Zinnias are the wonderful flower that is starting the post today. Neighbor from up street stopped by in her truck to introduce herself and take a look at the garden. She commented on the benefits of flowers for vegetable gardens; attract bees and other pollinators, sometimes ward off pest insects, edible flowers and always good for the soul and probably the soil.
Although not in bloom yet the sunflowers are 4 feet tall and should make flower heads soon. Sunflowers are a tasty treat for the farmer and birds and I have read of significant health benefits in addition to the wonderful bloom. Even plants that flower to sets fruit can be very attractive. Notice this eggplant with its purple flower, very purple fruit, only 4 cm long but growing quickly, and actually the whole plant has a purple hue; the color of antioxidants.
Now to the dark side. The new farmer has been working on her own and had transplanted some pepper plants that looked a pale yellow green and little sickly. She wondered about applying some fertilizers. I had noticed in cleaning out the garden storage an old bag of Miracle Grow and in a moment of weakness said I guess we should use that. The farmer's wife piped up that it would be a shame to not be completely organic anymore and reminded the farmer about the compost.
The New Farmer is planting pole beans were the sugar snaps vines use to be and some more radish where lettuce has just come out. Later we harvested 3.4 KG of produce including over a KG of Roma Green Beans. These beans are large and flat but still tender and delicious; Italians often stew them with basil and tomato.
For now
36.14 KG or 79.5lbs in total weight of produce for the year
Here is compost and the farmer enriched it with blood meal for extra nitrogen and will let you know how those peppers are doing in later post.
The New Farmer is planting pole beans were the sugar snaps vines use to be and some more radish where lettuce has just come out. Later we harvested 3.4 KG of produce including over a KG of Roma Green Beans. These beans are large and flat but still tender and delicious; Italians often stew them with basil and tomato. 
Here is compost and the farmer enriched it with blood meal for extra nitrogen and will let you know how those peppers are doing in later post. 
I worked in the garden today, watered, weeded a little, put down paper and straw. Picked more cucumber ( 7 ). Tied up tomatoes, there is going to be lots of tomatoes soon. Lydia planted more potato's last night, they sure are good. Beans, beans, beans we are going to have more beans then we can eat, will have to share. Lots of good exercise, sun and the produce is good for you. Also FUN!!!!
ReplyDeleteI picked more green beans and a few strawberries. Today is June 9th.
ReplyDeleteLots more stuff coming along. Granny