So while the 2010 season started off great and better than most in many respects, I’m finding there are battles unique to the hot dry summer we find ourselves in (in New England). Some things, like Rudbeckia (or Black-Eyed Susan) are just blooming, which is a bit on the early side (it’s mid July, and usually my Rudbeckia don’t bloom until August!). The Shasta Daisies in my pool garden failed to bloom at all (lots of buds, which failed to open and don’t look so hot); not sure what happened there as I can see no pest or fungus. I’m guessing that the 100 degree heat a few weeks back (plus the continued heat wave), is a big factor. Watering is indeed an issue since most cities and towns are in drought. Even with these problems, my flower gardens are doing well and looking pretty good (pests and fungus not-withstanding!). In general, my pool garden isn’t as lovely at this point as years preceding; I’m guessing that the heat combined with a drought is part of the issue. The Stargazer lilies are starting to bloom, but they aren’t as strong as in years past. There was some presence of the lily leaf beetle, but I controlled it with weekly neem as I did last year (in fact, there was less of an infestation this year). Still they aren’t as large or strong. Hopefully next year will be better!
In the vegetable garden, things are growing wonderfully. The tomatoes look great and I had over 3lbs of snow/snap peas harvested. The green beans (bush) are flowering and I’m just starting to harvest some of these. And the lettuce? Well lets just say that between the use of the shade cloth, & my persistent reseeding, I haven’t purchased any in weeks! Fresh lettuce from the garden is the best! So what’s going on and what are the daily/weekly chores? Well here’s what’s happening in my gardens and what I’m doing:
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