It is no use complaining about the amount of rain we are getting. Complaining just might bring MORE of the wet stuff. To date our gardens and fields have received about 3 to 4 inches and our soils are water logged. A front field of winter wheat has started to “head” out and is able to handle all this moisture real well, in its advanced stage. So far none of the garden appears stressed.

In the last deluge of 1″ in 7 minutes, some 3/4″ hail showed up. To my relief the chunks were quite random and only some lettuce had puncture wounds.

When I was planting our potatoes…placing the cuttings/tubers on top of  raised beds of soil (then covering with grass mulch…) instead of heeling them in…my husband gently asked if I was expecting a lot of rain again? Well…little did I know…eh? (My garden angels were guiding me…)

One thing I have to say in favor of all this rain…germination was the best I have ever seen it. The same seed packets that I sell to my customers are the same packets I use later (if some are leftover…) for my garden trials and inventory.

I am trialing ?6 varieties of corn this year: Hickory King Yellow, Tom Thumb, Mandy’s Popcorn, Orchard Beauty, Indian Hookers Blue Sweet and Pink Beauty Popcorn. I read an article in a Seed Savers Exchange magazine about sowing many varieties in close blocks and then using 1 liter brown paper bags to cover the cobs before the tassels showed. Pollination is then done by hand when the time is right. This could certainly eliminated the need to sow corn varieties a mile apart to keep its purity. I am apprehensive, but willing to try.

I have planted my usual 90 different types of tomatoes out. They look extremely healthy, despite the weather. I have never planted soooo many different beans (bush & pole…) I was quite down on my inventory this year and need to build my stock up. The same can be said for peas,  Fava & Soy beans.

I am also trailing 18 plants of sweet potatoes (involving about 8 different sorts). I noticed a lot of butterfly activity in all the gardens (flower & vegetable) this year. Then 2 weeks later noticed small holes showing up on the tender shoots of the sweet potatoes. Much to my horror, some were covered with tiny light green caterpillars! (I don’t know if I like butterflies so much…now!) I have gone over every plant…manually eliminating the critters! In 2-3 days I will have to repeat this action. These tender shoots are what determines the size of harvest one will receive and if they are “pruned” down…the harvest could be cut in half! I am getting tired of having to “fight” for everything, for our right to eat from our own garden!

I am very happy to report that plant AND seed sales were almost double what we had last year. I want to humbly thank ALL our customers/friends for patronizing our wee Greenhouse/Nursery. I am also happy to report that what we do here is being talked about in many positive ways. (It is getting back to us…!)

I hope you are all satisfied with our service and if we can do better, please let us know. We have already received feed back on how to improve our packing with more “organic” materials. This was an”eye opener”…and very appreciated! From reports that you all have sent us, Canada Post & Grey Hound Bus service have been COMMENDABLE…and plants & seeds have arrived in great shape. Thank you!

I am sold out of ALL peppers, cucumbers, melons, certain herbs, Toka Toka Gold sweet potatoes and cabbage. I have only single pots left of zucchini, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, chard, kale & some herbs.

There are only a few plants remaining of: few tomato, eggplants, pumpkin, squash and sweet potatoes. If some market gardeners have a wee bit of space left…I could certainly give them a great deal…or anyone else for that matter. The plan is to make us both happy and give these novel plants a home soon!

July and August will be Alpine planting months! Thanks to a good friend of mine (he giving me encouragement & advice…) I am half way thru revamping the “stock plant” beds. They look fabulous and clean. Then it is on to seriously dismantling 2 more large flower beds, as they have out-grown their usefulness. As a result some bargains will be had!

I will not be available for a couple of days in the last week of June…surprise visit to my “kidlets” up north! (Don’t tell her…unless she reads this Blog!)

Simply call me (Mandy) to make arrangements if you want to come down for plant purchases. I will no longer have “patterned” OPEN hours. Phone # is: 1-204-268-3984.

Happy Growing and have a great summer!

Mandy