I was strolling through the garden one day....

This morning is starting out wonderfully - 55 degrees and sunny on the back patio. The fruits and veggies are loving the warm temperatures and my allergies are loving the fact that the pollen is easing off. Hooray!

As I peered into the potato pot, I noticed the 7th russet potato sprout, the tomatoes are another inch taller, and the red & green seedless grapevines are coming to life.


I'm going to keep this post brief because I'm headed to the Farmer's Market to see what I can learn. I hope to find co-op farm land. Preferably, a 10x10 lot would be great to plant the 10 packs of seeds that are waiting patiently on my dining room table. :-)

I'll let ya know what I dig up... Adios mis amigos!

It smells like PrimROSES :-)

Date: 3/28/12 2:20pm
Weather: 72 Degrees and Sunny

Yesterday's Weather: Hi 54  Lo 41 (Sunny)

Today Duane and I took a stroll through McDonald Garden's satellite store on the corner of Monticello and Freemason in Norfolk. They had a nice variety of plants and veggies at reasonable prices. Our stroll took us through rows of spinach, parsley, sage, thyme, hyacinth, daffodils, and primrose...

As I glanced over the primrose, I noticed a sale sign. SALE - 50 cents/ Regular $3.99. It was an offer I couldn't refuse. Being a novice to flowers, I decided to purchase 2 plants. I rushed home with my flowering beauties.

Several bright yellow flowers peeked from the center of the plant. I knew right where I wanted to place them - on the table between the sweet yellow, red, and green bell peppers and cilantro. This will give the table a sprig of color until the veggies mature. As I admired the primroses' beauty and snapping photos, it dawned on me, "How do you care for a primrose?" After the photo session with the primrose and the resident backyard bee, I sat down to the computer to do a little research on primrose plants ~ I hit the mother-load of knowledge.

Primrose enjoy morning sunshine, but not the harsh sunshine of early- to mid-afternoon. At this time the sun reaches its apex and can burn the plant. One website recommended to water them from the bottom. (http://www.ehow.com/how_12070430_repot-primrose.html) Primrose only need to be fertilized once per month. (http://www.ehow.com/how_12070430_repot-primrose.html)

These flowers grow to be 6" to 12" in height and flower in the spring and at the end of summer. (http://www.ehow.com/how_5045333_grow-primroses.html) To ensure a second flowering session, the wilted flowers must be removed. "Cut off the entire stem encasement where the flower was. This aggressive pruning will help to encourage a second blooming session." (http://www.ehow.com/how_5045333_grow-primroses.html)

Re-pot the primrose into a wider container during the dormant session which occurs between Autumn and Early Spring. Visit http://www.ehow.com/how_12070430_repot-primrose.html for detailed instructions on how to re-pot your primrose.

Well, I'm gonna grab some dinner. More gardening adventures await me tomorrow!

Mr. Bee posing with D  :-)

Aaaaachooo! Aaaachooo! *sniffle* *shiver*

I woke up this morning to a severe allergy attack and a cold house. The mercury dipped to a teeth-chattering 42 degrees last night. On the bright side - the sun was out and I've got some planting to do.

Last night Duane and I took a trip to Lowe's to get some 'tasties' to add to the patio garden. I selected some herbs and veggies seedlings that you would find in Italian dishes:

• Cilantro
• Sweet Basil
• Greek Oregano
• Zucchini
• Crooked-neck Squash
• Yellow Bell Peppers
• Red Bell Peppers
• Green Bell Peppers
• Cucumbers

Duane opted to grow some red and white seedless grapes. We need to do some research to see if the grapes will thrive in our container garden. Any suggestions? Please send them our way.

When I started the garden on March 11th, I left one container empty. So, I decided to add sweet peas and green beans. Keeping my fingers crossed and a weary eye on the weather, I'm hoping to see sprouts within the next 2 weeks.

Here are some scenes from the patio garden:

I See More Sprouts!

Date: 3/26/2012
Weather: Hi  63 degrees   Lo --  and Sunny

Good Afternoon Everyone ~

I just took a trip to the patio to see how the veggies are doing. It was a pleasant surprise to see 3 more russet potato shoots - now there are 6. This week we are expecting 60 degree/sunny days and I bet the veggies will go crazy. :-) Here are the latest pics from the garden:

Patio Garden 3/25/12

Date: Sunday, March 25, 2011
Weather: Hi 63 Lo -- and Drizzle & Foggy Conditions
Today's Observations: (Measurements are approximations)

• Russet Potatoes: 3/4" 
• Big Boy Tomatoes: 6"
• Broccoli: 6"
• Cabbage: 4"
• Lettuce: 5"
• Strawberries: 2"
• Onions: 6" 

 

Patio Garden Year 2 Begins

Date: Sunday, March11, 2011
Weather: Hi 57 Lo 36 and Sunny
Today I planted the following seedlings in pots: Strawberries, Romaine Lettuce, Big Boy Tomatoes, Cabbage, Broccoli. I also planted Russet Potatoes from seed. The seedlings and potatoes were purchased from Lowe's.