This is the Hummingbird plant or Trumpeter vine that I had moved a few weeks ago. It had a very long taproot that broke off at the end, so I was a little concerned it might have damaged the plant permanently. Obviously, that is not the case. In fact, I think it really likes it over here.
Another plant I was concerned about was this new berry I planted. Long after the other three had sprouted, this was still just a stick in the ground. It has recently decided it likes where it is at.
This is how far ahead the other berries are. They have berries! Two of these are blackberries and two are 'golden' blackberries. Curious to see what (golden) taste like.
If you look closely you will see some plastic water bottles I am using for some Blue Hubbard squash I planted. It acts as a greenhouse of sorts. I am also using them to protect the plants from rabbits (and maybe birds). They have only been in the ground a few days, so I don't think the rabbits have discovered them...yet. I am glad that I put the cover on these because it has turned cold here for the last few days. The ones that weren't covered look just fine, too.
I am planting small sweet pumpkin, Blue Hubbard squash, and Waltham butternut squash around the trees and berries. Have I said that ALL my new seeds are heirloom, non-hybrid seeds? Anyway, those are space consuming plants that take a while to mature.
I thought, if I plant them around these other plants I can run soaker hoses, fence it off, and I can pretty much stay out of there until the fruit on all of this starts to get ripe. That will keep the dogs from running all over them and knocking fruit off. I will be putting compost around all the plants. It will help feed the plants and keeps the moisture in the soil, which should cut the need for water. If I had a chipper, I could cover this whole acre in wood chips too and that would help lower the water bill. At least, that is the plan.
I have covered the beds in compost/mulch for that very reason. I can really see a difference since I did that. I was told to till it in the dirt a little, but I resisted. THIS time.
A few years ago I was told the same thing. I did till and my seedlings died. I planted several times. And they still died. I later found out the reason that happened was because I tilled it in. It was because the compost/mulch still needed to decompose, which takes nitrogen. It is the nitrogen that the new plants need, too. Sadly, the new babies lost out.
I thought, if I plant them around these other plants I can run soaker hoses, fence it off, and I can pretty much stay out of there until the fruit on all of this starts to get ripe. That will keep the dogs from running all over them and knocking fruit off. I will be putting compost around all the plants. It will help feed the plants and keeps the moisture in the soil, which should cut the need for water. If I had a chipper, I could cover this whole acre in wood chips too and that would help lower the water bill. At least, that is the plan.
I have covered the beds in compost/mulch for that very reason. I can really see a difference since I did that. I was told to till it in the dirt a little, but I resisted. THIS time.
A few years ago I was told the same thing. I did till and my seedlings died. I planted several times. And they still died. I later found out the reason that happened was because I tilled it in. It was because the compost/mulch still needed to decompose, which takes nitrogen. It is the nitrogen that the new plants need, too. Sadly, the new babies lost out.
This is another area I am considering fencing off, along with the area above. The dirt here is pretty good. We had other trees here and some asparagus, if I remember correctly. I think it would be fun to plant something "climbing" all over the swing set. Like melons. I have six kinds of watermelon seeds to try out.
It is supposed to warm up this week so things should start to POP around here.
I love this time of year...so much promise.
It is supposed to warm up this week so things should start to POP around here.
I love this time of year...so much promise.
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