But, on a lighter note, the garden is . . . surviving. The Armenian cucumbers have taken over. They have grown from one end of the straw bales through all of the tomatoes to the bird netting and up to the roof, reaching for the tree branches. They have traversed the strings connecting the stakes to the other bales. They have crossed the walking paths to the front of the cage and now cover most of the front, including the door. I have been collecting cucumbers by the bushel. Ok, it is only four or five at a time but that is more than our family can consume.
The tomatoes are surviving. They have tomatoes that refuse to get ripe. But I figure that when the weather cools off some they will again make merry music and a few tomatoes more before winter takes her toll.
The straw bales are beginning to sag. I believe that they have about composted themselves to dirt and will most certainly not last another season. But it has been a fun experiment. I will try it one more season. It was really nice not having to deal with weeds or bugs or preparing soil so I am inclined to do more of this.
But the squash did not like the bales at all. I think that they did not like the hanging down to the ground. Even the zucchini which everyone can grow did poorly in that environment.
Next season will be peas, carrots, lettuce (several varieties) and spinach with possibly some bell peppers.
Gaye and I went to James and Zephane Vaterlaus wedding reception last night. It was fun to mingle with family and a few other friends that we saw. And we got to meet Zephane's parents which was very fun.
