2nd month update: Midwest Vegetarian

2nd month update

 
We have had many critters visiting us, ignoring the blood meal, cayenne and red pepper flakes.  My husband witnessed a bunny eating away at our lettuce and beets.  I knew we needed to outsmart these little guys and I didn’t want a repeat of last year where we woke many mornings to find half eaten tomatoes and gnawed on eggplants.

2nd month update

Solution: We purchased a roll of chicken wire and created dome protection covers over the items in a row (lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, leeks, and fennel).  These are easily removed for harvesting, and can be used from year to year.  We also created cylinder shaped basket protectors to go around our tomato, eggplant and pepper baskets.  This has helped keep our plants and vegetables untouched and intact.  We are still using the other methods to repel bugs and insects.

The deep purple colors of the eggplant are magnificent.  We replanted our beets and hope to see them sprout soon.  The zucchini and crooked neck squash are almost ready to be relished.  The bell peppers and spicy peppers are growing much fuller this year.  The lettuce and spinach continue to re-grow and contribute to many dishes.

Weeding has been a continual task this season with all the rain showers we have received.  The early rains and low temperatures created a fungus on tomato plants statewide.  If you notice your leaves turning yellow/brown with black spots, and slowly dying from the bottom up, your plants could be infected by a fungus.

Solution: Remove all infected leaves and branches from the plant.  Do not let the leaves drop on the ground or touch other healthy branches~ this could cause the fungus to spread.  If you have a compost heap, don’t put the diseased leaves in it; discard them.  If the fungus returns, use an organic herbicide to assist in killing the fungus. 
                                
We hope you are enjoying the Midwest Vegetarian garden and seasonal recipes.