June 27, 2007
We found a single tomato hornworm in my garden, on the beefsteak tomato plant. Sadly, he met his end. However, I found out why he chose the beefsteak over the better boy/big boy tomato plants: the beefsteak tomatoes are heavenly delicious. I've also fried them up green right after picking. The beefsteaks are the best fried green tomatoes I've ever had. My only regret is not planting more of them.
The cucumber plant has been producing bitter-tasting cukes (and some of them have blossom end-rot), so the lesson I learned here is to add gypsum to the soil before planting.
Next lesson: Sweet peas do not like hot weather. I'll try those again in the fall.
I'm still waiting on more peppers, squash, zucchini, and okra. I planted those late.
There is no comparison between organic just-picked veggies and store-bought. It has been worth my investment and effort, even with the mistakes I've made (that will help me become a better gardener next year).
Posted by megabeth at June 27, 2007 12:29 PM
Were you able to find organic fertilizer locally? If so let me know where!
I read that anything that prevents calcium uptake can cause blossom-end rot... it happened to ours one year from uneven watering. (This year they're lucky to get any water at all!)
Posted by: Karen at June 28, 2007 06:04 AM
That's one of the things I miss about living in Savannah. Every place I ever lived had a back or side yard, letting me have a chance to enjoy gardening.
I still have some potted plants now, but it's not the same. Not to mention the fact that I'm not the best person in the world nowadays in terms of taking care of anything since I'm focusing so much on the new business venture.
Keep on enjoying it. It's a lot of fun to play in the dirt and enjoy the rewards.
Posted by: Andre at June 30, 2007 09:19 PM
Karen, I haven't looked, but I do know that Sweet Peas in Homewood sells mushroom compost. Next season I'll have my own compost since the bin is nearly full.
Andre- Yeah, you are awfully busy these days. The farmers market at Linn Park/Pepper Place is almost just as good as having your own garden.
Posted by: megabeth at July 5, 2007 04:40 PM
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