Raccoon Protection Juice

One more story… My former boss had a raccoon problem in his backyard. The raccoons kept ending up in his pool. He got a tip from a neighbor that if you relieved yourself around (but not *in*) the edges of your pool deck, the raccoons wouldn’t get near the pool. He was doubtful but gave it a try. Sure enough, after a week or so of ‘securing the perimeter’ he no longer found raccoons in the pool or their droppings on the deck.

His two young daughters (three and five) wanted to help, too. So, now they keep a cup in their bathroom to collect raccoon protection juice. They happily carry their cups outside and water the deck.

Better Than Marigolds?

Except that I eventually want to eat the stuff in my garden, I wonder if something similar would work to keep out nematodes and other pests?

—Farmer Matt

Oh, that’s a lie. She’s just better at this than I am. I’m sorry.

The broccoli harvest is in. I took some pictures this afternoon. Standby for an update this week. Also, check your mailbox for a crate of broccoli.

—Farmer Matt

After looking at Kara’s garden site I think the only honorable thing for you to do is pull up your plants by the roots and apologize to the rich dark dirt.

Or to put it another way, let me tip my hat to Truman Capote…”That’s not writing, that’s typing.”

I do enjoy your LIVE camera Matt, let’s hope Kara doesn’t string one up in her garden.

And while I’m ranting on you, Kara does seem to be more prolific in adding to her blog….hint hint.

Marigolds are a girl (or guy, whatever)’s best friend! They run off those pesky root knot nematodes because they’re so stinky. And mjp- you’re totally right, once you have some you’re set for life because every little flower is just a mess of seeds with colorful ‘wings’ hanging out to make the flower. Each flower head has about 50 seeds in it. Carl is actually afraid they’ll take over the yard. BUT- make sure you get FRENCH MARIGOLDS not any other kind. The ones with the big blossoms, the multi colored ones, the ones that look like daisies- they don’t work! I also have scallions growing in between the marigolds. They’re stinky too, and they run off all kinds of nasty bugs.
Matt- I gotta tell you, I would totally have a live web cam, but Carl is a true country boy and sometimes, ahem, avoids wasting water if you know what I mean. I’d sure hate to scare off any faint of heart, so you’re safe with your live shots!

Her garden spot is the bomb! – how pretty! with the rocks, and layout. Matt, you need to let your inner artist (or Malcolm’s or Sarah’s inner artist) come out for the next planting. How’s about a garden shaped like a boat – with wonderful and viney things (morning glories? or pole beans?) growing up the mast and helm, and the watermelon coming out the portholes…….or, it could be a train – with different car colors and shapes for each planting bed. NOW that you KNOW you have a green thumb – liven it up! Sarah can bedazzle it for you!