The Week It Was

It's barefoot gardening weather

This is the week it was.

There were tractor surprises. The PTO gave out again and off went my ancient John Deere to the shop last Saturday morning. Again.

I've had a hard time getting my soil tilled this year because the tractor has been so inconsistent. It's been back from the shop a few times, and shortly thereafter chosen to, as I say with love, "crap out" again.

I eagerly awaited it's return because...well, it's late. Some tomatoes are in but not all. At all.

I need it to till my ploughed field so I can get in the rest. 

Back it came Wednesday morning. There was excitement in the air! YES! 

No. Within 5 minutes the PTO had quite again and the tiller wasn't tilling.

There's no point getting upset, that's just how it is.

Away it went again, but not before I was told that the tractor is probably tired. Repairs would be very expensive this time, in all likelihood. Something newer and bigger in my future?

Back it came without the expensive repairs and it was, I hope anyway just a small thing like they said and repaired. Tomorrow will tell the tale.

The tomatoes won't all be planted though. I reconciled myself to that and it's okay.

This is an interesting year, to be sure.

Isn't this cool? Stick tomato

In the garden things are pretty good. Lots of things are way ahead of themselves. Small tomatoes are blossoming and fruiting, peppers have surged ahead, but the eggplants nearly appear dormant. Grow, please!

Purple Peacock Broccoli

Where are the imported cabbage loopers? My broccoli, cauliflower and the rest of the family are untouched. This never happens.

The flea beetle presence is strongly felt, with funky little holes drilled in my eggplants. The squash bugs too, and I'm flipping over the squash leaves on my trap crop to find the little triangles of the metallic coloured eggs. Squish. Sorry. Not.

Root Chicory for Balzacs Coffee Roasters

I've just got a small space left in the garden to plant, and just way too many seeds that could go there. It's decision time. This is the tough part...I'm glad there's next year.

I did get in the Hmong Sticky rice, sesame seeds and the "Hairy Balls." Really.

I've met some interesting people this week, as a few people still stop by to pick up a plants. One never knows who will be encountered in the course of tomato sales. 

A very interesting gentleman questioned me about how to germinate marijuana seeds...he has his license and would be using the crop for medicinal purposes. Hmm...well, I've never tried. He wondered if I would be interested in getting my license. I'll dwell on that one.

And today. I can't tell you how touched I was when a fellow whom I've known for years and whom I've shared quite a few plants with when he was down on his luck, came by to pick up more of the poor shrivelled up beauties. He pushed far too much money in my hand, and thanked me for helping him out before. "It's your living, Linda...I can do this now." 

Thanks Ken. You don't know how much that meant to me, and I'm glad things are working out for you.

Tractors, tomatoes and great people. It's all good!

Hairy Balls-can't wait!