Summer 2010

Oh how neglectful I have been!!!

Oh my friends, it has been far too long since I have put my fingers to the keyboard on this blog. The need to write again, however has risen up within me. Perhaps because it is the middle of February and quite simply I CAN'T be outside gardening! I long for the days of Spring, heck I would be happy to see mid March so I can start my indoor seedlings. The winters in Ontario just make it soo darn impossible for a gardener to be happy. Other than starting some new indoor Basil, my green thumbs have remained sadly white.
I have not spent too much time outdoors this winter. It has been very cold and it is too sad a
reminder that all my lovely flowers, herbs and perennials are hidden under at least 3 feet of snow. I can't wait to see some greenery pop through the white blanket above it.
Due to the fact that my vegetable garden did not do well last Summer, I have every intention of
amending my soil this Spring. Though we did add some organic manure and topsoil, it clearly wasn't enough. Our vegetable garden was put in above grass three years ago using layers of paper, 4 inches of manure and 4 inches of top soil. The first two years were terrific! We
got loads of tomatoes, carrots, green peas, snow peas, turnip and prolific herbs. Last Summer,
however, it was a very sad looking garden. After talking to a few other local gardeners, including a master gardener, they too did not have good production. Perhaps it was the too many overcast days and rain, or perhaps a combination of poor weather conditions and my soil having lots most of its previous vigour....
I am determined this year that I will not waste hours and days of time on a garden that I neglect to first and foremost take care of it's soil.
How about all you other home veggie gardeners out there? How was your produce last year?
What did you do to ensure good soil?
Would love to hear from any of you on your experiences with Summer 2010.
Let's all hope for terrific Ontario garden conditions this Spring/Summer and work hard to get the most bang for our planting buck!

The Bloomin Flowers

Despite the fact that our veggie garden is taking it's time this summer, our flowers seem to be thriving. The rain hasn't hurt them one bit. Our various lillies, which include lily trees and various day lillies have been thriving! I will soon post photos to show you what I mean. Our roses, though slightly infested with the tiniest of caterpillars, have been blooming for about two weeks. Wildflowers are blooming overtime! Thank goodness there is the loveliness of the flowers to carry us through the early summertime while waiting on our slow growing veggies!

Cheers!

Anyone else experiencing a slow start to their veggie garden??

I am slightly disappointed so far this Summer with my vegetable garden. Though I realize we had very late frost in early June that was followed by hail and a slight snow fall, everything seems to be growing soooo slow. Perhaps it's my impatience. I wait all winter and Spring to see new life and so far my herbs are the only thing that is thriving. Anyone else gardening in Central Ontario experiencing this?? I sure hope things pick up quickly. I was sure to add lots of organic manure to our soil in early April and have already used Organic Fish Emusion fertilizer once but wish I was seeing a little more action in the veggie department.
Would love to hear from other Ontario gardeners on their experiences so far.

Spring will soon be here!

Well we have endured most of this long, cold and snowy winter, and I am sure most of us gardeners are anxious to see Spring. Am I the only one itching to get planting again?? I highly doubt it.
Soon we will be able to start those indoor seeds and start planning where all those seedlings will eventually go in the garden. This Spring I will be using mostly organic seed. In the past I have used both but have planted in organic soil. I hope that I will have good success with the organic seed as it is costlier to purchase.
Has anyone out there had a more positive or negative experience using the organic seed? I would love to hear from you either way.
Until next time!

Make time for Garden Thyme

Garden Thyme is an often forgotten herb to many gardeners but it is a wonderful herb to be cultivated! It originally came from northern Europe but fortunately for us arrived in North America. It can grow up to 16 inches in height in stony soils or sand. It makes an excellent potted herb.
It has been used in the treatment of loss of appetite, whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, rheumatic ailments and even digestive disorders.
It can be used as a tea, a tincture, in a warm bath, in herb pillows, to gargle with and best of all for culinary purposes. Turkey stuffing would be nothing without thyme. It can also be used in sauces, meat dishes, with fish, pizza, vegetables and along with fried foods.
It is important to not use in huge amounts as it can irritate the digestive tract and lead to metabolic disorders. As with most things, moderation.

Awesome Oregano

Oregano is truly a versatile Perennial herb. It can be grown just about anywhere with a little sun and water. It can grow up to 2 ft. in height outdoors from early Spring to late Fall in our climate. It is also a terrific herb to grow inside on a warm windowsill.
It is a superb culinary herb used in many Italian and Meditteranean dishes such as Bruschetta, pizza, tomato sauces etc.
It has been used also in the treatment of pain such as toothaches, loss of appetite, disgestive disorders, liver and gall bladder problems, whooping cough, sore throats, and rheumatic problems. My 80+ year old neighbour started taking 1/8 of a teaspoon of dried oregano a day and has since claimed her arthritic pain is all but gone! She has become much more active the last 2 months of use.
Oregano can be used in a tea, to gargle with, warm baths, herb pillows and even in the production of perfumes.
It is truly awesome!

Rosemary

Rosemary is an amazing herb that was held in high esteem by the ancient Greeks and Romans. It has been used for the treatment of digestive problems, liver and gall bladder complaints, wounds, toothaches and depressive moods. It can be used in a tea, gargled, baths and of course is a wonderful culinary herb. I love to wrap it around a roast pork or beef when slow cooking. It is also wonderful in roasted potatoes and makes a super seasoner on any grilled meats or fish.
It is an evergreen shrub with dark green narrow leaves and can grow up to 5ft tall. It prefers nutrient rich soil and is very sensitive to frost. If you grow rosemary outdoors be sure to pot it and move it inside before the frost hits.