Back from our vacation with friends on the California coast where the average temperature was HALF of what the highs were here, and my gardens look it.
Some things went nuts - the Roselle and Stevia said bring it on, the strawberries, melon vines and remainder of my celery said "nope." My Black Tail Watermelon vine seems to be fine, but I do not see any fruit yet, so I made like a bee this morning and went from flower to flower with a q-tip.
Above is the Stevia, a very happy Stevia, which is in its 5th or 6th year, I've lost track. It keeps coming back year after year and I am careful to not disturb its root area when planting other things.
You can just see the tip of the face of our newest yard critter, a goat, I named Annabelle. This was another gift of a rustic critter statute for our gardens. We now have Daisy Mae the Flying Pig and Annabelle the Goat. Now we decided to look for a chicken or rooster to kind of complete the menagerie.
I started out with 4 plants (seeds sown) because I like to make sure I will have a good sturdy plant. I also moved the location this year. I just pruned out 2 to allow for more space for the remaining plants. In the foreground you can seed garlic chives (a bit burnt from the sun) on the left and on the right a very happy lemon grass. The lemon grass was almost killed off with my green Sugar Cane, which was dug out this past early spring, and the lemon grass, said "SUN!" and took off. Now I can use this lemon flavored herb for grilling fish and chicken. It makes a great flavoring agent along with something like thyme or rosemary in a steaming pouch on the grill (or oven but why use the oven when grilling in the summer is such a great option).
I've been experimenting growing and harvesting radishes into the intense heat and the results are mixed. Some really nice size ones and others that simply look like a thin root. However, I think the spot I selected for more radish growing through the winter and next spring is going to work nicely.
I will be posting the September Planting tips in a few days.
I am leaving again to visit family and this summer is proving to be a busy "away" time for me (as I may need to take some time to help with a family medical issue), so bear with me if you send questions. I will get back to you when I return each time.
Meanwhile, if you enjoy or missed the Back to Basics Bundle sale in January, you will have an opportunity to purchase in a Back to Basics Bundle Flash Sale August 25 - 27th.
Make a note of the dates. I will be providing the link in time for you to take advantage of the sale.
Have a best day!
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
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4 comments:
We also went to Ca coast. It was such a nice break from this heat. I haven't been successful with Stevia. Would you mind sharing the conditions yours is growing in? For instance, Sandy soil or clay, amended, shade no shade....any help would be appreciated! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing gift shop
You are welcome, Kiera.
Gramma Connie,
Keep in mind I am in the far east valley. We do not get as cold as some other areas and the Stevia is tropical. My plant is in pretty much full sun, year round, in a very healthy soil (lots of worms). This plant is 5+ years old - I forget how old. I would recommend you look for Stevia in the spring at the local nurserys. You "Can" try growing from seed. Germination is unreliable. I hope that helps. Good luck.
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