Journal of a Gardener

June 17-23, 2008

On the 17^th I visited with nephew David in his big garden down the road.  He has corn, beans, tomatoes and peppers.  His son, D. J., has 36 hills of pumpkins.  Half are “monster” pumpkins and the other half are smaller and will be good for jack-o-lanterns and pies.  David bought a rear tine tiller and has the ground in great shape.  The pumpkins need 120 days to mature.  They should be ready by early October.

On 18^th I harvested onions, radishes and lettuce and had some to share with cousin.  A volunteer sunflower from last season bloomed at the far edge of the garden today.  I transplanted some volunteer sunflowers in front of the barn by the garden.

Harvested radishes and green onions on the 19^th and observed the beginnings of zucchini fruits a couple inches long.  Also saw Japanese beetles on a small crepe myrtle in the yard.  Late in the day we got .8 inch of rain.

No activity on the 20^thand 21^st.

On 22^nd we harvested Swiss chard and lettuce.  Patty steamed and froze nearly a pint of chard (just right for a serving for two) and we had some lettuce to give to friends at church.  The lettuce is doing well in moderately hot temps.  We use vinegar and olive oil to cut some of the bite that is in some leaves.  We also heat olive oil and pour over the lettuce for wilted lettuce.  The tomatoes have lots of blooms.  Soon I need to set stakes and run some twine ties for the last planting of Jet Stars.  Winter squash vines are looking healthy.  The late planting of watermelon and cantaloupe seeds have germinated well.  The inter-planting of purple hull peas and green beans are growing very well.  The pole beans are climbing the bamboo poles very well.  I am having to coax the cucumbers to grab onto the fence wire.