April 24, 2019
When I planted out the largest of the zucchini starts their roots had already made a pass across the bottom of the planting cell. They made a U turn and we're heading back. It was the perfect time to plant because no damage to the roots were done by prying them up. There was no tangling and no crossover growth. I realized it would be good to check the other starts and found that the time was right for their transplanting too. It's early but the weather is cooperating and they even start to show signs of overheating in the afternoons..
When I open the mini greenhouse lids in the morning I find no sow bug or slug damage, and I attribute that to banking the soil up on the perimeter of both the outside and inside. I think it prevents them from smelling the starts so they continue on toward what they do smell. Under one lid I lifted this morning there was an indented trail around the inside perimeter with sow bugs running along it trying to get out. I guess they were inside when I planted yesterday and the morning sun and heat had them uncomfortable and seeking shade..
April 25, 2019
The honeybees visiting the kale flowers, with their saddle bags full of pollen, validate my decision to let the plants remain, in spite of the shade being thrown on some of my Brussels sprout plants. The feeling of helping out Mother Nature's attempts to keep us alive is a small positive in a world that seems so full of negatives. We all have various degrees of nurturing within us that can expand over time if we focus on the things that bring us joy. No matter how small you think what you do is, if you enjoy it, it can unfold as your purpose, and can express your unique creative talents..
If you "lose time" while you are doing something, it's probably you're getting in touch with the expression of what you care about, and who you are. I'm not sure if kindness to all creatures great and small is better for them or for you. There is a truth that is discovered by recognizing and respecting life, and yes, it will move you..
April 26, 2019
I was amazed to find pill bugs and sow bugs in all of my mini greenhouses yesterday morning. I thought I had that problem solved. It was overcast and the inside temperatures were not warm so the bugs were "out and about". I have to believe that they were there when I planted and have been hiding when the temperature gets too warm for them. I could get up early and catch them before they hide, or go down to the garden with a flashlight at night and kill all I can find. It's strange that there is no damage to the plants. The bugs must be eating the compost..
Maybe I should apply some fresh new compost around the plants to keep the bugs happy. Pretty cool insect solution. Feed them something they prefer to eat more than baby plants. I've noticed the starts already have stem hairs which discourage nibbling, and are not showing any cold soil wilting characteristics. So far it's been a great start on an early garden..
