The garden needed more attention today. That's not unusual for this time of year. Most people lose interest in gardening when the temps climb into the 90s, and weeds spread like a common cold at Walmart.
Also, the soil over the last few weeks baked harder than beginner's biscuits, and I could almost hear the roots gasping for air.
So before the sun cleared the pines to the east this morning, I aerated the roots of the tomatoes, watermelon, peppers, squash, and okra.
Dried leaves left over from autumn from a shady area under the water oak would make perfect mulch I decided. So I raked and loaded them into the wheelbarrow, before hauling them to the garden.
Each plant got a healthy pile of mulch around their roots to protect the area from the brutal sun of August. Uncoiling a length of hosepipe, I soaked the roots through the mulch. This should keep the area around the roots moist, so they need less water over time
Perspiration soaked through my clothes by the time the mail lady ran. Stepping down to the box, I pulled two checks from the stack. Freelancer's love when money comes in instead of going the other direction.
Back in the yard, I saw a purple rose-a-sharon sunbathing, so I snapped a picture for the blog. I decided to have fun with Photoshop. I hope you'll forgive me.
A cool front moved through this afternoon, sweeping the atmosphere clean of the haze that hot weather puts there. Scattered white clouds made the sky look like the skies out west.
All in all, another good day here in Empire.
Also, the soil over the last few weeks baked harder than beginner's biscuits, and I could almost hear the roots gasping for air.
So before the sun cleared the pines to the east this morning, I aerated the roots of the tomatoes, watermelon, peppers, squash, and okra.
Dried leaves left over from autumn from a shady area under the water oak would make perfect mulch I decided. So I raked and loaded them into the wheelbarrow, before hauling them to the garden.
Each plant got a healthy pile of mulch around their roots to protect the area from the brutal sun of August. Uncoiling a length of hosepipe, I soaked the roots through the mulch. This should keep the area around the roots moist, so they need less water over time
Perspiration soaked through my clothes by the time the mail lady ran. Stepping down to the box, I pulled two checks from the stack. Freelancer's love when money comes in instead of going the other direction.
Back in the yard, I saw a purple rose-a-sharon sunbathing, so I snapped a picture for the blog. I decided to have fun with Photoshop. I hope you'll forgive me.
A cool front moved through this afternoon, sweeping the atmosphere clean of the haze that hot weather puts there. Scattered white clouds made the sky look like the skies out west.
All in all, another good day here in Empire.
It sounds like you had a productive day... I've never gardened before but I plan to have a yard where I can attempt that next year... I'll try a few things each year ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou must be a true gardener for working so hard in the heat. Nice photo. I think that this is one of your best.
ReplyDeleteJB
You write beautifully. I really enjoyed this post. I could almost feel the heat!
ReplyDeleteEvery day you're on the right side of the dirt is a good day!!
ReplyDeleteShucks, until you got the hose I thought you were going to water the maters with your sweat. (smile). it is hard to picture the heat and humidity, with our temps in the 70s day and lo 50's at night. But we are headed South.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you get some great harvest down there.
From Sturbridge, Mass. Sherry & Jack
I like the way you write
ReplyDeleteHi Rick, FYI, for some reason all your recent posts just showed up at once on my blog roll, I thought you had been taking some time off from blogging or something!
ReplyDeleteSounds like your garden is going to reward you for all that hard work!
ReplyDelete