Then, I peaked out the window this afternoon and saw the cucumbers suddenly shriveled up. I watered them this morning and they were fine. So here we go, again.
Yes, gardening is more of a learning experience with our harvests costing more than it's sometimes worth. But then a tomato off the vine is a million times better than those cardboard things in the grocery. Besides, with the way things are these days, this knowledge might come in more handy than we thought just 5 years ago.
Your garlic - the seeds can be planted but they'll take longer to develop into a plant. The cloves are easier but to each his own. You can plant the cloves at most any time of year depending on your climate. Many plant them in the fall to overwinter. Plant like any flower bulb with the root end down and the pointed end up. When the leaves (tall grass-like, like onions but thicker) start to dry out, it's time to dig them up. I used to have garlic that would reseed itself without me doing a thing... until hubby continually mowed them down so now I'm having to grow them inside the fenced garden. This year, I planted some beside the squash and the squash bugs ate them, too. Or maybe it was the invasion of biblical proportion of caterpillars that did it. Ate every last onion, too. Never knew anything ate garlic or onions. We used to have wild onions all over the yard (used them like chives) but they're gone this year, too. Those wild onions were here when I was a kid so it's all very strange. I don't know what I did to tick off Mother Nature but she's certainly upset. I bought some regular garlic and elephant garlic that needs to be planted tomorrow so may need to do a dance or perform some ritual for Ms. Nature.
Rueful chuckle at your wonderful story telling ability! sounds like this has not been your year. Replanting everything 3 times - has to be a hassle. I was having to do a bunch of replanting too, and I don’t think I’m over, either. I join you in your mourning for your okra plants. Now that I know what they are, I would be really sad if I were to lose them at this stage.
I hope I even get cucumbers. So far, I have lots of blooms, and I think I located that little start of one, but we’ll see.
“Yes, gardening is more of a learning experience with our harvests costing more than it’s sometimes worth. But then a tomato off the vine is a million times better than those cardboard things in the grocery. Besides, with the way things are these days, this knowledge might come in more handy than we thought just 5 years ago.” I’m like the way you said that. I agree totally. We just split our harvest of the blackberries and the tomato. Yum.
Thanks for walking me a bit through the garlic process. We have lots of wild garlic, but my Darlin mows it down too. Have used some of the tiny cloves, but are a lot of trouble. Had not thought of using them like chives. What a great idea!
Tell me when you’re having your dance, and I’ll do one here too in Indian country out here on the Plains!