Sunday, June 7, 2009

Garden Treasures


Well, gardening in Arizona has been somewhat of a challenge. We are learning as we go. We have had some luck and also some failures. The challenges vary greatly. The weather, or should I say heat is probably our biggest challenge. The heat is making the fruit grow before the plant is ready. Also, keeping things wet is a challenge. The sun burns the leaves on top and also the leaves near the ground. We need more shade. Fortunately our neighbor's sunflowers are growing tall enough to start giving shade relief around 3:30 in the afternoon.



Another challenge has been the wildlife visits to our garden. We have had bunnies and ground squirrels visit. Dove, quail, and "Bob" the roadruuner are making frequent trips too. Even the bees and the ants are making their way into the land of growth. All of these critters are finding a paradise in the middle of a desert. They are loving it and we love to see them too even though there are nibbles here and there. We have also seen a coyote close by on our way to the garden 2 times now. If he is lucky he may get his fill on bunnies.


The garden hasn't been all a loss. We started to enjoy the lettuce, grown in our garden boxes out back, the first of May. Then came the radishes with a zip! Good! Now we are getting some tomatoes, and they are sooooooo yummy! There is nothing like a fresh garden tomato! Time to go buy some bacon for some fresh BLT's! We also have gotten a few potatoes that Derrick has made into yummy hashbrowns for breakfast before school a few mornings. The girls really liked the hashbrowns.


The carrots are almost ready to be picked and they are looking very orange and smell great. We are also starting to get some squash. Our neighbors to the left have some awesome cantaloupe and watermelon growing. Our melon plants are finally taking off, so time will tell.......
Well, back to the garden for a little more watering!