With the days getting longer and hopefully warmer, the green thumbs among us are already itching to dig our hands into some soil, whether its simply growing flowers vegetables or fruits in the backyard or container gardening around the yard or porch. In a world where much of nature has become endangered, gardening can make us feel like we’re doing our own small part to usher in new life. Furthermore, gardens can transform otherwise barren parts of our yards into places of beauty and repose.
Vegetable and fruit gardens around the house do even more, providing us with fresh and nourishing food - often enough to share with our neighbors and friends. My garden consist of an apple tree that grows three (3) different types of apples; and grape vines with two (2) different types of grapes. We also grow spinach and hot peppers. After all, what is a Afro-Panamanian garden without 'aji chumbo' (name giving by the Spaniards, which generally means Afro-Panamanian peppers--if you get the drift) for making home-made sauce for sharing with family and friends? These peppers were originally brought to Panama by our forebears. In the US they are known as scotch bonnets.
A quick remedy for your garden plot could be the composted manure available from any garden store. If you live in the country near a livestock farm, (like we do) you may even be able to acquire some well-aged manure for free. Those from the Rainbow City village may remember getting theirs from the Horse Coral in Mindi. .
As to outdoor container gardening, whether you have a backyard or a large terrace or a tiny balcony in Brooklyn or Panama City, growing your favorite plants can be a cinch. Just remember the basics: Use the proper container and soil, and water and fertilize daily.
Selecting the right container is the place to start. Plastic pots are lightweight but may deteriorate in the sun or crack. Tierra Cotta pots dry out quickly. Resin and fiberglass planters are lightweight and retain moisture and may be your best choice. No matter which material you select, be sure the container have drain holes and set them on bricks or blocks to allow for proper drainage and aeration.
Using the proper soil is imperative. You may buy a ready-made potting soil or make your own from peat moss, sand and garden soil. Because fertilizer will wash out with watering, it is imperative to add a diluted liquid fertilizer with every other watering. Depending on the plant and exposure to sun, water a few times a week or daily in hot dry weather.
Don’t plant until the chance of a frost is gone. Most flowers are hardy enough to be planted by the end of March. More delicate vegetables, such as tomatoes, usually are safe to plant by Mothers Day, when the soil is warmer..Unlike house plants, which depend entirely on you for everything they need to live, you may be surprised and relieved to see how well Mother Nature takes care of the rest of the growing processes regarding outdoor gardening.
I will be remiss to close and not rave about my favorite flower plant, “the lady of the night.” I keep mine on the porch during the summer months, but will put the plant inside at night to watch the flowers as they bloom while giving off a most delightful fragrance all night long. Unfortunately, the flowers blossom but once a year and only last for one night-- unless, after they are fully bloomed, you cut them at the stem and put them in water and refrigerate. You will enjoy the fragrance for a few more days. Interestingly, we read where if you should put a few birth control pills in the soil that the plant will bloom more than its usual flowers. We tried it last summer and it worked! (Please don't ask from where I got the birth control pills. (Smile).
Working and Enjoying the Summer
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