My tomato plants have been in large pots for just 1 month now. Look at how fast they grow! I’ve got a lot of flowers on them already too. The strong smells of the leaves for me is heavenly. Here’s hoping we do not have another record-breaking cold South Florida winter. Here’s the transformation:
Unfortunately, we had to have our Acacia Tree removed from our yard yesterday. It was getting HUGE and brittle and would fall on the house if we had a hurricane. And sooner or later, you know we wil have one. It was also blooming profusely and causing me severe allergies. The dog dragged all the pollen into the house on his feet and fur. I was sad to see it go, and now the yard looks so empty. But watching the tree being removed was quite fascinating. See for yourself . . .
It’s been 23 days since we left our daughter at college, but who’s counting? Since that time, I have been extremely productive. I suppose that has to do, in part, with the desire to keep super busy so as not to be sad that we have an empty nest. (That’s not entirely true, because we have our beloved, 4-legged son, Darwin.) Here’s what I’ve been up to:
Streamlined and reorganized
Look closely. The peas and some of the tomatoes have already sprouted. These mini greenhouses are amazing!
Today I planted my organic seeds in a tiny greenhouse, seed starter. There are 10 varieties of tomatoes, plus peas, artichokes, broccoli, lettuce and eggplant. The seedlings will be transplanted into larger containers in a couple of weeks, and then into big pots in Oct. I am making a photo documentary of the process, which I will share with you in December, when I can enjoy my first harvest. Several of my friends are going to try their hands at organic tomato gardening, with my guidance. So I am growing extra plants for them.
Mangrove roots
Knobby Gumbo Limbo
Strangler Fig
Sprawling Ficus roots
Ficus roots up-close
This Gumbo Limbo base looks like elephant foot!
Read my article on Wandering Educators and view photos of the spectacular Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Here are a few extra photos that we didn’t have room for in the article.
My readers know I grow organic tomatoes and eat as many organic foods as possible. An article today in The Atlantic Monthly suggests that steering clear of toxins in our food is crucial in preventing cancer.
Organic food is indeed more costly than conventional, but I find that it lasts much longer in the fridge, tastes better and is naturally healthier. You can buy an organic broccoli from a farmer’s market, and weeks later it is still fresh. But buy a conventional broccoli from the grocery store, and it will go limp in a few days.
When we buy gallons of milk, we often don’t think about what the cows were fed or what chemicals and antibiotics are added to their diets and the milk itself. Should our daughters be drinking estrogen-induced milk? I think not. I insist on organic dairy products.
If we all stand together and demand more wholesome, hormone and chemical-free foods, we’re likely to get them. We’ll be healthier and our children will be grateful a they live to be older.
I cannot keep up with my tomatoes! It looks like I will be canning again tomorrow. Some ways I have used my tomatoes this season include:
My kitchen counter is full of tomatoes!
No wonder why I have an acid reflux problem!
