A Backyard Vegetable Garden Lunch

I have just a couple of quick pics for you today. Yesterday, when I went home for lunch, I spent most of my time in the backyard around the raised fruit & vegetable gardens beds. I watered, did a little plant maintenance (that includes talking to them, of course) but mostly I ate.

My snap peas are really starting to mature. That's what I spent the most of my lunch time on. I'm still learning how to tell when the peas inside are at their best size to pick. Sometimes it's difficult to tell until you pop the pod. I enjoyed eating the sweet little peas.

After work, later in the day, I spent more time in my peaceful garden. I made sure everything was watered well, grabbed a few weeds and made sure my puppy-proof enclosures were all buttoned down. A dog with some terrier in her, she loves to dig. Maybe she can help me when it's time to bring up the potatoes. They are already busting up the ground and I keep needing to put more dirt on them.

The broccoli heads are about the size of a man's closed fist and so are the cabbages. The peas are taller than I am and I didn't build the trellis high enough this year. I'll know better for next year. In fact, I'm planning on planting a fall crop too. I've never done that before. I'm hoping to double my investment.

Below is a photo of my largest bed, the early season crop. In addition to this bed I have 5 others and one more on the way.

I plan to break this bed up over winter and divide it into two 4-foot beds so I can walk in between better. I think this will especially help the tender roots of my peas.

My strawberry & lettuce bed is looking good and I think I'll have at least one strawberry ready again for dessert tonight.

- Wade Baker