When the pepper plants look like they are starting to grow better, I like to remove the growth tip. The growth tip produces auxin hormones that travel downward, and inhibit buds from growing branches. When the growth tip is removed, branches grow. That means more blossoms and fruits, and a stockier plant less likely to fall over. I'm also trying that with some of the eggplants this year.
Chili Pepper Before Pruning.
And After pruning.
And After Pruning.
The camassias that I moved are starting to bloom. They survived the move without problems although the leaves are a little bent.
The flowers are like stars. They should continue to shoot upward and bloom a lot more.
I'm almost out of dandelions now. I dig the big plants in bloom, then feed them to the hens and duck. They eat it all - flowers, stems, leaves. This enriches the eggs and makes for yellower yolks.
I hope I can grow a big bunch of marigolds this year, which have the same benefit.
I weeded the garlic, then cut brown butcher paper for mulch. That should minimize weeds and conserve water. I laid the soaker hoses in place. When it heats up and dries out, I'll test the soakers, possible punch new pinholes in the hoses, and test them. If they work, then tuck them under the paper mulch.
Here are the rhubarb divisions I forgot to photograph yesterday. I'm happy they are growing so well. They probably need another year to harvest. I gave them a good dose of organic vegetable fertilizer when I moved them to their current locations.
The top one is too close to a clump of camassia. I'll dig, divide, and move the camassia this summer when they are dormant.
