The Lady Bugs Came... and Went.

As I've mentioned before, we are in an all-out-war with aphids. Sadly, they are winning. I am committed to only organic and natural solutions. I've tried Pharm Solution products, but to no avail. I am sure the problem is with my use, not with the product.

My most recent tactic was an onslaught of killers - cold blooded ladybugs. I ordered them online and they were delivered to my front door a few days later. As instructed, I released them at midnight into a well-watered garden. That was Thursday. Today, they are all gone.

I hope they ate their fill before flying off. I also hope they will return "home." The bad bugs are certainly still here! Next weekend, I will buy some more lady bugs and try again. *Sigh*

I purchased my ladybugs from gardenzone.com. Next time, I will try to buy ladybugs from a local store, but most stores here in Los Angeles are not yet keeping ladybugs in stock.

I'll keep you posted. Have you had luck with ladybugs? Interested in ladybugs? Read this.

Social Networking / Freedom Gardens

I just joined a social networking site for sustainable gardening called Freedom Gardens. This should be interesting!

Victory Garden 2009

Astonishing - a very clever and well worded author has put my private thoughts to pen... in the New York Times no less! Hopefully, my desire to re-birth the "victory garden" will catch on. Read all about it here.

He notes that wise gardeners are starting seeding in their window sills just about now... ahhh, the joy of knowing I started mine this morning!

Rack or Line?

I'm a rack by the window girl myself. Where do you come in on the drying clothes controversy?

Other "Greenies"

I just discovered siptea and her blog tonight... looks like I found a kindred organic soul :) Who eles is in Downtown LA bringing some green to the city?

Pea Harvest

I love that the variety of snow peas growing on my outdoor space are called Oregon Snow Peas. I loved the bit of my life that I lived in Portland, and I feel like I have a bit of it here growing on the vine.

Remember when my snow peas and sugar snap peas were babies and I longed to see them bloom? Well folks, we have blooms and PEAS. Here are the snow pea treasures on the vine and in hand.

I plan to saute the snow peas with fresh spinach in olive oil. Yummy!

What's Growing?

Everything is coming along so well! I thought you should know all of the delicious treats I have growing up on the roof in downtown LA:
Black Beauty Zucchini (fighting for their lives against some unknown bugs); Early Prolific Straightneck Squash; Sugar Snap Peas (almost 5 feet tall - peas everywhere!); Oregon Snow Peas (harvested first crop this evening); Green Onions; California Wonder Red Peppers (still babies); Spinach (have eaten several LARGE bowls full!); Musclun Lettuce (beyond delicious); Cilantro; Spearmint; Basil; Thyme; Sage; Oregano... Can't wait for spring and my spring plantings!

What are YOU growing?