Flowers for the fence

I planted my morning glory and moonflower plants today along the fence line. I am crossing my fingers that I didnt distrub the roots too much because I know they dont like that. I used my compost as mulch on the top.

Tomatos starting to flower

I gave my tomatos some fertalizer last week that was rather high in phosporous and they are growing very fast now. Two of them are starting to flower. I cant wait for my first tomato!

Knee high by July?

Somebody told me you will have a good corn crop if it is knee high by July. Its well on its way. Its already up to Ella's knees.

strawberries

Here is a little strawberry that is almost ripe. I have had a few but they keep disappearing. I figure it must be Ella or the birds.

compost harvest

Today was I harvested my first batch of compost. I built a 3x3 foot frame with 2x4's and attached a wire mesh screen with 1/2 inch squares. It was hard work sifting out the useable compost but I got about half a wheelbarrow full. The compost was FULL of insects. Different kinds of beetles and centipede/milipedes. I was pondering how I should kill these pests so I turned to the internet. I found out that they are all quite beneficial and will feast on aphids and other harmful insects. For this first batch I think I will use as a top layer of soil along my fence. I was thinking of mixing it in as an ammendment but I read that the parts that are not fully composted will compete with the plants for nitrogen. Using it as a topsoil will allow it to fully decompose while still providing the organic matter and water holding capabilities. Only downside is that it means double the weeding.

surprises

In the early spring tulips popped up and bloomed. We moved into the house in July so we never knew they were there. We also found a few iris plants here and there. Most recently we found this miniature climbing rose (i think) coming up through the unsightly juniper shrub in front of the house. I bought some rooting solution and I am going to take a crack at cloning.

Here is a little box I built for the strawberries and a little baby strawberry is already turning red. I need to get something to protect the berries from the dirt or they will rot.