You can most certainly be successful and really enjoy the process but first you have to learn to relinquish control. If you want every plant to be perfect and nothing to go wrong then I suggest not attempting in the first place. If you are up for the challenge and want to learn from the challenges and rise above them then you won't be disappointed.
In the last week we have started to see some "challenges" in our garden. Below I am going to share with you our reality!
CHALLENGE #1: RABBITS in the beneficial flower beds
Rabbit appearing to be innocent |
LESSON LEARNED: Next year the support wire for the Zinnias needs to go all the way around the 2 beneficial flower beds so they can't get in!
Beneficial flowers in front of garden |
Japanese beetles on Zinnias |
Damage to leaves from Japanese Beetles |
LESSON LEARNED: Next year I want to try to plant some more natural repellents for these pests which include: catnip, chives, garlic and tansy.
CHALLENGE #3: ASPARAGUS BEETLES continue to attack!
Asparagus Beetle Larvae |
LESSON LEARNED: Next year we will make the row covers taller and keep them on the Asparagus all season!
CHALLENGE #4: POWDERY MILDEW
Powdery Mildew on Zucchini leaves |
I am going to try a solution of 1 tsp. baking soda to 1 quart of water. Then I will spray it on the leaves. The baking soda is supposed to raise the PH which creates an environment that Powdery Mildew doesn't enjoy.
LESSON LEARNED: Next year I am going to be preventative and spray the leaves with the baking soda solution BEFORE this happens!
CHALLENGE #5: Inadequately pollinated Winter Squash
Inadequately pollinated Burgess Squash |
Inadequately pollinated Butternut Squash |
When I researched this I found that it was because more than one bee visit needs to happen to each fruit in order for the fruit to have enough pollen to properly form. So these inadequately pollinated squash have had at least 1 bee visit but they are not getting the extra visit!
I have read that there has been a decline in pollinators in recent years and this has been a common complaint of gardeners. I was hoping that when we planted the beneficial flowers that they would draw more bees to the garden. I know that I have seen more bees than in the past, however somehow they are still missing some of our squash!
LESSON LEARNED: I have tried (sort of) to get up early and hand pollinate. I have only been successful a few times (with getting up early that is). Next year (or this week) I have to wake up early every morning for a couple of weeks when the Squash flowers open up.
KEY POINT: (I just learned this) they only open in the morning and stay open for one day! Its important to hand pollinate as soon as you can after the flowers open up.
POSITIVE NOTE:
Onions, Parsley, Broccoli, Basil and Zucchini |
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