Bzzzzzzz Bzzzzzzzz

I am so excited! 

Several years ago we installed a screech owl nest in that tree and I’m sad to say we have never had a screech owl in there but it has become a Bee home. About a month ago they out grow the little nest and left. I was sad because it was fun to watch them, they were always in the garden. 

Last weekend in the middle of yard work my husband and I decided it was time for a water break, we sat on the back deck by the hydroponic garden and all of a sudden I heard this Bz’ing sound. I look up and there were 10 of thousands of bees swarming around our sweet gum tree. 

Within minutes they had settled back into the nest and immediately started visiting the garden. Now they are busy pollination the garden and drinking from the containers. I love nature!

Taking a drink from the hydroponic garden.

Hydroponic Garden

This is my second year with the hydroponic garden and we have learned a lot. This is the 4th planting and the 3rd time we moved the whole system. We have many trees in the yard that make it difficult to find a spot that receives lots of sunshine. It seems to be doing well in this location and I really enjoy having it right next to the deck. Its nice to sit on the deck and watch the veggies grow.

This planting we have:
tomatoes, 4 different varieties, 2 are heirloom
green peppers, pimiento peppers
bib lettuces
green beans, lima beans, peas
acorn squash
carrots
collards

As you can see from the photos everything is doing well, I'm hoping for a bumper crop.

Next month I’ll be trying my hand at a potato box. Dawn (a friend & co-worker) and I watched several youtube videos and we think we can make this work. The concept is to start with a wood box or bucket of some kind; I'm going to try a 5 gallon bucket to start. You add several inches of lose soil mixture to a 5 gallon bucket that you have drilled several whole in for drainage and air flow (bottom & sides). Plant the potato starters and when them grow to about 6 inches tall, then add an additional 3 inches of dirt and watch the potatoes grow another 6 inches and then add an additional 3 inches of dirt and continue doing this until you reach the top of the bucket. When its time to harvest you should have a bucket full of potatoes. Sounds like fun!