All my irrigation is from harvested rainwater. I used to pump the water from the main storage tanks to an elevated tank near the growing area but since this tank was only a few feet off the ground and the water was moved by gravity, it trickled slowly from a hose. And so I gave up and installed water lines and bubblers and let the water do its own thing at its own pace. An unsatisfactory result, since I wouldn’t notice when individual bubblers clogged and, more importantly, I missed out on the pleasure of observing each day’s advance.
Last year I was able to purchase the adjoining property which sits on a hill. Now, with my gravity feed tanks on the top of the hill, the water rushes out the hose and hand watering the vegetables is quicker and enjoyable. And I look out for all the changes over the past 24 hours.
Last fall I planted acorns in a raised bed with the intention of transplanting the oak saplings in a year’s time (before their taproots grew too long). This morning some of the leaves were shredded and then I spotted the culprits.
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I located and collected the 5 caterpillars, then googled whether chicken ate caterpillars and the answer seemed to be “no”. So I did them in.
I have a bed of early season strawberries and noticed the berries are forming. Then I spotted one berry ripening quickly and another which will be ready for the eating this weekend. Unlike the supermarket offerings, my strawberries, if the last 3 years are anything to go by, will be deliciously sweet and plentiful.
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The radishes are ready for picking and the big treat each day, the asparagus, are turning up in greater numbers and have to be picked promptly before they get too tall.
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I am pleased to see the “three sisters” (corn, bean and squash) are emerging in places. I have never been successful with squash – always foiled by the squash borer which levels the plant at its peak – will it be different this year? Although considered an invasive the comfrey officinalis, which spreads by seed, is seductively attractive.
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