iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

The test pull and tasting in soup of the Spanish Roja was deemed a success! Ergo the Chief Gardener decided to pull and start the curing of the rest. Weed & Feed complete. Compost and soil amendments added. 22 Kenearly Yelloweye Bush Beans are now planted in the bed.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Good morning from the Cassiopeia Garden & Urban Orchard. We grow here in Maryland Zone 7 at the top of the Chesapeake Bay and bottom of the Susquehanna River. We typically pick the berries a bit under ripe to help us out compete the critters and birds. Strawberries & Nanking Cherries!

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Yukon Gold test harvest. Planted 4 seed potatoes and got 18 for eating with another 4 going back into the bag. As an early spud, we can get a second harvest easy enough here in Maryland Zone 7. Added some soil amendments, fertilizer and capped with rice hulls to help with moisture retention.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

The beet experiment mixed in with the shallots worked, not well enough to repeat though. Still any harvest in times of plenty or not is better than none. Eat what you grow and grow what you eat. Gold and Egyptian Bing Beets for pickling.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

This galvanized raised bed isn't worth a hill of beans... Not! Cleaned her up quite a bit. Added some compost, rice hulls, perlite, and vermiculite with a sprinkling of Trifecta+. In it are some spare Slenderette and Tonya's Pink Pod bush beans. Grow what you eat & eat what you grow.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Brining some homegrown turnips and onions. Salt, cumin and paprika added. Will be pickling tomorrow after letting the brine mix set overnight.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

We've had to out-compete the B1RDs for ages. Today was no exception. Despite the needed deluge and generally miserable conditions out we have gained 2 lbs. 13 oz. or so of pitted Rainier Cherries. Would have liked to wait another weekend personally. The birds know though.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Smells very shallot like out in the garden and in the back deck this morning. Bush beans going in the 40 square feet of area this weekend. Quite intoxicating actually! 😋🌿💚

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Just a reminder, although good for what they are advertised for, they ain't the end game and you need to understand that virus are fracking really small. You may want to keep the necessary chemicals on hand in your water system too. lifestraw.com/blogs/news/h....

lifestraw.com

The Science Behind LifeStraw Filtration

A 0.2-micron pore is 350 times smaller than a human hair and small enough to block bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. Learn how LifeStraw's hollow fiber membrane technology works, what it removes...

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

It's that time to begin harveting of the Grey Griselle Shallots. Allium Oschaninii is considered one of the more rare and most true shallots. There's more on the metal web wagon but it's getting dark. Time to wrap it up for the night at the Cassiopeia Garden & Urban Orchard, MD Zone 7.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Rainier Cherries are getting more ripe by the day at our little urban garden and orchard. 🌳

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Many shallots are starting to crown here at the Cassiopeia Garden and Urban Orchard, Maryland (US) Zone 7. This one was ready, from one there are six.

Not even sure what variety this was, it was in with the onions :-) Still though, it's a nice bunch of shallots.

Cleaned up, needs a hair cut and set in the small greenhouse to cure.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Listen folks, if you ready this, remember that there comes a point in this ongoing conflict where countries that need gas and can't get it right now will start having power outages, brownouts, etc. When they start announcing that you need to volunteer to cut back power, stock up on water fast.

Apple Tree #2 Mulch and Compost Ring completed today. Gave her a good drink (12 gallons).

We've been graced again by at least one Eastern Box Turtle making nests and laying eggs in the Cassiopeia Garden and Urban Orchard.

We're using sunflowers this year for our 3 Sisters planting.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Pear Tree #1 got their mulch ring extended another 6". Weeded, fed a generous amount of compost and aged manure. Covered with a nice layer of hardwood mulch. Another pear to do later today after work. #Gardening in an urban setting works. Grow what you eat and eat what you grow.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Though of the day, voting must still matter as they are still gerrymandering everything everywhere to disenfranchise folks. Potatoes for authenticity. A half dozen of the types we are growing. See ALT for names. All in Maryland Zone 7 (US). We've cut the nitrogen feed as they're lush enough.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Drought 2 status here in Maryland Zone 7. Still testing down to about 2 inches (5 cm) before watering the grow bags and containers. Feeding with a higher Potassium and Phosphorus water soluable product every 2 weeks. The pea experiment this year seems to be working on the north side. 🥰

Baltic Rose and Pomerelle Potatoes. Planted in Mid-March 2026 here in Maryland Zone 7 (US).

Blackberry Potatoes - Planted the second weekend of March here in Maryland Zone 7 (US).

Makah Ozette Potatoes - Planted the third weekend of March 2026 here in Maryland Zone 7 (US). This is the fingerling I would want to make vodka from :-D

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Sunday shenanigans with one of our cherry trees in our little urban orchard. Her first year producing cherries too. Herbs are all planted. Time to wash away that compost and aged manure smell. 😂

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

When you have an urban garden and orchard you have to do whatever is necessary for it to grow. Weeding, feeding, mulching and composting in progress. Labor of love, but the fruits are sweeter for sure

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

"It can't rain all the time." by Jane Siberry Solar helps, just not as much on cloudy days. We're saving to add a battery system.

Our best day for our home solar was 21APR26, we had a few more days at just below 72.3 KW hours per day, but this is a new record for us for daily production.

We bought our system, well paid cash, in November 2025. System built, certified, and brought online in the final closing days of 2025. Operational on 07JAN26.

For April we produced 1.43 MW hours.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Historical data implies that the last 50/50 frost date for Havre de Grace is today (25APR26). Local data from gardening here leads us to believe the soil temperature is good so they've been planted. Their roots were starting to wrap too, so it's time. Grow what you eat and eat what you grow.

Hardened off and ready to go! Peppers and Tomatoes!

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Peas staked to the north side of a potato grow bag provide good usage for the entire bag. Garlic and leeks can be grown together, simply use the spacing between rows and columns. Parsnips are finicky when sprouting, add more seed in your rows and prepare to thin.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Grow what you eat and eat what you grow. Start small, plan and plant what you like to eat. No property, try to grow in grow bags or other containers with drainage.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

We don't have ducks or squirrels in rows, but we have Alliums in rows! Favorite time of the year at our little urban garden and orchard. Maryland Zone 7, Harford County.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

Del Monte Foods has closed their last operating fruit cannery, after a 2025 Chapter 11 bankruptcy and failed sale, resulting in 765 layoffs. This marks the end of a 140-year era for the company. Add to shopping list now for long term storage. Always better to be growing than owing.

Del Monte Foods filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2025 due to a combination of high debt, shifting consumer preferences away from canned goods, and overproduction following the pandemic.

The company faced intense financial pressure from servicing debt, rising steel tariffs, and increased competition from cheaper store brands.

Key Reasons for Bankruptcy:
Declining Demand & Changing Habits: Consumers are increasingly moving away from preservative-laden, canned fruits and vegetables toward healthier, fresher alternatives.

Crippling Debt Load: The company has long been burdened by high debt levels resulting from past leveraged buyouts, making it difficult to invest in company growth.

Overproduction & Inventory Missteps: After a surge in demand during the pandemic, Del Monte produced too much inventory. When demand dropped, they were left with excessive stock, leading to significant storage costs and losses.

Rising Operational Costs: Tariffs on imported steel increased the cost of manufacturing cans, tightening profit margins.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I don't have a money maker to shake and as I would rather not be owing, we're growing.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Being a liberal prepper is like the worst, you want to be inclusive, to build a team. Everyone needs to do their part though. In a time such as this, today, remember not to rush out and buy everything on this list. Get extra if you can. Preserve it in mason jars and mylar.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Community resilience & sustainability can only be achieved with inclusion and respect for neighbors, neighborhoods, and other citizens. When all else fails, do not count on outside help, push your elected officials for items such as balcony solar and HOA / City Community Gardens. Hold them to task!

This is our roof mounted solar. Imagine if almost every household was able to deploy balcony solar. We have a 12 KWh system, balcony solar is limited to 1.2 KWh. 10% of 1.1 MWh = 110 KWh. That goes a long way toward reducing power bills.

Our final total for 01MAR26 to 31MAR26 was 1.2 MWh. There are a lot of homes, rental or owned, that can benefit from producing their own energy.

Prices aren't going to get better. Grow, cook, and eat what you produce.
For those who rent or have no yard, substitute larger flower pots and grow bags for production in a south facing solution.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

In a world of forest clearing and clear cutting, being a gnarly tree is life saving.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Sparrows and other birds nesting nearby will be happier when the beds are done, as they're for sunflowers this year.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Un popular opinion incoming. I would love to back this, but lately it seems that there is a large group of people who are armored and armed with allegiance to one person and not an oath to the Constitution. Sadly, it's going to get much worse before it gets better. 😔

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Time to get busy on the orchard portion of our little urban garden. The first of the trees have blossomed, known as Nanking Cherries. Latin: Prunus Tomentosa Family: Rosaceae Tasty & juicy. For freezing, pit and add honey, cap and turn a few times for a few hours.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Ever get that song tick in your head? What you got playing in your noggin? Today it's Helvegen by Wardruna. www.youtube.com/watch?v=n90S...

youtube.com

Wardruna - Helvegen (Official Live Video)

YouTube video by wardruna

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Last and just in time for the dinner bell, we weeded and fed the Elephant Garlic bed. Added 32 Laurentian Leeks and cleaned up the German Red Garlic bed from winter losses 😬 but added 48 Laurentian Leeks in there as well. Time to fertilize the onions, shallots, and garlics for Spring.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Carrots galore! Well more of a rainbow of different varieties. From Lunar White to so dark purple they're almost black! Great for the eyes and the wallet! Tomorrow, weather permitting, we're going to get the parsnips into their whiskey half barrels.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Busy Saturday at the Cassiopeia Gardens. Beets, Rutabagas, Turnips and Cabbage transplants, plus much more done today. Always better to be growing instead of owing.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Pinto Gold, Magic Molly and more Makah Ozette planted. Various peas planted along the 48 inch ground stakes. Managed to get the carrot bed ready for planting just before the rain commenced.

Carrot bed for 2026 at the Cassiopeia Gardens :-)

Another set of Makah Ozette fingerling potatoes planted.

Pinto Gold and Magic Molly potatoes planted. This is a test order to see how well they do here, so they got two bags each. Another bag of Makah Ozette fingerlings got added too.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Just some thoughts on recruiting others to be part of your tribe when you need a community to make it after the grid fails, like in Cuba right now. Having folks to fill the slots before it happens helps.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Spring is trying to be sprung here at the little urban Cassiopeia Gardens & Orchard. 3 blocks from city hall at the top of the Chesapeake Bay and anus of the Susquehanna River (looking at you PA Frackers). All Alliums doing well. Lots of bulbs popping. Trees are budding (slow down!)

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

If you build it, they will grow. 🥔 Its build a raised bed for potatoes Saturday. Nice day, bit breezy. 13 each of Pomerelle Russet and Baltic Rose Red spuds in for the 2026 season here at the little urban garden and orchard. Union break time, lunch is about ready! Maryland USA Zone 7

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Western Cistern, a lot of work to not have to pay the city for watering the garden and BGE to power the system. Probably never going to be a commercial system, but we're good with it being done, working and off grid. Eastern Cistern working too. The downspouts and runoff we can capture we use.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

I keep remembering Kharg Island on the charts. I have no knowledge of what is currently happening, but I do know the mission statemement of the US Marines. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize the economic importance and strategic value of it if the oil and water systems remain functional.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Children’s Allotment Gardens: Fun & Learning combined with the joy of gardening cultivate creativity and outdoor play. They can be set up in family plots, school gardens, local parks and offer benefits for both kids and adults. A community that grows together survives together.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Doing a great job too of doing it!

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Cold weather crops, brassicas in their like. Root vegetables, turnips, potatoes, rutabaga in Zone 7. Lastly, if you've planted peas, make sure to get the right sized trellis system in place. Hold off on setting out members of the nightshade family (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) into the soil.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Carrie cleaned up the Boysenberry Canes, so I refreshed the bed and planted more... Makah Ozette Fingerling Potatoes 😂🌿💚 Yes, I may have over ordered a bit. They're tasty though if you're a fan of pine nuts or buttery chestnuts in a fingerling potato form!

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

There are a lot of stories, how to, tall tails and other lore, legend and myth about the Oca Tubers. Very late season harvest. It's easy to miss tubers when harvesting. They only start bulbing out when days get back to less than 9 hours of sunlight. Our Cassiopeia Garden experiment for 2026.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

That time at gardening camp... 😂 Second set of Makah Ozette fingerling potatoes planted. Juliete Cherry Bush please meet Carmen and Romeo! Juliete will provide sweet cherries and grow to about 6' tall.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Work nights, can't get as much done at the Cassiopeia Garden and Urban Orchard. New raised bed, with one more to go there. Planted with Makah Ozette seed potatoes. They're a late season fingerling of exceptional taste. Seriously if I had the room and time to learn these would be vodka! 😂💚🌿

Foreground planters are Hazlenut Bushes. To the left is our crop of Elephant Garlic. To the right are the Plum Perfect Floribunda Roses.

We had another purpose for these 3'x3'x1' raised beds, but that fell through so a silver lining and all.

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Suralle Straykat @suralle.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

A busy weekend at the little urban Cassiopeia Garden & Orchard. Added a new potato bag row. Finished planting the remainder of the peas. More to come as Spring has sprung here in Maryland Zone 7! Top of the Chesapeake Bay and anus of the Susquehanna River. See ALT for descriptions.

Blue Shelling and Spring Blush Peas planted today. About 30 each along the trellis section. They get pretty tall, 5 to 7 feet. A sturdy trellis is suggested.

New Potato Bag Row added today. 6 new 20 gallon bags with Katahdin (x2) and Canada Gold (x4) Potatoes planted.

Each 3 foot stake got 3 more of the Early Frosty variety of Peas. They grow rather short and top out at about 2.5 feet.

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