Realization of the Day:
Okay, so it's probably going to take me months, rather than weeks, to get through that ambitious list I recently shared of upcoming blog post topics. But you knew that already, didn't you?
There were at least half a dozen bees on this one plant, all in a pollinating frenzy.
In the meantime, while racing the darkness on the last fertile day in the second quarter, and using the same scatter and cover seeding technique I described in my recent post on growing Asian greens, last night I planted another 4' x 8' raised bed for fall. This seeding technique works great for growing lettuce. You can read more in my previous post, How To Grow Your Own Gourmet Lettuce From Seed—It's Easier than You Think!
All varieties below are open pollinated (not hybrid) and new to me, except for the Easter Egg and French Breakfast radishes, which are both easy to grow, tasty, and beautiful. You can see photos of them in this Radish Cream Cheese Spread with Parsley, Scallions, and Feta recipe post.
—Cimmaron Lettuce, bronze-red heirloom romaine, long producer (2009, PT)
—Cherry Belle Radishes, round red roots, mild (2009, PT)
—Easter Egg Radishes, tangy and multicolored (2008, PT)
—French Breakfast Radishes, red and white, mild and elongated (2008, PT)
—Purple Plum Radishes, oval, 2 inches long, mild (2009, PT)
—Watermelon Radishes, sweet and mild, looks like watermelon when sliced (2009, PT)
Lucky Buddy Bear (who is shedding like crazy now that summer is over) needs to be brushed yet again & this poor sedum needs to be cut back for, um, the first time ever.
It was 91 degrees and humid as all get out yesterday, but the calendar says it's finally fall, my favorite time of year. Does it feel like fall where you are yet?
© FarmgirlFare.com, the crystal ball-less foodie farm blog where nobody can predict exactly what will happen in the garden, but I'm betting there will be some serious radish cream cheese spread making sessions in my future. Thank goodness, because I love that stuff and haven't had any in months. (So much for my plan to start a row or two of radish seeds every couple of weeks.)
We had a fall tease last week with lows in the low 40s that made the very first leaves start to change. But we're getting one last (I hope) summer kick in the ass with a high of 85 degrees and humid tomorrow. Gross.
ReplyDeleteI didn't plant any fall radishes this year. Or lettuce, either. Frankly, I'm sort of looking forward to the end of the garden season this year so I can kill all the weeds and pretend that next year I won't let it get so out of control. Yeah, with a year-and-a-half-old child THAT'S realistic.
Still hot here. The high forecast for today is 94. Anything cool or cold isn't my favorite because I get cold so easily, but it's time, people. It just feels wrong picking out pumpkins in tank top weather.
ReplyDeleteI have a question about the bees. (I avoid them so seeing a picture of them is very nice.) What are the marks on their backs? Are they there naturally or are the bees from someones hive?
ReplyDeleteWe had a touch of autumn for several days followed by a return to summer with heat and humidity..and a/c.
ReplyDeleteBut, we are not reaching into the 90's so far. In New England it is getting dark before 7:00p.m. now so there is relief when the sun sets.
Going to pull out tomato plants from Earth boxes and grow some lettuce and arugula but it needs to be a tad cooler on the deck.
Our summer ended abruptly at the beginning of September unfortunately. We've had a few decent days, but now five more days of rain has come. Not conducive to cleaning out the garden or planting fall seeds.
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ReplyDeleteIt's 87 & sunny in NY. More of the same tomorrow, then it's supposed to "cool down" to the upper 70s.
ReplyDeleteI have more of a problem with deer in my sedum than I do with bees!
I've never planted lettuce before, so I think I might just try it this year. Wish me luck!
Susan, I really appreciate you telling about when you plant your veggies. My husband and I have recently left California for the country of Connecticut and I am having to relearn timing of planting my favorite vegetables. Last spring I thought I was getting a jump on planting and planted myriad cole crops in March indoors. When I planted them out in late spring, my neighbor ambled over and commented on how quaint it was that I was planting fall crops in spring... yikes! Your plant zone is similar to mine and I so much appreciate you sharing when to plant. Helps me keep up with your great recipes too if I've already planted the crop! Thanks so much for so much fun, Cary
ReplyDeleteWhen I grew some French Breakfast radishes I found that most of them were FAR pepperier than the cherry bell radishes that grew right along side them. I also had a large variety of hotness, depending on how long they were in the ground.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately it is still in the low 90's here and I don't think I will be able to have any cool weather plants for a few more weeks. I am worried that the lettuce and spinach seeds I started for late fall harvest may never get going before it freezes because it is too hot now. Aah, the joys of high desert.
Fall is fantastic! It's definitely my favorite time of year - the way the plants and the trees change color, the smell of cinnamon when walking into the nearest Publix. And the pie. Gotta love the pie :-)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with completing your list! I'll be checking back to read your latest posts -- their fun to read.
Alex
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