Recent content by Branching Out

Meanwhile, my scrubby slope swale project from April 13th continues. I noticed that almost none of the beans on the top row survived, so I moved the two that still looked okay down to the bottom row. The best looking bean plant is growing in the shade of a big radicchio that is in the middle...

The black plastic edging material that borders our flower beds has sunk down to the point that it is no longer able to keep the lawn grasses out. I asked my spouse to lift it back up for me, but apparently this is not an easy task. Today he was really pleased to find an easy method that worked...

My experience is similar to yours Phaedra. 80% of my seedlings have left my high tunnel, so yesterday I spent the day making about 300 soil blocks for many different kinds of bean seeds. It was especially nice to be able to make the blocks outdoors now that pleasant weather has arrived. The...

Wow--you made this cool design?? Is it die cut? I ask because the lettering and the plants appear to be the same colour as the fabric, unifying it perfectly. I wish I could create images like that. This shirt reminds me of a while back when Zeedman was talking about how he dreams in...

We needed a quick supper so we took a couple of chicken breasts out of the freezer and prepped veggies for a stir fry. There were baby carrots from last autumn lurking in the fridge, fresh garlic from last summer in the pantry, and a massive bowl of Asian greens harvested from four plants that...

Today I was getting a bunch of different bean seeds ready for planting when I noticed a small brown spot on one bean. At first glance it seemed fairly innocuous, but upon closer inspection with a macro lense the blemish looked rather nasty. That bean is in the garbage now--and I will be...

You were in my thoughts today as I prepped a few more Blue Jay bean seeds for planting. Sending healing thoughts your way, with best wishes for a full recovery. 😊

Poached Egg Plant and pure white lacey Orlaya are now blooming in the garden. Heavy sigh. I just love this time of year! 😍

Yesterday my mom told me she pinched the top off of one of the Parella Rossa lettuce that was starting to bolt. Initially I was concerned that she had damaged the flowering stalk, but now the plant has four seed stalks forming. Maybe she's on to something. 🤔

You likely could still sow another row down the middle. If you have seed remaining I would go for it!

Bleach could work; I will keep that in mind. So far if a seed molds I just remove it, which seems to be sufficient. And when time permits I am trying to dry the cups of vermiculite out before starting a new batch of seeds in them. If things begin to deteriorate after several round of seed...

I've heard of nutria, but never seen them in person. They are R.O.U.S's. right? Rodents of unusual size?

Good question! The little cups are filled with vermiculite, which seems to work well for germinating seeds. It is quickly becoming my preferred medium for starting lettuce, basil, and peppers seeds because the seeds stay moist-- even when I am away for a couple of days. You would think the...

The past few days friends have been coming by to pick up some of my extra tomato and pepper seedlings, which is lovely. It also helps reduce the number of plants that I am caring for. We have a warm spell coming so I'm trying to get as many plants in the ground as I can. They dry out really...

Due to a sensitivity to insect bites my fragrance is Eau de Bug Spray.