"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003
After all the cold fronts of last week, and ahead of the one due to arrive tomorrow, I managed to get into my veggie patch this morning...
... not so good.
The hail we had last week managed to damage my onions...
giant garlic...
and pink garlic...
And my first sowing of broad beans have plenty of flowers...
but only one actual bean!
Hello - anyone home...? Can see I need to ruddy sing to the plants. Or is it a case of missing bees?
And, only after taking a photo of my peas(??), did I spy why they are not going to provide RMan with his favourite veg this year. For lurking in the ruined mass of plants I spotted...
Well, he / she was lurking... Unfortunately, a rock fell out of the sky and squashed him / her... A Chicken-Licken moment. Not that that will help the pea harvest. And I guess that is the most eco-friendly way of disposing of garden pests LOL.
But - wonder of wonders, in the only sunny patch on my patio, I planted a tomato plant in the middle of some Swiss Chard. And the tomato is producing fruit! The day after mid-winter?
Guess it's a case of being grateful for small mercies.
It is so strange to think that you have all these veggies in winter. I love it. I would have loved to have seen that pink garlic. I hope it makes it.
ReplyDeleteThat was one well feed little grub that was hit by the falling rock.
ReplyDeleteJane- I'll post a pic if it makes it :-)
ReplyDeleteFrann - LOLOLOL it WAS! And it was!
I think winter gardening is just a challenge, period. I'm very determined to master it though, and it looks like you've got a good start in that direction.
ReplyDeleteLeigh - I get frustrated because I have so very little of our "town garden" which receives enough sun to make winter veg viable. Then the pests need to be added...
ReplyDeleteBut thanks - I'm trying :-)