Fall has arrived but it seems the weather has decided that we need more Summer and I’m happy about that.
By September we see what experiments and new techniques have failed or succeeded in the gardens.
Big failures were Cucumbers, Squash, and Melons. The companion planting technique of growing radishes nearby didn’t stop the voracious appetite of the Cucumber Beetle, not even a little. Without a Winter-kill these insects have HIGH numbers and they not only munch on blossoms (so that fruit doesn’t set) but they also eat tender fruits. Cucumber beetles enjoy the whole Cucurbit family which includes Cucumbers, Zucchini, Squash, and Melons like Cantaloupes. The Squash Vine Borers put the nail in the coffin of any hope of having Squash and Pumpkins this year. It seems that the best strategy will be to not grow any of these crops for a number of years in order to discourage the insects by not giving them their favourite foods to eat.
It was also a bad year for Watermelons and a sad year for us as we grew out the last of the seeds that Farmer Faenin has been saving for 8 years. Not sure what happened with the Watermelons – raised bed, too much shade, not enough water, something else? – but they were a failure.
Fortunately other techniques and crops worked out very well.
These Marigolds successfully kept away insects from the Pole Bean seed crop.
Alyssum made a wonderful companion in many beds, to many veggies.
This was the first year that Tomatoes and Peppers were grown in the raised beds and at first I was skeptical that they would turn out due to the high nitrogen in the beds (which encourages leafy growth and discourages fruit production). I was very pleasantly wrong!
The Sweet Peppers were a bumper crop again this year! They love the heat and don’t mind not getting rained on!
We theorized that we wouldn’t have many Hornworms this year, as the Tomatoes were planted quite far away from any place they’ve been planted ever, but they arrived anyway. It wouldn’t be Summer without a pic of these creatures.
The Tomato plants and fruits were the largest we’ve ever seen. Tomatoes that should have been on the smaller size were as large as any other Beefsteak. Some grew like Tree trunks!
In Fall we see new blossoms and new blooms.
From the Wild Area….
Some unknown flowers
Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
This wildflower has really taken off and spread despite 2 years of drought.
Colourful Yarrow still producing blooms. Two different colours on the same stalk.
There are many new creatures, and food for the creatures.
The Lemon Balm is also thriving despite 2 droughts and getting frost-bitten in April.
Hummingbirds enjoy visiting this Nasturtium Forest.
Fennel is planted as a host plant (food source) for Swallowtails and a late season treat for humans.
Fennel fronds are beautiful and tasty.
Behind the Fennel you can see a small “tunnel”, it’s a way to protect crops from insects but also from frost. We have a small patch of Red Cabbage, Napa Cabbage, and Cauliflower that we’ll be harvesting and eating in to November.
Can’t get enough of the Praying Mantis. This female is in her Fall colour and looking for a suitable place to lay her eggs.
From the Veggie-Table….
Our beautiful Garlic can’t be beat, be sure to stock up and get bulk amounts to last until next June!
Farmer Andrea having fun with Peppers …. “Hello, Operator? These Peppers are off the hook!”
Despite what heat alerts say, Fall has indeed arrived and we are getting less and less Sunlight every day …. There’s something about Fall shadows ….
Monarda (Bee Balm) in Fall colours.
Yarrow flowers in Fall colours.
Soft and fuzzy Yarrow leaves.
My last chance to get dirty and enjoy the heat before Winter sets in …
locallygerminated 