Save Yourselves!!

I can't help but show you all how my garden is growing.  There have been setbacks.  There have been successes.  I have learned so much, and I am happiest when I am out working in my garden.  It has affected a fever of some sort, where I now look at every empty patch of land and think, "Community garden.  That spot gets full sun!!  And it is a wasted space!!  It would be perfect for a community garden!!"  Someone save me from garden insanity.  Or better yet... Save yourselves!!! 

The corn, marigolds, and eggplant are growing away, and my herbs are doing well too. 

My jalapeno is struggling a little bit.  The zucchini is supposed to fill out 9 square feet!!  So it takes up a lot of potential space that I am trying to patiently leave empty for now.

Here's a close-up of the corn.

The cucumber plants are growing strong, but I am still waiting for some sign of actual cucumbers to appear. 

My cauliflower was attacked by killer caterpillars.  I thought it was the hail we got, but realized none of my other plants were damaged.  So, I handpicked those little pests off. It's trying to make a comeback, but I'm not sure if I will get to taste any cauliflower.  =(

Overall, this bed is looking full right now, especially compared to the other one.  But, I was determined to grow zucchini!  So, again, don't be like me when you have your garden.  Don't lose your mind to garden insanity. 

On second thought, do it!!  Garden insanity, what a way to go.  =) 

He's Baaaaacck!!!

That's right, folks.  Fluffy has made a return appearance.  He must really love it here.  Anyway, he kindly allowed me to step outside and take a few pictures.  (I think it's because I keep feeding his prey.)  The robins were like annoying little siblings.  They kept flying close to him (I'm not touching you!!)  but he didn't even flinch.  He's big and bad and mean.  Except to me. 

Here birdie, birdie!  Here stupid, stupid squirrel.  Come get some goodies! 

I must say, he looks a little fatter than the last time I saw him. 

Oops, I think he heard me.  Sorry, Fluffy!! 

You may be asking yourself, "What does this have to do with gardening?"  And the answer is... ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.  I just think he's pretty.  =)

"Don't you think I'm pretty?"  For some reason, I imagine him talking like Dracula.  You can imagine whatever accent you would like.  Try it, it's fun! "Vell, don't you?!?"

Quick, say he's pretty, or he might come after you!!!  =)  Happy hunting, Fluffy.

Trellis Talk

While I was still recovering, my husband built me a trellis.  It rocks.  And the best part is ANYONE CAN COOK.  Oh, wait.  That's a movie quote.  Name that movie.  Anyone?  Anyone?  Bueller?  What I meant to say is, it is easy (and cheap) to make, so anyone can do it!

So, go to your local hardware store and get some PVC.  Then ask your husband to make it.  =)  See how easy that was?  Unfortunately, I don't have any step by step pictures.  However, if you are handy or know someone who is, I am sure they can copy this idea!

A simple "U" shape was made out of the PVC. Then he used some brackets to make legs on the side.  The PVC at the top has holes in it, so he just ran twine through them.  If you look closely on the right, you can see that it is weighted down with a paver.  It has held up to the strong Kansas wind so far!  Finally, he tied a string across the bottom. 

Again, all of this is made so that it can be easily broken down and stored for the winter, or taken with us if we move.  If you have questions, ask my husband!!  Or come on by and take a look.  Notice: No plants were harmed in the making of this trellis. 

In this Corn-ah

Surprisingly, this post has nothing to do with corn.  Absolutely, nothing.  So sue me.  =)  But really, don't.  I just had major surgery, you know?  =)  There has been a conclusive winner in the battle of the tomato plants, and I had to share my results.  For some reason, when I think of a battle, I hear that voice saying...

"In this cornah... ah.. ah...  All the way from the beginning of plant domestication...tion...tion... The heavyweight title holder: Growing tomatoes in your garden like a regular person!  

And in this cornah... ah... ah... the upstart unknown, weighing in at 1 pound... ound... ound.. The Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter." 

Probably, I just watched Rocky too many times.  Who doesn't love "The Eye of the Tiger?"  Really, if you don't, you have to tell me.  I digress, again.

If you have read my previous post,(and I am assuming that you guys wait on pins and needles for me to post about my ridiculous lack of gardening knowledge) you will know that I lost a seedling early on to the TT.  However, I had high hopes for my new, improved, stronger seedling. This is how it fared.

Even though I had a couple of weeks of confused growth from the tomato plant, in the end the Kansas wind or the design of the TT planter killed two seedlings.  Meanwhile, the plant in my garden...

Is already starting to bear fruit!  I should have some grape tomatoes very soon.  The TT planter has been thrown away.  (I'm glad I only paid $0.99 for it.)  Have any of you had any success with the TT planter?  Please share your success or failure in the comments!