It’s a jungle out there

I’ve been enjoying the new location in the community garden.  Last season, we moved from the very front to the very back. It’s doing really well so far this year.  Maybe even a jungle, of sorts.

I can’t help but feel a bit of pride, but I’m sure it’s luck — and some learning.  First, I’m not one of those folks who plants in rigid schemes. I’m more of a tuck-in kind gardener. For example, I have established perennials, such as rhubarb and a variety of flowers (Montauk daisies, sun drops irises, day lilies, herbs, and others) that anchor the corners and sides of the plot.  On one side are two raised beds.  So some things get planted in rows, while many others, including annual flowers, get tucked into empty spots.

This year, things are packed pretty closely, which actually also helps with weed control.  Tomatoes are elbow-to-elbow with borage and cucumbers, which are next to the pole beans.  And the mixed packet of sunflowers I planted are massive.

_____

Remember my lamentation about the straw as a weed suppressant? So far, it has worked out just fine.  Whoo hoo!

_____

There is nothing that beats the fragrance of fresh carrots right out of the warm ground.  Picked the last of them today (at least until the Fall). What an amazing treat.  The basil was a close second.

Here’s what we harvested this week:

• Beets – a couple were still left. This year, I planted a mix of golden, red and chioggia.  It was the best year for beets I’ve had so far
• Carrots (multiple colors — so pretty to roast)
• Lacinto Kale – I like the flat leaves
• Swiss chard — rainbow, which means some have pink stems, some white, some red, and some yellow
• Green beans
• Herbs: Sorrel, thyme, basil, dill
• Rhubarb
• The first tomato of the season. Black Krim — sweet and delicious

Left the peppers on the plant to mature a bit more this week.

A bit of the harvest was donated to the food bank. There’s a collection area right in the garden!

At 90 degrees, it was hotter than I usually care for, but the time flew — as it always does when I’m outdoors or in the garden.