CarolineC's Blog

I just couldn't resist!
Jun 3, 2008 | 10:27 AM PST
Tags: peach trees , blueberries , strawberries , edible landscape , veggies

I had ordered a Contender peach tree from Gurney's, which I haven't yet received.  They have however sent the strawberries, and a planting guide.  The planting guide states that a standard sized peach tree will bear fruit in 4-5 years.  4-5 years!!!!  Well, at Home Depot they had a 7 ft., well-branched Elberta peach tree which should almost definitely produce next year.  So, I got it. :)  It also produces about a month/a month and a half after the Contender, so it should extend the season nicely.  They had nice sized fruit trees at the local nursery too, but the were very expensive, and I wasn't familiar with the varieties they offered anyway.  I have also ordered some Hansen's bush cherries and a fig tree from Direct Gardening.  They're a discount online nursery with an iffy reputation, but so inexpensive, I figured it'd be worth the chance.  

So, I have planted all of my strawberry plants--27 Tribute (everbearing), and 28 Sparkle Supreme (Junebearing).  All but a few are beginning to leaf out quite nicely.  I should get a few Tribute strawberries this year, but next year is the year.  Next year I should have blueberries, strawberries, peaches, maybe some bush cherries and figs, plus whatever annual fruits and veggies I may plant.  

Thus far this season, I have harvested much of the spinach that I planted.  It really didn't make that much, but was beginning to go to seed.  It's quite delicious, but I'll have to remember to plant much more next year if I want any sort of substantial harvest.  My zucchini plants have little itty bitty zucchinis on them and are beginning to bloom.  Some of my "mystery" tomatoes are blooming and beginning to set fruit.  My sugar snap peas are also beginning to bloom.  Everything else is growing along well, but it will be a while before harvest.  

All things considered, my "farm" is really quite small, but I can almost guarantee you that it's the biggest edible landscape in this entire suburban neighborhood. ;)  And I have more plans yet to come. :)