 |
| Teddy Bear Sunflowers |
I love gardening. I don't claim to be good at it, but I sure try. I deviated from some of my usual gardening tactics this year and it didn't all pay off. I prefer to grow things from seed but made a few exceptions this season. Turns out you need a tomato
plant for a Topsy Turvy (you can't plant a seed in there), so that was one deviation. Usually, I plant only Mammoth Sunflower seeds that grow as tall as the house, however, this year, I was given Teddy Bear Sunflower seeds from
Jeanette and I also accidentally purchased a sunflower hybrid seed packet in addition to Mammoth Sunflower seeds. I can't believe how much I love all three varieties! Sunflowers and daisies are my absolute favorite flowers. In fact, Sunflower is my Girl's Camp name!
 |
| Cute little corn stalks. Better luck next year, huh? |
I attempted to grow a crop of corn (from seed, of course). The first challenge with this was pulling up the grass on the little hill I wanted to plant on. My second challenge was keeping my gardeners from whacking/mowing them down (took several weeks). I ended up with 7 dwarfed stalks, the tallest peaking at just two feet. I'm sure we'll end up with some charming centerpieces from this crop. :)
 |
| Adorable Cucumber Plant |
This was the first year I've attempted to grow actual food. My tomato Topsy Turvey has so far produced about 7 tomatoes. Honestly, they're far superior to anything I've ever tasted from a grocery store (including Fresh & Easy). I love to eat them cut up with ranch dressing. :) I have a cantaloupe sprouted that I've learned I shouldn't get my hopes up about. My cucumber plant has reached about three inches high and hasn't grown in many weeks.
 |
I have serious reservations regarding
the pea-shooting capabilities of
this defense system |
In an effort to best protect my house from zombies, I planted a bunch of sunflowers behind the fence of the side yard. Next, I planted a row of peas. I ended up with three peas sprouting, each reaching a little less than a foot in length.
I'm not sure how effective they'll be vs. the zombies (or feeding my pea-hungry kids).
 |
Tallest & 2-headed Mammoth
Sunflower (already working on seeds) |
I had three Mammoth Sunflowers grow as tall as or taller than the house. Another first this year: the tallest sunflower grew TWO heads! I also recently noticed that another Mammoth grew THREE heads! Bizarro!
Overall, it's been a great gardening season. I may not have been able to feed my family a meal with this season's harvest but, don't worry, I'll attempt it all again next year! :)
 |
Gio's kindergarten fiesta de cumpleanos (they painted the
pots on his birthday then planted sunflower
seeds in them the next week) |
.jpg)
3 comments:
Everything from seeds! You are a good woman! I get too depressed when half or more of the seedlings die. Or maybe I'm too impatient! I just end up starting most food things from plants so that they get humongus and produce lots of veggies and fruits right away! :) On your peas and beans do you soak them before you plant them--if not, soak them in a moist paper towel until they sprout and then plant them and you'll have much more success! My mom always has huge bean and pea plants! :)
Good idea, Alli! Thanks for the tip :)
I love to garden! You're right, tomatoes from the garden ARE superior.
Post a Comment