Hello everyone! So in the last garden update I was in the process of getting my garden bed ready. After working in some decent quality garden soil, and some compost I then planted the Watermelons, and Glass Corn seedlings. Soon after, we got a cold spell, and it has slowed things down a bit. But now the weather is getting warmer, and hopefully I will see some good growth this week!
Seeing worms is something I will always welcome. It gives me high hopes for a nice garden this year. Besides the grass, and weeds, this spot has not seen any agriculture since at least 1982. I am not 100% positive, but it is a great chance this was once a lettuce, or strawberry field. So this soil is not as over worked as the row crops across the road, which I am sure they have to lay down a crap load of salt fertilizers to have success.
So in the last couple updates I was going on, and on about Gophers being a big concern. They still are, but there was one creature I did not think about. A creature that is in abundance here, and I can not go a day without seeing dozens of them.....
Oh yes, these little things do some devastation! I am sure most of you are well aware. I myself did not know this until last year. I had a cannabis plant out in my backyard, and one morning I went out, and saw this slime all over the leaves. I actually thought it was a caterpillar, another nasty pest! After looking up, and down the plant there was no sign. Well this kept up for a few more mornings. After not seeing any caterpillars, I decided to do a Google search of slime on plants. This is when I learned that it was a snail doing this. Luckily that was an easy fix, I just lifter the pot up to a higher point on my porch.
I tried to put up a barrier, but with no luck. These things can really get around! Next up I will put some crushed egg shells around the base, and hopefully that works. I thought about laying some salt down, but am afraid it will ruin the the plants. Any tips, and suggestions, please leave them in the comments.
I have added some more flavors to the garden. Some Jalapeno, Habanero, Serrano Peppers, and some Tomatoes. I also picked up some Cilantro, but I will try to grow that home. You cant see them since the Snails had a go at them, but I planted some Marigolds to attract beneficial insects. Such a waste! I did however plant some Marigold seeds, in hope I take care of this Snail infestation by then.
I decided on getting some starts from the local nursery. Starting from seed is more rewarding, but also time consuming. Exact reason why I also picked up clones for my indoor cannabis grow. However even though this is something that is very convenient, I would 100% recommend everyone to learn how to germinant, and how to have a successful harvest from seed. If shit really did hit the fan, after the dust settles, it will be one of the most valuable skillsets to have.
That is all I have for you now. I still have the Sunflowers that I plan to plant near the office, so we can have a nice view of them. I did plant a couple, and yes you guessed it. Snails devoured them! Luckily I still have a few more left, and I will just grow them out until they are no longer seedlings before I put them in the ground. Same goes for the other Glass Corns that are going in the same spot. Thinking about all this is really exciting. I really think those Nintendo games I recently found has turned me into an even bigger nerd then what I was. Which is something I am truly grateful for. Sure my younger self is probably laughing at me, but I wish I could go back, and slap some sense into that kid. This is something I should of done ages ago. Thanks for reading, and please remember, all tips are welcomed. :)
