It's Spring!!

Ah, spring in the Carolinas... well... spring in the Carolinas means 80 degrees. At least we have a month or two before the big drout.
This will be year #2 for me to plant a garden. Last year was my first attempt, and with help from my grandfather (he is an expert gardener - from Conway/Marion), it was a success. I had a few issues with bugs and lack of water, but I think I've learned my lesson. The only thing I can't ask Granddaddy about is organic gardening because he has no issue using pesticides, so, this part has been a new venture for me.

Last year, my garden had tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, squash, zucchini, and green peppers. I also planted okra and an herb garden which consisted of mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary and basil.

(tomatoes, eggplant)

Okra

I planted this a little later in the summer. Okra likes hot hot heat.

 Herbs: basil, oregano, parsley, mint

I was diligent in watering my plants and as the leaves grew and flowers bloomed, I noticed little white bugs on my cucumber plant.

Yuck. So I did some research and found out they were mealybugs. One article suggested spraying your plant leaves with a combination of dish detergent and water. I did that but I think the combination was too potent because it also ruined the leaves of my plant. That slowed fruit/veggie growth. :(

Next step was to plant African Marigolds. They have a pungent smell that bugs don't like. And they're pretty!!



That worked a little better and I just ignored the remaining bugs. I still dont have a complete answer, but I'm not going to use pesticides, what would be the point?

So this year, I'm planting some different things. I got seeds for canteloupe, watermelon, okra, jelly bean tomatoes (similar to grape), corn, and spinach. I think i'm going to go back to the store and get the strawberry plant too. It's always fun experimenting with different fruits and veggies!! I hope I get a better crop this year. My goal this weekend is to plant those little seeds.

Last night, I planted my herb garden again but because I have flowers in the bed I usually use for herbs, I decided to use a window planter. I'm not putting it in the window though, because these herbs needs a lot of sun!!

Mint

Oregano, basil, dill and cilantro

My little marigolds (pre bloom)

I just added the pic of my fern because I love it and am excited about it :)



Downward Facing.... BAM

Update: Grandaddy has a new infection that's gotten worse, but we've identified it and we're working on it. He is way better than he was two days ago. He's still confused, but no where NEAR a confused and paranoid as he was. He had 1000 cc of urine in his bladder which made him act erratic. He is doing better.


Now, to the title of my blog. I sent in my application today to become a yoga teacher. I am applying with Yoganize. Karen Noonan is the owner and she is wonderful!!!

Yoganize

The Program starts in July and it includes everything you need to know about becoming a yoga teacher. I'm super excited and I am hoping I get accepted. Once I do, I'll have to post pics of me in my favorite yoga poses!!