I can't explain the feeling I get when I get into the garden. I come out tired, sweaty, and feel like a million bucks. We all "blame" our mom for giving us the fever.
I gave up on ordering the cool weather seeds yoday. I went to Walmart and got in on the 20 cent seeds, as well as a few that were $1.00 a pack. I'm looking for the flourescent lights I used last year, and planning how to make a nice area to start everything.
What about soil testing? I looked at the USDA map that listed my soil as "Sandy Loam", but unless sandy loam looks like poor dirt with a vein of gray clay and full of rocks, they missed it this time. I used up all of my compost last year, and added sand and some finely chopped leaves. I turned under as much as I could from last year. Every little bit helps! As far as I could tell, everything grew quite well last year, so I might pass on the soil test.
Have any of you used diatomaceous earth to control pests? For crawling pests, I haven't found anything that works better. You can also worm the pets by adding it to their food (Get the food grade). Mom absolutely massacred the ants that had been getting into her home for 35 years! Two summers of treating around the outside of the house and visible anthills, and they're almost all gone!
Again, thanks for the tips. I'll use that as a base for more research. Some of the things on the list I already planted in the fall to give the vegetables and apples a better chance to pollinate this spring. Well, I'm off to get started..........Back surgery or not, the gardening must go on.
Both my daughters used to hate it when I gave them gardening chores. They said they'd rather do housework. (which was fine with me!) Now, that they are both out on their own they can't wait to garden. The oldest daughter and her husband bought their first house 3 years ago when he retired from the army. From the first days that daughter was out planting and planning. She *has* the fever and can't wait for my visits to discuss gardening.
The youngest daughter is still in a renting situation but has been looking for a good value on a house to buy. She also now talks of room to plant vegetables because she misses the taste of "ours." :-) It is a very humbling thing to see them come to this.
What about soil testing?
I confess, I have never had this done. I always ~intended~ to but haven't ever done it at any of the places I've lived. But with the amending efforts from compost and leaves you are well on your way to great soil imho.
Have any of you used diatomaceous earth to control pests?
Great stuff that! A bit pricey but the cost has gone down in recent years. I always forget to put it out till I've got bad problems but it does fix things.
Sending up prayers for your back too. I am there with ya on the back. There are days when I can't get from the bed to the bathrooom without aid but I also find I am much better and in less pain on the days when I get out and work in the garden. Learn your limits and then make yourself stick to them so you can garden again tomorrow. For me, it's about balancing the work with the pleasure. I think gardening is the most healing thing I can do for my back - as long as I keep within my limits and take those rest breaks.
Have any of you used diatomaceous earth to control pests? For crawling pests, I haven’t found anything that works better. <<<
I did use it for insects for years.
Anything that you learn here, is the basis for more study, you will never learn it all and we all have our own methods of doing things.
You can get a soil test at the extension office or could at one time. You might ask at the local nurseries.
Keep adding the compost that comes your way and if your plants are growing well, then you are on the right path.
When I am working in the garden, I feel God is close by, and will always be amazed at the miracle of a seed, some not much larger than a grain of sand, will grow and produce the food needed to keep us alive.
At times I have wondered if I collected seeds, just to have a seed collection?
Excellent idea to plant and attract the needed bees, there has been some articles on the colors of flowers that bees prefer, I have forgotten what I read.
Ohh dear, this could become a big project, take a look at the results here.....LOL