The Garden is Growing

The Garden Is Growing

Please forgive my long absence from the blog. I have been traveling and trying to keep up with the garden and my work. A little progress report follows.

Only the part of the rows where the planting would take place was tilled this time. The leaves were left in place as much as possible; but where small seeds were involved the excess had to be raked off after tilling and before planting. Where seeds were used two furrows were made in each bed and filled with compost. Then, three furrows were made for planting. Seeds were dropped in the furrows and covered. Almost everything has had at least a few sprouts come up.
Three varieties of summer squash were planted: Crookneck, Zucchini and Patti-pan. There were 3 hills of each and all but one hill has sprouted. The hills were made by digging a 1 foot deep hole with the post hole digger and filling it with compost. The hill was then mounded and three holes were made like the finger holes on a bowling ball. 3 seeds were dropped into each hole and the hole was covered with loose dirt. The hills were on 3 foot centers.

I set out 15 tomato plants along the tomato fence. 5 days later I had 5 plants. I suspect cut worms. Replacement plants are growing in the greenhouse. I may lose my patience and buy some plants. 14 pepper plants were set out. I now have 2. Same story. 7 eggplants were set out. Now there is 1. A row of pole beans was planted on the other side of the tomato fence. They are up and growing. A row of cucumbers was planted on the other side of the cucumber fence. A few of them have sprouted.

The fence for the grape vines was extended to the end of the garden and spaghetti squash was planted there. It has not come up yet. The grapes are really growing fast though. Something ate some of the growing tips; but it does not seem to have harmed anything.

The sugar peas and fall onions are really growing fast. Sugar baby watermelon was planted between the furrows. The sugar peas and onions will be finished by the time the watermelon plants have any size. Then the watermelon fence can be assembled. We are eating ( and giving away) onions, greens, mesclun, spinach and collards. On the whole I am pleased with the garden’s progress. I am extremely disappointed in the results from the greenhouse and the plants that were grown there.


David Segrest is an International REALTOR in Charlotte, NC. His email is david@segrestrealty.com , His webpage is http://www.segrestrealty.com , and his international real estate blog is http://dointernationalrealestate.blogspot.com/.