Herbs in the Garden

Archive for the ‘Kitchen garden’ Category

Yep, the poor nectarine tree makes it’s yearly sacrifice to the hordes of Japanese Beetles.

The !#&$%! beetles get to it every year. I have read that besides roses, the fruits of peaches, nectarines and such are among the favorite foods for the hideous beasts. The good news is they are so busy destroying the nectarines that they generally spare the apple trees and roses right next to it. They also have yet to discover the Apricot tree about 50 yards away (crossing fingers behind her back.)

They eat the fruit right down to the pits,or stones. See how this fruit is absolutely covered in the darn things?

Japanese Beetles Eating Nectarines

Japanese Beetles Devouring Nectarine

After the beetles get finished there is not a nectarine left on the tree. The birds wont eat them and they seem to have no natural enemy. These are truly wretched wee beasties my friends!

OK, so he’s not really an elf, but he does great work!
All you have to do is find a 13 year old wanting some cash and willing to work for it. Ya gotta love farm kids!

This is hard work, gang! All the concrete blocks had to be dug up, cleaned off and stacked. You can see a pile in the background. There are several more just like it littering the garden area. Now…what to do with them all. Suggestions?

So, here’s the plan… the goats will eat the rest of the garden down and fertilize it for me over the next few weeks, then we’ll put new wood beds in for the fall season.