It’s official spring came over 3 months ago and SUMMER is here!!! Now that the weather is warm and the sun is shining (at least when it’s not raining) it’s time to check in on the status of our green thumbs. How are your spring plantings?
A couple of months ago I shared with you my attempt at planting vegetables and sunflowers (my favorites) indoors. Since then I showed the progress of these plants indoors but I am overdue to share their progress outdoors. The plants have been outside for several weeks and are flourishing. Our back yard, where the plants now live, does not drain well and with all the rain the mid-Atlantic has been getting I worry that the ground is a bit too wet back there. I’ve had to water them only once – Mother Nature has taken care of the rest!
Sunflowers growing along fence
My sunflowers are soaking up the sun and growing as expected. These plants should get taller than the fence!
The green and red pepper plants did not do well. Only one plant sprouted. It’s a lonely pepper plant but I still have hope. Since this is the first time I’ve grown vegetables I’ll be happy if I get one pepper! My zucchini plant is more like a zucchini bush! This is the plant that I’m most concerned about getting too much water. At first I thought I’d have zucchini galore but I’ll be happy with one.
One pepper plant
My aunt Mollie gave me a tomato plant that I brought back from Ohio in my luggage. I put the plant in a plastic bag and slipped it my gym shoe in my suitcase. Surprisingly the plant is thriving!!! She also gave me herb seeds which are doing great. Soon I will have basil, parsley, and oregano.
I plant sunflowers every year so I know what to expect. The vegetables are a new undertaking and so far it’s going well. Lots of learning!
zucchini and pepper plant in garden
Here are some tips to help your plants thrive:
- keep cutworms (which tend to eat plants entirely) away by wrapping a piece of foil around the stem of a tomato plant
- add coffee grounds to the soil when planting geraniums to increase growth and bloom
- get rid of grass growing between sidewalk or driveway cracks by pouring boiling water on them
- moth balls or dryer sheets have been said to keep critters such as rabbits and squirrels away from plants
It’s important to know your plants and their needs. If a plant needs sun – know your garden and your yard and think before you plant. Make sure you plant it in a sunny spot! Knowing your plants saves you time and money.
Send me your green thumb pictures at theresa at readyaimorganize.com. Post your comments on this page about your gardening adventures this past spring.
Welcome summer – green thumbs up!!!
For more information on starting a garden:
Planting for Spring
Save the Earth and the Water
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