I thought fall was in the air

So we have had some cool weather here in Toronto - and for the past couple of days it has been extremely muggy with a humidex of 30+.

Last week while out walking, I thought fall was in the air... I think summer is sticking around a little bit longer. But we are finally getting some rain. I don't remember in my 25 years it being so dry.

I picked up some garden mums to add some colour to the now green balcony. I have also started planning for next year. oh no!

On a trip to the garden plot which we are kicked out of on the 15th of November, I have found that someone took a bunch of onions.

Quick Tip:
Freeze waterbottles, place in plant for sun to warm up and melt for a prolonged watering, below the surface!

~A Visit to the Garden Plot, and a Surprise~

Late this afternoon, I headed down to the community garden plot to water and have a look from the week I was away. I am lucky to have a great garden plot neighbour who watered this past week for me.
When I got there, there was a missing 'surprise', someone took my two large sunflowers, right out of the plot! Right from the front corner. Sad but true.

Some pictures from the garden:

All I got today was two tiny tim tomatoes... I had some ripening when I left...

~Vacation is Good~

Just got back from five days at the cottage.
The beach is so beautiful, and I don't like leaving...

Picked six tomatoes off the plant on the balcony, made some bruschetta, with basil from the garden and fresh garlic.

Tomorrow I plan on spending some quality time down in the garden plot, and maybe remember to take some pictures!

Additional Notes for Organic Pest Control

I attended a garden workshop on Monday night, the instructor is Jane Hayes...

Some of the notes I took:

Organic

• No chemicals pesticides, fertilizers and hormones
• Lots of Diversity
• Natural
• Balance
• Will take more time to garden organically

Why we shouldn't use pesticides: They kill 80% of the fungi (what comes off the underground roots, grabbing food and water.)

You can compost to feed or use coconut fibres. For containers a great ratio is 2/3 coco fibre and 1/3 worm castings. Other great items include bloodmeal

• Dill & parsley can be used to attract ladybugs
• Smelling plants attract bugs
• Non anti-bacterial dish soap (ivory, sunlight) can be used to kill bugs (1 teaspoon to a gallon)
• Lemon can be used for squirrel deterrants
• Hand pick bugs off
• Compost tea (garlic, weeds, flowers, hot water) can also be used as a deterrant
• COMFREY???

You can plant garlic in the fall, to pick in the spring.

Books to Check Out:

1. Roades All New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening
2. Ken Finch ~ Plants for a Future
3. The Encyclopedia of Natural Insect & Disease Control edited by Roger Yepsin Jr.

Websites and Stores:

1. Urban Harvest ~ uharvest.ca
2. Bustan ~ Supplier of Coconut Fibre ~ West of Spadina on Harbord
3. Grass Roots ~ Worms ~ 416 944 1993