VEG: Additions and subtractions

written by Yvonne

We've added something new to our gardening equipment - a small, portable greenhouse. We looked into  indoor grow lights, but ultimately decided against it. Since winters here aren't THAT long, and we get lots of sun year round, we should be able to start seeds without having to go to the expense of indoor grow lights.

Tom started some fall seeds of broccoli and cauliflower so I popped them into the new greenhouse for a test drive. It's extremely light weight so it will be easy to move it around the yard so seeds get prime sun in different seasons.

We also purchased three more growing spirals. We like these better than tomato cages because 1. they look neat, 2. they use a stake in the center (so you can tie the middle of the plant to the stake), and 3. they store MUCH easier than tomato cages. Now, if only the tomatoes would grow...

(Sorry about the out-of-focus shot.) There is one tomato plant growing strong and five late, late starters. We are as embarrassed about not being able to grow tomatoes this year, as we were about not being able to  grow cucumbers the last two years. Incidentally to date the cucumber harvest count is 110. My theory now is we can grow EITHER cucumbers OR tomatoes, but not both at the same time.

Okra is slow going, but the the flowers are starting to appear. Haven't been able to get a picture of an open flower yet.

Not as much basil as last year, but that was planned.

This oregano looks like it's doing well, but I gotta tell ya it doesn't smell or taste like oregano. It tastes more like mint. I clipped a bunch this weekend to dry and now it doesn't smell like anything. Very disappointing. I'll be sure to note the variety and avoid it next year.

The rainbow bell peppers are doing well. We counted about 21 making their way. Look at how shiny and wax they are! This is about $5 to $6 retail value right here, my friends!

Ever been around someone who didn't respect your personal space? You know, they didn't know how to stay within their boundaries? That's squash! In the blink of an eye, it went from producing (yeah!), to producing (enough already!) to overtaking the yard. I think Tom was encouraging it so he'd have slightly less yard to mow. I thought I'd pull out the yellowing plants on the left and maybe get the part growing out of the box back in. But once I got to pullin' I just kept going and ripped the whole thing out. And look what I uncovered....

Olive! The squash that ate our dog!  (Just kidding.)