Monday, August 30, 2010

fall vegetable seedling progress

I'll admit it: these days and days of near-100 temperatures and no rain are getting to me. I'm getting a little tired of hand-watering the vegetable seedlings (all from Botanical Interests seeds) two or three times a day. But the quality of the light has changed, reminding me that Fall will actually arrive at some point, and that makes me happy.
green bean (bush) seedlings, "Contender" and "Royal Burgundy"
beet seedlings, "Early Wonder" and "Gourmet Blend"
broccoli, cauliflower, and green bean seedlings
tiny sungold tomatoes doing okay in a pot
The carrot and kale seedlings are still hanging on. I also planted potatoes last weekend. I'm trying to keep my basil going for at least two more weeks, then I'll harvest it and pull out those plants to make room for lettuce seeds. Now I just need to make myself get up extra early to weed and thin the seedlings!

8 comments:

TexasDeb said...

Wow Iris. I feel like I am at least a half season behind you over here. I did cut down some mint to open up an area where I am at least THINKING about what I'll plant for cooler weather crops. Sigh.

You are setting such a good example. If you weren't so doggone nice I think I could almost dislike you - just a little.

Cat said...

All your effort will be worth it as you'll soon have beautiful crops to share. You're right, the light is changing and it is so refreshing. Can't wait to see your bounty!

Iris said...

Deb--Thank you: I'm flattered you came close to disliking me. Heh heh. But seriously, I don't really know what got into me in sowing those seeds this early--something about the heat I took as a perverse challenge!

The Whimsical Gardener--I hope I have a beautiful bounty to show!

Kathleen Scott said...

Iris, I loved seeing your seedlings. Nothing in nature is more hopeful.

What do you do with the basil when you harvest? I have a nice cinnamon basil but no idea what to do with quantity.

Iris said...

Kathleen--Happy you liked my seedlings! I harvest the basil, wash it, then roll up a few leaves (as if you were doing a chiffonade) and place them in an icecube tray, filling w/water & freezing.

So, you end up w/basil icecubes, and the water somehow keeps the basil from turning black. I use them all winter in sauces, etc.

LindaCTG said...

Wow, it worked! You're way ahead of the game. It's fun that you mentioned the quality of light; last weekend things looked a bit different. Let's hope fall hurries up.

Kathleen Scott said...

Thanks for the tip on preserving basil! I'm going to try it.

Rock rose said...

Oh my gosh- I really need to get moving.