GOOD SUMMER BLUES
With planning, I got the summer blues — and I like them. Tall spires of delphinium. Then, looking more at ground level, weeding to keep vegetable garden in good shape for fall crops.
Entries by Lee Reich
EDEN’S GARDENS
G wants his Eden; start with the soil, with the help of the USDA’s Soil Web Survey. And then, on to plants: How about Pakistani mulberry? Heavenly, even if it wasn’t from Eden.
SMALLER IS BETTER
Small is good, sometimes, in gardening. I plant small trees which need only small planting holes and only small amounts of water to establish. Also, renovative (drastic) pruning revisited.
MIX POTTING MIX
Sustainable right down to my potting mixes? Not quite. A look at coir vs. peat, and other organic components. And what about perlite.
SUMMER WEATHER, PLANT THE GREENHOUSE
Hot weather means potted tropical and subtropical plants vacation outdoors, greenhouse figs start growing strongly, and I try for early curcurbits in the greenhouse.
WINTER’S LEGACY, STILL
The wacky winter left it’s legacy on one pear tree, growing only at its top half. But I can’t blame the weather for my poor tomato and pepper seedlings this year. Or maybe I can.
MAKING SCENTS (AND A BOOK GIVE AWAY!)
The air makes wonderful scents, even if the source two invasive plants are responsible. My lilac, scentsless too long, cries out for drastic pruning. Asl, free copy of my book.
WEEDS (SOME GOOD)
I take a multi-pronged approach to weeds, everything from blades to fire to acid . . . to eating them (those that taste good).
APRIL SHOWERS BRING . . . NO!
April showers do NOT bring May flowers, or vegetables, at least not on this side of the “pond.” Hand watering is needed, plus some way to tell when it’s needed.
RATIONALITY CHALLENGED
With spring’s warm spells comes irrationality. Avocadoes in New York? Why not? Rush out to plant onions. (Timing turned out correct).
