Lessons from the Garden: Year 1

I could not be happier to finally have my own garden.  Things are growing nicely and the deer have only gotten a few sweet corn plants thus far, (knock on wood).  However, I am just now beginning to realize the extent to which I do not know what I'm doing!  So here begins my series of "Lessons from the Garden".  This is mostly for me, so I can look back and be reminded of what to/not to do next year. However, if you happen to read this and know something about gardening (including "deer-X"...I know...just build a fence!), please feel free to send suggestions.  Thank-you.

I am sensing a need to expand for next year!

1.  Vines need space...LOTS of space...MUCH more space than I gave them!

Notice the onions and basil plants being taken over by the squash.

Cantaloupe on the prowl...look out carrots!!

2.  I think ONE zucchini plant would be sufficient.

I was shocked to find so many and such large zucchini yesterday...
they were little green hotdogs just a few days ago!

3.  Compost DOES help plants grow...let's shoot for gettin' it in the garden next year.

Potato plants on the right, and I believe that's more zucchini (oh great!) on the left...

4. Sweet corn is NOT worth it in a small garden.  Especially when your dad and uncle grow about an acre of it every year.

5. Start your broccoli from plants.  If I had a picture of Grandma's plants vs. mine, the reasoning would be quite clear!

6. I just read that vine cucumbers apparently do best when trellised--this would have been helpful in keeping the cucumber vines from being eaten alive by the the pumpkins & gourds.

Hopefully we'll get more of these little guys before they're swallowed up alive!

I expect some more good growing days over the next week with this heat; which will probably mean more lessons learned.  So until next time...