I’m thrilled to be back in my garden after I abandoned it after a two-month-long RV trip across the country. Today, I’ll take you on a journey through my neglected garden, sharing the unexpected successes and unavoidable setbacks that occurred during my absence. So, let’s dive in and discover how nature took its course without my regular care.
Before I left, I planted a variety of crops, implemented a watering system, and took a leap of faith by abandoning my garden for an extended period. From tomatoes and greens to fruit trees and native Florida plants, everything was left to flourish or falter on its own.
Abandoned Garden Vegetable Beds
Tomatoes: While container tomatoes struggled with automated watering, those in the raised bed surprised me. One particular tomato plant not only survived but thrived, showcasing bountiful clusters.
Carrots, Potatoes, Onions: Unfortunately, the carrot seed bed was a failure due to high temperatures affecting germination. Potatoes only thrived in the front row, and onions struggled with weeds, leading to a backup plan of ordering short-day onion starts. It’s to be expected when you abandoned the garden that some failures do occur.
Tromboncino Squash, Cauliflower, Broccoli: The Tromboncino squash stole the show, sprawling generously with tons of fruit all over the plant. Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli plants survived and thrived. I’m expecting a harvest soon.
Native Plants
Native plants showcased their resilience, proving that they thrive on neglect. Blanket flowers, fire bush, and starry rosinweeds displayed vibrant colors and attracted beneficial insects.
Fruit Trees and Bushes
Fruit trees and bushes flourished, with mulberries showing impressive growth. Pomegranates and elderberries showcased abundant new growth, while a Seminole pumpkin vine grew up a palm tree, producing seven pumpkins.
Abandoned Garden Challenges and Learnings
Watering System: The success of the garden largely relied on an efficient watering system. A sprinkler system, coupled with micro sprayers on hoses, provided consistent watering while I was away. The abandoned greenstalks with beans survived without any watering other than rainfall, but just barely and one tier was damaged by a critter.
Setbacks: Some direct-seeded plants struggled, possibly due to high temperatures during September. Weeds invaded some beds, and unexpected pests posed challenges, like the nibbled greenstalks and the unidentified animal that dug into a bed.
My garden journey over the past two months has been a mix of surprises and challenges. From thriving tomatoes to unexpected visitors and the resilience of native plants, the garden endured my absence. While setbacks were inevitable, the triumphs outweighed them, teaching me valuable lessons in gardening. So, embrace the unexpected and let your garden surprise you! Happy gardening!
