Pitchfork Gardens

06/08/2026

It has been a busy and wild spring. First it was cold for a long time, then dry, then crazy wet. Every season brings it challenges but with that being said I am planted and seeded out. Minus the beans, still too cold for them, the soil is too wet and the nights are a bit chilly so I am going to wait until next weekend to plant them. There is still time to harvest. Provider and Custard beans are only 50 days to maturity so they should be ready by the end of July, depending on weather as always. It is better to wait for the right time or the seeds will rot where you planted them.

We also planted haskaps and blue berries this year. It might be a couple of years for haskaps but there are flowers on the blue berries, so I am crossing my fingers that we get some.

We have also planted some cut flowers. Which should be flowering in full mid early August.

The body is sore but the spirit is high with the hopes of what is planted will be ready to harvest in time.

See you all soon...next is the flowers.

05/29/2026

Planted 188 tomatoes last night in the big garden.
This year we are growing over 20 different varieties. Here are some but not all of what we have:
Black Krim, Mortgage Lifter, Radiator Charlie's, Kuzco, Gardeners Sweetheart, Pirkstine Orange, Amish Paste, Chocolate Stripes, Old German, Buffalo Sun, Sugary, Sun Gold, Yellow Pear, Granadero, Dark Galaxy, Red Currant and much more

Now just have to put in the drip tape and move on to the pepper house set up and transplanting.

05/25/2026

Had this little creature crawling on me and I quickly brushed it off, thinking the WORST!
A BIG TICK ON ME! But after a quick identify this is not a tick at all.

That is a Red Velvet Mite (family Trombidiidae).
​These little creatures look like tiny, bright red plush toys crawling around on the ground. Here is a quick breakdown of what they are all about:
​Key Facts
​What are they? They are arachnids (related to spiders and ticks), not true insects.
​Are they dangerous? No. Unlike ticks, adult red velvet mites do not bite humans or pets, and they aren't venomous. If you crush them, they might leave a bright red stain, but they are completely harmless to you.
​What do they eat? As adults, they are actually beneficial predators in the garden. They eat tiny soil pests, including termite larvae, ant eggs, and other small insects.
​Why are they so bright? Their vivid red color acts as a warning to predators (like birds) that they taste terrible.

So next time you see a bright creature, take a moment to properly identify them before you take action and crush them into oblivion.

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05/19/2026

This year we are adding timothy and alfalfa pellets to our garden beds. And we are adding humic acid.
The primary benefits of using Timothy pellets in the garden include:Excellent Moisture Retention: When watered, the pellets expand and break down into a fine, fibrous mulch. This layer retains water in the soil, preventing your garden beds from drying out too quickly during hot summer days.Improves Soil Structure: The high fiber content adds valuable organic matter. As it breaks down, it creates air pockets, loosening dense, clay-heavy soils and helping sandy soils hold onto nutrients better.
Alfalfa pellets Key Benefits
Powerful Plant Growth: Contains triacontanol, a natural fatty alcohol that acts as a powerful growth stimulant, enhancing root development, stem growth, and overall yield.
Balanced Nutrient Profile: Boasts a natural N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) ratio of roughly 2-1-2 to 3-1-2. Nitrogen promotes healthy green foliage, while phosphorus supports roots, flowers, and fruits.
Vitamin & Mineral Rich: Acts as a multivitamin for your soil, providing essential trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, plus 16 amino acids and Vitamins A, B, and E.
Soil Conditioner: The pellets break down to add rich organic matter, improving soil aeration, moisture retention, and microbial activity (which also attracts helpful earthworms).

Humic acid is a powerful, all-natural soil conditioner that unlocks soil nutrients, boosts root growth, and enhances water retention. By improving the overall physical and biological structure of your dirt, it creates a healthier growing environment for your plants, lawns, and vegetables.
Improved Nutrient Uptake: Humic acid acts as a natural chelator, grabbing onto locked-up micronutrients and transforming them into forms that roots can easily absorb.
Better Water Retention: In sandy or dry soils, it helps the ground hold onto moisture much longer. In compact clay, it loosens the structure to improve aeration and drainage.
Thriving Soil Microbes: It stimulates beneficial microbial life and mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere (root zone), helping plants fight off disease and stress.

05/19/2026

All of the potatoes are planted. This year we will have:
Bellanita
Sangre
German butterball
Gold Rush

And the shallots are in. Part way through the onions. They will be finished tomorrow! Then on to the kohlrabi and cabbage. If there is time maybe the lettuce.

05/10/2026

Water is running, so we can officially start to seed and transplant when the time comes.

The early bloomers are out and the bees are taking advantage.

Finally, it feels like spring.

05/09/2026

05/08/2026

Hardening off the seedlings is very important. The tougher veggies can be done in a few days whereas tomatoes and eggplant need about a week. Be careful so you don't lose all that hard work.

Also filling the water tank for the first time this year and swatting at a lazy mosquito.

04/23/2026

Last round of spring seeding.
Lettuce, fennel and zinnias.

There will be more starts that will be seeded once these are transplanted into the garden as part of the second round of harvest.
Same will go with the flowers. I start some early so I will get earlier flowers but when I transplant the flower starts I sprinkle the same seeds beside them. Then that way I cover them as I am transplanting. Saves time and gives more color for longer, with the same work.

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04/17/2026

All the seedings are coming along. The transplanted peppers are growing well, except for the ones the cats ate. LOL
The cabbage has sprouted. I will need to call some as they germinated quite well this year!
The lovage and celery are slowly doing their thing. Overall the new setup is working well.