Birds and Greens

The pine siskins have really become a problem.  They've taken a liking to my beet greens and chard and are destroying them.  First it was the small ones, so I covered them.  But now they have discovered the mature chard plants and have been eating them.  So the big ones are now caged as well.  I hate the covers, but I'm not willing to lose my crop.

So far they have not bothered any of the other greens, such as the spinach, kale, and lettuce.

Asparagus!

The first asparagus shoots are finally up.  So far there are six.  And they're purple!

Sweet Potatoes

Today I decided to put the sweet potatoes out.  They still don't look great, but maybe they'll be o.k.  Some look pretty sad.  I ended up with just eight plants.

I also fertilized the strawberries.  Maybe that will get them blooming again.

Bird Damage

The birds (mostly goldfinches and pine siskins) have been eating the leaves on the beets and pulling out the newly emerged seedlings.  So I've put out wire hoops and covered the bed with bird netting.  We had seen them in there for a couple of weeks but couldn't figure out exactly what they were up to.

The strawberries are ripening quickly now.  However, there aren't any new blossoms coming.  I'll have to do some research.

Aubergines

Today the aubergines went into 7.5 gallon pots against the south-facing wall.  They were the last hold-outs in the cold frame.

The weather is still showery and cool, but everything seems to like it. 

More Things Planted

Today I planted the peppers in the tomato bed.  I also planted the small basil plants at the edge of the same bed.  The bigger plants, the ones I got at the MG plant sale, are now in pots, three plants in each pot.

I planted a couple of butternut squash starts in the front yard.  I'll need to keep them under control by pruning them back.

After several days of light rain, things are really looking good.  The beans are up and the potatoes have been hilled.

 We've eaten some of the spinach, and the chard and kale are coming along.

The new salad crops are up, and the pea pods are forming.

 The artichokes have settled in and appear to be thriving.

 The first planting of carrots and beets are doing well, and the second planting is up.

Bennett's White Cistus

Today the first blossom on the Bennett's White cistus opened.  I'm always amazed when it opens.