a new season
Mood:  happy
Topic: seed starting
I started seeds today!  This time around I'm using the paper towel method.  Hopefully I'll see some results in 7 days or so.  Once everything germinates I'll put everything in Cowpots to be planted directly in the garden around Mother's Day.  Started 3 types of tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, 2 types of sweet peppers - 3 seeds of each.

the end
Topic: fall

I haven't proven to be the most dedicated blogger but I still think it's a great tool for the backyard gardener.  I resolve to be better in the future!

The garden is just about spent.  The pumpkin vine is shriveled up but I have three beautiful pumpkins ready to harvest.  The brussels sprouts had no support so they fell over and I've just let them continue growing that way.  Each plant has nice sprouts which I plan on harvesting in a couple of weeks.  I still have carrots to pull.  The broccoli is growing well but there probably will not be enough time for another head to come to maturity.  Same with the cauliflower.

I've loved this method of gardening this season.  I'm looking forward to expanding the garden next season and having even more success!

A Great Day
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Cucumbers

I accomplished a little work in the garden today:  cutting back my rampaging pumpkin and cucumber vines. The highlight of the day though was harvesting my first cucumber.  I grew straight eights this year and by my calculation they finished up just a little ahead of schedule - 54 days according to my calendar.

I ate it raw with just a hint of onion dip.  It was wonderfully crisp and crunchy!  I imagine I'll be picking cukes everyday for awhile.  Next year not only will I get the garden in on time but I'll grow a couple of different varieties of cucumbers.

Something New
Mood:  happy
Topic: Lettuce

I should have done this a long time ago but at least I'm getting to it now.  Gardening is the ideal topic for blogging!  I need to keep track of dates and information and this will make it so easy.

 Just finished dinner which was a nice big salad of homegrown lettuce.  This particular lettuce is "Heatwave Blend" from Cook's Garden.  The idea was to plant a variety of lettuce which could withstand the high temps we typically experience here in mid-summer.  It's been so wet and cool though that bolting hasn't been a problem.  The leaves are huge and I have tons.  Had to use a cucumber from the grocery store though - I put my cukes in very late and while they are thriving, they have a bit of growing to do before harvesting.