Where the waters run deep...

Ok, so I mentioned my fabulous neighbour getting me going on my fantasy garden, but I didn't mention my dad who had come a week before that, while I was out, and planted a whole bunch of seeds, unbeknownst to me!  He had planted a row of tomatoe plants, a row of cabbage, a row of zucchini an a row of  corn.  I was totally flattered that he would come and do that on his own, but at the same time - and I'm beig honest - I was kind of heartbroken.  I did want to feel like this garden was my garden, you know, like it was my endeavor.  Nonetheless, it was thoughtful of him, so I just said thank you.
It didn't take long for these seeds to sprout.  They were planted mid-end of June, and by my daughter's birthday (July 2) they had sprouted and were growing fast.  I hadn't done much either, just watered once a day; low the first couple of times, and then I started spraying them overhead.  Usually at night, because my days are SO BUSY with my two kids (3 and, now, 9 months).  My neighbour caught me watering in the dark one night and yelled over "The best gardeners water at night!"  YAY! I thought.  I'm on my way :)

I NOW know that watering overhead is the LEAST beneficial way to water, as much of the mist gets lost in the wind and/or evaporated, and wetting the foliage can damage the plant.  Especially at dark when there is no chance of the water drying up. It can cause mold to grow.  We all know that if you wet the foliage on a hot day, the sun will scorch your plants - do not water during the day on a hot day!

The best thing to do is to water low and deep.  The roots of the plant will grow where there is water, so you are encouraging healthy, deep-set roots.

I actually thought I would need a lot more patience, but things grew very fast. Along with my plants, I also noticed some weeds growing, so I went out there when my kids were napping and pulled them.  We have DEEP weeds! They are probably 5-10 feet deep!!!  So they break off pretty short and grow again in a few days.  Bummer.  Tip: before laying your dirt and planting your garden, really concentrate on digging up and getting rid of any weeds you see - it makes it SO much easier after.  My husband was supposed to do this, but I don't think he took it too seriously.

Weeding that day was kind of euphoric.  Imagine that?! Really! I fell into a kind of zen like state, where I felt serene and at peace.   Until my son started screaming at the top of his lungs wanting out of his crib.  Ahhhh, at least the moment was there :)