In addition to basil and lettuce (as discussed in the pesto post yesterday), we’ve been having a pretty good year in regards to the garden.
Particularly since renovating and school and life haven’t really given us much time to work in the garden. Weeds are a fact of life this year. There’s something humbling about realizing that gardening is just a natural things that may not need much of us.
Small garden
At our current house, we have a small garden with strawberries, tomatoes, peppers and radishes. We also have a few herbs on the deck.
The tomatoes are going gangbusters this year, which is awesome since we’ve never had a great crop of tomatoes (outside of the cherry variety).
The strawberries were a bit disappointing this year. Last year, we had so many that we had to freeze bags full of them. This year, we only had a few total. We’ve read that the problem could be keeping them in the same place every year. Any tips?
And, for the first time, our raspberry bush is bearing fruit. And they are the most delicious raspberries we’ve ever tasted.
They would have likely given us some raspberries last year, had I not thought it was a huge weed and ripped it out of the garden last summer before it ripened.
Garden master over here.
Big garden
At our new house, we planted a larger garden and it’s also doing well. I was a little nervous about it because I didn’t know if it got enough sunshine. There are lots of huge shade trees at our new house. But, it seems to get plenty of sunlight and the plants are actually getting bigger than the ones in full sun at our current home.
The tomato plants are gigantic. I planted 6 of them, so I hope we get lots of great tomatoes for salads and sauces and canning. The peppers and eggplants are also thriving.
I also planted a lot of salad greens, which have been delightful with dinner.
The other surprise was how great the herbs have been doing – especially basil, cilantro and dill. I’ve always planted them in boxes and I was pleasantly surprised at how well they like the “real ground.” I also started a seed from lemon balm and mint (both of which I love the fragrance) and they are taking over. I’ve been trying to watch them closely so they don’t take over the garden.
Ryan’s corn and potatoes are doing really well. But the onions didn’t seem to survive a summer wind storm. Bummer.
The only other negatives were cucumbers and squash. I planted them along the fence, but it seems that another vining plant has taken over. I’m not sure what they are, but they don’t appear to be cucumber or squash. I’ll really miss those this year. Fresh cucumbers are the best.
How is your garden growing?
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Leigh says
I’m having a hard time with strawberries too. I think they are getting overshadowed by the tall, leafy plants above them. Plus the ants keep eating them. My green beans and sugar snap peas didn’t do much either but my eggplant, herbs, and tomatoes are rocking.
christian counseling says
The tomato plants are gigantic. I also planted 3, so I hope we get great tomatoes for salads and sauces and canning. The peppers and eggplants are also thriving.
Amanda Sevall says
This is our first summer really growing anything – so far, it’s been a lot of fun! Your gardens are definitely something to aspire to Kim! ๐
Lisa @ Cozy Condo Living says
You’ve got a green thumb! How do you find the time to take care of two gardens? I don’t have any land right now, but I’ve had a garden in a community pea patch before and loved harvesting all the great veggies. Happy eating!
Jenny @ Anything Pretty says
I have official garden envy. The whole “back off from the garden this year” plan was fine in the beginning, but now that I am seeing everyone else’s bounty I am rethinking it. Next year hopefully we will be back in the garden saddle…and will hopefully have half the garden you guys do. I am so impressed you are keeping up with it at two houses!
Sara says
I’ve harvested lots of basil, cilantro, one Heirloom tomato, lots of lettuce and one poblano. I’ve got a bell pepper I’m trying to wait on to turn red, TONS of tomatoes (none are red yet though I’m sure they’ll all ripen as I’m on vacation next week) and lots of green beans ready to harvest. My garlic looks almost ready to come out and my onions are great.
Re: strawberries. I’ve never had a good go with them. My plant inexplicably died in June. One morning I had 30 berries I came back the next day it was shriveled up and brown. But it is making a resurgence. To try to contain your mint plant it in a pot or keep it separate (that’s what I do).
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Your garden is doing great! Love that you have two locations. I am patiently waiting for my tomatoes to turn red. ๐ Have already harvested some zucchini and bell peppers. ๐
Comeca Jones says
Jealous!!!Looks beautiful!
Heart and Haven says
I just posted about my first harvest of the summer: http://heartandhaven.com/2011/07/13/garden-update/
Our tomatoes are doing awesome! We got some yummy carrots and a few radishes too.
Meredith says
Our garden is struggling a little bit this year. First of all, some stinking bug ate ALL my herbs to smithereens. I *have* some Neem oil to mix up and use, I’ve just gotta DO it.
I think a friend once suggested plucking off all the strawberry blooms for one season if the plants stop producing well. But the idea of a summer with no strawberries whatsoever kinda kills me.
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
My garden is struggling. The two tomato plants are actually doing quite well, especially since Shalai sat on one of them and snapped it at the base. But it’s coming back to life! Both plants have little green tomatoes on them. Happy dance!
But…that might be it this year. I started my seedlings way too late, and while they’re doing quite well for seedlings I’m pretty sure we’ll have a blizzard before they produce anything. Especially since the snow will start falling in, oh, 2 weeks.
(just kidding)
(I hope)
Katie says
your garden is incredible! cilantro is my absolute favorite, good choice ๐ great job and enjoy the “fruits” of your labor!
Mrs. Adventure says
Everytime I see a post showing your garden I’m green with envy… once I do have one I’ll be going through your archives and begging for advice I’m sure :o)
Mandi @ Southern Gnome says
My little garden is thriving. We are getting yellow squash and zucchini that are as big as my arm. Pretty sure they aren’t suppose to be getting that big but I never see the normal size ones when i go out to check/water. Seems they grow that big over night. My heirloom grape toms are doing great. Can’t say that for the heirloom Cherokees. My romas are not yet ready to pick but they seem to be coming along great. Hopefully should have corn before long too.