Week Two

I had to make the first of many hard decisions of pumpkin cultivating. I thinned each mound to two to three plants in order to ensure maximum growth if am lucky enough to produce pumpkins. I tried to choose the healthiest plants, and so far I think I made the right decision. The pure manure mound contains the three plants, but both mounds seem  to be doing fine so far.

I also treated the plants with UltraGreen Plant Food, and Bonide, an organic insecticide. Now the big news, after having a come to God meeting with a chipmunk, to no avail, he proceeded to bury feed provided for him in my mounds! Luckily the plant was saved with only minor surgery. Providing an easy meal, was not the best advice. So after murderous attempts, I have decided to set a humane trap to relocate this particular troublemaker, hopefully I will have an update on that next week. I also added chicken wire to deter the rabbits, dogs, and cats that have developed a hankering for the manure.

A Hydrangea and a Heliot were also added to attract more bees, and it seems to be working.

On the funny side of the garden, a dove has taken a liking to the buffet provided for the squirrels and chipmunks. It won't leave, and it actually lets you walk right up to him! I believe he would eat right out of one's hand, but I am trying to discourage its behavior in fear the neighborhood cat might have it's own buffet. Check out the pose the dove provided! See you next week.