First Harvest

[IronNoggin]

So, we have this little area outside of the fenced back yard, running between the fence and the ally. Wasted Space I used to call it, has quite the slope, and until last season was the home of over-achieving weeds of indeterminate species...

After visiting t'other Matt, I was soon convinced that I just might be able to grow one of my favorites in that area - Garlic! He had come up with a rather hardy variety, and graciously sent me home with enough "seed" so fill in a fair amount of the wasted space...

The garlic grew fairly well this year, and yesterday was finally time to have a boo and see what we had. Actually turned out pretty good for a novice methinks! And the FLAVOR! OMG, you certainly ain't buying anything of that Quality in any store I've ever been in!!

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Garlic_2.jpg



Now the plan is to bring in some "real" dirt, berm it up alongside the fence, and give them the "right stuff" to flourish in! Can only get better methinks!!

The main garden is growing like a weed even though we had a very late planting (cold and wet spring again this year). Already the cherry tomatoes have provided the odd munch, and the beans, turnips, peas and squash are literally growing inches a day!! Right Looking Forward to when we can get to a real harvest from this one! The Missuz informs me that space will be doubled next year to accommodate even more goodies from our own resources. Again, Flavor like none other!!

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Garden_1.jpg



http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Garden_2.jpg



Note the "fence" around the goodies. Boogs at 140 pounds, and Asuilu at 90 are convinced that flimsy little barrier is sufficient to keep them out.
The pup... not so much. http://fishbcforum.com/public/style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif
After a few "washes" with the big hose, she is starting to get the message though...

Got the garlic, soon to have the other fine veggies in hand.
Now simply awaiting Moose Season to round it all out!! http://fishbcforum.com/public/style_emoticons/default/sly.gif

Cheers,
Nog

[labrador]

I plant garlic every year, and last year and this year I tried Russian Garlic. They are huge. Do you also plant then on September and harvest in July or August? Sometimes as soon as I harvest my garlic I plant another batch again to be harvested next year. Nice looing Garden. Mine have lots of Gay lan or it is called Chinese Broccoli. I also planted some GoJi berries this year if you are familiar with them.

[IronNoggin]

Do you also plant then on September and harvest in July or August?

aYup! Seems to work the best.

Don't rightly know what variety my Buddy gave me, but it grows fairly well here. Thanks for the tip on the Russian type, will have to give that one a try...

Cheers,
Nog

[IronNoggin]

Was wondering if Canines were involved ... By the looks of the condition of that back door.. A little repair is in order methinks...LOL

Hey! That one is still in pretty good shape overall... :lol:

Here's what happens when the Big Boy gets trapped behind a closed one:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Door_2.jpg

The "spare dirt" theory seems to work well with garlic - turning wasted space into something productive. They simply need a little "real dirt" and a lot of sunshine. Excellent way to keep the weeds down to a dull roar...

Cheers,
Nog

[one-shot-wonder]

Nice looking crop of bulbs......did you irrigate the "wasted space" or hand water?

I have a new batch (given to me by a friend) of garlic this year and only a week or two away from harvestig it I can't wait, it apparently will knock your socks off!

[labrador]

How can you guys tell when they are ready to be harvested?

[one-shot-wonder]

The rule of thumb is when the tops go 2/3 brown......doesn't hurt to pull one and check to see if the cloves are opening up or not. If not give it another week before checking again and eat the bulb you pulled.

[Everett]

Just pulled my first bulb today, we still need another week. We are growing a variety called Music this year planted 98 cloves got 98 plants great germination. Planted them in the front yard and the deer never touched them so going to rip up more lawn for next year. I planted late September last year seemed to work for my elevation. Want to try a Russian variety as well.

[nature girl]

For some of you gardeners. My brother in law for his garden to keep the weeds away. He lays down burlap sacks. Easy to walk on and no weeds.

[IronNoggin]

Just a brief update. The HOT weather of late has certainly encouraged some serious growth in our little garden plot!!

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Growth_1.jpg



http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Growth_2.jpg


http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Growth_3.jpg

Already harvesting peas, cheery tomatoes and beans! Uber-Delicious!! http://fishbcforum.com/public/style_emoticons/default/sly.gif
Methinks we'll have a fine harvest of veggies to compliment the results of this year's hunting season!!

Cheers,
Nog

[tightgrouper]

Love the garden thread guys. Thanks.

[longstonec]

OOh I wish I had a yard! Indoor growing isn't the same. Mostly cooking herbs.Teeny plants!

[rbduck]

Two apple trees, two plum trees, gooseberry bushes, red currant bush. Beans, tomatoes, cukes, carrots, dill, Yukon Gold taters, peas, green onions, chives, white carrots, radishes, cantalope, watermelon, cabbage, brussel sprouts, assorted herbs and peppers, and strawberries. This is in a 20ft by 30ft garden. Things were starting to look real good.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/IMG_01399.JPG
These pics are a few weeks old
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/IMG_01417.JPG

Ron

[rbduck]

OK, Habaneros, Super chilies, Cayenne peppers, and Hot Hungarian peppers in the dehydrator. After these are done, can I keep them in glass canning jars and for how long?

Ron:mrgreen: