July 10 & July 13: Talacheras y Okra

July 10: Wednesday we met to do some light work in the garden. While I was making executive decisions on the fly about our new soil to be added, my sisters were preparing to come in to the garden for work.

We kept it light:

• lifted weeds
• scoped out the area for okra areas
• bagged the sunflowers to ensure we were saving as many seeds from birds/rodents, etc.
• make sure to cut small holes/slithers for sun to poke through!
• took the Amaranth that was ready out.

• The best way to tell is to see how the inflorescene (tassel like top) becomes too heavy it weighs the plant down.
• In order to take out the amaranth you cut the steam about 1-1.5 ft off the ground and it will regrow itself.
• We harvested seeds by saving the inflorescene to dry out and shake out seeds
• We saved leaves for eating and put the stalk in the compost.100% useable

July 13: Saturday the plan was to create a space for okra that gets at least 8-10 hours of sun.

How it went down:

• First things first, we needed to get tools out, we pulled out almost every tool we had. ha! 
• Next to pick a spot to place our okra, we initially made plans for a particular area, but based off Dee's research found out it probably isnt the best place. so we moved on to a different area.

• Creating Patches: 
• Using the Talacho. I don't know what the proper term for the tool is in English, but I can say I can pick it up and use it! I think it's called a pickaxe. It was such an experience as I literally used almost every muscle in my body to properly use it and create spaces for us to use. 
• We picked down about 6- 8 inches of the ground so we can create a area to make a nice rich 
• Soil mix: After making a small basin we decided to mix the following ingredients. With this we were able to make a mound that gives the roots a little bit over (1) foot to grow in rich soil.

• compost mulch
• manure
• our collective compost
• O.Jardin's finest dirt ;)
• planting of the seeds
• The matron of the house (Dee's Mama) usually comes out to visit us in the garden, this time she came in to plant seeds! special moments 
• Put more soil down to support growing Squash
• General clean-up weeding, picking up branches, etc.
• Cleared patch of weeds under the tree [took a quick nap...hehe]

Sentimientos: Well, if you don't know me personally, I am a relatively private person, with the exception of those closely surround me. This past week has been so emotional for me. Experiencing life, watching our garden grow, sharing laughter, having deep conversation and understanding what it all really means. As I/We continually strive towards Mexicayotl we are constantly evaluating what we are doing in relation to this life. I put my sweat and tears into this and watching things grow is truly an amazing experience. We are watching seeds form into food that goes into our mouths. I always leave with a heart full of accomplishment and a step toward creating sustainability in my communidad. I am excited about the okra. I love the way it was tastes and can't wait to share it with my father.

Gracias/Tlazos:

A Juan! We got a cool weed/grass tool to use. Juana, thank you for helping us plant the okra. To our sisters, thank you for either contributing to the compost, coming to learn, weeding, conversing, listening and/or sharing your palabra, your words, sweat and hearts help us reaffirm the work that we do!

Other:

Peace to Trayvon Martin, may your soul rest and continue to be one of many who opens our eyes to be proactive in our communities. There is NO JUSTICE, there is JUST US.

July 10: Update since I last wrote...

Things that have been done:

• routine things done in the garden (i.e. watering/weeding)
• removed the last of the corn stalks (07/03/13)
• decided we need to move our cardboard. It's working y'all, we are just moving it around to continue to kill those weeds
• re-soiling, we laid some new soil, and will continue to do so, we are going to have to find a new soil place to go to, so we can buy in bulk.

Quick Crop Updates:

• Amaranth- matured! We are preparing to cut it down.
• Squash- which is thriving, it looks awesome, its really taking over.
• something i learned: the stem of the leaf that grows (to provide shade) is hollow.
• Beans-growing, seems to be a bit fragile, have to be mindful of that when watering
• Tomatoes they are growing. despite some problems we had with a caterpillar (Tomato Hornworm) ugly little thing. it got a few, but I got to taste one! it was awesome, and was very special to me. 
• Onion- we need to do some research on this, some leaves look great, others not so much, which scares me since it's a root crop you pull on the leaves to get it out... might need to do some digging.
• Sunflowers- looking, er-not so good? NO! they are where they need to be! Once the flower wilts it means the seeds are setting into place and getting ready for picking!

Things to do:

• Get more soil and paperbags
• work on composting
• try to find a barrel to use for compost
• plan for fall crops! MUST RESEARCH: 
• companion planting, specifically for okra, mesculin lettuce mix, squash, tomato and onion
• common pests and natural solutions for those pests.

Surprises:

• We were gifted Okra! Yay! I am particularly excited, its one of my favorite things to eat.
• we will be planting this soon.

Resources:

• common garden pests- this is a constant problem, so we occasionally have to look a thing up or two. This link is great and helped us identify the tomato pest culprit.

Special Thanks & Dedication:
This is my favorite area to post. Giving thanks is so important in our lives. This post I want to say Thank You to so many people. To everyone who liked our Facebook Page: The Original Jardin (where we post info, pictures, links, resources, etc.). To Brother Zin for the Okra seeds and a good build on soil and the importance of it. Knowledge spreads far between people. For our visitors: our family, our friends. We had a great group of people come see our jardin, original members who put in work for years and it brought so much peace and happiness to my heart. Their words brought tears to my eyes, and their actions peace in my soul. I love them. 

Thank You (English) ~ Gracias (Spanish) ~ Tlazokamati (Nahuatl)