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Well, it’s been awhile!

This is what Mom and Dad’s garden looked like on May 30–still in its perfect condition. Since that day, all of the San Marzano tomatoes (21 of them) have been snapped off and eaten by the blackbirds that have invaded the pine trees. We have also planted all the beds, so in addition to peas, we have beans, eggplants, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, and golden zucchini squash. This year we used twine as a means for the peas to climb. We think that the tomato cages have served as convenient perches for the many birds that then notice the lovely tomato plants ready for the snipping. The Blue Lake green beans are all up and the onions and eggplants have been strawed.

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Wakin’ the garden up

The garden dozed off last fall without anyone noticing. We just left everything sitting out over the winter, including the deer netting and four patio chairs used to support it. There were even tomato carcasses still hanging from their cages.

But . . . we’ve only just spent two evenings plus one other time. So far we have whacked all the weeds–inside and out–and turned over four beds with the fork. Tonight we raked up and burned all the sticks that were littering the yard. Although there are plenty more, we got a good start.

One more shocker today: when I removed the cover on the seed pots I planted three days ago, they were coming up!!! Italian Heirlooms and Opalkas are our tomatoes of choice this year. I expect the Opalkas will take a little longer since the electric warmer does not seem to be working.

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break between the rains

Haven’t been to the garden for a few days, but stopped by after our morning walk. First I trimmed inside and outside the garden fence. It was hard not to notice the San Marzano and Italian Heirloom tomatoes!!! Oh, my, they must be happy here. Then I picked the first six pathetic-looking rows of beans. The fact that the rabbits ate the first leaves and then the rains came means I don’t have much expectation of a bumper crop harvest.

san marzanos are coming on–lots of ’em

the best-looking bean plants

hard to believe these came from such humble origins

beans in mom’s basket (rescued from its thrift store destination)

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another week of rain

It has rained so much that I have been too demoralized to visit the garden. Today, however, the sun is shining and I am curious to know how the garden has weathered the latest downpour–more downpours are forecast for this coming week. In addition to this tomato, there are numerous San Marzanos that have just exploded! They are the size of tennis balls. The later tomato transplants are thriving, as well. And the broccoli is continuing to grow. Plus, there are green beans, but the plants are very wispy-looking.

one cherry tomato ready for eating

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take that, you wascally wabbits!!!!

It’s official: although it is not pretty yet, the garden is officially temporarily enclosed, so there should not be any more rabbit damage. I suppose it’s possible, however, that there might be some deer catapulting themselves over the fence.  Here’s how the garden looked this morning:

getting closer to the real gate

the final three beds have been turned

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beating the heat of the day

My objective this morning was to finish digging the second bed. I accomplished that and much more. I also pulled the first section of onions. About 10-15% of them were rotten, thanks to the wettest month of June–EVER!!! Anyway, they are drying in the wheelbarrow for the day. I watered all of the tomatoes, although rain is forecast for tomorrow. And, I planted the last of the pepper plants that I have babied from seed.

about 2/3 of the way finished

whew! two beds down, one to go

first bunch of onions

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the garden: the gift that keeps on giving

Had another garden party this morning–the whole family was involved. Dwight and Dad worked on the fence; Mom and I weeded and mulched the tomatoes and I finished digging a bed and dug about 1/3 of a second bed of three beds total.  Bill provided double cheeseburgers from a fast food drive establishment, and Mom had carrots and celery sticks, homemade pudding (with whipped topping!) and brewed iced tea. I have also included a couple of photos of some of the garden’s produce.

first sign of broccoli

first two green beans

Mom mulching the tomatoes

setting the table for lunch