Catchup Series 2: Anab

   Anab, or Jujube as it's know in english, is one of my favorite fruits. They're about the size of apricots, have a seed like an olive, and taste like really sweet dry apple. Take a look:

Catchup Series 1: Salamanders

   It’s been a LONG time since I’ve updated... Anything really. So I thought I would take the time and over the next few weeks I would update you guys on all of the stuff that has been happening in the garden. First thing, we have guests:

   Salamanders! These guys were everywhere under my sweet potato plants. These guys are a good sign. First, because there were so many, that means they were eating the bugs that could have caused disease to the plant. Second, these guys are REALLY cool. I did some digging and found out that they are Arboreal Salamanders. They get that name because they are generally found at the base of trees. They can breathe underwater, and don't have lungs or gills. They breathe through their skin! It's pretty amazing what these little guys can do.

Summer Pest Control

          That feeling when you're sweating and not working out. Either you're really lazy or it's a sign that summer is here. And this time of year, it's the ladder part of my statement. Yup... summer is here, that means the heat, the bugs, and the weeds are here. But they don't have to ruin your crop you cared for. Here are a few of my favorite tips.

Rethinking Schedules

     You guys know that I haven't been posting about the garden... sorry. Life isn't nice to those who try do so something simple. I'm going to do something new. I'm changing my schedule from Monday, Wednesday & Friday... to Tuesday & Thursday. It is a small change, but you should expect to see more posts from me. And until next time... If you're having trouble in the garden, always get back to the basics.

My Favorite Seed Providers

   The plants on this world are not only amazing, but there are so many varieties. But that comes with a problem. There are so many seed providers you don't know which ones to choose from.

Where are the Bees?

   So last year wasn't a very productive year for me. Sure I had apples & pomegranates, but the crops I wanted to grow (corn, tomatoes, & eggplant), didn't produce as much fruit as I thought.

   Like the tomato plants I grew in years prior grew almost as tall as me (6'), and as wide as I am tall. And I would het hundreds of pounds of tomatoes per year. But last year I didn't nearly as many tomatoes, and the branches were really skinny compared to the trunks of the one from two years ago. I don't know what's going on with the plant this year, but I have a hunch on what is going on with the fruit. Bees...

   This year I have barely seen these yellow buzzers around my flowers. In years past, I would plant my crops and by May, I would have swarms of honey bees come in and pollinate the plants. Then when it gets cold around here, about Late-October, would just leave and go back to their hive to hibernate. Last year I haven't seen them come in like that. This is starting to make me think one of two things:

   1) A hive has been killed near me.

   2) A hive is/has dying/died from CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder)

   So I'm curious about what you guys think the answer is. Leave a comment about that and stay tuned for more bee-talk.