Deep in the mountains

Jun. 18, 2009

Growing Garden

Hi all! Even though it's technically Winter here in South America, Huanuco is still giving us that "Eternal Spring" weather that many use to describe it. Things ARE cooler right now, and especially in a cement house with lots of wind blowing through but the days are usually very sunny and warm. So my garden is still alive and even with the dryer weather I have tomatoes growing!

From Happenings

And Dill!!

From Happenings

And Lettuce!! (it's to the right of the stone walkway and the dill is on the end there)

From Happenings

And the strawberry plants I transplanted from the other house are spreading out and making themselves a nice little patch.

From Happenings

I did have a ton more herbs that I started and a lot more lettuce planted but the ants got to them and maybe some other bugs and pretty much wiped them out. All that is left is a tiny sage plant. I just keep encouraging it to get bigger soon so the bugs don't get it. And a little fruit called Capuli (pronounced ca-pooh-LEE) that looks like it may yet live. Thanks to a great tip from a friend I have been able to combat the ants without poisoning my garden by just sprinkling cornmeal around! They take it to their nest, they eat it, they can't digest it and there are now piles of dead ants all over my garden. I just keep sprinkling it since there are still lots more around, but it is much better. I've also been able to keep the bugs and white flies off my tomato and lettuce plants by just using some dish soap in water and spraying it all over the plants. It really keeps those little bugs off and as for the tomato eating caterpillars....God sent the wasps! There are an alarming amount of wasps in our yard, but they eat ALL..ALL of the caterpillars!! So I am now convinced, that I can grow a garden without a bunch of harmful chemicals. And I can't wait to try out those yummy tomatoes. I would still love to expand the garden. I may or may not yet this year but this little bit will begin to help the ground to improve and my compost piles are simmering away just waiting to be used too! Because of composting all our scraps we have saved a ton of plastic on garbage bags and our garbage is half or less what it was before! (We eat a lot of fruits and veggies!) These also popped up among the weeds.

From Happenings

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Comments

Jun. 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Canadagirl

It has been a joy to read about your garden. I didn't know about cornmeal and ants ! Thanks for that tip. [0= I have a ant problem in one of my beds so I will have to try this. I am totally with you on not having to use toxic chemicals. For centries people have gardened without the chemicals that were used in WWII and that are now in our cleaning products and such. I LOVE your morning glory ! It is sooooo breath taking. It shows you how God can let things that are beautiful happen among the weeds of life. He is always showing his glory even among weeds. What a wonderful thing to reflect on and thank the Lord for.

Blessings and ((HUGS)) in Him<><
-Mary

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Jun. 20, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Canadagirl

Hi again ! I just posted a Weekly WrapUp hosted by Carol@ThreeLittleLadies. My post is ...

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Canadagirl/700894/

There is a pic of my latest socks. [0=

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Jun. 29, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

I am so glad that you posted the ant/cornmeal idea! We have ants all over our garden and have been trying to combat them organically, but it just hasn't worked. Tomorrow I will be using your idea. Thanks so much! :)

Randi

http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/randi/

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About Me

My thoughts on what it is like to be a missionary wife, homeschool mom and child of the King, all in Peru.