Compost, and all that rot . . .

One picture is worth a thousand words . . .

If you've ever doubted the value of compost, this picture is very revealing.

The "new" two-pen compost pile.

In the spring, I finally got around to building a two-pen compost pile with concrete blocks not quite on top of the old, unfenced compost pile.  I planted Mammoth sunflowers in the holes in the concrete blocks.  The blocks on the left were placed over the old compost pile and the ones on the right are over untreated ground.

The difference is striking.  Who knew?  I realized it made a difference, but I had no idea it made that much difference.

So, after several years of puny plants, minimal yields and invasive grasses, I've about convinced myself to go to raised beds next year.  In the mean time, I soldier on, watering, weeding, fertilizing, harvesting, watering, weeding-- you get the idea.

The deer are snacking on the Creoles, too!
I wish they'd eat the grass instead!

Deer love Italian Tree tomatoes!

In addition to poor ground, the deer have discovered the tomato patch.  They seem to prefer the Italian Tree tomatoes, although they're finding the Creoles tasty, too!

Something is nibbling the low pepper plants; I suspect the rabbits we occasionally see in the yard.

So, I've started a few containers of pumpkins, kale, and carrots--spinach is next.  The days are growing shorter and the garden will begin to fade before the frost is expected in mid-October.  But there will still be enough heat and sunshine for the peppers and tomatoes.  I plan on savoring every one of them.

How are you savoring your garden?

Nancy