How are the gardens growing?

[jeny]

So, those of you that don;t live in the artic circle, how are your gardens coming along? I decided to go simple with my veggies this year, mostly because I was as big as a blimp during the planning and planting stages. I've got several varieties of tomatoes, some cukes, zucchini, summer squash, green beans, two rows of corn, canteloupe and strawberries. I've got good size plants now and I HAD some strawberries but they are GONE as of this morning...

The damn racoons. How do I keep them out of my garden? I'd like to shoot them but they are kind of cute. Besides, I think it's probably against the law to shoot them in CA. ;D They really are cute, it's a pair, I've seen them puttering around my backyard late at night over the last few weeks. Man, they are barely afraid of us too, little buggers. We have fruit trees...I don't mind sharing what falls on the gorund with them but I would like first shot at my veggies. ;)

[ponygurl]

Coons love corn.
I'll tell you what my ex did one year on his mission to keep the coons from the corn patch. I'm warning you.. you will probably not be too popular if you do this in a CA urban neighbourhood. ;D
We had corn.. we had coons..
1st step. install radio that plays music all night long to make coons think people are nearby. That works for 2 nights until coons discover that indeed..those people who sing never really get closer.
2nd step. Install large spotlights that illuminate the backyard to a daylight atmosphere. Combined with the music, those racoons will NEVER come out when it appears to be daytime and we are all "talking". HA!
3rd step. Spend 75 bucks on electris fencing. Install poles around perimeter of garden.place two strands of electric fencing around garden perimeter on these poles.. approximately 4" and 10" high. Plug in fencing. Warn your wife and small tots that this is electrified, so if they were planning on enjoying the garden without electric shock treatment.. FOREGET IT.
4th step . Spend probably two nights listening to coons squeal(and yes they squeal) when they hit the fence in an attempt to crawl under.Proudly proclaim victory that you have BEAT THE COONS.
5th step. WTF? how are they getting past the fencing? They are eating the corn. :o Examine perimeter of garden. Observe black marks on grass where the coons have , despite electric shock, crawled BETWEEN the fencing, or UNDER the fencing, to get to luscious corn on the inside of the compound. Admit defeat. Coons will almost electrocute themselves on wet gras and electric fencing as they skid under the fence to get a snack.
Coons rock. They are relentless. They are smart. They withstand pain. ;D

Jen.. just leave a nice little basket out for them ok? ;D


<recount of the summer of '95> ;D

::)

[ponygurl]

A note about the two rows of corn Jen. Corn cross pollinates. You will have better results with corn if you plant it in a block , maybe 4 or 5 rows across..shorten your rows and plant more.