Saturday, May 03, 2008

Vegetable Gardening

Today was my scheduled vegetable gardening "talk" at a local greenhouse. I had three handouts for each participant. One was a copy of the Master Gardener chapter on vegetables. In other words, more than they needed but some of everything on location, watering, soils and mulches. We also discussed moles, voles, grubs, composting, soil amendments, the size of slugs and recipes for food grown. I think every gardener is a good eater also. They took notes on the recipes.

I was hoping to have enough to say to fill a half hour. I ended up talking non stop for 2 hours. No one got up to leave. I am very proud of myself right now. They left to purchase soil, seedlings and soil test kits. As I was walking out of the classroom (the heated plastic greenhouse) I saw several groups chatting about their gardens. Information and a possible garden friend. Does it get any better?

They were even saying nice things at the cash register about the class. My boss will certainly be pleased with that--especially at the cash registers since it's a cold and rainy day today- sales are important.

I had to hurry home to walk the dog. We walked in a drizzly rain and on the last few blocks Riley carried a small sapling in his jaws, proudly, tail wagging. He's tired now and is probably chewing a hole in his bed. I caught him with a mouth full of fiber fill this morning and scolded him. I never know what he comprehends. He understands walk, lunch, dinner, drop it, ride and a few other things. We'll see if he understands no chewing.

He's in my face and wants to play. Guess I'm done blogging.

1 comment:

gema said...

I am soooo very happy that your talk went well. Good for you! I wish I could have been there, I could use a course like that.

I spent all day outside in my front garden today. It was in a state of disaster, full of weeds. I have just come back inside at 8.42pm and I am still not done, at least the rain held off today.

I made my life hell when I purchased compost from the city around 3yrs ago. I ran out of my own compost and decided to supplement. What a mistake! The next and following years, my garden has been full of weed that I have never seen before! It seems to get worst every year and the extremely mild winter did not help. Even after cleaning my garden in preparation for the winter, the weeds have returned with a vengeance.

I am guessing I have 2 weeks ahead of me of weed pulling, at least if it doesn't rain. I am also going to re-start my vegetable garden this year....if I have the strength.

Do you think I could cover the entire vegetable garden in straw like 8" or 10" deep and plant between the straws so as not having to weed it? Would it work?