One of the best things about the job I left to come to Stonyfield was the gang of women I befriended there. Now, to stay in touch, we’ll occasionally set up a group on Skype and babble away at each other about whatever might come to mind from career decisions to knee socks (we’ve had multiple conversations about both).
During a recent chat, Melissa noted that it looked like the garden was coming along nicely, which was sweet, since it meant she was reading this (Hey Melissa!). But, more than that, Melissa is a big time gardener along with her husband, Matt, so it was a good chance to pick her brain on some of my early ideas for what to plant. Along the way, Melanie chimed in and we got a good roll going for what is and isn’t easy for a beginner to grow.
Corn, carrots and space-taking watermelon might be better to avoid at first. But green beans, lettuce and peppers shouldn’t be too hard. We chatted about Melissa’s failed broccoli and Melanie’s amazing brussel sprouts until, as happens with most conversations with these ladies, the subject turned to dogs. Seems like a sharp turn? Not really, Melissa’s old pup Rigby was an enthusiastic veggie sampler.
This fact caused me to realize a new concern I hadn’t considered. Despite the high density of houses and humans in our neighborhood, we still live across the street from a creek and have quite a few wild critters roaming about. Would our veggies be safe?
That’s when Melissa said this: Clean your hair brush and sprinkle your hair around the edges.
So matter of fact.
Then Melanie chimed in: You can also borrow some of our dog hair.
What?
Apparently, hair (either dog or human) can possibly help keep rabbits and other critters away from your garden. A quick online search shows that some people swear by it and some really really do not. But! I’m accepting all tips and tricks as a humble novice and so I’m preparing myself not to be surprised on the day Melanie actually shows up on my doorstep, bag of dog hair in hand.
Today’s Garden Update:
Discovered that the USDA just released a new plant hardiness zone map! And where I thought we were in solidly in 5b, it turns out Kittery is more of a 6a zone-wise. Now, on to learning what that really means…
