By: Amy Swanson
We arrived to a list of maintenance garden tasks but productively checked them all off in short order. Things like cutting the first round of zinnia flowers to encourage more blooms; applying BT to the few remaining cabbage/broccoli plants; watering the seedlings with MiracleGro additive; planting marigolds in both gardens; and harvesting. Asparagus, strawberries and peas were picked. The asparagus is nearing the end of their season when Carla will let the plants go to seed. I brought my 19-yr son to help and he was given the prize job of cutting the asparagus. He thought it was a really cool experience and on the way home we talked about the difference between expectations and reality of food. He would have expected asparagus growing in bunches on bushes, not spears bursting out individually.
Harvesting Peas
I learned that it is the odor of marigolds that keeps the bugs away. Let’s hear it for flower power! Also that some plants flourish with more picking. The peas as well as the zinnias fall into this category. And I got my first lesson in identifying the difference between edible pea pods, snow peas and regular peas. Can I just tell you it’s a challenge for certain people! I get another lesson on Sat morning when I’ll help Carla harvest and deliver to the Lexington Food Pantry.