The ladybugs are here! We have been releasing ladybugs in the greenhouse every night to control the aphids that usually appear this time of year. The funny thing is, we haven't really seen any aphids yet... so now I am worrying that the ladybugs won't find enough to eat. Kind of weird to actually want aphids so the ladybugs don't starve. I'm sure they will just roam outside into nearby fields if they don't find any in the greenhouse.
Have you ever wondered what an asparagus plant looks like underground? I think they resemble octopus tentacles. These are the "purple passion" asparagus I planted on Saturday. They are supposed to be more tender than the popular Jersey Knight asparagus, and emerge purple, but turn green when cooked. I really enjoy the tiny, slim, tender asparagus so I decided to give them a try. They are planted 6-8 inches deep in trenches (I dug holes because I was too lazy to use a hoe to dig the trench), and covered with 2 inches of compost. Asparagus cannot be harvested the first year, and for only 2 weeks during the second year. So these little guys won't be enjoyed until 2012. Asparagus is only for the most patient gardeners.
We also received 25 Golden Buff chicks in the mail last week. Here is our nephew Owen pondering the meaning of life while watching the baby chicks play.
This weekend marks the kickoff of our market season! We will be in Chillicothe for the annual Earth Gathering event. It is at the beautiful Yoctangee Park - Pump House Center for the Arts from 11 am-7 pm. Great food, music, art for sale, and kids activities.... and the weather is supposed to be great! We will be selling honey, soap, as well as a few cold-hardy flowers and herbs. Come join us!
