Say It Loud, Say It Proud

My seedling trays (a cookie sheet and a cupcake tin) are sitting right now on a table in our kitchen in what is optimistically considered the "eating area", little bay window and all. It's a nice idea but the kitchen just isn't big enough for that. The table we bought when we thought we were the kind of family that might breakfast in the kitchen and have dinner in the dining room has become an extension of the kitchen counters.

First thing in the morning, it is my favorite place on earth. Why? It is home to my Cuisinart Grind and Brew Superspecial Coffee Maker.

My name is Mariann, and I am a coffee addict. I know I'm not the only one. Say it loud, say it proud!

While I wait for the sweet nectar to brew, I can spend quality time with the baby plants (as Little Man calls them). This morning, a couple of summer squash, butternut squash, a few more carrots, and one lonely bush bean seedling are pushing through the fine seed starting soil.

I still have more seeds yet to start, some of which I have, some of which I need to buy. Mr. Autism dumped out an entire packet of German Chamomile into a bowl of popcorn the other day, so I need more of that. I have also seen some Swiss Chard with brightly colored stems from Park Seed that looks nice enough to camouflage in the front yard, and I am tempted to try seed potatoes.

My beloved, who is my hero today for braving the depths of Mr. Autism's closet to put away folded clothes yesterday, also solved the water pressure problem with the seeper hoses while he was barbecuing dinner last night. It turns out that there is a Very Big Hole in the first length, which he thinks duct tape will solve.

The containers on the back porch are all doing quite well. Contrary to the University of Florida's assertions, loose leaf lettuce is growing quite well right now, and has been since April. I also started Mesculin (sp?) mix in 3 large containers, and Romaine in 2 large containers on Friday. All 5 are already sprouting. I have them shaded underneath the two topsy-turvies dangling from a shephard's crook secured to the porch with an L-bracket. One topsy-turvy has banana peppers, the other has jalapenos. Both have abundant foliage providing plenty of coverage, while still letting in plenty of light.

I also water a few times a day. The topsy-turvies demand it (a serious setback, and a reason I probably won't use them again), and it's easy enough while I'm out there to add just a little bit to each plant.

The older, more established loose-leaf lettuces (Simpson Elite) are nestled in the front garden between the sunflowers. They get plenty of shade that way, and between rain and regularly watering the front, they do fine, moisture-wise.

I'm not harvesting as much lettuce every week as I was in May and June, but it's still better than nothing, and part of it's my fault for not starting seeds at the right time. Live and learn and grow.