Welcome back to my vegetable garden! Today, I'm excited to show you some recent developments and share a few gardening tips along the way.
First up, my tomato plants. I've recently staked them to give them better airflow and pruned off any suckers. Those suckers? Well, they didn't go to waste. I replanted them in another part of the garden. It's all about maximizing space and resources!
I've been harvesting green tomatoes, and they've been ripening on the vine in my kitchen. You might be wondering why I'd harvest green tomatoes...well, it's all about redirecting the plant's energy. By picking them green, the plant can focus on maturing the remaining fruits. It's a neat little trick that helps ensure a bountiful harvest.
Next on the agenda: onions. My Red Rock onions are almost ready for harvesting. I've been keeping an eye on them, and a telltale sign is when the leaves start to bend. Once those onions are out, I'll have space for something new. What should it be? I'll need to know what's suitable for seeding/planting in zone 9 in May. I'll share what that is in another blog post :).
Moving on, let's talk about collard plants. I've got a couple that have gone to seed, and it's fascinating to observe. Have you ever seen collard seed pods up close? They're quite intriguing. As the plant transitions to the seeding stage, it shifts its focus from producing leaves to developing flowers and seeds. This process not only adds visual interest to the garden but also attracts beneficial pollinators like bumblebees and butterflies. Having them near my zucchini plants is a win-win for everyone!
Lastly, check out the video to take a peek at my thriving raised bed in the far back of the garden. Mint, collards, kale, zucchini—you name it, it's growing here! Oh, and there's a wild blackberry plant that just won't quit. Instead of fighting it, I've decided to embrace it. After all, who doesn't love a surprise berry harvest?
That's it for our garden tour. I hope you enjoyed seeing what's been happening in my little slice of green paradise. Until next time, happy gardening!