Karen Burch

Potato and Carrot Harvest with watermelon and corn updates

I recently harvested some potatoes and carrots, and they turned out nice this year! The earthy smell of the freshly dug potatoes and the bright orange of the carrots really made my day. I also have an exciting update on the giant watermelon and corn plants. The bantam corn is already tasseling since it is a 60-day variety, and I can’t wait to see the ears developing. The anticipation of watching these crops grow and the fun of harvesting them is truly rewarding. Gardening is such a fulfilling hobby that continually gives me produce worth the work I put into it.

Attempting to Raise Agave and Eschiveria from seeds

Canna Lilies, Day Lilies

I didn’t have any cactus succulent mix, so I improvised by mixing 2/3 seed starter with 1/3 fine perlite, and a few handfulls of fine sandy mulch,creating a somewhat suitable medium for my plants. After carefully preparing the mixture, I placed the seeds in the seed room under bright lights, ensuring the temperature was maintained at a consistent 70 degrees for optimal growth.

So far, so good; the seeds are thriving and showing promising signs of development. To promote their health further, I decided to harden them off by gradually introducing them to the outdoors, placing them in a partial shade area where they would receive just the right amount of sunlight without being overwhelmed. This method not only allows the plants to acclimatize but also helps strengthen them.