Garden Update

I have tomatoes and peppers! Sadly, my squash and cucumbers went kaput. I've learned a few harsh lessons in this foray into container gardening. You have to be very vigilant in watering. I don't mean you MUST water everyday, but you have to keep tabs on the soil moisture and I failed at this. I did manage to not get the dreaded hornworms, so my tomato plants are very healthy. I also have other smaller tomato plants that I hope will produce well into early fall. Yum!

I have decided that the front porch is not the best place for container gardening, so I'm going to work hard to have a raised bed in my back yard for next year. I've had a wonderful garden there in the past, but with the seasonal flooding, it was not an option this year. We have decided to raise the bed to three feet, so to prevent any future flooding from damaging my prospective garden. If I can pull it off, I'm adding a raised mulching bed too. This will help to cut back on my trash production, as well as add some awesome enriched fertilizer to my garden.

I handed off some of the heirloom yellow pear tomatoes to my friends a few streets over and they agreed with me on the awesome flavor. I think I will plan to incorporate more heirloom varieties on my next go around. You really just can't beat the flavor. I've got lots a beautiful basil growing, so I'm thinking about making a beautiful tomato/basil salad today. I'll also prepare some of that lovely sweet corn Ms. Jane was so generous in sharing with me and some if that wonderful squash from Mom's garden. Life is good and my meal today will be superb!

My landlord finally ridded me of that Yucca plant that went all alien on me. If you don't know the story, I have a Spanish style stucco house that had this gorgeous Yucca plant in front of the big windows. Unfortunately, an ice storm in 2006 ruined it. The plant was so damaged that I thought it was dead. It cloned its self into four new plants that where off shooting from the main plant and completely overtook my flower bed. It now no longer resembled the beautiful plant that was here when I moved in, but looked like some alien strain of cactus. It was hideous. Luckily it is now just a bad memory and I have the opportunity to start something new in that space. I'm thinking a butterfly bush and some other great flowers to attract butterflies. I think it's time to change the energy of that part of the yard. Maybe add a bench or two and hopefully a glide swing. I really want an inviting area, where you just want to sit and enjoy the outdoors. Hmmm to Craig's list I go to see if anyone wants to get rid of some lawn furniture. Yes guys, still sticking to my "NOTHING NEW" vow. I can tell you it's been really tough, but getting easier as time passes.

I've been reading a lot about using ladybugs to help control pest in your garden. I have found a place to purchase some, so I'm going to order a couple of gross and will keep you guys updated on my progress. I'm kinda excited about the prospect of having more butterflies and ladybugs in my garden. What could be more inviting?