A Gardener's Diary

[Monksdream]

May 9-It was windy all day. Come to think of it, it's been windy the past two weeks. I put in 6 pepper plants, amending the soil with the compost. It was interesting to observe the newly transplanted seedlings wilt for a time then recover. The root networks are so extensive if I don't put in the rest soon they will become pot bound.

I put in two more toothache plants with compost. Two more are left, bringing the total to 11. I thought I had more.

Dreama brought some old seeds in packets. I worked up a raised on the patio with compost and scattered zinnia seeds, then covered them with potting soil. The packet said sell by Dec. 31 2016. Not that old. She also brought some Mammoth Russian sunflower, acorn squash, and lemon cucumber. I will eventually get them sown.

I got a schedule for the 13 bus to figure out when it would arrive at the nearest stop for my trip to Bobby's stable. The 1:45 came right on time with a return at Norris Ave scheduled for 2:18. I got out carrying a 5 gallon bucket with a head of Merveille des quatres saison inside. Fortunately Bobby was on the porch. He's up in years now, a bit slow to react. His eyes lit up when I told him some watermelon seeds had sprouted.

I didn't see a shovel close by so I simply hand scooped the stuff into the bucket, returned the lid and took to walking. The walk wasn't as long as I remembered. I was the at stop in about 10 minutes with plenty of time spare. This morning I will go back with a handcart and two buckets.

My cantaloupe seeds have germinated in the hills. It will be time to sow more. The forecast for Wednesday and Thursday is in the high 80s.

Dreama took an image of a Winter Density lettuce which has bolted.