Greetings from the garden! June is upon us, and although it feels like spring was just yesterday (it was), our summer crops are in full bloom. Here’s a look at what’s happening in the garden now…
Our tiny cauliflower heads are white, but if we leave them on the vine long enough, and they’ll turn purple.
The peas are vining, and we’ve upcycled a pallet into a trellis to support vertical growth.
(Caution: pallets aren’t always great in an organic gardens, because they’re often treated with chemicals. Proceed with caution if you intend to use one in your garden.)
Our basil is thriving, and the scent is heavenly. This future pesto is a favorite in our garden, and couldn’t be easier to grow.
The green beans are off to a good start, beginning to wind themselves up the poles (hence their nickname, “pole beans”).
Our cumin seeds have just sprouted. This is our first year growing cumin, so it will be an experiment.
Our spring crops have begun to bolt, thanks to the increasing heat. Plants like arugula (seen here) and cilantro will send up a tall stalk with flowers, which will then produce seeds. This indicates the end of the harvesting season for the plant, as they become quite bitter. Although we won’t be adding these to our salads any more, we’re leaving them in the garden to attract pollinators, and to allow the seeds to drop.
We’ve co-planted several herbs in this container — mint (right), rosemary (left), and lemon thyme (front). Even if you don’t eat these herbs, we highly recommend them — their scent perfumes the whole garden.
Our salad bowl bed (complete with chard, buttercrunch lettuce, romaine and arugula) has made for some great salads this spring. The rainbow chard is particularly beautiful, with colorful red and yellow stems.
Our watermelon is making progress, albeit slow. We’ve planted it in a partially-shaded bed, so the lack of sun is likely contributing to its slow growth.
The cucumbers have just begun producing flowers, so now we wait for the bees to do their job, and within a few weeks these flowers will begin producing fruit.
Last but not least, our raised bed. We’re using intensive planting techniques, including lots of vertical growing space, to maximize our harvest. The front row is herbs (and a pineapple!); the middle row is broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, squash and zucchini; and the back row (which can’t be seen yet) is okra, peppers and tomatoes.
It’s peak season now, so lots will be happening in the garden over the next month. Until then, happy (urban) farming!