Posted on 02/10/2017 2:10:25 PM PST by 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.
Where are you now?
The deep south. No snow, but longer growing season. And lots of bugs and blight.
You wanna trade living places??? (assuming you live somewhere in our warm and beautiful American countryside)
I grew ‘Fast Lady Northern Southern’ blackeyed peas last year from caroldeppe.com Wow. We will definitely grow those this year. They made with a quickness and were NOT full of all the (snake infested!) runners that creep everywhere like most blackeyed peas. I’ll probably grow 2 or 3 times as many this year as we’ve already run out of what I grew in ‘16.
Love to trade. Hubby wouldn’t hear of it though. NYC is nice to visit but his guns are all illegal there LOL. And my garden would never do either. I plant an acre to an acre and a half every year plus all my blueberries, pear trees, strawberries, etc that are there year round.
I lived in the area for nearly a decade though. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Especially all the good food :P
I see. Much as I hate the cold, I do enjoy a nice snow covered yard and would likely miss that too. Missouri is probably a good choice for me, since the cold spells are offset with a few days of nice weather like today and tomorrow.
Wow, what a list!
I figure I shouldn’t have to buy nonhybrid seeds again though, unless I want a different variety or those that produce seeds the 2nd year don’t survive the winter. I enjoyed gathering seeds last year, it was like getting something else for free from each crop!
I have been busy in the strawberry field removing dead leaves, runners and oak leaves that have blown into the patch. It has taken two full days to clean up three rows, only five more to go. It’s hard to believe early next week I will start planting potatoes and cabbage, this winter has flown by. The second greenhouse is beginning to fill up now with tomatoes, cabbage, chives and bunching onions.
Bio-Domes = dampening off disease. Be careful.
Our first date for potatoes is April 1.
I think a good balance is to grow both +Heirlooms+ (known for sustainability, known history) and +Hybrids+ (developed for disease resistance, greater productivity,and particular habit {bush vs sprawling}.
Also, this is the first year that I am planning on a 'guerilla garden' (camouflaged in wide open spaces), on State land, not owned by me.
A "prepper garden" if you will, where plants serve a duo function in their natural habitat, but don't immediately look like what they are (ie: Jerusalem artichokes, walking onions, purple Cherokee tomatoes, garlic chives, etc.)
Unfortunately, seed and tubers wont be available until late summer/ early fall, and due to the condition of the soil,
it will have to be heavily composted, while trying to have that 'wild' look.
Watering during times of drought will be a pain, and inconvenient, so soil and sub-soil amendments and preparation is essential.
Results of the 'guerilla garden' won't be available until next Spring.
Thanks for the heads-up.
Like I said, thanks for the list. Great idea. We have some wildflowers etc. that actually serve as edibles for foraging as well as some for medicinal purposes.
The Best time to trim lilacs is right after they flower. Prune by eliminating (in order) any diseased, any sprouts (straight up), any crossing or rubbing boughs (causing injury) and then prune to shape desired.
Be aware of what a new flowering bud looks like, for spring flowering effect.
Incidentally, Rochester NY ( the "Flower city"), at "Highland Park" (City of Rochester NY) has a springtime fair and walk-through park of over 1800 different lilacs which bloom over a 4-6 week period of time,
depending on the weather.
Gardening scissors and rooting hormone are not recommended, but have been considered in the past (Hint).
I got my email from Gurney’s that my order is ready to ship as soon as the calendar allows. Cherry trees, apple trees, and a peach tree as well as some berry bushes. Here’s hoping I don’t accidentally kill ‘em.
Found two cases of cheap Ball canning jars at a going-out-of-business sale, and am daydreaming about things to put in them. Other than that, I’m tending to my gardening jones by pulling up random handfuls of wild greens. Chickweed is gooooooood in a stir-fry. :)
I got my email from Gurney’s that my order is ready to ship as soon as the calendar allows. Cherry trees, apple trees, and a peach tree as well as some berry bushes. Here’s hoping I don’t accidentally kill ‘em.
Found two cases of cheap Ball canning jars at a going-out-of-business sale, and am daydreaming about things to put in them. Other than that, I’m tending to my gardening jones by pulling up random handfuls of wild greens. Chickweed is gooooooood in a stir-fry. :)
For a guerrilla garden, you might want to look into lamb’s quarters. They look scraggly and weedy, but the leaves, young stems, and seeds are all edible and pretty darn nutritious. I had a few patches sprout up last year and absolutely love ‘em. Ping me if you want a little more info about harvest/processing.
Listen to the nursery owner, regional advice by local professionals is ALWAYS the best source of information.
Avoid the 'big box store' where the guy just came from plumbing dept. to answer your question.
I have about 15 horticultural books for reference, and probably 1/4 of those deal with problems specific to roses.
Listen to the local nursery professional who deals with the horticultural problems daily, and has to replace any unsatisfactory plant stock.
Shoveling snow.
More to come.
I wish I never left Florida. (sigh)
Good news on the canning jars. Wish I could find some on sale. I need some more to can beef and chicken.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.