I planted from seed 8 broccoli, 4 brussels sprouts, and 16 spinach today.
UPDATE 8/29/2018: none of these seeds sprouted. It was either too hot, or I let it get too dry. I re-seeded today, and will try to keep the bed covered from the sun for most of the day.
We have been without rain for some time now. (typical summer in north Texas) The pond area was completely dry yesterday. It finally rained last night (1″), and this morning you the air is filled with the sound of frogs and whatever else live in the wet area and are back like magic. Give it a listen in the video:
I ordered 12 slips and 3 crowns of Russian Comfrey – Bocking 14 from Marsh Creek Farmstead. They arrived today so I put them in the ground. I placed the crowns in my raised beds, and the slips in between my new fruit trees. The bocking 14 variety doesn’t go to seed so it doesn’t spread and take over like the normal variety does. This plant is known as a mineral miner: the roots go very deep in the soil and the leaves are packed with lots of nutrients. It is a good plant to use for composting material, as those valuable nutrients will be in the compost.
Aiden helped me pick tomatoes, peppers, and a few okra. The okra are just starting to produce. We found hornworms on the tomatoes, so we need to check those daily. I cut the tomato plants way back because they were so overgrown and intertwined. When planted as close as they are, you are supposed to keep the suckers cut, which I have failed to do. I had some carrots that should have been harvested months ago. They were not too tasty.
I brought in about 25 cu-yds of local tree mulch and spread it out in the area where my trees are planted. I have at least 6 inches of depth in most areas. This should help cut down the number weeds that are competing with the fruit trees for water and nutrients, absorb water when it rains, build good soil over time, and help increase the soil health.
Most everything I have planted is doing great. The snap peas are loaded and ready to harvest. Onions are getting big. I have some peppers and tomatoes on the vine.
The blackberry bushes I planted a few years ago are loaded with berries. All my new blackberry transplants are alive and doing well. Continue reading
The soil in the creek bed behind the house is probably the best soil in Collin County. It is soft and easy to dig. I appreciate the free donation from my neighbors at higher elevation. I’m going to dig a little out and move it to the area where I want my new garden beds. As a bonus, the depression I’m leaving should serve to slow the water down next time a big rain comes, so more ‘good top soil’ will settle in the area and provide me more.
Start with a little less than 1 gallon of water in a 1 gallon container with a screw cap
video: Nathan Riggs demonstrates fire ant killer mix
follow this link for more info at Antman’s Hill Facebook page
I provided my new trees some extra support by stringing fence wire between t-posts, then attaching a piece of PVC conduit between the two wires.
The local Ace hardware store was selling plants for $2 each. They are a little smaller than what I’ve seen at the big box stores, but half the price. I picked up 3 tomatoes and 4 peppers and planted them.
The snap peas, carrots, turnips, radish, beets, and lettuce have all sprouted now too. Continue reading