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
Those darn raccoons look so cute but they cause so much damage. Let's hope it finds other gardens to visit soon.
ReplyDeleteRemember 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. :)
ReplyDeleteI want raised beds, but I don't know if it will be practical. Have to see. :)
They do cause a lot of damage don't they. You should see what they do to backyard ponds!
ReplyDeleteHi 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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