Month: June 2019

Jesse’s Instagram

Squash Lady Beetle larvae. Not beneficial. Got squished. Also, walks significantly faster than I would have expected for a hairy blob.

Squash Lady Beetle larvae. Not beneficial. Got squished. Also, walks significantly faster than I would have expected for a hairy blob.
#squashbugs #ladybeetle #gardenpests #zone7b #zucchini #predator #gardeninggloves #naturalpestcontrol #gardeningingeorgia

Jesse’s Instagram

Picking blueberries with Glo. Turn it up and listen to her sweet little chirps! (Yes, she has convinced me to lift her up to reach more berries. Fallen berries are for losers.)

Picking blueberries with Glo. Turn it up and listen to her sweet little chirps! (Yes, she has convinced me to lift her up to reach more berries. Fallen berries are for losers.)
#oliveegger #petchicken #gloriavanderbuilt #gardeningwithchickens #zone7b #spoiledrotten #chickentreats #gardeningsuprises #mychick #bestfriendgoals

Jesse’s Instagram

Cucumelons! Looks like a miniature watermelon, tastes like a fruity cucumber. This is my second year growing them and I think they are worth the trellis space!

Cucumelons! Looks like a miniature watermelon, tastes like a fruity cucumber. This is my second year growing them and I think they are worth the trellis space!
#cucumelon #mexicansourgherkin #zone7b #trellis #homegrown #gardensnacks #fromseed #GeorgiaGrown

Jesse’s Instagram

Guess who is locked out of the coop? These idiots! They have the whole yard to run around in and they are standing three feet from the door to the coop in case it magically opens from the intensity of their glare. Not happening. Broody chickens are so focused!

Guess who is locked out of the coop? These idiots! They have the whole yard to run around in and they are standing three feet from the door to the coop in case it magically opens from the intensity of their glare. Not happening. Broody chickens are so focused!
#BroodyBunch #broodysquad #broodybesties #broodychicken #ruthbaderginsburg #silkies #brycedallashoward #whitelacedredcornish #petchicken #backyardchickens

Jesse’s Instagram

You win this round, Nature. The combination of gravity, rain and squirrels was too much for my first round of corn. I got 6 ears for human consumption, about the same for chicken treats and then had to clean it out. Seconds round is already up and I have plans! Game on!

You win this round, Nature. The combination of gravity, rain and squirrels was too much for my first round of corn. I got 6 ears for human consumption, about the same for chicken treats and then had to clean it out. Seconds round is already up and I have plans! Game on!
#corn #cornstalk #homegrowncorn #gardencart #gardenfail #zone7b #gardenpests #sweetcorn #keeptrying

Jesse’s Instagram

Not quite open? Not a problem! This pollinator was on a mission. He went right from here to a female flower and got the job done. Thank you!

Not quite open? Not a problem! This pollinator was on a mission. He went right from here to a female flower and got the job done. Thank you!
#pollinators #squashblossom #bumblebee #pollinator #bee #bees #savethepollinators #gardenhelper #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

Purple Cauliflower. This was my best one of nine. Never really got close to edible. I can't seem to grow cauliflower here. I think it gets too hot, too fast and the bugs move right in. But I keep trying!

Purple Cauliflower. This was my best one of nine. Never really got close to edible. I can’t seem to grow cauliflower here. I think it gets too hot, too fast and the bugs move right in. But I keep trying!
#zone7b #purplecauliflower #gardenfail #growyourown #eatlocal #eattherainbow

Jesse’s Instagram

I have all the stages of tomatoes! Ripe, almost ripe, unripe, flowery, and just planted. All the plants are looking pretty good and worms are being controlled. I don't want to jinx it but this is the best start I've had in a while. Fingers crossed! Oh, and we had four ears of corn for dinner. Take that, wildlife!

I have all the stages of tomatoes! Ripe, almost ripe, unripe, flowery, and just planted. All the plants are looking pretty good and worms are being controlled. I don’t want to jinx it but this is the best start I’ve had in a while. Fingers crossed! Oh, and we had four ears of corn for dinner. Take that, wildlife!
#tomatoplants #homegrown #chocolatecherry #CherokeePurple #mysterytomatoes #zone7b #tomatosandwich #futurefood

Jesse’s Instagram

Erm...have I interrupted something? Bryce is still diligently hatching Ruth and Ruth is still diligently hatching zero eggs. My broodies are not bright but they are dedicated.

Erm…have I interrupted something? Bryce is still diligently hatching Ruth and Ruth is still diligently hatching zero eggs. My broodies are not bright but they are dedicated.
#broodybesties #broodychicken #brycedallashoward #ruthbaderginsburg #petchickens #nestingboxdrama #silkies #cornishhen #whitelacedredcornish

Jesse’s Instagram

Despite my concerns that the corn was a failure because it fell down again, the Garden Inspectors have declared it is complete success. If they had hands they would applaud. Jerks.

Despite my concerns that the corn was a failure because it fell down again, the Garden Inspectors have declared it is complete success. If they had hands they would applaud. Jerks.
#petchicken #homegrown #corn #oliveegger #EasterEgger #Chickensaddle #chickentreats #gloriavanderbuilt #sophiebhawkins #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

The are about the size of individual rice krispies! Who is pollinating these? Mosquitos?

The #cucumelons are about the size of individual rice krispies! Who is pollinating these? Mosquitos?
#cucumelon #mexicansourgherkin #gardeningsuprises #vegetablegarden #MasterGardener #zone7b #growyourown #homegrown

Aaron’s Instagram

It's just two weeks till @benzblogger and I head north on another adventure. We're driving from Atlanta to Newfoundland starting off with 4 days of @rally_north_america from New York to @campsunshinemaine with hot laps on Watkins Glen and New England Dragway. Donation link to support the kids and families of is in my bio.

@edbolian @arnesantics

It’s just two weeks till @benzblogger and I head north on another adventure. We’re driving from Atlanta to Newfoundland starting off with 4 days of @rally_north_america from New York to @campsunshinemaine with hot laps on Watkins Glen and New England Dragway. Donation link to support the kids and families of #campsunshine is in my bio.

#longroofsociety #makeamericafastagain #bonnevillesaltflats #e63swagon #roadtrip #roadtrip2019 #e63amg #e63 #e63s #e63samg #e63wagon #mercedes #mercedesbenz #amg #rally #roadrally #rallynorthamerica @edbolian @arnesantics

Aaron’s Instagram

It's just two weeks till @benzblogger and I head north on another adventure. We're driving from Atlanta to Newfoundland starting off with 4 days of @rally_north_america from New York to @campsunshinemaine with hot laps on Watkins Glen and New England Dragway. Donation link to support the kids and families of is in my bio.

@edbolian @arnesantics

It’s just two weeks till @benzblogger and I head north on another adventure. We’re driving from Atlanta to Newfoundland starting off with 4 days of @rally_north_america from New York to @campsunshinemaine with hot laps on Watkins Glen and New England Dragway. Donation link to support the kids and families of #campsunshine is in my bio.

#longroofsociety #makeamericafastagain #bonnevillesaltflats #e63swagon #roadtrip #roadtrip2019 #e63amg #e63 #e63s #e63samg #e63wagon #mercedes #mercedesbenz #amg #rally #roadrally #rallynorthamerica @edbolian @arnesantics

Jesse’s Instagram

When you wait just one more day in case they aren't fully ripe...it rains buckets and they spilt. Ate them anyway. They were delicious!

When you wait just one more day in case they aren’t fully ripe…it rains buckets and they spilt. Ate them anyway. They were delicious!
#tomatoplants #homegrown #cherrytomatoes #thefirsttomato #zone7b #splittomatoes #gardenfail

Jesse’s Instagram

When you plant non-traditional tomatoes and then fail to label the plants you'll have to guess when they're ripe. Touch of red? Maybe!? Maybe not?!

When you plant non-traditional tomatoes and then fail to label the plants you’ll have to guess when they’re ripe. Touch of red? Maybe!? Maybe not?!
#MasterGardener #tomatoes #cherrytomatoes #zone7b #organicgardening #ripetomatoes #firsttomatoes #gardeningsuprises

Jesse’s Instagram

Nom for me, nom for you. Two of the chickens make a daily trek over to the blueberry bushes to assist with the harvest. They don't normally venture so far from the coop but blueberries are a strong enticement.

Nom for me, nom for you. Two of the chickens make a daily trek over to the blueberry bushes to assist with the harvest. They don’t normally venture so far from the coop but blueberries are a strong enticement.
#blueberries #blueberrythief #zone7b #rabbiteye #Chickensaddle #sophiebhawkins #hawk #orchard #homegrown #gardenhelper

Jesse’s Instagram

These two geniuses are back in the broody business. Ruthie, the small black #silkie, is sitting on zero eggs in the preferred box. Bryce, my model, decided that Ruthie was pretty much baby sized so she'll just skip the eggs and sit on her. Delightful. It's also about 90°F outside and they are putting out a combined broody heat that could cook an egg, not hatch it! Also, the screeching! I'm giving them two days. This is just dumb.

These two geniuses are back in the broody business. Ruthie, the small black #silkie, is sitting on zero eggs in the preferred box. Bryce, my #whitelacedredcornish model, decided that Ruthie was pretty much baby sized so she’ll just skip the eggs and sit on her. Delightful. It’s also about 90°F outside and they are putting out a combined broody heat that could cook an egg, not hatch it! Also, the screeching! I’m giving them two days. This is just dumb.
#petchicken #petshaming #broodychicken #chickenmama #nestingboxdrama #broodybesties #heatwave

Jesse’s Instagram

Vi, you've got a little grass...
No I don't.
You do! It's on both...
No.
I'm serious. You've got grass hanging out of your beak.
Shut up. Provide treats. No commentary.
Jeez. Bossy ass chicken.

Vi, you’ve got a little grass…
No I don’t.
You do! It’s on both…
No.
I’m serious. You’ve got grass hanging out of your beak.
Shut up. Provide treats. No commentary.
Jeez. Bossy ass chicken.
#VioletZindars #Cochin #silverlacedcochin #petchicken #biggirls #girlboss #chickenportrait #closeup #beautyqueen #glamour #backyardpoultry #chickenselfie #chickenselfiesunday

Jesse’s Instagram

The vine is a mile long. It had produced one The worms found it. Another Ah well, the chickens do consider "infested young squash" to be a delicacy.

The vine is a mile long. It had produced one #spaghettisquash. The worms found it. Another #gardenfail. Ah well, the chickens do consider “infested young squash” to be a delicacy. #bonappetit
#gardenpests #zone7b #organicgardening #Chickenfood #ventilated #farmtotable

Jesse’s Instagram

Flower progess photos! The Carlos are so cute! Each flower group is about the size of a quarter. Our tree is starting to bloom! Very exciting. The deer only nibbled the bottom few branches. The have a great view of the cucumbers coming in. I think I am supposed to companion plant them near the tomatoes but I didn't. The plants seem to do better in darker colors. All if the yellow ones are struggling but the red and purple are rocking. Overall I am enjoying the flowers.

Flower progess photos! The Carlos #Lantanas are so cute! Each flower group is about the size of a quarter. Our #Hydrangea tree is starting to bloom! Very exciting. The deer only nibbled the bottom few branches. The #marigolds have a great view of the cucumbers coming in. I think I am supposed to companion plant them near the tomatoes but I didn’t. The #callalily plants seem to do better in darker colors. All if the yellow ones are struggling but the red and purple are rocking. Overall I am enjoying the flowers.
#gardeningsuprises #lantana #hydrangeas #zone7b #shadetolerant #shadegarden #yellowmarigolds #lilies #MasterGardener #companionplanting #feedthebees #pollinatorgarden

Jesse’s Instagram

This deer is practically an IG model. She's got this arbor set up out in the woods and insists on framing herself for perfect pictures. I had to take about a million to make sure I got her best angles. Thirsty.

This deer is practically an IG model. She’s got this arbor set up out in the woods and insists on framing herself for perfect pictures. I had to take about a million to make sure I got her best angles. Thirsty.
#GwinnettCounty #gwinnettcountyparks #doe #hiking #naturephotography #notscared

Jesse’s Instagram

The first multi-crop harvest! The voles ate most of the potatoes so I decided to just see what was left. It's about 10 lbs of and potatoes. Not terrible...but I think I planted 20 lbs of seed potatoes. The peppers are #coolapenos, like jalepenos but not hot. We'll see!

The first multi-crop harvest! The voles ate most of the potatoes so I decided to just see what was left. It’s about 10 lbs of #redpontiac and #yukongold potatoes. Not terrible…but I think I planted 20 lbs of seed potatoes. The peppers are #coolapenos, like jalepenos but not hot. We’ll see!
#harvestbasket #gardeninggloves #zone7b #vegetablegarden #peppers #eatlocal #yardtotable #futurefood

Jesse’s Instagram

Do I have two kinds of worms? The ones on my palm are greenish and ball up when I pick them up. The ones on my fingers are reddish and immediately stretch out and try to escape. I dug them up in two separate potato hills but right next to each other in the garden. Hmmm...

Do I have two kinds of worms? The ones on my palm are greenish and ball up when I pick them up. The ones on my fingers are reddish and immediately stretch out and try to escape. I dug them up in two separate potato hills but right next to each other in the garden. Hmmm…
#worms #gardenfriends #zone7b #digginginthedirt #redworms #greenworms #MasterGardener

Jesse’s Instagram

The first! I started the peppers from plants, not seeds, so they had a bit of an advantage. Now if I could only find my velcro tape to secure them to the stakes.

The first! I started the peppers from plants, not seeds, so they had a bit of an advantage. Now if I could only find my velcro tape to secure them to the stakes.
#bellpeppers #greenpepper #purplepepper #harvest #eatlocal #growningeorgia #backyardgarden #organicgardening

Jesse’s Instagram

Just a minute of chickens eating collards. The for main characters are Donna the #silkie, Vi the #Cochin, Becky with the Good Hair and Kahlo the Guest appearances by Gretch the jerk and Wilga the feather plucker. They really do each have their own personalities.

Just a minute of chickens eating collards. The for main characters are Donna the #silkie, Vi the #Cochin, Becky with the Good Hair and Kahlo the #whitecrestedblackpolish. Guest appearances by Gretch the jerk and Wilga the feather plucker. They really do each have their own personalities.
#petchicken #backyardpoultry #collardgreens #PolishChicken #chickenvideo #chickensnacks

Jesse’s Instagram

This "Mouse Ear Blue Hosta" spoke to me at the nursery. I had no idea it was such a show off in the flower department. I choose plants (and paint) based on the names. Good idea? Probably not. But my house is painted "Dark Squirrel" and I have a "Mouse Ear" hosta so I think I'm winning!

This “Mouse Ear Blue Hosta” spoke to me at the nursery. I had no idea it was such a show off in the flower department. I choose plants (and paint) based on the names. Good idea? Probably not. But my house is painted “Dark Squirrel” and I have a “Mouse Ear” hosta so I think I’m winning!
#hostas #zone7b #hostaflowers #mouseears #gardenwin #shadegarden #GwinnettCounty

Jesse’s Instagram

The corn is f'd. Every year, same story. Swipe for the progression from no rain to light rain to thunderstorm. I've tried planting it deeper, hilling the rows, planting closer, further, more rows, less rows. I've tried shielding them with fencing, between trellises, additional posts, words of encouragement, threats. I've planted earlier, later, different varieties, more water, less water, fertilizer, weeds, mulch, companions. I'm out of ideas.

If anyone can tell me how to keep my corn vertical until harvest I would really appreciate it! I  f'ing .

The corn is f’d. Every year, same story. Swipe for the progression from no rain to light rain to thunderstorm. I’ve tried planting it deeper, hilling the rows, planting closer, further, more rows, less rows. I’ve tried shielding them with fencing, between trellises, additional posts, words of encouragement, threats. I’ve planted earlier, later, different varieties, more water, less water, fertilizer, weeds, mulch, companions. I’m out of ideas.

If anyone can tell me how to keep my corn vertical until harvest I would really appreciate it! I f’ing . #zone7b #growingcorn #gardeningfail #gardenfail #MasterGardener #eatlocal #growyourown #upickfarm #boo #gardentips #zone7 #vegetablegarden #growingvegetables

Jesse’s Instagram

The garden inspectors noticed some blueberries had fallen off the bushes. Don't worry, they cleaned that right up. And then a few that hadn't yet fallen but might have soon. They took care of those. And they wanted me to pass down a few from the higher branches but I had to draw a line. It's a very wavy line.

The garden inspectors noticed some blueberries had fallen off the bushes. Don’t worry, they cleaned that right up. And then a few that hadn’t yet fallen but might have soon. They took care of those. And they wanted me to pass down a few from the higher branches but I had to draw a line. It’s a very wavy line.
#petchicken #oliveegger #gloriavanderbuilt #sophiebhawkins #EasterEgger #chickensaddle #blueberrybush #rabbiteye #spoiledchickens #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

I was hoping this flower would open today but instead all of the petals fell off. I planted a pack of wildflower seeds (horrible idea. There is no way to know which ones are weeds vs. flowers until the weeds are well established) and this is one of three varieties I've seen. I think it's a poppy of some sort?

I was hoping this flower would open today but instead all of the petals fell off. I planted a pack of wildflower seeds (horrible idea. There is no way to know which ones are weeds vs. flowers until the weeds are well established) and this is one of three varieties I’ve seen. I think it’s a poppy of some sort?
#wildflowers #beemix #zone7b #flowergarden #poppy #orangepoppy

Jesse’s Instagram

May you grow big and strong and decapitate any prey or mates that cross your path. This fierce predator has only one front claw but I choose to believe she lost it in a battle with a much larger foe. It will not slow her down.

May you grow big and strong and decapitate any prey or mates that cross your path. This fierce predator has only one front claw but I choose to believe she lost it in a battle with a much larger foe. It will not slow her down.
#prayingmantis #gardenfriend #zone7b #bugs #futurequeen

Jesse’s Instagram

I trimmed back some dead branches on the this year. Then I stepped on one and punched a bloody hole in my foot. I think I'll just let them grow however they please next year. I learned my lesson.

I trimmed back some dead branches on the #OakLeafHydrangea this year. Then I stepped on one and punched a bloody hole in my foot. I think I’ll just let them grow however they please next year. I learned my lesson.
#hydrangea #annuals #zone7b #goldenhour #selfdefense #woods #frontyard #gardening #flowergarden

Jesse’s Instagram

Current garden updates: Things are happening! The usual suspects are starting to produce. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and zucchini are well on the way. The corn in about ready fall over and be consumed by nature. Is this first picture Asapragus seeds? I let them all fern out and now they are growing these cute little pods. Maybe they are planting more asparagus for me! 
Ok, I have to go chase the chickens out now. They followed me from plant to plant while I took pictures in case something was for them.

Current garden updates: Things are happening! The usual suspects are starting to produce. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and zucchini are well on the way. The corn in about ready fall over and be consumed by nature. Is this first picture Asapragus seeds? I let them all fern out and now they are growing these cute little pods. Maybe they are planting more asparagus for me!
Ok, I have to go chase the chickens out now. They followed me from plant to plant while I took pictures in case something was for them.
#zone7b #vegetablegarden #growyourown #eatlocal #yardtotable #blueberrybush #coolapeno #asparagus #rainbowbellpeppers #cucumbers

Jesse’s Instagram

The shoe on the right is exactly one year old. The shoe on the left is a brand new replacement. It's hard to believe these are the same model! Those were some hard miles! Happy hiking!

The shoe on the right is exactly one year old. The shoe on the left is a brand new replacement. It’s hard to believe these are the same model! Those were some hard miles! Happy hiking!
#merrell #hiking #hikingshoes #fitbit #getoutside #wandernorthga #FindYourPark

Jesse’s Instagram

Growing corn or ratty Barbie dolls? There is no way to know yet. We'll have to stay tuned for the results.

Growing corn or ratty Barbie dolls? There is no way to know yet. We’ll have to stay tuned for the results.
#gardeningsuprises #zone7b #corn #homegrown #eatlocal #barbiehair #cornsilk #GeorgiaGrown