After testing the soil, we found it low in both nitrogen and potassium, though decent when it came to phosphate. Very exciting. So I spread fertilizer around and tilled the soil a bit more with that lovable fork, pulling out a surprising number of hefty roots despite no nearby trees. What else roots? Or are the trees reaching that far across the lawn?
A couple days later, we planted. This was about the third week in June, too late to start from seed, so we purchased small plants from a variety of sources, preferring local greenhouses when possible, though with many herbs already gone by this point in the season, we made do anywhere that had our favorites.
Still being accustomed to overstuffed window boxes, I packed the garden by suggested standards, though still leaving room for growth and navigating through the rows without stomping on plants.
The selection includes: basil, Thai basil, Greek Oregano, thyme, sage, cilantro, Italian parsley, mint, rosemary, yellow squash, zucchini, yellow beans, eggplant, habaneros, jalapenos, hot Portuguese peppers, cayenne peppers, grape tomatoes, celebrity tomatoes, and leeks.
Given the ridiculous, near-constant rain of June, I was initially worried about the plants drowning. Quickly, slugs took over as primary concern. Buying a canister of Sluggo seems to have taken care of them. I still saw some leaf-eating going on, so purchased a spray bottle of something by Safer, a green conscious pesticide company. That stuff seems to work fairly well though it washes off with all the rain.
So far I can't figure out what eats my prized basil plants no matter how much poison I use. I worry for the pesto of this season. What's to be done?! Stay tuned!
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