Last April Brian came in from dumping the compost and said he had found a stalk of corn growing in the pile.
I said, "Corn doesn't grow in Oregon in April." But he insisted it was corn and that it must be able to grow because the compost was so warm.
Hmm.
I let him futz with his "corn stalk" without commenting further.
He dug it up and planted it in a large pot so he could bring it into the backyard where he could keep an eye on it. He worried when it's leaves drooped or became brown. He watered it and generally babied that plant.
I remember saying a couple of times that I could use some of that help in the garden with the rows of corn we grow...
When we finished most of our backyard remodel, I thought I'd put Brian's plant in the ground for him so that it would be easier to take care of.
Lo and behold, I found a large bulb of garlic cloves on the bottom of his "corn" stalk.
He just laughed when I told him. But he still loved it and he has been asking when we should harvest it for about a month.
The time came about a week ago- the top was starting to brown and had fallen over. Oh, and Brian can't do anything without Samson there- that dog adores him and follows him everywhere.
That is one proud garlic (aka "corn") grower.
And you know what? His garlic bulb is bigger than any I grew out in the garden! It really did like that compost. I guess I've got to add a lot more to the garlic bed this fall.
What are you harvesting now?
What a great story!
ReplyDeleteLast year I had a pumpkin plant grow out of our compost. I transplanted it and it took over our yard. This year a tomato plant grew and it is also doing quite well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the linkup.
We are just trying to "grow" compost! But getting ready to harvest currents and would you believe it, the rhubarb is (finally@) growing. Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a funny story! Enjoy your garlic! And thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteVery cute story and what a great bulb of garlic. Thank you for hosting.(-:
ReplyDeleteI love your poochie!!! How sweet that he follows your hubby around the yard like that. =) Enjoy that garlic....I will be adding more compost to my garlic bed-thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find! I had a watermelon spring up in my flower garden a few years ago. Have a great day!
Sherrie
Food for Thought
http://100sweets.blogspot.com/2011/07/patiently-waiting.html
That's too cute. I've never grown garlic and I'm not sure why. I LOVE it! Time for the dumb question of the day, can I just plant a clove from the grocery store?
ReplyDeleteI'm linking up a few of our latest backyard projects.
Thanks for hosting!!
That is funny. Nice of you to put it in the ground for him. He sure looks proud of his garlic.
ReplyDeletewhat a bonus! Love the how Samsom is the "helping" dog LOL
ReplyDeleteHow funny! We opened the lid to one of our compost bins a couple years ago and had "something" growing. A LOT of somethings! We "think" it was squash, but it could have been pumpkin or gourds. We left the lid off and it became the most beautiful plant. Now, each year, we look forward to what's growing in our compost bin!
ReplyDeleteThat is so funny...My hubby "rescues" plants also...That certainly is a good looking head of garlic/corn...I am sure it will taste extra good for all the extra lovin' it got too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting this week.
Blessings Kelsie
That's totally something my husband would do.
ReplyDeleteMindy- I want to make sure and respond to your question (and there are no dumb questions- everyone has to learn and ask questions!): YES, you can just buy a head of garlic at the store, take the cloves apart and plant them with the pointy end facing up with about an inch of dirt on top (so dig a 2-in hole). Do this in Sept. or Oct.
ReplyDeleteThat's it! water them a few times in May and June (if it gets hot then for you) and obviously add a good amount of compost. :-) They will be ready to harvest in July. Easy-Peasy!
Love this story and how Samson adores your hubby!
ReplyDeleteCute story and Samson is the sweetest boy!
ReplyDeleteJeanni
That's a funny story and quite the garlic! :) Great job by your husband to take care of it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting the Garden Party.
Pam
That's funny! We have a mystery squash in our garden that came up as a volunteer. I originally thought it was a luffa but it isn't. We'll open it in a few days and see.
ReplyDeleteMy 13 year old son planted elephant garlic this year. It is huge with only about 6 cloves. It has a very mild flavor so I'm going to bake it and make a spread with it.
Thanks for hosting this each week. I love seeing what others are growing!
Cute! Just found your blog it's lovely I look forward to enjoy past and future post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this wonderful Garden Party.
Happy Weekend hugs from Savannah, Cherry