SALAD!

The highlight of the season thus far has been eating salad from lettuce and arugula from my garden. I can't wait until I can add cucumbers and tomatoes from my backyard to my salad.  But...patience (I'm still reminding myslef about that).  Anyway...here are some pics pre and post! :)

My Own Hangning Tomatoes!!

Yes...my containers finally arrived and I was able to plant my hanging tomatoes.  I bought a container from Gardeners that is self watering.  So far, so good.  The tomatoes are doing well and growing (the Roma tomato plant is really taking off).  I'm usually weary about the self watering containers, but so far so good! The plants get just the right amount of water and the water doesn't hit the leaves (which I heard can cause tomato rot and other bad things).

The wonderful stand is back ordered.  For now, the tomatoes are hanging anywhere I had a hook or somewhat sturdy place for them to hang.  I will have to move them soon though because they are getting heavy.

In the spirit of experimentation (that's what this gardening season is all about), I also planted Heirloom tomatoes in a regular container.  I want to see which does better.  To be fair, the tomatoes in the container were fairly new seedlings given to me by a colleague.  So, it's not as big as the one growing from the baskets.  I'll keep you posted on how they're doing.

Strawberries and Spinach

So I've hit a couple of bumps in the road.

First, I've read that during the beginning stages of your plants, it is especially important to pinch off any flowers.  That way, more energy can go to producing fruit.  So, one day I was checking on my plants and noticed all of these buds forming on my strawberry plant (I'm constantly picking flowers off of them).  I quickly started pinching off the buds and once I had them in my hand and looked closely, I realized that I had picked small STRAWBERRIES (ugh).  Since then, that one plant hasn't produced any other berries.  I think it may be "upset."

Spinach: Not so good looking.  My other lettuces and argula (the arugula is taking over the container) are doing well.  Spinach...not so much.  I have wilted like, small leaves.  I've been fertilizing and it's been receiving water.  I figured the spinach would grow like the lettuce...not happening.  Suggestions?

B.U.G.S.

I know it's been a while since I've posted, so I'm playing catch up ;)

At the beginning of the month I went to an awesome farmers market.  What made it so special is that everything sold was made and grown by students!! BUGS (Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students) is an after school program (and I think summer program) that is dedicated to teaching kids cooking, gardening, the arts and entrepreneurship.

So when I arrived a student greeted me and gave me a guided tour of the herb section.  Of course (my teacher side came out) I asked the student to describe the growing process and the difference between my Thai and Genovese  Basil.  I learned that Thai Basil is better for cooking (it holds the flavor better) and Genovese Basil is great as an addition once the meal is done cooking.  I bought both, along with cilatro, mint and oregano.

Next, I headed to the vegetable section and a young lady showed me the selection of tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplant.  Again, I asked her the differences of the varieties of veggies and without hesitation, she gave me the rundown.  She was juggling all of my plants.  I tried to help her carry them but she said, "No Ma'am.  I've got it!  I'm practicing good customer service!" I left with Heirloom and Roma tomatoes, eggplant and cucumbers.

Before I left, I picked up some Mothers' Day cards and I bought some chapstick.  The student excitedly explained the process of making the chapstick and he said, "It's only $2, I'm sure you could use it!" So, needless to say I bought some.  I think "SUCKER" or "Super Excited Educator/Novice Gardener" was written across my forehead!

Things are Growing!!

Last weekend, Marc and I spent time (well, Marc did most of the work) digging out the "pest motel" and getting it out of the yard!  It wasn't very fun.  We filled 5 buckets of dirt (and other goodies that had been brought into their "motel").  Now I'm not sure how to get rid the 5 buckets.  Any suggestions?  I think I'll call to see if they can go in the bulk trash collection.

While Marc dealt with the barrel, I put the compost bin together.  It didn't take so long putting the bin together.  The time consuming part was creating a wire contraption to keep the pests out (although now I don't think there is a way for the pests to get into the yard.  Like my friend Kate said, they'll try to create a new way so I just need to stay on top of it).  I had to add a plastic tarp to the bottom since I couldn't anchor it in dirt.  Anyway, the compost bin is set and cooking! 

    

Well, looks like things are growing out there!  All of my seedlings have doubled in size!  Below are pics of my "salad table."  The sage and rosemary have been there for a few years now.  I love perennials!  I also found a berry (small and green) growing from the strawberry/mint basket. The summer bulbs and clematis have returned as well.