Every now and then I participate in Aloha Friday, where I ask a simple question for you to answer (nothing that requires a lengthy response) and Two Question Thursday (same idea...only TWO questions).
Last week for Aloha Friday Pinay in the States asked readers if the weather was "normal...or something else?" in their area. Not ONE person answered normal! Abnormal has been the norm this past week: while New England got pummelled by Irene, here in Texas we only got a few raindrops of relief from the long, horrid, heat wave we've been in.
In the midst of this I published my monthly planting tips...something I write a long time in advance. After reading a comment from my reader I realized how ridiculous the idea of planting ANYTHING sounds right now in this heat. I went back and amended it...adding some heat appropriate suggestions.
Though I'm still going to attempt planting a few things this september, I'll be using trick I've tried before and put some fake flowers around them to add shade...or maybe I'll take FlipFlopGardener suggestion and use umbrellas! Making a mesh "tent' might work too. That, and pray for rain!
- So, what gardening challenges are you facing right now, and what tricks are you trying to keep your garden alive?
Most of the US has had really hot weather this summer and I'm sure they would welcome suggestions for their gardens. Here in SE WA state we normally have a few weeks of triple digit temperatures in the summer too. This year our summer has been unusually mild. Up until the last couple of weeks our temps have stayed in the eighties. Lately we have been getting into the nineties but still not all that hot. My garden has really enjoyed the relatively cool temps this year.
ReplyDeleteHi there, you have a great idea for one of my Thursday Two questions. A while back I asked if anyone had any idea how to keep new plants shaded? I used my old garden hat and skewers...just grabbed anything that I had, but fake flowers sounds like the winner, pretty while shading. I will have to try it next time. You will get a kick out of this post, http://www.selfsagacity.com/2010/10/perilla-mint-propagation.html
ReplyDeleteI personally have been enjoying the heat. I have family in Texas, and they don't like the heat. Most of them are plant lovers and like you, they have a hard time planting in Texas...
The HEAT we have had almost 80 days of triple digit weather!!
ReplyDeleteGetting someone to mow the lawn here is my biggest challenge it seems
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
http://harrietandfriends.com/2011/09/bummed-this-may-be-my-last-weekend-to-use-my-pool/
My garden fizzled a long time ago because of the extreme heat and humidity Mother Nature decided to give us this year, unfortunately. At least my grape vines loved the extra heat and humidity, so I'll be picking grapes like crazy very soon - then turn 'em into wine and jam! :)
ReplyDeleteTo Nap or Not to Nap...
I don't have a garden. I keep hoping to make one but it's not fruitful :)
ReplyDeleteAloha!
Hmmm, seeing as I have a pretty black thumb, I've pretty much given up on a garden and even indoor plants. :-( One day, though, I hope to tackle this problem! :-)
ReplyDeleteWell I don't have a garden but I do have one green plant I'm trying to keep alive. Although it just seems to get thinner and thinner. Not sure what I should do. Oh well, as long as there are still some green leaves on it I guess I should be grateful. :-)
ReplyDelete