April in the Garden

Here in Texas, our garden is in full bloom, literally!

Here is a zucchini blossom. While I have eaten plenty, I have never actually grown any. So to see them blossoming and growing fruit is so much fun!

We also have some lavender.

It makes me want to plant a whole bunch of lavender next year!

Then we have a whole row of tomatoes. I already have baby tomatoes too!

This was before I removed some of the lower stems and the suckers. But there they are. I can almost taste the fried green tomatoes!

I have always had issues with creatures, hello squirrels and birds, eating my tomatoes and peppers. Also, I didn’t get a picture of my figs and pears today.

I saw a hack that we are trying.

This is my baby bell pepper in there. Not sure if you can see it or not. I know it’s a lot of work, but if I were to get some instead of feeding the squirrels? We have so many baby figs and pears on the tree. I want to be able to get some this year! As well as tomatoes and peppers.

Does anyone else have any ideas on protecting the fruit from the little beasties? I am open to suggestions!

I made it to the plant store on Wednesday, and today we are planting some Marigolds and Basil as companion plants to the squash and the tomatoes. And yes, I know I am allergic to marigolds, but if it helps my squash and zucchini to survive, I am all there for it! And the basil in with the tomatoes. Do you know they have purple basil? It is so pretty up against the tomatoes!

We also got thyme, sage, and five <— yes, I typed five stevia plants right. I need to do a whole post on Stevia. It is one thing that I knew HAD to go in my garden. It is a natural sweetener.

And hubby and Walter, of course, have been cleaning out the overgrown areas of the garden. They found a surviving Blackberry shot! Two! Maybe, just maybe, I can keep them under control this time!

While we only have the three raised beds this year, I already have plans to expand it this fall. Here in Texas, we can grow year-round. We can also grow and harvest twice a year for things like tomatoes. I’ve heard of some people even doing three! That is a lot of tomatoes!

I am off to dig in the dirt. Actually, I need to take out the bunny manure and work it into the dirt. It is one of the husky’s favorite things to do. I know; go figure, right?