Casualties

If I have learned anything through gardening, its that there are going to be casualties and more than you would prefer. So far I have lost my row of peas due to the heat (planting them too late). I lost my black eyed peas and black beans because of bugs. You learn though as you go along.

I learned that I need to plant the beans after my other plants have become established, because at that point you will have a nice family of Lady Bugs to eat those pesky bean eating bugs. So I will plant them next week and see if they do any better.


I have learned that gardens will not be safe if you have animals or children, even if you have it fenced off. I planted four rows of corn yesterday, yes late but corn is a fast maturing crop and if you live in an area with a long growing season you can pull it off. I go out this evening to "tuck in" my garden and read it a bed time story, OK kidding about the bedtime story......and I find that feet have visited the freshly planted corn.

If my tracking skills serve me correctly this little animal must be freshly 3 with pig tails and a deep love for freshly mound dirt. Luckily I still have enough seeds to replant them and she is now very aware that she is to stay off of the corn rows, all four of them.

Another tip that I have observed these past few days is that a pristinely weeded and clean garden may not be the best scenario for establishing a healthy bug environment. Those good bugs like lady bugs and spiders need pollen from flowers (i.e. some weeds) they also need the cover from surrounding grass, weeds, plants to lay eggs and hide out from the heat.

What I have been doing is allowing the grass to grow in the walkways of my rows, this has helped alot. Our lady bugs are flourishing and working hard for us. I have lots of little spiders that catch flies and gnats. I have really enjoyed watching the echo system of this garden.