A Central Illinois Allotment

My Green Beans

2008-07-25T18:33:00.001-07:00

My Green Beans
Originally uploaded by K.Swiss

I planted a whole row of these green beans with the hopes that I would be able to harvest quite a bit. Unfortunately, I only had two seeds germinate. As a result, I only harvested this handful of beans that you see here. I could have planted more seed but decided against it.

2008-07-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

My first sunflower to bloom this season. I was only able to get 12 of these plants to grow. There should be another 12 growing but the seeds did not germinate. After weeding my garden yesterday, I cut this flower and brought it home to put in a vase. When I got it into the kitchen, I noticed that there were what appeared to be 3 honey bees sleeping(not sure if that is what they were doing but they weren't moving) near the petals. At first I thought they were dead but then I poked one and it began to buzz. I decided to wake the rest and let them fly outside instead of in my kitchen.

Swiss Chard

2008-07-14T08:53:00.001-07:00

Swiss Chard
Originally uploaded by K.Swiss

Swiss Chard has been my best producing plant in my garden this year. I never used to like eating it but since I can harvest it almost every single day, it's something you can get used to. I usually saute it with some garlic which makes the taste milder.

According to the NY Times, it's one of the top 3 best foods you aren't eating.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/the-11-best-foods-you-arent-eating/?incamp=article_popular_2

Check out the vitamin content as well:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=16

Seeds and Seedlings

2008-07-14T08:45:00.001-07:00

My Community Garden
Originally uploaded by K.Swiss

Here is what I planted this year:

Kennebec Potatoes
Onions
Swiss Chard
Lettuce
Squash
Watermelon
Heirloom Tomato-Brandywine
Heirloom Tomato-Great White
Heirloom Tomato-Old German
Bell Peppers
Jabanero Peppers
Jalapeno Peppers
Arugula
Cantaloupe
Cucumbers
and a few other things I just can't recall now.

My Community Garden

2008-07-14T08:37:00.001-07:00

My Community Garden
Originally uploaded by K.Swiss

The city in which I reside offers 30 x 30 foot allotments for $30 on a first come, first serve basis. I decided to try it out this year and see what I can grow. Pictured here is one of the heirloom tomato plants that I planted on May 25, 2008. I will have to take a photo tomorrow with an update of the garden because it has changed dramatically since this photo was captured.