Just over a month ago I visited a local community garden. It is the type where you rent a (15x15) plot each season. Some of the growers are just experimenting with this and that, but most have quite a bit of knowledge, time and means to create a productive and aesthetically appealing area.
At this time (early September) I was pretty down about my own garden area that was full of fried plants, lots of debris and extremely low production. It was so hard to get out there and get things cleaned up because it was still so hot. Seriously, the sweat would drip to the point that my eyes would burn. I ended up getting one row cleared, tilled formed, composted and planted mid August. I planted everything really close together to later transplant when the weather starts to cool.
After seeing how terrible everyone's plots looked in the community garden. I was less distraught about my wasteland. But a little tip to all the fellow AZ Valley dwellers; Save sweet potatoes, purslane and basil, nothing grows in August. It is a full month or more of heavy watering just to keep your plants barely surviving.
Now we have turned a corner. I have cleaned up the other four beds, composted, then did some transplanting and seeding. The weather is perfect and everything is shooting up! Viola, back on track and enjoying a productive space once again. I can see that I went a little crazy with the zucchini this season, luckily it is one of my favorite vegetables.
links; Simple Lives Thursday, Things I Love Thursday, Creative Juice
links; Simple Lives Thursday, Things I Love Thursday, Creative Juice
Wow, your garden pic. looks good. My garden is a mish mash of tarp and news paper falling apart and away. Many losses along the way and still struggling to get the fall garden moving forward. Some things produced and other plants live and never produce. It is nice to know I am not alone in my mess of a struggle to grow produce.
ReplyDeleteHave you started planting your winter garden yet? If so, what are you planting?
ReplyDeleteRight now the garden is a combo of second summer season and winter stuff. I will harvest the sweet potatoes soon, which will open up more room for winter stuff. I have swiss chard, onions, broccoli, celery and peas up right now. I would like to make room for my kale, cauliflower and cabbage soon. How is yours going?
ReplyDeleteHi there, if that is your garden plot then it looks pretty good to me. I only have a couple of pots on my balcony, LOL I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
ReplyDelete