tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753873730051207542024-03-18T20:50:42.401-07:00The Urban GardenerGrow Your Own and Stay HealthyOur 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-30510708685403455932009-09-12T10:23:00.000-07:002009-09-12T10:53:16.353-07:00Late Season PeppersThe beauty of your own pepper garden. Ours is on its last legs, but these came out last week. Check out the colors on these as they range from hot, to oh my god hot. Our pepper garden is 6'x6' on the side of our driveway hiding behind our lemon tree. We jammed over 40 starts in that area and have been rewarded all summer with fresh peppers ranging from bell to jalapeno. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Urban Gardening</span> at its best.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ-dCZBQK6Gr1ADf81DilCG0ymS8SMj6QhFgGD-x4uRebohzRjX__htRH0nCBWwi1fuUGaIrLXypIdDLTnTLKyk3JCt0yplFFKfO1zugcmAdlcW6RptXARorNSYqjiXmaAJ2IfLneff0/s1600-h/IMG_0319.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ-dCZBQK6Gr1ADf81DilCG0ymS8SMj6QhFgGD-x4uRebohzRjX__htRH0nCBWwi1fuUGaIrLXypIdDLTnTLKyk3JCt0yplFFKfO1zugcmAdlcW6RptXARorNSYqjiXmaAJ2IfLneff0/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380635347568129394" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-49248458289287602942009-08-29T18:30:00.000-07:002009-08-29T19:46:09.075-07:00An Incredible Urban Herb Garden<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTZzgySiGp-4GP_r6OcGQdbiwvJMpbG64cvpkCt8fcfXM6NjNaBQ6PY-hyRnwNRyixuzGOgidzTTxwzZEEAJ3-E856Gw3_xUT6-PHT68T5kznJ4GMRBTV0X4ql2i44Qpr5erkS2e32MU/s1600-h/IMG_0298.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTZzgySiGp-4GP_r6OcGQdbiwvJMpbG64cvpkCt8fcfXM6NjNaBQ6PY-hyRnwNRyixuzGOgidzTTxwzZEEAJ3-E856Gw3_xUT6-PHT68T5kznJ4GMRBTV0X4ql2i44Qpr5erkS2e32MU/s400/IMG_0298.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375571181803995682" /></a><br />Just a short note to pay homage to one of the incredible herb gardens. It has survived 100+ degrees this summer in direct sunlight. Now it did get watered twice a day and pampered by Mrs. Thumb who dearly loves to cook with fresh herbs. <br /><br />This particular spot is about 5'x 3' and we planted sunflowers and pole beans at the very back against the wall.. The sunflowers are long gone now, but did there job providing shade during the heat of summer. Look close and you will see six, yup count them six herbs getting long in the tooth but still proving money saving, fresh produce. Let me name all six: <span style="font-weight:bold;">Italian Parsley</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">regular Parsley</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Oregano</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sweet Basil</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Perennial Basil</span>, in the background with purple flowers, and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Cinnamon Basil</span> in the foreground with purple flowers. That is the meaning of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Urban Gardening</span>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs2Svgj6KPiVP6wOpgoiIt179CBhuDWwhVgt-vzL05JE1-E7avFEx7OXhv4RQu1gVjlJv0t6tJtpX8bbTFTl46TQ5hucmo2RUMTkLmu00Dy8qIvQ76oye3ZmUn3LmnWuHKPIuBjCmDEE/s1600-h/IMG_0300.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs2Svgj6KPiVP6wOpgoiIt179CBhuDWwhVgt-vzL05JE1-E7avFEx7OXhv4RQu1gVjlJv0t6tJtpX8bbTFTl46TQ5hucmo2RUMTkLmu00Dy8qIvQ76oye3ZmUn3LmnWuHKPIuBjCmDEE/s400/IMG_0300.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375573143654742962" /></a> For those of you that don't know what this flowering plant is, it is an herb called Cilantro. We started these from seeds and transplanted them between the tomatoes, that were shaded by, you guessed it, Giant Sunflowers. Not only are the sunflowers long gone, but so are the tomatoes, leaving this lonely little Cilantro plant left. It is late in the year for our garden, but to watch the last remnants is fun, and reflects the layering that goes into Urban Gardens.Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-9580499791166575922009-08-15T13:06:00.000-07:002009-08-15T14:03:52.449-07:002009 HighlightsWe always try a few new variety's, usually from starts but sometimes from seed. This year was no exception and the results were great. The first crop is always radish's and we planted the traditional Cherry Belle, and a new one called Watermelon Radish. They are slower to mature and develop a much larger top, but what a pleasant surprise when you harvest them. A mild radish heat and typical texture, but with a 2" to 3" diameter and an interior color you won't believe. ***** Stars <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVYNzYdyFNbqAamDlbTYE8tw4t8hEwv3ITUSsOGens6qOBgdNVbYak-bINFv7ERVtJ-hzjKgHoXe3A7Q3N7iJos7U6bNvvGXyaYWGpKckFP3ZHakcGy7QZ00D3HWZ7cLIZ-e9X6WeafY/s1600-h/IMG_0111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVYNzYdyFNbqAamDlbTYE8tw4t8hEwv3ITUSsOGens6qOBgdNVbYak-bINFv7ERVtJ-hzjKgHoXe3A7Q3N7iJos7U6bNvvGXyaYWGpKckFP3ZHakcGy7QZ00D3HWZ7cLIZ-e9X6WeafY/s400/IMG_0111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370289027258472578" /></a><br />These are officially called Armenian Cucumbers. We grew these from seed in morning sun mixed with regular pickling cucumbers and pole beans. We actually forgot about them as the plants grew and mixed in perfectly with the other cuc's. When we discovered them, they were already from 16" to 24" long and 2" to 3" diameters with a nice pale green color. We peeled and sliced them to eat raw with a mild to sweet taste and a little more crunch then regular cucumbers. ***** Stars.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHrS7Nt-uSRRZYEP9yXU7CfeuT4WCcQVbmRNzAIUgLgp6qoT4ouL0XhQIofbA1pn3RtQtFBYA6ykI68pMQOi5QyxtK-7F376AQ4yjVitjTxQPure-I3n9tdeaFP2uVxx44Ezb8pJMH7g/s1600-h/IMG_0286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHrS7Nt-uSRRZYEP9yXU7CfeuT4WCcQVbmRNzAIUgLgp6qoT4ouL0XhQIofbA1pn3RtQtFBYA6ykI68pMQOi5QyxtK-7F376AQ4yjVitjTxQPure-I3n9tdeaFP2uVxx44Ezb8pJMH7g/s400/IMG_0286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370290514167722594" /></a><br />New to our garden was a Crookneck Squash. Planted a single start in full sun by itself that grew rapidly into a huge 5' diameter plant. We did spay this plant for aphids as it had it's own Eco-system inside all the huge leaves. We were also careful not to spray the entire plant, but watered a lot at the base of the plant. The effort was worth it as it produced at least 100 of these nice sized squash. From barbecued to stuffed and baked or eaten raw these were great. This plant did require some extra work with watering and bugs. **** Star<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgment_oPDxB-g9h0v9esLNtlhZToaJ-fLD6cXEQuJeC2MUUeYT1wbZvwvzG0_fHJixiaOlQihhcpr8aJoU9jw1PiUWLzGbrxvmIxmQQsY2y2ZU8gY7WP74-rcAuPmKdTHgTDXSfxObaoI/s1600-h/IMG_0140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgment_oPDxB-g9h0v9esLNtlhZToaJ-fLD6cXEQuJeC2MUUeYT1wbZvwvzG0_fHJixiaOlQihhcpr8aJoU9jw1PiUWLzGbrxvmIxmQQsY2y2ZU8gY7WP74-rcAuPmKdTHgTDXSfxObaoI/s400/IMG_0140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370294017585399026" /></a><br />The rest of this years <span style="font-weight:bold;">Urban Garden</span> was for the most part standard vegetables and herbs that we are familiar with. With limited space it's best to utilize your areas with the regular old standby's you can count on and calculate what your crop size will be.Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-40724384682996306462009-08-09T17:50:00.000-07:002009-08-10T07:47:03.978-07:00The Herb GardenWell, it's late in the year for this urban garden. The tomatoes, squash, beans, zucchini, are all done and mostly have been removed from the garden. There are a few things still hanging in there, but the herbs are the bright spot. If you look close there is five different herbs in a small 3'x3' area that gets full morning sun. This little area includes Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Parsley, and Oregano. Basic herbs to grow for a healthy diet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUu8y1S_uHb6KDFPC6TiMSr1i4qWeQuta0Isa0uRJmD_Mb279G0FE9WxS9g1koxZG4u4RlHPXIJuR-u2UGKH-v1_Y5Cn8TQESBScJa8ATR50VNAVWejA6PrXfswmQArw6Kgv-vKSyfPU/s1600-h/IMG_0291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUu8y1S_uHb6KDFPC6TiMSr1i4qWeQuta0Isa0uRJmD_Mb279G0FE9WxS9g1koxZG4u4RlHPXIJuR-u2UGKH-v1_Y5Cn8TQESBScJa8ATR50VNAVWejA6PrXfswmQArw6Kgv-vKSyfPU/s400/IMG_0291.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368132414619426802" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-88941732488368234332009-08-01T15:25:00.001-07:002009-08-10T08:11:59.953-07:00Middle Eastern CucumbersThese are a little different in looks, taste, and texture from conventional cucumbers. This is our first time growing these and would highly recommend them. No problem with the plants, awesome texture, mild cucumber flavor, with very small seeds. On a five star rating system with five being the best, we would give these a five. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUxDFgzbJuVhiKE28GTIE5sThAgYZYZDNNyakERui6XD-hBgP4gWVEECJS64VvtUKUKYd1waZhq4JU0a2gKExEN-K7VpQPtqSoY_Zo4UVDDrC-d1qZzTjL8TQRFgRXDGC50-o0JXr5pM/s1600-h/IMG_0290.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUxDFgzbJuVhiKE28GTIE5sThAgYZYZDNNyakERui6XD-hBgP4gWVEECJS64VvtUKUKYd1waZhq4JU0a2gKExEN-K7VpQPtqSoY_Zo4UVDDrC-d1qZzTjL8TQRFgRXDGC50-o0JXr5pM/s400/IMG_0290.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365125514724010498" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We planted them from seed in a very small 4'x1.5' planter in the front yard with direct morning sun. It is amazing what will grow out a very small piece of dirt in an urban garden setting as long as that dirt is very enriched with fertilizers and nutrients.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrL5hzUhkVufrfngD4kcAtoqzvpXNFvrN4TCw3EopWzu7BTxwnrbdWBV8tZbECCto8cDYyrFQASrU9ADTb1bVTquGrDB3Ck0-_z1655R3o2axq8WCzuKTnX08G73nxeqLKKd5yEvTDw0/s1600-h/IMG_0285.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrL5hzUhkVufrfngD4kcAtoqzvpXNFvrN4TCw3EopWzu7BTxwnrbdWBV8tZbECCto8cDYyrFQASrU9ADTb1bVTquGrDB3Ck0-_z1655R3o2axq8WCzuKTnX08G73nxeqLKKd5yEvTDw0/s400/IMG_0285.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365126976988021842" /></a>They were hiding in the foliage of beans, peas, herbs, and pickling cucumbers, as well as some herbs Mrs Thumb planted on the right hand side.Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-13192430562685004372009-07-31T12:01:00.000-07:002009-07-31T12:30:38.512-07:00The Last BatchA nice bunch of ripe tomatoes that are going to be turned into stewed tomatoes. The bowl in front is all Romas. If you have never grown them, they are real meaty and flavorful. They develop into a larger plant and seem to take longer to mature then most of the other varieties. Also notice the oblong shape to these. There is a few Lemon Boys left that are a low acid variety and really good eating. The two bowls in the back are just a mixture of Celebrity, Champion, and Beefsteak. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianwGJFq3JG_iIJ2CUvSh_J4Jx9xaAKcwh5u0ckvmkCcCd52qRnpWAUD3U0_JCWNLWaiib9s950kWYp60tiP4W9WpfNS5c2RBZfdBhrXJhubXtoJGSRwEIrcBYB0BUageoCAC2aTOlRCg/s1600-h/IMG_0282_1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianwGJFq3JG_iIJ2CUvSh_J4Jx9xaAKcwh5u0ckvmkCcCd52qRnpWAUD3U0_JCWNLWaiib9s950kWYp60tiP4W9WpfNS5c2RBZfdBhrXJhubXtoJGSRwEIrcBYB0BUageoCAC2aTOlRCg/s400/IMG_0282_1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364702163673013042" /></a><br />We didn't grow any exotic varieties this year. Just the regular standbys and they came through with over 800 tomatoes. A huge crop for a small urban garden.Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-59188494886038144742009-07-24T11:34:00.000-07:002009-07-24T11:47:19.504-07:00Peppers in a PotI planted three un-known pepper starts in this rather shallow pot just for kicks. There is a bunch of small peppers developing, and the plants seem to be healthy, but it is like they are dwarfs. The dirt is potting soil, so I am guessing they need more nutrients to really develop into full size plants. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2buJQD5LQcbPkLxNDk35KV0r4SZOKmMM1GKOH2jLO1DCkvxE5Dz0IIxyDT2VNhvRwDeJdO5WUz7HovkKgZjvtx5UnkIPZTNF82q9ZvkTKMhMdyHZmEJZqd4D1BgrGX_0XaLf3cjwYGU/s1600-h/IMG_0274.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2buJQD5LQcbPkLxNDk35KV0r4SZOKmMM1GKOH2jLO1DCkvxE5Dz0IIxyDT2VNhvRwDeJdO5WUz7HovkKgZjvtx5UnkIPZTNF82q9ZvkTKMhMdyHZmEJZqd4D1BgrGX_0XaLf3cjwYGU/s400/IMG_0274.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362097400990414226" /></a><br />The little peppers are yellow and some on the other side are green. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h9lL4JURQTKAO0n3GZLb3pcgvwz4Rtru1FpnoDhBO0XibHaysTz1qqFMFG3bNte7upM46WNSkLEA6rZguAI5Z1rsSHkwmTDER_bohGLmCsmBWxU4tnESURArr62jXBGGIurq_sun-30/s1600-h/IMG_0273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h9lL4JURQTKAO0n3GZLb3pcgvwz4Rtru1FpnoDhBO0XibHaysTz1qqFMFG3bNte7upM46WNSkLEA6rZguAI5Z1rsSHkwmTDER_bohGLmCsmBWxU4tnESURArr62jXBGGIurq_sun-30/s400/IMG_0273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362097227921675474" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-21945699376888499522009-07-24T10:40:00.000-07:002009-07-24T11:31:35.708-07:00A Tired GardenLooking out from the back deck you can see the giant sunflowers are starting to give into the heat and bow down. The entire tomato garden has stopped growing and seems to be putting their energy into the remaining fruit. I don't know how many pounds we have taken out of these plants but my guess would be around 175 with another 50 pounds still on the plants.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4r2mhozz2_r1iRC25Yrb15LKUwxb6lgf246LuEQUtmc0J1G0U2Nx_GE5cSyRXvMBzeL6pWEqe6_nz3fTJAbf43OiSTFNSiqAL1HC0sLiIymSzzF4RX1PR3JTV28giFfByqYWIOkz-H4/s1600-h/IMG_0263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4r2mhozz2_r1iRC25Yrb15LKUwxb6lgf246LuEQUtmc0J1G0U2Nx_GE5cSyRXvMBzeL6pWEqe6_nz3fTJAbf43OiSTFNSiqAL1HC0sLiIymSzzF4RX1PR3JTV28giFfByqYWIOkz-H4/s400/IMG_0263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362084119788086690" /></a><br />The pickle/cucumber plants are really slowing down also. Although there is still a bunch hiding in the foliage. This was our best year ever with this type of crop. We always grew enough to eat but the plants always ended up moldy and were never really healthy. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IAgtHOcfbs0G5sr_UhAROZmTPWQEtf6hP-gOcQl1TTXCHiIMR9g2eF2hgDK0BDyXbLBfEhNqz6f3PrVXiDHzUmSzD4duVkekGr7VB_h-9l3dcAWrsBfVU7jL1RezYzY4cinSb4JDSiM/s1600-h/IMG_0265.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IAgtHOcfbs0G5sr_UhAROZmTPWQEtf6hP-gOcQl1TTXCHiIMR9g2eF2hgDK0BDyXbLBfEhNqz6f3PrVXiDHzUmSzD4duVkekGr7VB_h-9l3dcAWrsBfVU7jL1RezYzY4cinSb4JDSiM/s400/IMG_0265.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362083744164562674" /></a><br />The sunflowers always look sad to me when they have matured. They served their purpose providing shade, and if you look close you can see the healthy bean plants behind this giant sunflower. It won't be long and the birds and squirrels will be eating the seeds.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAr-7NBPG-CUkXwkSc-2WIjpdOt8ccsar6whnQIyl-9Jp-2_RfvVpeoFLnULqq5wUTGu0lDX5J3B7IiLFFNhokDU5dxZhLcE-jXK9y1tys4Gf4yOH3-gX2iJ8fVkNsB-dz0y22zP-Umo/s1600-h/IMG_0266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAr-7NBPG-CUkXwkSc-2WIjpdOt8ccsar6whnQIyl-9Jp-2_RfvVpeoFLnULqq5wUTGu0lDX5J3B7IiLFFNhokDU5dxZhLcE-jXK9y1tys4Gf4yOH3-gX2iJ8fVkNsB-dz0y22zP-Umo/s400/IMG_0266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362083518865178354" /></a><br />Here is the mighty crookneck squash. Definitely an incredible plant that surprised us with the amount of squash it would provide. The 100 degree heat and old age is starting to get the best of this plant now. Look closely at the bottom right hand side and you will see it is still cranking out squash. Mrs. Thumb made 24 large loafs and 12 small loafs of bread, 6 pints of pickles, as all we could eat this summer. This plant produced more food then any other plant in the garden this year....hands down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii080XIRVd6-5iOSTNEHiNo1Fs3Mv9APebjVuvNO9VYg1InSoPqRN2I7CkV2IJ0G2SWzyOgpF9YQTfSNwVmZb6kIqU6R5laQ1WHzN7d4osmfiiOPY78wnOSEhZvqNb1Sbu77mkaaqp9ts/s1600-h/IMG_0272.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii080XIRVd6-5iOSTNEHiNo1Fs3Mv9APebjVuvNO9VYg1InSoPqRN2I7CkV2IJ0G2SWzyOgpF9YQTfSNwVmZb6kIqU6R5laQ1WHzN7d4osmfiiOPY78wnOSEhZvqNb1Sbu77mkaaqp9ts/s400/IMG_0272.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362083288891584258" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-69119288809093135792009-07-19T13:30:00.000-07:002009-07-20T18:15:05.700-07:00Basket of PeppersMrs. Thumb has been so busy canning tomatoes and making pickles out of the of cucumbers, that we neglected the peppers. This morning we took a look, and this is about half of what could be picked. This is a good sized basket and has Bells in green, yellow, and chocolate. Also Hungarian, Anaheim, and yellow chilies. The two white ones are Japanese White Eggplant. If you look closely on the right side you can see a strange looking creature. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5VY2-GFhIXXmW3r4awKK2jTTGA6yzCVpEfPcDbOQlNroSmgRIUTz16nPdkPo-a8aE5Pv3iIdJRIZzdJ1gPtWGhEkPHcjd1JSGqt3g1TzbCu2gRgeyv0pAJYwi6AIzGh_dKwmfWUhKv4/s1600-h/IMG_0247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5VY2-GFhIXXmW3r4awKK2jTTGA6yzCVpEfPcDbOQlNroSmgRIUTz16nPdkPo-a8aE5Pv3iIdJRIZzdJ1gPtWGhEkPHcjd1JSGqt3g1TzbCu2gRgeyv0pAJYwi6AIzGh_dKwmfWUhKv4/s400/IMG_0247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360271955067542562" /></a><br />This is the first time growing a Japanese white eggplant. We planted two on the outside of the pepper garden and I'm not sure that was the best place with the proper PH level. They have a nice milky color and I'll do a post on the flavor and texture after we cook them.Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-3679219607603889982009-07-18T12:19:00.000-07:002009-07-19T18:26:17.827-07:00Strange Looking Tomato BugA strange looking creature caught at night sitting in the bowl of cherry tomatoes. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1A5CXxZFwRyc8avmZLSutdYWtiTxl-2Igzzih5sdyM1buNGqqI92ZsTZGNvI7jjIIVFrxopY2Hi6KibrENJdE-GFbqsZWOAanKznDtd72dJ9jkjLW0kaLAWmbCZg1XxTbDCG-CmxGiQ/s1600-h/IMG_0245.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1A5CXxZFwRyc8avmZLSutdYWtiTxl-2Igzzih5sdyM1buNGqqI92ZsTZGNvI7jjIIVFrxopY2Hi6KibrENJdE-GFbqsZWOAanKznDtd72dJ9jkjLW0kaLAWmbCZg1XxTbDCG-CmxGiQ/s400/IMG_0245.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359884357620848530" /></a><br />This little bug has revealed his name, but seems to have affected a couple of the pickles by turning them a funny yellow color. Seriously, we have never found any other cucumbers or pickles this color. I don't know if its just an anomaly or if we somehow planted some hybrid without knowing it. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrudEfH2h9bu3Yrh4ck9KIcWOdcvVKXD0xaaaayQSQ-98xkG36aLdGTwCXm3pCnVKcJNB1xi15I9EukVxEYrXTZio93cSqYyvS0U4PEpqmFvOjysQ5LuDTykTcvBLyBUcWeZ38MccJks/s1600-h/IMG_0244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrudEfH2h9bu3Yrh4ck9KIcWOdcvVKXD0xaaaayQSQ-98xkG36aLdGTwCXm3pCnVKcJNB1xi15I9EukVxEYrXTZio93cSqYyvS0U4PEpqmFvOjysQ5LuDTykTcvBLyBUcWeZ38MccJks/s400/IMG_0244.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359885497077801170" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-67275019212323515432009-07-14T18:23:00.000-07:002009-07-14T18:55:00.019-07:00Check Out These ColorsWe like to try different varieties every year. Some work out and some don't but nothing ventured nothing gained. (my Dad told me that) We always try to grow some yellow tomato's but this is a Lemon Boy Tomato that isn't producing a lot, but enough to eat. It has a great color with a thin skin and the flavor is really mild. <br /><br />The bell pepper is call a Chocolate Bell and this is the first one out of the garden. It feels and looks just like a bell pepper with a nice dark brown color.<br /><br />The Watermelon Radish (cut in half) is about 2-3" in diameter with a mild radish taste. The texture is the same as any radish and we have not had any pithy or bug problems at all.<br /><br />The bright red pepper is a jalapeno (usually green) that was on the plant to long. It doesn't seen to hurt the flavor or texture at all. <br /><br />The fun of gardening for us is not only all the great food but trying something new every year. We would find room in the garden for all these variety's next year. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tX7dlEoN9zivdqlk-_LHzLbF_x5jtGCPlbiriATvEVYVEJthc50o7AuDF_Rc7I8mTjQbrKO8-zqYcagrtdQK2YphxW86jxW5GDBktmUjXQzMk1NYURkc8-eurfqRjwJVVlRgngOlVXM/s1600-h/IMG_0241.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tX7dlEoN9zivdqlk-_LHzLbF_x5jtGCPlbiriATvEVYVEJthc50o7AuDF_Rc7I8mTjQbrKO8-zqYcagrtdQK2YphxW86jxW5GDBktmUjXQzMk1NYURkc8-eurfqRjwJVVlRgngOlVXM/s400/IMG_0241.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358491820331008434" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-51815099918345483692009-07-11T16:01:00.000-07:002009-07-20T17:59:06.677-07:00Tomato UpdateMrs. Thumb picked a bunch of tomato's today and we wanted to show what we call sun spots versus nice ripe tomatoes. The three on the left were exposed to direct sun and you can see the damage that was done. Remember it gets over 100 degrees here and this damage isn't caused from lack of water, they are just burned from the sun. The three tomato's on the right were either in partial shade from the sunflowers or the tomato plant it's self. We cut the bad spots off the damaged tomatoes and use what we can. Double click the picture for a better view.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRz6yNHP5VmvkZ0ZxnJXdCjkwpAJAMFsY6PNTw4Xh-IIJBkkHb6OcU7N8444oRehD5xohRf84oL-rjjTEQlqA_l9Xqvu7zGGjdQWrVsvthjhM8GL2k3xs_1YNMN_uDbdf8N59x-I9wEo/s1600-h/IMG_0230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRz6yNHP5VmvkZ0ZxnJXdCjkwpAJAMFsY6PNTw4Xh-IIJBkkHb6OcU7N8444oRehD5xohRf84oL-rjjTEQlqA_l9Xqvu7zGGjdQWrVsvthjhM8GL2k3xs_1YNMN_uDbdf8N59x-I9wEo/s400/IMG_0230.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357328007261065698" /></a><br />Here's a picture of the sunflowers towering over the tomato plants. The two tallest are over 10' and as the sun gets higher they start providing a little shade. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEHCm6GayIIh-o1r9VqSo3Kc2CbcNHew3JBnRwr83JVp9U_mlqif4mYyVy22OKssJ4Yv6QAcgmCBQZxNErOOtsecz0YNkZhFUDEy_xBkJzxs3C4g6sHZTV-a5qJZyGmlIzOAv1NFrkA4/s1600-h/IMG_0225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEHCm6GayIIh-o1r9VqSo3Kc2CbcNHew3JBnRwr83JVp9U_mlqif4mYyVy22OKssJ4Yv6QAcgmCBQZxNErOOtsecz0YNkZhFUDEy_xBkJzxs3C4g6sHZTV-a5qJZyGmlIzOAv1NFrkA4/s400/IMG_0225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356972283849955682" /></a><br />This picture is just to the right of the sunflowers and you can see the baseball sized tomatoes starting to ripen up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVIm51uqcTe4rDTa0WXSBDP-v-S2jfr4mjOhYjUEtfu02keYMixfZAHfLV-sFyr6nHLyXAXUbNpNOjCxP1EQc-ElpikyojQSCHgsIzMWOtr30IfaZ_DeYb_iY01cugxB6dNIzo9lxy2Y/s1600-h/IMG_0226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVIm51uqcTe4rDTa0WXSBDP-v-S2jfr4mjOhYjUEtfu02keYMixfZAHfLV-sFyr6nHLyXAXUbNpNOjCxP1EQc-ElpikyojQSCHgsIzMWOtr30IfaZ_DeYb_iY01cugxB6dNIzo9lxy2Y/s400/IMG_0226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356972027970625618" /></a><br />One of my favorites is the Sweet 100 Cherry and they are starting to ripen up also. This amazing plant is still producing new clusters.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_kMGXOnvB0DbrZ020saYnjG9UW_hIWdeFNxe1mEGvkr16_lyHqX7dwb2SYg_uuSsX1W_OBfmltv5uFl6au0MbdhkHLBWaICsj49ME5WV0MIAxVq-siPz0lHRvcPKLD4W2G56tqzrlWY/s1600-h/IMG_0222.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_kMGXOnvB0DbrZ020saYnjG9UW_hIWdeFNxe1mEGvkr16_lyHqX7dwb2SYg_uuSsX1W_OBfmltv5uFl6au0MbdhkHLBWaICsj49ME5WV0MIAxVq-siPz0lHRvcPKLD4W2G56tqzrlWY/s400/IMG_0222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356971563966297634" /></a><br />DRUM ROLL......ripe tomatoes on 7/2/09....before the 4th of July. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZLPFvAifC47B9xy75GOsAHDCRiLKJoEvPcju1YVXKc7EdT3tqWQPE3TfQHtim_eedBIdkUV5HNFk2IwlLGCJI2nKWSwfUwIGtN0ThPGpypYR3a8entjGn2WDfUMpRtaAQdS9lr62FZA/s1600-h/IMG_0173.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZLPFvAifC47B9xy75GOsAHDCRiLKJoEvPcju1YVXKc7EdT3tqWQPE3TfQHtim_eedBIdkUV5HNFk2IwlLGCJI2nKWSwfUwIGtN0ThPGpypYR3a8entjGn2WDfUMpRtaAQdS9lr62FZA/s400/IMG_0173.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353993968876907874" /></a><br />We are within days of getting more ripe tomatoes then we are going to be able to handle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj5rdSy8FCiuFcyIStFftes-OKjjywT3kfWZwYpYlPkKoUHi-P_b50-GzyTKgl60iZQcyeHGIJFzVo5fEDAza3z8IDuMSCCUSf-mPrIelj3Z-lIFPrqj5RrYATh8QcdgjRuFCAaXEWtY/s1600-h/IMG_0159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj5rdSy8FCiuFcyIStFftes-OKjjywT3kfWZwYpYlPkKoUHi-P_b50-GzyTKgl60iZQcyeHGIJFzVo5fEDAza3z8IDuMSCCUSf-mPrIelj3Z-lIFPrqj5RrYATh8QcdgjRuFCAaXEWtY/s400/IMG_0159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353993769599874386" /></a><br />The plants look great and there is a lot of tomatoes. It appears they are just about ready to start turning color. This is a nice cluster of Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAbFxvFL7feunECBrAzDqNIEsjmUnrqTi4cApXfOZ-xtGfZYntI_0W4h-TshnW8ysT20p4oUYo6_cdeM5gp7MIOXCYRs2RbwScewUzyy9Xbz16hVQcOFShG_ImovBpAiDY_uIT5K1PQg/s1600-h/IMG_0116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAbFxvFL7feunECBrAzDqNIEsjmUnrqTi4cApXfOZ-xtGfZYntI_0W4h-TshnW8ysT20p4oUYo6_cdeM5gp7MIOXCYRs2RbwScewUzyy9Xbz16hVQcOFShG_ImovBpAiDY_uIT5K1PQg/s400/IMG_0116.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351405971763010690" /></a>Another nice looking cluster of Cherry Tomatoes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopKl02W-kGBoKpZaQJ9ZlzFDs9PMkCQQ_ssJhJ_O8h0Kbu3Iat9dhDWhf85O0wasNHdnIhDeR1MjieUH0VOFnFIs2DzVLhsLhLYo6NMzbwqOsa8g6BSJr8gpSXaRXU6Y7PuwmCzyUM9M/s1600-h/IMG_0138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopKl02W-kGBoKpZaQJ9ZlzFDs9PMkCQQ_ssJhJ_O8h0Kbu3Iat9dhDWhf85O0wasNHdnIhDeR1MjieUH0VOFnFIs2DzVLhsLhLYo6NMzbwqOsa8g6BSJr8gpSXaRXU6Y7PuwmCzyUM9M/s400/IMG_0138.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351405238655605954" /></a>I am not sure but I think these are Beefsteak Tomatoes. They look so nice in the morning sun.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lvGR_Aj9nsHJmgGEB0kn497l7zDv-zv_toY7usjV3odR0r4qLurpnTAbMX5JzKUmv0Oo6cQhDWLHck3-5WbsD_LSLjrhTRDBW1g-ZmbJVacA9myxxXe3ZnHlviAJfoI1RsntKvxCmwY/s1600-h/IMG_0114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lvGR_Aj9nsHJmgGEB0kn497l7zDv-zv_toY7usjV3odR0r4qLurpnTAbMX5JzKUmv0Oo6cQhDWLHck3-5WbsD_LSLjrhTRDBW1g-ZmbJVacA9myxxXe3ZnHlviAJfoI1RsntKvxCmwY/s400/IMG_0114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351406241995670226" /></a><br />There are hundreds of tomatoes hidden in the folige.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfDtiw22aHnB03umUV45P7EJZmH3tLL8Tj287bjwRDYyQX8g48JToGKYXjKSmgqPHLIfORBpEiyxg7S_knJcUQbhxFT5qPGPB-48lQ_-E5dsuOklw4NXX5AjipPVwOI3eyItkbmv1-lM/s1600-h/IMG_0123.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfDtiw22aHnB03umUV45P7EJZmH3tLL8Tj287bjwRDYyQX8g48JToGKYXjKSmgqPHLIfORBpEiyxg7S_knJcUQbhxFT5qPGPB-48lQ_-E5dsuOklw4NXX5AjipPVwOI3eyItkbmv1-lM/s400/IMG_0123.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351408610778809794" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-51921564519573734252009-07-11T15:19:00.000-07:002009-07-20T17:59:46.082-07:00Update-More Then We Can EatWe have never in ten years of gardening had such a tremendous amount of food to try and keep up with. The pile of pickles on the left side of the picture is going into pint jars tonight and the tomatoes are going to be cooked down tomorrow for chicken wing sauce. Mrs. Thumb has made over 25 loafs of zucchini and squash bread so far that are in the freezer, and six half pints of strawberry jam. Check out the monster zucchini (10lbs plus) in the middle of the picture that was hiding in the garden.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHp0DN1qk6m7mTXcdLrUL8Yqnj5tkQmM2ovC8JM0peis7HiC_jNf43ufsZP7j2FtceWRNxNUh6OSAXB5iLt-qJL0lsbJSHhG-UGpP05RXkGfAnMfbvU90DZBQhdkyz378eV5SZJqYxnk/s1600-h/IMG_0231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHp0DN1qk6m7mTXcdLrUL8Yqnj5tkQmM2ovC8JM0peis7HiC_jNf43ufsZP7j2FtceWRNxNUh6OSAXB5iLt-qJL0lsbJSHhG-UGpP05RXkGfAnMfbvU90DZBQhdkyz378eV5SZJqYxnk/s400/IMG_0231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358488649062420514" /></a><br />A really nice example of the amount of food you can grow in a small urban setting. One zucchini plant, one squash plant, and twenty different tomato plants jammed together. Double click the picture and you might notice some small Roma's with the Cherry's in the small basket. This is approximately 50lbs of squash, tomato's, and zucchini. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgpe2MCnRDcj_v8nIt74Ph5fRsGdyv9C3mBMQAR4lcZjOOjNnHbECqV1EvwSYBRkgHemRtdQ4-iSVEcpMsoAAd2uXkBUMKaYFAposALKKwDlsMARaG6il_nQA5PKbz94jZmDJNjSrFNQ/s1600-h/IMG_0228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgpe2MCnRDcj_v8nIt74Ph5fRsGdyv9C3mBMQAR4lcZjOOjNnHbECqV1EvwSYBRkgHemRtdQ4-iSVEcpMsoAAd2uXkBUMKaYFAposALKKwDlsMARaG6il_nQA5PKbz94jZmDJNjSrFNQ/s400/IMG_0228.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357332687467397474" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-80652870924389100262009-07-10T14:43:00.000-07:002009-07-10T16:40:07.026-07:00CucumbersEver had the urge to eat a pickle. Well Mrs. Thumb had a huge two quart jar and found a cucumber hiding under all the bean and cucumber leaves. Here you have it a pickle in a two quart jar. Double click the picture to see this giant up close.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjacAgz70Z49AF98GXfEa3g03bPiC0YooGqky0TU8sVpdKa2V6TeBTTrIdqD__D657VTwZ9OaqEWgfsck63kUid34YwVTUwoMzHdYJhMIprCLAuW7SxlOA1y1vVEL7geOgaw3J5bJOG8Y/s1600-h/IMG_0207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjacAgz70Z49AF98GXfEa3g03bPiC0YooGqky0TU8sVpdKa2V6TeBTTrIdqD__D657VTwZ9OaqEWgfsck63kUid34YwVTUwoMzHdYJhMIprCLAuW7SxlOA1y1vVEL7geOgaw3J5bJOG8Y/s400/IMG_0207.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356979236122922370" /></a><br />This is one plant we never had great success with. We always managed to get some cucumbers but the plants would develop some kind of leaf mold. This year the plants seem to be developing a little slow but they are very healthy and nice looking plants. Today (7/2/09) we found four nice size cucumbers worth about a buck a piece in our grocery stores.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60sJroqIgSIVxUvwST2hymUUtbVT9RjEq7C3Dlc3D8JtIdSj-NCHDY7RG17Fv7OYpwFi1iIxLxl7T3fQnze-C8alhPbYQEy_jqUgjYvSfzW9omYv0tTqDieJ0yrg18tMsmsIRpgwyGkI/s1600-h/IMG_0175.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60sJroqIgSIVxUvwST2hymUUtbVT9RjEq7C3Dlc3D8JtIdSj-NCHDY7RG17Fv7OYpwFi1iIxLxl7T3fQnze-C8alhPbYQEy_jqUgjYvSfzW9omYv0tTqDieJ0yrg18tMsmsIRpgwyGkI/s400/IMG_0175.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353991461866625906" /></a><br />Mrs. Thumb planted four hills of bush cucumbers on the side of the house with nothing but morning sun. If you double click the picture, you will notice some dark green zucchini leaves on the left, in the back some pole beans, and on the right is the prized dill patch.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGoWfpoF_puXCW1SVyX9Yy7FHKWqCTmWUGuDVm8z8gPelfD8VzGH43jTua1jjYLURNRpnG83AgcL06aJm3r0duxZTqD4wkkcM44ZA1pnOe73Zm-DdRskCbWFvnf60RmBFqzzgtySLORY/s1600-h/IMG_0171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGoWfpoF_puXCW1SVyX9Yy7FHKWqCTmWUGuDVm8z8gPelfD8VzGH43jTua1jjYLURNRpnG83AgcL06aJm3r0duxZTqD4wkkcM44ZA1pnOe73Zm-DdRskCbWFvnf60RmBFqzzgtySLORY/s400/IMG_0171.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353983849032982146" /></a><br />This is a pickling cucumber we think. It some how got started in with a patch of pole beans. On the left it has started climbing up a trellis. It's also taking over some parsley and bush peas. We decided to just let this one have its way and go where ever it wants. To us, its not to have law and order in the garden but to have fun with it and get a lot of veggies. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvwWKkmbZOmUb0lzDpAM6BbRqoKVHuQ5OBky6SSZ-eyn68usBje2PoSxe8NDNY26c5NobKg9lTlqi6zpFEsvwTsgZ-QYqbDBLp5s6WxY0J6veR5doXQYg8tOh9Rhgnu6WULK26qYsV6U/s1600-h/IMG_0166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvwWKkmbZOmUb0lzDpAM6BbRqoKVHuQ5OBky6SSZ-eyn68usBje2PoSxe8NDNY26c5NobKg9lTlqi6zpFEsvwTsgZ-QYqbDBLp5s6WxY0J6veR5doXQYg8tOh9Rhgnu6WULK26qYsV6U/s400/IMG_0166.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353986395073843506" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-66036055620067961552009-07-07T16:03:00.000-07:002009-07-16T18:07:59.830-07:00For You Meat LoversCouldn't resist taking a shot of this bird on the rotisserie. It was Sunday afternoon (7/5/09)in the back yard. Mrs. Thumb marinated this fat little hen in lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, cracked pepper, and kosher salt. A big sprinkle of Penzeys 300 and about 2 hours later, here she is done and ready for slicing. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTBHnqiTwezJ79brwsvSJYbSb2JJO3OBKHQ-HVICvoTLzJLlAagCvphCvWF7CnIqpGLdThcbEtcTi6FsvD5yGZX7OrDgTXIMMuzbItyDzMX7WtZuiZcb6RG2ejlmiLeiunbNV2pgHcks/s1600-h/IMG_0192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTBHnqiTwezJ79brwsvSJYbSb2JJO3OBKHQ-HVICvoTLzJLlAagCvphCvWF7CnIqpGLdThcbEtcTi6FsvD5yGZX7OrDgTXIMMuzbItyDzMX7WtZuiZcb6RG2ejlmiLeiunbNV2pgHcks/s400/IMG_0192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355832713822777458" /></a><br />This family not only loves fresh veggies, but a big chunk of red meat is welcome on the grill also. We got our hands on a nice prime rib and couldn't resist using the rotisserie. Double click the picture to see a fine piece of beef. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKyEoEZzTGAPBb9YouSAJ2W7h8-HluX-sx4J4WeqvCmeaxHNvmL1Kd71une-KhZ1u-5tn-BfIAoQ7m6P8bwXHqMX5IBfZDY3_tbMKAtfsoatQ50nypz2_YmO49sh3MMPZgIASbZ0JwLo/s1600-h/IMG_0056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKyEoEZzTGAPBb9YouSAJ2W7h8-HluX-sx4J4WeqvCmeaxHNvmL1Kd71une-KhZ1u-5tn-BfIAoQ7m6P8bwXHqMX5IBfZDY3_tbMKAtfsoatQ50nypz2_YmO49sh3MMPZgIASbZ0JwLo/s400/IMG_0056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352148659985820802" /></a><br />A mixture of cracked black pepper, kosher salt, fresh thyme, and 6-8 garlic cloves get ground to a paste and applied to the meat. We used a meat thermometer and cooked until we had an inner temp of 140 degrees. Took off the grill, wrapped in tinfoil and let stand for about 10-15 minutes. Double click the picture and see if that doesn't make your mouth water. Prime rib on the barbie, a truly religious experience.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjETzUYuRTd1MbY2bIT8R_JA_6Udhnmt0kF3mlhNwmif1ouJqgN9nMvsskO3VTIaKItsMcglf2nTzQKlWpiSDkxUHr5bh2JoFfPF0_7Zl_DQMBs8S8s_hXWvS_pSC7u-LKnuGY_gYuOk/s1600-h/IMG_0057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjETzUYuRTd1MbY2bIT8R_JA_6Udhnmt0kF3mlhNwmif1ouJqgN9nMvsskO3VTIaKItsMcglf2nTzQKlWpiSDkxUHr5bh2JoFfPF0_7Zl_DQMBs8S8s_hXWvS_pSC7u-LKnuGY_gYuOk/s400/IMG_0057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352148853793094978" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-52032059569244100602009-07-07T14:12:00.000-07:002009-07-07T14:20:20.075-07:00Pressure Caner UpdateHere we have a progression from "itty bitty" to really big, from left to right is a quarter pint of Ortega Chillies, half pint of strawberry jam, pint of pickled mixed vegetables, quart of bread and butter pickles, and a huge two quart dill pickle. Yup, one huge pickle!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoRJq2FBcAsV_OkT95QUrNZdW_Z2rZeYOapeyQfIK1bc62SVVewe6w3bSMTO0RFuskwYkx7XYoEJ074e7tIKZyoQQMt590GaSVIyQ1K3AVSH034JIO5lovQiNXJEhuDVJn2flWBa0MJc/s1600-h/IMG_0204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoRJq2FBcAsV_OkT95QUrNZdW_Z2rZeYOapeyQfIK1bc62SVVewe6w3bSMTO0RFuskwYkx7XYoEJ074e7tIKZyoQQMt590GaSVIyQ1K3AVSH034JIO5lovQiNXJEhuDVJn2flWBa0MJc/s400/IMG_0204.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355829629995468290" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-10800217555938670632009-07-04T18:08:00.000-07:002009-07-20T18:00:52.464-07:00Happy 4th of JulyWe are hanging out inside the house as it is about 100 degrees outside. Nothing to real earth moving to post, but we did find four nice sized squash hiding at the back of the plant. The crookneck is starting to decline, and is desperately trying to send out squash to seed. It is definitely on the downhill side. We wish everyone a really nice safe fourth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddcnXl-ER1tDOEYm96MmKlWEhuBMrLQAf1FezCei5-SfnpSyv6wOWyU-QCoSfNPp-MTuQg36l_JdqV5jkGiIe1chVhn6Du90oLLqbNToaIqaZeIO2ezPRTp0noKnpvbdgOXwYrOvAmo0/s1600-h/IMG_0181.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddcnXl-ER1tDOEYm96MmKlWEhuBMrLQAf1FezCei5-SfnpSyv6wOWyU-QCoSfNPp-MTuQg36l_JdqV5jkGiIe1chVhn6Du90oLLqbNToaIqaZeIO2ezPRTp0noKnpvbdgOXwYrOvAmo0/s400/IMG_0181.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354778787127053426" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-71650431631025352572009-07-02T16:36:00.001-07:002009-07-20T18:01:52.576-07:00All That Hard Work7/2/09 What a day for The Urban Gardener. Double click this picture to see what can be grown in small areas. If you noticed the small cluster of grapes, that's the result of that darned <a href=" http://growintown.blogspot.com/2009/06/creapy-little-critters-possum.html">Blossom the possum</a>. Last year we had 2lb clusters of unbelievably good grapes. Well....I guess Blossom has to eat too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfKJCnHo-2FVL9QwW4FoODWYTq-W-i3qP9zm_eDi4aRT1VOAdNEUWJ7mYztCEcZjzgzFKXdUZz1_t5Jf2O9JohQVM9AeRG9_cSGuUblrAW2VoiQhPf5_PwYbRTf0eafD7tbpDaf3Y4bs/s1600-h/IMG_0172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfKJCnHo-2FVL9QwW4FoODWYTq-W-i3qP9zm_eDi4aRT1VOAdNEUWJ7mYztCEcZjzgzFKXdUZz1_t5Jf2O9JohQVM9AeRG9_cSGuUblrAW2VoiQhPf5_PwYbRTf0eafD7tbpDaf3Y4bs/s400/IMG_0172.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354011043501052322" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-91189309647507267712009-07-02T15:53:00.000-07:002009-07-02T16:34:55.392-07:00The Pepper GardenToday (7/2/09) we poked around in the peppers and found these, but there is hundreds more where these came from. Any suggestions out there? <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gmTqjBz_iMMnF5mxunRqrIzmYXgvOEthvcKyXHjUoiXJSwMOoPuC0bNhNaBYR83fzx1SOJEp5mmcRCOqPl2_hWk8o48KIwPw5CKbzjeA6lHlVRB8JBH9cVRdpBN3_o03zxuSvOVcfwA/s1600-h/IMG_0177.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gmTqjBz_iMMnF5mxunRqrIzmYXgvOEthvcKyXHjUoiXJSwMOoPuC0bNhNaBYR83fzx1SOJEp5mmcRCOqPl2_hWk8o48KIwPw5CKbzjeA6lHlVRB8JBH9cVRdpBN3_o03zxuSvOVcfwA/s400/IMG_0177.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354009430718357762" /></a><br />We decided to improve on our pepper garden this year. It's a 6'x 6' area that gets morning and mid-afternoon sun. After testing the PH at 8.5 the girls at the Do-It Center recommended a couple bags of Azalea dirt to lower the PH. We also tossed in some Lilly Miller Aluminum Sulfate for kicks. Double click this picture to see over forty happy pepper plants. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhZ_eouBp01UIr_NMM1dVMMubeqqd_aZkOZKkRuxe2rI9fgf_HPtRfQ8se4qkJ7y7n7gO8xNRXGKnFXEdSi9DDSrZIGTFCLVT4bBS07Wbe7W4VygZ2sAh9L5gBLZk6o3G3kYWnLeYT1o/s1600-h/IMG_0042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhZ_eouBp01UIr_NMM1dVMMubeqqd_aZkOZKkRuxe2rI9fgf_HPtRfQ8se4qkJ7y7n7gO8xNRXGKnFXEdSi9DDSrZIGTFCLVT4bBS07Wbe7W4VygZ2sAh9L5gBLZk6o3G3kYWnLeYT1o/s400/IMG_0042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354001261257424434" /></a><br />Little baby green bells...Aren't they cute.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YYIQ0f9bF6rv_CmWGgpqOZETooA_RxKS2qLcr9Vw_G6z_PJlG8P4EEca82U5C8P42HJqIcsCwSGc5-CtRFwYPulOp6xZ1V9RvIwlooBG1lO2ukyLvKkmJUYVlnoVvh61J_Yp8YhVfeA/s1600-h/IMG_0068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YYIQ0f9bF6rv_CmWGgpqOZETooA_RxKS2qLcr9Vw_G6z_PJlG8P4EEca82U5C8P42HJqIcsCwSGc5-CtRFwYPulOp6xZ1V9RvIwlooBG1lO2ukyLvKkmJUYVlnoVvh61J_Yp8YhVfeA/s400/IMG_0068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354000701095874706" /></a><br />Some store bought tomato's but our peppers getting blistered for salsa.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjnnc8w-cLxa0h6RfgW3YY7_pDgJbrxsphKRwPeJZJ8RTgMPo7KHN7sSlY1n5YLs2jb4gb1xqYbC8Crhyphenhyphenq7jhpXpIWM_vZNq5gNzt7vCBbFt1CzcGxLzam-jSzs-YdVa1p1DtUF6IgSI/s1600-h/IMG_0075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjnnc8w-cLxa0h6RfgW3YY7_pDgJbrxsphKRwPeJZJ8RTgMPo7KHN7sSlY1n5YLs2jb4gb1xqYbC8Crhyphenhyphenq7jhpXpIWM_vZNq5gNzt7vCBbFt1CzcGxLzam-jSzs-YdVa1p1DtUF6IgSI/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354000434884556882" /></a><br />And the end product. A quart of Mrs. Thumbs awesome salsa. Not because its hot but I think it has to do with roasted garlic. There has been fights over the last scoop of this stuff.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iVVna867IQvbGNCfgoth8iWkGw3fiIfmaRD5VvR9yVJzOOrQ4vRtSS4PoutOs24aplmeJibuc3lRHmCmj9ZipobE6jg2oGejI8CNmuulzxr1H39N0lb2k2mAELDa_kA7IyeSCu5f27E/s1600-h/IMG_0093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iVVna867IQvbGNCfgoth8iWkGw3fiIfmaRD5VvR9yVJzOOrQ4vRtSS4PoutOs24aplmeJibuc3lRHmCmj9ZipobE6jg2oGejI8CNmuulzxr1H39N0lb2k2mAELDa_kA7IyeSCu5f27E/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354007963272056642" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-1032691409642402102009-07-02T14:26:00.000-07:002009-07-02T14:39:45.464-07:00SunflowersWe feed the birds in the winter and they love pecking at the big sunflower heads. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB8acVKHK_mg96bJJLiL3EjFX_6NcbF2Y58-ycmc_LfPpVLqve8EBf96J-YOU81-tNp6XrJa1QUHIXFi5rn_Q7l-hz94zCiQZ0wQa41_wIwUTioQ9o3n0d9yaD9b5CHQT49dYyZOPnlk/s1600-h/IMG_0162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB8acVKHK_mg96bJJLiL3EjFX_6NcbF2Y58-ycmc_LfPpVLqve8EBf96J-YOU81-tNp6XrJa1QUHIXFi5rn_Q7l-hz94zCiQZ0wQa41_wIwUTioQ9o3n0d9yaD9b5CHQT49dYyZOPnlk/s400/IMG_0162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353979439846773938" /></a><br />They actually serve several purposes for us and the birds. They provide some much needed shade in the dead of summer but also act as support for the pole beans too. There seems to be a lot of variety's of sunflowers and these ones are about 5-6' tall, but the ones planted with the tomato's are over 8' tall. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S4o9nQj8LwLRFVdgR3plovErnpKBYnPgENFZSBhHDR4MYMsIKEy4-_l0RqsrLyWSzvE05lpXGUWzSm-GJJQxcd_4TU1PqHHG1NSrpqQSbmJlbAVx9zlmtgdWTRe2vkLATg-DSfx3lIQ/s1600-h/IMG_0164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S4o9nQj8LwLRFVdgR3plovErnpKBYnPgENFZSBhHDR4MYMsIKEy4-_l0RqsrLyWSzvE05lpXGUWzSm-GJJQxcd_4TU1PqHHG1NSrpqQSbmJlbAVx9zlmtgdWTRe2vkLATg-DSfx3lIQ/s400/IMG_0164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353978560285008642" /></a><br />Here you can see they are in front of a patch of pole beans growing up the trellis behind the sunflowers. There is herbs scattered all around the base of this bunch of sunflowers too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzkIsAjYFp5kG0m_ve9k87VTsjQ7NAgssXmZTjrP03dWL-DZVRm6TPhJLb8ZogeskIYa3sWBS_vFtsTGwatvaX8Gm2KAnrhhw8WLMLnlmm8SxDlPY_lO1ewMgPYdTrc3O0QV_JB_82_8/s1600-h/IMG_0160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzkIsAjYFp5kG0m_ve9k87VTsjQ7NAgssXmZTjrP03dWL-DZVRm6TPhJLb8ZogeskIYa3sWBS_vFtsTGwatvaX8Gm2KAnrhhw8WLMLnlmm8SxDlPY_lO1ewMgPYdTrc3O0QV_JB_82_8/s400/IMG_0160.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353979790855087586" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-38358514168589388522009-07-02T13:55:00.000-07:002009-07-20T18:03:51.542-07:00Watermelon RadishWe pulled the last of our watermelon radishes today (7/2/09). These were just another really pleasant surprise. 1) Because they grew in a PH 6.5 pepper garden. 2)They were fool proof, loosen the dirt, toss some seeds around, wait....no bugs....wait....and wow 3" diameter radishes with a tremendous inside color and flavor. A must grow for next year. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGQhDEJT0uy2RylJyHtOVO6NCLlo_RK1QnadBI1Jw2UbCy4VKjBAmtRqxf7zdRnXBAR8DmSHgA_xTdG8rNEMGXk6SzpyJZJf8L9X3bmBH1UTtLU0UKevy8L_T0NBC_vVejnz5Fl4WAqQ/s1600-h/IMG_0176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGQhDEJT0uy2RylJyHtOVO6NCLlo_RK1QnadBI1Jw2UbCy4VKjBAmtRqxf7zdRnXBAR8DmSHgA_xTdG8rNEMGXk6SzpyJZJf8L9X3bmBH1UTtLU0UKevy8L_T0NBC_vVejnz5Fl4WAqQ/s400/IMG_0176.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353997102362987746" /></a><br />We always grow radishes and they are always the first real crop. We just scatter seeds here and there in between other plants. There was a package of Watermelon Radish seeds at the store that said they would grow to a 3" diameter. So what the heck we tried them, and low and behold here they are. That's a quarter for reference sitting in front.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcisDgNMM3Ul747Gjthnf_P4evcG3ymvZOoCygA40UvvtcnnkVOCcFR3WRuai7bf3ksSSbQsU__6osEoDKZf0dU4oHsUwrRQSIBj5QdYNhqU8SW-Ok4pnyUQVjmZibAZuJN1lFDcTVWBs/s1600-h/IMG_0110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcisDgNMM3Ul747Gjthnf_P4evcG3ymvZOoCygA40UvvtcnnkVOCcFR3WRuai7bf3ksSSbQsU__6osEoDKZf0dU4oHsUwrRQSIBj5QdYNhqU8SW-Ok4pnyUQVjmZibAZuJN1lFDcTVWBs/s400/IMG_0110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350631022776728002" /></a><br />When we cut into one, this color must be the reason for calling them Watermelon Radishes. The flavor is typical radish but milder. We will definitely grow these again.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagOWoFWynYGLF-NADi7iMT5Q1BtU16lcnqVjdKRlKaxI6uK7FKtloRMWJHEm1zcuj50Cd_EDb87r7KEyzqHPYeuu5ordSs97djoGt9OhTcUveSQYqpzeJKk-W6ANSI1nPzj85IMAG6-0/s1600-h/IMG_0111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagOWoFWynYGLF-NADi7iMT5Q1BtU16lcnqVjdKRlKaxI6uK7FKtloRMWJHEm1zcuj50Cd_EDb87r7KEyzqHPYeuu5ordSs97djoGt9OhTcUveSQYqpzeJKk-W6ANSI1nPzj85IMAG6-0/s400/IMG_0111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350632313700028514" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-24196735008829208532009-07-02T12:38:00.000-07:002009-07-02T15:38:40.718-07:00Artichoke SurpriseWe got our hands on a start from <font class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Walmart</font> (about $2.00) in December 2008. It was a pathetic looking start (half dead) but we planted it anyway. It gets morning and a little afternoon sun, but we had no idea it was going do what it did. It got huge in just six months with Artichokes <font class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">everywhere</font>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24bSQCijP6Y5zx0X35KRO-2_69XRoYkO3eo6fkUTbLo56ozVdClHk-0JUAo1lzoe5o5YJxRPSz-eFSb9e9e63l8Ge8CvxpnsFoKriA7QORJN8fbg1daE4DJcBPXBajOb1z53OGgYzdms/s1600-h/IMG_0017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24bSQCijP6Y5zx0X35KRO-2_69XRoYkO3eo6fkUTbLo56ozVdClHk-0JUAo1lzoe5o5YJxRPSz-eFSb9e9e63l8Ge8CvxpnsFoKriA7QORJN8fbg1daE4DJcBPXBajOb1z53OGgYzdms/s400/IMG_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349501443170258050" border="0"></a><br />If you have never seen an artichoke go to flower it is a pleasant surprise. As the plant starts to die off any remaining artichokes develop this spectacular 3 to 4" purple fuzzy top. Double click this picture for a close up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnORVhxE90uMERRFPHY00JGxlx7A1ZpXuF-517-AhAZH7ay96mrEii-sDbZqnB4u8PMt2FtvRetTboslbiVxjDq7EidQhrbIks5UTbbjbGdy5Q1s9NnLZOl6R4F2SIcliwSSEkUsX034c/s1600-h/IMG_0167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnORVhxE90uMERRFPHY00JGxlx7A1ZpXuF-517-AhAZH7ay96mrEii-sDbZqnB4u8PMt2FtvRetTboslbiVxjDq7EidQhrbIks5UTbbjbGdy5Q1s9NnLZOl6R4F2SIcliwSSEkUsX034c/s400/IMG_0167.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353973383183356402" /></a><br />This is a unique plant and if you like to eat artichokes you will really enjoy watching this one grow. Once it dies off you cut it back to ground level and the process starts again with an even larger plant.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0FGAaQj1y-wOqyY-9N_Y4peeJq3M67S7FlR_7O35XNpH7iN0QYq0VjViNpA1l0VcaiVgK2EhrSf8qNRQ_WSQ8A6uiDGpCZuJCPRnNbYi1_JBS35eHcecDgyYxX63_105Qlbtc2XhjiY/s1600-h/IMG_0169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0FGAaQj1y-wOqyY-9N_Y4peeJq3M67S7FlR_7O35XNpH7iN0QYq0VjViNpA1l0VcaiVgK2EhrSf8qNRQ_WSQ8A6uiDGpCZuJCPRnNbYi1_JBS35eHcecDgyYxX63_105Qlbtc2XhjiY/s400/IMG_0169.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353976278412280258" /></a><br />A truly awesome plant to watch grow, harvest the chokes, and enjoy the flowers.Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-58887540075608779332009-06-29T15:31:00.000-07:002009-07-20T18:06:18.619-07:00Products We UseThe girls at our local Do-It Center told us this was so popular they couldn't keep it on the shelf. It's pricey at $24.00 for three pounds and I didn't buy it when they told me to. Well, I went back and they were out and it took two weeks to get my hands on a bag. We highly recommend it and would buy it again.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBkqQnpDxIVNNS_GWHCN0tesGMiLytHuSkB14Vaw0ke0KB5q3gFF_Tw-5rSehdGgEAXwdkOfoHG3akLP8ePd7J0LDuAoClgzleiXJRcpw56yGFAkyWl07zfSr6a0pPwXlqWI0cmgoFMI/s1600-h/optimize.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBkqQnpDxIVNNS_GWHCN0tesGMiLytHuSkB14Vaw0ke0KB5q3gFF_Tw-5rSehdGgEAXwdkOfoHG3akLP8ePd7J0LDuAoClgzleiXJRcpw56yGFAkyWl07zfSr6a0pPwXlqWI0cmgoFMI/s400/optimize.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352891375750412914" /></a><br />This product is from Lilly Miller and we needed to acidify our pepper garden as the PH was at 8.5 and we wanted to drop it to approximately 6.5. A liberal scattering by hand and our little 6'x6' pepper garden has never looked better. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHV4ZDborDL9juFhnJKpqckFxDCEPxqzGXDT5FQD0W5q9liOumI6M8m-k0ib10ao9lzVMmN2nDjTqPz3XhL4wEfduQ3ZGywC1d_z7Q6tZ9a9-AZQH_m4X-5r1DYRp4pSB6-q8WSJCOIYI/s1600-h/aluminumsulfate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHV4ZDborDL9juFhnJKpqckFxDCEPxqzGXDT5FQD0W5q9liOumI6M8m-k0ib10ao9lzVMmN2nDjTqPz3XhL4wEfduQ3ZGywC1d_z7Q6tZ9a9-AZQH_m4X-5r1DYRp4pSB6-q8WSJCOIYI/s400/aluminumsulfate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352883067228867810" /></a><br />The guys at Loews said this was by far and away the most popular soil amendment they sold. We bought 10 bags @ $5.95 a bag and it looks like black dirt when you open it. We really liked the quality of this product and would buy it again.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZ5cq9Hxhyphenhyphend0s_IR4Z_DBC_0fvF0g7J5mDHC5rnGzLWH_ondklf9u0IL_VAwBoe7G5UA0CsdPC95OCLSJ0FQndj7MyHajBRCDjce-KPpVv1LgMpotwq_1cFsxaYkd_IAM1R_Kxwn2kSI/s1600-h/amend.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZ5cq9Hxhyphenhyphend0s_IR4Z_DBC_0fvF0g7J5mDHC5rnGzLWH_ondklf9u0IL_VAwBoe7G5UA0CsdPC95OCLSJ0FQndj7MyHajBRCDjce-KPpVv1LgMpotwq_1cFsxaYkd_IAM1R_Kxwn2kSI/s400/amend.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352882088017138514" /></a><br />The pest control product we use,(besides a live trap)is from Osh Hardware. It's a sprayer that you attach to the garden hose it is premixed and is strong enough to kill bugs but doesn't seem to hurt the plants. It's called Ready-to-Spray Multipurpose Yard & Garden Insect Killer. We would love to grow completely organic but some of these bugs are not only tougher then hell but they have big appetite's also. So we don't fool around with them, we just kill them and be done with it. <br /><br />As this list grows we will continue to update it. If we can save you the trouble of experimenting with products that don't work, you will have more time to enjoy your garden.Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-90998675656985175182009-06-28T17:04:00.000-07:002009-07-20T18:06:50.479-07:00Baby AfghanIt has been raging hot is southern CA for a few days (105+) giving, guess who a chance to finish a project started a couple weeks ago. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4q19qv0FGrj-NkbG8pAfbZOKjcqxGce8veOiiTu6VtFu2ZCkB6BDdECBOUYTPS7Pj9mIjqZ5woq2aUd20I1Q26C8CsFaaWWyGFXCFj2AoGNrIIX0mGwz4cEttcqHpIF6s_N_oFWNMBg/s1600-h/IMG_0145.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4q19qv0FGrj-NkbG8pAfbZOKjcqxGce8veOiiTu6VtFu2ZCkB6BDdECBOUYTPS7Pj9mIjqZ5woq2aUd20I1Q26C8CsFaaWWyGFXCFj2AoGNrIIX0mGwz4cEttcqHpIF6s_N_oFWNMBg/s400/IMG_0145.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352534072108846242" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575387373005120754.post-3640896786708632572009-06-27T15:47:00.000-07:002009-07-01T22:47:45.941-07:00Pole Bean & Squash SushiMrs. Thumb out did herself with this one. On the creativity scale this was a 10. Sliced the squash length wise in small diameter pieces and dip both the beans and pieces of squash in tempura batter and fry in hot oil. Shrimp was also batter fried in hot oil. Combine all three items and roll into a nice sushi roll, adding avocado slices to the top. Take a sharp knife cut into bite size pieces and there you have it. Pole bean and crookneck squash sushi. (great dipped in soy sauce)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBVeDKEOEMhdGbV7sL0eXnktBV8W9CmHqoOR6o8nC6VYHyutL0kPLnw06ormRvLQHZWJ_-e5VxzUyYtymNgXhCxgz-Iybn1PKMsL2OeU-yTn4xfIXx_nc3IIyF__xe3y3MqKZUtLc2Nc/s1600-h/IMG_0144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBVeDKEOEMhdGbV7sL0eXnktBV8W9CmHqoOR6o8nC6VYHyutL0kPLnw06ormRvLQHZWJ_-e5VxzUyYtymNgXhCxgz-Iybn1PKMsL2OeU-yTn4xfIXx_nc3IIyF__xe3y3MqKZUtLc2Nc/s400/IMG_0144.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352145950348974674" /></a>Our 2009 Urban Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10853546154412225697noreply@blogger.com0