tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70332944906075997272024-03-05T21:45:00.009-08:00A Midwest GardenIn the garden with David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic GardenerDavid P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-54473882316699103032011-10-19T17:21:00.000-07:002011-10-19T17:21:13.049-07:00The Garden is put to bed for the forever winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE8NNyiTZszEG2p8S6gPFajH1_Rj2InV1O3f2-4GCNJaJmAiFhWbS8ZheKAGCgGIijBIrMwbRKisFU8fvS1kRHlIPw0ViDy0VKgDIz8f12Xp69y9xAeoqMy8CdzuoQFFwk9D4fq9CwnAj/s1600/710_2374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE8NNyiTZszEG2p8S6gPFajH1_Rj2InV1O3f2-4GCNJaJmAiFhWbS8ZheKAGCgGIijBIrMwbRKisFU8fvS1kRHlIPw0ViDy0VKgDIz8f12Xp69y9xAeoqMy8CdzuoQFFwk9D4fq9CwnAj/s400/710_2374.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">As gardeners, we intuitively know there is a time for renewal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is definite life cycle, sprout, seedling, production, decline, then finally off to the compost heap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Almost two years ago, I started with two blogs, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> A Midwest Garden</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I Hope You Are Hungry</i>. I have enjoyed every minute of every post, but at times found myself off track and off topic. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Later, I started a Facebook page under <em>The Gastronomic Gardener </em>name and the growth there has been gratifying albeit sporadic. </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As my interests and focus has changed, I feel I have outgrown these platforms, so</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I am putting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Midwest Garden</i> and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em>I Hope You Are Hungry</em> to bed.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blogger</i> has served me well, I’ve entered the world of blogging and made some new friends; but the season is now at an end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time for me to bid farewell to <em>Blogger. </em>I look back and can see how far I've come in terms of quality content and photographs. It is a fine platform as thousands of fellow bloggers can attest. It is just time for me to move on.</span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But this is not goodbye – but rather, as I said above, </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">a renewal!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am happy to announce I am re-launching<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <a href="http://gastronomicgardener.com/">GastronomicGardener.com</a></i>!</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As new plants in spring are nourished by last years composted growth, it will have content from both <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Midwest Garden, </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I Hope You Are Hungry. </i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Several series are in the works designed to help and encourage folks learn to garden as well as try out different techniques. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are plans for tools to help in garden planning, planting schedules, and more!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I look forward to sharing what I have learned, to continue learning from my readers and begin fresh with new focus and fervor!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please join me over at <em><a href="http://gastronomicgardener.com/">GastronomicGardener.com</a>!</em> Take a look around and let me know what you think!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll see you there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">David P. Offutt</span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span></i><br />
<br /></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com1West Chicago, IL 60185, USA41.8861543 -88.226643441.8296028 -88.2933164 41.9427058 -88.1599704tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-91106903887000279992011-09-18T08:10:00.000-07:002011-09-18T10:56:40.807-07:00Big Changes - Before and After x 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last post I made some comments about changes coming to the garden. I was needing a day off work to, you know, <em>work.</em><br />
<br />
The last two days have been glorious weather - cool and breezy which is perfect for some hard labor.<br />
<br />
I gave myself some forced deadlines. For example I called the mulch yard and asked for 3 cubic yards of garden mix - (50% soil - 40% mushroom compost - 10% sand) to be delivered to as early as possible Friday morning and dumped at the end of the drive. Knowing the Student would be home by 6:00, pushed me to get this done. Halfway up the drive, you can see some of the material I had already removed from the bed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t3xtWd_YARZgJYm8iltxbgNGEzNetZI13Oz1X6csL1gtPekBp-OEE52CHZYMp4-HC8iMXr-N9VY2twLXwVCpXodMS8wsjhaQe6BbgY86F35u2KXQOCkwUdKqlHTjkvdMm1QrG3-HJUgq/s1600/DSC05403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t3xtWd_YARZgJYm8iltxbgNGEzNetZI13Oz1X6csL1gtPekBp-OEE52CHZYMp4-HC8iMXr-N9VY2twLXwVCpXodMS8wsjhaQe6BbgY86F35u2KXQOCkwUdKqlHTjkvdMm1QrG3-HJUgq/s400/DSC05403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The plan was to remove two perennial beds and prep them for conversion to boxed raised beds. I want to preserve as much as possible in terms of plant materials by repurposing them in the front yard, which, as a friend told me "...is pretty sad for someone who thinks they are a gardener." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61gwHp7g5jmWyUWPNI9x9xsqSDB3XmrjvRT6JiSp2IUwWmJ4RB8NOoeQkqSln1Eb18Nh012fcthRfoEQGEZqf8y0KEAoJG94HLoh7_7AGxoLSdkp4veQYB_TavTktNB9oVwxDYjBF_eSm/s1600/DSC05398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61gwHp7g5jmWyUWPNI9x9xsqSDB3XmrjvRT6JiSp2IUwWmJ4RB8NOoeQkqSln1Eb18Nh012fcthRfoEQGEZqf8y0KEAoJG94HLoh7_7AGxoLSdkp4veQYB_TavTktNB9oVwxDYjBF_eSm/s400/DSC05398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ouch, but the truth hurts. <br />
<br />
I've always enjoyed the aspect that the garden is in the back and not visible from the street, my very own "Bijou Caché." It is a surprise to pull up to the very unassuming house, walk down the driveway, and turn to see a vigorous garden. But, as the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. If I was going to save those plants they'd have to move. And I might as well tart up the front of the house a bit.<br />
<br />
I spent the morning ripping out the East bed, here is the before and after.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlwRkpYZvT0sQw3beW5a_bR7B6Ko4TJ4ZWIJDkELdQsU5zEk9vvYjqCC0wjLJbi53VuigN1_XbVMJ8SuDIyB85nGVkOzfiWzAGn4iewKYcz1pl2uJHrKdAaUvsd002aXQvuGVU1ISxfuW/s1600/B%2526A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlwRkpYZvT0sQw3beW5a_bR7B6Ko4TJ4ZWIJDkELdQsU5zEk9vvYjqCC0wjLJbi53VuigN1_XbVMJ8SuDIyB85nGVkOzfiWzAGn4iewKYcz1pl2uJHrKdAaUvsd002aXQvuGVU1ISxfuW/s400/B%2526A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then I moved the soil out of the driveway. It may not look like much, but three cubic yards takes some time. I did in fact finish before she came home from work. I'll show you what we came up with at the end of the post. I was exhausted by the end of the day - 12 hours of removing plants and shoveling soil will do that to you. I'm afraid I wasn't good company at the German restaurant for Oktoberfest. Oh, the beer and Jager Schnitzel were delicious, but by the time I was finished I was almost falling asleep. A few aspirin before bed and hopefully I would not be too sore the next day to continue.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly I felt pretty good! Up at 6:00, took dear daughter #2 for some driving practice, a stop at the local greenhouse (their perennials were all on sale for only $2 each!) and I finally could procrastinate no longer. While clearing out the west bed, I did feel bad as there were some plants I couldn't save. Oh well, if you want to make an omelet.. you gotta break some eggs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcsTJqqoHXhQzHN3X7jlCsI7Cp7djRxU-fFLkYaFeCnRGvj5d3mfPFoNXV0jtl_veA498mvXKfY-ROqtR1iHoQa_qw8OgeicdYxUtD9Ha3ZOKtNlGA6Ghl368fTd8CgDtLnULb5aX9FrG/s1600/B%2526A+WEST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcsTJqqoHXhQzHN3X7jlCsI7Cp7djRxU-fFLkYaFeCnRGvj5d3mfPFoNXV0jtl_veA498mvXKfY-ROqtR1iHoQa_qw8OgeicdYxUtD9Ha3ZOKtNlGA6Ghl368fTd8CgDtLnULb5aX9FrG/s400/B%2526A+WEST.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
All I need now is to build the boxes and fill them, shred all the material I pulled out of the garden. Won't happen today as it is raining a lovely soft gentle rain, perfect for the new plants in front.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCewOd2c9_r9N0sLz_B-dhyphenhyphenevpsBC94tC5B5M_q3eMHDGGHcEyxKOlfycFE84PaUMQSfTG9mJAksH7a0mA54KHTQVhhnUsJZ_oklYZBvBLpKM_y37btmeUZcdneX_FIfDlBUZYcApxzoH1/s1600/DSC05409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCewOd2c9_r9N0sLz_B-dhyphenhyphenevpsBC94tC5B5M_q3eMHDGGHcEyxKOlfycFE84PaUMQSfTG9mJAksH7a0mA54KHTQVhhnUsJZ_oklYZBvBLpKM_y37btmeUZcdneX_FIfDlBUZYcApxzoH1/s400/DSC05409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ4s_KMINJbxvr64Cu68b4dvWgmOyB2BY6tnFTy14FMyX8rX27pNGzdkPAPkEhu4iFCIFl8qiTQxh4VTk23jyWoh8z_YyIyjsZCDC3bhwnlkE5757Shcwxlt1YHjcHvltTO9a4WQoS65p/s1600/DSC05410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ4s_KMINJbxvr64Cu68b4dvWgmOyB2BY6tnFTy14FMyX8rX27pNGzdkPAPkEhu4iFCIFl8qiTQxh4VTk23jyWoh8z_YyIyjsZCDC3bhwnlkE5757Shcwxlt1YHjcHvltTO9a4WQoS65p/s400/DSC05410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdGMw3velPnG5JJuc3pNNWc6l3SC0nIHfo8DviMhiA2MOjuy0AjFjoqhRbW8jVwX4kY1CYdvjP7EXu1JGGFjJiq3HxNbembhoYaAcdq_GowJM6kKdNqAHDYwRPed-PmDMXSSR-foPtaSc/s1600/B%2526A+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdGMw3velPnG5JJuc3pNNWc6l3SC0nIHfo8DviMhiA2MOjuy0AjFjoqhRbW8jVwX4kY1CYdvjP7EXu1JGGFjJiq3HxNbembhoYaAcdq_GowJM6kKdNqAHDYwRPed-PmDMXSSR-foPtaSc/s400/B%2526A+Front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This still needs mulch, and is a little tatty but will be better after wintering over, I'd say it is big improvement. Whew! I need a nap.<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/gastrogardener">@gastrogardener</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a><br />
email: thegastronomicgardener at gmail dot com</div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-48633994614709801982011-09-10T16:44:00.000-07:002011-09-10T16:44:14.257-07:00Update on the garden. - Plans for expansion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's almost mid September and I'm already looking ahead to next year. This year I had 2 @ 4'x7' and 2@ 2'x8' Squarefoot garden beds, 3 Growboxes and a few buckets that my wife AKA "The Student" grew.<br />
<br />
After visiting a few other gardens, and getting a year of SFG under my belt I'm already planning to expand. It will require some good old fashioned hard labor, as I'll be moving some perennials to the front and side yards and converting more of the back to boxed raised beds.<br />
<br />
Here is a birds eye view of the whole back:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpurUX0KSCYCsFNVYeATJXFozJUTmDWeBp8lkFj_sKMgIHqXSz9SZs1GZDaP50nxOorN0ZSNCD2X4zPffluDfnkFhi_tF71xEajjbOp1YKjKmR_Z-m6ONzNvXAKWCOYah22n8OGt3xWmS/s1600/DSC05383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpurUX0KSCYCsFNVYeATJXFozJUTmDWeBp8lkFj_sKMgIHqXSz9SZs1GZDaP50nxOorN0ZSNCD2X4zPffluDfnkFhi_tF71xEajjbOp1YKjKmR_Z-m6ONzNvXAKWCOYah22n8OGt3xWmS/s400/DSC05383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It isn't very big and my garage to the left is to the east so that back doesn't get sun until late. At this point I'll leave it well enough alone.<br />
<br />
So let's see what will be expanded. On the right side, I'll move some iris, coreopsis, lilies, knock out roses, echinacea and russian sage. The clematis I'll leave, and the trumpet vine I'll start what I suspect will be a multi year effort to eradicate. Seven or eight years in and no blossoms. Forget it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFVrmFqBhUjSi8Tr6gOy9lXh9n_0i_MurQJek2qAdfebIVLXnqirmbYyyXKLIAheQRWdOKNLSsyLNyvgZpesH0JWzSCZqaItA8L7hS328DAoYHTHneshyphenhyphenXdRcPBijpeNdFY-k3vfjwRBH/s1600/DSC05385a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFVrmFqBhUjSi8Tr6gOy9lXh9n_0i_MurQJek2qAdfebIVLXnqirmbYyyXKLIAheQRWdOKNLSsyLNyvgZpesH0JWzSCZqaItA8L7hS328DAoYHTHneshyphenhyphenXdRcPBijpeNdFY-k3vfjwRBH/s400/DSC05385a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have not decided how to divide that space up but I suspect a narrow bed against the fence, a walk way and then another bed.<br />
<br />
To the left,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY7Dq1bVN4oVZ7X99Wa7CJgj0wk4AVLcPCnOW7_BkbFrrfkRgcJANRHLTHKvDWPKkGsmhEZwuw53ECQhqU_3-962IwIu7vB48EERi5YI_PJMGRPcIn4uzwpBRJHCrVwkc-sFS5Zvy21TY/s1600/DSC05384a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY7Dq1bVN4oVZ7X99Wa7CJgj0wk4AVLcPCnOW7_BkbFrrfkRgcJANRHLTHKvDWPKkGsmhEZwuw53ECQhqU_3-962IwIu7vB48EERi5YI_PJMGRPcIn4uzwpBRJHCrVwkc-sFS5Zvy21TY/s400/DSC05384a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Again things to move, creeping phlox, iris, sedums, salvia. I will also be severely pruning back the roses. They may not bloom next year though I doubt I'll kill them. The root structures must be vigorous after all these years. I also think I can probably squeeze in another bed or two where the bench and bird bath are now.<br />
<br />
So what do you you think? Sound like a plan? are you expanding/making changes? I'd love to hear from you.<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/gastrogardener">@gastrogardener</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a><br />
email: thegastronomicgardener at gmail dot com</div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-60541024459407847992011-08-21T07:11:00.000-07:002011-08-21T07:11:31.979-07:00Harvest between the storms<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We've got a series of showers and thunderstorms rolling through but I managed to get out and get 13lbs or so more of produce yesterday morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsVhvRdLla4-s9AgjNhBo7tgvOyWP2fenuxQYlVdsg5vAd6vKvQJy8MfJM1fFJLtR_8gMzGeGJtmovgtWRgLooi7imoEV_qUQCa889JyzrrBvvER71OfOP6iOek716SeyonXDXFE5dzra/s1600/DSC05257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsVhvRdLla4-s9AgjNhBo7tgvOyWP2fenuxQYlVdsg5vAd6vKvQJy8MfJM1fFJLtR_8gMzGeGJtmovgtWRgLooi7imoEV_qUQCa889JyzrrBvvER71OfOP6iOek716SeyonXDXFE5dzra/s400/DSC05257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The plum tomatoes to the left are from the Growboxes. They are still neck and neck with the Squarefoot gardening technique (17 and 18 lbs respectively) except... <br />
<br />
...there are only two plants in the grow box, versus 3 in the Squarefoot garden! So the Growbox appears to be 1/3 more productive. It's looking like next year more of the Growboxes will be devoted to tomatoes in order to maximize yield.<br />
<br />
In other news, there at least a couple butternut squashes that are growing. I hope there is enough time for them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnKfABpvIFAmnAD0wwaQcOOFzMex37oo9glXsnJoyro3x28nKPK7GSrVGHAkmgkDcFvPQTiqbfuzXzi6m1NLBGX79MGLdc-s_ZkiE5rHWzBqaQc6kTH5zAm_L9En-3ExFIObyVf_OLtZq/s1600/DSC05269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnKfABpvIFAmnAD0wwaQcOOFzMex37oo9glXsnJoyro3x28nKPK7GSrVGHAkmgkDcFvPQTiqbfuzXzi6m1NLBGX79MGLdc-s_ZkiE5rHWzBqaQc6kTH5zAm_L9En-3ExFIObyVf_OLtZq/s400/DSC05269.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I also spotted a tiny acorn squash and an even smaller watermelon. I don't think the melon will make it before frost but we'll see.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JGtz2d51kZaicpXvuRGrKAdMdS90Prx3367HORTJ-fIfQHQLduzk-uBacmVZCfFAZ1KxO7sC59XkqNEY2sgnqHEGkMQc-b4S2OTxSbqrEciu1_sgIhQwMhyphenhyphenEzG8n7LBoap6HqwszvpnC/s1600/DSC05271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JGtz2d51kZaicpXvuRGrKAdMdS90Prx3367HORTJ-fIfQHQLduzk-uBacmVZCfFAZ1KxO7sC59XkqNEY2sgnqHEGkMQc-b4S2OTxSbqrEciu1_sgIhQwMhyphenhyphenEzG8n7LBoap6HqwszvpnC/s400/DSC05271.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A globe eggplant is growing nicely. In my limited experience, eggplant do very well at the end of the season.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNchY2_IEOZ9DygFs2YCQHoqfHfsBk-kUKymlBZPGy1xiitNdAw8tGwHtRYLkteq-TU1JBgThZSGsI31d6ZV-9fSvJogtO_B-Ts7mDvD6q5_tIfLvE4PVxJ-lpLo5XpdsMCe1Y2n3KspHX/s1600/DSC05258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNchY2_IEOZ9DygFs2YCQHoqfHfsBk-kUKymlBZPGy1xiitNdAw8tGwHtRYLkteq-TU1JBgThZSGsI31d6ZV-9fSvJogtO_B-Ts7mDvD6q5_tIfLvE4PVxJ-lpLo5XpdsMCe1Y2n3KspHX/s400/DSC05258.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am already planning to expand for next year, but that will require the relocation of some of the perennials to the front or donating them to friends.<br />
<br />
Now I'm off to do some tidying up. There are parts that are completely out of control heat and rain aren't just good for the vegetables. But that is a different post.<br />
<br />
I leave you with an "art shot."<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR1sSGjtZjmij5IXAE-sVc0FPvxIFUEnFQ1cSXnetVx5CUelvOqaY1owrNGO2HRCCL-LYV8p-FMQo3oxlcKhYG5gyeBJrYA8Kviu8rbjEsl86qtZgoPykrZCZaqUtCnkxi5Mx8sMD5Rgc/s1600/DSC05260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR1sSGjtZjmij5IXAE-sVc0FPvxIFUEnFQ1cSXnetVx5CUelvOqaY1owrNGO2HRCCL-LYV8p-FMQo3oxlcKhYG5gyeBJrYA8Kviu8rbjEsl86qtZgoPykrZCZaqUtCnkxi5Mx8sMD5Rgc/s400/DSC05260.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future pickle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/gastrogardener">@gastrogardener</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a><br />
email: thegastronomicgardener at gmail dot com<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-52125250330808095292011-08-16T05:02:00.000-07:002011-08-16T05:02:00.142-07:00Garden Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's been a busy couple days in the garden. The heat has finally broken and I can get outside without melting. What's Happening?<br />
<br />
One Growbox is done, the zucchini and cucumbers succumbed to powdery mildew, there were no blossoms active so out they came. <br />
<br />
In the Squarefoot bed, the squash is turning into "Frankensquash." The normal stem has turned more ribbon like and there is a large cluster of tiny squashes. Have yours done this?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6X42O7E5oJ-pN2ZRG6OCodSrnqOS51XlMfVZ76GuZvRZo2E0mY3NOAo2G5ObZnDS-98sOhadTPhnhve39myBWJRHo0G-DOLbQ4gkv2GXoNlStLBVdfYx51MCGpyTIV2rNANkEfcyCPM8a/s1600/DSC05241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6X42O7E5oJ-pN2ZRG6OCodSrnqOS51XlMfVZ76GuZvRZo2E0mY3NOAo2G5ObZnDS-98sOhadTPhnhve39myBWJRHo0G-DOLbQ4gkv2GXoNlStLBVdfYx51MCGpyTIV2rNANkEfcyCPM8a/s400/DSC05241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I cleaned out some "squares" and added more soil mix (1/3 each by volume, peat, vermiculite and manure). I got a nice little surprise when cleaning out one of the squares that I had grown green onions. These little treasure were hiding under the soil.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQqKA2cYG3ni_nO1HLKesIXWrgng0e-QQzyo-X94rNVTF-Tnch-rTvvLAhQSZYSOEexn48kbGZKivMEIKWxKgBzRAWo1D6nwM_cdtpf2IOpmK6CtvFNtTTNU2VcB4RKUtWgzrJDSch-Z8/s1600/DSC05256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQqKA2cYG3ni_nO1HLKesIXWrgng0e-QQzyo-X94rNVTF-Tnch-rTvvLAhQSZYSOEexn48kbGZKivMEIKWxKgBzRAWo1D6nwM_cdtpf2IOpmK6CtvFNtTTNU2VcB4RKUtWgzrJDSch-Z8/s400/DSC05256.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I put in carrots, beets, radish, lettuce, bush beans,kale and bok choi. Hopefully we'll get something from them. Here's a couple squares.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-taNUDoZAslsAuf3czTB-lJe2grh3gd_1wi5Czu4nol1bVpGj0a31Z24h45LdNo4_Er-trKpXXrBF3dmGu_EUHFbUFL7a5a0-IbLuYS4limSYzuDWcgcbUMzplLMbYw2sKdR9i5Ah_P8/s1600/DSC05249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-taNUDoZAslsAuf3czTB-lJe2grh3gd_1wi5Czu4nol1bVpGj0a31Z24h45LdNo4_Er-trKpXXrBF3dmGu_EUHFbUFL7a5a0-IbLuYS4limSYzuDWcgcbUMzplLMbYw2sKdR9i5Ah_P8/s400/DSC05249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We've been getting good harvests and the cucumbers in particular keep on coming. Almost to 50 lbs from three plants. Well, two plants now. I know it's normal, but I still am thrilled to pick a few pounds one night, go out the next and get another three plus pounds. It makes me happy.<br />
<br />
Picked some peppers yesterday. I'm a little paranoid to let them go all the way on the vine. Seem like when I do, some critter gets to them or they rot or in some way become unusable. Not happening this year. I'll pick a little early and be sure to have something to eat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlF8JURCvDAAIFJ65ETA49WbaFM3sLZJv80SRIfPvLX9w_fzx5gV8mM_4UtXEy2NCIhTRRp9Cxk4iNFpSVGoswp9Zy2c_IojfLC2oAxKd5Jl9rnSjK8opHDTQ5mzggOUpABZX9UEJ0KgO/s1600/DSC05242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlF8JURCvDAAIFJ65ETA49WbaFM3sLZJv80SRIfPvLX9w_fzx5gV8mM_4UtXEy2NCIhTRRp9Cxk4iNFpSVGoswp9Zy2c_IojfLC2oAxKd5Jl9rnSjK8opHDTQ5mzggOUpABZX9UEJ0KgO/s400/DSC05242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
These peppers are big. In my hand for scale.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWWb5DBH7dqK5o40T8LSm4EgwLqs8kzaYkHN2H1kR_xVekyA6weasm4xHc6fHNvwVcn7YQsJHjTJtI3XFiXUWNuXR-9IKRjP5xmrgXsnNNuFv3_2hpu-79Wv6zKQ0lZ_0o2cQe1c2-t1t/s1600/DSC05243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWWb5DBH7dqK5o40T8LSm4EgwLqs8kzaYkHN2H1kR_xVekyA6weasm4xHc6fHNvwVcn7YQsJHjTJtI3XFiXUWNuXR-9IKRjP5xmrgXsnNNuFv3_2hpu-79Wv6zKQ0lZ_0o2cQe1c2-t1t/s400/DSC05243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I also picked a couple of the giant marconis. The big one is 8" long.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz8q-sEiGUBsKqSzdoHJH-lguuu37oMEZTjV7viGJuPC9tMkO2U2nYoo-yNAEE6sM8f1jQqh4M-NZb_QQmS9xtG0L5M-wXFeSqsWhIjOKATwBVzCDNKiX-u6SwMd1TfRNHrG5syo_wDXz/s1600/DSC05247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz8q-sEiGUBsKqSzdoHJH-lguuu37oMEZTjV7viGJuPC9tMkO2U2nYoo-yNAEE6sM8f1jQqh4M-NZb_QQmS9xtG0L5M-wXFeSqsWhIjOKATwBVzCDNKiX-u6SwMd1TfRNHrG5syo_wDXz/s400/DSC05247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Are you planting fall crops? When are your frost dates?<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/gastrogardener">@gastrogardener</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a><br />
email: thegastronomicgardener at gmail dot com</div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-27799024619300442782011-08-09T17:52:00.000-07:002011-08-09T17:52:38.099-07:00Tuesday Harvest 15 lbs of goodness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I suppose it is the IT manager in me that wants to measure, to compare, to categorize. Maybe some day I will be able to be a bit more mellow about it and roll smoothly with good and bad instead of hyper-analyzing what is happening. But as it is only the second year, I think it'll have to wait.<br />
<br />
Tonight was a good harvest. The tomatoes are coming in fast. Sadly the Dark Prince seem prone to splitting, while the Celebrity are not so much. There has been some BER in the Romas but it has not been terrible. The romas are clearly determinate, they are coming all at once. Sauce or salsa is in the immediate future.<br />
<br />
By the way tonight had 5# 11.4 oz of tomatoes from the SFG, and 5#6oz from the Growboxes. They continue neck and neck.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here is the bounty.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX97T5UE1SOa0XM1yp1HcGT30NYacFNn6PAafnkRpd657HftrY9e4EZaMEJZ8hMMYzpRcSsc9Wc6kXFIRI-fO19tfxdQBCzztbFKQcpRzksH048PFwTnI9M-UTZSG5XnKywaKpuonu78lI/s1600/DSC05200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX97T5UE1SOa0XM1yp1HcGT30NYacFNn6PAafnkRpd657HftrY9e4EZaMEJZ8hMMYzpRcSsc9Wc6kXFIRI-fO19tfxdQBCzztbFKQcpRzksH048PFwTnI9M-UTZSG5XnKywaKpuonu78lI/s400/DSC05200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a><br />
email: thegastronomicgardener at gmail dot com</div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-35278213394158047392011-08-09T04:39:00.000-07:002011-08-09T04:39:19.667-07:00Growing method Comparison - Early August<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">When we last looked at the <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/2011/07/midsummer-report-on-growboxes.html">different growing techniques</a>, there was not a big difference between between the Growboxes and the Squarefoot gardening methods. <br />
<br />
As of this weekend, there is also not a huge difference in production, but there is a surprise.<br />
<br />
The Growboxes are still lush but the cucumbers seem to be slowing down and yellowing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBCkNq1xkkYuw-bfLWd8Yf1YDMFWiSZP_x-KVx-Qa3E7rXCxq1bllv92zy86bohobgIae5jdpeyznmIWTKOQWWRZfTK5tS5DLRemMm3RE-arzk0zEDrB97R8B5g082m0yGkdTghcFlIY/s1600/DSC05183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBCkNq1xkkYuw-bfLWd8Yf1YDMFWiSZP_x-KVx-Qa3E7rXCxq1bllv92zy86bohobgIae5jdpeyznmIWTKOQWWRZfTK5tS5DLRemMm3RE-arzk0zEDrB97R8B5g082m0yGkdTghcFlIY/s400/DSC05183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Growboxes do require daily filling of the water reservoir in hot weather. The tomatoes are doing pretty well but I'm finding there is some BER which is a little surprising considering there are nutrients in the covers. One thing I have learned is next year I will have to stake them up. The jalapenos are loaded and flopping over as well.<br />
<br />
The square foot garden is going like crazy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jRMkYU1GPQGDwM01ghw2xkLVmTrOmbpLk5vr4sy9yxCtKY_ecMV1Vo_HTyu0xFqsQMaJ9kvNFLBhFofNnvnXGQSsT1US08yOCO62UFNRgkiIF-8KHNkDlkEU4Yet8Iang0V7JWgbH0U/s1600/DSC05182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jRMkYU1GPQGDwM01ghw2xkLVmTrOmbpLk5vr4sy9yxCtKY_ecMV1Vo_HTyu0xFqsQMaJ9kvNFLBhFofNnvnXGQSsT1US08yOCO62UFNRgkiIF-8KHNkDlkEU4Yet8Iang0V7JWgbH0U/s400/DSC05182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The cucumbers show no sign of slowing down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSE30LvA5b5N1NH9Lw8LqJ0lNqqj5YXuQX27hl3_0V2W72t25aJJyNkj6whOoRkI_GW9g2_KLzXKAzsAs3Npe2CxNc-libgIQtZ9udDn7gULXNgrBFJJbJzwxV4zORI4DKJtkEdOu3_I/s1600/DSC05171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSE30LvA5b5N1NH9Lw8LqJ0lNqqj5YXuQX27hl3_0V2W72t25aJJyNkj6whOoRkI_GW9g2_KLzXKAzsAs3Npe2CxNc-libgIQtZ9udDn7gULXNgrBFJJbJzwxV4zORI4DKJtkEdOu3_I/s400/DSC05171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have no pictures of the veggie plot but it is a neglected mess. But it's not all about looks. It's about production.<br />
<br />
So far to compare the tomato production:<br />
<br />
Squarefoot garden: 8.28 lbs<br />
Growbox 6.90 lbs<br />
Veggie plot 8.81 lbs<br />
<br />
Grow box could catch up with two tomatoes, they are big. The veggie plot, I'm harvesting them green as any that start to ripen rot, or are pillaged by some critters.<br />
<br />
So the verdict is still out.<br />
<br />
In other news, the Brussels sprouts are sprouting. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvLpl_wp2CnvBkaPlvKgJoBJGfPm5Z9zek9FZNDPE6E12Vj5BZP-OgEp5wYAW1z4Qv7gJPfe1Kzh0tcch9se_VIBuzIt2opxk2jMHndE2L-Z_SUukt88xaI6HRNxJ_oTvZde6Q3DE6vU/s1600/DSC05181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvLpl_wp2CnvBkaPlvKgJoBJGfPm5Z9zek9FZNDPE6E12Vj5BZP-OgEp5wYAW1z4Qv7gJPfe1Kzh0tcch9se_VIBuzIt2opxk2jMHndE2L-Z_SUukt88xaI6HRNxJ_oTvZde6Q3DE6vU/s400/DSC05181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I removed the last of the carrots, radishes, and beets. I'll be putting in some fall crops this weekend.<br />
<br />
How does your garden grow?<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a><br />
email: thegastronomicgardener at gmail dot com</div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-38917451111885018932011-07-31T19:14:00.000-07:002011-07-31T19:55:15.977-07:00Sunday Harvest(s)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_58m4lh="224"><div closure_uid_ci58d8="193">I made a trip over to the veggie plot. It is terribly over grown and the only thing surviving are the peppers and tomatoes. Not sure what happened to the vines (zucchini, cucumber) but they are shot. The tomatoes, though over grown, are prolific. Sadly any ripe tomatoes were chewed and/or rotted. I picked almost 7 lbs of green tomatoes! We'll see if they ripen on the shelf.</div></div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="224"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="224">When I got home it was finally cool enough (83F) to water. While watering I saw plenty to pick. So I did.</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="224"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="224">Here is today's haul. It's more than 13 lbs of produce. I'm pretty happy with that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQwGNYq82xWBoOEnPkNaOC0awQQW_YxPtmIvgnv2ZKUg51UqqbT40upnI1SkSKb3ua6Rf7tmL9WPpQTnXwRstode61J0w8xAk9xz5Sh_neO83ZFZSoD790aR3fCEUoFkKZEoDEC9xods/s1600/DSC05136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQwGNYq82xWBoOEnPkNaOC0awQQW_YxPtmIvgnv2ZKUg51UqqbT40upnI1SkSKb3ua6Rf7tmL9WPpQTnXwRstode61J0w8xAk9xz5Sh_neO83ZFZSoD790aR3fCEUoFkKZEoDEC9xods/s400/DSC05136.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><div closure_uid_ci58d8="204">Meatless Monday should be a snap!</div></div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_58m4lh="307">Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! </div><br />
<span closure_uid_58m4lh="191" style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a><br />
email: thegastronomicgardener at gmail dot com</div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-88985693360688634612011-07-28T17:04:00.000-07:002011-07-28T17:04:00.403-07:00Chilies and first tomatoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_x55wlm="224">It was happy to have a cool breeze tonight after dinners as I poked around the garden. What a break from recent days. Let's take a look at the peppers (or chilies if you prefer).</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="224"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="224">Cherry pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigW7sWgZf6bQGskFmMTJ5pY3IPeDVFfnABk9WSvn3Tmry-TA1n36O34BOSRMIwosrV1KmRBk1ehFQrl_876hnhKzielVVy1lrujhHVTLE6u0-gTla7LcIL7giGFni4_naJeivGkpQMR7Q/s1600/DSC05068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigW7sWgZf6bQGskFmMTJ5pY3IPeDVFfnABk9WSvn3Tmry-TA1n36O34BOSRMIwosrV1KmRBk1ehFQrl_876hnhKzielVVy1lrujhHVTLE6u0-gTla7LcIL7giGFni4_naJeivGkpQMR7Q/s400/DSC05068.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_x55wlm="431" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Early Bell - these are huge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabsr7jagf580LzCxktGzQoYTH_U3_QGOIAyUCTMEPH2ZZA9Fnj3so_NinL6w0C-UuyKJDJ2w2O6TeAaHdRYtkeJuPtNMIDP1U9yCmi73aQ7IUSYCBs-iFsGRXrpaEKVo2at2w12x-y38/s1600/DSC05070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabsr7jagf580LzCxktGzQoYTH_U3_QGOIAyUCTMEPH2ZZA9Fnj3so_NinL6w0C-UuyKJDJ2w2O6TeAaHdRYtkeJuPtNMIDP1U9yCmi73aQ7IUSYCBs-iFsGRXrpaEKVo2at2w12x-y38/s400/DSC05070.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6z6JwsMYYo2HefFm95MoZgW4kouuCgEyF84xt_GI66zqzsEIhrzv7TbdeSyCKB4U5PNND5h2dvkFCoWPK1GW_1P0pj5HX-1Wsrr-rBrleBPFr5WK3BUKushMHG44HcdOQv0CJe3IcsmE/s1600/DSC05071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6z6JwsMYYo2HefFm95MoZgW4kouuCgEyF84xt_GI66zqzsEIhrzv7TbdeSyCKB4U5PNND5h2dvkFCoWPK1GW_1P0pj5HX-1Wsrr-rBrleBPFr5WK3BUKushMHG44HcdOQv0CJe3IcsmE/s400/DSC05071.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_x55wlm="464" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hot banana</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpIS17R93WngIzox_wbL9ck9gS_Lhe1Eao4kh-0Ffcgfbu5-Zd44KDomFLTzKPaaLQOgSVEt6uJVHE_lEKYdWkmjvAHKJPQbwAMTLKhGO6agtRQzNF9f0uSanzZEhAZOj-HTXWJgsEoE/s1600/DSC05074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpIS17R93WngIzox_wbL9ck9gS_Lhe1Eao4kh-0Ffcgfbu5-Zd44KDomFLTzKPaaLQOgSVEt6uJVHE_lEKYdWkmjvAHKJPQbwAMTLKhGO6agtRQzNF9f0uSanzZEhAZOj-HTXWJgsEoE/s320/DSC05074.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hot Red<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bLcBCucUJ-u5R5sECv5maPK7-cCE-RpViDLGF8cbjg15TkkZJC78hyphenhyphen9Mbc2yAYL5xZ2mN1btEfpLZgrGqxMmm9sCuDdqxHP3cPQAiZ1SF_aJ8TU_lILtRNoR_EX8DTsA0YbV4o_N4hE/s1600/DSC05075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bLcBCucUJ-u5R5sECv5maPK7-cCE-RpViDLGF8cbjg15TkkZJC78hyphenhyphen9Mbc2yAYL5xZ2mN1btEfpLZgrGqxMmm9sCuDdqxHP3cPQAiZ1SF_aJ8TU_lILtRNoR_EX8DTsA0YbV4o_N4hE/s400/DSC05075.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_x55wlm="503" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jalapeno<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMLNlt49Az23-1Mek633g-UdNCq5Ujm3p1RRD6dXltbDOX1X-iFR1mUfl2cly0utAGnNmOl1d2fSGvTnoeEMnrhq9i9JVECI78X9Ka_X-LoIeWNYztysVUxZdnqUEdbhYfPPnaaV0CRc/s1600/DSC05076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMLNlt49Az23-1Mek633g-UdNCq5Ujm3p1RRD6dXltbDOX1X-iFR1mUfl2cly0utAGnNmOl1d2fSGvTnoeEMnrhq9i9JVECI78X9Ka_X-LoIeWNYztysVUxZdnqUEdbhYfPPnaaV0CRc/s400/DSC05076.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407">Any finally, the first couple pounds of tomatoes. Celebrity and Black Prince. The ones on the left asre from the grow boxes, one the right Squarefoot method. I'll be tracking production throughthe harvest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3CrcfwrUsTr8TQZIV5jCDid3lnVsBHoXdcSdiy8fJhrg3ujM_U9_2Zl_4TjU4gi2IAsN9D6fgDj0yeW1DOY83-k_D3f6p8PUQafGLHM7RWAF9F7R2OvmMOkMIXZtymdrKa3qfXdbYDw/s1600/DSC05077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3CrcfwrUsTr8TQZIV5jCDid3lnVsBHoXdcSdiy8fJhrg3ujM_U9_2Zl_4TjU4gi2IAsN9D6fgDj0yeW1DOY83-k_D3f6p8PUQafGLHM7RWAF9F7R2OvmMOkMIXZtymdrKa3qfXdbYDw/s400/DSC05077.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_x55wlm="407">Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! </div><br />
<span closure_uid_x55wlm="211" style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-73602257808748624992011-07-23T19:41:00.000-07:002011-07-23T19:41:04.862-07:00Weekend Harvest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="272">The day I returned from Tennessee I picked over 9lbs of cucumbers. More pickles or at least relish seems in order.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiYEpl9qNbQxM10VyjxOz7nQqC8X06cNjTR5AV3p0_pGMG0iFSLvKwN_vN7aWo9fGP19SLB_0p2StzjvMAeeo8mN1cr9DCbTaSPzqj8uaCukNc59TMtL_heURz5l3Qk6FGDjmhAgb9cI/s1600/DSC05038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiYEpl9qNbQxM10VyjxOz7nQqC8X06cNjTR5AV3p0_pGMG0iFSLvKwN_vN7aWo9fGP19SLB_0p2StzjvMAeeo8mN1cr9DCbTaSPzqj8uaCukNc59TMtL_heURz5l3Qk6FGDjmhAgb9cI/s400/DSC05038.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div closure_uid_9ibmjh="271"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273">Today's haul included:</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273">Three types of beets: Chioggia, Cylindria, Detroit Red</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIywAAt-zEXWAFhkw2fDnTRWkwB_qsz45ZugVy1J_pbiSkZxTrBfN5601oplEgKNd3WpzlM3dyMGLLQCT5t1k1AwxuHiJLQneKc0rrdy_53QiIjlx15OIodwAXslBrpxYs9wukdP0sAYs/s1600/DSC05041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIywAAt-zEXWAFhkw2fDnTRWkwB_qsz45ZugVy1J_pbiSkZxTrBfN5601oplEgKNd3WpzlM3dyMGLLQCT5t1k1AwxuHiJLQneKc0rrdy_53QiIjlx15OIodwAXslBrpxYs9wukdP0sAYs/s400/DSC05041.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7yly4dwYEcreiVwGFJA0ifLYE3IAFTu-qjJHfF3V31YzJcvMjUnY-_J7eqANJqtPKthzp-xZjnxl193WXydxx6pTi_pNoBcxiWx0EZgD2hwj0PT_lau6C0V-J7xIaC0CAcX-8cK0boI/s1600/DSC05043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7yly4dwYEcreiVwGFJA0ifLYE3IAFTu-qjJHfF3V31YzJcvMjUnY-_J7eqANJqtPKthzp-xZjnxl193WXydxx6pTi_pNoBcxiWx0EZgD2hwj0PT_lau6C0V-J7xIaC0CAcX-8cK0boI/s400/DSC05043.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG6rnKISOjAUuHdA7uhjSzZRgI3ZnkDogHgR2P3LIH86n7SsZqsGQpohO0m5UA9_D1aIGPw7IXqFN_dEC4KGVYSlR2OvV_MyFoSyNzpFfGRlzFwbK31XhW8Btga4vhMPgmKAwTJgnSBA/s1600/DSC05044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG6rnKISOjAUuHdA7uhjSzZRgI3ZnkDogHgR2P3LIH86n7SsZqsGQpohO0m5UA9_D1aIGPw7IXqFN_dEC4KGVYSlR2OvV_MyFoSyNzpFfGRlzFwbK31XhW8Btga4vhMPgmKAwTJgnSBA/s400/DSC05044.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0WXBLCparASxppJ6z6Vc2a0HP3NsDIrbzdQtgoWr6dCGE7_PITQsyeGl2OUQrqDml_Lho0X12XdVy6EyioAekiHFiZASpIIWG0Yqnr3EbLk1BNKyvNgBXa2BRV2qX9Xc81T1LCs6WpM/s1600/DSC05045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0WXBLCparASxppJ6z6Vc2a0HP3NsDIrbzdQtgoWr6dCGE7_PITQsyeGl2OUQrqDml_Lho0X12XdVy6EyioAekiHFiZASpIIWG0Yqnr3EbLk1BNKyvNgBXa2BRV2qX9Xc81T1LCs6WpM/s400/DSC05045.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznvT_oCZPbjzsFL1TQ-f-n_hp0y9Bj21A7RD75MEM4ub4r2GLzwEIppGpMsj2pxyqK9AK6OMmkqv3yEHqB1Lemg6nVk29J73Z3yxg6A5XaEB-NAoFXL-oqNt32TJOc5SrLl_JMKcpqhE/s1600/DSC05046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznvT_oCZPbjzsFL1TQ-f-n_hp0y9Bj21A7RD75MEM4ub4r2GLzwEIppGpMsj2pxyqK9AK6OMmkqv3yEHqB1Lemg6nVk29J73Z3yxg6A5XaEB-NAoFXL-oqNt32TJOc5SrLl_JMKcpqhE/s400/DSC05046.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAGhlRpEvaCmonhIbLfvKvM7-AQCzc4pQVv6uVGjZ-4kqy3oAupTJYKW-VxT0KyPxQObVL32SzLdZSPwOuNV8wLC266DP9AgBY2NLnAXaDJw4d1ACkCkaVEsANGnZw9Gruh00wawnX50/s1600/DSC05047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAGhlRpEvaCmonhIbLfvKvM7-AQCzc4pQVv6uVGjZ-4kqy3oAupTJYKW-VxT0KyPxQObVL32SzLdZSPwOuNV8wLC266DP9AgBY2NLnAXaDJw4d1ACkCkaVEsANGnZw9Gruh00wawnX50/s400/DSC05047.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273">Seems like a nice garden saute is in order. </div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273">Now if we can get some tomatoes to start ripening.</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_9ibmjh="273">Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! </div><br />
<span closure_uid_9ibmjh="209" style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-64031873146533907692011-07-22T09:39:00.000-07:002011-07-23T05:44:26.592-07:00Tennessee Waltz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211">This is off topic so if you come back for the next one, I understand.</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211">We made a quick trip to Bumpus Mills, Tennessee this week, 8 hours down, 35 hours there, and 8 hours back. Ah, the things we do for love and family. </div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211">While down there, I got a chance to sit a spell on the rocking chair and let the breeze cool me down from the blast furnace that is the Midwest US these days.</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211">Up in the Tennessee hills, away from the highways, you can hear the trees, the insects and the birds. And if you sit quietly, you may even see something you've never seen before.</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><div closure_uid_okeepw="192">Now I've seen Goldfinches, but these were fluttering so close, you could hear their wing beats.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58CbEcIaWZN4_9FzGKtB37KaltTj926fowc1hRQq1mcunXaGs0kSxYW5oNlEvOjwhWxnVbvXRBWLc_Z-3Z1zxHh6z-6DXxvEslenfJyfqmH9P2jJOYKvh5A2Xp4y_GQoUWbEk9mdVkZo/s1600/DSC04941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58CbEcIaWZN4_9FzGKtB37KaltTj926fowc1hRQq1mcunXaGs0kSxYW5oNlEvOjwhWxnVbvXRBWLc_Z-3Z1zxHh6z-6DXxvEslenfJyfqmH9P2jJOYKvh5A2Xp4y_GQoUWbEk9mdVkZo/s400/DSC04941.JPG" t$="true" width="342" /></a></div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211">Then they were joined, first by a Tufted Titmouse....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2k8cxtgdbq_UvIcQucuHnFYfUaNv3dPMZP3wfpkjVx19k6P0cG2Feog-VRxnblgdHqyCqoj2Zw2TJintX0MeLWsfrkbXWpB6j-PyZ4rPqNowkmq38MG17Bl1XC_OqIRUsJAIyb-vZBw/s1600/DSC04922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2k8cxtgdbq_UvIcQucuHnFYfUaNv3dPMZP3wfpkjVx19k6P0cG2Feog-VRxnblgdHqyCqoj2Zw2TJintX0MeLWsfrkbXWpB6j-PyZ4rPqNowkmq38MG17Bl1XC_OqIRUsJAIyb-vZBw/s400/DSC04922.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211">and then by a house finch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOl9j3umt14e0x3dnx9Su1SfZVLG3m_JpjeGhaG1XMksd1u6oLpctvBOqJZ7RJST0aazC1k8cHTL0kFKgn38GFOMlPfIhA8PqvN3p8UDK1KF6_Ofhk4pW8d12mQHcXOB5VGeAa_Ta8R3E/s1600/DSC04936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOl9j3umt14e0x3dnx9Su1SfZVLG3m_JpjeGhaG1XMksd1u6oLpctvBOqJZ7RJST0aazC1k8cHTL0kFKgn38GFOMlPfIhA8PqvN3p8UDK1KF6_Ofhk4pW8d12mQHcXOB5VGeAa_Ta8R3E/s400/DSC04936.JPG" t$="true" width="355" /></a></div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211">And I've seen deer, though not this close.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeVsnXqkyozXLrxlnID6JkD-oTY71L4WdxqQbWbYdmfp8QDByl-kkkOotpcT4spY6kcRw4v0cwHFQLfarfk7I7BElRf0YgmURjMIFlcQEiFtxhTDaTRZMMlJ3iMZGHR8N9vc4VqzKxrI/s1600/DSC04943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeVsnXqkyozXLrxlnID6JkD-oTY71L4WdxqQbWbYdmfp8QDByl-kkkOotpcT4spY6kcRw4v0cwHFQLfarfk7I7BElRf0YgmURjMIFlcQEiFtxhTDaTRZMMlJ3iMZGHR8N9vc4VqzKxrI/s400/DSC04943.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sJJx0l7RWX2uIMIZ0MBQ3OWgwXGAUr_ZMQa6RFwMYXDNs8QKwnq2lqlw-NruwgdCPKvCS7kEg1zr1rbF-UAO7_kyL5TOm0UW7hbBvdjLY-7NCNg1JIYLHkGb_8lfNUopjWInRsbejNY/s1600/DSC04946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sJJx0l7RWX2uIMIZ0MBQ3OWgwXGAUr_ZMQa6RFwMYXDNs8QKwnq2lqlw-NruwgdCPKvCS7kEg1zr1rbF-UAO7_kyL5TOm0UW7hbBvdjLY-7NCNg1JIYLHkGb_8lfNUopjWInRsbejNY/s400/DSC04946.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
But what I have never personally seen is an Indigo bunting. The first hints were blue smudges flitting about the first evening we were there. Early the next morning I managed to capture a few images. A little bigger than the goldfinch, this brilliant blue bird was a thrill for me to see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPGv7a87lyZ_H5HJpf6t_WAm4bGWMtNzfv4Ai01ca1McgHpP8dZZoZekE3L10SXtc3o5EtZjs9TM7bRDt170k3CGLXrVEEO5OQy9Uwn31ZBn4wUN_T-oeRs-jgOlmEyGKjRc7-9fGjH0/s1600/DSC04954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPGv7a87lyZ_H5HJpf6t_WAm4bGWMtNzfv4Ai01ca1McgHpP8dZZoZekE3L10SXtc3o5EtZjs9TM7bRDt170k3CGLXrVEEO5OQy9Uwn31ZBn4wUN_T-oeRs-jgOlmEyGKjRc7-9fGjH0/s400/DSC04954.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaHBGJeLTici6PsuBa_dJBuRdpLkvOIO5k1NAVvXc5-xNdTmrlD_pM-i1Mfm1UGbUbKBDXAsxrctTsBz_ftd7iyD3lJOqJai1wXrW5pT8R3tPWKICsXhyWf4ACeVnkUgjPOjL1ccErkk/s1600/DSC04955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaHBGJeLTici6PsuBa_dJBuRdpLkvOIO5k1NAVvXc5-xNdTmrlD_pM-i1Mfm1UGbUbKBDXAsxrctTsBz_ftd7iyD3lJOqJai1wXrW5pT8R3tPWKICsXhyWf4ACeVnkUgjPOjL1ccErkk/s400/DSC04955.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
Off topic but I hope you enjoyed it.</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211">Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! </div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_neqi7v="211"><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span></div>Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-89891084687539341322011-07-17T12:17:00.000-07:002011-07-17T12:17:39.423-07:00Picture tour of Guido's GardenA friend called this morning and told me of a garden tour being given by a garden club a few towns over. He said "You gotta see Guido's garden, it's fantastic!" I looked it up online and indeed, listed with having over 100 tomato plants I had to check it out. It's too hot to work outside, so I grabbed the camera, left The Student to her books and drove over.<br />
<br />
The first thing you see as you approach the house is a grape arbor that spans the driveway (parking pad) between two houses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf3fMTOSE43AH5YJ4xd3uyo6hz4-zjwcXIPAAXPV2ObXTBlQJizY9a-3Y4rs1gO6xtHy6zJpkTNqmzYiq2gkWd9NR4Kh83ROB9vi2WCxD8ZNyqUxDCxoZGz5wAfrxxh-ZK_j_ULBCOlw/s1600/DSC04879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf3fMTOSE43AH5YJ4xd3uyo6hz4-zjwcXIPAAXPV2ObXTBlQJizY9a-3Y4rs1gO6xtHy6zJpkTNqmzYiq2gkWd9NR4Kh83ROB9vi2WCxD8ZNyqUxDCxoZGz5wAfrxxh-ZK_j_ULBCOlw/s400/DSC04879.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I introduced myself, and Guido, a diminutive older Italian gentleman greeted me warmly. He said he's been gardening here since 1976, and all his work unfolded before my envious eyes.<br />
<br />
The vines are huge, and they're loaded with grapes. Guido said he eats them out of hand, and gives many away - there are too many to eat by himself. He said he's made wine twice but wasn't happy with the result. So now he just eats them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8hv1e7y2txTO7wKr-CxB4EwKSFl_ep3tMK29Wh5FiKWDq31yG3osoOOu9PzE2hdvfL7AfMFqHnktwYJx7rBBF1xHUNk7hTFjLDr5JS2IBXH_VxmFoGtSK4g91Sfz5_WAZr5dfXBp4rk/s1600/DSC04878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8hv1e7y2txTO7wKr-CxB4EwKSFl_ep3tMK29Wh5FiKWDq31yG3osoOOu9PzE2hdvfL7AfMFqHnktwYJx7rBBF1xHUNk7hTFjLDr5JS2IBXH_VxmFoGtSK4g91Sfz5_WAZr5dfXBp4rk/s400/DSC04878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciIQ6_obKv5YAzJoAOjnxImqvp6SJvs06cAdbtNrZhvrsJGNPuFJ2dT6INsvhsszoEbg3_3CQGcFIOhAarewZzxN5bLcMvHDFTylAl3aDIPm2bzK44xQqSd9QybowX8kT4vKl05j2ky8/s1600/DSC04877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciIQ6_obKv5YAzJoAOjnxImqvp6SJvs06cAdbtNrZhvrsJGNPuFJ2dT6INsvhsszoEbg3_3CQGcFIOhAarewZzxN5bLcMvHDFTylAl3aDIPm2bzK44xQqSd9QybowX8kT4vKl05j2ky8/s400/DSC04877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Walking up the drive one comes upon the fig trees and some enormous eggplants. Apparently the eggplants are from Australian seed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lUvu5tkzBhy5SZ5vPjj6nJDHrA4HWJ0kO8ImtFwvMeWlnW0wScISmA40qOq11pjVxwKpjkxFP0c8d3ympfglIdMBPdL1AEqx1hqZbhd0WBrajqlyHBMGl8Dy4NemfouIdbJ3nFK0GdY/s1600/DSC04880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lUvu5tkzBhy5SZ5vPjj6nJDHrA4HWJ0kO8ImtFwvMeWlnW0wScISmA40qOq11pjVxwKpjkxFP0c8d3ympfglIdMBPdL1AEqx1hqZbhd0WBrajqlyHBMGl8Dy4NemfouIdbJ3nFK0GdY/s400/DSC04880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPhJ3J7NrsHakRsgnYnZXdib5YkXqtUVzdGafsEyHJgkqu33VuI3xfP05RW9WR0afCsqkgm0LAQzz6SQX9HCnX9-nJk6YnWajgtU57p_9_LSTWlKae3ezNnkZr1Kadnwof6KN-JHn6sg/s1600/DSC04874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPhJ3J7NrsHakRsgnYnZXdib5YkXqtUVzdGafsEyHJgkqu33VuI3xfP05RW9WR0afCsqkgm0LAQzz6SQX9HCnX9-nJk6YnWajgtU57p_9_LSTWlKae3ezNnkZr1Kadnwof6KN-JHn6sg/s400/DSC04874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR10xbZDdTTMzDvu9OKXeiSons14dlwEjPHFlg5U5x0w0D9VsC-mzSd_BXlg34ZdpXUzLfKAePaYp-Jz7qZHJ7qM4AHNAuSzDCVasoDP4KHnLTr_4Nbh_ZDbrjXQlBy8vVBdFy1gwEa6Q/s1600/DSC04875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR10xbZDdTTMzDvu9OKXeiSons14dlwEjPHFlg5U5x0w0D9VsC-mzSd_BXlg34ZdpXUzLfKAePaYp-Jz7qZHJ7qM4AHNAuSzDCVasoDP4KHnLTr_4Nbh_ZDbrjXQlBy8vVBdFy1gwEa6Q/s400/DSC04875.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LlcoXEebE04Pq_ouG-43llvkR-ZvZ2H_o1ymrjOd4MgGQ7mQyoKruPd2nfTKO9wtXkVRaW0LuTkwBf8ktWF2uBJMRRF6uaWcO_4-xC4SfbJ81HY63HAToPFdwQ7zpnBcS4ck81u-0EU/s1600/DSC04873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LlcoXEebE04Pq_ouG-43llvkR-ZvZ2H_o1ymrjOd4MgGQ7mQyoKruPd2nfTKO9wtXkVRaW0LuTkwBf8ktWF2uBJMRRF6uaWcO_4-xC4SfbJ81HY63HAToPFdwQ7zpnBcS4ck81u-0EU/s400/DSC04873.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As you step through the gate your gaze is drawn to a rustic greenhouse, made of recycled storm windows and railroad ties. Guido said he doesn't start plants out there, he uses his porch for that but moves the seedlings out to harden off before transplanting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE_igPmWC3S-VLbEJsI59GM79GVmgPJnesvDbVrZ_GX6ll5_NL5n3HNk9VwI0WL7H8EyJr30XgOcKPd_46qi47IevdUETJ1Dgz4P4NSFtPg_IAq630Ia11YvMb4V-wbhUt5Eai0os4uo/s1600/DSC04881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE_igPmWC3S-VLbEJsI59GM79GVmgPJnesvDbVrZ_GX6ll5_NL5n3HNk9VwI0WL7H8EyJr30XgOcKPd_46qi47IevdUETJ1Dgz4P4NSFtPg_IAq630Ia11YvMb4V-wbhUt5Eai0os4uo/s400/DSC04881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Notice two things, one - the grass is incredibly lush. He must use a lot of water, and two - that bare stick was a fruit tree that was damaged in a recent storm, he won't pull it up until fall and after the arugula that is planted at the base is harvested.<br />
<br />
Speaking of trees - he has all fruit trees. I overheard him tell a guest "Why would I plant any other tree than than a fruit tree, I can't eat the leaves!" Looking towards the back of his lawn the fruit trees are many and all in fruit. He has pears, apples, Asian pears, quince and peach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiFchlAwC8DirKIkSDApzkB6_LO6mPlBqhhgzPEwgXz_rdj0EI-ErX17GPdn126b6FAyyUOXOhHVqSJhbp_rVYr1JfYzJ0IUoaCol465wEPWdiEtl6GL6fdaVY42k5Hr6vvQiTXvet28/s1600/DSC04868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiFchlAwC8DirKIkSDApzkB6_LO6mPlBqhhgzPEwgXz_rdj0EI-ErX17GPdn126b6FAyyUOXOhHVqSJhbp_rVYr1JfYzJ0IUoaCol465wEPWdiEtl6GL6fdaVY42k5Hr6vvQiTXvet28/s400/DSC04868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDG0gzo_UNS6sxSnoFwlB4IB5SxHmIzZo2316KD33JuttPS8VbiiYaicUunVG_Tw4YDnL3IHYwVJdlIGmcW9CWkkMJJxyiq90HwGfmrLMfoHPqkbhlrIq64eTqwOphelCnAlT05LLvRoo/s1600/DSC04862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDG0gzo_UNS6sxSnoFwlB4IB5SxHmIzZo2316KD33JuttPS8VbiiYaicUunVG_Tw4YDnL3IHYwVJdlIGmcW9CWkkMJJxyiq90HwGfmrLMfoHPqkbhlrIq64eTqwOphelCnAlT05LLvRoo/s400/DSC04862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTpehyqfxdyxxfIJ_JE-WlqJz63sobOv6UpYN6CwBXe8jjrc1Empak3WuS8z_bDr3swLBmbClyO3Qgeul4QZJ4ygk0uyg7ezjECLOpo_sHWISbhb18Rd5uEj_yrfyArjmGG4QmS3x6m8/s1600/DSC04863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTpehyqfxdyxxfIJ_JE-WlqJz63sobOv6UpYN6CwBXe8jjrc1Empak3WuS8z_bDr3swLBmbClyO3Qgeul4QZJ4ygk0uyg7ezjECLOpo_sHWISbhb18Rd5uEj_yrfyArjmGG4QmS3x6m8/s400/DSC04863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDrMp2eTTPGkdMKWtCfrLE-vk3X-v1hZYby7vBzOF6TzPWxKAwkhr8fCaJ25db1txutPkHCMnmC64SyKXSUunkBjHe5m_oqGbCyVd98eLUGMeN0kQfVw1_WjyzXdZFNbDuOp9bel2JIs/s1600/DSC04866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDrMp2eTTPGkdMKWtCfrLE-vk3X-v1hZYby7vBzOF6TzPWxKAwkhr8fCaJ25db1txutPkHCMnmC64SyKXSUunkBjHe5m_oqGbCyVd98eLUGMeN0kQfVw1_WjyzXdZFNbDuOp9bel2JIs/s400/DSC04866.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As if what I had seen was not enough, I realized that this was only the start. After all - he was advertised as having more than 100 tomato plants. "One hundred and one!", he declared with a twinkle in his eye. <br />
<br />
Walking toward the rear of the property, a large trellis upon which grows a great wall of beans comes into focus.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMLLNLon9Y8BpihGX0U-LFCxXKS4lfroxGEXizvTJvzpGs8k-q45q5A7aWfSxu_MjVW_yDDVWqpfGAhR30bEL9txtOyxOf3iIOlmK0ZiwA6JD4qGFjhEK2tl73PGSnuHKFE7Tz5JlwXs/s1600/DSC04864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMLLNLon9Y8BpihGX0U-LFCxXKS4lfroxGEXizvTJvzpGs8k-q45q5A7aWfSxu_MjVW_yDDVWqpfGAhR30bEL9txtOyxOf3iIOlmK0ZiwA6JD4qGFjhEK2tl73PGSnuHKFE7Tz5JlwXs/s400/DSC04864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIz0sg2Yl_qlFEO1Bk0XdfauVT-XD0sGvtH4ZghYjiZ7xJS-CPyd7-Q9U1gYImi_cVvGDVYNmNPOFELygpSquQw3oS1G0u48Dwf6U6hAzOEfpbywD5b4TjIQisoxLjiWsfYZAV5lkUic0/s1600/DSC04860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIz0sg2Yl_qlFEO1Bk0XdfauVT-XD0sGvtH4ZghYjiZ7xJS-CPyd7-Q9U1gYImi_cVvGDVYNmNPOFELygpSquQw3oS1G0u48Dwf6U6hAzOEfpbywD5b4TjIQisoxLjiWsfYZAV5lkUic0/s400/DSC04860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I walked to the far end, through the gate and into the back garden; and oh what a garden!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0XnkBZ_ksHtw9G66ylvW27LUM4tt0XtE5xPLkNk1IhZHC_UYjUcoJJlULF0vq6sk7J12iM9yiq_Z5JymU-0WVNXzIB6W_oPn-l5tPbWgFk8e6lRSWUbXltSqowVNF_yiQBXVss_j9Vk/s1600/DSC04854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0XnkBZ_ksHtw9G66ylvW27LUM4tt0XtE5xPLkNk1IhZHC_UYjUcoJJlULF0vq6sk7J12iM9yiq_Z5JymU-0WVNXzIB6W_oPn-l5tPbWgFk8e6lRSWUbXltSqowVNF_yiQBXVss_j9Vk/s400/DSC04854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Stretching out before me were the biggest onions I've ever seen in the ground, lush celery, eggplants and cabbages to the rear, a half turn to the left,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hBMYkFwvnnJ_27_8SWI7yLxMtfCuZKGx77WZYihyj5MCF57dII1LwjvAwosODwY1fRPa2r7WWGWVYU9LYoXL9roBohiP_SBxjyaa_kFqr4d2QcDV7woWazd4z4aDKjPfGZLgmukm8vI/s1600/DSC04853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hBMYkFwvnnJ_27_8SWI7yLxMtfCuZKGx77WZYihyj5MCF57dII1LwjvAwosODwY1fRPa2r7WWGWVYU9LYoXL9roBohiP_SBxjyaa_kFqr4d2QcDV7woWazd4z4aDKjPfGZLgmukm8vI/s400/DSC04853.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
was the most orderly plot of tomatoes one can imagine. Pruned and staked, they stood tall and healthy in the hot sun.<br />
<br />
The onions are far bigger than my fist.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQShDDR_-g66ellQrNQYF4K-NIve4BE9aL4KSIfRVTXhFMDF1XBYuD8D-lixaID6uUlF_SyJxKP3YC1_Yx4i0RWY3vs-9pvdpDlLh0FREnNt7osp6y-LJVpy_nOQc6NAlQ3yho1qHyK8k/s1600/DSC04859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQShDDR_-g66ellQrNQYF4K-NIve4BE9aL4KSIfRVTXhFMDF1XBYuD8D-lixaID6uUlF_SyJxKP3YC1_Yx4i0RWY3vs-9pvdpDlLh0FREnNt7osp6y-LJVpy_nOQc6NAlQ3yho1qHyK8k/s400/DSC04859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Celery growing strong.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoROJjmq0XCTJRD68AnpiFwF1njOUta1h5ouzDW7JjmYHPaQgYMlELwg0FhpEF8_aefiKMxMFJ8S-kHBYWYqIR6DqnNYTbZ9CkFAcpNFwt_tXOxARHq9gDR-cTgFZcdokd9zLPL2UxLkU/s1600/DSC04855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoROJjmq0XCTJRD68AnpiFwF1njOUta1h5ouzDW7JjmYHPaQgYMlELwg0FhpEF8_aefiKMxMFJ8S-kHBYWYqIR6DqnNYTbZ9CkFAcpNFwt_tXOxARHq9gDR-cTgFZcdokd9zLPL2UxLkU/s400/DSC04855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I don't know what kind of basil this is, but some of the leaves are bigger than my hand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyKg6Fpvy5O-9iSKGP6f5ykFN-Q9PUCkxGuxnVVVPJzqO5Yz9T0HJtke2TCRDrgdvkoh48kxUfP8JJcfO56FBA0EeESzCVCSgncSx6LniA_8Zovyz7hg2n025FhYJZNgahO4VfNBmZ6I/s1600/DSC04851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyKg6Fpvy5O-9iSKGP6f5ykFN-Q9PUCkxGuxnVVVPJzqO5Yz9T0HJtke2TCRDrgdvkoh48kxUfP8JJcfO56FBA0EeESzCVCSgncSx6LniA_8Zovyz7hg2n025FhYJZNgahO4VfNBmZ6I/s400/DSC04851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
And the kohlrabi looks like a spaceship.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_66xtdCBlEc32-WkKEOVdqtB-vAyPWQFfvasgNDkL_hdBkkiWprf0zgSUy43cM6azTWEk5ElQ0_W7MGsJcOB71vzIQzirnF7gvlnFSI_SzPgyasgJnxwp-IqVEun7PRA_BNe-FE5ha3M/s1600/DSC04865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_66xtdCBlEc32-WkKEOVdqtB-vAyPWQFfvasgNDkL_hdBkkiWprf0zgSUy43cM6azTWEk5ElQ0_W7MGsJcOB71vzIQzirnF7gvlnFSI_SzPgyasgJnxwp-IqVEun7PRA_BNe-FE5ha3M/s400/DSC04865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I walked around a little bit more, listened to the charming Guido patiently answer tourists questions, then thanked him for his time and efforts.<br />
<br />
I walked to my car, a little stunned by what I had just seen, appreciative of what 35 years of development can accomplish, and all the more determined to continue developing my little garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDwo7jyY8lL_gxNPGQsBGIa6rP7Lk7zrSiHnfT-vxAeSO4-Lc76hGVssjaLwsHBlqUUcN6aNvOUETgeTIqhcYzTDtkQNwsL9GccWcNSBJ8LO1XDadQGvjI_f1xsRNHYaFmfVNQ0hTt4I/s1600/DSC04876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDwo7jyY8lL_gxNPGQsBGIa6rP7Lk7zrSiHnfT-vxAeSO4-Lc76hGVssjaLwsHBlqUUcN6aNvOUETgeTIqhcYzTDtkQNwsL9GccWcNSBJ8LO1XDadQGvjI_f1xsRNHYaFmfVNQ0hTt4I/s400/DSC04876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-57742339947452587082011-07-13T03:00:00.000-07:002011-07-13T03:00:15.343-07:00Midsummer report on GrowboxesAs previously discussed, one of the exercises this summer is the investigation of various growing techniques. We've got raised beds over at the remote veggie plot, Squarefoot in the back and the <a href="http://www.agardenpatch.com/">Growboxes</a> in the drive way.<br />
<br />
Here are the growboxes from this weekend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAf76v40E3sUO6ySnMGTg4Qd3vJOGizpvrZ6hiVoNkancoSFi7PAugTFoVMg4xyfOsVWg8V4mlVIIsOX4ClgMaavGQ6F74_ooKUdGTR-YaiFZsDAu5COZyGn8dWe6wIPcucbart7nzOo/s1600/DSC04819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAf76v40E3sUO6ySnMGTg4Qd3vJOGizpvrZ6hiVoNkancoSFi7PAugTFoVMg4xyfOsVWg8V4mlVIIsOX4ClgMaavGQ6F74_ooKUdGTR-YaiFZsDAu5COZyGn8dWe6wIPcucbart7nzOo/s400/DSC04819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the boxes from left to right, 2 tomatoes, about 8 peppers (below capacity) and in the final box 1 zucchini and 1 cucumber, also below capacity. Everything is exceedingly healthy, the tomatoes while not tall, are full of fruit, the peppers are producing and loaded with blossoms, zucchini on the vine, and the cucumbers you saw a few days ago. <br />
<br />
So what can I say about this system? First, I need to fill the reservoirs every day. So don't think it will save you on watering time. But it is easy to fill.<br />
<br />
There is no weeding, and the start up was super easy. No tilling. Just fill plant and go.<br />
<br />
It is ideal for balconies, or small spaces, or extending your growing area onto the driveway/parking pad. Good for beginners or seniors, this appears to be a system that works!<br />
<br />
The proof now is how much will it produce. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a><br />
<br />
Other than the Growbox samples themselves, no consideration or compensation was granted from <a href="http://www.agardenpatch.com/">The Garden Patch</a>.David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-51619166113929056682011-07-11T03:55:00.000-07:002011-07-11T03:55:00.095-07:00Harvest Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBtcfcBHDsmZQpJlbOnveJ3IHBkZlS0WiY0JXuh4I9DFiERzBPWdgtzzyLOt1aKtcfcsdpuukWXbDeyxTD0c7a_eUu53ErVveqj4oSQqRDhe-K5hBLGwdkfptfA8vw4U3w_rWnqSg9vA/s1600/DSC04810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBtcfcBHDsmZQpJlbOnveJ3IHBkZlS0WiY0JXuh4I9DFiERzBPWdgtzzyLOt1aKtcfcsdpuukWXbDeyxTD0c7a_eUu53ErVveqj4oSQqRDhe-K5hBLGwdkfptfA8vw4U3w_rWnqSg9vA/s400/DSC04810.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnlZDb8L4-xbBflNpKY05bm2k3ZCeGXLW4ERESTTEvk0i2DkTH5mL9OL1wtGEQsBVByH0btmdwG3PfwLkSoZeZrWTNac9DRvU7sPaDXNxjuQzyBpW7P4NV6YaX4F5nTXiZi8ma-mX0WQ/s1600/DSC04809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnlZDb8L4-xbBflNpKY05bm2k3ZCeGXLW4ERESTTEvk0i2DkTH5mL9OL1wtGEQsBVByH0btmdwG3PfwLkSoZeZrWTNac9DRvU7sPaDXNxjuQzyBpW7P4NV6YaX4F5nTXiZi8ma-mX0WQ/s400/DSC04809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3XaTLVcgj9F5pAgAc1SMTAYK2XwYmMrQZ3tKs6HI3vRA4sM_6JdohO9bw_pca1ikgoe69o18V5yjUytvjQiypZ3s9Gi4473kp5lX7cCvZnRWb9DG0B39Viwk8lSFMQeU4h19yO8rK18/s1600/DSC04807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3XaTLVcgj9F5pAgAc1SMTAYK2XwYmMrQZ3tKs6HI3vRA4sM_6JdohO9bw_pca1ikgoe69o18V5yjUytvjQiypZ3s9Gi4473kp5lX7cCvZnRWb9DG0B39Viwk8lSFMQeU4h19yO8rK18/s400/DSC04807.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A cucumber, another marconi, more banana peppers, and shallots! Very excited about the shallots! Total harvest just about 3 lbs..<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-52865938292586376702011-07-10T07:45:00.000-07:002011-07-10T09:58:04.325-07:00The Promise of PicklesLast year I made some pickles. They were the first thing I ever canned, but I had to purchase the cucumbers. This year I am determined to can some of my own growing so I planted three cucumber plants. Two went into the Square foot beds and one into a Growbox.<br />
<br />
The ones in the grow boxes are climbing nicely up <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/2011/05/trellis-build.html">the trellis constructed</a> for this purpose. It is 7' tall, pretty soon , I'll need to start weaving it downwards.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgQs-Ao6PYQH40lPBMSTDdWVNS9zbjhPqYbIDPglgqrEwn9-9NzOfdrW1niQxOZsEplrQcHKbzK1zLXEAjrKd0n-2rnKyBLgcX0nro4i-sQknQUfUQnkn9et2HBPQy6WKkILCB_ULs60/s1600/DSC04799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgQs-Ao6PYQH40lPBMSTDdWVNS9zbjhPqYbIDPglgqrEwn9-9NzOfdrW1niQxOZsEplrQcHKbzK1zLXEAjrKd0n-2rnKyBLgcX0nro4i-sQknQUfUQnkn9et2HBPQy6WKkILCB_ULs60/s640/DSC04799.JPG" width="276" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The flowers are pretty to look at.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2m-Y4R3zJShyphenhyphenXDK-4BtNEr-vetCXLLLJ0s0P4SIHqeBaNr_SfWCKMtuEZl-TWkoflFFjZ9Qc-zWkvj5bd561U0_GoxDuDI812nl1k8mDb5sftQcWdgoffPWWYwTIxGVvh-C0NKX5Rzw/s1600/DSC04804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2m-Y4R3zJShyphenhyphenXDK-4BtNEr-vetCXLLLJ0s0P4SIHqeBaNr_SfWCKMtuEZl-TWkoflFFjZ9Qc-zWkvj5bd561U0_GoxDuDI812nl1k8mDb5sftQcWdgoffPWWYwTIxGVvh-C0NKX5Rzw/s400/DSC04804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And the clinging tendrils fascinate me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8l87TqJ1Wh0YNX26qy2zVTxG_P9tB6JZhXycXBz81xFv5yy5h9g3p9hERRvLo-WLVDsAafmKyEpwi7GLpJfFlOdjxRuft4J-jPDZD_1iOF21QwYVFUfwzexC2q7IX6aLrtp03I2mrSE/s1600/DSC04800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8l87TqJ1Wh0YNX26qy2zVTxG_P9tB6JZhXycXBz81xFv5yy5h9g3p9hERRvLo-WLVDsAafmKyEpwi7GLpJfFlOdjxRuft4J-jPDZD_1iOF21QwYVFUfwzexC2q7IX6aLrtp03I2mrSE/s400/DSC04800.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
From the small ones on the trellis...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqUJ0ciW7gJlmMPH7uLg9UJf5epUl5RHwqnMIRbQmKwYsMo370XpsImfQx3gUZlhyphenhyphenpoE_aNpjgKilx8TaeHzZNxdDHUFUkOak7dMpfMTJK460bt2_36eY4VOpxH14Hl50sQFvQzMJdiQ/s1600/DSC04801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqUJ0ciW7gJlmMPH7uLg9UJf5epUl5RHwqnMIRbQmKwYsMo370XpsImfQx3gUZlhyphenhyphenpoE_aNpjgKilx8TaeHzZNxdDHUFUkOak7dMpfMTJK460bt2_36eY4VOpxH14Hl50sQFvQzMJdiQ/s400/DSC04801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis53WFfxnfoTS6NwN7YbDTByMFzS9oxgsMUIbSI7ZQxTJx0_QXbMtPH9k38V9JecBV6cmQyf4s_WoxBY3Y9ttv-6zVJye3GAzW94bAeVeHg3sisoom4tIbieYd19kbEXepUOl_Xgxz918/s1600/DSC04805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis53WFfxnfoTS6NwN7YbDTByMFzS9oxgsMUIbSI7ZQxTJx0_QXbMtPH9k38V9JecBV6cmQyf4s_WoxBY3Y9ttv-6zVJye3GAzW94bAeVeHg3sisoom4tIbieYd19kbEXepUOl_Xgxz918/s400/DSC04805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQy_TQ3Lk5al0igN41kq-8eFbBHRbNPf0pzywLCHDbjPelJcY1q49XBLmCuuvJFxXzWFZ5GCsegMEkbEW0uYy17ios4mU9fB5_V-Fgl1pqpXJClc0COZORKchCbAo_qP_Sa-I5R14lrr8/s1600/DSC04803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQy_TQ3Lk5al0igN41kq-8eFbBHRbNPf0pzywLCHDbjPelJcY1q49XBLmCuuvJFxXzWFZ5GCsegMEkbEW0uYy17ios4mU9fB5_V-Fgl1pqpXJClc0COZORKchCbAo_qP_Sa-I5R14lrr8/s400/DSC04803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
...to over on the wooden fence in the Growbox,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaM7T-JqUIV-Ak7-yhNk_bP0eCEgYd8PHYgpbhF6ndZREZOjvL4KbWg0NMbPrhJVkL-osbqHgBsJf_kjN62OT1LcXrsx9AgQDnQN57cSMAt83KqyEG3miILB04Oq_zW6QNRaqegPi-9s/s1600/DSC04806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaM7T-JqUIV-Ak7-yhNk_bP0eCEgYd8PHYgpbhF6ndZREZOjvL4KbWg0NMbPrhJVkL-osbqHgBsJf_kjN62OT1LcXrsx9AgQDnQN57cSMAt83KqyEG3miILB04Oq_zW6QNRaqegPi-9s/s400/DSC04806.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
to this early one that is chilling in the icebox for The Student's lunch;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIAJQdnYmLYAskGhSJe8Qm7iob7oHJa8kSuK6w7SF6RA221tJllXf6rn4SOf7gBcBnTtzeEk8WJjEYAp-DyGq_fIqONJb9hkoJKRpMXRI9b6S_8v-oUp3i4s8sWAyHQVnqYwlgR9vBAw/s1600/DSC04797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIAJQdnYmLYAskGhSJe8Qm7iob7oHJa8kSuK6w7SF6RA221tJllXf6rn4SOf7gBcBnTtzeEk8WJjEYAp-DyGq_fIqONJb9hkoJKRpMXRI9b6S_8v-oUp3i4s8sWAyHQVnqYwlgR9vBAw/s400/DSC04797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
it looks like I will have a big harvest. I am not sure I'll have enough ready simultaneously to can, but I hope so.<br />
<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-25782805342962502892011-07-07T05:24:00.000-07:002011-07-07T05:24:00.412-07:00Jewels of the GardenInspired by the wonderful pictures of produce over at <a href="http://marksvegplot.blogspot.com/">Mark's Veg Plot</a> I decided to take some glamor shots from the harvest last evening.<br />
<br />
Crooked neck squash<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MPOKYJHemJwGQOL9kEUdBjQkYDaLbQgBZEGblxF4iM-3znXjWhIJ_U1DCu_Wvhm400hgYljB0_O0GRj27uiacnuo10Rlzn9aBGfffYeTL8KqJKUR8bPuE5taAX8SCINba8eVL9Kz8kE/s1600/DSC04776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MPOKYJHemJwGQOL9kEUdBjQkYDaLbQgBZEGblxF4iM-3znXjWhIJ_U1DCu_Wvhm400hgYljB0_O0GRj27uiacnuo10Rlzn9aBGfffYeTL8KqJKUR8bPuE5taAX8SCINba8eVL9Kz8kE/s400/DSC04776.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hot banana peppers<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntK0HuEZyjnI7-qH4YHcRkSZs-0MKtI4P1iPVrMNOPjPMPxT4fCGz_mG1-33NjBpq_ye9s4e-aYdktpApIZ-pBsP0jTBJQ9fCs96-feeBoFvYfPxYoJ1mAfVkrDrYFHQk2BQMyt1b3a8/s1600/DSC04777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntK0HuEZyjnI7-qH4YHcRkSZs-0MKtI4P1iPVrMNOPjPMPxT4fCGz_mG1-33NjBpq_ye9s4e-aYdktpApIZ-pBsP0jTBJQ9fCs96-feeBoFvYfPxYoJ1mAfVkrDrYFHQk2BQMyt1b3a8/s400/DSC04777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I think the chard may be the best looking<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmnjJQr4xH55f7ZSCreZrMkuyXqRw7ptH4_CZBwe79v653pz0X5VcSK5iJ8ZkTybGbskCDa1Ppw1A9eSjhMBG5DxSH7cUDNDgp2UIKToKSxudC6QgSg0ohfh_fuSBtjNBnPAIiSNDDEA/s1600/DSC04779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmnjJQr4xH55f7ZSCreZrMkuyXqRw7ptH4_CZBwe79v653pz0X5VcSK5iJ8ZkTybGbskCDa1Ppw1A9eSjhMBG5DxSH7cUDNDgp2UIKToKSxudC6QgSg0ohfh_fuSBtjNBnPAIiSNDDEA/s400/DSC04779.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dYjmlIuMopsGnnYe4ANwgMAEmNPAvOeKeWAJNTwvgc5h_Zvb8lTTjpzBOmeVCoHhUdaK9QNsMlAkALXYVnbzZxtTUUWng6vFKfv6Sc-mBQJvrkjhUH9fcf8SYtqmL1SAXqFj36YKFAg/s1600/DSC04778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dYjmlIuMopsGnnYe4ANwgMAEmNPAvOeKeWAJNTwvgc5h_Zvb8lTTjpzBOmeVCoHhUdaK9QNsMlAkALXYVnbzZxtTUUWng6vFKfv6Sc-mBQJvrkjhUH9fcf8SYtqmL1SAXqFj36YKFAg/s400/DSC04778.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
First picking of green beans<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlIgw3dAn1hTZwYfa4-r-WkbFgmaWcVmOOQ1_MaPT3ilaf8V5JSYZ8Uj7fuKhzfRNGkKBMGWR00ezr9x9R_0nDNsTDbakdpl5dmXv1r70VgHVUqXARhyuIIYWI-Um7y9ZJ6bcA-8FAZg/s1600/DSC04784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlIgw3dAn1hTZwYfa4-r-WkbFgmaWcVmOOQ1_MaPT3ilaf8V5JSYZ8Uj7fuKhzfRNGkKBMGWR00ezr9x9R_0nDNsTDbakdpl5dmXv1r70VgHVUqXARhyuIIYWI-Um7y9ZJ6bcA-8FAZg/s400/DSC04784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Complete harvest from last night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUeVIZzuCAGZYEn-WBajDA0noINbFy0C7vBZLz8YAID-COstAWNmB-NnSFgTxvvr036V8jIavb8pgrgec_TGsrmNIj9SZIUKyXawlE07H6GL1ZK-uz56qjUiVW3hRXsZKrJri6obpe9k/s1600/DSC04787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUeVIZzuCAGZYEn-WBajDA0noINbFy0C7vBZLz8YAID-COstAWNmB-NnSFgTxvvr036V8jIavb8pgrgec_TGsrmNIj9SZIUKyXawlE07H6GL1ZK-uz56qjUiVW3hRXsZKrJri6obpe9k/s400/DSC04787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I started feeling a bit anxious that we won't have much harvest, but I went back to last years' postings and things didn't start really taking off until the end July when the tomato harvest began in earnest. I think we'll be OK. The addition of the crooked neck, zucchini, and pickling cucumbers should help pick up the pace.<br />
<br />
The beets aren't bulbing out except for the odd one here or there, though the foliage looks great. Hopefully the fall crop will do better.<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-77444701369422742732011-07-05T19:47:00.000-07:002011-07-06T12:01:25.293-07:00Attack of the 50 foot Lilies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">These monsters are in full bloom. (Click on photos for large view)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ7wQ4H4TT63quKLwzdNsMGYJPn_HKWpfGY14G5bifLNyN-B5HCClETTrlE_wArH3WTuirSiPhEPwxS8A9dzOb_cLjO-oK_IK53ZKoaCF32OX9zBQn8J8KExVGbQAX6-dSoMhjv1Id60/s1600/DSC04761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ7wQ4H4TT63quKLwzdNsMGYJPn_HKWpfGY14G5bifLNyN-B5HCClETTrlE_wArH3WTuirSiPhEPwxS8A9dzOb_cLjO-oK_IK53ZKoaCF32OX9zBQn8J8KExVGbQAX6-dSoMhjv1Id60/s400/DSC04761.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqYStyVksTHEZJ8YBw5Mrsv3qgsGLJRFdjCQTZ9iVgnEf4Ie5HEzdcv1s3-qUJ8-1KHE8492ybNeHgVB-7uCplTdgETYyimmJ-NHIsyoXQ2eV52r-4CY-YfyYWCcDk9yFSMuv6IFewJ0/s1600/DSC04772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqYStyVksTHEZJ8YBw5Mrsv3qgsGLJRFdjCQTZ9iVgnEf4Ie5HEzdcv1s3-qUJ8-1KHE8492ybNeHgVB-7uCplTdgETYyimmJ-NHIsyoXQ2eV52r-4CY-YfyYWCcDk9yFSMuv6IFewJ0/s400/DSC04772.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So yes, they are in full blooom, but how big are they really? I'm 5'11" (I just got home from work, I don't garden in these clothes.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktPvtxKCERAr5_u1O57_OV6omiBQfcdYq434x1qmCesxf8X3GzJFekQeBOQtzMD14RbTerC1J5BC4rx-cpkINz12TR6z4rXBVMgH0ZDipTLanT5F6l7Fsmm81HWeCgSMnO7xA1kN6dy0/s1600/DSC04768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktPvtxKCERAr5_u1O57_OV6omiBQfcdYq434x1qmCesxf8X3GzJFekQeBOQtzMD14RbTerC1J5BC4rx-cpkINz12TR6z4rXBVMgH0ZDipTLanT5F6l7Fsmm81HWeCgSMnO7xA1kN6dy0/s640/DSC04768.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvgSZgCdhl2nBQS-09_6PCYppOFusISkPNxVrzypsrBqP5cUfpgRDPh51j8-5TNi8tVtRBzX6bSvS7zTQ_E6TklNZR3XcilURkpLY8ftG94OBfJIiVFoSRddDSs8EiOkBG6O_p_dc5uU/s1600/DSC04770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvgSZgCdhl2nBQS-09_6PCYppOFusISkPNxVrzypsrBqP5cUfpgRDPh51j8-5TNi8tVtRBzX6bSvS7zTQ_E6TklNZR3XcilURkpLY8ftG94OBfJIiVFoSRddDSs8EiOkBG6O_p_dc5uU/s640/DSC04770.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
OK maybe not 50 feet tall but still......<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-4947508071667373102011-07-02T18:53:00.000-07:002011-07-02T18:53:00.216-07:00Harvest 7/2/2011 & additional sowing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This isn't that exciting but it helps me keep track...<br />
<br />
The harvest this morning:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXlXONi8DjjcUh_xgdAq5g-WPl1IgrK6bieuEty16R2b4YNDVeORAwzHsm-e1sktdQEzmFZPxa-ZIEVlA_lrCokm_GSSe6sj9BetJkp42_T0LfEkFE0dRw_TC23tW2LFdfhGgMxZopL8/s1600/DSC04720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXlXONi8DjjcUh_xgdAq5g-WPl1IgrK6bieuEty16R2b4YNDVeORAwzHsm-e1sktdQEzmFZPxa-ZIEVlA_lrCokm_GSSe6sj9BetJkp42_T0LfEkFE0dRw_TC23tW2LFdfhGgMxZopL8/s400/DSC04720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
cucumber - 1st one, the plants are loaded, and I hope to get enough to put up some pickles without having to purchase any.<br />
pepper (Giant Marconi)<br />
carrots<br />
1st beet<br />
spinach<br />
chard and beet greens<br />
Turnips - a little more than 1 lb cleaned and fully trimmed<br />
<br />
after cleaning out a few squares, planted more:<br />
<br />
Bushbeans (4 squares) for 16 more plants<br />
Chard - 1 square for 9 more plants<br />
Onion sets for green onions - 1 square.<br />
<br />
I hope you all had a great Saturday!<br />
<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-31201709397607721872011-06-30T20:52:00.000-07:002011-07-01T07:26:13.905-07:00We Grow Dreams - Aquaponics Field Trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As part of my reading and research into sustainable methods for personal food production, I have been collecting information about Aquaponics. Aquaponics is the intersection of Aquaculture (raising fish as food source) and hydroponics (raising produce in soil less medium). Both have been around for a long time, aquaculture at from at least 2500 BC, hydroponics dates back to at least the 1600’s, and both have proven to be effective means of food production. <br />
<br />
Aquatic animals produce waste (ammonia); in aquaculture utilizing tanks (as opposed to ponds, large cages or nets in open water), some of the water needs to be replaced or filtered in order to keep the water habitable for the fish.<br />
<br />
In Hydroponics, plants are raised without soil, a nitrogen rich (and other mineral nutrients) solution is pumped to the root zone. At issue is what to do with the nutrient water once it has been pumped to the plants, it must either be filtered to reuse or in some application is merely discarded<br />
<br />
Aquaponics resolves the problems of water replacement in aquaculture and nutrient source in hydroponics. In the simplest terms, the fish poop in their tank, part of the water is pumped at regular intervals into a gravel bed where one bacteria convert the ammonia to nitrites and another converts the nitrites to nitrates, a usable form for the plants growing in the gravel bed. The plants take up the nitrates purifying the water, which then returns to the fish tank. In a perfect system this cycle produces a closed loop, saving water and eliminating the need to purchase fertilizers. Over time, the fish grow large enough to harvest and the produce grows with incredible vigor.<br />
<br />
I got lucky. In my town there is a small greenhouse operation, that changed hands in the last few years from a commercial for-profit greenhouse into a new non-profit greenhouse and organization called <a href="http://www.wegrowdreams.org/">We-Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center.</a> Their unique mission is “To provide people with disabilities the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and to train and work in a supportive, safe and caring environment while producing and providing products and service to the community.” I drive past this greenhouse on regular basis, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw Aquaponics"" on their marquee by the side of the road!<br />
<br />
I contacted them and exchanged emails with Laurie Staple, the Executive Director of We Grow Dreams, and Phil Wolf, a volunteer who is responsible for the Aquaponics program, and we arranged a meeting.<br />
<br />
It was a beautiful sunny morning as I headed over to the Greenhouse and Garden Center and met up with Laurie and Phil. Laurie, a retired special education teacher, started the tour in the office. There she explained that the purpose is not to train young people with disabilities how to work in a green house, but rather to provide transferable job skills to a population who are often underrepresented in the work force. <br />
<br />
Currently staffed at 45 team members who work 10 hours a month for minimum wage, We Grow Dreams helps team members gain Social Security credits while performing assigned, coached tasks. Greenhouse tasks include straightening up around the retail area, assisting customers carrying materials to their vehicles, and moving product from the production area to the retail area. Out in the yard, gravel was being put down to patch some potholes, as Laurie showed me around part of the five acres. <br />
<br />
Laurie told me the main greenhouse dates back to the 1920’s, and on the grounds there is evidence from previous decades. As we walked through "the dirt room" with an ancient dirt machine used to fill pots, I commented how hot it was. Laurie pointed out that the room was used in the dead of winter, and they ran a kerosene heater to warm it up. Quite a difference six months makes.<br />
<br />
While we were walking from one house to another, Laurie indicated they receive no state or federal funding, so volunteerism and donations are critical to the success of the organization. After we circled back to the main green house where the Aquaponic set up resides, Laurie handed me off to Phil, an engineer by trade, and We Grow Dreams volunteer spearheading the Aquaponics project.<br />
<br />
Here he is next to the tomato plants. Granted, the plants start a little higher than waist high but this is crazy! The sheer mass of plants is a little overwhelming. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcDVIRsFD2j2QEYFQgbZEFni747ua0hIEqizDBYJOq1dwpu1Wba2lccctGofLzYQYR1mX8B8yBeILKdGBI4O6c5eR6z_XaWjm1KeKvbtOniKTzzlg_3aRQBCMYNljYwYTKFhsOiR892U/s1600/DSC04689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcDVIRsFD2j2QEYFQgbZEFni747ua0hIEqizDBYJOq1dwpu1Wba2lccctGofLzYQYR1mX8B8yBeILKdGBI4O6c5eR6z_XaWjm1KeKvbtOniKTzzlg_3aRQBCMYNljYwYTKFhsOiR892U/s400/DSC04689.JPG" width="300px" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's a shot from the other side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZxlrAgo2xlgVfy_Jk489qsAQsBDooqQZuUGJXO8hsFI-HPh7_yMPCaPpfqSWLKmfTqCCTKK-OqVjcckdAr2RRNqYLzLHLAR6Sn4kE6HICcPBWfcu81zfW61D27ebYQqROrNEGYlnBuY/s1600/DSC04693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZxlrAgo2xlgVfy_Jk489qsAQsBDooqQZuUGJXO8hsFI-HPh7_yMPCaPpfqSWLKmfTqCCTKK-OqVjcckdAr2RRNqYLzLHLAR6Sn4kE6HICcPBWfcu81zfW61D27ebYQqROrNEGYlnBuY/s400/DSC04693.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I asked Phil how many plants this is. "I'm not sure, maybe five."<br />
<br />
<br />
Five? Really? <br />
<br />
I was a little stunned as Phil sat down and started doing his tests on the chemical analysis of the water. It's important to keep track of the health of the system so regular monitoring of ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and oxygen saturation is important. While he performs the tests he gave me the run down - a 1000 gallon fish tank holds about 375 bluegill and some goldfish. This tank supplies the nutrient rich water for the system.<br />
<br />
Here is a shot from the other side where two volunteers had just finished cleaning out a couple gravel beds. Water is pumped from the fish tank (located under the gravel beds holding the tomato plants to the left of Phil) to the gravel filled grow beds that hold the giant tomato plants. You can see the down pipe that feeds the watering pipes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhVSToWWtY72Dhiu1RFL8dnUIrr-IO9EnPhHZb-0xh8KReqgCNAnNJLq71boY2RqBmMDuDHw8g7BtNh3-GHoARH1uwF21p0UjNukHvezEJawjVLhQRz1p3T-yBzn6TwFzItKOsZMAzdc/s1600/DSC04697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhVSToWWtY72Dhiu1RFL8dnUIrr-IO9EnPhHZb-0xh8KReqgCNAnNJLq71boY2RqBmMDuDHw8g7BtNh3-GHoARH1uwF21p0UjNukHvezEJawjVLhQRz1p3T-yBzn6TwFzItKOsZMAzdc/s400/DSC04697.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After running through the gravel beds where helpful bacteria breakdown the ammonia and waste and the plants take up what they can use, the water runs to a 3500 gallon raft tank.<br />
<br />
A raft tank is a large tank of water with Styrofoam or polystyrene insulating boards floating on top. Holes are cut into the boards and small mesh pots are set into the holes. A small amount of rooting material (often expanded clay) is used and plants are placed in the mesh pots. Their roots grow into the water in standard hydroponic method. Here is basil in the foreground and lettuce at the other end. These plants extract yet more nutrients from the water before it is returned to the fish tank<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kCEu0Wea6DzScOOeSpTy9HZaJtmA7X51er0a1Zqj0yP1kkJf7tN0NxJsuTatPi55sSridG52VboXpP3fIqk6bId0lUIEZYjua3TB26qtexUreV23C48v9IRD9E4yqFYJ554CAwvIXVk/s1600/DSC04698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kCEu0Wea6DzScOOeSpTy9HZaJtmA7X51er0a1Zqj0yP1kkJf7tN0NxJsuTatPi55sSridG52VboXpP3fIqk6bId0lUIEZYjua3TB26qtexUreV23C48v9IRD9E4yqFYJ554CAwvIXVk/s400/DSC04698.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here it is from the other side. The lettuce looks really healthy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzG6BZJcFahZhcD3wlGz1qwE67ZnAskMGCVrzFh-6IA1n1XFL7MtsnH3pzhtp-stjf0lW5HG8FaeaJgUyAeLqjSln6nVYrxD0MZPkvZB3dm2u7GtaG6hvNQTTmMb74HZg3ynRVzObZYUs/s1600/DSC04690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzG6BZJcFahZhcD3wlGz1qwE67ZnAskMGCVrzFh-6IA1n1XFL7MtsnH3pzhtp-stjf0lW5HG8FaeaJgUyAeLqjSln6nVYrxD0MZPkvZB3dm2u7GtaG6hvNQTTmMb74HZg3ynRVzObZYUs/s400/DSC04690.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0XN3yNb7wA8_vHquCANMyYUgGk6sRUJbOisnaUsh31KVwL53nJCydgjFet015wr-Ge_1rKNHXFXloKA2NL1OTH2s4xKAdF7ocAgfMFvhHivJSrBZ6PKWYCTGPXPDYHntyTfG-UY9RRk/s1600/DSC04691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0XN3yNb7wA8_vHquCANMyYUgGk6sRUJbOisnaUsh31KVwL53nJCydgjFet015wr-Ge_1rKNHXFXloKA2NL1OTH2s4xKAdF7ocAgfMFvhHivJSrBZ6PKWYCTGPXPDYHntyTfG-UY9RRk/s400/DSC04691.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you have any doubts about root development, check this out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6yFApnNWmmh878nFlTPokTNxlYxXJWlAzc0as0ZnJMBzVDBy9i9rwk-fyTZ_zIugEqcoje-nQiIsVbHcwJ4KzCPfubDJfW52nRA_EGI8SjtoMLAmF67tL9m3e4YxzViVR94et5KlwyY/s1600/DSC04692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6yFApnNWmmh878nFlTPokTNxlYxXJWlAzc0as0ZnJMBzVDBy9i9rwk-fyTZ_zIugEqcoje-nQiIsVbHcwJ4KzCPfubDJfW52nRA_EGI8SjtoMLAmF67tL9m3e4YxzViVR94et5KlwyY/s400/DSC04692.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The addition of the large raft tank adds stability to the system. Fluctuations in temperature and water quality take much longer when there is almost 4500 gallons of water involved.<br />
<br />
One final bit, Phil is also practicing vermiculture, starting with 1 lb of worms back in January, there are now many times that in the gravel beds and other installations he is involved in. He keeps them busy in a worm bed located under one end of the gravel beds feeding them kitchen scraps.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeh8UvbcONA1_emSZBTQsGGgSuQCwHqGucbqfl8A-SH1ypzT5RjkBHhWJGMixRTIk7oIqljDHdaVikHZk4Kn_lwN5bYanTut3rcQiR9VAQ7bNoUA2CKMT0bEY4wew6PKSHBAoSGM6kh8/s1600/DSC04696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeh8UvbcONA1_emSZBTQsGGgSuQCwHqGucbqfl8A-SH1ypzT5RjkBHhWJGMixRTIk7oIqljDHdaVikHZk4Kn_lwN5bYanTut3rcQiR9VAQ7bNoUA2CKMT0bEY4wew6PKSHBAoSGM6kh8/s400/DSC04696.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As a fun demonstration, he put a small amount of worms from the worm composting bin into the gravel grow bed. In just one minute (I timed it) they went from this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkTjwP2cGF7ldThm8fivLVJTVgey26ljZ-IgHs8cxEGLtIfa8-UzeJ-XQzXYAADBJ9_nWhfhVGtI7kiPCnlk34aB3TDumm4UKszG4VRauPvvHQeSyunBzZV3TBbhH6poiddw5VBCvbzI/s1600/DSC04694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkTjwP2cGF7ldThm8fivLVJTVgey26ljZ-IgHs8cxEGLtIfa8-UzeJ-XQzXYAADBJ9_nWhfhVGtI7kiPCnlk34aB3TDumm4UKszG4VRauPvvHQeSyunBzZV3TBbhH6poiddw5VBCvbzI/s400/DSC04694.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
to this. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMGfa8V7Fe1PEd9F-2PCgfFgOO87uSoG9d7fqlMfXiWi3tbWGVojb21UEgj7Qo_oIOIibBoZH7bYr02bC3Mh52qihhkb6mf9qlo-y28qIXf8JcJYv7wwUs3xJXQsWI6e0xDRf-Rslv6Y/s1600/DSC04695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMGfa8V7Fe1PEd9F-2PCgfFgOO87uSoG9d7fqlMfXiWi3tbWGVojb21UEgj7Qo_oIOIibBoZH7bYr02bC3Mh52qihhkb6mf9qlo-y28qIXf8JcJYv7wwUs3xJXQsWI6e0xDRf-Rslv6Y/s400/DSC04695.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The worms easily crawled down between the spaces in the gravel. They also consume organic material and contribute their own rich nutrients to the grow beds.<br />
<br />
To close our conversation Phil indicated he is in the process of writing up a six month review and analysis of the installation. He openly acknowledges this is a learning process and while there has been some trial and error, looking at the results they are on the right path. There is more to do and learn. <br />
<br />
I was very happy to get an up close look at an operating system. As I said at the beginning of this (long) entry, I am interested in this system for personal use in the future. This was a great first exposure to a live system and I am very grateful to Laurie, Phil, We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center for allowing me to come and visit, they were very generous with their time, and their mission is a noble one.<br />
<br />
I know I'll be back to check on their progress and to pick Phil's brain a bit more. <br />
<br />
<br />
For more information about We Grow Dreams, feel free to contact them at: <span _no_widget="true" class="cgSelectable"><a href="mailto:info@wegrowdreams.org">info@wegrowdreams.org</a></span><br />
<br />
Phil Wolf may be contacted at <a href="mailto:pwolft3@gmail.com">pwolft3@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
If you are interested in additional links and information about Aquaponics, let me know and I'll share what I have.<br />
<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-61848308977429997452011-06-26T13:13:00.000-07:002011-06-26T13:13:17.056-07:00Humble Sunday Harvest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's pretty modest but has the makings of a fine salad.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDPqqqHqoKIIlRCmxXjCrnaj28DI2-sZ9RgZp7F1aTa652UsduRxN7zyo831YOURmqpp03qSz-r5n_bLBQg32j6tQwmSuHAZtGvbJL3_gIi3l9on8S7r-_qSctixc6iXdztwd8lWMREk/s1600/DSC04699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDPqqqHqoKIIlRCmxXjCrnaj28DI2-sZ9RgZp7F1aTa652UsduRxN7zyo831YOURmqpp03qSz-r5n_bLBQg32j6tQwmSuHAZtGvbJL3_gIi3l9on8S7r-_qSctixc6iXdztwd8lWMREk/s400/DSC04699.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Turnip<br />
Green onion<br />
Radish<br />
Spinach<br />
Lettuce<br />
Chard<br />
Crooked neck squash<br />
<br />
This makes me happy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr5IjsQSNVBlsoGYOvTq66EZesaZp-EkLyrnnCSc9MGGrsfq59WPlIiSs8BqGxN2rhVl1ZlY6oSbj_IaruRp5thRIZx0kIiBLwUSQZRJdfe4qHg2E-KBT9KZk6UH8Zoy233tIS3Hep80/s1600/DSC04703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr5IjsQSNVBlsoGYOvTq66EZesaZp-EkLyrnnCSc9MGGrsfq59WPlIiSs8BqGxN2rhVl1ZlY6oSbj_IaruRp5thRIZx0kIiBLwUSQZRJdfe4qHg2E-KBT9KZk6UH8Zoy233tIS3Hep80/s400/DSC04703.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Total harvest so far... a tiny 3.9 lbs. But tasty and satisfying, with the promise of much much more.<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-74223575794514488322011-06-25T07:35:00.000-07:002011-06-25T07:35:46.290-07:00A Sunny Saturday Morning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Welcome Jessica, I'm glad you are here.<br />
<br />
I've been a litle remiss in posting, life keeps getting in the way blogging. The nerve! <br />
<br />
It's a beautiful sunny morning, so I grabbed the camera and my coffee and stepped out the back door. There is something for everyone this morning.<br />
<br />
I'll start with the vegetables, but if you wish to jump to the flowers, Scroll down.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQaN3gyxwQUfa9BwJ2QVzTSFWsC10DPooqelhYbDbxJqypQ4a-3LQwpRsSxf2XCpRFDeMRylru73a1PLtP2kTz5_G3SNFM-chGRipmXWf6pZHE6bpp9xcZLeaBBcJeshtfJbmM-vxmeI/s1600/DSC04661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQaN3gyxwQUfa9BwJ2QVzTSFWsC10DPooqelhYbDbxJqypQ4a-3LQwpRsSxf2XCpRFDeMRylru73a1PLtP2kTz5_G3SNFM-chGRipmXWf6pZHE6bpp9xcZLeaBBcJeshtfJbmM-vxmeI/s400/DSC04661.JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green beens starting to blossom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sqGRFlFDz2bNWLjKFzx7r324P6llMsXYnxEuPWR6hVuuCMUeJweJYZ5goy6li4PaUJz3POJsixfc7m_5gkLV34je7vphXXoRqIr5WiyvD-n5vu9qpPQFjYJmITY7TT3DWXJQJkLk14Y/s1600/DSC04662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sqGRFlFDz2bNWLjKFzx7r324P6llMsXYnxEuPWR6hVuuCMUeJweJYZ5goy6li4PaUJz3POJsixfc7m_5gkLV34je7vphXXoRqIr5WiyvD-n5vu9qpPQFjYJmITY7TT3DWXJQJkLk14Y/s400/DSC04662.JPG" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hairy Tomato blossoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflb2xlGFb5Ung6rGIqUwD67vQtoTzipjeNDse6VnnxQK2Bu4HqsH49CiI5lqdJC9npVl2nKwTyJZFGwWOWIWpmQn1AAg8n5SH4hE3_iJ4mrOVpq_ta_OXz9WHU6JkNYdPDdUsvmLStz4/s1600/DSC04669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflb2xlGFb5Ung6rGIqUwD67vQtoTzipjeNDse6VnnxQK2Bu4HqsH49CiI5lqdJC9npVl2nKwTyJZFGwWOWIWpmQn1AAg8n5SH4hE3_iJ4mrOVpq_ta_OXz9WHU6JkNYdPDdUsvmLStz4/s400/DSC04669.JPG" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cukes growing up the mesh trellis, so far so good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KEWW1HOVI1s35aqyNHYKA00IUWFBaEcv7PkIrsyBDvD2s98wK1lJLjIDpz4uKNVjDO4G3fpI1nMOENzqXc51GbD6xw47G3W-Gd8ZfW1TGPfU9w_wqaVII0fHMHHtub6Ce4lTuOxs0Jc/s1600/DSC04684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KEWW1HOVI1s35aqyNHYKA00IUWFBaEcv7PkIrsyBDvD2s98wK1lJLjIDpz4uKNVjDO4G3fpI1nMOENzqXc51GbD6xw47G3W-Gd8ZfW1TGPfU9w_wqaVII0fHMHHtub6Ce4lTuOxs0Jc/s400/DSC04684.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A healthy start</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The peppers are also doing well.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTadP65nzG16c0_e35gp2DCh8VCzR66cKw4HqU-B6Ms4jyZZceC3fG-v3UlnbPcHX5Wo-KTwncNUft6toh14vx8LS7Skra4heXj529cOdbgGbWjKVdDaiksg12BqKvHFMs5HhbKzaDOg/s1600/DSC04664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTadP65nzG16c0_e35gp2DCh8VCzR66cKw4HqU-B6Ms4jyZZceC3fG-v3UlnbPcHX5Wo-KTwncNUft6toh14vx8LS7Skra4heXj529cOdbgGbWjKVdDaiksg12BqKvHFMs5HhbKzaDOg/s400/DSC04664.JPG" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Marconi (sweet)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD7ufX48N7NYy11FyH71CWds5f6_XRFkzW035ONmBXABHRiant4VqLeU1oetA0uinNIgqKPCfvbFNzFLSUh8zEjR5Cwe9F8t2AT3ZN3e1kQ091F9-OQyM3FGUT9s1ZExIVWmBqHbY-Ow/s1600/DSC04685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD7ufX48N7NYy11FyH71CWds5f6_XRFkzW035ONmBXABHRiant4VqLeU1oetA0uinNIgqKPCfvbFNzFLSUh8zEjR5Cwe9F8t2AT3ZN3e1kQ091F9-OQyM3FGUT9s1ZExIVWmBqHbY-Ow/s400/DSC04685.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot banana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Greens are a mixed bag. They are growing well, but something is eating them, I will put up a short fence this weekend.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS4QDifP5mZU9Xf4V39prLG39FtPkYXO5NgJhU2VSQRjYVW8jjGpKwyZKd0yQV-LFv3hn-Ra3xLJe5ddy7hkJRZw2UAdmFFxxv4bJ0dmK7jxEAdJGBOlV31MVo69ExcvtASNjeHzqUxM/s1600/DSC04665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS4QDifP5mZU9Xf4V39prLG39FtPkYXO5NgJhU2VSQRjYVW8jjGpKwyZKd0yQV-LFv3hn-Ra3xLJe5ddy7hkJRZw2UAdmFFxxv4bJ0dmK7jxEAdJGBOlV31MVo69ExcvtASNjeHzqUxM/s400/DSC04665.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chard, lettuce, and shallot</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8DNXjrrQrfbSq7X7CK0hDlqmECV8vonIfhlM0FCvWNGd1UGBpFMXQZCfCmFMdThFMeuun2sJUaNPcWj3dn3jRcsL8uqJxs1Ydl62UfmUFUhe73sVUFAlujE6y1pkmU9VQmwi9iZDXDY/s1600/DSC04680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8DNXjrrQrfbSq7X7CK0hDlqmECV8vonIfhlM0FCvWNGd1UGBpFMXQZCfCmFMdThFMeuun2sJUaNPcWj3dn3jRcsL8uqJxs1Ydl62UfmUFUhe73sVUFAlujE6y1pkmU9VQmwi9iZDXDY/s400/DSC04680.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lettuce is happy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbEAsm3axTr-xzMf1sRTzmBvfhg7LegHkgqK02rXsBSIMpXfGEpnxxCDGySrThxmZCLzcz8LqA9dwtZlKQXW3AX0Vs1WvbFdMATW88RV9yKgGv5XYsa9UJAG0oUEw_OSm1rstiRGQJS8/s1600/DSC04678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbEAsm3axTr-xzMf1sRTzmBvfhg7LegHkgqK02rXsBSIMpXfGEpnxxCDGySrThxmZCLzcz8LqA9dwtZlKQXW3AX0Vs1WvbFdMATW88RV9yKgGv5XYsa9UJAG0oUEw_OSm1rstiRGQJS8/s400/DSC04678.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rabbit(?) damage</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNj6L-xKiYpN5tNP2jkCD5qPoCWvUI_S7g3Ty2JBSWVS2yKjA070nCmd6vtuqFraIJa_WqNBfZxI1eq7ccDv3XKuv9zozB3FIqxASLKWBVrCcgqrYC6_ceVPtSxgGDqv_i7ck74R9t33E/s1600/DSC04666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNj6L-xKiYpN5tNP2jkCD5qPoCWvUI_S7g3Ty2JBSWVS2yKjA070nCmd6vtuqFraIJa_WqNBfZxI1eq7ccDv3XKuv9zozB3FIqxASLKWBVrCcgqrYC6_ceVPtSxgGDqv_i7ck74R9t33E/s400/DSC04666.JPG" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggplant</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcocJFzb3V8_F0g0q-5NA6FKrsvDAvRQnFG-F8BVFZP5UkEfrZd5Pu0C2bA0YfF0QFbhGfRP3xEhDB1xDYI_K4uI-bf8Uv_kGenfkgWxWOxxdYUU11o96l965cRxvwSseCBlY_U5eblA/s1600/DSC04686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcocJFzb3V8_F0g0q-5NA6FKrsvDAvRQnFG-F8BVFZP5UkEfrZd5Pu0C2bA0YfF0QFbhGfRP3xEhDB1xDYI_K4uI-bf8Uv_kGenfkgWxWOxxdYUU11o96l965cRxvwSseCBlY_U5eblA/s400/DSC04686.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green tomatoes in the Growbox</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
All in all I am rather pleased with the Squarefoot garden attempt. So far so good.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Flower Power!</span><br />
This week the lilies burst onto the scene.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW411-yIOX_9zoWhJWBaAsB3J5JB0YuP0LnjGxUinYfCblvGcLnZMw6M6RO3EFXkv8Po0snok0fbxZWqIqtbMF_8w5FJ32bCflN-FxN0etmscauVDrgX4Uf-ciMVmKo80_Ku7n4pAs2DI/s1600/DSC04673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW411-yIOX_9zoWhJWBaAsB3J5JB0YuP0LnjGxUinYfCblvGcLnZMw6M6RO3EFXkv8Po0snok0fbxZWqIqtbMF_8w5FJ32bCflN-FxN0etmscauVDrgX4Uf-ciMVmKo80_Ku7n4pAs2DI/s400/DSC04673.JPG" width="382" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGMPPk9OZsSBNCvQ83Bj45UERwTws53PcQHa_NmkUtCl-xoOEj-Ix5b_rob5UMZWxfLZo9xHiUhqFcvc2hwo1kGeAJYPWkkVJ_xkqi1rZtRH5iFurBm8nvrlbvcIw49ZTXJc9jiSzx74/s1600/DSC04671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGMPPk9OZsSBNCvQ83Bj45UERwTws53PcQHa_NmkUtCl-xoOEj-Ix5b_rob5UMZWxfLZo9xHiUhqFcvc2hwo1kGeAJYPWkkVJ_xkqi1rZtRH5iFurBm8nvrlbvcIw49ZTXJc9jiSzx74/s400/DSC04671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNrMhDMpVuV66q5Mm1yo-bwm6R6nC1gcTMmGzcP7yXMNw73Xf1LoiTfovocHEqx8oBds9PvH0s-Y_x6lVvJ7O41XvwJLpGt_x2Qt1zWPz-7PWu_eC1_d4MO58yIpb_E7319vawuZnbmQ/s1600/DSC04676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNrMhDMpVuV66q5Mm1yo-bwm6R6nC1gcTMmGzcP7yXMNw73Xf1LoiTfovocHEqx8oBds9PvH0s-Y_x6lVvJ7O41XvwJLpGt_x2Qt1zWPz-7PWu_eC1_d4MO58yIpb_E7319vawuZnbmQ/s400/DSC04676.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6fqh0WlL0aZkjyvUQScGnHY6F-t90zFNMljTk7woK9peIrWM54PPPOkmbA404Ck8_PsuxYfBXmZQ6BLzHtLPcy03JYa4b2zOa5QouVx0qedDhplRAl3ec08KFNf6Lx6i52QWc9QFn2E/s1600/DSC04675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6fqh0WlL0aZkjyvUQScGnHY6F-t90zFNMljTk7woK9peIrWM54PPPOkmbA404Ck8_PsuxYfBXmZQ6BLzHtLPcy03JYa4b2zOa5QouVx0qedDhplRAl3ec08KFNf6Lx6i52QWc9QFn2E/s400/DSC04675.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good view of Stamen and Carpel. The Anthers will stain fabric, be careful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I cut this Clematis down to 6" tall last fall. It's over 8' tall now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gtBHGyZYy0DOCwInaRs7hqSpJgWT-G33EVTV4tHhyphenhyphenxnSS_ClgFUvZYXYnd8BvDBINsEpKT6PHOUQga_EeYEZF-t_YMHB8WFM_tdclsnQ0D_KBh2E3VFs-MpyuwybX0Qruu30jVdvMSA/s1600/DSC04674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gtBHGyZYy0DOCwInaRs7hqSpJgWT-G33EVTV4tHhyphenhyphenxnSS_ClgFUvZYXYnd8BvDBINsEpKT6PHOUQga_EeYEZF-t_YMHB8WFM_tdclsnQ0D_KBh2E3VFs-MpyuwybX0Qruu30jVdvMSA/s400/DSC04674.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
One of my favorites, Coreopsis "Moonbeam" just starting to bloom, in a week or so it will be a golden carpet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46oGg_cEpGIH94HShYBXvqULyMULI2AAB7q4DoktiZ_iwpLyWkZUgngnnoj0VsxxPP-DN9sNs2M3T6U9IMCiB4xqw-Wh-n5Od9t7zgLntuZ-MDRrWmrmREE0q3jQVbj5dbqguojsLIAI/s1600/DSC04682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46oGg_cEpGIH94HShYBXvqULyMULI2AAB7q4DoktiZ_iwpLyWkZUgngnnoj0VsxxPP-DN9sNs2M3T6U9IMCiB4xqw-Wh-n5Od9t7zgLntuZ-MDRrWmrmREE0q3jQVbj5dbqguojsLIAI/s400/DSC04682.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That's what I'm up to this morning, now I'm off on a field trip. More about that later!<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-85452091709930791962011-06-18T11:30:00.000-07:002011-06-18T11:30:53.466-07:00Comparing growing methods after one month<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Welcome Kalipso, glad you are following, and welcome to everyone else who recently started following. I'm glad you are here. From now on, I'll do my best to acknowledge you, the readers, especially those who are new to my blog.<br />
<br />
About a month ago I planted tomatoes and peppers using three different techniques.<br />
1) Grow boxes<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi77BXveESwtPySFjw3bJ5RlAjpw9nx-RC0de9FBKML9BsRHRaAtoOsDL97Htil5aLTD0sDe6G09WPYEsmglfRRa2drPKuUTcAO1BJYPffwdX-o3r4Bx70PivwMiH79JN-LroB3ognbKE/s1600/DSC04365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi77BXveESwtPySFjw3bJ5RlAjpw9nx-RC0de9FBKML9BsRHRaAtoOsDL97Htil5aLTD0sDe6G09WPYEsmglfRRa2drPKuUTcAO1BJYPffwdX-o3r4Bx70PivwMiH79JN-LroB3ognbKE/s400/DSC04365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2) Square foot garden<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV8S3Al3Rw8hwK0kuPV_tZjxzNLHsE4La0waNDElKDrBGsbrGHRyhkOWDa7BapCmlIJ_TxcSJIXKqm3fRDHkP3iFItsCxhBaOOwbGzv8-MMdjLjnusthSwFjK02FM8LAZICFLV4SDRYA/s1600/DSC04326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV8S3Al3Rw8hwK0kuPV_tZjxzNLHsE4La0waNDElKDrBGsbrGHRyhkOWDa7BapCmlIJ_TxcSJIXKqm3fRDHkP3iFItsCxhBaOOwbGzv8-MMdjLjnusthSwFjK02FM8LAZICFLV4SDRYA/s400/DSC04326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3) And over at the Veggie plot a few miles away.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx5Z_3o_sLZ_BN7xjRSkFtpw5PJYO-g8lAZDrgZnluuecNk6DikxeiKOwnOfcj3m9-GUI5MnGSCJOZCox-VLwyXm7AOWgA4EWfobhnUjAZXdmgPoU8qiJwEmBJO105QPedSgogrXs7Eg/s1600/DSC04372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx5Z_3o_sLZ_BN7xjRSkFtpw5PJYO-g8lAZDrgZnluuecNk6DikxeiKOwnOfcj3m9-GUI5MnGSCJOZCox-VLwyXm7AOWgA4EWfobhnUjAZXdmgPoU8qiJwEmBJO105QPedSgogrXs7Eg/s400/DSC04372.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So far moisture has not been an issue between the gardens. The Growboxes do come with fertilizer strips, the Squarefoot garden is naturally fertile from all the compost, and the veggie plot we know is very fertile.<br />
<br />
In the Growboxes<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div style="text-align: left;">Tomatoes </div></li>
<ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Celebrity - 24" tall, fruit and many blossoms</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Roma - 18" tall, fruit, many blossoms </div></li>
</ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Peppers</div></li>
<ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Between 8 and 12" tall, no fruit loaded with blossoms</div></li>
</ul></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyKnschsxUtCPo7zpl9anN_zRxlUEaIg9UYUDHNVBRtP9bwgt_PNajysWlL0_ImnEYsou3rwstZkL2fGhH0XsrcFJ-T6apnX0cl4p-mzPJaRMWnOSWYi1orlhpleEAnp5VhB6PD1Qv-U/s1600/DSC04618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyKnschsxUtCPo7zpl9anN_zRxlUEaIg9UYUDHNVBRtP9bwgt_PNajysWlL0_ImnEYsou3rwstZkL2fGhH0XsrcFJ-T6apnX0cl4p-mzPJaRMWnOSWYi1orlhpleEAnp5VhB6PD1Qv-U/s400/DSC04618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ4Fm2gal3HnFkfhz1tSUWJHwHKd0LCV3oMTzptHHUVlOSRbbK0D428tDL18KJNttigLwO4R1WWxM8aYGRLjAMAfEZG2OqqihnqFmMJWVdQIKQ35StqtTc3FHRYEcDg2_1IYgYOLziMc/s1600/DSC04621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ4Fm2gal3HnFkfhz1tSUWJHwHKd0LCV3oMTzptHHUVlOSRbbK0D428tDL18KJNttigLwO4R1WWxM8aYGRLjAMAfEZG2OqqihnqFmMJWVdQIKQ35StqtTc3FHRYEcDg2_1IYgYOLziMc/s400/DSC04621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the Squarefoot beds:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div style="text-align: left;">Tomatoes </div></li>
<ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Celebrity - 21" tall, fruit and many blossoms</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Roma - 21" tall, fruit, many blossoms </div></li>
</ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Peppers</div></li>
<ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Between 8 and 18" tall, some fruit, many blossoms</div></li>
</ul></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISxkQhwGx2dEXWCG5tzcUbm6vC_tUa-VZ-2jdQQFQFEA35m31x1Y49_2zXm3ejmlk0JkqbPME-ksXp4Aa4COPq8_Lwglk9Q7s6Fi5ZLuo9tgr0FfiQlHYxYiUTPqU5eF6Z94RvMEGsJ4/s1600/DSC04625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISxkQhwGx2dEXWCG5tzcUbm6vC_tUa-VZ-2jdQQFQFEA35m31x1Y49_2zXm3ejmlk0JkqbPME-ksXp4Aa4COPq8_Lwglk9Q7s6Fi5ZLuo9tgr0FfiQlHYxYiUTPqU5eF6Z94RvMEGsJ4/s400/DSC04625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5UjeA0JnSDXaM_8a8KTfTbv1k6wtW_eEV9cJMWVOA6ejGO66yJuIV-S5jhK_AZpsWR5JFbER-h0D5KDBj_hLHtkeN5-JM8rvJy4Bbiw9fzv9OKMUXk0iKyeld5rb5sOhb7ecB7Zo7Sc/s1600/DSC04629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5UjeA0JnSDXaM_8a8KTfTbv1k6wtW_eEV9cJMWVOA6ejGO66yJuIV-S5jhK_AZpsWR5JFbER-h0D5KDBj_hLHtkeN5-JM8rvJy4Bbiw9fzv9OKMUXk0iKyeld5rb5sOhb7ecB7Zo7Sc/s400/DSC04629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's a shot of the garden behind the house, with the veggie beds surrounded by flower beds. Quite a difference from a month ago!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFAR4L0HVijspiGjTrNfJuhAMaHdXeS6nfBtljCTQ3z7Fl3LAAoR3Lm5hbFFPK2Z_dbFM1cbd8IfoiB_F2ccrSdlB4wRtW_wk-SLak3ym8Nvhtv9Z2PomW3iLezO8zlhVaPAdKnD5q-U/s1600/DSC04635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFAR4L0HVijspiGjTrNfJuhAMaHdXeS6nfBtljCTQ3z7Fl3LAAoR3Lm5hbFFPK2Z_dbFM1cbd8IfoiB_F2ccrSdlB4wRtW_wk-SLak3ym8Nvhtv9Z2PomW3iLezO8zlhVaPAdKnD5q-U/s400/DSC04635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A quick drive over to the veg plot, some weeding and scratching - as expected this is a little neglected - but as we have had sufficient rain (and more on the way) things are growing - including the weeds!<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tomatoes </li>
<ul><li>Celebrity - 23" tall, no fruit and some blossoms</li>
<li>Roma - 16" tall, 2 fruit and some blossoms</li>
</ul><li>Peppers</li>
<ul><li>Between 6 and 10" tall, 2 fruit, some blossoms </li>
</ul></ul><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCcQevxWUsmD3pavu40TPl-XHRn12GfieT2XFMu6p48y8rDzx6lKoajANs3NFZ0llHDzyz52oQ42agFhXZShQw4pxr4V5dYArWCVExWHxcV709lf-h77ldEqhO3dCwIfmCNexQx7qYwo/s1600/DSC04638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCcQevxWUsmD3pavu40TPl-XHRn12GfieT2XFMu6p48y8rDzx6lKoajANs3NFZ0llHDzyz52oQ42agFhXZShQw4pxr4V5dYArWCVExWHxcV709lf-h77ldEqhO3dCwIfmCNexQx7qYwo/s400/DSC04638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqFJly2KQ7Th9PNzPCYBPaBOuw5filgk-xrEEp_paGDD3tFNOaznPTRLaJ9OYyp4dquAYavUQ2xwGziRUDiE49juvfwMRVea-U0wfGeEv0q3Za8Dcpilavj2A84XE3QREAUf07ITVyoA/s1600/DSC04639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqFJly2KQ7Th9PNzPCYBPaBOuw5filgk-xrEEp_paGDD3tFNOaznPTRLaJ9OYyp4dquAYavUQ2xwGziRUDiE49juvfwMRVea-U0wfGeEv0q3Za8Dcpilavj2A84XE3QREAUf07ITVyoA/s400/DSC04639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And a shot of the whole garden...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5Zfnca3B6hexuZl-SiWWu-aVVYz_YoFffGB3RgQkp0gceE0K6UzIBrF92f7QiOjKrXNqppPPifJdMVLkxIi0NIrXQksrA_q2gvj7C07QOEZbwqcEHY3a_28qvHbQRsob-1FWwydVYqs/s1600/DSC04641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5Zfnca3B6hexuZl-SiWWu-aVVYz_YoFffGB3RgQkp0gceE0K6UzIBrF92f7QiOjKrXNqppPPifJdMVLkxIi0NIrXQksrA_q2gvj7C07QOEZbwqcEHY3a_28qvHbQRsob-1FWwydVYqs/s400/DSC04641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Observations:<br />
Growth:<br />
Not much difference in growth between Growbox and SFG in terms of plant size, and the tomatoes at the veggie plot are not far behind, but the peppers are relatively stunted.<br />
<br />
Fruit production:<br />
The difference so far between the Growbox and SFG is, in my mind, negligible, and the in-ground veggie plot lags behind. <br />
<br />
Some of the difference might be explained by differences in light exposure between here and the veggie plot. Time will tell if any ground is made up, if the SFG can support larger plants later in the season, and if there is difference in long term fruit production. Stay Tuned!<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-61344982217944743712011-06-15T07:14:00.000-07:002011-06-15T07:14:01.001-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHKbEv3tQDVNxcc0ZZxz6fTtB_ms_my8n7u4N1FGmLjohe9BTfZse2p-f18bAyvOmZcWygVhTGZhy8BT6qt-9ifonNTycCk07pYeoQMNBUBWtJ2BbkFsXKkOZXYrHdTB98ptHuIXyXYc/s1600/DSC04535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHKbEv3tQDVNxcc0ZZxz6fTtB_ms_my8n7u4N1FGmLjohe9BTfZse2p-f18bAyvOmZcWygVhTGZhy8BT6qt-9ifonNTycCk07pYeoQMNBUBWtJ2BbkFsXKkOZXYrHdTB98ptHuIXyXYc/s400/DSC04535.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gtrp4dCgNb4ILV2J27cVfbZC2RZIQEEOc-AwKm19dTnvPWcpH1ElMpOC2uzIN2Zn3K5PDRsmxt2I-HLEorLTcCyV6Pu25n2ji8XRMyUr_dzph0OuNQutMvKCZvv0H3cprAJnkfAda30/s1600/DSC04540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gtrp4dCgNb4ILV2J27cVfbZC2RZIQEEOc-AwKm19dTnvPWcpH1ElMpOC2uzIN2Zn3K5PDRsmxt2I-HLEorLTcCyV6Pu25n2ji8XRMyUr_dzph0OuNQutMvKCZvv0H3cprAJnkfAda30/s400/DSC04540.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTqQQQR_8BLToI_9nw9GQkJhvA3BiTxkHu_pHtbPLPsMExXClTvuyuJZUyDZZWDrcYrrb7gdIvLVPHywrtI7OFXtq7n2Fzl8WOKMTBmrav0NjnRp2AkbcDaKvmZz6rvFkaEiO47EmADs/s1600/DSC04542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTqQQQR_8BLToI_9nw9GQkJhvA3BiTxkHu_pHtbPLPsMExXClTvuyuJZUyDZZWDrcYrrb7gdIvLVPHywrtI7OFXtq7n2Fzl8WOKMTBmrav0NjnRp2AkbcDaKvmZz6rvFkaEiO47EmADs/s400/DSC04542.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSAt67EAaI8aUgHq_a-s2OzypZHOVjmCVO_lLN28yv7fJY8MroX3EDY6fEJrGD0akCt6McinMBzjBEqnweZIzeEZ1NxwoNPQfBMykTVRVZqO6Pl7Z22g_Q35hWdErcRiH_dDXymBI5Is/s1600/DSC04545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSAt67EAaI8aUgHq_a-s2OzypZHOVjmCVO_lLN28yv7fJY8MroX3EDY6fEJrGD0akCt6McinMBzjBEqnweZIzeEZ1NxwoNPQfBMykTVRVZqO6Pl7Z22g_Q35hWdErcRiH_dDXymBI5Is/s400/DSC04545.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4jvNtgh4loqbczyQ0ySFvQpjsWlOmT7OArDnRBNMdYj40trVeWhMzBv0BWsYakgUO12HPinIMsqQqLtN4b-Ed1kxMPbQj5SkBJdl30ZH_rCFsQEMpcNxodZ63GJVQB1loOVx08j8adE/s1600/DSC04547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4jvNtgh4loqbczyQ0ySFvQpjsWlOmT7OArDnRBNMdYj40trVeWhMzBv0BWsYakgUO12HPinIMsqQqLtN4b-Ed1kxMPbQj5SkBJdl30ZH_rCFsQEMpcNxodZ63GJVQB1loOVx08j8adE/s400/DSC04547.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-20850115923156548202011-06-12T11:23:00.000-07:002011-06-12T12:26:09.351-07:00Of flowers and vegetables.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Honestly, I sometimes first go out with the camera to postpone the mowing and weeding. Today was such an occasion. You've seen the <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/2011/06/roses-in-bloom-on-gray-day.html">roses</a>, but what is happening elsewhere? Click on pictures for a larger view.<br />
<br />
Along the west garden path, the lupine volunteer is in bloom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAl1Hu1S7kxz0E9vIsQpP70bKMYBWjYGFRa89p2UMI2VLXPJnFnjwZ8dXea9wGFBwkorSOkeTL1OwxySmT2HrUdqg7Bjvkk_XHxKEGriG84yBhGiN63_2C8RH95GyoQXCEDDhI_PIsCo/s1600/DSC04516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAl1Hu1S7kxz0E9vIsQpP70bKMYBWjYGFRa89p2UMI2VLXPJnFnjwZ8dXea9wGFBwkorSOkeTL1OwxySmT2HrUdqg7Bjvkk_XHxKEGriG84yBhGiN63_2C8RH95GyoQXCEDDhI_PIsCo/s400/DSC04516.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And the drifts of beardtongue are blooming.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYHxrVDHQ6pDhNgmttQIUxwrevrKz2Jz3HgiuxQ-qucmcWL1zCBZNUbyW_IMCsXxDyaxqFjyeSwmgdKLwHJCN52PNTPAoSN2Ig8-UDUQneJTffk-eOjbAfeNbFwtNq-iJWySHGWfCknI/s1600/DSC04520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYHxrVDHQ6pDhNgmttQIUxwrevrKz2Jz3HgiuxQ-qucmcWL1zCBZNUbyW_IMCsXxDyaxqFjyeSwmgdKLwHJCN52PNTPAoSN2Ig8-UDUQneJTffk-eOjbAfeNbFwtNq-iJWySHGWfCknI/s320/DSC04520.JPG" t8="true" width="299" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The foxglove re-seeded. I love the exotic look of them. The new ones are not as muscular as the original plant but they are lovely. Keep in mind they are toxic if you have pets or small children who are still jamming everything into their mouths. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1s8cqFHaXy3PewrIcpwEXfs6QLFvoptw4xiRDm1S00fBuA4ffLDoPVVUgpTHsh3_3v_v4Hf5H_YRFt9xua4GwXiXvOZkStZ1_P_SQptK53uUxYAkBPQGZ1SRJurcvMxFoJNEOsueEfL8/s1600/DSC04517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1s8cqFHaXy3PewrIcpwEXfs6QLFvoptw4xiRDm1S00fBuA4ffLDoPVVUgpTHsh3_3v_v4Hf5H_YRFt9xua4GwXiXvOZkStZ1_P_SQptK53uUxYAkBPQGZ1SRJurcvMxFoJNEOsueEfL8/s400/DSC04517.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtiYjkgmgItWlcgUeL-qtK_C1L3Cl8x871JL3hQ1UArAG0KnoGmrcZg4DEtq3_fg3W67XNFXpL3XqVkpBTO7MJ6KNKJk-A841z8ZjCs81sMBPgLjCDcgb5UPL2bro7XQqg0mJPpCXJiU/s1600/DSC04523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtiYjkgmgItWlcgUeL-qtK_C1L3Cl8x871JL3hQ1UArAG0KnoGmrcZg4DEtq3_fg3W67XNFXpL3XqVkpBTO7MJ6KNKJk-A841z8ZjCs81sMBPgLjCDcgb5UPL2bro7XQqg0mJPpCXJiU/s400/DSC04523.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The lilies are massive! Some are taller than I am and they are loaded with buds. It looks like it will be a spectacular display this year, and I know I'll have to tie them up. The second picture is for comparison. That stalk is thick!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJc4cQDTwptM2Mj9L7P8M69oXt6iZMZ6sSntcD7vC9Y_uCmkOLhm7hzMOQRAb6t4XmBl9vbVVIozD5Kb_NXDjgdPVoc3CejN-ViaGHvCKPmc_4yoqF8SXwJ_sat9t2_UX4VD4Kq3tn8M/s1600/DSC04521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJc4cQDTwptM2Mj9L7P8M69oXt6iZMZ6sSntcD7vC9Y_uCmkOLhm7hzMOQRAb6t4XmBl9vbVVIozD5Kb_NXDjgdPVoc3CejN-ViaGHvCKPmc_4yoqF8SXwJ_sat9t2_UX4VD4Kq3tn8M/s400/DSC04521.JPG" t8="true" width="222" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56XfGGs0V6-lkgOZAHEUAGMGXQxQ-QujfDLmhUl5WnMIVF-7IG4q1NNXFxZ_gXl2XczCLupPMcAQSRJ8GzFTAeGiI7PBItfbHSMoDYonySVS01MrBr5x7nbX06-4hZRbvJGd8Pf6Ertg/s1600/DSC04522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56XfGGs0V6-lkgOZAHEUAGMGXQxQ-QujfDLmhUl5WnMIVF-7IG4q1NNXFxZ_gXl2XczCLupPMcAQSRJ8GzFTAeGiI7PBItfbHSMoDYonySVS01MrBr5x7nbX06-4hZRbvJGd8Pf6Ertg/s400/DSC04522.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Let's pop over to the Squarefoot garden and see what is happening.<br />
<br />
The squashes are starting to fruit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL3taY0Tn4nNRfKYxHJk98nr1zivY87gaYUgsEG7AhklwnEFvm3Qj1mgVK8u2epA4z_mT0bmcU0nDCFn1y9-hs9CmU1fMimjrhyLwsrevAH0PP-aay2U06YBnH3eW05l0j8GhGbtd5eQ/s1600/DSC04524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL3taY0Tn4nNRfKYxHJk98nr1zivY87gaYUgsEG7AhklwnEFvm3Qj1mgVK8u2epA4z_mT0bmcU0nDCFn1y9-hs9CmU1fMimjrhyLwsrevAH0PP-aay2U06YBnH3eW05l0j8GhGbtd5eQ/s400/DSC04524.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've pulled two more fat radishes and the French breakfast radishes are about ready for harvest. I need to bake some bread to go with them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BpkTRI2Q3gdmddNh1IimO7jGX_LWqeUtuSkaOpGrmcAWUecVLAgfpPRhCtwvNaEXNFRwn8ncRY73jsAtassgXbEuN6dr2LngF5rxSS_y-BDDTX8olXFHoVzWdvJzyGDwVQAXZOqjkqI/s1600/DSC04525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BpkTRI2Q3gdmddNh1IimO7jGX_LWqeUtuSkaOpGrmcAWUecVLAgfpPRhCtwvNaEXNFRwn8ncRY73jsAtassgXbEuN6dr2LngF5rxSS_y-BDDTX8olXFHoVzWdvJzyGDwVQAXZOqjkqI/s400/DSC04525.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBSPM2D9sYpDbnQVCI8UJMPXBgizFOqpGyCDqPGbnPfuC3AdvgEYfYDRxx0GfrVIaFsE-E0OKUBIs14FAyeazlvzjpRD806RlOHCeBkQN_cZrm3wQiDOA49fy2yOs4J3RCiCcG7G3JcE/s1600/DSC04534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBSPM2D9sYpDbnQVCI8UJMPXBgizFOqpGyCDqPGbnPfuC3AdvgEYfYDRxx0GfrVIaFsE-E0OKUBIs14FAyeazlvzjpRD806RlOHCeBkQN_cZrm3wQiDOA49fy2yOs4J3RCiCcG7G3JcE/s400/DSC04534.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am excited about the prospects of Brussels sprouts this fall. So far the plants look vigorous. Here is one in a cage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aEN_Zk963qfXuBLFU6pfmMqkS3cP8uqoY9HWWS5_JVChH4FloVbeAa2Zml93MYIcwN7QKVrV1RsDAD5BcKrXYpgsQiqzldFEGWuFCkcZ7PKQcqPIuco3VRU9wZ7W1EWPTlLb4BJcxO0/s1600/DSC04526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aEN_Zk963qfXuBLFU6pfmMqkS3cP8uqoY9HWWS5_JVChH4FloVbeAa2Zml93MYIcwN7QKVrV1RsDAD5BcKrXYpgsQiqzldFEGWuFCkcZ7PKQcqPIuco3VRU9wZ7W1EWPTlLb4BJcxO0/s400/DSC04526.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The turnips are very healthy, and and the roots are starting to thicken.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K16V1glAcLLymUQuONp8lqybrHxqOHCUxpGI43brBSnncKnGmtJ2H8ncJSYg4PVm0QY2dNnI18aChP3AL9QFkWVpPIYFEWGxTUgCyLDLh5OQvEips0l01pjpnfdCzSh7TgitxxE6uVk/s1600/DSC04532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K16V1glAcLLymUQuONp8lqybrHxqOHCUxpGI43brBSnncKnGmtJ2H8ncJSYg4PVm0QY2dNnI18aChP3AL9QFkWVpPIYFEWGxTUgCyLDLh5OQvEips0l01pjpnfdCzSh7TgitxxE6uVk/s400/DSC04532.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8LfKM3BZPiA0WwKAL_R8yMm2aixRp-OgAqskuOYqlKX7Iq8mCayeH8VJvUX0MymU91EQaaHJr1N3PLwne8dxMdAWLq06PYuQQPT8KVtsUAQqvtfV6IVhOp-i3owA4RHJfzAmZmVFAhI/s1600/DSC04533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8LfKM3BZPiA0WwKAL_R8yMm2aixRp-OgAqskuOYqlKX7Iq8mCayeH8VJvUX0MymU91EQaaHJr1N3PLwne8dxMdAWLq06PYuQQPT8KVtsUAQqvtfV6IVhOp-i3owA4RHJfzAmZmVFAhI/s400/DSC04533.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Peppers are full of buds. I have about 15 pepper planst so hopefully we'll be pickling some to put up for the winter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUGXfjhw8JUHaDu0UKoA4SrtSAg1SU_aja_bBLaAy1vAcBWYJJcCyeJ-0ZvA2Pdq7fwUoQTnSunQ4AZJJHxhgh-JayHvJM1R0hddiGzAueKPyGgJfg2AhB83KAvWxYjW4hV_JGKZPuRE/s1600/DSC04529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUGXfjhw8JUHaDu0UKoA4SrtSAg1SU_aja_bBLaAy1vAcBWYJJcCyeJ-0ZvA2Pdq7fwUoQTnSunQ4AZJJHxhgh-JayHvJM1R0hddiGzAueKPyGgJfg2AhB83KAvWxYjW4hV_JGKZPuRE/s400/DSC04529.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The eggplant is blooming. They are such pretty plants, the fruit is an extra!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMpeZOjMwaiFL4o-LmGXWnAoiU2UQhHvDmXWpxlD4yJiosa_5w5LDskvQmH7nAA-DkTLrF8PWIjmKlJDI4ttD1_NULJcVJRnFl_dkK8L1ChYxHkLXNPkatfvF6x_ivRuwLmrjWW234Ts/s1600/DSC04528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMpeZOjMwaiFL4o-LmGXWnAoiU2UQhHvDmXWpxlD4yJiosa_5w5LDskvQmH7nAA-DkTLrF8PWIjmKlJDI4ttD1_NULJcVJRnFl_dkK8L1ChYxHkLXNPkatfvF6x_ivRuwLmrjWW234Ts/s400/DSC04528.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And finally, the Thai basil is blooming, so it is time to pinch it back. But before I do, here it is.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XVMrC-GVUXhecCojvXYFpVlkvMmdEWSdPD6qxSlWkHR-tBnbhvONscWSzmED7QbsBUPfS2vj6csGT5TBgQ8riw0hgB_je8MSRZdrn14lpeIZpCrViSN2-8MEfQe9KdAKFv9KW5hpiwI/s1600/DSC04531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XVMrC-GVUXhecCojvXYFpVlkvMmdEWSdPD6qxSlWkHR-tBnbhvONscWSzmED7QbsBUPfS2vj6csGT5TBgQ8riw0hgB_je8MSRZdrn14lpeIZpCrViSN2-8MEfQe9KdAKFv9KW5hpiwI/s400/DSC04531.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now I can't put off the chores any longer. I have to get busy.<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033294490607599727.post-72650805898637360712011-06-11T08:06:00.000-07:002011-06-11T08:06:22.382-07:00Roses in bloom on a gray day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's a dreary morning, but not an unwelcome occasion following the blistering heat we had early in the week. The roses are nearly at their peak, the pinks are there but the older John Davis (or is it Redcoat?) is nearly at peak. For whatever reason, this year the canes seem unable to sustain themselves after a magnificent display <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/2010/04/2009-new-side-garden-and-color-riot.html">last few years</a>. They are flopping over, I think a hard pruning back come winter is in order, unless someone else has a suggestion.<br />
<br />
Here we are this morning. Enjoy. (As always, click on any image to enlarge!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Y7bCgtFNv0256_0Jz6K2WUx9FNYnA9gPfT66A7R3QonyPz503IczEgk9-wpVBXofEVBQv02wjl1Ia70TmwZCzzUg6Gcj3mTEGjtpRpqTNLZKwHZY7gHNZoYcJ9CXzXMvT_FXi6zMpqU/s1600/DSC04509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Y7bCgtFNv0256_0Jz6K2WUx9FNYnA9gPfT66A7R3QonyPz503IczEgk9-wpVBXofEVBQv02wjl1Ia70TmwZCzzUg6Gcj3mTEGjtpRpqTNLZKwHZY7gHNZoYcJ9CXzXMvT_FXi6zMpqU/s400/DSC04509.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZfHIhyHYs0wQFCW5MfhzlcxIDP_jSzbaEXuGblPOqJYDmsROPDXKg1x1T6lYtTdZvkRkWugOZDCUtXV8EGbCF5YmOQawJABcwTit7xqoVbkp9pr5Dgd9o3PU70VC1ov_WxN_ej0WolU/s1600/DSC04510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZfHIhyHYs0wQFCW5MfhzlcxIDP_jSzbaEXuGblPOqJYDmsROPDXKg1x1T6lYtTdZvkRkWugOZDCUtXV8EGbCF5YmOQawJABcwTit7xqoVbkp9pr5Dgd9o3PU70VC1ov_WxN_ej0WolU/s400/DSC04510.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHpXN-hO9f34KB4P-lymalpdvW_4cfKsqcrKAm-fHhnKZENXJf4ZpFAfH5_97QafWNMzHtU8EHYKaJXBdxCwSWoheZZaFJLPl526d_yufp0uWDk7s1pNTaahGoreGkX5yY_2RIoGtpks/s1600/DSC04511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHpXN-hO9f34KB4P-lymalpdvW_4cfKsqcrKAm-fHhnKZENXJf4ZpFAfH5_97QafWNMzHtU8EHYKaJXBdxCwSWoheZZaFJLPl526d_yufp0uWDk7s1pNTaahGoreGkX5yY_2RIoGtpks/s400/DSC04511.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76b4yJF357-HV5-PqHY2tNfXcVdYU_jiyED6NlATldv1Bmmtal8tdJusDS0HkCsFNu5CF3nY0793_bTlp9mIQjy8-ZUHrCJoWHSdbpHmbURHk_6MrdvHcBAnO7v1ti6m5k-ZHIiQsg8s/s1600/DSC04512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76b4yJF357-HV5-PqHY2tNfXcVdYU_jiyED6NlATldv1Bmmtal8tdJusDS0HkCsFNu5CF3nY0793_bTlp9mIQjy8-ZUHrCJoWHSdbpHmbURHk_6MrdvHcBAnO7v1ti6m5k-ZHIiQsg8s/s400/DSC04512.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzZ1-fAf_5y1O4WBKnFKHTDmLVK3rmImf-AyPmQFlrt3bygyw6G2zcWi9P2_ekGvFTIgOEv1hyYqWu70SoX4cjpyB_VEs-qv6vI7x8ZBfbJ2ihF7IYAB471_CnwDTtGww9QRh-VDFVTc/s1600/DSC04514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzZ1-fAf_5y1O4WBKnFKHTDmLVK3rmImf-AyPmQFlrt3bygyw6G2zcWi9P2_ekGvFTIgOEv1hyYqWu70SoX4cjpyB_VEs-qv6vI7x8ZBfbJ2ihF7IYAB471_CnwDTtGww9QRh-VDFVTc/s400/DSC04514.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Until next time, Keep Digging & Eat Well! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">The Gastronomic Gardener.</span><br />
Garden blog <a href="http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/">http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
Cooking blog <a href="http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/">http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt">www.twitter.com/DavidPOffutt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener">http://www.facebook.com/TheGastronomicGardener</a></div>David P. Offutt - The Gastronomic Gardenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941257262332056194noreply@blogger.com2