Second seed catalog has arrived

My second seed catalog arrived today.  This one was from Vermont Bean Seed company.  While they do not participate in the Safe Seed Pledge, it is always fun to look at colorful seed catalogs during the winter. And dream.  And plan. I like to order from those companies that promote non-GMO, open-pollinated, and heirloom seeds. One of my favorites is Baker Creek Seeds.  They have seeds from all over the world and an incredible variety.
Does anyone else have a favorite seed catalog they like? Gotten any in the mail yet?

Thanksgiving Cactus



My Christmas cactus is more of a Thanksgiving cactus this year.  

Snow!

There has been a lot of talk for months predicting that this winter will be harsh, much like last year.  I am not sure how accurate those predictions are.  I just heard this week that last year's winter was predicted to have been mild.  Well then...
We have had snow showers and flurries here in the Midwest most of the week.  Enough to stick to vehicles and roofs and make the grass look a little white.  Enough to get this snow lover excited.  :)  It is certainly cold enough for snow!
Currently, the National Weather Service home page shows a large area of the middle of the country under a winter weather advisory.  I am hoping that they are right in that we will get the snow and wrong in that we will get more than the forecasted amount.  A girl can dream, right? 
Interested in finding out weather facts and records for your area?  A search for your local National Weather Service site provides a lot of interesting facts around snowfall, if you receive the white stuff in your area.The earliest snowfall ever recorded in our area was September 25, and the 2013-2014 calendar winter was the snowiest on record with 57.6 inches of snow and the least snowiest was a tie between 1965-66 and 1994-95 with only 7.8 inches.The most snow in a 24 hour period?  18 inches.
Here's to hoping for a snowman by the end of this weekend!  :)

The Beetles are Back

Although they are not as bad as they have been in previous years, the Japanese beetles have returned.  Thankfully, the most I have seen of them at one time is in the pool skimmer...drowned.  They seem to particularly like the okra plans this year, doing typical damage as pictured below.

Today in the garden

After a late planting this year because of weather delays, the garden is finally starting to produce.  By the number if cucumber blossoms, we are in for a lot of fresh eating and pickling this year.
The green beans and black eyed peas are blooming, the yellow crookneck and scallop squashes have tiny fruits.  I am anxious to pick and eat them.  There are LOTS of green tomatoes also.
I have noticed a few pests in the garden, particularly cucumber beetles and Japanese beetles.  They aren't causing to much damage right now though.

Another transplanting

I am currently working on the last transplanting, or potting up, of my tomato seedlings.  Last night I transplanted around 90 plants...and I am not done. 
This has caused me to reflect on a couple things. 
1.  I need another shelving unit with lights.
2.  I need more containers
3.  Going on vacation during all this may or may not be a good idea.  This remains to be determined.  Hopefully they will still be alive when I return.
4.  I LOVE playing in the dirt and can get lost for hours gardening.

Potting up

Repurposing yogurt, cottage cheese, and sour cream containers for potting up tomatoes.  Love recycling!  I burned drainage holes in them with yet another repurposed tool...a woodburning tool.  I definitely do this outdoors so I don't breathe the plastic fumes.  My great grandma would use a heated nail to make drainage holes in Dixie cups.  I think of her every time I do this.