the veggie garden in mid-July

The spinach is going to seed, the carrots and beets need thinning, the peas will not grow up their trellises but instead insist on flopping around all over the place.  But despite all this, my veggie garden is giving me great satisfaction for minimal input!  This is the second year I've had these raised beds and I've gotta say, I couldn't imagine vegetable gardening any other way from now on.  It is so easy!  There is a bit more weeding to do this year compared to last year when the soil was purchased fresh and clean, but it's still pretty minor.  And so easy to just pull a weed when you're walking by as you don't even have to bend over.  A few poppies and other annual flowers have appeared as well and I am letting them stay and am looking forward to their flowers adding some colourful, self-seeded chaos to the garden soon.

Above, clockwise from top left: long view of the veggie garden; red orache; baby corn which I planted for a lark but with all this heat lately, we might actually get a good crop!; nasturtium flower.  Elsewhere in the yard we are also enjoying lots of ripe strawberries right now.  Yum!

 

Comments

[Ppppparker]

Very nice! My brother has some grow boxes but they have never looked that good... what fertilizer do you use? Are these organic?

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[Calgary Garden Coach]

Thanks for your questions!
Yes, the boxes are filled with at least 50% compost and topped up every season with 100% compost. I also use a water-soluble seaweed fertilizer occasionally throughout the summer.
Cheers,
Janice

[Peter]

I am curious as to how you deal with slugs.

[Calgary Garden Coach]

Hi Peter,
I find that since this is a relatively new raised bed, there is not a large population of slugs (yet?) I just hand pick them. The raised beds make it easy to reach down and find them... generally in the lettuce!
Cheers,
Janice

[Peter]

Thanks Janice. Do you buy compost in bulk? If so from where?

[Calgary Garden Coach]

I usually get multiple cubic yards each spring to spread over all my garden areas, so I get it delivered. Western Canada Compost is great. Otherwise, you can pick up smaller amounts yourself from many places. Sunnyside, for example. I have heard not so good things about Burnco, but that is only second-hand information.
Cheers,
Janice