method to my madness

My First Earth Box

2008-09-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

There is no fertilize strip on this EB since the potting mix has organic fertilizer mixed in. This will most likely be frowned upon; however, this is my EB and I am testing the basil seed tape that I purchased. It is supposed to be a warm week, and germination should not be a problem.

Paul Robeson Update

2008-09-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

Paul Robeson's height continues to grow at the rate of 5" to 6" per week. It is visibly growing wide as well. The stems of PR are thicker than my more mature Sweet 100's. That's a poor comparison since they are not the same varieties. Anyhow, I cannot wait for next spring when I will run a real test. No more ordinary pots anymore. This will be Earth Box vs. Tomato Success Kit.

More Homemade Tomato Sauce

2008-09-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Tomato Collage

2008-09-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

Here's the before and after photos of the tomatoes. I like the crunch of the not so red tomatoes and eat them like apples. The ripe ones are really good for stews and sauces.

Tomatoes on the Vine

2008-09-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

They are so pretty, aren't they?

French Tarragon

2008-09-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

I found this French Tarragon at the local nursery. I probably need a bigger pot. Here's today's tomato harvest!

Paul Robeson Update

2008-09-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

Three (3) weeks in the Square Foot Success Kit, and on its 4th week. It grew almost 5" taller, but the more awesome thing is that it has grown fuller compared to last week's measurements. It is definitely flowering; however, I fear that last week's cold weather took a toll on the earlier flowers. We have warmer temperatures again, and here's hoping sunshine will do its magic.

Today's Tomatoes, Tomorrow's Salsa

2008-09-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Paul Robeson Update

2008-09-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

This was taken last Sunday, September 7 (2 weeks potted up), and it grew 6". My other tomatoes are not growing this much.

Today's Harvest

2008-09-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Mint

2008-09-02T03:26:00.000-07:00

Although this was NOT the reason I went to The Home Depot today, it was the first one to get into the basket. Well, I consider it a rescue operation since it's all alone on a tray. It's almost fall and I take it that not many gardeners are gung-ho about starting an herb garden late in the season. I will adopt this one. With the sweltering heat, the plant did not look happy at all! When I got home I gave it a drink of water and it has perked up already. I cannot wait to pot it up.

Gardener's Revolution Planter: Black Plum

2008-09-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

Manila Bean Update: Another Sprout!

2008-09-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

Paul Robeson Update

2008-09-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Well, Square Foot Success looks like a winner. This tomato is growing so fast, it will outgrow its container pretty soon. I am still contemplating on purchasing a Tomato Success Kit to grow one of my heirloom seedlings; however, I am worried it may be a little late for the season.

Manila Bean: Cigarillas

2008-08-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

Wow. I learned recently that cigarillas is also know as Manila Bean.

I'm ecstatic because I have a bean sprout. Yup, just one. Woo-hoo! Even the packet warned me about the germination rate of goa beans here in the US is pretty low. Tell me something I cannot grow and I will try it. Hopefully it will be warm enough on the deck.

Herbs For Marinara Sauce

2008-08-26T00:56:00.000-07:00

My container veggie garden is producing enough veggies and herbs to sustain me the last week or so. Yesterday, I went home for lunch to cook up some pasta and made marinara sauce with the remaining Early Girl tomatoes. For depth in flavor, I use chopped up anchovy fillets in lieu of salt and roasted garlic for my marinara sauce. Roasted garlic keeps in the refrigerator quite well. I always keep a stash.

If I cannot keep up with my zucchini squash, my basil plants on the other hand do not grow fast enough.

Square Foot Success Kit: Paul Robeson

2008-08-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

I am sure you know other people who garden way into the night. Paul Robeson (PB) potted up in a Square Foot Success Kit planter.

One of the kits is missing a part, making it impossible to pot up both Anaheim Peppers at the same time. They will get their turn sometime this week when the missing part arrives vis FedEx.

Too late to take photos now. Will post one tomorrow.

Anaheim Peppers

2008-08-23T22:17:00.001-07:00

For Ate's birthday, I am potting up two (2) Anaheim Pepper seedlings.

Anaheim peppers are moderately hot, although their heat depends on where they’re grown and how mature they are. Varieties of the pepper grown in New Mexico tend to be hotter than those grown in California, and the mature red ones tend to be hotter than the green. The Anaheim chile varies from light green to dark green to red and grows to between 6 and 10 inches (15–25cm) long and 1 to 2 inches (2.5–5cm) around.

Ratatouille

2008-08-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

Bowl of Plenty

2008-08-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

The Ryan Family, as the Little Man calls our resident squirrels have their eyes on the ripening tomatoes. I have to beat them again. The tomatoes are 3" across and crack-free (that means my watering has not been too irregular). The zucchinis are 8" long and look like good candidates for tempura or vegetable lasagna. I can use the banana pepper and tomatoes for sinigang, and the jalapeno peppers will kick-up pico de gallo.

A lady bug enlisted to take care of some aphids feasting on the eggplants. I may have to recruit more before the aphids make their spiritual journey to the other plants. I have waged war on aphids and blasted them with water yesterday.

Dinner Special

2008-08-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

Sustainable Gardening

2008-08-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Sustainable gardening means different things to different people, and for me, it means growing food I want to eat (this motivates me to continue growing) from the smallest space with the least amount of labor. I have not turned into a "natural granola" (as one friend might suggest) just yet. I do not think I will ever be one (not that there is anything wrong with that either). I am not preaching that we should all bike to work. Although I admire people who drive fuel-efficient cars and hybrids, I do not begrudge people who drive their fast fancy cars.

A week from today, there will be no need for me to drive to the local Safeway for a tomato or two.

Sage

2008-08-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

Cilantro

2008-08-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

My mystery seedlings have been identified by the first true leaves that emerged: we have salsa in the making Watson.

Selvatica Arugula

2008-08-12T00:31:00.001-07:00

Provencal Mesclun Mix

2008-08-12T00:27:00.002-07:00

Corn Salad

2008-08-12T00:27:00.001-07:00

Crookneck Squash

2008-08-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

Today's harvest! Looks like I have more than enough for a Squash Blossom Frittata. This plant is definitely fast growing and very prolific. I grow them for the blossoms.

Ichiban Japanese Eggplant

2008-08-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here are the four beauties fruiting now. The eggplants are so dark you cannot see them! I got the starts from Home Depot, and you bet next year will be a repeat. They are even prettier up close.

French Thyme

2008-08-03T17:03:00.001-07:00

Lemon Verbena

2008-08-03T17:02:00.004-07:00

Mojito Mint

2008-08-03T17:02:00.003-07:00

Julep Mint

2008-08-03T17:02:00.001-07:00

Bergamot Mint

2008-08-03T17:01:00.004-07:00

Early Girl

2008-08-03T17:01:00.003-07:00

Bonnie Original

2008-08-03T17:01:00.001-07:00

The Beginning

2008-08-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Fresh from Home Depot.

Yellow Submarine

2008-08-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

Similar in appearance to Yellow Pear but with a deep, rich flavor and excellent texture.

Paul Robeson

2008-08-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

One of the most highly regarded black tomatoes, this one features medium sized deep maroon fruits that are free of most blemishes and cracking. Their flavor is complex, sweet yet tangy, and characteristic of that distinctive richness that makes black tomatoes special. Russian heirloom. Indeterminate.

Japanese Black Trifele

2008-08-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

Attractive tomatoes are the shape and size of a Bartlett pear with a beautiful purplish-brick color; the fruit are perfect and smooth with no cracks. The flavor is absolutely sublime, having all the richness of fine chocolate. The plants produced loads of fruit all summer long. It has become a favorite with many seed savers and we are glad to be able to offer such a colorful variety. It is believed to have come from Russia, so don't ask me about the name!

Green Zebra

2008-08-02T19:13:00.001-07:00

A unique and delicious salad tomato. 3 oz. green fruits ripen to amber-green with darker green stripes. The light green flesh is very flavorful, sweet yet zingy. This one is a real taste treat. Indeterminate. 75 days.

Brandywine Red

2008-08-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

This is a version of Brandywine that offers red fruit with luscious old-time, red tomato flavor. Plants have potato-shaped leaves and are extremely productive, bearing long harvests of these 10 to 16 ounce fruit. Heirloom from the late 1800's. Indeterminate. 80 days

Black Plum

2008-08-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

Small elongated-oval fruits are deep mahogany and sweet and fruity. These are small, teardrop-shaped morsels of sweetness, wonderful for snacking off the vine or for adding to salads. 6-foot tall plants produce a steady, large crop. This is a unique and very tasty variety. Indeterminate. 82 days

Purple Basil

2008-08-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

Distinctive ruffled purple foliage. Good for herb vinegars, as garnish, or fresh/dried in soups and sauces. Some plants may have green leaves.

Lemon Basil

2008-08-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Lemony flavor and scent, a treat in cooking or garden! Lends wonderful flavor to salads, tomato dishes, cheese omelets and essential for pesto. When you grow your own, you'll have plenty for every recipe.

Cinnamon Basil

2008-08-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Compact attractive plant has tempting cinnamon scent and flavor. Use as garnish or seasoning for poultry, beef, stews and soups.

Bush Spicy Globe Basil

2008-08-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

This is a refined bush basil from Italy where it is known for its fine green leaf and is formed like a ball. So perfectly uniform they look pruned. Excellent as a container plant. Easy to grow.