Down on the Farm

The ball rolls a bit slowly in the landscaping department over here. But after a 2011 trip through the farm-friendly lands of the East on which I set about re-envisioning our backyard as a pseudo farm, I'm finally proud to announce the existence of an expanded, productive garden.

On a plan ride back from New Hampshire, I spent a considerable amount of time mulling over elements of my living and eating that I felt needed more personal investment. Despite having some moderate success with tomato and zucchini varietals, I came to realize that I possess an allergy to any kind of substantial yard toiling.

But if the yard can change, so can I, I resolved. The first step was to eliminate the restrictions imposed by a lawn that lapped up all available sunlight. It didn't take much to convince Dr. Z and the in-laws that we didn't need any grass, and once that became clear, my father offered to collaborate with me on building and installing raised beds as a birthday present.

I'm proud to say, nearly a year later, things are happening. Here's a visual rundown of the evolving cropland.

Moderate Bed: Two new tomato plants from Capital Nursery.

A vine of purple Cherokee burpees in the foreground, and a plant of grape cherry tomatoes behind it.

Here they come!

Large Bed: This little guy is a huge surprise. He was the butt of a number of jokes from family and friends. He was born in a Greek yogurt cup. Once he got outside, it took him a while to figure out what to do with the world. Maturity seems to be setting in, finally, though fruit itself remains a question.

"Sweet 100s" cherry tomatoes, started from seed in the kitchen, finally back from the brink.

Halved Wine Barrel: Mint and basil plants, both transplanted from supermarket starters. I was pretty heavy into watermelon and mint salads, but that desire has plateaued. Now, I can't find a way to incorporate the leaves much. I feel guilty, because I hover and pick at the barrel almost nightly--I can't keep my hands off the basil!

Other herb-from-seed plans failed here, so I improvised.

Large Bed: We expressed an interest in potatoes, and our friends Chris and Chelsea were happy to oblige. There are two kinds in the ground here, and we're told they're staying busy underground despite the size and color of the plant. Chris humorously showed us how, come harvest time, gathering your potato crop is like finding big clumps of dirty gold. Can't wait!

Scraps from the Britton Acres, these are red and yellow potatoes, making a go of it in a crowded bed.

Large Bed: Last year I learned the zucchini lesson. I'm told it's something everybody learns at least once. Namely, it's the realization that zucchinis grow like mad and that, after awhile, you run out of things to do with them. Now, I did my best to stay strong on the utilization aspect of that lesson, but heading into planting season this year, I dialed it way, way back. This year we only have two plants. I note that everyone else is harvesting their squash as I type this, but I'm still content to wait and watch.

Yellow squash from seed--giving lots of greenery, but no nubs thus far.

Narrow Bed: Last year, this little rectangle held some Zook/Petty compost and four summer squash plants. It produced an astoundingly impressive amount of food. This year, we kept it in the family by opting for three butternut squash plants. Our composting business is belly up, unfortunately, but these little guys don't seem to mind.

Butternut squash, from seed, is on the move.

Large Bed: I really wanted to go crazy with lettuce this year, but apparently I failed to convince the lettuce types to join in. From seed, only one little bugger decided to join the party. She's in good company with the green beans, and she's made some quality salad thus far. I hope all the corpses of the un-blossoming seedlings are taking note.

Red lettuce, the only lettuce varietal to sprout.

Large Bed: I forgot to insert little lattice squares after planting, so the green beans have taken over. I reward them by freeing them from the burdensome weight of so many beans. Seriously, every two or three days we're going from vine to plate. It's a perfect plant for a party of two!

Green beans, from seed, are continual producers.

Trees: When Dr. Z and I decided to plant trees back in the courting phase, we made choices that reflected our tastes, the climate, and our histories. We ended up with a white nectarine tree (foreground), and a grafted cherry tree (darker green leaves), both also from Capital. After a bit of research, we realized that the cherry tree would probably overtake the smaller, white nectarine tree, perhaps even one day leading to its removal. We also noted that we shouldn't expect any edible fruit from the nectarine tree for at least 5-10 years. Perhaps rightly so, the fruit tree seems to have taken offense to this. This is the second year we've harvested and eaten its fruit, and we're still waiting on the bees and the cherry gods to get crackin'.

The white nectarine tree, dwarfed by the grafted cherry monster on the right, is showing the garden how to make food.

Beds are for sleeping: Our menu now includes an "old vine" tomato special and a "sidewalk salad" option, for those interested in concrete culinary experiences. This cherry tomato plant emerged from the remnants of last year's plant (it sprouted in the location where the medium raised bed used to sit, formerly the only place that wasn't lawn receiving sunlight). Behind it, the lettuce growing through a crack in the driveway, is having the last laugh.

This cherry tomato plant grew from buried section of last year's root. Behind it, we have the Tupac Shakur-inspired red lettuce plant that grew from concrete.

We hope we can break bread with you as the days get shorter and the groceries start rolling in. Happy summer out there!