The Plan

Halloween Come Early

Published September 27th, 2009 in goings on, images, vegetable | No Comments »

It is almost October.

The pumpkin patch has been so satisfying. The borers are a problem, so the vines, as well as a couple of fruits, are decaying, but there are many that will make it to maturity. It’s a race now. Either they will succumb to disease or I will harvest the bright orange globes. Frost is not an option. I will see to that somehow. There are also many gourds planted in the patch. The variety pictured here were the most vigorous producers. Still some birdhouse and egg shaped varieties growing.

Basket of Peaches

Published September 21st, 2009 in goings on | 1 Comment »

Basket full of Peaches

Look at me, I’m so cute! That’s me talking, not Peaches. He’s no braggart and he’d rather not draw attention to himself.

Peaches was quite ill a few weeks ago and I wasn’t sure there would be any more photos…. He developed an infection several days after being neutered which then formed a huge abscess (a gaping hole) in the neutering site. In Doc Cooper’s opinion, his immune system may be too compromised to heal it (Peaches tested positive for feline leukemia, aka feline AIDS, while at the vet for neutering). I don’t want to declare victory too early and jinx it, but I think he’s going to be around a little longer. But in all likelihood not very long since he is immunocompromised.

BTW if you live in Eastern Iowa and are in need of a great vet, take your pet to see Doc Cooper at Town and Country Animal Clinic in Tama. He’s a great doc and willing to go the extra mile. Plus he’s really funny, measuring the degree to which an animal is sedated in understandable human terms such as “12 pack” or “weak joint”.

Volunteer

Published September 18th, 2009 in goings on | No Comments »

I like the word and the deed. We have had many volunteer vegetables in the garden this year. The corn was the biggest surprise. It’s feed corn, but the placement and vigor of this single stalk is impressive and pleasing. Also had volunteer acorn squash and tomatoes. I’m sure it says something about the seeds liking it where they have fallen.

Now if only I didn’t feel so consumed with projects, I’d very much like to volunteer to help others with their projects. Recently found the website volunteerspot.com – it helps organizations and individuals assemble a group of people for a specific event or project. It would be interesting to have some kind of local volunteer board – a website where I could take a look at neighbor’s projects and sign up or join in. A lofty idea, and one that I hope is out there already and doing well.

New Hoop House Design

Published September 13th, 2009 in goings on, images | No Comments »

This design comes from Eric on ericprojects.com. Seems like a much more substantial build than our previous attempt at a high tunnel cool house. The previous build did not last too long.

We still have the task of applying the plastic in such a way so as to completely eliminate any drafts or flapping. That is likely what ripped the last hoop house to bits. It can be very windy here.

I constructed the door out of part of a shower door that will not likely ever be part of the shower, and pine boards I had. It all feels and looks pretty good. But then so did the last one. Our plan is to plant some cool weather crops in a few weeks and then slap the plastic on when it starts to get really cool. It’s all about extending and getting a jump on the growing season.