Wascally Wabbits!

Three weeks ago when we left the X-Garden it was doing well. Tiny fingerling watermelons were forming. Lots of bright yellow blooms on the vines were being visited by the bees that live in the oak tree by the house. Dozens of small green tomatoes were forming on the tomato bushes. Squashes and a few cucumbers were still taking form on their vines as well. The two rows of corn had small ears appearing. The three rabbits that we hire to do our gardening had gnawed two corn stalks down already.

A lot can happen to vegetables in three weeks. The corn matured and then withered. The ears were never much to speak of. We didn't get to eat any. Next time -- space the corn plants out more.  I removed the dry stalks from that row, turned off the irrigation, and covered the beds with a bit more straw mulch. The rabbits will probably want to use some for their den.

The squash bed still had plants that were blossoming, but no more fruit was forming. My guess is that they quit doing that when it gets so hot, even with plenty of water. A few butternut squash lay on the ground and one large green gourd. A couple of small eggplants were on their bush. The rabbits ate them the night after I got here.

The cucumber vine, like its squash cousins, couldn't take the heat. A few cherry tomatoes were on the bush, but only a couple of the larger variety. And the rabbits were dining on those. I conclude that it is possible to grow these vegetables in absentia, but one must be around at the right time for harvest. Or the rabbits will be.

On the fourth row we planted watermelons. These seem to be doing great. Nine large fruit are on the ground and the vines continue to blossom and spread. I hope we are able to be present when they are ready to pick. I'm told that the tiny tendril near where the melon attaches to the vine will turn brown and dry when they are mature.

Already the rabbits have been sampling melons. Wascaly Wabbits!

The rabbits seem not to care for the zinnias and sunflowers. Maybe we'll do flowers and melons next spring.