Happy July, Y’all! Thanks for joining me in the meadow and for the SURPRISE at the end 🙂
There is a photo of a spider in this video – you’ll get ample warning to look away if you don’t like spiders — and I tell you when it’s safe to look again.
Huntsman Spider Photo Credit – Copyright © 2016 Dr. Lenny Vincent
I also refer to culling and thinning persimmons – here’s the reference I learned from: Bird Song Orchards.
Welcome to my July 2023 Garden tour! Join me, Michelle, as I take you through my vibrant meadow garden located in Northeast Florida, zone 9A.
As an avid gardener, I believe in embracing the imperfections and learning from the challenges that come with gardening. Together, we’ll explore the beautiful sights, the experiments, and the lessons learned along the way.
A Green Stalk and a Rain Gauge:
Starting off the tour, I show you my Green Stalk, which is usually not the focus of my garden tours. However, this time, I have some propagated basil growing and a rain gauge to measure the rainfall. It’s interesting to note that we recently experienced a significant amount of rain followed by a dry spell, but the plants seem to be adapting well.
Surprising Tomato Cuttings and Blooming Flowers:
In a planter nearby, I share a unique experiment where I planted tomato cuttings directly into the soil. Despite the scorching heat, these cuttings are holding on and even producing beautiful flowers. It’s truly amazing to witness their resilience.
The Patio Delights:
Moving on to the patio, I showcase the thriving mint plants, both propagated and newly planted. However, the stunted tomatoes that were started from seeds aren’t doing well. Nevertheless, the dragon fruit plants have received a nice trim and are showing signs of new growth.
Experimenting with a Butcher Box Planter:
Next, I reveal an amusing experiment using a butcher box planter. Although it held up reasonably well during the heavy rainfall, it will eventually be composted, contributing to the future of the garden.
Kung Pao Peppers and Nursery Station:
Down the garden path, we encounter the flourishing Kung Pao peppers, which we’ve been freezing for future use. Nearby, the nursery station appears a bit bare, and the yellow Jamaican cherries are in need of repotting.
Balancing Projects and Enjoyment:
I take a moment to discuss the constant balance between the numerous garden projects and the joy of gardening. There’s always something to do and take care of, but it’s crucial to ensure that these activities are both enjoyable and rewarding, especially when it comes to growing your own food.
Moose and Dragon Fruit Progress:
No garden tour would be complete without a glimpse of Moose, the adorable feline companion. Additionally, we observe the progress of the dragon fruit plants after their recent trimming, noticing signs of new growth.
Green Stalk Propagation and Unexpected Cilantro:
Within the green stalk, I showcase the propagation of kitchen onions and share a pleasant surprise—a volunteer cilantro plant. Although the heat is affecting it, it’s a delightful addition to the garden.
Moringa Success and Avocado Tree Insights:
Moving along, I highlight the thriving bucket moringa, which managed to survive the freezing temperatures. Additionally, I provide a sneak peek into an upcoming video where I will discuss planting avocado trees and their heat tolerance, based on a viewer’s suggestion.
Tomatillos Bounty and Toolbox Testing:
In the Vigo bed, the tomatillos continue to thrive, while the ginger and sunflowers make an appearance. I mention a toolbox from Vigo Garden, currently undergoing testing in the garden, and promise to provide more details in a future video.
Exploring Vigo Lights and Trellised Veggies:
Next, I mention the Vigo lights and reveal that they can be used on Birdie’s bed due to the similarity in ribbing. We move to the trellised area, showcasing the Figo bed with tomatillos and ginger, and discuss plans to construct a trellis for future Thai eggplant plants.
Admiring Salvia and Embracing the Cottage Look:
We take a moment to appreciate the stunning salvia, attracting an abundance of pollinators. The nearby pollinator garden, with its cottage-like appearance, pleases the eye. However, my wife, Michelle, isn’t entirely sold on the cottage look, but the vibrant flowers, including zinnias and gaillardia, are a sight to behold.
Persimmons and Fruit Management:
Moving forward, we stumble upon heavily laden persimmon trees, with one requiring staking to support the weight of the fruit. I ask for suggestions on fruit management, as the trees seem to drop fruit naturally, but I’m unsure if I should cull them further.
Sweet Potatoes and Thai Eggplant:
We explore the progress of sweet potatoes and longevity spinach in grow bags and discuss future plans to grow Thai eggplant in the same area. Additionally, we observe the flourishing Asian wing beans, successfully transplanted from the ground to the garden bed.
The Stun Bed and Productive Persimmon Tree:
We encounter the neglected stun bed, with only a few remaining flowers. However, nearby, we’re greeted by a heavily loaded persimmon tree, which required staking due to its bountiful harvest. I mention that a video detailing the staking process will be released soon!
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About Michelle in The Meadow: I started gardening regularly in 2019 after moving to this 1/4 acre property in Zone 9A in Northeast Florida. I share what I’m learning – the good, bad, and the ugly and am glad you’ve joined me on the journey. On the first Sunday evening each month (7PM Eastern), I go live on YouTube sharing updates and answering your questions. We have more than 80 individual fruit trees and shrubs, and more than a dozen different kinds of annuals growing on this property. The slopes make for some interesting ways to garden, but we’re trying to make the best of it. Thank you for watching and reading!
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