qmF_bzV8nC0ypJzMcLAMiCV9TWLAcHShiwqNmcxPeoSUoLC48FYzcQbLKzUMKhPw0xGp3bwPy4w_zImV4a26BtuO9_gDg=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQcMy59zDoCB9L8DtSojg4Gqatnq46ODF2IqHod2Qmvun6fHIdH_hOB0mgsfMYTP90rwdACc5yQHLZ7Ym4qWzHQX3BGxLt3qmF_bzV8nC0ypJzMcLAMiCV9TWLAcHShiwqNmcxPeoSUoLC48FYzcQbLKzUMKhPw0xGp3bwPy4w_zImV4a26BtuO9_gDg=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Last but not least for this week is this blog from a really, really<i> <a href="https://shiplapandshells.com/saltwater-sounds-weekly-wrap-up-57/" target="_blank">beautiful garden</a>! </i>I have garden envy ; ) </span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a really lovely week ahead</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Looking forward to seeing you all soon here at the NGP ~ Tanja </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924824134990681390.post-62713252694741729942022-02-21T11:18:00.000-08:002022-02-21T11:18:43.124-08:00Family Day Potage Palaver (seeding stuff)<div>Hope you all are having a really lovely long weekend, working in your gardens, taking daytrips to the beach, having picnics, or maybe wienie/marshmallow roasts.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwbeExzMgveb_4JlV6g8jUuhAYgVi11EaquuuI87YidmT3KXlImnKs9F2jEJ-CWlsjvhSvPAy_iCK9v5rINBNxd3trMJuPNX5SYLVTiTkxC7aiVjfMLd1exzT8N4JkEXdHX7ABhKBm4xJjDsf1BdN9T9TKZvgVA91yRKsdXgwKuy-KoDH54_iK1FIq3w=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwbeExzMgveb_4JlV6g8jUuhAYgVi11EaquuuI87YidmT3KXlImnKs9F2jEJ-CWlsjvhSvPAy_iCK9v5rINBNxd3trMJuPNX5SYLVTiTkxC7aiVjfMLd1exzT8N4JkEXdHX7ABhKBm4xJjDsf1BdN9T9TKZvgVA91yRKsdXgwKuy-KoDH54_iK1FIq3w=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>I am working on cleaning and tidying the shop today, in readiness for the upcoming workshops (see the workshop link in the webpage tabs above). Today is a wee bit too cool for wimpy ole me, am more than happy to be puttering around indoors. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have been super blessed to have a mostly sunny and warm February thus far. Snow, cold, kinda miserable is what we usually tend to have for weather in February so I guess we cannot complain too much... though I heard that some of you woke up to a skiff of snow this morning, here on the island : ( </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFhusXxhsQYhpMURHIoukAv-qztIDT8X-CSD3svhaGoFmIuVLKRJmP_uHq422_VFRCQymFlRjnxP2Fd3u3Rsy4oCwpzbD9uMpT7CBbYZM4o6DIHNm1YFMaqI7r1qInNe4kmqob-qdZ00LuB8cyohBi745fstvcS9PTUIfiMi7HSqKNczvD0ij_aofqTQ=s1124" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFhusXxhsQYhpMURHIoukAv-qztIDT8X-CSD3svhaGoFmIuVLKRJmP_uHq422_VFRCQymFlRjnxP2Fd3u3Rsy4oCwpzbD9uMpT7CBbYZM4o6DIHNm1YFMaqI7r1qInNe4kmqob-qdZ00LuB8cyohBi745fstvcS9PTUIfiMi7HSqKNczvD0ij_aofqTQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is still early days, too early for veggie transplants outside yet though you can be sowing hardy greens, radishes, and onions <i>under cover</i> in an unheated greenhouse, hoophouse, or fleece covered bed if you are itching to something going. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep in mind that seeds take much longer to germinate when the soil is cold so sometimes waiting that couple of extra weeks makes all the difference in your success rate. Tons of time yet ; ) Want to do a test? Toss in a few seeds now and then sow a few of the exact same seeds in two weeks time. See what happens. I have found that, often, the later sown seeds will quickly and easily surpass the early sown ones. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are charts from West Coat Seeds on when to start sowing and growing in your area... <a href="https://www.westcoastseeds.com/pages/regional-planting-charts?utm_source=email&utm_medium=campaign-email&utm_campaign=Regional%20Planting%20Charts%20and%20Garden%20Reading%20%28SS6YzC%29&_kx=PNBu6LVrgxUFB4hWC-nv296YMQRMoee_82mk1O5BD0I%3D.Kk5Uct">Regional Planting Charts – West Coast Seeds</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here on the west coast, for those of you who like to grow your own seedlings to plant out later, here is a growing timeline from Charles Dowding in the UK, where they have weather similar to ours. <a href="https://charlesdowding.co.uk/sowing-timeline-for-vegetables/">Sowing Timeline for Vegetables - Charles Dowding</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I prefer to direct sow as much as possible, letting mother nature do all the work. Not sure if this means I am lazy, thrifty, or what, haha. I tend to find prestarting very tedious so prefer to wait a bit longer and just sow the seeds directly into the garden and prestart warm weather plants like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and maybe a few flowers. Now... some people really enjoy starting them indoors for that few weeks head start and that is great, too. You do what makes you happy : ) </div><div><br /></div><div>So, here is one more article from the UK with what to sow and grow this month. She tells you exactly what you can <i>direct sow </i>now, what to <i>prestart</i>, and what to <i>start under cover</i> <a href="https://nodighome.com/2022/02/13/seeds-of-love-what-to-sow-in-february/?fbclid=IwAR3uw6xKtVswe7cKCXOOXF2xflNSegvelKRwtithxdG2W_7ZzrkWy7YQ4ck">Seeds of Love: what to sow in February - Stephanie Hafferty (nodighome.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3PeQ3xjboB3JcNGuC8EN6VFttA-Q8psu0YaoCuMl6k9MC77Tcl_e2gL8PjZTxxO9g0JYFNOpaeirs2YHg1Q9xBG-qiUsy4SXK_ktHTyFVcVsAMHf_qXx5OIbl8Bq7KzeFDd2XLnK79BDE-UufF0Fo-BOpVRjo4yAa51kDDRJo-N5RTyqOhZXv1zXMUQ=s1969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="1969" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3PeQ3xjboB3JcNGuC8EN6VFttA-Q8psu0YaoCuMl6k9MC77Tcl_e2gL8PjZTxxO9g0JYFNOpaeirs2YHg1Q9xBG-qiUsy4SXK_ktHTyFVcVsAMHf_qXx5OIbl8Bq7KzeFDd2XLnK79BDE-UufF0Fo-BOpVRjo4yAa51kDDRJo-N5RTyqOhZXv1zXMUQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Check out these other great links I found this week.... </span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is an article about growing great tomatoes that is worth the read. I disagree about the last item but will leave that conversation for another time, closer to the date. <a href="https://joegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/The-Tomato-Care-Checklist-2.pdf?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Hoping+to+Grow+Epic+Tomatoes+this+Year%3F&utm_campaign=JG+Broadcast%3A+February+12%2C+2022&vgo_ee=swJupWnK5CUOUDQ%2BBhoaDBnU2N%2FjByyWBWr0ykcURvM%3D">The-Tomato-Care-Checklist-2.pdf (joegardener.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a fun article for us eco-friendly gardeners. <a href="https://joegardener.com/podcast/new-garden-ethic-benjamin-vogt/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com&fbclid=IwAR3enRAHR3BHJMoLEKVXfHdkSxBeE4qEjfQGhb6hOYpZCb5WjVRbMNbZJbI">A New Garden Ethic | Making Better Choices for the Planet | joegardener®</a></div><div><br /></div><div>After you have read that one, check out this fantastic article on how to get started with that garden. I think it looks absolutely fabulous and think of all the work you will save yourself. <a href="https://www.theenglishgarden.co.uk/expert-advice/gardeners-tips/eco-friendly-garden/?fbclid=IwAR0nK-ZgZCu8yq5MIsWSgHQiFDybrlFQIG6EOW9gP1SmJuIQIebnRKDmxWs">How to design an eco friendly garden - The English Garden</a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs62cK6cDAr-8f2OgVw3sNC5bQdBB1D9EICN67BdTukJivwvYMPm5VsV_uXj2s2gW7_zAnZYutvEIx3yjq0zBeI7KnGbnDjUKHh6gZo9BwGU76AZyqHfKHJ3G9fLvK_4YlUrIfbW6YPA2jjS55CWU4V48YJlCKY7XwnoxZFuKZbjrJuR5zC1DoTsaVhg=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs62cK6cDAr-8f2OgVw3sNC5bQdBB1D9EICN67BdTukJivwvYMPm5VsV_uXj2s2gW7_zAnZYutvEIx3yjq0zBeI7KnGbnDjUKHh6gZo9BwGU76AZyqHfKHJ3G9fLvK_4YlUrIfbW6YPA2jjS55CWU4V48YJlCKY7XwnoxZFuKZbjrJuR5zC1DoTsaVhg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Variegated Pink Eureka Lemon </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Are you interested in growing assorted citrus but not sure where to get them from? This nursery has everything you can possibly imagine, in various sizes to fit your pocket book. <a href="https://mailorder.phoenixperennials.com/category-s/1864.htm">Great Citrus & Rare Fruit Pre-Order (phoenixperennials.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZDkhfYistkw2_vUKaX3CcGsq1HnTLrCLQwr1FijhQkw-z3gq3Ae8EH_FM02f-zjJsynMDg5igQfGkQuvCe5QUtNL4scR6yWpe9XO2HWjC8to0zHvHe8V2iFa39vr5jhNoKgFWpe6qUdrlOR5851AcoU_SnTXa9Y72-BUuE5tJzSnDBY_MNskeoZ6k8A=s1500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZDkhfYistkw2_vUKaX3CcGsq1HnTLrCLQwr1FijhQkw-z3gq3Ae8EH_FM02f-zjJsynMDg5igQfGkQuvCe5QUtNL4scR6yWpe9XO2HWjC8to0zHvHe8V2iFa39vr5jhNoKgFWpe6qUdrlOR5851AcoU_SnTXa9Y72-BUuE5tJzSnDBY_MNskeoZ6k8A=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Have a greenhouse? Building a greenhouse? Things to implement, add, or prepare before the spring craziness begins. Great advice. <a href="https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/prepare-your-greenhouse-for-spring/?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Spring%20clean&utm_term=33606118&utm_campaign=GW%20Newsletter%20February%2017%202022_1580445_Gardeners%27%20World_Weekly%20Email%20Newsletter_21362240">Prepare Your Greenhouse for Spring - BBC Gardeners World Magazine</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you have enjoyed this week's links. Reading these articles helps me settle my mind and revel in what others have going on in their gardens. Things are pretty crazy around here with spring just around the corner. Lots to do in both the greenhouse and shop, and in the office, plus never ending yardwork and a bathroom reno going on. Hoping things are calmer, cleaner, and more organized at your house ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqMn3P5bfdZt1PPTGW8gu2bZYE6B4f44kdKXYCc-BlBzR4u0KMB5LZ-thwKr5dU5yloIAJqoUrwSPYU4GNKW0Lp81N9JXw0Dyb9sOSP5zFzQdEZxy6xkOR-_2wiWKL1Lw5CozxvFOLPP3f93Vvi-Ggldl_mnbVvKYASavzMiNZMvMx0bMnhv54VE06DQ=s754" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqMn3P5bfdZt1PPTGW8gu2bZYE6B4f44kdKXYCc-BlBzR4u0KMB5LZ-thwKr5dU5yloIAJqoUrwSPYU4GNKW0Lp81N9JXw0Dyb9sOSP5zFzQdEZxy6xkOR-_2wiWKL1Lw5CozxvFOLPP3f93Vvi-Ggldl_mnbVvKYASavzMiNZMvMx0bMnhv54VE06DQ=w462-h640" width="462" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Tulips in my April cutting garden last year. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Qwigley; font-size: x-large;">Looking forward to seeing you all very soon ~ Tanja </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tanja_pickrell/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Tanjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489740079004317443noreply@blogger.com0