Me? I live in the 9-5 work week world. (Say THAT 5 times fast.) I'm spoiled. If I'm off the clock at 5, I'm done. I can walk away. Being self employed, SM doesn't have that luxury.
Neither one of us were raised to be slackers. That's not to say a lazy day doesn't happen. It's just to point out that I think we both feel guilty if a day goes by and we weren't productive.
So we ask the question "Whatcha gonna do today?" and we rattle off a mental list of "doings" that need done.
My list of "doings" has pretty much been the same thing over and over lately. Laundry, vacuum, dust, mop, can tomatoes, water the garden, "Dear God not more peaches!" trim the dogs nails, bathe the dogs, clean the bathrooms, more laundry...You get the idea.
Today I did something fun. Keeping in mind that I should've been starting my carrots 2 weeks ago, I pushed myself to make a bit of time to try the paper towel technique.
Has anyone tried this? Glue and paper towel hold the little carrot seeds in place so you don't have a huge pile of them growing in just one area of your garden. Just toss a bit of soil on top of them to keep the paper towel from flying away.
"Looks pretty silly if you ask me." SM observes shaking his head. "Can't you just be careful how you broadcast them?"
"I did. And then it rained and they all glommed up together in the dips in the soil. And it's a pain having to thin them out." I pointed out.
"You think you'll get them to germinate in this heat?" SM asks.
"Weeeelll...I'm not sure about THAT. I've read that you need to keep the soil moist and that some people lay a wet board or wet burlap on top of the seeds until they start to sprout. Then I suppose the trick is to keep them alive until it cools down. Technically I'm supposed to have already started the broccoli and lettuces too."
In the end, I decided to start the broccoli indoors today and planted the seeds in starter soil. I'm not sure when I'll put the lettuce in. Starting a Fall gardening sure is tough. I know what the book says to do, but it seems like a waste to try and get things to germinate in 100 degree heat.
Heat and NO rain. I don't know if I'm even going to TRY to do any fall garden. But , I know I'll regret it if I don't........
ReplyDeleteSounds like you need a Magic Seeder LOL
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the fall planting. I am going to be at least a month behind. But what can you do. Hopefully it will be a mild winter and it will all work out in the wash.
ReplyDeleteWell, you're ahead of me! The fall garden hasn't even made it on to my radar yet, never mind my doings for the day (it's those tomatoes.)
ReplyDeleteI've never tried those seed mats, but I think it's a neat idea. Sort of an anit-glomming tactic. :)
How fun! I think I'm gonna try that.
ReplyDeleteI know just what y'all mean about the guilt of not being productive. I love staying busy!
The seed mat method works great! I am having a rough time getting my fall crops going with all this heat!
ReplyDeleteHey Tami!
ReplyDeleteFall crop?! I'm just getting used to my summer crop! But now I'll start thinking about the next plantings. Your energy is inspiring!
BTW...love your canning pot on your stove. If you don't mind can you let me know how you like it. Does it can pints/quarts? Is it 'flat-bottomed'? I'm having a time this year because I've still got my old, huge, black-spottled water bath canner and can't use it on my ceramic top stove because it doesn't have a 'flat-bottom' so been making do with an old flat bottomed stew pot and I've about had it canning this way...even though it's getting the job done.
Thanks! My e-mail is shadygroveblog@gmail.com
PS So glad to hear your sweet Ginny is doing better.
I've never tried a fall garden before, so I am flying by the seat of my pants. Hope your carrot-planting goes well! Great idea.
ReplyDeleteHa! Sounds like a conversation that would happen in this household. I need to start re-seeding for Fall too. Hmmm....maybe I'll get to it this weekend.
ReplyDelete