Terrace Square Foot Garden: Summer Planting Diary Week5
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Week5: July 28, 2024 - Augest 03, 2024
Key Tasks: Use Yellow Sticky Traps To Help Control Pests, Pruning, Use Soil Meter To Test pH Levels.
Day 28: July 28, 2024, Sunday, Sunny
Observations and Records: Observation Time - 5 PM
Bitter Melon
The chili peppers and eggplants seem to be growing a bit faster; I'll continue to monitor them in the coming days.
The bitter melon vines continue to grow, gripping the trellis more securely.
The soil surface is still quite moist, so no watering was needed today.
Today's Tasks:
Today, I used yellow sticky traps to catch Fungus Gnats, and it caught 5 in one hour.
Yellow Sticky Trap
Experience and Insights:
For pest control, it's best to prioritize physical and biological methods to minimize the use of chemical treatments.
Tomorrow's Plan:
In the coming days, I'll continue to monitor the growth of the chili peppers and eggplants and install support stakes when needed.
Day 29: July 29, 2024, Monday, Sunny
Observations and Records: Observation Time - 5 PM
The eggplant has grown noticeably taller since yesterday.
The bitter melon vines are also continuing their rapid growth.
The soil surface appears dry today.
There are about a dozen Fungus Gnats on the yellow sticky traps.
Today's Tasks:
Watered thoroughly today.
I checked the yellow sticky traps; they are still sticky enough to use.
Tomorrow's Plan:
In the coming days, I'll continue to monitor the growth of the chili peppers and eggplants and install support stakes when necessary.
Day 30: July 30, 2024, Tuesday, Sunny
Observations and Records: Observation Time - 5 PM
Bitter Melon
The eggplants and chili peppers continue to grow taller.
The bitter melon vine has reached about 3 feet in height.
The soil surface appears dry today.
There are no new Fungus Gnats on the yellow sticky traps.
The bottom leaves of the Bush Bean have wilted, but the other leaves are growing well.
Today's Tasks:
Watered the plants thoroughly.
Replaced the old yellow sticky traps with new ones.
Checked into the issue of the Bush Bean's bottom leaves wilting.
Bush Bean’s old leaves
Experience and Insights:
The wilting of the lower leaves on the Bush Bean is a normal phenomenon, mainly due to:
Natural Aging:The oldest leaves at the base of the plant are usually the first to wilt and fall off as new leaves grow at the top, making the old ones less useful.
Insufficient Light:The lower leaves might not get enough sunlight, especially if shaded by the upper leaves. This is common in densely planted areas.
Overall, if this issue is limited to the lower leaves and the plant appears healthy with no other signs of disease or nutrient deficiency, there is usually no need for concern.
Tomorrow's Plan:
In the coming days, I'll continue to monitor the growth of the chili peppers and eggplants and install support stakes as needed.
I will also conduct soil pH testing.
Day 31: July 31, 2024, Wednesday, Sunny
Observations and Records: Observation Time - 5 PM
Day 31: Radish
The soil surface was quite dry today. I conducted a soil moisture test, which read 3. According to the guide, this level is on the borderline between dry and moist, indicating that more watering is needed.
The soil pH test showed a reading of about 7.1. This is slightly alkaline for flowers but generally suitable for most vegetables.
The pumpkins, bitter melons, and cucumbers have all securely latched onto the trellis.
The radishes are getting bulkier.
Day 31: Moist Test
There were no new Fungus Gnats on the yellow sticky traps, possibly because they're hiding from the intense sunlight.
Today's Tasks:
Watered the plants, using twice the usual amount.
Used a multifunctional soil tester to check soil moisture and pH levels.
Experience and Insights:
Regular soil moisture testing helps in accurately managing water levels. During the hot summer months, daily testing is advisable.
Day 31: pH Test
pH testing can be done monthly or after significant events, such as heavy fertilization or pesticide use, which can affect soil composition.
Tomorrow's Plan:
In the coming days, I will continue to monitor the growth of the chili peppers and eggplants, installing support stakes when necessary.
I'll also check the soil moisture to see the impact of today's watering.
Day 32: August 1, 2024, Thursday, Sunny
Observations and Records: Observation Time - 5 PM
Day 32: Transplanted Vegetables
The soil surface wasn’t dry today.
We conducted a soil moisture test: the first time, the soil tester was inserted to the deepest point, showing an ideal moisture level for planting. The second time, at half the depth, the reading was on the border between dry and moist.
The pumpkins, bitter melons, and cucumbers continue to climb higher.
The Okra and Zucchini are growing vigorously, making their section quite crowded.
The yellow sticky traps still show no new Fungus Gnats.
The chili peppers and eggplants are growing, but at a slower pace compared to the other vegetables.
Today's Tasks:
Watered the plants again, using twice the usual amount.
Conducted another moisture test.
Tomorrow's Plan:
In the coming days, I'll keep an eye on the growth of the chili peppers and eggplants, installing support stakes when necessary.
Given the hot and sunny weather, I'll continue monitoring soil moisture levels to adjust watering as needed.
Day 33: August 2, 2024, Friday, Sunny
Observations and Records: Observation Time - 5 PM
Day 33: One of the bitter melon vines detached from the trellis.
The hot weather continues, and the soil surface is still quite dry today.
We conducted a soil moisture test: the first time, the soil tester was inserted to the deepest point, showing an ideal moisture level for planting. The second time, at half the depth, the reading just reached the moist standard. This indicates that yesterday's watering improved soil moisture but still wasn't sufficient.
The pumpkins, bitter melons, and cucumbers continue climbing higher. One of the bitter melon vines detached from the trellis, so I guided it back.
There are still no new Fungus Gnats on the yellow sticky traps.
Day 33
The chili peppers and eggplants continue their slow but steady growth.
Today's Tasks:
Watered the plants again, using twice the usual amount.
Conducted another moisture test.
Tomorrow's Plan:
In the coming days, I'll continue to monitor the growth of the chili peppers and eggplants, installing support stakes when necessary.
We’ll be out tomorrow and likely back late, so there will be no update. Our story will continue next week.
Weekly Summary:
This week, the vegetables continued to grow, with all but the chili peppers and eggplants becoming quite lush. The radishes are the best performers, with their roots showing signs of nearing maturity. We introduced yellow sticky traps and learned to use the multifunctional soil tester to check soil moisture and pH levels. As we enter the fifth week, we can sense that the vegetables are getting close to harvest time. Stay tuned for more updates next week. If you're inspired, join us in gardening. Happy planting!