Author Archives: itfarmer

Doing Battle with Critters

Posted on July 8, 2011 by itfarmer

I’m not proud of large sections of this years garden, with one major reason: The plants are being eaten alive. There is no way a plant can grow well if ground hogs and deer are constantly munching on them like … Continue reading →

Posted in Cooking from the Garden, Critters, Recipes | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day

Posted on July 7, 2011 by itfarmer

I’ve been working steadily on my shed since spring, adding boards after work, or sheeting on the weekends. I’ve found it’s taking much longer to complete each step then I originally anticipated. I’m sure it doesn’t help that I keep … Continue reading →

Posted in Building and Construction | Leave a comment

Timing and Progress

Posted on July 6, 2011 by itfarmer

I’ve been trying to expand my gardening skills to include cooler weather crops, or in other words the items that I didn’t like to eat as a child. I’ve had to adjust my thinking about the growing season to get … Continue reading →

Posted in Broccolli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage and Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cherries and Berries, Goji Berries, Growing Season, Honey Berries, Peppers, Seeds | Leave a comment

It’s Good to be a Gardener

Posted on July 1, 2011 by itfarmer

I’ve tried in the past to grow a good selection of lettuce, and always regretted neglecting the plants. I’d usually end up spending my time tending tomato plants, weeding the cucumber patch, or pretending I was a fish in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cooking from the Garden, Lettuce, Peas | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Overkill ?

Posted on June 30, 2011 by itfarmer

I’ve finally taken the plunge and upgraded my sprinkler. I’ve been through all manner of watering devices, and I’ve never been able to find one that fits my garden’s dimensions, until now. I found this sprinkler at the local big … Continue reading →

Posted in Water | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Corn, Celery & Onions

Posted on June 29, 2011 by itfarmer

My corn is about 8 inches tall, and I really don’t think it will reach the “knee high by July” standard that most farmers judge their crops by. I’m not worried however, as this corn is more in the range … Continue reading →

Posted in Celery, Corn, Onions | Leave a comment

Summer Cherries and Berries

Posted on June 28, 2011 by itfarmer

While mowing the field over the weekend, I spotted these berry plants growing wild. I did some investigating online, and I believe that they are Service Berries. The leaves of this plant match the descriptions of service berries on several … Continue reading →

Posted in Cherries and Berries, Gooseberries, Service Berries, Strawberries | Tagged | 2 Comments

It’s Official

Posted on June 27, 2011 by itfarmer

Over the weekend, Rob gave me a 10 minute lesson in how the tractor works. He showed me where the brakes and clutch were, and how to shift this beast. As soon as I hoped up onto the seat it was … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Healthy Tomatoes

Posted on June 24, 2011 by itfarmer

I’ve done battle with Late Blight for several years now, but I refuse to give in to this plague. When my tomato patch turned to mush last year as my plants all withered away, I took the opportunity to learn … Continue reading →

Posted in Tomatoes | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Pak Choi

Posted on June 24, 2011 by itfarmer

I finally got some Pak Choi to grow, and I’ve very excited to try it out. This Asian crop can be planted either in early spring or in the summer for a fall crop. Since I was quite busy with … Continue reading →

Posted in Asian Vegetables, Growing Season, Pak Choi | Tagged , | Leave a comment