You are reading an archived version of this website. I stopped publishing in 2012, but the information and the memories live on. Enjoy, and remember, I still retain the rights to all the content found on this site.
-Caroline
From Wheat to Straw
The wheat story has a sad ending. It’s all gone. Every single bit of it.
I checked on it last week and found the back half decimated. Squirrels and birds, no doubt. I’d seen them nibbling on the perimeter, but I never expected they were busy destroying what I couldn’t see.
This is what I saw when I walked out there. The entire back half was gone.
The worst part was there was nothing I could do. I was days away from going on vacation and didn’t have the tools, supplies, or time to construct a netting box. Also, the wheat was too green to harvest. It was close, but not close enough to harvest.
This is what was left when I came home from vacation.
I hope you enjoyed that wheat, you darn squirrels.
Lesson learned: put your wheat into a netting box if it’s small enough. If it’s not, well, got any suggestions?
It’s Garlic Day!
Happy Independence Day. Here at the Suburban Farm, it’s Garlic Day. This morning I harvested 37 heads of garlic.
I can’t wait to cut into these! To prepare the rest for storing, they will be laid out on a long cardboard box—stems and leaves intact—in our basement for a few weeks to cure. That is, if I don’t eat them all first. Garlic doesn’t last long in our house.
I’m not exactly sure what variety this is. Honestly, I planted generic jumbo garlic cloves from the grocery store. I think technically these fall into the soft-neck category.
Did you grow garlic this year?
First Peas
I wasn’t sure if I’d see them. It’s been really hot this spring! Luckily I planted the peas in a cool, shadier spot.
These are Dakota Shelling peas, which taste better outside of their pods.
Views From Around the Farm
The wheat is looking more like wheat.
Strawberries are happening.
Tomatoes, lettuce, and more.
Ginormous rhody shows its ginormous flowers.
Basil needs to be planted.
Don Featherstone is watching.
Backyard Wheat Update
It’s growing!
Let’s compare May to February:
Step Inside the Millennium Seed Bank
A beautiful view into the Millennium Seed Bank Project. This space represents 10% of the world’s biodiversity.
“There is no technological reason why any plant species should become extinct. We have every opportunity to pass on our entire botanical heritage—intact—for future generations.”
Via TED Blog.
Cilantro Up!
Hey Girl…
I love this so much!
Now this is a meme I can get behind!
First Seedlings: Cabbages
They’re here! These little cabbages just emerged, and I’m very excited. The first seedlings of the year are always a cause for celebration.
I’ve never grown cabbage, nor onions and celery, which are in nearby trays.
I have 20 cabbage seeds started: 10 Copenhagen Market and 10 Chinese.
Have you started any seeds yet? Are you growing cabbage this year?
The Suburban Farm 