WEEKLY GARDEN THREAD VOLUME 41. OCTOBER 12, 2012

Free Republic | October 12, 2012 | greeneyes

[greeneyes]

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.

This thread is non-political, although you will find that most here are conservative folks. 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 ... there is no telling where it will go and that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us!

[Arrowhead1952]

My fall garden is coming in nicely. Lots of veggies for later in the year. My neighbor has a few cherry tomato plants that are loaded. Mine are almost ripe.

[Sarajevo]

No gasoline ration for a week.

[jyro]

I planted Radishes, onions, kale, spinach, beets, and collard greens. My spuds are in the ground with some nice tops. The broccoli is coming around nice. all my tomato plants are loaded with blooms and the pepper plants have fruit set.

[Sarajevo]

Here is my problem -
Tomato plants.
I've grown them in the hoophouse, but they didn't fruit well. I've grown them in pots with manure, and they look like they are affected by herbicide's. I planted them in pots with fresh soil (no amendments, no fertilizers), and they still act as if they are affected by herbicides. The leaves are stunted, curled, and chlorotic. We have some blooms, but no fruit.

I've went to the local Ag Extension office for bags to send in soil samples, but the samples won't cover pesticides, petroleum, or other pathogens.

Any idea's?

[greeneyes]

OK, thanks. I haven’t grown any sweet potatoes yet, but may try it next year.

[greeneyes]

Don’t know the punishment, but I think I would get some of that cheap white wire fence from Walmart or the cheap plastic edging, and run that around the garden.

Put some of those wind wheels at the corners and midway on each side. That way the garden is clearly designated, so there can be no excuse for confusion.

[greeneyes]

Great news for you. I am really appreciating the few tomatoes I have eaten so far, and anticipating all the green ones that will ripen over the next few months.

[greeneyes]

That sounds great. I have to admit that I have been extremely deficient in activity this fall. A bit discouraged from the bad summer crop, I guess. Plus I am not a big fan of most fall crops anyway.

[tubebender]

Some Sage advice if you have the Thyme for me Rosemary... The propaganda that you will have all the time in the world to garden when you retire is a Crock of pure unadulterated fresh Bull Manure. More news at 11...

[greeneyes]

I don't know really, but I had good success growing them in Mel's mix and 2-5 gallon garden pots. I put a banana peel, crushed eggs, fish meal, and a handful of slow release fertilizer in the bottom 2 inches before adding more of the soiless mix and the tomato transplant.

After the harvest. I dump the mix with new compost into the area where I will be planting winter wheat which is sown with clover in late winter. Plow that under after wheat harvest, and plant some bush beans.

[greeneyes]

LOL. I can RELATE! I am so busy, I don’t know how I ever managed to find time to work outside the home for more than 40 years. LOL. Course I was younger, quicker, and had a lot more stamina. Still LOL.

[Just mythoughts]

OK, thanks. I haven’t grown any sweet potatoes yet, but may try it next year.

I start my 'slips' in mid to late May, depending on the weather. I usually do not plant the rooted slips until second week of June.

I take the saved sweet potatoes from previous year, and place them in the soil covered just slightly, potting soil works best if the soil is not super loose. I have been putting mine in a raised bed near a water barrel and water frequently. Then as the slips grow I break them free from the potato and place them in a glass jar and keep them watered. I have been told it is best to cut off any of the potato that breaks with the new slip, apparently having part of the potato interferes with the plant forming strong multiple roots.

Once the roots get established, and it will not take long, a week or so, then I plant the slips in a prepared raised bed just for sweet potatoes. They love water but do not like to stay in water so need good drainage.

There is a place in TN that I ordered some slips some years back. I also found at Lowe's a few slips this year. But if you are still interested in planting some come next April, give me a ping and I will let you know how my potatoes are looking for making new slips. IF they look good I would be pleased to send you some.

[greeneyes]

Ok. Thanks, I’ll try to remember that if I decide to plant them. That’s so nice. Thanks again.

[rightly_dividing]

Thanks for posting the thread again for us.

Our ghost pepper plants have doubled in size this week while we were gone for several days. We may have to transplant to a larger size container soon.

[greeneyes]

You are welcome. Good news on the pepper plants.

[Nepeta]

I've grown them in the hoophouse, but they didn't fruit well.

Regarding fruit set--for the first time this year, I intentionally "shook" the branches that had blossoms on them to encourage the transfer of pollen. I've read that some people use electric toothbrushes to accomplish the same thing. In any case, my tomatoes set a lot of fruit! (Fruit set sprays only work in lower-temperatures--when it is warm, they do not enhance fruit-set).

Hope this helps. Perhaps the hoophouse cut down on any breezes/insect pollinators.

[Red_Devil 232]

I would give that fig tree some cover if it is very young. If it is small enough just pile a bunch of pine needles around it. People who live in extreme cold regions go to great lengths to cover their trees, even mature ones. Search for some youtube videos on the subject.

[jyro]

here in Texas broccoli plants will last for years, I’m on my 3rd year for 3 plants. after you have it once tilled, it’s easy after that. The weather is cooler now, get to work.

[greeneyes]

Thanks for the info.

[greeneyes]

That’s interesting. I’ll have to tell my daughter. She is the only real broccoli fan in the family. I can not stand cool or cold weather - every joint in my body hurts. Once the temps get into the 30s and 40s, I stay in the house and I don’t even go to the grocery store.LOL.