The Speed of Summer
One new thing I recently, and hesitantly, did in the garden was a bit of pest control. I’ve been reading up about companion planting and polycultures, as well as conducting my own experiments to see what plants might enjoy each other’s company, because one of the golden rules of gardening is that a healthy plant is less susceptible to catastrophic levels of insect colonies and other such destructive forces. However, the reality is that this my first year growing on this piece of land, and I’m just getting to know the existing dynamics within it. This means that there is a whole crop of inherited surprises just awaiting my discovery. Fantastic. Let’s embrace the learning curve.
When I was planning the garden in the springtime, I purchased a significant number of squash varieties. Then, through conversation with neighbors, I learned of the squash borer and its ability to devastate an entire plant. While out watering the other morning, I saw quite a few of what I thought were squash borers— where did I hear that they looked like lady bugs? I flicked several into a cup of soapy water and tried not to linger as they perished. Now, very much to my dismay, a truth has been uncovered: the beetles subject to my plan were in fact squash lady beetles (Epilachna borealis). Though they like to snack on the leaves of squash plants, it does not upset the development of the fruits. I feel like an ass.
My perspective on “pests”— a loaded term to be sure, right up there with “weeds”— is that I am happy sharing the garden with other species, so long as a balance exists. I know how delicious the kale and chard are, and I can’t fault another creature for wanting to have some lunch in the garden. Again, I am a novice here, and these experiments serve to educate me on potential remedies for keeping a garden’s dynamics in balance. One experiment currently underway is that I’ve let lots of wild leafy greens flourish in the vegetable garden in hopes that the creatures seeking out such things also be drawn to the kinds that I am less likely to harvest: violet leaves, lamb’s quarter, amaranth, and purslane, just to name a few. The jury is still out on the efficacy of this plan, because another question begs: am I attracting even more species for lunch because of the abundance of leafy greens?
The days and weeks are flying by in a flurry. This is the speed of summer. These days, I am letting the skies water the garden more often than not— from my quick assessment of plant care, most of my vegetables need about an inch of water a week, more or less. At least that’s what I think I remember reading… There was some mention of letting your plants get stronger, as well, by watering less frequently once they are established. Look, I am a lazy gardener. And cheap! I’m interested to see what thrives on neglect, what does best with the infrequent, heavy rains of the summer mountains. Of course, I am still watering some things, and the weather man keeps promising rains that never come. It’s an imperfect system.
This laid back approach to watering pairs nicely with the fact that I am also quite busy in the jewelry studio. Namely, I am preparing for the first craft fair I’ve done in… it’s hard to even say. Big Crafty is back this year after a 2020 hiatus, and I am really looking forward to reconnecting with the creative community. I’ve got loads of fresh ideas and, well dang, even this introvert is ready to party after a year of social atrophy. Bring it on.