waspy wasp

European paper wasps are not known for their diet of nectar or pollen.  They are more know for their diet of caterpillars, flies and beetle larvae.  One could say that they are my friendly ally in the on-going battle against the japanese beetle.  However, their painful stinger, keeps them at garden acquaintances than friends.

the peppers are coming, the peppers are coming

Earlier in the spring, I decided to pick up a packet of pepper seeds. Since I like a variety and the 5-in-1 pepper packet seemed like a grand idea. That is, until I decided to sow the seeds. When I opened the packet, I noticed that the seeds are suspiciously similar. Since I lack the horticultural knowledge required to differentiate between the lot, I unscientifically planted an obnoxious amount to increase my chances of getting an assortment plants. Fortunately, the seeds are coming up peppers. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait to see what type of peppers are growing.

where the onion grows - part II

the rogue onion saga continues. what started as a large onion bulb to begin, has grown roots and divided into 3. From what I understand, the onion bulbs that start out round, end up oblonged. It is odd to have a torpedo shaped onion, but if it is diced up, who will know. We'll see what happens, harvest time is right around the corner.

Dawn keeps grease and pests out of your way

Being new to the farming industry, I was not equipped to take on garden pests. Or so I thought. The other day I found some sort of insects devouring my crop. They were black with metallic wings and white spots the lined the edge of their devious butt. I figured out that they were japanese beetles. I also found out that if you have japanese beetles, you can make a non-toxic solution of dish soap and water to get rid of them. Just pick, toss and repeat. Mere water would do the trick, but adding the soap to the water keeps also helps to keep the mosquitoes away while the beetles soak.

The best part is there is no clean up. If you allow the beetle carcus to dry in the sun near the plants, the decaying carcus keeps more beetles from using your plant for a buffet. The worst part about it, it looks a bit disgusting, but that's the circle of life and the life of a farmer.

where the onion grows

Recently, I discovered that you can grow an onion from an onion. This is a typical red onion that was bought in a grocery story. I also learned that, left to its own vices, the onion will start to sprout, using the bulb as its food source. I decided to do a little science experiment. I planted the sprouting bulb to see what would happen. The once albino green leaves from the lack of sunlight are now a deep forest green and growing quite nicely. I am not sure what will become of the rogue onion just yet. We will wait to see how well it does.

Urban Farmer - Part II

Just in case you were wondering how the urban farming was progressing . . . The herbs are still growing.

Sweet Italian Basil

Columbine Harlequin Mix

Thyme

Urban Farmer

Just like the crop farmers, I sowed seeds in the spring on my small plot of land, or rather, small, potted lands. Next time I will have to be sure to keep a closer eye on the spacing of seeds. The packet recommended a 6" spacing, but I planted slightly closer than the recommended spacing. Partly because I was trying to make the most of my land. Mostly because that's how they poured out of the packet and into the soil. I need to work on my technique for next season. This season, I am just hoping for a harvest.