Air Conditioning in the South

Air conditioning in the southern United States is almost a requirement, depending on where you live. We just had a window unit in our living room go out a few days ago, and yesterday I got the replacement unit put it.

This has really made me think about what life must have been like in these parts of the country 100 years ago. How in the world did people survive in 100F+ heat without air conditioning? I've got a few thoughts on this, and will put together another post later on how to do it ... although I don't think anyone will give the false impression that it would be nearly as comfortable as having a/c available.

I grew up in central Texas without an air conditioner, so I've got a few ideas. I'm also doing some research on what people did 'back in the day'. So, for all you frugally minded folks in the south, stay tuned for what to do to reduce your electric bill this summer and keep the a/c down to a minimum.

Moldy and Parasitic Insects

Well, as a relative newcomer to gardening, my worst fears have been realized. We've got discolored moldy cucumbers coming off the vines. Not only that, the squash bugs have found the zucchini plants and they are dying off. Not to be outdone, a new fire ant mount has sprung up near the okra -- which apparently they like.

That's it in a nutshell. I'm researching now for organic methods of dealing with the pestilence that has invaded our little summer garden and I will report back what I find. For now, we are watching the produce very closely and washing anything we do eat really well.

The success story of the week is the cantaloupe, of which we have harvested two thus far - and they are delicious!!!

First Time Garden Plot

Well, this year marks our first attempt at a semi-regular garden plot. I say that because we did try a garden several years ago, but it was more experimental than practical. This year we decided to lean towards the practical side.

Using some of the methods for spacing and crop layout based on the book, "Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew, we've planted and even experienced our first harvest. Now as novice gardeners, we were way late on the draw getting this thing in the ground. Around here in our neck of the woods, it's not uncommon for folks to start planting some things in March as our last frost is usually no later than March 30th. Unfortunately, because of our dependence on someone else's tiller, our plants didn't get into the ground until the last week in May - so we missed all the great springs showers for free watering.

Despite this fact, we have experienced some dramatic success and I thought I would share it with you here on the blog. Learning as we go, I'm taking notes for next year, that's for sure. (Actually, i've discovered quite a few crops that I can grow through the winter here because of our mild climate!) So if you've never planted a garden before, take heart dear reader, it can be done! This is just our latest and most visible step toward more self-sufficiency. Next year I'm hoping for two things: (a) to be on our own land, and (b) to have a large enough garden to do some basic canning for food storage.

Zucchini Squash...


Cantaloupe Melon ...


Onions ...


Okra ...


A wonderful family ...