GARDEN JUNE // livelovesimple.com

Our Gardens in June

DenaJune 17, 2015

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GARDEN JUNE // livelovesimple.com

It’s been nearly a month since my last garden post, so it’s time for an update and some progress shots.

We had a big spinach harvest two weeks ago and a big romaine harvest last week. Both were delicious. It’s quickly become obvious that if we ever intend to be “food” self-sufficient, even just for a couple of months out of the year, it’s going to take a lot of work and space. Although our gardens are decently sized, leafy greens (which we eat a lot of) take up space. We plan to experiment with staggered growing, (i.e. starting a crop of seeds, then another a week later, and one more a week later, on a continuing basis) to ensure an ongoing supply of fresh, leafy greens.

At present, things are starting to pop out in the gardens. The eggplants have blossoms. The sugar snap peas are covered in blossoms and the pea pods are coming in. We have baby squash, bell peppers, and cayenne all getting bigger each day. The tomato blossoms have given way to lots of tomatoes and we eagerly await them ripening. The onion, carrot, and beet greens continue to grow — signaling that something wonderful is happening beneath the soil.

The salvia has bloomed, making it the first of this year’s flower seedlings to blossom. It drew a beautiful hummingbird in yesterday. One of our hostas has bloomed and the others are displaying rich green leaves. The mountain laurel, which grow wild and bountiful here, are starting to pop, as well.

We have experienced some challenges along the way. Pests have been an issue for us in the past, and continue to pester this year. The caterpillar boom has led to some chewed up leaves. We’ve also had some pesky beetles, worms, and potentially aphids. We purchased some organic pesticide, but later decided against using it. One, we worry about harming beneficial insects (like bees and butterflies); and two, the bottle has some warnings which are red flags. We’ve been inspecting each plant and manually removing pests and/or spraying them off with the hose. Roman is a great help with searching for “the bad buggies.” I’ve also got a few all-natural, homemade pest deterrents to try out… when I get around to that.

We’ve had a few other issues pop up along the way — temperature issues, placement issues, etc. — and we’re taking lots of notes so that we can improve next year.

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

GARDEN JUNE // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

GARDEN JUNE // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

GARDEN JUNE // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

GARDEN JUNE // livelovesimple.com

GARDEN JUNE // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

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gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

GARDEN JUNE // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

gardens in june // livelovesimple.com

As you can see, things are coming along nicely. It won’t be long now until the harvest is plentiful. If all goes well I will have some fresh-from-the-garden recipes to share with you soon. xo

Comments (1)

  • Amber

    June 18, 2015 at 11:16 am

    LOVE how it’s coming along <2

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