tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83605753126470305322024-02-20T09:53:49.075-08:00Arugula TooGardening as metaphor ~ from my coastal Southern California community garden ~ a gardening blogluvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.comBlogger323125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-35432781212122971182017-07-04T12:09:00.001-07:002017-07-04T12:09:08.719-07:00summertime garden <a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/summertime%202017_zpsekztmgyt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/summertime%202017_zpsekztmgyt.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" alt=" photo summertime 2017_zpsekztmgyt.jpg"></a><p>The tomato plants formed their own jungle biome. But then the pattypan squash plant has come along quite well in the last week and may dominate everything. I have lettuce and arugula on the edge. We will have an increase in temperatures later this week. I am predicting the squash plant will win this battle. The lettuce will most likely wilt. <p> I have Black Krim, Paul Robeson, Green Zebra and one Brandywine. The Brandywine is the one that struggles each year. The beach environment is just too chilly for Brandywine to flourish. The black Russian tomatoes invariably do well each year (that would be the Krim and Robeson). The green zebra likes it a bit warmer than the black Russians. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-73735296903972764852017-06-10T23:38:00.001-07:002017-06-10T23:47:17.335-07:00Boysenberries and blackberries<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/June%2010%202017%20berries%20and%20sungold_zpswbhdfbte.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/June%2010%202017%20berries%20and%20sungold_zpswbhdfbte.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" alt=" photo June 10 2017 berries and sungold_zpswbhdfbte.jpg"></a><p>
I have been picking the berries since May 22 this year. I think I have one week more to go for a total of a three week window. I generally harvest the berries at least every other day. This year I have placed a netting around the boysenberries for the first time because the birds like them too. It seems the birds have figured out a way to get the topmost berries despite the netting. <p> I think this is a bigger crop of berries than in prior years. One likely factor was our very heavy winter rains of 2016-2017 because I do not generally water the berries. The plant seem to be fairly drought tolerant. <p> It is a real treat to have boysenberries. Mine are fragile and fall apart easily. I really have no idea how they would handle being picked, packaged, and then sold, even at a farmer's market. <p> The next task will be to target the vines which bore fruit and to cut those canes back completely. Berries develop on the second year canes so I try to make sure the first year canes stay intact. <p> The orange things are a few Sungold cherry tomatoes. The first Sungold I harvested this year was May 3. At this point of the year, we are still early in the season, and I have been getting 6-8 cherry tomatoes every two days, just enough for a tiny salad. <P> more on boysenberries <a href="http://arugulatoo.blogspot.com/2010/05/boysenberries-in-southern-california.html">here</a>. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-3498575570090408382017-05-25T16:39:00.000-07:002017-05-25T16:39:59.767-07:00First Black Krim tomato of 2017<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/black%20krim%20May%2024%202017_zpsc1afwjxx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/black%20krim%20May%2024%202017_zpsc1afwjxx.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" alt=" photo black krim May 24 2017_zpsc1afwjxx.jpg"></a>
<p>
It's early to be harvesting tomatoes in this area, I know. Here's the back story. <p>
This tomato plant overwintered on my balcony because I planted the seeds in 2016 a bit late. So it sat there through our torrential rains of 2016 and did not even try to bear fruit. Did I also say that the balcony in the winter also gets basically zero hours of direct sun? Definitely no incentive to do anything but survive. Nonetheless, I chose to keep it because I had read tomato plants, in its natural environs, could be perennial plants and just maybe I could get a head start on tomatoes in 2017. I got the poor plant into the ground March 16, a month after I started seeds for this year's tomato plants, and it did well, which is why I have a tomato to harvest so much earlier than normal for this garden plot. <p>
luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-16484407571128089432017-04-05T20:39:00.001-07:002017-04-05T20:39:31.618-07:00Making seed balls<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/seed%20balls%20april%205%202017_zpstp8kckmc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/seed%20balls%20april%205%202017_zpstp8kckmc.jpg" border="0" width="320" height="475" alt=" photo seed balls april 5 2017_zpstp8kckmc.jpg"></a>
<p>As part of the community garden outreach, the task at hand was to make seed balls. We mixed wildflower seeds into dirt, add water, and make meatball size seed balls. They are to be tossed into sunny areas hopefully with a water source. <p>More info<a href="http://permaculturenews.org/2014/06/18/making-seedballs-ancient-method-till-agriculture/"> here<blockquote>Seeds balls are an ancient technique for propagating plants from seeds without opening up soil with cultivation tools such as a plow.
The rediscovery and popularization of seedballs (or “Clay Dumplings” as he called them) in modern times is typically ascribed to Japanese natural farmer and philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka.
As with many natural farmers, Fukuoka believed that tillage over large areas is laborious, destructive to soil health, and ultimately not needed and thus a waste of time and energy. Thus, seedballs have become an important aspect of many natural farming and conservation enterprises around the world.
</blockquote></a>. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-3679160937552305302017-03-08T22:42:00.000-08:002017-03-08T22:42:30.924-08:00March bouquet of freesias, fava bean tops and nettles
<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/March%208%202017_zpswgyqngxk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/March%208%202017_zpswgyqngxk.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="400" alt=" photo March 8 2017_zpswgyqngxk.jpg"></a>
<blockquote>Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. Anonymous</blockquote>
<p> I've got freesias, fava bean tops and stinging nettles bouquet to take home from my garden. These are the first of the freesias. I sauté the fava bean tops in extra virgin olive oil and garlic. I make tea from the stinging nettles. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-59800528046454935392017-02-08T21:45:00.000-08:002017-02-08T21:45:25.556-08:00Fava flowers<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/fava%20Feb%208%202017_zps4kvp1r83.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/fava%20Feb%208%202017_zps4kvp1r83.jpg" border="0" width="320" height="475" alt=" photo fava Feb 8 2017_zps4kvp1r83.jpg"></a><br>
Light rain this February morning. The fava beans have shot up in size and are flowering. <p>
<blockquote>Rumi: You are not a drop in the ocean. You are an entire ocean in a drop.
</blockquote>luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-5301948930686045742017-01-25T20:56:00.000-08:002017-01-25T20:56:47.230-08:00after the deluge, January 2017We had around <a href="https://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KSMO/2017/1/25/MonthlyHistory.html?req_city=Santa Monica&req_state=CA&reqdb.zip=&reqdb.magic=&reqdb.wmo=">7.81 inches </a>of rain this month, a real treat after several years of very little rain. I am not savvy enough to be able to find historical records although I know they are out there. <br><p>
As an indication that southern California was even wetter in the mountains, it was a good month for <a href="http://www.mammothmountain.com/winter/mountain-information/mountain-information/snow-conditions-and-weather">snow at Mammoth</a>: 245.5 inches of snow. This was apparently the most ever in one month since the 1969-1970 season. <br><p>
Before the deluge, I planted seeds (carrots, spinach, radish, arugula and peas) in my garden plot. Nothing showing up so far. <br><p>
However, the violets are in bloom. These are volunteers. I don't know the species. <i>Family: Violaceae. Viola sp.</i> <br>
<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/violets%20Jan%2025%202017_zpsgt9hnctx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/violets%20Jan%2025%202017_zpsgt9hnctx.jpg" border="0" width="320" height="475" alt=" photo violets Jan 25 2017_zpsgt9hnctx.jpg"></a><p>
The aloe is also in bloom. <I>Family: Asphodelaceae. Aloe vera </I> <br><p>
<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/aloe%20flowering%20Jan%2025%202017_zpsfyz5gcsc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/aloe%20flowering%20Jan%2025%202017_zpsfyz5gcsc.jpg" border="0" width="320" height="475" alt=" photo aloe flowering Jan 25 2017_zpsfyz5gcsc.jpg"></a>
luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-23586385191799743052017-01-13T22:03:00.003-08:002017-01-13T22:03:57.945-08:00Hello snails!Today I spied snails new to me in my garden. <p>I believe they are <a href="http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/125669">decollate snails </a>and apparently eat brown garden snails. Funny, I have noticed fewer of the regular snails.
<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/snails%20Jan%2013%202017_zpslahswd89.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/snails%20Jan%2013%202017_zpslahswd89.jpg" border="0" height="475" width="320" alt=" photo snails Jan 13 2017_zpslahswd89.jpg"></a>
<p><I> Rumina decollate</I>
luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-88661365454510689502015-12-13T01:00:00.000-08:002015-12-13T01:00:01.747-08:00Fava beans, December 2015<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/fava%20dec%202015_zpsss1uvlwg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/fava%20dec%202015_zpsss1uvlwg.jpg" border="0" height="420" width="320" alt=" photo fava dec 2015_zpsss1uvlwg.jpg"/></a> <p>I grow fava beans for my winter garden. I soak seeds overnight in water and plant where I had the summer tomatoes. I suppose my hope is that this will help replenish the soil as fava beans are known to contribute to nitrogen fixation. <p>Family: Fabaceae; <i>Vicia faba </i>luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-55278854519652406612015-12-06T01:00:00.000-08:002015-12-06T01:00:01.128-08:00Flowering black chia<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/black%20chia%202015_zpszglv83mx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/black%20chia%202015_zpszglv83mx.jpg" border="0" height="420" width="320" alt=" photo black chia 2015_zpszglv83mx.jpg"/></a> <p>The black chia seeds, organic, came from Costco. I throw a tablespoon or two into plain Greek yogurt to create a nice chia pudding. <p>This summer, I threw a handful of seeds in a corner of my garden. I did get one plant to grow over the summer, amazing considering the limitations from our horrible drought. One is enough. I was surprised it flowers so late in the year. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-409475700043432982015-11-29T19:41:00.001-08:002015-11-29T19:41:27.486-08:00Cilantro<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/cilantro%202015_zpsabu8mazt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/cilantro%202015_zpsabu8mazt.jpg" height="420" width="320" border="0" alt=" photo cilantro 2015_zpsabu8mazt.jpg"/></a> <p>Cilantro looking healthy and happy in the cooler weather. I planted these in October. The seeds seem to germinate better when they are seeded close to each other. I cover very lightly with soil. Family: Apiaceae, Genus: <i>Coriandrum sativum</i>.luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-8297770548520139012015-08-04T05:30:00.000-07:002015-08-04T05:30:00.116-07:00Tomatillos: it takes two<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1726_zpsbnlunjle.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1726_zpsbnlunjle.jpg" border="0" height="475" width="260" alt=" photo IMG_1726_zpsbnlunjle.jpg"/></a><p>My first attempt at growing tomatillos from seed resulted in only one plant. I planted the one, and it did spectacularly well: tall with flowers galore. It overtook its allotted spot, spreading into the neighbor's side. But, strangely, there was no fruit. I checked the seed package; it made no mention of needing two plants to get fruit.
<p>I turned to the Google, and, whoa, it turns out tomatillos need another tomatillo plant near by in order to produce fruit because they don't self-pollinate in the same way as tomatoes. This left me somewhat annoyed because I really wish this little piece of information had been on the seed package instructions and because it is getting late in the season. I hurriedly bought and planted another seedling. Several weeks later, while I don't have an abundance of fruit, it looks as though some cross-fertilization happened. I have some baby tomatillos on its way. Relief. Moral of this story: it takes two [tomatillos] to tango.luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-13717575614744789492015-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:002015-08-03T06:00:09.551-07:00Scarlet runner bean flowers<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1732_zpsmzbemcal.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1732_zpsmzbemcal.jpg" border="0" height="270" width="435" alt=" photo IMG_1732_zpsmzbemcal.jpg"/></a><p> Finally have flowers on the scarlet runner beans. I did not take a photo of the leaves but I think the birds have discovered the leaves are tasty. At least, I think it is the birds who are destroying the leaves. Here are photos of the <a href="http://arugulatoo.blogspot.com/2015/06/emerging-scarlet-runner-beans.html">early</a> <a href="http://arugulatoo.blogspot.com/2015/07/scarlet-runner-beans-one-week-later.html">stages</a>. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-76899540220426075382015-08-02T10:41:00.001-07:002015-08-02T10:41:35.293-07:00First Green Zebra<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1736_zpsynj4z0wp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1736_zpsynj4z0wp.jpg" border="0" height="475" width="320"alt=" photo IMG_1736_zpsynj4z0wp.jpg"/></a><p> These were grown from seed. The first of the green zebras of the year are coming in. Given our predatory squirrel population as they have figured out to wait for the tomatoes to turn red, I wanted to try growing green tomatoes. Maybe I'll have some tomatoes to harvest because they stay green when ripe. Hah. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-42113399986634990562015-08-01T15:30:00.000-07:002015-08-01T15:30:01.789-07:00The tomato patch, mid July<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1727_zpsvjvbqmc0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1727_zpsvjvbqmc0.jpg" height="270" width="435"border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1727_zpsvjvbqmc0.jpg"/></a><p> My tomatoes grew into one very large mound. They were planted around 1.5 feet apart. Obviously, this was not far enough apart. Because of the horrific drought we are experiencing here in California, I water judiciously, usually once per week of deep watering. The tomato plants still grew very well. I may cut back the watering even more once I see more fruits developing. We'll see. For comparison, here is a photo I took <a href="http://arugulatoo.blogspot.com/2015/07/garden-in-early-july-2015.html">earlier this month</a>. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-52264238521950552902015-07-31T21:12:00.001-07:002015-07-31T21:12:49.079-07:00First Black Krim<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1735_zpsfivr6ahf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1735_zpsfivr6ahf.jpg" border="0" width="435" height="270" alt=" photo IMG_1735_zpsfivr6ahf.jpg"/></a><p> The very first tomato of the 2015 season, not surprisingly, is a Black Krim. They are very nice tomatoes, especially for our coastal region, a bit smoky and salty in flavor. Mine do not get very large but that is okay because these are perfect for salads. Black Krim, at least in my garden, start early and end late. I'm very happy with these and save seeds every year. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-67599901138819255492015-07-08T01:00:00.000-07:002015-07-08T01:00:02.661-07:00First Brandywine developing<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1654_zpslw28hxht.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1654_zpslw28hxht.jpg" border="0" height="270" width="435"alt=" photo IMG_1654_zpslw28hxht.jpg"/></a><p>First Brandywine developing. I have a shot of <a href="http://arugulatoo.blogspot.com/2015/07/garden-in-early-july-2015.html">the plant in this photo</a>, right side. I generally have noticed the Brandywines in my garden in past years do not produce many tomatoes. However, the fruit that develops tend to be quite large. Due to the predatory squirrel issue, I'm thinking this year I will harvest any tomtatoes earlier than I would like. This is not my preference but if I don't do otherwise, I will not be able to enjoy any tomatoes.luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-38895501957693464712015-07-07T01:00:00.000-07:002015-07-07T01:00:08.485-07:00Watermelon, emerging<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1653_zpsh2swrnwh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1653_zpsh2swrnwh.jpg" border="0" height="475" width="320" alt=" photo IMG_1653_zpsh2swrnwh.jpg"/></a><p>I am trying watermelon this year. The seeds were planted into a 15 gallon bucket. I cover the soil with one layer of newspaper to reduce evaporation. I realize this is a bit late to plant watermelons but we'll see. We usually get our extremely warm weather towards the end of summer which I hope we'll get. Right now, we still have morning fog, a bit chilly for most plants, due to our coastal climate. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-74177319831245552732015-07-05T18:10:00.002-07:002015-07-05T18:10:55.182-07:00Scarlet runner beans, one week later<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1652_zpsxm5a6chi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1652_zpsxm5a6chi.jpg" border="0"height="475" width="320" alt=" photo IMG_1652_zpsxm5a6chi.jpg"/></a><p> No flowers yet but they are rapidly climbing up the poles. Late start this year. Here is what <a href="http://arugulatoo.blogspot.com/2015/06/emerging-scarlet-runner-beans.html">they looked like </a> about a week ago. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-17519781058460862672015-07-05T01:00:00.000-07:002015-07-05T01:00:02.640-07:00Garden in early July 2015<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1624_zpsnepkz8op.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1624_zpsnepkz8op.jpg" border="0" height="270" width="435" alt=" photo IMG_1624_zpsnepkz8op.jpg"/></a><p> The tomato seedlings have flourished this year. I am happy with their growth. Black Krim is in the back to the left. On the right is the Brandywine. On the front left is the Paul Robeson. There are a few developing tomatoes but they are hidden in this photo. I did plant them around 1.5 feet apart, but this does not appear to be enough room. The Black Krim and Paul Robeson are cooler climate tomatoes, perfect for our coastal region with morning fog in the summer time. I don't have much space so I have only planted one of each so far. They are all from seeds I have harvested in past years.luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-18948893028678347842015-07-03T12:13:00.001-07:002015-07-03T12:13:01.170-07:00Green zebra tomatoes<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1642_zpsbxa2iir0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1642_zpsbxa2iir0.jpg" height="270" width="435"border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1642_zpsbxa2iir0.jpg"/></a><p>Late start this year for the green zebras but they are catching up quickly. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-71707568705752054822015-06-29T01:00:00.000-07:002015-06-29T01:00:15.278-07:00Emerging scarlet runner beans<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1641_zpsx277hvpi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1641_zpsx277hvpi.jpg" border="0" height="475" width="320"alt=" photo IMG_1641_zpsx277hvpi.jpg"/></a><p>Late with planting these this year but they have emerged happily and quickly.luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-79195799609192973662015-06-28T11:38:00.002-07:002015-06-28T11:38:39.004-07:00From the balcony garden: first sungold<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1650_zpsx1nt0yjq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1650_zpsx1nt0yjq.jpg" border="0" height="270" width="435"alt=" photo IMG_1650_zpsx1nt0yjq.jpg"/></a>The balcony garden produced the first tomatoes of the year: sungold tomatoes.luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-35777277752340107992015-06-22T12:32:00.001-07:002015-06-22T12:32:23.781-07:00Sunflowers luminous<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1638_zpsktilnxr3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1638_zpsktilnxr3.jpg" border="0" height="270" width="435" alt=" photo IMG_1638_zpsktilnxr3.jpg"/></a>Only one plant made it; this one is at the edge of my plot and greets anyone on the pathway. In the mornings, the flowers are luminous. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360575312647030532.post-50442860504247013002015-06-19T09:53:00.000-07:002015-06-19T09:53:40.608-07:00Tomatillo: new to my 2015 garden<a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/user/arugulatoo/media/IMG_1623_zpsrwu3y2n5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q525/arugulatoo/IMG_1623_zpsrwu3y2n5.jpg" border="0" height="475" width="320" alt=" photo IMG_1623_zpsrwu3y2n5.jpg"/></a><p>This tomatillo plant was planted from seed this year and transplanted to my garden a few weeks ago. It resembles a tomato plant somewhat. Somewhat, but as you see here, the flowers are a bit different. <p>Family: Solanaceae (same as the tomato and potato); Genus & species: Physalis philadelphica<p>
Odd that the species is named after Philadelphia. According to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Tomatillo">Wikipedia</a>: <blockquote>Tomatillos were domesticated in Mexico before the coming of Europeans, and played an important part in the culture of the Maya and the Aztecs, more important than the tomato</blockquote><p> Maybe these would throw the predatory squirrels for a loop. luvarugulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275235333952720233noreply@blogger.com0