This year has been the most challenging gardening year for us here at Gardenerd HQ. Even with dozens of rat traps, our cat Mittens, and night vision cameras, we're still losing to rats this year. But that makes the harvest we do get all the more delicious.
I don't know about you, gardenerds, but the pest population here in Los Angeles has exploded this spring/summer. We're experiencing rats like never before (emboldened by our absence over 2020, no doubt). White flies are absolutely everywhere, and leaf hoppers are abundant.
It's right about the time when tomato plants look like they're doing something, and we start to see fruit on squash and cucumber plants. Exciting times, gardenerds. All that work is about to pay off. Let's take a moment to enjoy the progress in our gardens, and savor the late spring garden excitement.
Not all days are rosy in the garden, some days it's a mix of sunshine and clouds. This week we celebrate the clouds (pests, failures) as much as the sunshine (successes and progress). If you're feeling defeated, don't give up. Gardening is about learning from failure more often than not. Dust off and try again.
Happy National Gardening Day, gardenerds! It's full-blown gardening season here in Southern California, and so far it has not disappointed us. While other parts of the country are still under snow (sorry, guys) we're watching plants set fruit and flowers bloom. Here's some inspiration to get you out in the garden (did someone say Ditch Day?).
Spring is officially here in the northern hemisphere, and we're having a spring celebration around here. Flowers are in bloom, old crops are coming out, new crops are on the way.
Spring is in the air, even though some places still have snow on the ground. There was a nationwide heat trend earlier this week, where folks suffering from frigid temperatures were suddenly shedding their jackets. Spring is just around the corner for most, and for some the garden is in full-tilt production. Here's some inspiration for the week.
Happy New Year, gardenerds! We're easing back in to gardening--gently tip-toeing over the manure heap that was 2020--with a Wordless Wednesday
December gardening may not be a thing in northern and cold-winter climates, but we're moving full steam ahead here in Southern California.
There's a sense of newness as the fall garden comes to life. Seeds burst forth, transplanted seedlings grow new leaves, and empty spaces fill in with color and texture.