Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!

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Variegated Pink Lemon

Dang it.  2012 is here whether we like it or not.  Using the new year as a marker, the trees were sprayed with pyrethrum and copper sulfate.  This was the 1st of 3 sprays scheduled for the winter. In about 3 weeks, they will be hit a 2nd time.  The final application must be scheduled before any of the buds break.  This helps to control pests and fungus.  Good.  That was the final task of 2011.DSC_2202_7290

Blenheim Apricot

Sadly, there hasn’t been much cold weather to speak of.  That cold helps the dormant fruit – apricot, nectarine, pear, apple, peach, and plum.  AND it’s been mighty dry.DSC_2200_7288

Red Flame Grapes

Farmer MacGregor is in charge of the grapevine.  The 1st task of the new year was to prune the vine with the hopes of a superior crop in 2012.  The old dove nests and unwanted vines were removed.  The arbor is clean and ready for the summer shade.DSC_2203_7291

Volunteers from the summer continue to thrive.  Sunflowers and tomatoes are going strong.  In fact, fresh picked tomatoes were enjoyed on Christmas Day.  Sheesh!  At 9:30 this morning, it was already warm out in the garden.DSC_2206_7294

This weather will give me plenty of opportunity to do chores in the garden to prepare for the spring and summer crops.  I will be planting more beets, broccoli, and cauliflower with hopes they will do better than what is out there now.

 

Biggest Dud of 2011 in the GardenGrafting.  Not one success there.

Biggest Success of 2011 in the GardenGolden Current Tomato.  They’re still producing.

Recommendations for 2012Heinz Tomato.  Nice plant with beautiful fruit that is easy to harvest and preserve.  Good for fresh eating or canning.

Goal for 2012:  Incorporate more flowers into the garden.

3 comments:

dorothy said...

Tomatoes on Christmas Day...oh my! I did good to get a few to ripen even in summer. Here in my part of the valley, we had 14 frosty mornings in Dec. so it has seemed pretty chilly to me. Happy new year to you and happy gardening!

Lona said...

I love that variegated Lemon. Your was the first I had ever seen before. Looks like you are having some beautiful weather. Our new year has come in with high winds.

Glennis said...

It was in the high 70s today here.

Still very dry and clear.