September 28, 2017
The 80ð days we're having is causing my crucifers (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts) to wilt in the afternoon. This is a good thing because it means I didn't water them deeply and infrequently to get them to grow deep roots. All their growth went above ground to produce a crop as early as possible. They need to move along rapidly because the end of November brings 25ð nights and they have to produce before they freeze. It's fun to watch them perk back up..
It only takes about 20 minutes under the sprinkler, and they only need it every other day. My soil is very good at water retention because I've added compost three times a year for 20 years. I add mulch all year long so the soil builds tilth..
September 29, 2017
All of the leaves on the black walnut tree have turned bright yellow already. One frost and boom. If we get a little wind I'll be raking soon. I've read that walnut leaves aren't good in the garden because they inhibit plant growth so I'll use them on my walkways where I don't want weeds to grow. Rain is in the forecast and all the pollinators have left the Asters. Insects must be sensitive to barametric pressure because I know they don't get the weather channel. Cabbage moths were all over the Asters yesterday..
I didn't know they were pollinators too. It's time to figure out what your kids are going to be for Halloween. Most years while raising my boys I was a gobblin. Gobblin up their candy after they went to bed. Bwah ha ha ha. One year I found my youngest son counting and prioritizing his trick or treat booty and I knew my snitchen days were done..
September 30, 2017
I seem to have developed a new garden mantra. "I ain't got time for that". I say it to myself whenever I catch myself thinking about politics or would affairs. The garden is not a place to be thinking about things you can't change. It's an escape from life's insanity, and an opportunity to be still. Marveling at the complexity and interaction of all the living things is a humbling experience. Every insect is a tiny autonomous living organism that sees the world like we do..
Through its eyes. Hears us, senses us, feels, decides, eats, smells, moves around, breeds and dies. What amazing creatures. All of the life that we know packed inside a tiny ectoskeleton. They actually interact with plants which we thought were passive. We're learning that plants can behave in ways that indicate self awareness..
