Tuesday, June 7, 2016



Tuesday, June 7th Update

Hello Everyone!

A few updates for you.  The garden is growing nicely!  We have had a nice mix of warm, sunny weather and some good soaking rains which have given the plants a good long drink.  The fence seems to be holding well, but there seemed to be a couple of  Swiss chard seedlings that have had something chew on them and a pepper plant has been tasted.  I don't see any breaches in the fence, but am cautiously keeping an eye of other signs that someone/something is enjoying some juicy leaves when they shouldn't be.

We are still planting just a few more plants.  Three tomato plants will be put in tomorrow morning plus one more squash plant will be added.  We've added wide paths around the garden for ease when you water, etc.

Some things to be cautious about:

1.  Getting into our door.  The door is not finished in a "people friendly" way. It works to keep out critters, but you need to be cautious opening it and entering the garden.  For now, you'll need to undo the twine bow that attaches the outer door. When you have done that and you can open the door, you will have to step over it carefully.  
Make sure that you close it carefully and thoroughly when you are finished at the garden.
Last, I could use some help fixing the door so it is more people friendly... the sooner the better!

2. Warning #2:  the path to the garden contains some poison ivy.  I plan on going over tomorrow and will place some bath rugs over it, but there may still be some lurking.  Poison ivy looks like this:

Image result for poison ivy

3. Ticks: We are working outside and ticks live in the wild.  When you work in the garden, protect yourself. Wear shoes and tuck your socks into your pants.  Inspect yourself when you leave the garden and shower when you return home. If you bring kids to the garden, do the same for them.  Caution is your best bet against a tick bite.
 Ticks look like this:


Image result for ticks
IF you find you have gotten a tick bite, save the tick and see a doctor.

4.  Walking around in the garden.  
Some of our garden is planted on small hills and mounds which can make walking a bit uneven.  Stay on the paths and  be cautious.


Things that need to be done in the garden these next few weeks and a wish list

1. We still have more mulching to do on the paths.  We need about 6 old bath towels or old sheets to lay down as a base for the mulch....This will keep the weeds down and helps to make the mulch more effective.
If you have any, please let me know sooner rather than later.

2. Weeding  (see photos 3 and 4 below)- The weeds are growing from under the salt marsh hay which acts as a mulch for the plants.  We need to carefully weed. Look for grasses growing between the salt marsh hay. I also saw a good amount of wild morning glories trying to establish themselves in the garden.  Try to grab them firmly and get them out roots and all.  

3. The door needs to be fixed.

4. Poison ivy needs to be covered.

5. Keep watch for pests that may be eating our plants.  If you note any plants missing their tops or see any suspicious holes, let me know!!

6. Using black ties, attaching the top part of the fence to the bottom part of the fence.

7. WATER!!!  
Here are some watering tips: Here is a link to give you watering tips. It's worth it to read this as we want to d our best to give the plants a good watering.  
 http://www.burpee.com/gardenadvicecenter/areas-of-interest/flower-gardening/watering-your-garden/article10365.html


Thank you to all of you who have been coming to the garden and for all of your help.  It is so nice to see it take shape!

Happy Gardening!

Leann



One


This view of the garden illustrates how it looks with the wood chips on the paths.
The center circle is a flower/herb garden.

Two

Bush beans growing.  Currently they have their seed leaves and are getting their real leaves.


Three


Please note the small red stemmed beet (or swiss chard) seedlings surrounded by the longer grass leaves.
Weeders need to gently pull up the weeds...not our seedlings.



Four


This small and unobtrusive weed is a form of wild morning glory.
When you see it, pull it up from the roots so that it does not overtake the garden.




Five


Our squash and cucumber plants on hills covered with salt marsh hay.  Note
in the background the scarlett runner beans growing.



A young visitor celebrating his fourth birthday at the garden with a bit of digging!!!



Addendum:
What we're growing
We've planted carrots, swiss chard, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, green beans, scarlet runner beans, peppers.  In the flower garden we have a variety of herbs and flowers.




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