Keyhole Garden Idea

I found this idea on the internet (stumbleupon) and thought it was a terrific idea for a drier type climate. I think I will try this with perennials such as asparagus and strawberries next year.

I love planting garlic! It is very soothing to know that you are already beginning next years garden. I have been successfully timing my fall plantings of garlic for many years now. This summer I pulled it from the ground too early before it had fully cured. It was the best crop I had ever grown with nice big bulbs. Alas, they all rotted because they were still too moist...what a waste. I'll get it right next year.

Beneficial Goldfinches

We recently ran out of the thistle seed for the goldfinches but I recently observed them in my garden. They are perching on the beet leaves and eating what I believe to be the damaged leaf sections from the feeding of the whitefly larvae! I have also noticed much less damage this growing season from the whiteflies on the beet, swiss chard and spinach leaves. What I learn in the garden each year is just awesome!

Radishes for Breakfast

My French Breakfast radishes are aptly named since I just finished eating some this morning along with some volunteer German White radishes. The German Whites I had let go to seed last year in the garden so I could save the seeds. They are an heirloom from Seed Savers Exchange which is an important organization of which I am a long term member. More on that later but for now this blog that I have been planning is finally off to a start. As you can see from the photo the German Whites have slight root maggot damage whereas the French Breakfast do not. I applied diatomaceous earth to the soil as I planted the seeds this spring. However, the reason I grow French Breakfast radishes in the first place is their natural resistance to such pests compared to other common varieties of radishes. Hmmmm, there is a chance here for a side-by-side experiment in the future...