Cabbages and the Planting Wheel

According to the trusty planting wheel for zone 8b, cabbages should be set out in September through the beginning of October. Well, we are in zone 9, so maybe I have a bit of some leeway, at least I hope, because today I just planted some cabbage seeds. I raised a few beds and put some seeds in the ground. I watered them, but I didn't add any topsoil or anything. I just dug up the dirt a bit, then dug a trench beside them and added dirt on top to raise the beds.

A while back I got the bright idea to fill up the garden with pine needles I've collected from a portion of our yard that has not been cleared. Oh, the things I find back yonder. Anyway, I thought the pine needles might deter weeds in the garden plot and help save some of the soil. I think they helped a little, because the dirt looked kind of rich, but I didn't test it. I probably should start learning how to test soil for acidity and all of that. I read somewhere that you can do a vinegar or baking soda test to check acidity. I've never done that. I just kind of wing it with varying results.

The wheel also says its the best time to plant trees and shrubs, so I'm hoping my peach and fig tree make it through the winter as I put them in the dirt yesterday. I dug the holes as described on the insturctions, and I added a little root stimulator. I took some dried grass clippins and spread them around the trees, leaving the bases of the trunks uncovered. I hope I'm doing it right! I think the peach tree is pretty, and I'd love to see it thrive. The fig is too. Figs seem to grow well here in Florida, so I'll be really disappointed if it doesn't thrive here, but where I planted it is near the old oak tree that died and had to be removed.

As I dug, I found some bits of oak root still in the ground. I kept trying to change spots, but the root bits kept coming up. I found a free-enough spot to dig my hole for the fig, so let's just hope!

I also have a blueberry bush that I have yet to put in the ground. I just haven't decided where I want to put it.

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