The million dollar question.

Last year I started six tomato plants each of eight different varieties. Six plants each of broccoli, lettuce, english lavender, oregano, basil, bell, jalapeño, tabasco, and Thai chili peppers; twelve plants of strawberries and countless flowers. What did I end up with? One tomato plant of each variety that I started. What did I harvest?

Not much.

I told myself I was going to do better this season and so far I have. I have planted —

• English Thyme
• Sage
• Mint
• Dill
• Basil
• English Lavender
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Jalapeño
• Chives
• Garlic
• Tabasco peppers
• Shishito peppers
• Carrots,
• San Marzano tomatoes
• Sungold tomatoes
• Roma tomatoes’
• Brad’s Atomic Grape tomatoes

So far, everything is thriving and growing well. All the plants happen to be in my greenhouse with the exception of the one Shishito pepper plant, and the potatoes. I don’t have the two outside raised beds ready yet which is why I haven’t planted anything other than the one Shishito, but I am hoping to have those completed and get some late season corn and watermelons planted soon.

I had a vision of a greenhouse bursting at the seams with produce, six raised beds all planted with a variety of vegetables and flowers. All lined with neat wood chip paths between. I planned a couple of fruit trees in the orchard. I made plans for a water feature, composting set up, seating areas and a nice fire pit. In hindsight, that was probably a bit ambitious. I was only able to get the greenhouse set up, two “almost” ready raised beds, the start of a fire pit with seating, and a couple of wood chip paths.

I have a full-time job that has me on the road, traveling most weeks. So, I only have the weekends to work on the homestead, and I have to work that in with keeping my home up. I can’t complain though. I have accomplished a lot this season, and with the vacation I have scheduled in August, plus my weekends this fall, so I will be able to get even more done. Next year, what am I planting will grow and I will be able to show you the growth and expansion I made from this year.

This week was a short one, but I have plans for more, in depth topics for the coming weeks. Stay tuned and I will see you next Sunday!

— Greg