Aloof yet present, the crow whispers secrets to the wind. And we listen, for in its dark eyes, we glimpse the wisdom of ages.
Over the last year, we have befriended this crow at the Veggie-Bed. Though a little camera shy, it does hang out when we are out in the garden. All crows and ravens belong to the same genus called Corvus. These intelligent birds can be found everywhere except Antarctica and South America.
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Crows are deeply embedded in human culture and myth, symbolizing death and rebirth. Despite their sometimes ominous reputation, they exhibit remarkable intelligence and social behaviors.
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Hybrid plants are created through controlled pollination by humans, which combines the best traits of related parent plants. On the other hand, heirloom plants have been passed down through generations, keeping their lineage and flavor. They are a piece of family lore and a connection to the past.
Image: Prompt by Tom Myrick AI-Generated
Growing hybrid vegetable plants offers several advantages. They are often bred for:
Better disease resistance that can lead to healthier plants and higher yields.
Hybrids can be more resilient to weather changes and harsh conditions.
They tend to grow more robustly, which can result in more produce.
Both the plants and the fruits or vegetables they produce can be larger than heirloom varieties.
However, it’s important to note that hybrids might sometimes have different nutritional values or flavors than heirloom varieties. Also, saving seeds from hybrids for future planting can be impractical due to their genetic complexity.
Heirloom plants are not just plants, they are living pieces of our history. They are the same varieties our ancestors once cultivated and enjoyed in their gardens. These seeds have been lovingly nurtured and passed down through generations, being a rich tapestry of our past. Heirloom vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers are the cherished legacies of gardens, offering a unique connection to our roots. They stand in stark contrast to the hybrid varieties found in big box stores or grocery markets.
These plants have a long lineage and have been preserved for decades through careful choice and seed saving. Heirlooms are open-pollinated, unlike hybrid plants resulting from controlled human pollination. This means they reproduce naturally, pollinated by insects, birds, bees, and wind. Their seeds consistently produce the same plants year after year. One of the most celebrated attributes of heirlooms is their remarkable taste. Over time, careful selection has nurtured their unique flavors.
Heirlooms offer a tantalizing array of plants in the garden, from juicy tomatoes to rare flower varieties treasured by generations of gardeners. Growing heirloom plants is like tending to living treasures. It not only connects us to history and preserves biodiversity but also offers a culinary adventure. Whether it’s a Pink Boar heirloom tomato or an antique flower variety, heirlooms promise flavors and experiences that modern agriculture sometimes overlooks. So, if you’re ready to embark on a flavorful journey in your garden, consider planting some heirloom seeds.
In summary, hybrids offer practical benefits, while heirlooms are cherished for their rich history and exceptional taste. Both have their place in the diverse world of gardening and agriculture. True magic lay not in choosing between hybrid and heirloom but in honoring both—the legacy of yesterday and the promise of tomorrow.
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Extreme temperature fluctuations can be a rollercoaster ride for your garden. From seedlings to mature plants, day-to-night temperature swings can cause stress for your garden.
We wanted to share some information about the temperature difference between night and day at the Veggie-Bed. Over the years, this difference has been quite extreme, especially during this time of year. This temperature difference is called the diurnal temperature range.
Unfortunately, an extreme diurnal temperature range is not just a statistic; it poses a serious threat to gardens and can affect every stage of plant growth. From delicate vegetable seedlings to mature flowering and fruit-producing plants, all can be affected by its potential devastation.
It’s essential to be aware that temperature swings between day and night can significantly stress your plants. Vegetable sprouts and seedlings are particularly susceptible to the impact of extreme diurnal temperature ranges. Seedlings and young plants are sensitive to rapid temperature changes, which can stress them. During the day, high temperatures can cause excessive transpiration, leading to water loss. At night, cold temperatures can hinder metabolic processes and slow growth.
Just as we need a stable environment to thrive, wide temperature swings can also affect root development, reducing nutrient and water uptake and impacting overall plant health and vigor. Extreme temperature variations can also disrupt photosynthesis, limiting photosynthetic activity and affecting energy production and growth.
To help mitigate this problem, especially with our fruit-vegetable sprouts and seedlings, we germinate and grow them indoors until the temperatures stabilize. We are fortunate to have a room set aside just for this purpose. This process works well with our small backyard suburban garden. It ensures the young plants are healthy and strong when they arrive in the garden.
Remember, gardening is a delightful journey, and each plant has its unique requirements. Enjoy the process, observe your garden, and adapt your care routine accordingly!
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These sugar snaps seedlings with leaves like miniature sails, are caught in the gentle breeze, and begin their ascent up the trellis—a journey of life and growth:
We are absolutely loving the cooler weather here at the Veggie Bed. The sugar snap seedlings are doing great—they’re starting to climb up the trellis beautifully. We direct-sowed them several weeks ago, and they should be ready for picking around the end of May.
Garden Candy
Have you ever experienced the unique taste of sugar snap peas? They’re often referred to as ‘garden candy’ by passionate gardeners. These delightful vegetables offer a perfect blend of the crispness of snow peas and the sweetness of garden peas. Whether you enjoy them raw as a snack, in salads, or paired with your favorite dips, they’re a true culinary delight!
So, the next time you encounter these vibrant green gems, remember they’re not just any peas – they’re sugar snap peas. Give them a try and let us know what you think!
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Once upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled among rolling hills, there lived a young boy named Bodhi. His mee-maw, a wise and gentle soul, owned a charming cottage surrounded by lush greenery. The air was thick with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sun painted golden patterns on the ground.
Bodhi loved his mee-maw. She was the keeper of secrets, the teller of bedtime stories, and the provider of warm hugs. But there was one thing that fascinated Bodhi more than anything else: the wild blackberry bushes that grew near the edge of their garden.
Every summer, when the sun hung low in the sky and the days stretched lazily, the blackberries ripened. Their plump, juicy fruits beckoned to Bodhi like forbidden treasures. But his mee-maw had strict rules: “No blackberry picking until they’re fully ripe,” she’d say, wagging her finger playfully.
One warm afternoon, when the sun was at its peak, Bodhi couldn’t resist any longer. He tiptoed out of the cottage, his small fingers wrapped around an old wicker basket. The blackberry bushes stood before him; their thorny branches laden with glossy, purple-black jewels.
Bodhi glanced back at the cottage. His mee-maw was busy knitting by the window, her silver hair catching the light. He took a deep breath and stepped into the thicket. The leaves rustled, and the berries seemed to wink at him.
He plucked one, then another. The sweet-tart taste exploded on his tongue, and he couldn’t stop. Soon, his basket overflowed with the forbidden fruit. Purple stains adorned his fingers, and his heart raced with excitement.
Just as he reached for the biggest blackberry, he heard a soft chuckle. Startled, he turned around to find his mee-maw standing there, her eyes twinkling. She held out her hand, and Bodhi reluctantly handed her the basket.
“Bodhi,” she said, her voice gentle, “you can’t ‘neak blackberries from me. But I’ll tell you a secret.” She leaned in, her warm breath brushing his cheek. “When I was your age, I used to do the same. And my mee-maw caught me too.”
Bodhi’s eyes widened. “Really?” His mee-maw nodded. “Yes. But she didn’t scold me. Instead, she taught me how to make the most delicious blackberry jam. We’d sit together, crushing the berries, adding sugar, and stirring the pot. Those moments were magic.” She handed the basket back to Bodhi. “Let’s make some jam, shall we?”
And so, that summer, Bodhi and his mee-maw sat side by side, their hands sticky with blackberry juice. They laughed, shared stories, and created jars of homemade jam. The sun dipped below the hills, casting a warm glow on their little kitchen.
From then on, Bodhi never ‘neak blackberries again. Instead, he picked them openly, knowing that the best memories were made with love, laughter, and a hint of mischief. And so, in that cozy cottage, the sweet aroma of blackberry jam lingered—a reminder of a mischievous boy, a wise mee-maw, and the magic of stolen moments. 🍇🌿✨
Images: AI-generated Prompt/edited/written by: Poppa Tom, digital creator
Growing a Chester Blackberry from a cane involves nurturing and patience. Start by choosing a healthy, young Chester Blackberry cane. Look for one that’s free from damage or disease. Find a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage. Chester Blackberries benefit from a trellis for support. Build a simple trellis using wooden posts, wire, and eyelet screws.
This little Chester Blackberry cane is embarking on its journey to become a full-fledged bramble covered in plump, dark fruits.
The cane will grow vigorously in the first year. Allow it to reach the top wire of the trellis. After the growing season, prune the cane. Remove any dead or weak growth. In the second year, the cane will bear fruit on the wood it grew during the first year.
After fruiting, prune the old canes (they’ll turn brown and wither) and remove them from the wires. Tie new growth onto the wires for next year’s harvest. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base of the cane to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Be patient! The cane will produce berries in its second year. Harvest the sweet, juicy Chester Blackberries when they ripen in mid to late summer.
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