Spring For A Day

We have been having a heat wave of sorts here in North Carolina.  Many days with temps in the 90's.  It is too soon for this.  But today, we've had Spring again, for today anyway.  I busied my kiddos and a helper with outdoor chores like weedeating, moving my herb cart, and more; only to be waylaid by a large colony of ants.  I am just thankful they aren't fire ants!

The herb cart was providing protection for the ant colony, so they swarmed in crazy motion once it was moved.  And once the cart was in its new location, more ants were discovered on the cart's bottom shelf.  I found this out the hard way - even non-fire ants can bite!  So, the cart has been sprayed with water in an aggressive fashion and left in the yard to dry in the sun.  

Ants were also noted on the concrete squares when my daughter moved the planter containing oregano.  I sprayed the ants with insecticidal soap and hope it will shoo them away.  Once the newest planter has some holes drilled in the bottom, I can replant the sage.  It is in great need of a larger space.  A few more tasks like bringing the cart back in from the yard and the herb garden will be functional again.

The Garden Grows

Everything is growing beautifully, so far.  One of the tomato plants is about to bloom and I think one of the pepper plants may be, as well.  The squash in the bags of soil on the ground are growing like mad!  I will be thinning them this weekend, along with the zucchini and cucumber plants.  

Still have some more to plant this weekend, including herbs.  It's been slow-going here with the drama as of late...human illness, doggie illness, crazy work schedules and other things, too.  

We have seen some squash bugs already and some little caterpillar chewing on one tomato plant.  I think some insecticidal soap may be in order for the caterpillar.  I will talk to my gardening consultant...my sister...she knows everything about growing veggies!