Neighbours talking over the garden gate has long been a tradition. They share gardening tips, complain about the weather and pests yet are ever eager to discuss their gardens. That is what I had in mind when creating this blog. So stop by my garden gate to find out the latest happenings in my garden.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
"All my life through, the new sights of Nature made me rejoice like a child." ~ Madame Marie Curie"

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Raccoons and Corn

raccoons and corn
Raccoons and Corn
August 19, 2010

Our neighbours to the north put in the most amazing raised bed system I've seen.  It consists of 3 larger beds joined together forming a flattened Z shape.  They are not growing using the square foot method.  In one of the runs they planted corn and they even added a really neat support system that I will use if I decide to grow corn next year.  I haven't grown corn mainly because of space limitation.  It takes up a lot of room for what you get.  However, this neighbour has grown corn and the neighbours two and three houses down both grow corn so perhaps I will try it but I will definitely be making some modifications. 

I recently talked about our garden visitor.  He is being rather persistent but other than getting into our garbage once we don't have a real problem.  I make sure the master bedroom and kitchen windows as well as the kitchen patio doors are closed enough that he can't get in.  I also keep foods off the counter especially during the evening hours when this little guy is busy.  Well he got into our neighbour's with the raised beds corn!  I didn't realize that they were new gardeners because they had a smaller raised bed last year.  Anyway apparently they left it a bit too long so the corn it too tough then to add insult to injury as pictured the raccoon has been helping himeself.  What is rather interesting is he hauls the corn stalks from their garden ove into our yard to feast!

I've already decided that if I grow corn next year it is going to be protected by chicken wire to the point squirrels and raccoons can't get to it.  It's a shame to have a crop that is over ripe or pilfered by garden pests.  We are now exchanging a lot of gardening ideas :)

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


4 comments:

  1. Those darn raccoons look so cute but they cause so much damage. Let's hope it finds other gardens to visit soon.

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  2. Remember to plant beans or peas with your corn, and squash, cucumbers or pumpkins, too. That's how they do it in the South. Gives you more for the same space. The corn provides the support for the beans/peas; the beans/peas give the corn nitrogen and the vine plants are a sort of living mulch. At least that is what I've read and what hubby has told me. :)

    I want raised beds, but I don't know if it will be practical. Have to see. :)

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  3. They do cause a lot of damage don't they. You should see what they do to backyard ponds!

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  4. Hi Linda :) That method is called the Three Sisters. The organic farmer nearby has two beds planted this way (see earlier post). I'm going to try it myself next year.

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