As much as I don't like to admit it, the weather is getting colder. And I have been scrambling to get things done before it becomes impractical given the weather. Thankfully some of those things include projects that move us forward, like making the platform section of the outdoor shower. The garden has shifted into low gear, it looks like we'll be getting about 3-4 yellow squash before the plant goes the way of the zucchini. I must say I am very happy with the production level of summer squash/zucchini this year. Two plants seems to be a good fit for us. It guarantees that we have squash as a minor ingredient every week, and a major every other week. Thats enough to make a significant contribution to the dinner rotation without people getting really sick of it. Tomatoes are coming now, brought in a 15oz beauty and I probably have 3 more this week. Thats almost 3 pounds of tomatoes from only 3 tomatoes so far. The total now stands at 45 not counting whats still on the vine. I WILL make 50! If I include everything overwintered up until next april 15th (on full year of gardening) I might make 70 but I doubt it.
I'm also happy to report that the first of the green bean "catch crop" is beginning to flower. It is taking a little longer than the mid summer plantings, but I think it will produce. I'm a bit worried about the leeks, beets and carrots, I don't see many sprouts right now, but as you know I'm prone to unnecessary worry. As it stands, one broccoli plant survived caterpillar assault so I will have to fill in the row with three more. I'm going to start my lettuce and spinach indoors this week, the nights are getting too chilly i think.
And here is the lone bottle gourd that pollinated. They are a night bloomer so that probably doesn't work well in their favor. At any rate it is quite heavy, and the fierce windstorm dislodged some of its tendrils, so with a little plastic meshing and some string I made it a hammock. Hang in there baby, you're only half as big as I need you to be.
By the way if anyone knows of any good types of onions that will grow well in the north I am looking for sets. I tried Stuttgarts last year but they did not do very well.
1 comment:
Wahoo for your tomatoes finally starting to ripen. And those must have been some big tomatoes!
50 lbs? That is a lot of food. With where you are and what all you have going, you should make that mark no problem. I think I am going to weigh our harvests next year so I can determine differences in production from year to year and to also determine what crops are worth growing and which ones are "duds" (aka Jennifer kills them).
Good luck with the winter crops - I worry when I start things from seed as well, so I understand. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your sole bottle gourd makes it to maturity.
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