First Frost Warning is Coming Tonight!

I feel pretty lucky that we've squeaked out an extra week or so before the first hard frost has hit the Chicago area. NOAA has issued it's first freeze watch for the area for tonight, almost a week my after the average date for my area.  We might even get some flurries! Chicago is a … Continue reading First Frost Warning is Coming Tonight!

The Garden in Fall: The Good

It's the beginning of October and the days are getting shorter, the nights growing colder. These are the last gasps for the garden before it settles into the winter hibernation. In some ways, fall gardens can be very pretty. I'm always surprised at the plants that continue to bloom well in to fall, some even … Continue reading The Garden in Fall: The Good

Whoops-Giant Zucchini

I go on vacation for a week, then got busy and forgot to check the status of the vegetable garden.  Not a good idea this time of the year.  I have HUGE zucchinis and summer squash.  They are the size of kiddie baseball bats and each weigh about 4 lbs.  This is not good! When … Continue reading Whoops-Giant Zucchini

Zucchini and Squash Mid-summer

My zucchini and squash plants are growing like gangbusters!  I was a little worried when I transplanted them as seedlings,  because they had grown into tangled messes in the growing pots.  I was as gentle as I could be, but a couple almost broke in half because the stems were so fragile.  I ended up … Continue reading Zucchini and Squash Mid-summer

Starting Seeds Indoors

I've almost always bought my plants from a local garden shop, but a couple of years ago decided to start my own seedlings when I couldn't find quite just the right vegetables I wanted to grow. Went pretty well the first year, forgot to get them started last year, so back again this year.  First … Continue reading Starting Seeds Indoors