NOT SPRING BLOOMS, NOR SUMMER BLOOMS BUT...

"Winter Blooms"

The biggest winter of New York
January, 23, 2016

     New York had one of the biggest snowstorms this past January.  While the snow was falling and melting away, there were other things happening indoors that did not stop the natural process of occurring as plant life continues to survive.  The blooming of flowers had begun early than we expect during the months of December 2015 and January 2016.  That's right it may have been cold and snowy but that did not stop these plants from blooming in the windowsill.

Vicks plant
Blooming in Winter Indoors
December 15, 2015

Meyer Lemon
Blooming & Producing Fruits in late fall  and lasting in winter indoors
December 15, 2016

My niece had her eye on this one lemon.  She couldn't wait to pick it off!

A big juicy organic Meyer Lemon
December 15, 2105

Some of the flower petals were dropping on the floor.  It was a sign that the tree plant was eliminating the weak flowers that would not produce any fruits.  Unfortunately none of the flowers survived.  But, if you look closely there is one more lemon way behind in the back.

Last fall 2015 I bought a dwarf pomegranate plant on sale at the farmers' market for $18.

Pomegranate Flower
Blooming in Winter Indoors
January 27, 2016

Last Meyer Lemon of the season
February 11, 2016

MORE TRANSPLANTING SPRING 2015

"Rainbow Swiss Chard"

Rainbow Swiss Chard
Vacant spot is now filled
Garden Bed #3

The time has come for the swiss chard to be transplanted to the garden.  Besides, I was so ready to kick them out the outside (windowsill) - tiny bugs was on them.  The problems we face when having live plants.  Plants are beneficial to the environment and helps clear toxins from the air.

Planted Rainbow Swiss Chard
April 11, 2015

As of June 6, 2015 they looked good to be transplanted.

Rainbow Swiss Chard Seedlings
June 6, 2015

Then I decided to throw garlic cloves in the garden beds.  Hopefully, they will sprout and grow.

Garlic Cloves

Now, Arugula has taken occupant in Swiss Chard place in the pot.  More organic greens!  

Arugula
Planted seeds 6-6-15

Arugula is a healthy investment.  We all know it can be a bit pricey in the stores.  So, why not grow it your own?  It's so simple! 

Pot + Soil + Seeds + Water + Sun = Great Healthy Investment 

BOUNTIFUL OF MUSTARD GREENS HARVEST SPRING 2015

"It's Harvest Time"

Japanese Mustard Greens
"Ready for Harvest"
May 30, 2015

The time has come to pick those greens.  They were screaming out "pick me, PICK ME!" 

I've reaped in the benefits with a nicely full basket of fresh organic mustard greens.  I've saved myself at least $8 worth.  Organic fresh dark leafy greens produce goes for $3.99 or more depending on the place of supermarket you go to.  Most will charge per pound.

Basket of Mustard Greens

Love the food you grow...

Thanks to Mother Nature 

And know where your food comes from!


As a reminder every Monday is Harvest Time at Daphne's Dandelion



GARDEN RAISED BED #3 AND MORE...

"Gardening 102"

Garden Raised Bed #3  "Spring 2015"
May 25, 2015

The temperatures has been rising in high 80s this past weekend.  It was a nice three day weekend due to Memorial Day holiday.  We love three day weekends.  I took advantage to work on the backyard again and just about done with the planting.  I just have to transfer the swiss chard and broccoli seedlings once they are capable to stand the outside world.

I wanted another raised bed.  I know... I know... I have too many plants.  But these plants are super beneficial and cost effective too!  Planting/Gardening is a hobby for me to relieve my stress, get some needed exercise, and it's a mediation as well.  "When the body is at ease, the mind is at ease."

Last month I ordered a 42 in. by 42 in. garden raised bed kit from Home Depot at a clearance sale price of $29.98.  Who would pass a price on that?!  Yesterday I finally was able to assemble this raised bed kit.  It took me five minutes to assembly but practically the whole day yesterday to organize and fill the bed.  The weather was super hot (hot as hell) but I wanted to get all the plants out in the ground and outside as early as possible since we are limited to the warm weather. 

simple and ease to assembly
(no instructions were in the box)

a perfect fit

laid out my weed blocker cover

added the raised bed frame on top

added organic soil, peat moss, garden lime, and garden tone

started my dimensional measurements
(this raised bed I wanted organization)

box formation
(better and clearer)

plant away

1st row across:  Rosemary, Marigold, Thai Basil & Cayenne Pepper, Hydrangea
2nd row across:  Marigold & Lacinato Kale, Purple Basil, Vacant (not filled), Sage
3rd row across:  Marigold & Radicchio, Lemon Thyme, Thai Basil & Marigold, Lacinato Kale
4th row across:  Marigold & Yellow Sweet Pepper, Radicchio, Little Finger Eggplant, Stevia & Marigold

Garden Tip:  Plant perennials.  "The Gift that Keeps Giving.  Year after Year."

I had planted these in pot containers...

Blackberry Plant
May 25, 2015

You cannot have a summer with cucumbers and berries!

Cucumber Plant
May 25, 2015

Also, I planted geraniums and snow pea seeds in containers.  (see top picture next to 3rd raised bed)

Updates:  As of May 24 & 25, 2015

Golden Cayenne Peppers Blooming
May 24, 2015

Meyer Lemons Growing
May 24, 2015

Japanese Mustard Greens
May 24, 2015

Two of my tomato plants are struggling.  Under distress.

had to put a stake to hold up the poor thing
San Marzano Tomato Plant
May 24, 2015

another tomato plant not happy
May 24, 2015

As you can see you do not need a green thumb to be a gardener.  Many plants will not make it and some will.  I believe it's trial and error.  You won't know unless you try it.

                                                                                  Enjoy gardening!

THE 2015 GROWING SEASON IS IN FULL SWING...Reaping the benefits?

"Yes, Indeed"

2015 Garden Raised Bed
(work in progress)
Lacinato Kale, Radicchio, Marigolds, Lemongrass, Stevia, Lavender, Cucumbers, & Sweet Red Pepper
May 17, 2015

This past Sunday I started full swing in working on the backyard to prepare for more planting.  Gardening is work but it has beneficial results for the environment and yourself. Gardening is exercise and a stress reliever.

Bought new soil...

New starter tomato plants...

San Marzano, Black Krim Heirloom, & Golden Jubilee
"Tomatoes"

Found a good location to transplant the tomato plants...

clear any debris, cut any roots, apply good soil, and peat moss
*added bonus - eggshells I crumbled and added in the soil

*Garden Tip:  Eggshells are beneficial to plant life.  When using eggshells make sure you thoroughly rinse off the shells with water and mild liquid soap to avoid salmonella.  After rinsing let the eggshells dry out.  Then completely crush them up and sprinkle away.  Fends off pests and supply calcium nutrients to the plants.

Welcome to tomato and blueberry land

Tomato Plant

While finding a home for the tomato plants I came across a JAPANESE MUSTARD GREEN SPROUT!  Wow, these greens are just popping up all over the place.

Spreading the mustard green love all over

Unfortunately, I had to remove the sprouts to put them all in one location.  I've noticed their little roots - still young...

Hopefully the greens will survive their transplant new location

Besides the mustard greens sprouts popping up in the ground - my collard greens are back!  One collard green survived and thriving!  Planted one marigold, the mustard green sprouts, and a tomato plant in this area to keep the collard green company.

another area for plant life

Working on another area to add more plant life.  Goal is to plant perennials in this area.  Cost effective and less work for future.

new plant life will be in this area

*Update - As of May 17, 2015 the mustard greens (inside the elevated raised bed) still looks healthy and thriving and ready for harvest soon.  

Japanese Mustard Greens

Remember my Meyer lemon plant.  Well, she is still holding on strong and produced lots of flowers.  As usual some flowers dropped off and some stayed on (the stronger ones) and produced these future lemons!

Meyer Lemons are GROWING!
2015

P.S. the hot mess on the ground that's yellow and white are cornmeal and baking soda.  I had to control the ant population.  It hasn't been a week since I had placed some of my pot plants outside and already they've been attacked by the ants!  I'm hoping those little buggers will take the cornmeal mixture back to their hide away home and be gone.  Eventually, the rain will wash away the mixture off the ground.  I do not like spraying pesticides or bug spray around edible plant life or in home because of the toxins it can do to the body.

On that note... I highly recommend everyone grow something or place a plant on their windowsill, patio, terrace, and backyard.  Reap those benefits.  Know where your food comes from.  

REAPING THE BENEFITS "2015"

                                                                                                     Enjoy the Spring Season!

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN...

"Prepping Those Garden Beds"

Garden Elevated Raised Bed
May 10, 2015

The time has finally come - "The Gardening Season is in FULL SWING." 

Home Depot Starters
(vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers)

Home Depot Starters

 I haven't been out in the backyard for months and not even when we had snow.  As the temperatures started to heat up in New York, I started to take a peep out last Sunday to see what needs to be done and see what has sprung up.  What a surprise to see this in the elevated raised bed.  Wow!  MUSTARD GREENS!  Remember back last spring/summer 2014 I've planted the seeds and transplanted the sprouts into the bed?  Memory a bit fuzz?  Well, maybe you can remember this picture I've took last year...

Last Summer 2015

You see the long stem with branches like sticking out.  Well, those were seed pods and it must have exploded into the soil and now came back in full force this year with strong growth of nice thriving leaves.  So, Japanese mustard greens are perennials.  How about that!

I throw out old debris and removed some of the top soil.  I mixed new soil and added peat moss, organic garden lime, and organic garden tone.

Prepped the soil for new seedlings
May 10, 2015

   
Those Japanese mustard greens sure is hogging up the bed.  I had to remove some to try and contain it to one area.  The dead looking branch patch next to it I think is my lemon balm plant.  Oh my!  I hope there is some kind of life hidden in it because I'm going to miss making my lemon balm punch.

I went to the Farmer's Market and Home Depot to pick up some starter plants because some of the seeds I've planted has not sprouted.  Time is essential when you live on the east coast with the hot weather being limited.

some starters herbs, tomatoes, and vegetables

I planted the following; golden yellow cherry tomatoes (love them from last season- so sweet and juicy), purple basil (love the smell and the flavor), parsley (still had in a mini pot from last year), radicchio, marigolds (a must keeps bugs and pests away- smells stink but the flowers are rich in color and bright), stevia, and seeds I've planted in egg cartons that hasn't sprouted, such as, strawberries, sweet red peppers, cilantro, padron peppers (got from a coworker who went to Spain), and tomatoes.

Elevated Garden Raised Bed 2015
May 10, 2015
Mustard Greens, Purple Basil, Stevia, Tomatoes, Parsley, Marigolds, Radicchio, Peppers

I love eating snow peas.  They are so sweet.  I bought a pack of organic snow peas seeds and planted them in this box.  

Planted Snow Peas
May 10, 2015

Reminder every Monday is Harvest Day on Daphne's Dandelions