Pollination tomorrow
List:
Just another update from my garden in FL.
I have two plants in a profusion of blooms right now, one of which has a
female that appears ready to open tomorrow. No problems pollinating this
blossom, as there are flowers everywhere.
One thing I have noticed about growing in the cooler season is that plant
size and growth seems to be affected. The leaves aren't as tall and large as
they usually are. Overall plant vigor is slower than usual. All of you
growers in the PNW that had a cold summer can relate, I'm sure.
The weather turned off cold right before Christmas, with daytime highs in the
50's and lows around 38 degrees F. I covered my plants the first few days and
had no problems, but awoke to find frost on my neighbor's roof. My garden is
on the south side of my house, and the frost appeared on only one home on my
street, the one across the street from mine! Her roof faces East; It makes a
difference I guess.
Interestingly, I sat vigil in the hospital Christmas Eve, waiting for my
daughter's baby to arrive. My husband offered to go home and cover the
plants, which he did. When I arrived home the following morning, I discovered
that he only covered the two large plants, leaving the two seedlings open to
the cold.(He claims he failed to see the seedlings as he used no flashlight.)
Again, there was frost only on my neighbor's roof, but no one else's. Close
examination of the plants revealed no damage at all.
My plants have grown up with extreme heat and cold, and have been
surprisingly resilient.
Last but not least, I saw a product today that peaked my interest: granular,
condensed and dried, odorless cow manure granules made by Hoffman. I believe
it comes in two pound bags, for easy application in the garden. Isn't it
amazing how important manure becomes when it's pumpkin season?) Anyway, does
anyone have any experience with this product? Looks like a great way to add
manure to a small patch without straining with a shovel or putting a
clothespin on your nose!
Barb Kincaid
Orlando, FL
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