Garden Update #3

Garden After Month One

It was almost a month ago that I began my garden endeavor and I had no idea how it would go. After all, things were just beginning to heat up in Vegas and I was, actually still am, clueless about gardening.

I’m happy to report that every plant in my garden has survived. This alone is unbelievably satisfying, especially  because I had one hubby and two baby-bulls who weren’t betting on it.

However, there are some plants that are doing better than others.The strawberries have flowers on them now and have produced a single strawberry. I was hoping they’d being doing better, but turns out that I may have picked a crappy variety; I planted Quinault by the way. That didn’t mean much a month ago, but from what I’ve learned they’re sluggish growers that taste tougher than others.

I’ve also learned, “if you get blooms the first year while the plants are getting established pinch the blooms off to ensure a large fruit crop the next year.” So much for a little summer-time strawberry-short cake, but I guess good things come to those who wait.

"The first day I noticed."

The other plant that worried me was the Italian Parsley.

It was looking really sad, but this was because it needs to be harvested about once a week to promote new growth. The pros suggest cutting it down to three inches and all I know is that it’s worked for me.

The Serrano and Bell Peppers are growing like weeds. If you’re at all impatient or you’re trying to prove to someone that you DO have a green thumb, these are the plants for you. Everyday they grow a bit bigger and I can’t imagine them looking any healthier. Plus, the Bell Peppers already have flowers and I’m hoping for some produce soon.

Serrano (right) Bell (left)

The mint and basil plants, which are also growing well, smell amazing. I’m sure my hubby will appreciate the fresh mojitos I can’t have til Lizzy arrives and I’m sure Lizzy will appreciate all the pasta carbs I’ll be devouring in the months to come. Plus, I’m thinking when Lizzy FINALLY gets here we’ll have to release some ladybugs in the garden and ladybugs love mint.

The sunflowers, my most favorite , are already seven inches tall. They were the only plants to come from seeds and they’re putting the rest to shame. I’m supposed to thin them now, which means to leave only the best and give them space to grow. However, I don’t have the heart to do this. Nobody said Darwin or genocide would be involved in gardening. I’ll have to put it on my hubby’s “honey-do” list; this list also includes getting Lizzy’s first shots and ears pierced.

Sure-thing Sunflowers!