Some of my favorite, well, memorable memories from childhood and motherhood involve blackberries. It was a tradition during my childhood to gather up crisco cans, buckets, and whatever would hold a bunch of berries and head up the holler at my nanny’s farm. We kids had no choice–we had to pick blackberries. I don’t remember any insect [...]
Archive of entries posted on June 2010
Gardening through a microscope
This year has got to be the year of the invisible helpers. Bt (baccillus thurengiensis) has been in my arsenal of organic weapons for many years. I use it on all the brassica family to control cabbage loopers. There is another product I began using this year called “Serenade”, which is another bacteria that fights blights [...]
Living with Chickens
About 15 years ago my oldest son joined 4H. He wanted to have chickens for his project, so a chicken house was constructed and 30 chicks arrived; 25 girls and 5 boys. The chickens roamed around the yard for the first several months but they poop wherever they get the urge, so a pen was [...]
Colorado Potato Beetle Blues
Does this insect not have any natural enemies besides humans? The decision was made that this year the potatoes on the farm would be grown totally organically. In years past I’ve always used a little conventional insecticide on the potatoes just so I would have some. This year I’m experimenting. Have you ever seen organic potatoes in [...]
Breaking Tradition-tomatoes
Everyone knows what traditions are. Families have traditions at holidays, and there are certain ways that you’re just supposed to do things. Well, this year I broke a tradition that I’ve had for I can’t remember how many years–I think as long as I’ve been gardening. Every year since I can remember, I’ve waited until [...]