I haven't been any good this season about updating. I have had my hands in so many things (my organic baking business, garden, marketing, building a website, helping others with their websites, etc) that updating the gardening blog has been...
left on the very far back burner. I have taken a few pictures, but not enough to record progress. I apologize, everyone.
We had a natural hatch of praying mantis this year and I haven't seen them around, but I haven't seen many pests, either, so I'm guessing they (and the spiders) are just out there doing their thing. I am seeing some leafhoppers (ugh!) and grasshoppers (in the big garden) but no big problems to report other than the occasional mildew on the leaves of the plants.
Early on in the season we started with some small strawberries. The small ones are the tastiest! As the summer went on, the flavor of the Ozark strawberries, which are everbearing (they produce smaller amounts throughout the summer, unlike June-bearing which bear a LOT in June and then no more) got progressively not-as-great. Any ideas why? I tried cutting back on watering which I've heard can enhance sweetness; it was not sweetness it was lacking, necessarily. Hmmm. These first ones were absolutely a-maz-ing, though.
The past couple of weeks we have been reaping the rewards of our heirloom tomato plants. We planted about eighteen different kinds and so far the favorite is Green Zebra. If you haven't tried this kind, it is extremely bright and flavorful. A close second is tied with Cream Sausage (which has a citrus-y flavor) and Japanese Black Trifle (which has a very robust flavor).
The winter squash has been going crazy. I am not even sure anymore what varieties we have (one that resembles a UFO- anyone know what that is called?). Mid-summer the squash took over the fence and started growing over top of our neighbors carport. I had heard stories of monster squash plants; now I know it's true. =)
I've also managed to get okra to take off in containers and in the bigger garden. We've made gumbo with it and just keep harvesting it and freezing it for use later (cuz you can only have so much gumbo!). It will be great to have on hand in the winter when a thick hearty meal like that will be welcome.
Tomatillos are just setting so we are planning a salsa party when all of these delicious things are ripe and ready. I have an avocado tree but I don't think it will be bearing any avocados for guacamole soon. ;)
8.27.2009
I am sorry
Posted by ilikewinter at 1:12 PM
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2 comments:
You are the only person I know who plants more heirloom tomatoes than we do! I think we had 6 varieties last summer. Our favorites are Arkansas Traveller and Green Grape, which we've planted off and on for many years now. Where did you get your seeds? I haven't heard of several of the varieties that you mention.
Our most exciting heirloom squash discoveries have been Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato Squash (a tasty acorn variety) and Costata Romanesca zucchini (large-fruited but very tender and tasty). Both of them seem to be pretty squash bug resistant, too, which is a big plus for an organic garden!
I haven't heard of the ones you mentioned! I will have to look for those. I actually buy mine as seedlings from a non-profit organization which hosts an organically-grown plant sale each spring. They have tons of produce and native/water-wise plants at the sale, including probably 20+ species of heirloom tomatoes. You should see the crowd it draws...
Heirloom squash! I hadn't thought of that. I love winter squash; I will have to look into the Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato squash. Thanks for the tip! =)
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