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Weekly Garden Thread - February 3-9, 2024 [Can Animals Predict the Weather? Edition]
February 4, 2024 | Diana in WI/Greeneyes in Memoriam

Posted on 02/03/2024 6:04:04 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin

The Weekly Gardening Thread is a weekly gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds. From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you.

If you have specific question about a plant/problem you are having, please remember to state the Growing Zone where you are located.

This thread is a non-political respite. No matter what, you won’t be flamed, and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked.

It is impossible to hijack the Weekly Gardening Thread. Planting, Harvest to Table Recipes, Preserving, Good Living - there is no telling where it will go - and that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us! Send a Private Message to Diana in Wisconsin if you'd like to be added to our New & Improved Ping List.

NOTE: This is a once a week Ping List. We DO post to the thread during the week. Links to related articles and discussions which might be of interest to Gardeners are welcomed any time!


TOPICS: Agriculture; Food; Gardening; Hobbies
KEYWORDS: animals; food; gardening; weather
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

We’ve had a pair of ducks return to our pool in late winter/early spring for many years (multiple generations?).

They seem to know when the cold weather is breaking, so when we see them, we know Spring is around the corner. May still have a cold snap, or even some snow, but it’s quickly gone.

They will stay for a month or two, and then fly off, most likely to make their nest. We’ve had a single egg laid here a couple of times, but never hatched. Occasionally the pair will come back with an extra “friend” (usually a male), but they don’t stay very long.

Last year they arrived very early, at the end of January; and it was a mild end of winter but very rainy spring and relatively cool summer. Have not seen them yet this year...


21 posted on 02/03/2024 9:46:23 AM PST by twyn1 (“An evil man will burn his own country to the ground to rule over the ashes”)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

We are having the same nice weather as you. Deer have been up around the house almost daily, small groups of 3-5, eating the myrtle and evergreens from our Christmas wreath. All that snow melted and left them hungry.

I remember when my hubby was working and every day for years he would call right before he left work which was about 20 minutes away. I started noticing our little dog would get up stretch and go sit by the slider that faces the driveway. At first I didn’t think much of it, he would get all excited of course when “daddy” came home. It got so regular and went on for a few years before I realized that he did not have a clock in his head but paid attention to the phone ringing and hearing me talk to my hubby. Then he knew about 20 minutes later to go sit by the slider and keep watch. It was awhile before I figured out that the phone call was the trigger. Slow I was!


22 posted on 02/03/2024 10:24:04 AM PST by MomwithHope (Forever grateful to all our patriots, past, present and future.)
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To: Pollard

I started some seed this week.

I did the onions, lavender, and rosemary. Some of them take a long time to germinate so I figured I would get them in so they might be coming up by the end of the month. The grow lights are ready to go.

The onions I wanted a good start on because I’d like them a little more mature when I put them in. I’d like a better survival rate for them and figure that if the plants are a little bigger, they’d do better. I tried to not sow them very thickly either. Sowing them too densely seems to keep them small.


23 posted on 02/03/2024 10:42:44 AM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus…)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

Great cat picture

I prefer dogs but that one’s pretty cute


24 posted on 02/03/2024 10:45:47 AM PST by SaveFerris (Luke 17:28 ... as it was in the Days of Lot; They did Eat, They Drank, They Bought, They Sold ......)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

We’re not looking at quite so warm but definitely in the 40’s later next week. Considering how brutal it can be at this time of year, I’ll take everything we can get.

We haven’t really had much in the way of nor’easters yet this winter. A few had the potential but it was warm enough that it came as rain.

March is the month for the potential for the really bad nor’easters because of the temperature contrast between the tropics and the poles. Well see what happens. We’re ready for the worst.


25 posted on 02/03/2024 10:47:51 AM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus…)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin; AFB-XYZ; ArcadeQuarters; blackdog; FamiliarFace; goodnesswins; ...

26 posted on 02/03/2024 12:31:45 PM PST by Albion Wilde (Either ‘the Deep State destroys America, or we destroy the Deep State.’ --Donald Trump)
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To: Albion Wilde

Someone needs to.

I wish someone these days would be interested in learning it.


27 posted on 02/03/2024 12:39:24 PM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus…)
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To: Albion Wilde

A couple of years ago I got a wooden sign from Cracker Barrel

I’M NOT GETTING OLD

I JUST NEED TO BE REPOTTED


28 posted on 02/03/2024 12:44:07 PM PST by Tennessee Nana
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To: metmom
Someone needs to. I wish someone these days would be interested in learning it.

I was just feeling that way about 1) our religion, and 2) manners and respect.

29 posted on 02/03/2024 1:18:18 PM PST by Albion Wilde (Either ‘the Deep State destroys America, or we destroy the Deep State.’ --Donald Trump)
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To: Albion Wilde

Oh no! Can’t see the pic, only a small square. Can you re-try please? Now my curiosity is up. Many thanks! :-)


30 posted on 02/03/2024 1:20:50 PM PST by AFB-XYZ (Two options: 1) Stand up, or 2) Bend over)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

Awww beautiful ginger!


31 posted on 02/03/2024 1:31:10 PM PST by CottonBall (How cute that people think there are still elections. )
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To: AFB-XYZ

Freepmail for you!


32 posted on 02/03/2024 1:31:59 PM PST by Albion Wilde (Either ‘the Deep State destroys America, or we destroy the Deep State.’ --Donald Trump)
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To: Albion Wilde

Thanks very much!


33 posted on 02/03/2024 1:33:41 PM PST by AFB-XYZ (Two options: 1) Stand up, or 2) Bend over)
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To: Albion Wilde

LOVE your meme. This is exactly why we are here now, and passing on what our parents and grandparents taught us. Otherwise it is lost or discarded.


34 posted on 02/03/2024 3:46:22 PM PST by MomwithHope (Forever grateful to all our patriots, past, present and future.)
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To: goodnesswins

I have indoor/outdoor cats, and they’re pretty relaxed about it. They always have kibble available to them...and all the mice they can catch.

The two BEAGLES on the other hand! OMG! 4:30pm for supper and if breakfast is later than 8am, they are jumping on the BED to get me up and rolling! ;)


35 posted on 02/03/2024 6:30:18 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: Qiviut

Our ‘Lakota’ (Treeing Walker Coon Hound, RIP) could hear thunder in the distance even when a storm was miles and miles and miles away. When he would stand on top of his dog house and start barking, we KNEW rain was on the way.

Sadly, he did not train any of the other dogs in this skill, so since his passing this Fall, it looks like we’re all gonna get wet, LOL!


36 posted on 02/03/2024 6:34:02 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: unclejohncornbread

“What can we do to keep the Polk weed from coming back AND get grass to grow this spring.”

I think with Polk Weed, you need to nuke it from space! ;)

Unless I misunderstood, getting grass to grow around trees/in shade is near impossible. Once you get the Polk Week out, (everyone hates Round Up, but this is probably a job for Round-Up) I’d either go for a ‘Shade Garden’ or plant some sort of ground cover that likes the shade.

More information would help me help you. Did you also clear the trees completely? What’s the sunlight going to be like where you want to grow grass? :)


37 posted on 02/03/2024 6:39:33 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: MayflowerMadam

Sheep have colorful urine? I guess I’ve never checked, LOL!


38 posted on 02/03/2024 6:40:18 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: MomwithHope

Our domesticated pets are creatures of habit, that’s for sure. :)


39 posted on 02/03/2024 6:42:33 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: Albion Wilde

That is absolute perfection, IMHO! Thanks so much! I just might get a tattoo, LOL! :)


40 posted on 02/03/2024 6:44:59 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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