Thirsty for more

Here is the garden as it stands this week. We have composted the overgrown mixed green forest, which is too bitter to eat. That will probably not be returning next year. There is a new gardening rule, that 100% of the household has to like what is being planted in the garden or it has to be easily distributed to the work population to be in the garden. See ya Radicchio.

Any day now the one of many many tomatoes should be turning. These are the Roma's that we started from seed. Big Joe has been tending to the tomato plants when he comes over, mostly trimming down the stalks that don't have flowers or fruit, so all of the plant energy is redirected to the tomato. It appears to be working, really well.

What's up Doc? Bugs would love our garden, we have carrots. Garden helper Nathan was over again and helped thin out some of the carrots and took some home for his snack. He loves the garden, mostly for looking for slimy things.

As part of our eco-friendly household, the rain barrel has finally made it's way to the garden, instead of sitting in the driveway making the neighbor ask what the big white thing is for. We are using a recycled Mt. Dew syrup container.

Here is a picture of our compost bin, which has a giant potato plant growing from it. That plant started from some composted potato parts and has a life of it's own now. So we have some good soil already at the bottom of the composter. The rain barrel is connected to the gutter which drains half of the garage roof. Connected by a Burple (for those of you who can remember the drink mix/container from the 80's). It is 55 gallons of rain water. Today it rained and now it is completely full and ready to water the thirsty garden under the summer sun.

Mt. Dew sponsors the 810 Garden and the House Manager.

This is a picture of our compost in the bin. As I was turning the compost, I happened upon this guy, The Leopard Slug. He was no less than 8" long and fat and slimy and gross. I was going to catch him and send him home to House Manager, but he dug himself back in before I could make the proper transport device. He apparently is happy making my compost and I am happy for him. He just needs to stay in the bin and out of the garden, then we will all be happy and not have to introduce him to Mr. Salty.

We also learned this week that Broccoli is a cool weather and early spring crop. Our broccoli's are big and leafy, but apparently there will be a slim chance that we will see any veggies from that plant. Starting the garden before May seems like a daunting task, but will be revisited over the long winter lull.