Happy Easter

Sweet Pea Mix

 Right on cue, the sweet peas are in bloom for Easter.  The seeds can be planted between October and December here in zone 8-9 in the south central San Joaquin Valley of California. Yesterday, reminded us all that summer is on the way with temperatures knocking on the 90s.  Today's cooler breezes are welcomed before we enter into the dreaded swam pants season.

 

Ladybud on the Warren Pear

Ladybugs are showing up in bigger numbers now.  They didn't really seem to hibernate this winter.  Unusual.  Glad they are showing up because the aphids are showing up as well.  Nature is kinda balanced in the garden for now.

 

If I only had a predator for all the mourning doves.

This is February?!

Today would have been a perfect beach like day IF it was July.  However, it’s February in Bakersfield.  I need some cold weather to kill the bugs, rain in the garden to settle the dust and clear the air, and snow in the mountains to use when it is July.

Can you believe ladybugs are already working in the garden?Here’s what’s growing on in the garden today:

The cauliflower has been bothered by aphids in this warm weather.  I was considering taking the plants out and getting the bed ready for summer crops; but there are 16 head that seem to be doing alright.  I’ll wait.Broccoli has also had aphid troubles.I’ve blasted the plants with a power stream of water from the garden hose and relocated some of the early ladybugs so they can help control this problem.Probably every seed of lettuce germinated successfully in the garden this season.  There is lettuce growing in a salad bed and lettuce growing in the holes of the cinder blocks that form the beds.  Another reason the hope for cooler weather is to extend my lettuce enjoyment.The discovery of Root Knot Nematodes* has led to a search for knowledge on the topic and a successful safe way to control the wee beasties.  At least I have beets and carrots successfully growing in beds that don’t seem to effected by nematodes.The carrots are coming along nicely and have been used in roast beef and pasta salad.  Of course, they have been snacks while out in the garden along with peas.  I can never seem to get peas past the garden gate because I eat them while enjoying the garden.By about 10:30 this morning the temperature was just under 70°F with clear skies and a light breeze.  By nightfall, the lights were visible out in Elk Hills, on the Grapevine, and Breckenridge where there is no snow.

*  If anyone has information to share about ridding my garden of damaging nematodes, I would appreciate it.

Measuring Up

I’m adding a measuring stick today to record the progress of a few items in the garden.  Above is a Scarlet Nantes Carrot planted 10/05/09. Jaune D’Or Ovale Radishes planted 04/28/10.

 Evergreen Bunching Onions planted 04/18/10.

O’Henry Peaches planted 01/12/09.  This is the tree’s 2nd season.  Each season it has produced fruit.

Red Flame Grapes planted January 2009.  Like the peach, the grapes are in their 2nd season.  Each season fruit was produced.

Henderson’s Pink Ponderosa planted 03/01/10.  All the tomatoes are ready to be planted in the ground.  As soon as Farmer MacGregor finishes building the supports, the planting can begin.  Some of the tomato plants have buds on them.

Sweet Pinkie Strawberries planted 03/01/09.  This variety is really thriving in the cinder blocks.  During this coming winter they need to be thinned.

This evening’s harvest of Sweet Pinkies.  No chance of me being scooped up as a hand model.  Oh well.

Candy Hybrid Onions planted 09/20/09.

Here’s a seed head on a Candy Hybrid Onion.

Ladybug dining on parsley.

Rio Red Grapefruit planted 02/14/09.  The fruit seems to be staying on the tree this year although some are dropping off.

Variegated Pink Lemon planted in a pot fall 2009.

That’s how a few things are measuring up in the garden today.

What a Weekend

Here’s what’s been happening in Maybelline’s Garden this weekend.

Ladybugs are everywhere -  the lawn, fruit trees, and even my rear view mirror on the was back from the grocery store.  Here are a few shots of the ladies working on the strawberries and lavender.

Farmer MacGregor was busy constructing the supports for the tomatoes and lemon squash.  He even has plans to make drying racks for the garlic and onions.  Neighbors are in awe of his talent. The green onions were planted in one bed they will share with tomatoes.  The other tomato bed will also house radishes.  Farmer MacGregors supports will allow the tomatoes to be strung up allowing plenty of sunshine to hit the onions.  The companion gardening of placing onions amongst the tomatoes should help with pest control.  The same goes for the radishes. The hot peppers were transplanted into their final stage before being planted in the garden.  They join the tomatoes in the nursery that looks like its making  the best use of cups after a kegger. My mother’s lemon tree is loaded with small lemons.  I squeeze the juice and freeze it in ice cube trays storing the cubes in freezer bags.  Juice is always available that way plus the cut lemons make the house smell great.

I’m pooped.

Parsley Problems

Something is grazing on the parsley.

Thank goodness for carnivores.  The ladybug cleanup crew is in the garden.

Cabbage Aphid

According to UC Davis, my broccoli and Brussels Sprouts have been infected with Cabbage Aphids.  Bastards!  With the warmer weather come the insects.  UC Davis advises to giving these beasts a sharp blast of water.  Insecticidal soap is also helpful.  Lady bugs (Lady Beetles) are their natural predators.  Last year, the garden had loads of lady bugs.  It doesn’t look like I can expect lady bugs to migrate down to the valley floor until March.  Last year, I noted lady bugs in the garden on March 29. March 29, 2009    Lady bug patrolling tomatoes.

Whenever they decide to head on down the hill, I have a feast for them to enjoy.  Here’s a life cycle chart of Lady Beetles provided by UC Davis:

Lady bugs, come on down!    

Pumpkin Update

The aphids are winning.  They have descended on the pumpkin patch and are breeding like…like insects.  I started by blasting them off with water.  That worked mildly.  I persisted; but they outnumber me.  My friends the ladybugs swooped in for a feast.

They liked the food so much they told their friends.  Everyone stuck around for a mad aphid orgy; and now I have a flock of ladybugs working overtime trying to keep those aphids under control. Baby ladybugs are pretty creepy looking; but they are very hungry.

This is a very small sample of what the bug population in the pumpkin patch looks like.  I’m considering using soap; but I’m not sure what the effects are on the ladybugs.

I was trying to put the biggest pumpkin on a wooden support to keep it out of the mud.  This would prevent any scarring, rotting, or bug damage.  Just as I feared, the danged stem popped right off the squash.  No snap.  No crack.  Just a pop. 

Here.  You can see how big this baby is next to my size 9 Croc.  Now what can I do?  It’s only August.  These were planted on June 10 with hopes of having Halloween pumpkins.

How much longer until October?

Don’t forget to vote.  You can vote everyday until August 11.  The link is on the top right side of the page.

Thanks!

Ladybugs

These hungry bright red predators are thriving in my garden. Some are dark red. Some are orange. Some have spots. Some do not. I took a bunch of photos of ladybugs this weekend. They were everywhere. I didn't even see the aphids until the ladybugs arrived. Some of the aphids may be visible in these images if you click on the image to enlarge. The gal in the image below is going hunting so be vewy, vewy qwuiet. I believe all the tomatoes (3 different varieties) have blossoms. I have high hopes for my salsa garden. Those ladies can stick around as long as they like. Once their babies have emerged, I'll try to remember to take their baby pictures and post them here.