Category: Garden

More cucurbitas.  Though not the ones I intended.

When I planted the squash patch, I selected seed for each mound.  Then I thew compost on each mound.  Then I discovered somewhat later that the compost contained cucurbita seeds.  These were supposed to be my pie pumpkins:

They are not.

But at least we’re getting a lot of fall decorations–arguably a better purpose for cucurbitas anyway.

–Simon

That doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.

Of course, I’d rather eat a pawpaw than a squash, too.  Squash are really only good as butter sponges or for decoration.

But they’re fun to grow, and despite their questionable culinary value, a source of home-grown nutrition a la Victory Garden!

Victory Garden Indeed

Yet despite my plans, many of the seeds I selected didn’t germinate, and those that did weren’t what I expected.  Maybe some things got mixed up in the seed vault.  I also scattered compost, which apparently contained a number of squash seeds from the year prior, which I let grow to fill in the garden space.  Consequently, I have some interesting varieties.

–Simon

Ponder this a moment.  What plant has fed the white man for centuries–post American exploration?  From its humble roots (hint hint) as peasant sustenance to modern day caloric side dish filler?  A ubiquitous medium which assimilates the flavors of anything it touches, from spice mixes to rendered oils?  From elegant salads to white trash junk food?

No, chicken isn’t a vegetable.

Mmmm, there we go.

We planted a couple rows of these, and netted 10 pounds for harvest.  So approximately 1 pound of potatoes per linear garden space.  Not bad.  I’m hoping to get a second crop now, but the weather isn’t cooperating.  On the other hand, the cost of using old potatoes that weren’t eaten in time is essentially zero, so no great risk compared to the potential gain.

And by “gain”, I mean to my waistline.

The perfect vegetable.

–Simon

In gardening tradition, the first tomato must be presented.  It’s a beefsteak.

–Simon

Nothing major here, just a nice bunch of homegrown carrots.  It warrants a post.

–Simon