Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Produce something.



Few things give me greater joy than seeing the fruit of my labors. I took a walk around my plantation, all 1/4 acre of it the other day and was elated with the beauty of my crops. Apples, peaches, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, etc. They are a beautiful creation and I am so thankful to have them at my disposal.


If you have been paying attention lately at the grocery store, prices are out of control. Few things are left untouched by soaring prices. There is also talk of fungus and disease in many crops this year for produce as well. We need to produce something on our own. If you don't already have something going in your yard, no matter what the size, it is a great weekend to play farmer. Plant something, anything. It will give you great satisfaction. We need to work towards self-reliance. Just start somewhere. It is a great time of year to plant. I added three new trees this year and two more are coming next week along with my much anticipated chickens. My garden is full and my new boysenberry bush has beautiful berries popping up. I can hardly wait! I had my first peach of the year yesterday and my mouth jumped for joy! I am sort of sick of apples and oranges. I am very ready for the summer season....peach cobbler, fresh garden salsa and pasta sauce, omelets with fresh peppers and onions, zucchini frittatas and chocolate zucchini cake. Delightful. 


What's in your yard? 

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I have been wanting to plant my own garden but lack the knowledge and confidence. My back yard is small and I have areas that get very little sun and other areas that get full sun. What would you suggest planting in the next week or so?

Shari Goodman said...

It is amazing how much you can really plant in a small area. Vertical growing is a great option for your small sunny areas. Using a tomato cage or other trellis type aparatas, plant tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, etc and they will grow up not spread out. You can use grow boxes or containers. Use plants at this point, the biggest you can find if you are here in AZ. Some things like herbs, lettuce, etc. do well in shaddy spots. I actually have low sun in my garden and I still get good food.

Rita said...

Going to plant a little herb garden in some pots today or tomorrow. I'd love to have some citrus trees and a garden, we just need to do it. Maybe this weekend :).

Unknown said...

Thanks Shari!

Leiah said...

I totally agree with you! My garden is looking so lovely! So many tomatoes!

Marilyn said...

I completely agree! I've been stalking your blog for quite awhile. I've been working in our suburban plot here in Mesa for several years and it is so satisfying to go outside and harvest your dinner. Can you share more about our chickens? Since we live in the same general area, I would like to learn more. I was afraid it was too hot right now (and down the road for the next few months) to start chickens. Plus I've been on a campaign to convince my husband. :) I think I've almost succeeded since he picked a likely spot for a coop and has a friend he told me is willing to build it. {hooray}

CandiShack said...

Alright, I used to think nothing grew in Arizona... but between you and Kara Bagley's blogs...sheesh! I am originally from Utah but now live in Oklahoma. Arizona is looking more and more enticing because of the long growing season for sure. That AND the fact that you can grow citrus!! So, do you recommend it? Arizona, that is... is it good for a dentist? :)

Anonymous said...

is AZ soil ready for planting or did you have to make a large investment in order to get the soil ready? hubby and I have been talking for a looong time about getting a little piece of land somewhere for our kids and dogs to run around and planting at least some fruit trees!

Ginny said...

Wow! I have nearly a 1/2 acre, and all I have is tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peppers and onions! Well, a few herbs too. How inspiring are you? :)