May 25 - 31 is Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness for VA

Date: May 23, 2013 5:23pm
Weather: 76 degrees and Off/On Rain Showers

Fellow Virginians, quick reminder that May 25 - 31, 2013 is Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness. This is the perfect time to stock up on emergency items in the event of a hurricane or other weather anomaly. To get a list of sales tax-free items, go to http://www.tax.virginia.gov/Documents/2011%20List%20of%20Exempt%20Items%20%283%29.pdf   

More information can be found at: http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=HurricanePreparednessEquipmentHoliday

Make sure you have a plan for your patio gardens. You might want to purchase some tarps to protect your indoor flooring in the event you have to bring your smaller fruits, veggies, and portable greenhouses inside.

New Addition to the Patio Garden

Date: May 15, 2013
Weather: 75 degrees with Plentiful Sunshine and Wind

Yesterday I added a mini greenhouse to the back patio. It was a great find at Big Lots. Only paid $20 and it holds several of my young plants while offering protection against the harsh sun rays coming of the back of the house.

In my greenhouse I have red, yellow and green bell peppers, a mysterious bean plant that Skeeter brought home from school, and some Petunias. I plan on adding some seedlings by Friday. Lettuce and sweet peas sound like a good start.

I need to do a little research on the green and white seedless grapevines that we started last year.

It looks like the tomatoes have a good start. Well, it's off to Lowe's to see what other treasures I can find. I might take a peek at a local Mom and Pop store to see what unique goodies I can add to the Rome-an Patio Garden.

~ Bien Jardin!

 

A Tasty Surprise...

Date: 5/10/2013

Weather: 84 degrees and Mostly Sunny

Today while weeding my patio pots, I found a pleasant surprise! Several russet potatoes had grown in one of the patio pots. There were so many weeds growing that I didn't expect to see any of last year's veggies.

Containers are all cleaned out...let the gardening begin!

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Trip to Lowe's

Date: 5/5/21013
Weather: Windy and Mostly Cloudy - 57 degrees

Well, I made the trip to Lowe's...a little late in the season, but better late than never! :-) I didn't get everything on my shopping list. I was able to get red, green, and yellow bell pepper plants, Big Boy tomatoes, russet potatoes, assorted onion, and a strawberry plant.

In addition to the fruits and veggies, I picked up some Marigolds, Petunias, and Celosia to add some visual interest to the patio garden. Now to devise a way to keep the birds, squirrels, and other feathered/furry pests out of my plants.

Now to get started before the rain begins...I've gotta build my greenhouse.

~ Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Organic Potting Mix

Yellow Marigolds to go with the Purple Petunias

Lowe's Garden Shop

Searching for lettuce, strawberries, peppers, and potatoes

Here are some of my final selections...