June is still maneuvering its way through mercurial weather, with increasing hints of true summer, now that we’ve crossed the official June Solstice date. A far cry from last year, when temperatures were hot, long before summer, we have continual cycles of cool and warm, a few thunderstorms. Although we’ve had weather more reminiscent of the ’80s – 90’s, strong gusty breezes seem to be present more than usual, so plants and soil dry out more quickly than anticipated.
It has been a bit rough getting our row of lettuce to proliferate until this last week; a weekend of extreme heat after 7 days of rain seemed to confuse it. Then our local young bambi-deer came through to chomp down on the new seedlings that had been acquired to supplement the laggards. Finally, they’ve sturdied themselves. Meanwhile the mesclun mix and radishes have finished their acts, stretching themselves up in their time-to-bolt looks. Since we got too busy to properly thin the radishes and greens early on, there was a bumper crop, with plenty to give away!
Changes are afoot for this bountiful garden and homesite, as life evolves, and it appears that I will be moving away to another residence, still local. The heart calls to co-habitate with my significant other! His place is a bit larger than mine, but it will be a tight squeeze. He has a very large back yard that has been minimally attended to until my presence in his life 😉 But, we won’t be attempting to rehabilitate or redesign it too much at this point; this may be a transition move, as we look for a different house that will be a bit larger. The blueberry devas have definitely been busy improving the bounty over the last couple of years of my working with them. Large, luscious berries this year!
Hence, this year our CG is smaller, maybe 55% of its usual size, with part of it tarped over for weed control. Once some squash and melons are established, they can meander over the top of it. Our usual participants are also either leading busier lives, or less inclined to participate for various reasons, so it is an appropriate time to scale down, and let part of the garden soil rest. This has been another concept I’ve known needed to be implemented at some point, and this is the perfect opportunity! Ideally, the planted portion this year could be left to rest next year, and the fallowed side this year can be planted.
A misty day progressing, although Solstice was pleasantly sunny. Still in spring/summer transition, the familiar tomato red jackets, and jug covers for emerging melons and squash are present and keeping the youngsters warm and protected.
Then, to find a renter for my place, who loves to garden!
High Vibe Bounty 