Saturday, February 4, 2012

This is February?!

Today would have been a perfect beach like day IF it was July.  However, it’s February in Bakersfield.  I need some cold weather to kill the bugs, rain in the garden to settle the dust and clear the air, and snow in the mountains to use when it is July.

Can you believe ladybugs are already working in the garden?DSC_2228Here’s what’s growing on in the garden today:

The cauliflower has been bothered by aphids in this warm weather.  I was considering taking the plants out and getting the bed ready for summer crops; but there are 16 head that seem to be doing alright.  I’ll wait.DSC_2221Broccoli has also had aphid troubles.I’ve blasted the plants with a power stream of water from the garden hose and relocated some of the early ladybugs so they can help control this problem.DSC_2222Probably every seed of lettuce germinated successfully in the garden this season.  There is lettuce growing in a salad bed and lettuce growing in the holes of the cinder blocks that form the beds.  Another reason the hope for cooler weather is to extend my lettuce enjoyment.DSC_2223The discovery of Root Knot Nematodes* has led to a search for knowledge on the topic and a successful safe way to control the wee beasties.  At least I have beets and carrots successfully growing in beds that don’t seem to effected by nematodes.DSC_2224The carrots are coming along nicely and have been used in roast beef and pasta salad.  Of course, they have been snacks while out in the garden along with peas.  I can never seem to get peas past the garden gate because I eat them while enjoying the garden.DSC_2226By about 10:30 this morning the temperature was just under 70°F with clear skies and a light breeze.  By nightfall, the lights were visible out in Elk Hills, on the Grapevine, and Breckenridge where there is no snow.DSC_2220

*  If anyone has information to share about ridding my garden of damaging nematodes, I would appreciate it.

4 comments:

Sue said...

We rarely get peas INTO the house either. They're so delicious to snack on while tending the garden.

dorothy said...

Hi Maybelline, I think nematodes are difficult, but I will try to post a link for you to the UCI (Davis) website for integrated pest management for how to manage nematodes. I hope it helps!

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7489.html

But I thnik all your veggies look yummy.

And Sow My Garden Grows said...

We have seen lady bugs nearly all winter here. This weather is beautiful but odd this time of year. Things are blooming that usually don't. Curious to see the temps this summer...

MAYBELLINE said...

Dorothy: That link is fabulous. I'm considering using beneficial nematodes. Much more to learn still. Thanks for the link.