Welcome to my first Garden Journal.
Being a avid gardener for many years, documenting about all that is grown here on our farm has always been done with pen and paper. It seemed important to us to jot down what was grown, where it was placed, what the final yield of each crop was, as well as little notes as to what made a particular plant thrive. Something as simple as lowering the ph in the soil could make the difference between a hardy, healthy plant that produces an abundance or one that just does not.
As most farmers know, mother nature plays a key role in how well each plant produces. If it rains too much, all kinds of problems can occur to stunt growth, produce fungi, mold and mildew on our plants.
Too much heat and sun can also prohibit production of fruit, vegetables and even flowers.
The hope is always just the right amount of both sunshine and rain. Soil composition is also a very important factor in having a successful garden. It does pay to do the research when it comes to contributing to the plant's needs in order to have the best yields.
Just last year, for instance, my sweet basil just wasn't producing the amount I desired, so with a quick look up in one of our many books on gardening, it was discovered that the ph was way too high for the basil to produce those big bouquets I was used to. I love fresh basil, making pesto each season to freeze, then use throughout the year really works for me.
Now that the weather has warmed and almost all of our annual vegetables and flowers have been planted, the time has come to start checking out the perennials.
This apple tree bloomed the most gorgeous flowers just a week ago and has now set it's fruit, tiny as they may be, those apples should be a good size by fall with a nice crunch and sweet taste.
Cute aren't they??
Here we have a wild sunflower. This was transplanted from a hunk of roots given to me by my Cousin that lives just up the road from our homestead. By August, this plant will reach at least 5-6 feet tall and produce big bright yellow flowers that will follow the sun with their happy faces.
After planting 50 bulbs, these gladiolus are looking good. They too will bloom in August and produce until the weather turns cold since I plant them in waves, not all at once.
Starting with seeds, these zinnias and marigolds were germinated indoors on heat mats then kept in our window box with grow lights until it was safe to plant outdoors. As the summer heat comes upon us, these flowers should begin to bloom in July.
Wild strawberries are not only delicious but they have the most delicate little flowers. Looking forward to tossing a handful into my mouth, oh so good.
The very first annual I plant is always pansies. They are a hardy flower that can withstand a frost or even a snowfall, as was reinforced just this year when we got a late snowfall in April.
Pest control is a must around here. Each morning we go out on SLUG PATROL. With scissors in hand, we clip these ugly creatures. To my surprise, these tiny mushrooms grew in the pot also, got rid of those weird little fungi also.
These perennial chives have such a pretty flower on them, I always leave one to bloom. All the rest of my chives, I clip the flowers off to keep them tender.
Looks like we are off to a good start with this new venture to document the progress of this year's growing season on the #homestead.I hope to continue this wonderful journey in the #naturalmedicine community.
Happy gardening!