Sanctuary Gardener Update ~ 2/3/14

In my last post, I shared pictures of my homestead during Winter Storm Leon. Today, I’m sharing photos of my garden during the storm, as well as a few pictures of the aftermath. Ice covered everything for three days. That’s a record for the Charleston, SC area – at least, since I moved here 19 years ago. I basically gave up all hope of having any kind of harvest this winter crop; between the cold that delayed germination until just before the storm (and that’s if anything germinated at all) and the ice storm itself, I was in despair. However, I was surprised at what survived and what was damaged or lost.

Sanctuary Gardener Update ~ 1/13/14

It’s winter planting season, and the weather has changed like a roller coaster this week in the Charleston, SC area. From a low of 17 during the Polar Vortex (which dipped this far south) to a high of 73 only three days later! Walking through my garden this weekend, I felt like Goldilocks.

Herbal Allies in the Garden ~ N through Z

Last week, I posted the first article in this two-part series, “Herbal Allies in the Garden ~ A through M.” Today, I’m sharing with you the herbal (and floral) allies list N through Z. Again, although this list is not exhaustive, it represents many of the common herbs and flowers gardeners plant. Consider growing these among your vegetables and fruit trees to help repel garden pests and disease as well as draw beneficial insects to your garden. And the added beauty is always a plus!

Sanctuary Gardener Update ~ 5/6/13

I think we need an ark for my sanctuary garden! Rain, rain, cloudy days, mist, more rain…. Today is the first day the sun has come out in a week. I’m not worried about ground water as my raised beds drain well. However, all the rain and humidity is the perfect environment for fungus and disease on many plants. I pulled a couple of lima beans that looked troublesome (didn’t want it to spread to the other plants), and I’m investigating some black spots on one of my pepper plants. (Mold??) Yet, my garden IS growing.