It's Growin' Time!

So - Farmer Howell and I decided to grow some things. After not much success with flagging down the "tiller man" we decided to go to Lowe's and buy one of those old Jack Daniels whiskey barrels (empty, of course - and cut in half). Then, we stopped off by the local flower place and got a bunch of wee-baby plants.

"Whatcha got?" I hear you hungrily inquire.

We purchased:

A Strawberry plant

4 Sugar Baby Watermelon plants

A Bush Pickle (cucumber) plant

4 large tomato plants

6 small cherry tomato plants

4 small banana pepper plants

**6 small jalapeno plants (see below)

So, Farmer Howell, the Junior Farmer Howells and the old farm-hand (me) decided to have a family plantin' party (how very rural).

"Paw" dug up the side of the house since what we bought ... consumed ... the inadequate whisky barrel. Gentleman Jack may have been able to store a lot of liquor in it, but we sure weren't gettin' much plants in it.

Below are pics of our plantin' days. Each baby got to plant a thing-er-tew in the family garden. Then, we all stood around it, held hands, and prayed. We asked God to bless our garden and multiply it so we would be able to give in abundance to our friends, family and co-workers. It was really neat for them!

Each night, we walk outside to see just what progress God's sun and rain have made on our blessed bounty. I'll post some pictures of the bigger veggies soon.

Farmer Howell and the old farm hand (me) would like to share with you a few lessons they've learned about a teeny whisky barrel and too many veggies from the local grocer. They won't all fit. =) AND - Watermelon plants don't like to compete with strawberry plants. In fact, they will snuff them out and take over. Also, watermelon plants have funny little curly arms that grab hold and hug anything they come into contact with (i.e. strawberry plants, bush pickles, and banana pepper plants)

You must dig a trench next to yer house to fit all the tomato plants - and the CAGES they must stand in. This time next year, we'll be plowing our fields with our mules (yet to be purchased) and yielding bountiful harvests of corn, potatoes, rutabagas, and radishes. Come one - come all.

**Farmer Howell would like to express his appreciation to Ray and Cindy Howell for the 6 small jalapeno plants they donated. Our mouths burn in their honor.* Riley, Caitlin, Molly and Michiah - getting ready to plant.

Our Bounty

The baby tomato plants - just anxious to produce.