By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Two Doves Bees & Gardens.

As the sun beats down on the garden, the plants begin to show signs of stress. Leaves turn yellow, and the once-lush greenery starts to wither away. It’s a familiar scene for many gardeners, especially during the dog days of summer. John and Sarah Wright, hosts of Two Doves Bees & Gardens, are no strangers to this struggle. In their latest episode, they share their own experiences with the challenges of summer gardening, from setting up soaker hoses to protecting their chickens from raccoons.

Watering in the Wilderness

For John and Sarah Wright, the first order of business was to set up a watering system for their fig trees. As John explains, ‘This is the first time I’ve watered these trees this year. So here we are, August 2nd, and this is the first time, besides rain, that they’ve actually gotten some water.’ The Wrights use a combination of soaker hoses and three-way splitters to ensure their trees get the water they need.

The Wrights’ approach to watering is a testament to their resourcefulness and dedication to their garden. By using soaker hoses, they’re able to deliver water directly to the roots of the plants, reducing evaporation and runoff. This approach not only helps to conserve water but also reduces the risk of overwatering, which can be just as detrimental to plants as drought.

Fending Off Predators

While watering is a crucial aspect of summer gardening, it’s not the only challenge the Wrights face. Raccoons have been a persistent problem, attacking the Wrights’ chickens and causing significant damage. As John notes, ‘We’ve lost, I think, seven chickens over the last few days. The raccoons have been busy.’ The Wrights are taking steps to protect their flock, including fortifying their coop and using screech owl boxes to attract natural predators.

The Wrights’ experience with raccoons is a stark reminder of the challenges that come with raising animals in the garden. However, their determination to protect their flock is inspiring, and their creative solutions to the problem are a testament to their resourcefulness.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the challenges they face, the Wrights remain optimistic about the future of their garden. With their new baby chicks on the way, they’re excited to see the next generation of their flock thrive. As John says, ‘We have them in our seed room, and there they are, hanging out under the heat.’ The Wrights’ enthusiasm is infectious, and their love for their garden and its inhabitants is clear.

The Wrights’ story serves as a reminder that even in the toughest of times, there is always hope for the future. With their dedication to their garden and their commitment to finding creative solutions to the challenges they face, they’re an inspiration to gardeners everywhere.

In the end, the Wrights’ experiences offer a valuable lesson in perseverance and resourcefulness. As the dog days of summer drag on, their story serves as a reminder that with the right approach and a little bit of creativity, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

The full episode of Two Doves Bees & Gardens is available on OBBM Network TV.