With all the warm weather we have been having it doesn't really seem like winter. Hard freezes have been sparse so far this winter and with the regular rainfall we have had all fall cool-weather plants and crops are thriving. It also looks like wildflowers will make a welcome return this spring after having almost none last spring.
I really enjoy fall and winter farming. There are many reasons why I like fall and winter growing better than spring and summer growing, but the main one is that I like to eat the fall and winter crops more than those that we are able to grow in the hot months. And when you [...]
We had our first hard freeze last week, about two weeks earlier than average, and despite having covered all of our crops we lost most of the warm weather crops. This was somewhat frustrating because the summer squash, cucumbers, tomatoes and green beans were all just starting to bear fruit. Luckily, I harvested all of [...]
Up until today, October hasn't felt much like fall, but that changed yesterday evening when our first strong cold front blew in. Later in the week we may be needing to cover our warm weather crops to keep them from freezing.
Due to the brutal and extended heat and drought that we have been enduring here in central Texas our fall crops have been slow to start, but the recent moderation in temperatures has allowed our early fall crops to get going and has somewhat revived some of our late summer crops. So, we were able to deliver our very first CSA farm shares last week. We are now officially "in business" as a CSA farm! Last week's shares included basil, okra, eggplant, southern shelling peas, peppers, pac choy, swiss chard, mixed greens and farm eggs.
Although the wind was blowing steadily at about 25 mph when I was shooting these pictures, I couldn't resist trying to get some photos of this beautiful Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly. I had been bemoaning the fact that we haven't had many butterflies in the garden yet this year, and then this guy showed up this morning.
Organic Liquid Fertilizers

Earth Juice Liquid Organic Fertilizers are derived from 100% natural, organic ingredients and formulated for vegetables, ornamentals, shrubs, trees and lawns.
Earth Juice Bloom, formulated to increase and sustain blooming of trees, shrubs, and vegetables, is derived from bat guano, ancient seabird phosphate guano, sea kelp, natural sulfate of potash, steamed bone meal, oat bran, and rock phosphate.
Earth Juice Grow, formulated as a general purpose growth stimulator, is derived from bat guano, sea kelp, natural sulfate of potash, feather meal, blood meal, oat bran, and steamed bone meal.
Earth Juice Microblast is a proprietary liquid micro nutrient formula developed specifically to prevent and correct micro nutrient deficiencies. Naturally buffered for assured plant absorption. Contains; magnesium, boron, cobalt, iron, manganese, molybdenum & zinc. This product is helpful in the Texas Hill Country where the water is very high in pH, and the soil is alkaline.
Neptune’s Harvest products are 100% organic and are derived from seaweed and fish using a cold process which preserves amino acids and enzymes. The fish and seaweed combination is a balanced blend that promotes strong and vigorous growth and assists plants in dealing with summer heat stress.
Buy Earth Juice and Neptune’s Harvest products from Dirt Works.
#Lost Valley Gardens is a family owned and managed farm and nursery. We grow all of our plants, vegetables and herbs using sustainable, organic methods.
We are accepting farm subscriptions for 2012. Click here to read our CSA farm membership information.