“Air Jordanne”
I know, I know enough of the supposedly dwarf pea pictures. But we just couldn’t resist just one last one because now I think they are done growing! Pretty soon these peas will succumb to mildew and become goat food.
Peas on Steroids?
Remember the 9 foot eggplant that we grew one summer! (here’s a pic) Well, these dwarf peas are now over 9 feet high!
Justin proudly informed me that these dwarf sugar snow peas haven’t been watered by humans since they were 6 inches tall.
No kidding! Of course, this winter we were extremely blessed with rain but still that’s pretty impressive I think.
Because of our tiny plot, we plant at a much closer proximity (bending the gardening rules a bit) which comes down to a higher density planting per square inch. Of course there ’s a balance and you can only learn by “trowel and error.” Planting crops at a much closer/higher density we find, in our climate, saves water because the plants act like a living mulch. Too much exposed dirt leaves to evaporation and we need all the moisture as we can get.
Having cut our water usage in 1/2 while maintaining our high yields is one positive step in our water conservation and soil management program.
Here’s how we are conserving water here on the urban homestead
And we aren’t done yet. The guys have been working on two, yep TWO, new water projects (photos coming soon)
We attribute our growing success to healthy soil – good soil is a blessing and like Will Rogers aptly said said “they ain’t making any more of the stuff.” Taking our dry “adobe-like” soil and turning into what we have now took patience, lots of mulch, compost and care. Good soil doesn’t happen overnight but it’s worth the work.
So we have to treat the soil that’s under our feet like that’s all we have — because it is.
:: Field Hand Appreciation :: JF $24 Thank you for your kind words and support.
That is an amazing pea patch! Did the peas produce well too (pod production the full height of the plant)? That will produce some really good pea hay for your goats when it is done as well.
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Can’t wait to hear about the new water projects!
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We love sugar snow peas here! Ours have never gotten that tall though.
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Where on earth is she putting them when she picks them? I don’t see a basket. LOL. I would have to hold on with one hand – Whew!
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How are the peas supported? Mine are 7 ft tall now and are higher than the 6′ netting. I’m concerned they will collapse from their own weight.
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April 22nd, 2010
Dear Dervaes family,
Can you please help me out?
I have tried to order the DVD about your homestead for educational use and tried to pay with my credit VISA card, which IS valid. However, the program on the order page tells me it is not.
I am very certain about that the card is valid, because I use it for other payments online. I have created this account with my bank for online payment only.
As this was a repetitive attempt, I would like to pay by sending a check which I ask my bank to provide for – which amount? The amount I remember having seen on the order page was 38 US$. Please, correct me if I am wrong.
My hotmail doesn’t work currently, so I cannot send e-mails but only receive messages.
I very much would like to purchase the DVD and am going to send you a cheque – the old fashioned way.
Much Love
Undine Dannenberg
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