Hops in the House

I decided to grow hops and try homebrewing beer. So far I have made one batch but from a kit. The hops I grew last year are in the freezer and waiting to be used. I planted 4 plants, 2 of each of 2 varieties. One is named Northern Brewer and the other one the place I bought it from had no idea of the name. This is from last fall's harvest. Hops are fun to grow and harvest. The smell is terrific!

Sandia Chile

As a member of Seed Savers Exchange I preserve and offer various seeds able to be grown in my small garden space. Here is my one pepper; a New Mexico Chile type named Sandia. I believe it was developed at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM where my wife went to college. I only grew one pepper last year in order to prevent cross pollination. It is a relatively hot chile whereas Big Jim, Anahiem and Joe E. Parker are rather mild.

I gave my self a gift from my garden this morning....Swiss Chard! I had harvested it about 3 weeks ago from under my hoop covered bed and kept it in the fridge. This morning I pulled it out, sauteed it and made it into an omelette. Wonderful!

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...