Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Maple Hill Hop 19




Maple Hill Hop


Welcome back to The Maple Hill Hop.
Here we share what is happening outside our doors,
no matter the season. 



This weekend's mild temps had me starting seeds.
Supplies were gathered and we were underway!



Eggshells have been saved for a week or two,
so that they can be readied to start tiny lettuce seeds.



We're using recycled strawberry containers
as mini greenhouses to keep them covered at night
until they germinate.



 We also use toilet paper and paper towel rolls created this way.



Using empty plant pots to hold the smaller ones
keeps things tidier and makes watering easier.



We've sown two kinds of lettuce, dill, tomatoes
as well as some verbena and passionflower.


dried passionflower vine bud


A few sweet potatoes were harvested from the side of the house.



I'm so glad I found these sweet pansies on the dead rack a couple of weeks ago.
They are adding cheer to the garden as well as in pots in front of the house.
On dreary days, they warm my heart.


bicolor iris



Some dill has gone to seed, which is fine by me.
It's been planted out in the back bed for the caterpillars to enjoy.
We plan to host black swallowtails, monarchs and gulf fritillary cats again this year
and give them away on Craig's List.


star jasmine



Last week, we transplanted a few beets to make more room in the square-foot bed.
A few have made it, but we went ahead and sowed more in the same area.
Carrots were also added as a border, as we explore edible landscaping.



It's only a matter of days until we're munchin' on these sugar snap peas.




They live up to their name!




The square-foot bed is filling out with
beets, carrots, leeks, green beans, eggplant, scallions, lettuce and peas.




The beets have a little while to go, 
but my fork will be ready.
This is the first time we've grown these.



More beet, carrot and lettuce seeds were added to fill in empty spots.




Hopefully, we'll have enough green beans to share with others.
These are the Slenderette variety.


This was an unwelcome sight on the garlic stalks.
They were jarred, and taken down to the pond area in our neighborhood
to find something else to eat.
(No critters were hurt in the making of this post.)



Here's a more welcome visitor.
These anoles eat bugs that might otherwise be pests in the garden.



It's so thrilling to wake up each morning and go out to check on the newbies.
It's empowering to know that we can grow what we eat, at least in part.
Thanks to my farmer friends, Faye and Lynn,
I feel like a confident gardener.
There's always more to learn,
but I'm on my way!

What's going on in your neck of the woods?



14 comments:

  1. I love the lettuce in the egg shells, what a great idea. I am a little bummed for you about all those bugs on your garlic - you are much kinder than I am. I'm putting together some group pinterst boards for each gardening zone and wanted to invite you to pin to the zone 9 board. Let me know if you're intersted.

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    Replies
    1. We just deal with the bugs as they show up. No worries.
      I'd love to join your board. Just let me know what to do. Thanks for the invite!

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  2. I love how you repurpose items to use for seed starting. Very smart and economical! I have to say, I think the dill gone to seed is beautiful! It's such a lovely color. I don't actually like the taste of dill, but I may have to plant some just for the looks haha.

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    Replies
    1. Dill is worthwhile. It attracts butterflies and adds height and drama to the garden.

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  3. Some great ideas!! So far my garlic has been pest-free, but every year a new issue seems to arise. :)

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  4. Everything looks great! What on earth are those bugs? They look like locusts, but I've never seen striped ones before!

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    Replies
    1. They are baby lubber grasshoppers. Not so nice to gardeners.

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  5. Daisy, I'm not so creative as to use egg shells to start seeds but I do have a few onions, cabbages, and just today chives planted on the heat mat and under the grow lights. Hopefully in about another month they will be planted in the garden and the next round of seed starting will begin. The tomatoes, green peppers, and eggplants will be started on April 1st for their journey to maturity some time toward the end of July.

    Have a great day in the garden.

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like you're off to a great start! Thanks for visiting today!

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  6. Thanks for letting me know about your hop - I've added our link! Loved reading about your seed starting...your pictures seem so lush, and when I got to the Anole (I used to keep them as pets when I was a kid) I though, "Ok, where is she?" Florida! Wow, I'm used to folks expressing that I'm several growth zones south of them...but you've got us beat! :) Have a lovely day!!!

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    Replies
    1. So glad you joined us! I absolutely love the photo on your header. So sweet. I hope you'll come back each Tuesday and add your outdoor posts! ;0D

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  7. I am glad to find you through Oak Hill Homestead and hope to be back :) Thank you :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping in to see us. I hope you found something helpful here. ;0D

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