Save Some for Me!

Over the years I've had encounters with a variety of wildlife.  One of my most notable experiences was my attempt last summer to capture a rogue armadillo that was ravaging my garden.  I set out a Havahart trap in an armadillo traffic zone, but did I catch an armadillo?  Noooo!

I caught several raccoons, an opossum, a bunny, and a roadrunner.  We let them all go free, but the experience underscored the abundance of wildlife in the area.  I have a hunch that if I put out a trap with some food, I could probably catch something every night of the week.

Growing fruits and vegetables with nature waiting patiently nearby to steal your harvest can be a serious problem.  In my garden, I've seen raccoons flatten a patch of corn overnight.  And, who hasn't had a rascally squirrel steal that perfect tomato?  It's so frustrating.

There's an old saying that goes something like this, "One for the blackbird, one for the crow, one for the cutworm, and one to grow."  The idea is to grow extra knowing that nature will claim her share.

I do tend to grow a little extra, but none of my experiences prepared me for the party that took place in my melon patch.  In one night, I lost 8 melons.  Hey, you silly varmints, save some for me! 

Needless to say, all remaining melons were harvested and left to ripen in the safety of my kitchen.