The End of The Summer Garden

Our garden has produced a tremendous amount of vegetables this year.  We have enjoyed eating fresh from the garden as well as filling our pantry with canned goods.  This has required a lot of time, but it is coming to a close for now.  I can't say that I am sad to see the hard work go, but I am sad to see the fresh food go by the wayside!

At the beginning of the garden year, we decided to plant  a traditional row garden.  This was in order to save time and money.  After working in the traditional garden this year, I think we have changed our minds about raised bed gardening.  I don't think we will spend the money or time to do a raised bed garden in the future.  This year's garden has been by far the best garden that we have ever grown.  It hasn't taken much time.  In order to weed it, Michael has ran the tiller down the rows.  It is quick and to the point. 

We have experienced a drought this year.  If it had not been for our drip tape, we would have lost most of our garden.  I am thankful that we still used our watering system even though it was a bit more of a challenge in the traditional row garden.

As with any garden experience, we have made our share of mistakes this year.  For example, we only planted about half of the amount of green beans that we needed to can.  We will fix that problem next year.  Our second corn planting didn't come up, so we should have replanted more corn.  We just didn't pay attention, or realize it until it was too late.  We also let the weeds take over the herb garden.  My herbs are still producing, but I did lose my Thyme in the process.  I can't tell the Thyme from the weeds!  I will do better next year.

The next chore on our list is to clean up after the summer garden.  We have to roll up the drip tape, and till the old plants under.  It is also time to get my fall garden planted.  I have been trying to hold off on planting my plants due to the heat.

grace and peace,
julie

Friday Night Football

It's that time once again here in Rhea County! 

Josh is a senior this year.  He is wearing number 54.  Although we got beat, he played a great game. 

His brother drove 3 1/2 hours just to watch him play.  I sure am glad he performed well.

grace and peace,
julie

How Does Your Garden Grow?

 

 Once again I didn't mean to take such a long break from the blogging world.  Life has swept me off my feet lately, and there just hasn't been much time left for me to write.  I have started teaching at our local high school.  This has been a huge change for our family.  I love the job, but when I get home there isn't much time left for the computer.  Our garden has produced an enormous amount of food this year.  I think it is safe to say that this has been the best garden that we have ever grown.  I wish we would have planted more green beans and corn, but we will make those adjustments next year.  We are running out of canning jars this year, and I have to admit that there is something very fulfilling about seeing our once empty jars filled with food.

We even had success growing watermelon this year!  I think it had something to do with the soil and the heat.  Missy hasn't enjoyed being outside much this summer because it has been so hot.  She follows me everywhere I go so she is often in the garden in the early morning before the heat comes.

My summer has been filled with flowers.  Our zinnias are getting tired just like the rest of our garden.  Shortly, we will be tilling the plants under in order to make room for our fall garden.  I have already planted my seeds in our shop greenhouse.  Under the grow lights, I have lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage plants. In a few short weeks, we will be planting these all out in our fall garden.   I am ready for a break in the heat!  If I am honest, I am also ready for a break from canning.  It will soon be time to pack away my canner, but for now I am still busy canning tomatoes and jalapeno peppers. 

grace and peace,
julie