Update on the Garden

Yes, I know, still no solar panels for the lawnmower. The Littlest Giant takes up all my time these days. When I get a second that I am not changing diapers, I'll send for them. :)

The garden is coming along well. The most visible progress is in the Main Bed, where the sunflowers are at least 9 FEET tall. Yes, even over The Giants head. The flower heads have flipped over and the petals are this really cool burgundy color. I think my wife wanted that.



The corn is still only up to my shoulder, but each stalk has at least 2 ears on it. I can feel the kernels below the husk, so I know they are there, at least as long as the squirrels stay away from them.



Yes Virginia, you CAN grow tomatoes in my backyard! ;) They are all green at the moment, and one mutant 3 flower tomato had to be culled, but there is some progress. *crosses fingers*





Ok, I was getting a little impatient and pulled a carrot, seems to have a little while longer to go though.



Also, a potato(e) check. This one is not ready for prime time either, but its sooo cute! One of my cat hair providers adding to the supply IN the carpet is in the background.

The battle begins

*sigh* 3 cornstalks taken by Squirrel Squadron. One as I was looking at the little bugger gnaw though a stalk. Went right under the deer fence and took it. I flew after it in a rage, yet again, and it got tangled in the fence. It made its way out before I got to it though, but at least I scared the hell outta it.

So my next tactic in this accelerating war, was to sprinkle cat hair around the base of all the remaining stalks. I have an unlimited supply thankfully. :) Its a desperate attempt, but apparently they don't like to hang out around a place if they can smell predators. I should just let the cats loose next time, but I don't think my wife would approve.

If that doesn't work, I cut my losses, and next year, 10 foot chicken wire cage. Its a bit extreme, but they have a WHOLE TREE full of apples that they can take whenever they want.

As an update, tiny tomatoes have started on my newly caged tomato plants. These are pretty high off the ground, so lets see if they escape notice.

The pumpkins are crawling away and moving out of the patch, no fruit yet, but I don't expect it until the vines get at least 25 feet long.

In Memoram:
My cordless Black and Decker CMM1000, which has been hanging around in limbo waiting for a replacement board (after raiding mice pooed on it) has been left for dead. It served us well for 6 years and will be missed. I just don't have the time to wait for a board that is always on back order. I have already bought its replacement: The CMM1200 A slightly cooler design, some changes I like, some I don't. Next payday, I get the solar panels for it.