Problem Solved?

Root Knot Nematode damage was discovered in the fall of 2011.  French Marigolds are supposed to repel the boogers and starve them out.With that, seeds and seedlings were planted throughout the vegetable patch.  One bed in particular was going to be dedicated exclusively to the marigolds letting them reseed themselves then turn the spent plants under in the fall.  Sometimes plans just don't work out.

Volunteer Gold Currant Tomatoes have gone bonkers and are competing with the marigolds for turf.  The tomato plants are so loaded with the grape sized tomatoes that they constantly need to be restaked. This variety of tomato has been sprouting all over the garden this summer.  Why fight it?  If something good wants to grow with little to no work, I'm all for it.

Marigolds (Only the French variety are supposed to repel nematodes.) were also planted in the planned tomato patch.  The tomatoes (Celebrity) are nematode resistant.  So far so good.  Asparagus was also planted to end the pest problem.  Again, so far so good.  Basil seeds were sown throughout this patch along with oregano.  Bingo.  Everything seems to be working fine.  If Root Knot Nematodes still exist in the beds, they are not causing any problems.  With crop rotation and continued use of my new French friends, this problem should only be a memory.

Now I need to research what to plant in the fall to continue this success.

Bastille Day in Okie Territory

Sure it's Bastille Day.  I tip my big straw hat to the French Marigolds in the garden for thriving where nematodes lurk. Viva la marigolds!  I wouldn't mind experiencing a French celebration once.

Though I didn't celebrate today by eating cake, I did enjoy a French Basque lunch down at the Wool Growers.  Later this evening, while listening to the Buckaroos play down at the Crystal Palace, I twisted my sombrero around to give a nod to my neighbors to the south. Mexico has a pretty great celebration (Cinco de Mayo) here in the USA to commemorate when they beat up the French.

The old radio/boombox cranked out Buddy Allen Owens singing while I collected all the fresh produce to make salsa.  He gave a Hee Haw Yee Haw out to visitors in the audience.  England was the farthest location and 90 was the biggest birthday.  (The gentleman was there celebrating with his girlfriend!)

It's simply a UN experience in the garden.

Lazy Daddy

Busy in the garden before the heat wave rolls in this weekend.  Looks like garden time will be reserved for very early morning and late evening as temperatures scream into the 100s.

Farmer MacGregor really got busy.

• Leveled the garden fence that was sagging in spots.  It happens to all of us.
• Painted the garden fence and gate.  No surprise here.  Farmer paints religiously.
• Washed the entire outside of the house - windows included.  Everything sparkles.
• Edged and mowed the yards.  Better to do before the heat hits hard.
• Gets up extra early on the weekdays to make sure all the irrigation is done before 7am.  Excellent.
• Rigged a gizmo up so one of the spider plants can hang in the shade of the Chinese Elm tree.  Just don't bash your head into it when you mow.  Ouch!
• Got all the grocery shopping done so I can BBQ on Fathers' Day.  Thanks?
• Installed new rollers on the sliding glass door.  An oversite on my part omitted this stupendous task.  Old man MacGregor pointed out this flaw.
• Removed the double pane for cleaning.  Now I can open the clean door with just a push of my pinky finger.
• MacGregor, if you're reading this, prepare to go shooting early on Fathers' Day.  The ammunition has been purchased.  BBQ when you return.  Happy Fathers' Day even though you're not MY father.  It's better than an Hawaiian shirt right?

Good to get it done and enjoy the most wonderful invention ever...air conditioning.

Garden Update:

• Tomatoes are ripening.  Harvesting Celebrity and Gold Current.  The Gold Currents are all volunteers that grow vigorously in zone 8-9.  They grow so well that I need to dig some out because they are growing too big.
• Boysenberries are done.  Bird netting was removed.  Next - tie up new canes and prune out the old.
• Netting moved to the apricot tree.  It really burns me up when a bird pecks at one piece of fruit then moves on to another.  Can't they at least finish the piece of fruit they started with before moving on?  Honestly.
• Carrots are booming and need to be pulled.  Carrot cakes?
• French Marigolds are thriving with the heat.  During the evening garden inspection, seed heads are pulled and the seeds are scattered wherever the ground is bare.  Take THAT nematodes.
• Zucchini is the king of the garden now.  Black Beauty is a bush variety and grows well here.  The plants stay neat and dark green.  Squash are harvested when they are small to enjoy tender, tasty babies.
• Kentucky Wonder Green Beans are kinda puny.  Very disappointed that they have not gone wild with the heat.  Even used a soil inoculant with hopes of a bountiful crop.  I'm unimpressed.
• Nasturtiums (Dwarf Cherry Rose) were planted on May 28 and have not germinated yet OR if they have something ate them down to the nub.  Puzzling.
• Sadly, another fruit on the Split Leaf Philodendron has aborted.  Only one fruit remains on the plant.

Stay in from the heat and avoid swamp pants.  Time to do indoor housework.

Knock. Knock.



Marigold French Dwarf - Safari Orange

Incredibly (or maybe not), the only source that I could find locally for French Marigolds was a hardware store in Oildale.  Good old Floyd's.  This variety of marigold is being incorporated into the garden as a companion to the fruits and vegetables.  Aphids and nematodes don't like them, therefore I do.  Orange is pretty sharp.  These are my CalTrans flowers.  (Note:  The State of California Department of Transportation, CalTrans, has orange EVERYTHING - vehicles, shirts, garbage bags, etc.)



A bed that currently has only garlic growing will be dedicated to only marigolds this summer.  Once the marigolds are spent, they will simply be turned under to really make those nematodes mad.  Seedlings will be encouraged to continue the process for as long as the weather holds.



Marigold French Dwarf - Safari Yellow

Yellow marigolds have been planted in a bed with joint forces combating those nasty nematodes.  Celebrity Tomatoes, Jersey Asparagus, and basil are all fighting the pest together in allied form.  A few marigolds were nipped with a late frost and have been replaced.  Any seed heads will be set free in the bed to go wild to join in the cause.

Knock.  Knock.
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Banana Banana.

Knock. Knock.
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Banana Banana.

Knock.  Knock.
Who's there?
Orange.
Orange who?
Orange you glad I'm not a banana?!

Bloomin' Fabulous

There's more blooming in the garden besides all the fruit trees.

Volunteer Sweet Peas

The Sweet Peas are germinated from 2011 seeds.  They are pretty much growing wherever the pod exploded so they are scattered around the garden but some were planted intentionally under a trellis.  Once the trellised vines are finished, green beans will use the support.


Nasturtium

The Nasturtiums are growing along with the Sweet Peas under a trellis.  Some are growing under a support where zucchini will soon be planted.

Strawberries - Duh!

Strawberries are blooming well but the berries aren't making it into the kitchen.  They are falling prey to the gardener (me) who cannot resist eating raw peas either.

Marigolds

The Marigolds (French) are doing so-so in the tomato bed.  I believe I'll plant more soon to replace any the feable plants.  They were stung with a recent cold spell.  These plants are in place to team with Basil and Celebrity Tomatoes to discourage nematoads.

I'm looking for companion plants for the boysenberries; but I don't believe there is any recommendations.  Only if aphids are a problem are marigold companions recommended.

Tagetes Patula Nana

The French Marigold seeds were sowed today in a bed where tomatoes grew last summer all the way through the new year.  However, when the heirloom plants were finally pulled, the roots were so swollen and distorted that Knot Root Nematodes  seemed to be the culprit.

UC Davis recommends planting the marigolds in rows 7” apart with plants/seeds spaced every 7”.  Fine.  That worked alright for the 1st row.  During the 2nd row planting, I realized that my back could not hold out; so I opened both of the 2g packages and scattered the seeds over the bed.  The well composted soil was gently raked over the seeds followed by a nice shower of water.  Good.  The seeds should germinate in about 5 days; but I suspect it could be sooner with all the warm sun we’ve been experiencing.

This bed will remain in marigolds for the summer with hopes of starving those nematodes.

All the tools, clogs, and gloves were sprayed with a bleach water solution then dried in the sun to prevent the spread of these extremely wee beasties.

Compact, bushy plants loaded with bright yellow, gold, orange and bicolor crested blooms. Great for patio containers, mass plantings or mixed with other summer flowering annuals. Fast growing, easy-to-grow plants are relatively maintenance-free and bloom quickly from seed.

For best results plant in full sun. Sow directly in the garden where plants are to grow after danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Seed may be started indoors 4 weeks before planting outdoors. Transplant carefully so as not to disturb the roots.

Au revoir, Nematodes.  *kiss kiss*

Marigolds

I planted some seeds just a couple of days ago and then, BAM! Here come some more marigolds to join the others that are exploding.

I've read a few blogs where, coincidentally, the topic is using and saving seeds. I planted seeds for: marigolds, parsley, chives, basil, watermelon, cantaloupe, onions, beets, radishes, carrots, and peas. The only seeds I plan to save are those from the marigolds. I plant these seeds in areas adjacent to tomatoes. Aphids and other bugs are supposed to be repelled by marigolds. They're growing well and so are the tomatoes.

Bare root stock is great too: plum, peach, apple, grape, strawberry, pear, nectarine, apricot, lilac.

I'm not planning on saving the earth by gardening. I'm not THAT arrogant, yet. I prefer to garden - period. It's a nice benefit to know where my produce is being grown. The best benefit is the flavor and quality. Oh yes, a nice side benefit of saving money and having a bit of exercise is great too.