Weekly Garden Thread - March 6-12, 2021

March 6, 2021 | Diana in Wisconsin/Greeneyes

[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!

[MomwithHope]

could not find the sniper has to be in the foreground I think but just can’t see it.

[LibWhacker]

That was a hard one. I couldn’t find him either.

Look at the two large boulders, one stacked on the other, in the lower right corner of the picture. The top boulder has a little greenery on it. Right smack in the middle of that greenery you’ll see the tip of a barrel sticking out. Just a few inches.

I still can’t make out the sniper himself. He must have a gray uniform, same color as the boulder.

Often you can find the sniper in these pics by looking for the “bowling ball.” That’s the sniper’s head. If he doesn’t do a good job hiding that round shape, you can pick him out every time. That’s just a personal observation. I’ve never been to sniper school. I don’t know if that’s what they actually teach.

But, in any event, that wasn’t the case here. There’s no bowling ball. The sniper did a good job.

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

Diana, I am trying a flat of the tiny, 72 count, Jiffy seed start pods on your recommendation.

I also picked up a bag if the loose jiffy seed start mix.

I was getting worried because my pepper and eggplant seeds and a good percentage of my tomato seeds have been slow to pop in the greenhouse.

Of course as I was planti g new seeds starts I the jiffy pods and using the jiffy mix....two more pepper seeds popped.

Could have something to do with the steady sun and 80 degree temps in the greenhouse the last few days. Eggplant in particular enjoyn80 degree temps and the hot peppers from our friend in Spain definitely enjoy 80 and above.

[MomwithHope]

Oy that was a tough one thanks

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Chickweed indicated high nitrogen in the soil where it’s growing.

I’m looking for my chart to post. :)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Success!

I started lettuces in the 25-flat, yesterday.

I start my seedlings in the grow rack where it’s warm. It DOES take peppers a while to sprout. I leave the lights on 24/7 for heat, until they germinate, then will switch to 16 on, 8 off and adjust the lights so they stay 2” above the seedlings as they grow. They will probably be sturdy enough to move to the greenhouse in April; it’s almost too HOT in there come May!

My lettuces and spinach in the unheated greenhouse are really taking off, though I have still been covering them at might.

Big, BIG winds overnight and some rain. Still windy today. The entire weekend looks very Spring-like, then back to a ‘Wintry Mix’ by Monday. Ah, Spring. So fickle! ;)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

This article also indicates poorly draining soil for Chickweed. Maybe you could crowd out the Chickweed with Water Cress? :)

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/what-the-weeds-in-your-lawn-are-telling-you.htm

[MomwithHope]

Thanks looking forward to your chart If I remember right high nitrogen is good.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

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[MomwithHope]

It’s a raised bed with almost too good drainage.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

The chart I was thinking of is in a book, so I can’t post it, but the article I sent you is pretty thorough.

Nitrogen is good - for things growing ABOVE ground - not so good for root crops, though. Puny potatoes and carrots and radishes, etc.

[MomwithHope]

Ok I will circle back and read the article. The root crops thing makes sense, have never been able to get good carrots or beets. Gave up years ago. Thanks a bunch!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

[CatDancer]

I’ve been growing lovely lettuces in dishpan flats (holes drilled in bottoms & on trays) under grow lights in the house all winter for 3 years now. It does so well I keep them going all year so my lettuce never gets bugs & I have more room for other things in my porch pot garden. Lately have done broccoli raab & baby pak choy in those flats, too.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

[TheConservativeParty]

Cool! Fresh home grown lettuce is the best.
🥬🥬🥬

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

THE GARDENING THREAD IS ABOUT TO MOVE OUT OF THE POTTING SHED AND INTO SPRING!
CLICK THE PICTURE TO LINK TO THE NEW MARCH 13-19 WEEKLY GARDENING THREAD!

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

http://www.home-designing.com/2008/12/rugs-with-a-difference

Iranian artist Seyed Alavi had the aerial view of the Sacramento River woven into a carpet for the floor of a pedestrian bridge connecting the Sacramento International Airport terminal to the parking garage. [Via]