Wednesday, July 10, 2013

17 Yes, We Have Tomatoes!

Out checking the garden this afternoon and look at what I found!

Only three but the first three from a variety of tomato called Red Pearl which is a type of cherry tomato. I have gown this tomato for the last three years. It is a heavy producer, has great taste, and keeps well.

Here are some pictures of the tomatoes in the garden.

As you can I have helpers!

Also the sweet corn is growing nicely. More about this in the future.

That's all till next time!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

16 We Have Beans!

Well things are still growing in the garden! In fact just yesterday I picked the first green beans! The green beans are planted in one of the Earthboxes.

The box was planted mid-May with 16 seeds of the variety Contender from Burpee's Seeds. Here is the description from the Burpee's catalog, Contender is one of the best bush beans ever. It is a heavy cropper with round-oval pods and a strong, distinctive flavor. It's an early bean that does well under short seasons and cool conditions, but it will thrive in hot weather too. 55 days to maturity.
Here is the first picking!
Next a look at the zucchini. I know this is hard to believe I have had problem growing zucchini in past years. That doesn't appear to be the problem this year as you can see in the picture below. Have not harvested any yet but counting the number of small zucchini on the vines there will not be any shortage in the next week or so!

Also the tomatoes are doing well and below are a few pictures of the tomatoes.

More about the tomatoes and other parts of the garden next time.

 

Friday, June 14, 2013

15 Progress

Been awhile since I have posted, holiday, a couple of trips, garden and yard work have left me little time to update the progress of the garden. So here goes.

We will start with a picture of the whole garden.

So here are some pictures of the tomatoes plenty of foliage but no little green tomatoes. Most likely due to the cool weather. The rapid growth of the tomato plants caused me to put the cages on the tomatoes. While I was putting the racks on the tomatoes I decided to on all the racks. The racks are made of concrete reinforcing wire.

Next the zucchini.

Next the cantaloupe.

Then the cucumbers. Could see a little more growth, any warm temperatures will help.

Here are the eggplant.

Next the sweet corn, crop is a little thin on the far side due to ground squirrel attach.

More eggplant and peppers.

Finally the green beans.

That's all for now. Will try to give more frequent reports on the garden in the future.

 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

14 Planting the Garden

After taking a week off I thought it was time for an update on the garden. The past week was busy with the end of the semester and the beginning of the summer term. I was busy grading lab reports and answering questions for students in my online classes. I didn't have time to post. Also most likely will not post next week as it will be Memorial Day week.

Here are all the transplants ready for the Earthboxes.

Here are the Earthboxes all setup and ready to be planted.

Here are all the Earthboxes planted. I planted 4 boxes of 4 different varieties of tomatoes and 1 box each of eggplant, peppers, cantaloupe, cucumbers, green beans, sweet corn, and zucchini.

Close up of some of the boxes.

Three additional boxes still on the deck. They contain the lettuce, kale, and spinach. Will keep them on the deck so can control the light and temperature somewhat. Will try to keep them going as long as possible but know eventually will be too hot for these crops. Here are pictures of the lettuce and spinach.

Happy gardening!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Week 13 Not So Much Like Spring

Early the past week for a couple of days it was very spring like. Sunny, clear, with temperatures near 80F. Or even above. Late in afternoon or early evening on one of these very spring like days I was out on the deck watering some plants and I hear a hoot-hoot noise. Looking up in the near by tree I spotted.

I was surprised it stayed in the tree long enough for me to go in and get my camera. I was able to snap the above photo, but before I zoom in to get a closer picture. It flew off to another tree.

If you look carefully at the picture you can see the back of the owl and then notice how far it's head is twisted around to look at me.

After the nice weather we woke to a record snow fall for May, 6.2 in. That number is probably on the low side because of melting and compaction.

Now some pictures of the indoor tomato plant.

Now that it is starting to warm and become spring like some of the plants are back outside on the deck.

The transplants and herbs are doing well under the grow lights. If the weather holds will start move these outside to begin harding the plants so they can be set out.

That's all for this week!