Diary 7/31

Off to the airport, yes at 3:30. Oh well. Here are a few of the volunteer zinnias from the upper greenhouse. Between the volunteer Johnny Jump-ups, the Snapdragons, and these there is always something blooming in the aisles!

DIARY 7/30

The end of the month and it seemes like we are just getting going on summer, for some reason. I guess the delay the weather caused has me thinking it is the end of June instead of July. Cooler weekend sounds good as I am planning to ignore the garden for a couple days. The last bean harvest for these girls. My raspberry picking accomplice will remain to save my butt. I have great neighbors who know where the good food is.

Diary 7/29

Farewell party, weeding, and grandchild keep a farmer busy. I have a good life, just very hectic at times, well, most of the time. May take a blogging break this weekend, not sure, but don't worry, just might actually not be farming or by a computer, we'll see.

Diary 7/28

21 bags out the door today. That is definitely the max ability for this farm at this time. Thankful for help from Woofer girls and neighbor friend. Makes it easier for me, though I will be fending for myself soon, maybe, I fear. Last Wed. for the girls before they are off to school, friends, and the rest of their lives. I will still be right here, farming! Rendered some cilantro seed(coriander) that had finished drying. Again, it is more than I need for a year, but comforting to know I have it.

Diary 7/27

A trip to the redwoods and coast yesterday. Last hurrah for visiting helpers who head out this weekend. New recruits come in on Monday, stay tuned...Redwoods were impressive as always. What can I say, it is hard to take a picture to express their grandeur. Found a bit of beach so we could stick our toes in the Pacific. Very nice and polished stones, too! Good reprieve, though we missed the lightning event here. No rain or hail damage, so that is good.

Diary 7/26

The netting is definitely working for the strawberries. It is a pain to pick them what with uncovering and covering again. So far there hasn't been any trouble with pollination, but I think when I pick on Wednesday, I will leave them open for awhile, just in case. Almost time to put out yellow jacket traps. Those waspish bees will eat both strawberries and raspberries. By making traps early, I can definitely hold back the numbers. More about traps soon. The Sudan grass is up and flourishing. This picture is a day and a half old, so I can already see it is way taller now. The melons are very happy with the hot temps. The challenge is to make the circle hooking up drip lines and keeping everyone watered when they are growing so quickly. Luckily the onions and potatoes are just about done, so not watering them.

Diary 7/25

Never did prune these back in Spring. They don't seem to mind, blooming above my head.