Monday, July 08, 2024

For several years I didn't plant a garden

Between some medical work and Dad going downhill, then all the stuff after his death, it just wasn't worth it.  This year decided to plant a few things.

So two Arkansas Traveler tomatoes, two cherry tomatoes, two bell peppers, and some squash seed were bought and planted, finding a small extra in one of the cherry pots making that three, and they all took off.

The squash did nicely for a while, then died like the last few times.  The peppers get about 1/3 size and then either fall off or something is pulling them off.  The tomatoes, though... they're producing like none I've ever had before.  They're all covered, I have piles of the things and yes, I've been giving some away.  Damn things are good, too.  I need to harvest more, but the ground is so soft after the rains the last couple of days that they'll have to wait till tomorrow.

Dad always preferred the Arkansas Travelers, they're meaty and taste very good.  As some of those are ripening there will be BLTs on the menu.  So I need to get more bacon.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to dine.  Not only a long day, but I've finally been able to start some half-assed workouts again, and I'm tired and hungry.

3 comments:

Matthew W said...

I don't do much planting in the garden (but I am always doing yardwork!!)
This year I planted two tomato plants. Don't really care too much in I get crops out of it, just a project for me to work on during the summer.........
Will definitely do more garden stuff when I retire..

taminator013 said...

You may have a problem with squash bugs. They bore into the stem of the plant and introduce a virus which kills the plant. It makes the vines look like they need watered, but watering doesn't help. They just dry up and die. One of the best remedies is to apply Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew. It's an organic insecticide that is safe to use up until the day of harvest. I use it on my cucumbers, melons and anything in the squash family.

Phelps said...

Put in the herb garden. They are stupid low maintenance (pretty much zero if you install timed irrigation) and in OK you should be able to use fresh herbs for about 9 months out of the year.
If you think you don't cook with herbs, put in some chives and parsley, and whenever you are making something, ask yourself if you would see green bits on top of it in a buffet line. If so, put some fresh parsley or chives on it. It's a game changer in your cooking. Or just do these potatoes from Jean Pierre.
https://youtu.be/3zlQ3CuUYtk?si=9tXIbz5IR1eT48Ny
The crazy thing is that a plastic clamshell of chives at the grocery would be like $5, while the plant with as much chives in it if you harvest them immediately and kill it is $3.99. Also, chives are pretty much grass, and grow like it. I literally just tear a handful out of the pot when I want some (2-3 times a week.) This is a 24"x8" planter. It stays full of chives.