Oh well, I need the exercise.
This being retired changes things, of course money is one of them but mostly time. Because of time I find myself slipping into old fart things like growing tomatoes and peppers. Here in the desert there are challenges with the tomatoes and I expect most other plants. Bottom line even if the plant needs full sun it does not need full Arizona afternoon sun. Which was my next project, a place to hold the tomato plants that would allow some shade and keep 'em safe from the "pigs". It is not pretty but was planned perfectly, I ran out of holes at the same time I ran out of screws.
Cloth that can be re-positioned for shade to be added.
ken
Safe from the "pigs"?
ReplyDeleteMatt,
DeleteJavelina are members of the peccary family, that kinda look like a wild pig. They are the hooligans of the desert. They know trash day and if you put your trash out early and do not have a way to lock the lid, it will be turned over and trash spread. They also love to eat potted plants.
While not really dangerous they travel in packs and because of poor eyesight they do not run off as quickly as most wild animals and if cornered can hurt you.
Just another joy of desert life.
ken
Good job on the planters, shade cloth should protect from both sun and those pesky pigs :-) If not I recommend trip wires :-)
ReplyDeleteBob, off a Rotary Zoom meeting
Bob,
ReplyDeleteEvery time MsBubba mentions the tomato palace I remind her of the Guy Clark (RIP) line: "Only two things money can't buy, true love and homegrown tomatoes". Well maybe money can help get the homegrown tomatoes, they would be cheaper from the store.
I'm doing the same thing (kinda) for my Doc's appointment next week. It will be interesting to see how it goes.
ken
I know that song. We played it a few times in our NS kitchen parties around here.
DeleteBob
Javelina sound delicious.
ReplyDeleteDeer, rabbits and chipmunks are our garden foes in the northeast. Aside from chipmunks, the others can be kept out by building a pen to keep animals out. Chipmunks require murder.
I have spent a lot of money on the garden so far but in enough transactions that I can't tell just how much. Add to the expense the amount of work and risk of crop loss and it makes as much sense as making your own furniture. There is no greater flavor than a fresh heirloom tomato. I've grown a wide variety over the years and have been amazed the range of flavors in tomatoes. I'll also grow a variety of peppers that aren't available in stores.
My tomato plants typically top 6 feet growing in the ground. You may want bigger pots and some stakes for those.
My tomatoes and peppers arrive next week. Can't wait to get them. This place does mail order
Chiliplants.com - never had a problem over the last 6 years.
Steve,
DeleteThanks for the link, They are sold out at this time but I've bookmarked it for next year.
ken
Chipmunks requires murder HA HA isn't that true, and even then...I swear they multiply way too fast, its like a game of Wack-A-Mole :-)
DeleteI'm with you Steve, nothing like a fresh vegetable from the garden, and just like woodworking, never mind the expenses, it is satisfying and healthier on many levels
Bob, gentleman farmer
Thanks Steve,
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty smelly and while there is a hunting season I've never heard anyone admit to eating a Javelina.
You nailed it but the first bite makes it all worth while. I'll check out the site.
ken