Randy

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solitaire
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Randy
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Rossville, IN
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Human Resources

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Par For The Course

Home & Garden > Garden Alive
 

Garden Alive

As promised, here's a listing of what I'm growing this year (yawn). I'm not boasting or bragging. Neither am I trying to make anyone feel envious (although one can't make someone else feel anything).

I figure if I have the space and inclination, why not have a garden and yard with edible vegetables and fruits in it.
It's nothing spectacular (like my daughter and SIL's), but it satisfies my innate desire to "play in the dirt".

Perennial speaking, asparagus and rhubarb come up first (one "bunch" per day harvested). Strawberries are in bloom.
Garlic also comes up automatically, as does other herbs--chives, cilantro, lavender, sage, parsley, dill.

The first things I plant are: lettuce (4 varieties) and spinach, radish, onions (3 var.), kale and chard, and edible pod peas. Won't be long--salads every day!

Then its green and kidney beans, and first of 3 plantings of sweet corn (Ambrosia). It extends the corn on the cob season! Same with 2 varieties of regular potatoes (Yukon gold and Kennebec). Sweet potatoes will be planted next week (2 doz). Don't forget beets, carrots, and parsnips!

I just planted rows and hills of squash (both summer and winter), and cantalope. No watermelon this year (never successful for some reason). I'm still eating acorn squash and sweet potatoes from last year.

From mostly "starts" grown in my basement or from my SIL, I plant tomatoes (5-6 varieties), Brussels sprouts, brocolli, peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, and some "exotics" (artichoke, eggplant, etc.). I actually have two garden plots 50 yards apart.

In the yard, there are fruit and nut trees: apple (3 var.), peach (3 var), pear (2), plum (dying), nectarine, apricot, persimmon, black walnut, and almond. Cherry died (thankfully).

Lastly, I have berry bushes--black, rasp (red and black), and my newly planted blue. Plus a white grape arbor.

I've probably forgotten something, but you get the idea. It's more than I can eat! And enough to take care of (plant, prune, weed, harvest...), especially with a "flower and shrub" array. Allotted space: one little acre.

You all are welcome to come and visit and partake of whatever is in season. I usually have plenty.

posted on May 14, 2011 6:16 AM ()

Comments:

Wow, I'd be in heaven if I had that many fruit trees & berry bushes...
comment by crazylife on May 14, 2011 7:37 PM ()
It's never too late to get them started (if possible in your clime). If I can start blueberry plants at my age, you can.
reply by solitaire on May 15, 2011 5:07 AM ()
Farmer Randy, that sounds like a lot of work to me but there is nothing better than fresh corn on the cob and fresh butter beans. I put out three little tomato plants and I already have little tiny tomatoes growing. I'm so excited.
comment by gapeach on May 14, 2011 6:30 PM ()
Better than nothing. I'm having my first garden salad tonight!
reply by solitaire on May 15, 2011 5:05 AM ()
Nothing beats corn on the cob, picked and cooked immediately. Try it in
the shuck, microwaved for two minutes.
comment by elderjane on May 14, 2011 4:57 PM ()
I've tried corn on the cob a variety of ways. I just don't like the silk all over the countertop and micro. Hopefully, I won't have 'coons this year.
reply by solitaire on May 15, 2011 5:03 AM ()
We haven't even gone shopping for our bedding plants yet. I'm envious and it's all your fault.
comment by nittineedles on May 14, 2011 3:13 PM ()
As I mentioned, I'm not out to make anyone envious. Just the facts, m'am.
reply by solitaire on May 15, 2011 5:00 AM ()
Reminds me of my youth on the farm. Today my vegetables come from the grocery store or the farmer's market.
comment by timetraveler on May 14, 2011 2:02 PM ()
Support your local farmer's market!
reply by solitaire on May 15, 2011 4:58 AM ()
When can I expect my shipment? I take leftovers!
comment by greatmartin on May 14, 2011 7:46 AM ()
Notice I'm missing oranges and grapefruit. We could do a swap!
reply by solitaire on May 15, 2011 4:56 AM ()
It's like a tour around your garden, a lovely sight. It's been so cold here, hard to believe summer is coming and we'll wish for the cold.
comment by kitchentales on May 14, 2011 7:11 AM ()
The invitation still holds.
reply by solitaire on May 15, 2011 4:55 AM ()
Yum! Reading your lists of vegetables made me hungry, but like teal, it is off to the store for me!
comment by dragonflyby on May 14, 2011 7:00 AM ()
I go to the store, too, you know. Coffee, milk, orange juice, yogurt, flour, cookies, etc. But I seldom buy canned foods or "produce". Maybe celery. I spend about $50/mo in groceries.
reply by solitaire on May 15, 2011 4:54 AM ()
It's great to have fresh stuff and in such variety. I commend you. I don't envy you all the hard work as my most favorite thing not to do is plant and cultivate, unless you are talking about human beans. So off to the market I go.
comment by tealstar on May 14, 2011 6:44 AM ()
You're just a city girl with more "refinery". Nothing wrong with that. Hopefully, I'm no country bumpkin, despite my gardening interest.
reply by solitaire on May 15, 2011 4:49 AM ()

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