[Diana in Wisconsin]

[Diana in Wisconsin]

FYI:

Welcome to the Million Gardens Movement

Hello!

I am delighted to announce that in response to the coronavirus pandemic the Giustra Foundation is launching the Million Gardens Movement to build, over the next few years, a community of one million gardeners and to encourage the planting of a million new gardens, whether it’s on a windowsill or in your backyard.

In these days, as we all struggle with social isolation, disrupted supply chains, and economic hardship, simply growing a tomato can be an act of hope and resilience that unites us.

We want to build a community of gardeners – whether you tend an acre or have a lone pot on your fire escape. We want to create a place where you can learn how to garden better, encourage those planting their first seeds, share your triumphs and troubles, and most importantly help each other and help others.

The Million Gardens Movement will encourage community members to support the work of great organizations such as World Central Kitchen, or your local foodbank, and we will offer many ways to do so.

I believe everyone has a stake in the food chain. Every day we all take decisions—what we grow, what we buy, what we eat—that directly shape our land and our society. We are all, in different ways, stewards of the land and each other. In other words: We are all modern farmers now. And I hope the Million Gardens Movement can bring together people who share this belief, so we can grow something great together.

Signed,

Frank Giustra

https://modernfarmer.com/million-gardens-movement/

[Qiviut]

It is an absolutely GLORIOUS day here today. Low humidity, bright sunshine, and a great breeze. The last couple of days have been brutal with high humidity, temps in the nineties & heat index over 100 with the weather service posting heat advisories. Today is like an early “fall” day & fall just happens to be my favorite season. Tomorrow should be the same as today, with heat/humidity gradually building back in next week. The heat should stay “seasonable” ... mid 80’s, rather than up in the 90’s.

So ... what to do today? The “usual” - I need to get on the mower this afternoon, as soon as the grass dries somewhat (we had another shower last evening), & mow until dark. I’ll finish up the farm fields tomorrow. We have the wedding on the place next Saturday - I’ll probably mow the field where people are parking on Wednesday/Thursday. Hopefully, we can get a mower with “bins” to pick up the loose grass so people don’t have grass clippings up to their ankles!

IF I end up with enough energy, probably tomorrow, I’m taking out the last two tomato plants. I took two dead ones out last weekend. I have the largest marigolds I’ve ever had planted in the tomato beds - once the dead tomatoes are out, the marigolds are the main event and I am happy that they are blooming now. Zinnia bed is about 18” so they’ll bloom by the end of the month, but not in time for the wedding (drats!). Ironweed (purple) & Queen Anne’s Lace ( if we can find it ... will probably drive some country roads & go “ditch diving” for it) will be some of the flowers decorating the wedding site.

Hope you all have a great Labor Day long weekend/holiday!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

'Lefty' was a great help with the mowing, yesterday. She is the current 'dog in training' right now. Our Beagle, 'Chief' takes her hunting 2x a day, teaching her how to track and trail. She's treed quite a few raccoon already, all on her own and, of course, the house cats, LOL!

[Capt. Tom]

Hi Diana As a newbie gardner this year I am surprised how big an eggplan bush can grow. I have one about 3-1/2feet tall with leaves about 12 inches by 9 inches. If I can't figure what to do with the eggplants I will not plant any next year. I can use the space in my 4x4' raised garden.

I am not having much trouble with my garden except for the two Marigolds I have in there. The Marigolds seem to need more attention, especially more water.

Next year If my health allows I will cut back my 5 tomato plants to 3, since I am now overwhelmed with tomatoes. I can't give them away since everybody around me grows too many tomatoes.
As much as I like tomatoes and eat them everyday, I can't keep up with 5 tomato plants.
And I can use the room for some other vegetable planting. - Tom

[daniel1212]

Thanks for the ping. It has been a fruitful year with healthy toms, despite the disease. Many plants have new growth but it’s late in the season. Praying for no frost thru Oct. at least.

[greeneyes]

Love the Totem. The builders have finally started on the Shed. Hubby had to quit-Dr. ordered him to stop heavy lifting.
Sub floor in on. Concrete top over the storm shelter will be poured next week.

Glad we ordered most of the materials in advance—prices have almost tripled—that’s gonna take the wind out of the housing industry sales.

I am continuing to make Lacto Fermented Salsa. Stuff is addictive. Need to dig potatoes and start preparing beds for fall plantings.

Time seems to move faster and faster.

[TheConservativeParty]

😁 like the sign that says "we are houseplants with complicated emotions". Do you know where to buy a nice birdbath around here? I haven't been to Bruce Company yet. Wild Birds Unlimited says they are closed due to Kung Flu fear. I got my old bath there 25 years ago but left it for the birds when I sold my house 2 years ago. I found a quality USA company online that sells on Amazon. But would rather buy local and haul it home. Looking for a reinforced poured cement or stone birdbath. Thanks!