What’s Wrong with this Picture?
Late winter, early spring is a quiet time for harvesting, even in a year around gardening climate. Things are beginning to pop, however, and the beets, lettuce, and chard are coming on strong.
According to the harvest calendar leeks should come along soon, but it’s man vs. beast. The Gardener has experienced a set back.
What’s wrong with this picture?
Ordinarily the round, thickening part of the maturing leek stem would be evident at ground level. In this picture (left) we have the flat blade of the upper leaves poking from the dirt. How can this be, you might well ask? Sadly, a gopher has come along from below, eaten off the yummy leek and pulled the plant underground in the process. Sigh.
The Gardener has deployed the deadly Black Hole gopher trap. The game is on.
Here’s what The Gardener brought to the kitchen.
Save the Harvest 
We miss our killer cat who controlled these ‘vectors’ for us for over 18 years. He retired and passed away one year ago January. His replacement is in mourning and doesn’t enjoy hunting without his friend. It is time to rescue another hunter cat from the shelter.
Cats are a key ally in vector control. In this case, The Gardener has achieved an overnight score. Gardener 1, Gophers 0.
Status update – The Gardener won. The Black Hole did its work and the leek harvest is in. More on that in a future post.
I could watch Scld’iherns List and still be happy after reading this.