THE WEEKLY GARDEN THREAD VOLUME 34 AUGUST 28, 2015

freerepublic | 08/28/2015 | 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. 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!

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 are welcomed, so feel free to post them at any time.

[GizzyGirl]

That's him alright! He's lived here for years...in fact I wouldn't be surprised if I'm not in a second generation family feud. My son-in-law is going to help me fortify the base of the shed once and for all, he comes up under the shed and in. I've got wire around the whole thing but he continues to outsmart me.

My leg is better, walking (with a limp but it's going away) and driving, which brings immediate happiness when compared to the first 6 weeks! Gave in and am now going to physical therapy to help loosen up ankle which feels locked when trying to go down stairs. Thanks for asking, should be good as new soon.

[trisham]

They are devious little creatures, but awfully cute as well. :)

[Ladysforest]

Thanks for the update about Johnny.

Ithaca huh? I have a son who lives there. Works in some fancy bakery where only ORGANIC stuff is used. It’s Ithaca, so ... of course.

They should have some good farmers markets there. The weather here in upstate has been beautiful and very mild, mid-70’s to low 80’s. The leaves have not begun to turn yet, but you can tell they are gearing up. Due for some rain Mon.

[Hardens Hollow]

Rye is a soil rejuvenator? didn’t know that.... and you plant in the fall?

[greeneyes]

Yes. Plant it in the fall- it continues to grow at very low temps. Then when things are frozen it kinda goes dormant and then grows some more as thing warm up.

The thing I like is the winter wheat and winter rye are nice and green, so that on sunny winter days it looks like spring when you look at the garden.

[cherry]

I want to plant some concord grapes this fall....my dtr in Portland Oregon bought her plants last fall, planted them and already has a crop....

I live in a colder clime....but I could cover them....but does anybody know what the root system is?....wide?...or deep?....

I ask because I'm thinking of using a very large container...

[cherry]

what are you going to do in Ithaca?....I was just back that way in July....and yes, our trip across country and back involved stopping at several casinos along the way...lol

[cherry]

yes, as much as people here on FR complain about the political Ithaca, it is really a beautiful area, as is, I might add. all of upstate NY...my home state....

[Marcella]

“what are you going to do in Ithaca?.”

His daughter is an administrator at Cornell University in Ithaca so the trip there is to see her for a couple of days.

[Augie]

I continue to gain on the pond cleanout. The rain we got two weekends back shut me down so I spent some time cleaning up my workshop. It's not where I want it to be, but it's a lot better than it was.

My tomatoes are hanging in there and keeping my BLT cravings under control. The Kentucky Wonder beans finally decided to take off. They're making beans as fast as I can pick em.

Got some fall garden planted. Kale, collards, rutabaga, radishes, beets, and some mixed lettuce. Hopefully I got it all planted in time to make a crop.

The spot next to the potting shed where I had the cold frame was collecting water when it rained, so I moved the cold frame and put some dirt in the low spot. I still need to till and seed it, but I want to let it settle a bit more first. I placed the cold frame near the power outlet in the yard so there won't be a need to run an extension cord to it for winter heat. I liked the look of it next to the potting shed so I'll probably move it back there after I'm satisfied there's enough dirt there to keep the water from pooling.

I'm one step closer to being able to get my commercial tomato operation going. Brought home the 4-bottom mounted plow that I traded for the 5-bottom semi-mount plow that I bought at an auction earlier in the summer. This one looks a bit crusty from sitting outside, but it is in excellent condition.

[greeneyes]

Thanks for the pics. You’ve made a lot of progress! Do you think you’ll have your commercial operation going by next year?

I’ve been checking out the green houses on line at www.wayfair.com. Most of them are out of stock till mid September. I really like the style and am hoping to be able to get an 8’x16’ this October that will be located in on the patio so that I can through the sliding doors directly into the green house.

That will let me grow a few more veggies in the winter and maybe another lemon tree as well as more space for seed starting. Moving all the plants out will give me some much needed space in the home office area, and I will still be able to see the plants and yard through the sliding glass doors.

[Augie]

I’m planning to be up and running on a limited scale next season. I need to figure out what I’m doing before I go crazy with it. There is one more piece of tillage equipment that I’ll need, but I won’t need it until planting time comes.

If things work out like I’m hoping, over time profits will lead to hot-houses, which will lead to more profits, which will lead to no more desk job for me.

[greeneyes]

I hear that! I sometimes think about coming out of Retirement to earn a little extra money, but I know it wouldn’t take long before I remembered why I retired.

I have thought about starting seeds, and selling the plants to transplant at the farmer’s market or something like that, if/when my health improves.

[Ladysforest]

It really is stunning. I went to Syracuse today to the NY State Fair, and the ride up was lovely. A bit hot and hazy, but it lends the rolling hills a mysterious look. Miles and miles of high hills and farmland. It’s going to be difficult to leave when we retire. *sigh*

[Ladysforest]

They had a farm store at Cornell a couple of years ago - out by the Companion Animal Hospital, I think, (used to take my Dobes for special workups) where they sold produce from the farm on the collage grounds. I think they work on varietals, and then harvest and sell the yummies in a little store.

Oh! And they had those cows with the porthole in their sides! Saw them there and rememberd hearing about them on some news report quite a while before running into them up there. THAT is something to see. It’s for studies on how their stomachs work ... I think.