Sanctuary Gardener Update ~ 9/16/13

Here it is, the middle of September, and our temperatures are still in the low to mid-90s! We are about 10-15 degrees above average! I’ve planted so much that has not germinated; some crops I’ve planted twice. I guess the third time will be the charm, but I’m waiting for the weather to break. Then, I’ll replant lettuce, kale, and brussel sprouts. I also have to plant more turnips and beets to fill in what didn’t germinate. My carrots are still pending; they take close to three weeks to germinate. I still need to plant radishes (been waiting for cooler weather), and in two weeks it’ll be time to plant spinach, onions, and garlic. Gosh, I can’t wait for it to cool off! The good news is: there’s still fruit in my garden, including new ones.

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.

Sanctuary Gardener Update ~ 4/29/13

It’s been only three weeks since I planted my spring crops, and the fight has already begun. I’m battling slugs, fire ants, and flea beetles! Plus, I’m already seeing some signs of a nutrient deficiency in several of my plants. I’m unsure if it’s a problem with magnesium or iron. Looks like I need to call Clemson University’s co-op for more insight. However, there is a bright side! Plants are growing and buds are opening in my garden – like the Black Krim tomato flower in the picture above.

Sanctuary Gardener Update ~ 4/22/13

This is my second year gardening in the Charleston, SC area, but I am still amazed at the new things I see in my garden. For example, as my following knows, I planted three types of potatoes in five-gallon buckets – three white fingerling, two peach-colored fingerling, and five purple potatoes. (I bought them at the grocery store, so I’m unsure of the exact varieties.) The peach fingerlings are now blooming! (See picture above.) There are no blooms on the other potato plants, but I learned not all potatoes flower. Who knew?

Sanctuary Gardener Update ~ 4/15/13

The temperatures have been in the mid to upper 70s all week here at Sanctuary Garden, and we had over an inch of rain. The warm temperatures and the soaking rain have caused my garden to sprout in almost every bed within a few days! And, as you can see in the picture above, my strawberries are ripening. I’m already eating some for breakfast. They melted in my mouth with sugary sweetness. Incredible!

Sanctuary Gardener Update ~ 4/1/13

Finally, spring is here! The temperature was in the low to mid-70s this weekend, the pine trees are dropping pollen, new leaves are appearing on trees and bushes, and my winter garden is enjoying its last week before I harvest everything (ready or not) to prepare for the spring planting next weekend!

Sanctuary Gardener Update ~ 3/18/13

The weather is finally warming up in the Charleston, SC area! In fact, it’s been in the upper 70’s to lower 80’s the past few days. Typical Lowcountry spring – we jump right into the warm weather. My garden is loving it, as you can see above in the picture of my Purple Top turnips. Now that it’s warm, it’s a busy time in my Sanctuary Garden.

Sanctuary Gardener Update ~ 2/11/13

There’s more green in my sanctuary garden since last week. Inside, my seedlings are growing up and moving out of the nursery; I’ve already transplanted 20 seedlings into larger containers. Outside, we had two inches of much needed rain! But also, I tried something new that I think has contributed to a difference in my plants.