I have been walking around the yard and it is looking messy and sad. Just like the inside, again. There isn't a lot growing and what is needs weeding, picking, pest control. Slaters are still there in the thousands and this morning the third lot of Tomato seedlings are gone. It's starting to make me think that if I want us to eat from out there then I will need to use poisons but if the food will not be poison free what's the point of growing it. It would be easier to just go up to Spud Shed and buy it each week. Yes I know, I could also buy a box of organic produce but it seems that I am more tight that health conscience...
We're suposed to have another hot one today, 35 I saw last night. That's too hot to be outside during the day unless you are sitting in the shade sipping tea and reading a good book. It's way too hot for all the mowing, weeding, planting that needs doing. So why aren't I out there now doing all that? I've been up since 5.30 and have come inside for something to eat. Washing is done, watering is done, the slaters have been growled at...and now it's breakfast time.
Because I will be inside I am going to sort through some more clothes and hopefull get rid of a few more things. And I need to find something suitable to wear to a *cocktail reception* wedding. At a Tapas Bar...I'm hoping I will find something hidden in there that will be suitable. If it was cool I'd be covered but something halfway decent suitable for a hot day, warm evening...Chances are low. So the sooner I get sorted and decide if I need to search the op-shops the better. And in saying that...
Old Recipe Site
2 hours ago
Are you sustaining conditions that promote slater growth? We have county agents to consult in cases of pests. Diatomaceous will kill them and beneficial insects, but insecticides will do the same harm. At least DE won't be so dangerous.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in finding something in your things to wear for the occasion.
Yes, during the warm weather there is mulch on all the gardens. We need to mulch to help preserve water and to keep the soil cooler. Slaters like mulch but they like the fresh young seedlings too. If they stuck with the mulch then it wouldn't bother me so much. I have used DE before but it is hard to source and quite expensive over here. And it does kill other things as you say...When I have it I use it in the chooksheds too. Might look for some more though.
DeleteBarb.
Gosh you are up early Barb, I hope you get a midday siesta! Can you make seedling collars out of plastic bottles to save the tomatoes? Sink them down into the soil but cut them tall enough that the beastly slaters can't get in... all the best. Sometimes organic gardening can be a bit depressing..
ReplyDeleteHi Jo. The earlier the better...as long as it's after 5. But before 6.00. I do make the collars, sometimes with a plant pot but we use Coke bottles. I think the Slaters go under the ground and come up inside the pot as they end up in with the plant. The simple life seems to be anything but!
DeleteBarb.