So Much Beauty In Dirt…
Jalapeno
I can’t wait to make salsa and guacamole using my own peppers and tomatoes. I guess store bought will have to do this time.
Seedlings
I started hardening off all the seedlings this week so they can be transplanted in the garden this weekend. It is surprising how fast they wilt outside and get burned even in partial sun.
The garden trellises are in and ready for plants. I will be growing tomatoes, cukes, watermelon, cantaloupe and squash on the trellises. I am also going to try zucchini. I will also plant a 9′ square with a zucchini in case my climbing experiment fails.
I made them using 1/2″ EMT conduit as described in the book. I clamped them to the sides of the boxes for extra strength. They are very sturdy despite looking flimsy. I used 3′ fence posts for the trellis holding the melons for added strength. I opted to bend the conduit for a cleaner look. The process was fairly easy once I figured out how to use the bender. I also painted the trellises with metal spray paint. It turns out that spray paint doesnt stick to galvanized metal very well. It is recommended to use a latex primer first but I didn’t feel like sanding and starting over so I used two coats of paint. I hope it holds up.
Asian Mesclun
The Asian Mesclun salad mix is coming in nicely. I don’t think it receives quite enough sun in the current location. I planted a 2nd square which receives full sun and seeds have just popped up.
Onions and Chives
Shot of the sweet onions and the chives that carried over from last year.
Garden Fence
The fence is complete and should accomplish the task of keeping the dog out of the garden. I think it fills the space nicely as well.
It has been 2 months since I started seeds and I can barely contain all the growth. The last average frost date for 2009 is April 26th here so I still have a few weeks before transplanting outside.
Basil
Tomatoes
Sage, Greek Basil, Chives, Italian Parsley and Oregano starts. Planted 3/10/09.
The tomatoes are coming along nicely. It is interesting to see how different each variety looks.
It’s going to be fun trying to determine which is which from the Dolce Vita Blend Basil. I wonder if this is Cinnamon, Genovese, Tall Lemon, Lime, or Mammoth. I am fairly certain it is not Purple Petra. Can’t wait to make an omelet with this and some of the tomatoes!
The Serrano and Jalapeno seeds have sprouted and the California Wonders are starting to peak through. A seed mat or a much warmer location is need for next year.
The tomatoes are doing well and I had nearly a 100% germination rate. I’ll need to thin soon or find some more friends wanting starts.
Today I awoke to a gift from the seed starts. The Brandywine and the Jellybean tomatoes have sprouted. I started the seeds on 02/25/09 meaning a germination time of about 7 days at ~68 degrees. Still no sign of the Beefsteak, Cherry, or Roma tomatoes. I also planted Jalapeno and Serrano chilies as well as some wonder bell peppers on 02/25/09. No signs from them as of yet.
The new arbor is complete. I am contemplating adding a low open rail fence on each side to create better separation between the garden and the yard.
Making some progress on the new garden. The terrace wall is complete and a few 4×4 square foot garden boxes are in place. Still need to move the arctic willows to a new location.
Brookhaven Gardens 