How Our Garden Grows – July 2014

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It’s the end of July, which is the typical time our garden really takes off. This year is no different. The plants that started well in May are doing great & many are now being harvested.

THE MAIN GARDEN

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Left: Farmer John giving the kids a plumbing lesson in the garden. Right: Newly hatched birds in the mint plant.
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Top Left: Potatoes. Top Middle: The grapes are growing! Bottom left: Sweet Bell Pepper. Bottom Right: Onions continuing to grow
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The many leafy greens in the garden.
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Top Left: Gourds & marigolds at the end of my herb row. Top Right: Sweet Basil.
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Top Left: Peppers, squash & grapes

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OUTSIDE THE GARDEN FENCE

Corn, tomatoes, gourds & pumpkins are growing outside the fence, unprotected from the deer. All seems well so far.

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Left: Well, the corn isn’t as tall as maybe it should be, but it’s growing. Top Right: Waiting on the tomatoes to turn red. Bottom Right: The Sunlight Pumpkins are a fabulous bright chartreuse color.

 

FRUIT TREES

Most of our fruit trees were planted about 5 years ago. They are finally producing a decent amount of fruit. So exciting!

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Apples & Plums

 

HARVESTING & PRESERVING

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Earlier this month I snapped a pic of the bounty harvested that day: 2 types of kale, mint, cilantro, a few peas and a handful of raspberries
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Yesterday I picked zucchini, summer squash, lettuce, kale, basil, coriander, & sage. Some is for us & some is for the chickens.

 

It’s a lot of work, but it is so rewarding growing our own produce.