11/21/2025
Erika here.
I always scold myself for not posting more about the gardening aspect of the haunt. In fact, many of our visitors are shocked to learn that I grow the corn myself.
To be honest, buying corn stalks, transporting them and staking them in my yard would be far more work (not to mention expensive) than growing them myself. Tenacious rats notwithstanding, this variety of corn (Trucker dent) is a very easy crop to grow.
Today I'm clearing areas to move both my greenhouse and the portable car port. Both served as the structure for the witch tunnel, but now they are needed for storage and for my winter herb garden.
I don't use pesticides and rely on companion planting to help deter "pests". I grow a medicinal herb garden, so when you walk the trail during the haunt, you may notice herbs dispersed among the corn. The photos show nasturtium, lemongrass, catmint, chives, lemon balm, borage, and mint, which was an unfortunate accident. iykyk🤣
Overwintering the soil is important to have a successful crop the following year. I'm cutting the corn and letting it lie as it decomposes, leeching nutrients into the soil. But then I'll plant overwintering crops in its stead, which will further condition the soil.
That's the hope anyway. Once snowboarding season starts, I tend to forget I have a backyard. 🤣
