Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Container Gardening

It is such fun seeing the seedlings come up from the Master Gardeners' class at Hope Station. Even with all the rain, they seem to do much better outside than any of the seedlings started inside. I will have to listen to the weather forecasts for frost warnings though.

Pumpkin Rouge Vif d'Etampes

Today, I planted more seeds including the pumpkin seeds Susy at Chiots Run sent to me. They are called "Pumpkin Rouge Vif d'Etampes". According to Burpee, this stunning scarlet pumpkin is what the artist who drew Cinderella's coach used as a model. Burpee introduced it to America in 1883, but it had long been popular in France. The pumpkins are slightly flattened, heavily ribbed and make wonderful autumn displays. I sure hope it grows! The "stick em" onions, spinach and lettuce have really taken off this week.

Today's Plantings

I planted the beet seeds from the hardware store Ann and I just happened upon in Newville. They sold their seeds in little packets with 13 cents or 7 cents and tiny pull tags to help you open the bags. I still feel like I robbed a bank with how many seeds I got for a few pennies. I have so many seeds left to share with the Hope Station ladies! I also did a second planting of spinach. I forgot to fill in the kale though! Tomorrow, if it isn't raining. According to my rain gauge, we have had 2 1/2 inches of rain this week. They are saying we have a flood watch tonight.

Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob...mmmmmmmm....

Compost Bin Lid Rain Holes

According to Duane, if you put holes in the low points of the DEP compost bin lid, it lets in enough rain to keep the organisms happy. Pretty clever. He suggested drilling the holes, but I used my trusty ole glue gun to melt the holes in the lid. Worked great. I have located it just past the first trellis in the perennial garden. It is a vegetarian compost bin.

Tomato Seedlings Planted!

I transplanted my tomato plants outside after my mother informed me they would be "fine". I am so protective of these wimpy seedlings and have probably given them too much TLC, but they are out in the real world now. I planted TomatoFest Heirloom Russian Lime, Jung Delicious, TomatoFest Heirloom Red Pear, TomatoFest Heirloom Sisters, TomatoFest Heirloom Granpa's Minnesota, Ohio Heirloom Mortgage Lifter, Ohio Heirloom Chocolate Cherry, and TomatoFest Heirloom Super Snow Whites. If they all get zapped with a frost, it is all your fault, Mom! :)