Reported by Carol Stephenson, OSU Extension Clermont County, Master Gardener Volunteer – September 1, 2021
I had a lovely evening working in the gardens, and thought I’d show some of my critter pictures! Lots of pollinators despite the strong breeze and some curious geese came over briefly to see what I was doing, then retreated to
the infield area. Lots of tomatoes still forming, and I think there will
soon be many hot peppers– I react to things like that, even to touch, so I won’t pick them, so if someone else loves and knows them, feel free! I left what I gathered in the kitchen tonight. If I can figure out how to share my slow-motion video of some of the pollinators I’ll share those later. I am fairly sure the cat is a swallowtail larva– cool! The others were various kinds of “skippers”, some waspy types, and lots of bumblebees. No European honeybees were seen at all which surprised me as I know there are beekeepers in the area.
Reported by Johanna Goode, OSU Extension Clermont County, Master Gardener Volunteer – September 11, 2021
I was at the garden in the morning to the early afternoon this week and the temp ranged from 61-74 degrees, so it is definitely getting colder at night. There was no significant rainfall. I weed-whacked and it made many of the beds more accessible. There is a new hose. It is WAY better than the old one but there is a little spray where the nozzle is, so expect to get a little wet.
I saw a couple of stink bugs Carol mentioned, Bees and Monarch Butterfly on zinnia, and Swallowtail Caterpillar on dill.
Many plants are on their way out. Tomatoes, peppers, and beans will still be ready for harvest this week. Dill, chives, and zinnia seeds can be collected soon. I took some dill and zinnia into Gigi, but not many. This week Susan and I harvested 8 lbs 4 oz of potatoes and 2 oz of onions. I also harvested 8 lbs 9 oz of tomatoes, 1 lb of purple and green beans, 2lbs 7 oz of assorted peppers, and 6 lbs of horseradish.
When I was watering the Sensory Garden this morning I noticed that multiple people had pulled their cars right into the garden. So, next year we might want to put up some kind of rope or visual barrier.