The Start of the Harvest

Here in South Florida my mid summer harvest is getting ready. Before you say anything, yes I know it's May but being in a tropical climate calls for earlier seasons. So when the North still has snow on the ground I am already planting my "summer" crop. One of my favorite ways to describe the climate where I live is that I live closer to Havana, Cuba then I do to the nearest town in the nearest state (Georgia). Much closer. Another reason for early seasons besides the heat is the pests. Southern Florida is where many pests go for winter, so we don't really get a break from that. For example, I didn't go out into my garden for 3 days and had an entire squash plant eaten by pickle worms. So I have to remain vigilant. I am in the process of buying some more ladybugs (I also bought them during "winter") in order to reduce and hopefully eliminate these hungry annoyances. I'm hungry too guys 😩. Anyways, today I worked on ridding the main garden of pickle worms and harvesting chamomile and some of the smaller garlic and onions. This means my bigger garlic and onions will be ready soon! Yay! I'm also getting close to harvesting my sweet potatoes and purple potatoes. I will update then. In the meantime, enjoy some photos of the recent garlic, onions, and chamomile. Talk to you soon!

Some chamomile before and after drying. The smell of chamomile is so amazing.

Budget DIY Chair Makeover - From Drab to Fab

This is a super simple DIY that had an amazing outcome. Did I mention this was all done with Rust-Oleum spray paint for about $5 a can? I bought the bulk six packs so I could have leftovers for other projects. Just look at this before and after picture!

These were bar stools that that came included with our house ;) We used them as patio chairs for the bar area on our back porch. They were already pretty rough looking, but being outside in Florida made them pretty gross. Here are some more before pictures:

 The first thing I did was take them apart. This was very simple, I just removed the screws! 

I then cleaned them with a bleach, soap, and water mixture. After they dried I prepped them for spray painting. I swear I am not a spokeswoman for Rust-Oleum, but they always have my favorite stuff. I used their hammered spray paint and their fabric and vinyl spray paint. I am super obsessed with this hammered spray paint and use it for 90% of my crafting projects. Basically everything in my house is this hammered color.

 Then I sprayed my little heart out. I did two coats of each and I used about 4 cans of the fabric spray and two cans of the hammered spray. I am known to be pretty heavy-handed with spray paint (just ask my husband) so you may use less. The fabric spray went on smoothly and I definitely recommend it for any of your projects.

 

 Pretty awesome right? Well, it has been about six months and the chairs are still looking brand new! Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. I will leave you with some more before and after pictures. Bye for now! 

Garden Box and Containers Update

Here is the garden box as of today! I am happy these are finally planted. I had to cut multiple branches off of the cherry tomato plant because it was getting out of control and shading all of the other plants. I also planted Floradade tomatoes in the yard. These tomatoes were developed by the University of Florida to be extremely heat tolerant and disease resistant. I am excited to see how they do in our natural sandy soil. 

My Jersey asparagus has already sprouted after being planted last week! I have two sprouts. These are three year old roots.

My Luffa Gourd Plants! I put these in a hanging basket for the back porch.

 Garlic and Dutch Yellow Shallots:

 Broccoli (kind of looking sad):

 Sweet Onions:

Lemon/Key Lime and Orange Tree:

DIY Tipi/Teepee Garden + Garden Update

We have officially finished the walk-in Tipi garden! Well, we still a few minor adjustments to make, but for the most part it is complete. Here is how it all went down...

First we prepped the desired site by loosening the soil and removing the grass. I chose the area on the left side of the screened in porch, and also near a hose, for the garden site.

Next, we dug the holes needed for the garden beds.

Then we laid the landscape fabric in order to prevent weed growth.

After filling the beds with dirt and spreading mulch throughout the walkways, we prepared the tipis. For this we used wood, chicken wire, metal poles, zip ties, and a staple gun.

I then added some bulbs I had from the front yard garden and planted white marigold and purple zinnia seeds.

Here is the look of the garden as of now:

I used some left over stained pallet and fabric paint to make the markers for my vegetables. I recommend practicing first before painting on your final product. I did not, as can be witnessed with my markers. We then cut the markers with a table saw.

How cute are peas? They are my favorite plant so far. Just look at those tendrils!

The black beans are called Cherokee Trail of Tears. These beans have an amazing history and were carried by the Cherokee Tribe on that harrowing walk. Learn more here and here. I also have red bush beans and the Italian Rose beans are quite the lookers. I also have peas, slicing cucumbers, and a pickle cucumber hybrid.

I have hot peppers that include Hungarian Wax, Chili, Cayenne, and Poblano.
I am also waiting on the plant form of red and green Jalapenos, called Biker Billy Hybrid. These were some that my husband killed =|

 Here are the Sweet Peppers, Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Eggplants.

I also have 20+ strawberry plants, Loganberry, and I am super excited about the Seedless Concord Grapes.

I will update soon on my container gardening progress.

Happy gardening!