BloominThyme

Gardening Beginners - Sustainable Vegetable Garden

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Recipes
  • Kids Gardening
  • About Me

Garden coaching - watch how easy you TOO can have your very own garden!

Mandie’s in a bind and on a roll!

Okay.   Things are good, sort of.  Still no dirt and the weeds are sprouting.  Maybe not sprouting, more like shooting for the stars.  I mean, look at these things!  They’re taking over!  Aaaaaaaagh!

Of course they are.   They’re weeds.   That’s what they do.  But have no fear.  Mandie assures me she’s on dirt patrol.  It will be delivered any day now…

Well, I’m not holding my breath on that one but I am looking toward the positive — the other box!   Good news — these babies are growing with awesome results. 

The lettuce is fanning open, begging to be plucked for a beautiful salad, the tomatoes are blossoming, the broccoli is blooming and the potatoes are growing larger, safe and sound, tucked away in their underground incubator after being properly hilled. 

Carrots are sparse.   More fertilizer, more water and they’ll be fine.  Just give them some time.

Conch peas?  They’ve been touch and go and Mandie is concerned for their welfare, certain they won’t make it. 

Me, I think they’ll pull through, so long as she keeps an eye on the aphids.  Ladybugs, anyone?  They’re one cure, but so are insecticidal soap and finger smudging.  Either way, keep up the maintenance, Mandie!  Once they gain a little more stature and strength they’ll be fine.

More good news?  No Chihuahua tracks in the dirt.  Very good.  They can be lethal to the delicate greens struggling through the sprout stage, not to mention pure terror for those meant for human consumption!  Who wants to eat salad stepped on my the pup who’s been who knows where…???

Not me and if Mandie knows what’s good for her — not her, either.   But she assures me it won’t be a problem.  The boy is on a leash when outdoors.  Hmmm.  I have kids and I have a dog.  I know how habits slip and slide until the next thing you know, the dog is sitting smack square in the middle of the kitchen floor which is off-limits to him!  (But he’s so cute, Mom.  How can you be mad?)

Hmph.  As one who has lost this battle, time will tell if she proves any tougher.   Good luck with that girlfriend!  Where no dog seems to have made tracks, one of the boys apparently has.  Left this Easter bunny plant creation next to the lettuce (in case he gets hungry, I presume). 

They’re so smart and creative at this age, aren’t they?  And green.  Chalk up one more for Mama’s column!

Share this:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • Twitter

Related


Leave a Comment

Download my FREE companion planting guide!

« Strawberries and onions
Time to make your sweet potato slips! »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello there!

I'm Dianne, a Central Florida gardener who has learned that gardening doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming, but instead--fun! With a husband, two kids and a Yellow Lab, I don't have time for difficult. My hands are full. But now, after a few years of trials and tribulations, so is my harvest basket! Let me share with you how I do it. Read More…

Buy a Hydroponic Tower

Buy a Hydroponic Tower

Your tower purchase supports school gardens!

Stay updated!

Get the latest gardening tips and news delivered straight to your inbox with my newsletter!

Popular Categories

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How-To Grow
  • Recipes
  • Kids Gardening
  • Gardening Gifts
  • Press

Get the first word on our latest posts

Get my FREE Companion Planting Guide!

You might also like

Cauliflower Growing Tip

full growth and production

Hydroponic Towers Made Easy

worm in tomato

Tomato Troubles

tropical orb spider in garden

Tropical Orb Weaver Spider

Hornworm host to braconid wasp cocoons on back

Beneficials in the Garden

Copyright © 2025 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2025 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...