Follow the garden via YouTube
For the time being, the garden can be followed via YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCruMjHCWjXTFt99aQMo3mgA
For the time being, the garden can be followed via YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCruMjHCWjXTFt99aQMo3mgA
As it turns out, pecan trees make great gardening material. It is a hard wood; meaning that it is rigid, strong, and will not rot quickly. On the slope are the stumps of pecan trees that once towered. On an established tree, it takes more than cutting it down to remove it. Luckily, that is the case with these trees. The growth from the stumps make for nice foliage. However, when the foliage becomes too dense and too tall, they can be harvested for use in the garden or fire starting.
The pecan that live on the slope grow quickly. It has been about three years since the slope has been trimmed back. With the help of my brother, John, we spent half the day clearing just one part of the slope back. Cutting is quick to do. Cleaning up is not so quick. The work lies in breaking down the vegetation once it has been cut.
Once broken down, most of the vegetation is reused. The leaves were mulched and will be composted. The wood from the pecan will be used as stakes, fire wood, and terracing material. Continue Reading
Last summer, I duct taped another section of bamboo to support the Gwen avocado’s new height. The tree is growing steadily and is need of a new stake after the bamboo stake gave way.
The cost of gardening can add up pretty quickly. When the costs go up, it can take away from one of the experiences of gardening; which is to save money by growing one’s own crop. One way to save on costs on is to re-purpose containers that you would otherwise toss in the trash as seed starting pots.
February is coming to a close but not without a few surprises to be found and a conclusion to be had.
Last year was the first time that ranunculus was planted. When it died off, the tuber was saved but not properly stored. Mold got to them and whether they’ll grow was up in the air. A fresh stock of ranunculus was purchased and planted as an insurance policy. The growth of the ranunculus from the new stock pretty much indicates that last year’s molded stock will not grow again.
I pass by this amaryllis at least several times a day and did not noticed that it was sending up a flower bud. What is exciting is that this is its first flower bud. In 2012, I purchased an amaryllis bulb and grew it for the first time. When the flower died, I left the plant along believing that the flower would reappear the next year. Instead of a flower, side shoots shot up. It was then that I figured out that in order for the bulb to flower again that it was necessary to cut back all of the foliage. Otherwise, it will form bulbils. With four bulbils of various sizes, I planted them and three years later, the largest of the bulbils is ready to flower. Exciting!
Here is momma amaryllis in the terracotta pot and her offspring. One of the offspring only has one leaf blade and has a ways to go before it will flower. Offspring #4 not pictured.
Last year, fennel was planted for the first time. It was a surprise to discover how big the plant gets. Fennel also seeds profusely. This is one of the few fennel that seeded itself.
Fruit trees are extremely practical to have. The fruit can be left on the tree to be used at one’s convenience. An established tree can produce quite a bit of fruit. There may be so much fruit that they may start to rot before they are consumed. What better then to offer your neighbors, friends, and relatives some fresh fruit?
Botanical Interests is one of my favorite seed brands. They have a large and interesting collection of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. On top of that, their seed packets are artful and informative. Best of all, they have the scientific names of the plants. Their seeds are available online but I always prefer to pick them up. Around here, I know I can find the complete catalog at a Armstrong Garden Center. I went in looking for the ‘Dragon’s Tongue’ arugula seeds and came out with a few others. This is already displaying restraint.