Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Seedlings, Day Four


I've decided to use this blog to muse about my garden.  I've decided that I love vegetables.  But only real vegetables.  As in, not the kind you buy at the store.  So, I'm getting my garden on.  This is utterly hilarious to those who know me, because I have a very black thumb, but I figure that South Carolina is pretty perfect climate-wise for growing things so maybe that will help me!

Anyway, one of the cool things about this house is that it came with a raised garden bed already!  I did soil testing and began adding more soil and fertilizer to correct the PH levels and nutrient deficiencies.  I need to test again in a week or so.

Meanwhile, I ordered a bunch of seeds.  These arrived late last week.  Some of them don't need to be started inside but others do.  So, I Very Carefully read the instructions plus everything I could find on the internets.  I set aside the outside ones and will return to them after the last frost (end of March, 'round here).  This left me with my first crop of brussel sprouts and broccoli (I'll get two crops of those), some herbs, and the trickier tomatoes, eggplants and chili peppers.  I popped them into their little sprouting pots and gave them a sprinkle of water.

The next problem was where to put the baby plants.  The instructions specifically said that a windowsill was not the best option.  A warm location with lights a few inches above the plants was suggested.  I figured I'd try the top of the fridge.  Really, this would have been perfect, except that my cat decided that HE wanted the top of the fridge and in Cat vs Baby Plants, Cat wins.  So I rescued the plants from the cat and retreated to the laundry room.  On top of the drier is a pretty warm spot!  And I guess it worked because on day four I have nice big sprouts from my broccoli and brussels, and little sprouts from my herbs.  Still watching the tomatoes, eggplants and chilis though!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Pee Dee Hog Hunt

Sunset 

Dawn over the Pee Dee

I was too busy to do much photographing on this trip, but these two views were too gorgeous to pass up.  As you can see in the bottom image, I've been experimenting with Photomatix.  I'm liking it a lot and will be purchasing a copy as soon as I get around to it.

It was nice to spend time out in the woods, even if it was a gross swamp and even if we didn't get a hog.