Sep
5
2010
Over the past two years, I’ve fallen in love with vegetable gardening. It’s a great way to destress after a day of work. I save money on my food budget. It’s fun to cook or can what you grow. And it’s even more fun to share what you grow with people.
Getting a few goodies from last summer's harvest ready for some friends of mine.
The last few weeks have not been kind to the garden overall due to the high temps. Most of the vines withered due to the heat. Luffa sponge vines and sweet potato vines are thriving despite my ignoring them along the weeds that were blossoming. Currently I have luffa vines sprawling all over the place and the sweet potato vines have taken over their plot.
With the break in the temperatures and the long weekend, I decided to work on the garden. I went to the store this afternoon to pick up the plants for my fall garden and some soil for my cold plants (broccoli, spinach, and lettuce) which I will start from seed. When I got over to Mrs B’s, I was overwhelmed at first, but slowly I found my rhythm. Frustration melted away as piles of weeds grew. Locked up muscles loosened as I prepared the ground. And stress melted away as I moved my fingers through the dirt, transplanting what I purchased. There is more work to do tomorrow.
And while this summer hasn’t been as bountiful as I expected. I look forward to the fall and the early morning light that lets me peek into the world of plants, take pictures of the stunning beauty of nature and share it with you all.
no comments | tags: Garden, photography, Project 43, Vegetable | posted in Eating Local, Project 43, Take a Picture, Zone 9 Gardening
Aug
1
2010
I recently bought a new lens for macro work
. I’ve been playing with it and enjoying the capability of getting close to the items I’m shooting. Today I took the lens in the garden with me. It was a beautiful, hot Texas summer day. That means the bees were buzzing around the in the flowers.
And then R found this little dude trying to keep cool by hiding in a hole in the ground. I love the color of his little toad eyes.
All in all, not a bad day of photography.
no comments | tags: 60 MM Nikkor Lens, Bees, Flowers, Toad | posted in Project 43, Take a Picture, Zone 9 Gardening
Mar
13
2010
Strawberry Jar
The last 6 months seem to have drug on forever because the winter weather was nasty this year. Lots of dreary rainy days. Cold. Even some snow. It seemed like I didn’t have enough energy to get outside and do anything so I spent a lot of time sitting.
The sun has come out finally and everything is starting to green up. It’s time to start gardening.
Lettuce Planter
I’ve been working on container gardens here at the house over the course of the last week. The first project was a strawberry jar. I’ve heard of these before, but I never considered until watching Sean Conway put one together on Cultivating Life. I always thought they’d be harder than they’ve proven to be. I got all my supplies at Houston Garden Center because right now they are running a great deal on Strawberries (99 cents) and a two gallon strawberry jar. I spent just under $40 total on this project.
I’ve also picked up some planter boxes for growing veggies. I’ve got one sitting outside with various types of lettuce in it. I’m going to add others that have beans, peas, carrots etc. I’ve also planted two pots with a jalepeno and tomato plants in them.
Onion Patch after cleaning. There's a lot of work to do in my little garden.
I spent three hours yesterday afternoon working on the garden over at Mrs. B’s. I weeded the cabbage patch, the onion patch and dug half of the carrot patch. I also planted some purple cabbage in place of the broccoli and cauliflower I pulled because they just weren’t doing well. Although after doing some reading this morning, I’m beginning to think the soil where I planted them is too alkaline.
And because today is going to another bright, beautiful and sunny Texas day, I’m going to take advantage of it and do more work in the garden.
no comments | tags: broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Gardening, onions, Tomatoes | posted in Zone 9 Gardening
