In our backyard we have two large planter boxes. I decided to use the boxes to plant some vegetables. Having consulted a local nursery, I decided that at this time of the year I could attempt to grow cabbage, cauliflower, onions, lettuce, collard greens, and kale. So, in my efforts to avoid pesticides, I have done nothing in the way of getting rid of the pesky little bugs and worms and worst of all...slugs. So, within a week or so of planting my garden, I notice little slime marks on some of the leaves. I followed the advice of a fellow gardener (I don't think I should actually refer to myself as a gardener though ...hahaha). Anyhow, I was advised to go out just after dark to take a look at the garden to see just who those slime marks belonged to...you guessed it. SLUGS......yuck! I kind of wonder if I even want to eat any of the produce, knowing that slugs may have slithered on them. So, I go outside with my flashlight in hand. Boy was I shocked! I saw slug after slug after slug. So, armed with a can of soapy water, I used a little shovel to scoop up all the slugs I found. That evening I drowned 12 slugs. GROSS!!!! I cringed throughout the whole process and believe it or not, I actually went out and did it again the next night. Though I only found 4 that night, I soon decided that being the "slug-slayer" was NOT for me. So, the slugs have been feasting on my cabbage and cauliflower leaves. So far, the greens, kale, and lettuce have survived, despite my lack of action! :-) So, take a look at how well the one planter box is doing. The second picture is of one of the broccoli plants that is just struggling...don't laugh!! For Tony's sake, I decided not to include an picture of the little slimy creatures that are partially responsible for the demise! If you have any suggestions or ideas on ways to help out my poor plants without using pesticides, please, please let me know!!
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Yesterday we went to the pumpkin patch. It was our very first time picking out pumpkins from an actual pumpkin patch on a farm...very different from choosing one from a parking lot in a strip mall! The kids had a blast!!! My daughter, KJ was especially looking forward to the hayride. So, we got to the farm and unloaded the kids. We rode the hayride out to the patch. Once we got there, the kids, except KJ, were thrilled. She did NOT like the fact that the pumpkins had dirt on them. Man, I have got to get this girl used to "country livin"! :-) Each of the big three ended up picking out their very own pumpkins. The babies just had a ball being able to roam freely in the patch. I did have to keep close eyes on them. TJ was trying to sneak pumpkin seeds from smashed pumpkins into his mouth and JI was trying to eat handfuls of dirt! After choosing our pumpkins, much to our surprise, the kids
were allowed to help drive the tractor back. They were so cute!! Later, the kids were able to play in the corn maze and climb on the hay pyramid (fondly referred to as "the hay castle" by KJ). The kids loved jumping on the "castle" and racing through the maze. We all had a great time! Once we got home, KJ told me that she had had the best day ever! That alone made it all worth it! Now I just need a good recipe to make pumpkin pies!
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