Healthy Regenerative Lifestyle

Early August Garden

I always am amazed at the changes each passing week brings to my small, city garden.

 

Enjoy,

David Proctor

 

 

 

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Early August Garden

 

I always am amazed at the changes each passing week brings to my small, city garden.

The kale and collards are all gone now, and where these and garlic grew over a month ago, a second group of various heirloom tomatoes was planted, which will, if all goes well, provide many colorful tomatoes well into October.

The several varieties of leaf lettuce, which provided salads for several weeks, bolted and produced seeds. These will be pulled out soon, some of the seeds harvested, soil in the containers reconditioned, and new lettuce planted for a fall crop.

We get our greens now from the chard, which has grown and flourished well in containers placed in various locations throughout the yard.  Chard is a wonderful vegetable to grow, as it can tolerate the summer heat as well as cool, autumn mornings. As long as it is watered frequently in the containers, it is a low-maintenance plant, and a welcome addition to the garden.

In order to save space in the “earth garden,” I started cucumbers in large pots, and placed a cage over them so that the plant can climb upward. Although the harvest is not as large it would be if they were planted into the ground, I have still been rewarded with several cucumbers for salads and snacking.

I planted a variety of eggplants this year, both in containers and in the ground.  Although most of them got off to a rough start due to the rainy and cool spring weather we experienced this year, most recovered and are starting to produce.

The peppers also had a shaky start this year, and only a few of them are bearing fruit. There are several, however, that have blossoms, so I anticipate a small crop by the end of September.

A common problem…birds and especially squirrels love to get to the tomatoes before I do!  In the past, I have set out trays of birdseed in areas away from the garden, and have kept the birdbath full of clean water. Apparently, the juice in the green tomatoes is a source of water for the squirrels, so trying to keep some water in the yard, as well as the birdseed, may help the situation.

I have noticed more bees this year, especially bumblebees, than ever before. Earlier in the season, they flocked to the bee balm, now they are on the herbs, vegetables and flowers.

Butterflies, too, have been frequent visitors.

The amount of fruit and vegetables that can be harvested from a small back (or front) yard area can be quite substantial.  There are so many benefits to an urban household garden. Many areas now provide space in community gardens for those who wish to have a garden, but may not have the space or sunlight available. I encourage anyone who may have an interest in growing some of their own food to at least set out a few containers of herbs or peppers.  You’ll be glad you did!

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Quick Tip

Read about tips for fall garden, click link below.