As of today, I’ve harvest 16.5lbs of Creole tomatoes, despite blossom end rot. Thanks to Laurie of Common Sense Homesteading, I may just save the rest of the tomatoes. I added some antiacids, epsom salt and water directly to the roots on 6/4. I think they are going to be ok. The later tomatoes are not getting the rot on the ends.
I noticed a family of wrens over by the rabbit hutch. I’m guessing this is why there’s been a mysterious disapperance of cabbage worms and horn worms. Ethan and I picked off about 7 horn worms, all with in 2 days. I saw evidence of them (ie: massive amounts of poo!) but no worms. I wish the birds would eat the stink bugs BUT stop poking holes in the tomatoes. Maybe they are eating the tomatos? Actually I think it’s the bigger birds poking holes in the tomatoes. Will continue to pick them just as the shoulders begin to striple.
Cukes are so freaking slow! I’ve applied more fertilizer and keep watering even. I have at least 20 plants, you’d think I’d be overloaded with cukes. Totally not the case. I have this problem every year and I’m not sure why.
Cantaloupes are out of control. The leaves are so big I can’t find the fruit without a huge scavenger hunt. The mini-Sanaka’s Sweets are finally coming into fruit. The vines are growing up to the top of the trellis. This could present a problem. Mini Sugar baby watermelons look amazing. Apparently rabbit poo agrees with them. The mini golden melons are not doing so great. I may just re-plant in a different location.
Okra is growing strong now that the cabbage worms are gone. They are about ankle high and bushing out after being planted the last week of May.
Banana pepper I bought as a start from the Gotreaux farm is doing great. I’ve picked several peppers from it. Plants I started myself from Walmart seeds not so good, half of them died and then the wind bent the rest, though now that the wind has stopped and the heat is on, they look a lot better. The basil I threw as seed into different areas has finally decided it wants to live and has sprouted. The cabbage worms are also eating the purple basil leaves, though this has also stopped.
Herb garden is doing very well. The stevia is growing and I have harvested about a half a cup and used it to make “sweet” tea. I was impressed and look forward to drying the leaves and grinding it later. Future plans for next year include many many more of these plants. Mother of Thyme looks great as does the Greek and Mexican oregano. Basil has sprouted from seeds I left on the plants last year, pineapple sage & mint are growing strong (of course LOL).
The fig starts Mr. V gave me have also decided to live, putting out many little leaves on the one little twig. I’m thinking they will transplant nicely in the fall when they go to sleep for the winter. I need some cans or something to protect them from the mower. Blueberry bushes are acting like it’s fall and their leaves are turning red. I have no idea if this is because of too much water or not enough. The last time it was due to drought. Maybe I”m just not able to grow berry bushes?
