A few years ago, I began reclaiming lawn space, building raised boxes, and blogging about my adventures in gardening. I think this is year 6 of the ever-growing garden that officially launches late May every year. The community that @GardenHive has become is for us green thumbs and I think you should check out the intro post here @gardenhive/the-garden-selfie-collection-happy-christmas-to-all-the-amazing-hive-gardeners if you haven't yet. My friends
and 
are among many in the thriving community and showcasing how they get their gardens to thrive.
This week, I return home after 10 days overseas to see how things fared without my green thumb.
How We Doin'?
It was a dry 10 days while I was away. The lawns were yellow and didn't even need a mow when I returned. Totally drought town and the rain barrel I had filled up lasted 2 days. I had a friend keeping an eye on things, watering with the rain barrel, and harvesting what he could. With a lettuce bed, you need to stay on top of that so that it doesn't grow too much, go to seed and get bitter. That's what the lettuce growers tell me at least.
Anyhow, it was not left to grow wild, but it was not the best of times. There is even evidence that Sir Digs Alot found a way through the fence into the strawberry patch.
Weeds
After a session with the gloves on, I ripped and tore a bale of weeds out of all the beds. They didn't seem to have any problem growing with little rain and were everywhere. Not only that, but some mice had eaten all of the bean sprouts and had their way with the carrots and radishes. I scattered some bone meal and blood meal mix to try and fertilize what is left and repel the varmints.
Enough Bitchin' What's Growin'?
My Basil, proudly grown from last year's seeds, is growing! I poached a couple of the bigger premature leaves so include in a sauce. Later on, I will score a pile of bocconcini and fine red wine vinaigrette for a delicious snack that wins me Wifepoints© every time.
Swiss Chard is again flourishing. this year, we know you can pretty much substitute it for spinach in many salads and other recipes.
My cute little Beefsteak tomatoes are blooming. Perhaps too much green on the plants from lack of pruning as they are tall but not many sprouts yet. I dumped a handful of fertilizer on the soil above each plant and am watering them every second day so hopefully this will mean many more.
The cherry tomatoes are also starting to take form. Still a week or so from red colour but I love the yellow veins up into the green. May turn out to be pretty and delicious.
Even the Roma tomatoes are starting to form. They are a little oddly-shaped for the inconsistent rain but will hopefully take the fertilization and regular watering well.
One of the most interesting things is that my raised pepper box of goodness, while growing well, are not showing too many pepper sprouts or even pre-emptive yellow blooms. Plants are doing well but it may be premature to expect peppers. The one that is doing the best is this jalapeno, which was extra, so I planted it in a box with some flowers. I have already had one of these babies and it was hot! At least 7 more of these bad boys almost ready and that may last me 'til the real plants start producing.
Kale is not only a dream for vegans. It is the same for gardeners as it is so easy to grow and hardy. Hearty? Either way, fresh kale should be easily growable anywhere and I would suggest everyone try even if it is in patio boxes. Cool texture for photos too!
The only other thing showing fruit is the raspberry! This thing has grown and spread 3 full years with no more than a handful or 2 of berries. I can see a few dozen early this year and this red on will probably be the first one eaten...hopefully by a human!
Here is what else is blooming
Hydrangeas
Lillies
Lavender and annuals
Portulacas from seed!
Celery
Hopefully more strawberries
Best of all, my cage tactic has seemingly made for a few uneaten cucumber plants! I forget which I planted where but hopefully there will be English cucumbers, and some pickles. What kinda Pickleman could I be if I can't grow pickles again this year?
Mom started me along my path of growing stuff when I was a kid. Motivated by so many blockchain blogging gardeners, I figured I would plant and share and learn as I reclaim as much grass space as I can. It has turned out to be a fruitful experience and I hope to inspire others to sow and grow no matter what your location or experience level is.
Then, blog about it using #gardenhive tags as we network and curate the journals of other green thumbs, outdoor enthusiasts and fresh whole foodies.
Wherever you are...JUST GROW!
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