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| Average corn in an average corn mound, photo probably taken in Normal,IL. |
We have had a few good rains over the weeks since I last posted. The garden has needed weeding, which is a good thing. The corn has grown at a nice rate, and the squash has finally sprouted and now puts on growth daily. The corn has just gotten tall enough to merit planting runner beans, which will happen in the next few days.
The pawpaw trees ramined dormant for almost a week after everything else in the area began to bud out. Over the last week, they have both put out their spring leaves and seem to finally be satisfied that warmer weather is here to stay.
Last Saturday, we planted two semi-dwarf apple trees; a Macintosh and a Fuji. I would have liked to plant a granny smith as well, but I took the measurements and I doubt I could squeeze another fruit tree into the front yard without the roots making it into the water line that feeds the fire hydrant.
The compost bin kicked into high gear Friday. I dumped all the grass clippings from the front yard and most of the clippings from the back onto the two bins. The nitrogen boost has done wonders for both piles. The left pile (and smaller one) ferments hotter than the right pile (which is bigger) for now. We will see if that trend lasts. All for now.
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| Blossoming strawberries! |
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| Pea in the middle, spinach on the inside. |
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| The Ouachita blackberry bush survived the puppies, and puts on new growth every day. |
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| Young Pawpaw tree and young dog. |
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| Slightly older Pawpaw tree. |
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| Feel the heat! |
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| Both compost bins are fermenting away. |
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| Macintosh apple tree, planted 8 days ago. |
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| Fuji apple tree planted at same time as other apple tree. |
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| The long view of the corn mounds and squash. |