July 12, 2017
The Perpetual Spinach that I cut way back down to ground level in the greenhouse, because it bolted, has now started putting out new leaves. They are on the small side but having spinach in the summer months will be fun. We can't really plant fall spinach until August 1st and it's best to freeze the seeds first to make them think they've gone through the winter. Fall spinach can be tricky to pull off. I've had them bolt when only two inches tall, before I could pick any leaves..
The snapdragons are putting on an awesome show again this year. They keep forming flowers up their growing stalk for us to admire, while the bottom flowers get pollinated and spread seeds on the ground. Next spring you don't have to plant snapdragons, just thin them, like I'll be doing with my kale patch..
July 13, 2017
Methyl Jasmonate is a chemical produced by tomato plants that are being eaten by caterpillars. It not only repels them but turns them cannibalistic. Is that cool or what? Just when you thought gardening couldn't get any more fun. It seems the plants can communicate to neighboring plants the fact that they are under siege so they can start producing this chemical too..
Considering that the plants are in competition for water, light and nutrients, it's a wonder they show such a willingness to share information for the populations survival. If we as a species implimented this practice there would be no reason for war..
July 14, 2017
I found my Hula hoe leaning up against the garden gate. This sentence could have a whole different meaning in Hawaii. Apparently I've been remiss at flower bed weeding and my life partner decided to remedy the situation. She borrowed my hoe. I have enough weeds inside my garden fence this summer. I don't need to practice anywhere else. The Hula hoe is only my weeder of choice when the weeds are small. Up to four inches is about max..
I start using a hand weeder then. A shovel works well too by sliding it on the ground with the point aimed at the weeds base. For deep rooted weeds like crabgrass, or matted roots like Creeping Jenny, or thick weed groups l prefer a short handled, four pronged spading fork. It allows me to work on my knees and get the roots out without any strain. I jam it in the ground under the weed and then just push the handle down. Out pops the weed and I crawl on..
