It’s been awhile since I’ve given a nursery update. Lots has been going on. It’s been difficult to find time to write being back to work, being summertime, and begging there are a lot of other things going on right now. All good things.
On the nursery side, I now have 3 prong LED grow lights for sale. These are great for all of your indoor gardening needs. They have blue and red light, as well as a timer, a dimmer, and a clip to fasten to a table. I’ll be using these for several things we’re overwintering in the garage this year.
I have a project I’m trying to line up, building a cold frame to lean against our house and grow salad greens into the Pittsburgh winter. Not that it’s completely necessary, we have grown kale and other greens that have survived in a harvestable state into January and some have even overwintered to produce seeds the next year. I’m a little nervous because I am less than handy, but I would like to improve this area of my life and I think this project is a good place to start for several reasons. First, it is completely separate from the house, so if I do mess it up it won’t mess something up with the house that will involve hiring a professional to help. Second, it is a project that I feel that even if it doesn’t turn out completely perfect I think it will be a learning experience and a confidence boost for me. Aside from growing salad greens in the winter, this will also be a great place for seedlings for the nursery. I’m going to convert a small cabinet into a cold frame as well, but that involves much less skill.
We’re also trying to line up what we’ll be doing next spring. I plan on having Japanese Maple and black cherry seedlings, and several other tree species. We will also have various pepper seedlings and several seed varieties. We’ll also look into expanding the amount of gardening accessories that we carry and will update the website as we do.
Speaking of peppers, they are producing very well right now. We’ve had 3 varieties mature already, and a fourth that I think is finally over its blossom end rot. Corn is coming along too and several small pumpkins have formed. We are now turning our attention to fall gardening, sowing cilantro, lettuce, kale, and carrot seeds. I actually have a couple cilantro seedlings already growing indoors, ready to plant later this month to enjoy fall cilantro.
I have other exciting news too. One of my neighbors is starting his own side business as a home improvement contractor. His name is Mani, and he can build anything. I’ll include some pictures of what he has built. I think this kind of work is what he should be doing for himself instead of working for someone else. He is too skilled to not use these talents. He has built decks, ponds, railings, fixed roofs, and done much more. I’m wishing him the best on his new business, Mani’s Home Improvement, LLC. It’s nice to have a friend who is also trying to start a side business. If you are in the need of any home services in the greater Pittsburgh area, call him at 412-708-1923. He is fully insured and registered (PA158128).
Wishing you all a great weekend and an abundant gardening season!
Meneely Family Nursery 