Month: May 2016

Patio Pickers are unsatisfactory (imho)

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Patio PickersFlowers are my friend?! Homegrown veggies are illusive!! I believed the Patio Pickers would compliment the Garden Tower.

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Ready for seedsReady to plant by the moon

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Aspabroc seeds planted (1)Aspabroc seed planted (2)

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Aspabroc sproutedAspabroc on March 26

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Planted onion seedsPlanted radish seeds

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Aspabroc in Patio PickerI had such high hopes for radishes and green onions for my salads. Two separate plantings, both a failure (see pictures below). The Patio Picker has a reservoir in the bottom and I question whether the soil has been too wet. The plants had full sunshine.

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Radish and onions did not matureNo radish

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Waiting on AspabrocThe season is young; I’ll wait to see what happens with Aspabroc. However, several web sites indicate fifty days to maturity and it has been over sixty days since I planted…. (FYI: The radish greens went into the compost tube of my Garden Tower.)

Unique planter

Planter seen on FacebookOne of my readers sent this picture and wrote: “I saw this on Facebook and thought about you!!!!” ~~ Wow, isn’t that unique? Personally, I would not have the space for that planter but Smiley face two thumbs up winkingI find it intriguing. 

Snakes !!

Letter C with chocolate color background
cautious

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Letter A in a circle
apprehensive

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Letter R red and silver in a circle
restless

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Letter E multicolor in a circle
edgy

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Snake on garden sign“Critters” in the garden is to be expected (aphids, armadillo, bees, birds, butterflies, caterpillars, deer, gecko, gophers, moles, rabbits, squirrels). I understand!! Snakes in my yard is a different matter. Previously, in two-and-one-half years, I’ve only seen one small harmless snake (4/21/14). Now, in two days, I’ve seen two snakes and I’m feeling anxious.

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Elbert with the snakeSnake in the grass

Epsom Salt in the garden

Twenty-one Epsom Salt Garden “cheats” you don’t want to miss!!

Click the link (above) to go to original website.
Epsom Salt garden info (poster)

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Applying Epsom Salt – Basics

Here are the basic methods and general rates for applying Epsom salt to plants and soil. NOTE: It is always advisable to have a soil test done before applying any nutrients to soil.

Soil Incorporation – Broadcast 1 cup per 100 square feet, mix well into before planting.

At Planting Time – When planting seedlings or new plants, dig a hole and place about 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in the bottom of hole and cover with a thin layer of dirt, place the plant in the hole and finish planting.

Pre-Planting Soak – Prior to planting, soak root balls in 1/2 cup of Epsom salt diluted in one gallon of water.

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Belatedly, I made the purchases and sprayed my tomato plants. Actually made the purchases yesterday and sprayed today.

Package of Epsom saltEpsom salt and spray bottle

Fight Depression and Anxiety with a Therapy Garden

Depression, stress, etc. Spending time in my garden is my medicine!! Frequently, I’ve touted the benefit. Here’s an article that states gardening is recommended to fight depression and anxiety. Below is a brief excerpt from the article.

EASY DOES IT: Horticulture therapists modify healing gardens to help ease the task of gardening and make it more enjoyable. If you have a bad back or limited mobility, consider creating tall raised beds or container gardening. Design clear, accessible pathways throughout your garden, and keep your cool under shade canopies. If you don’t have the space or time for a large garden [consider a Garden Tower], Kennedy suggests creating a small herb garden in a large pot. Regular picking will help keep herbs small and healthy, and foster a strong connection with the plants. [Bold emphasis, underline and reference to Garden Tower added by Lorraine.]