The Garden Thread - May, 2024

May 1, 2024 | Diana in WI/Greeneyes in Memoriam

[Diana in Wisconsin]

The MONTHLY Gardening Thread is a 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 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/removed from our New & Improved Ping List.

NOTE: This is a once a MONTH Ping List, but we DO post to the thread all throughout the month. Links to related articles and discussions which might be of interest to Gardeners are welcomed any time!

[Pollard]

around the size of smallish buckshot

Ironic. I've read two different articles about flea beetles damage looking like small buckshot. I may have had a fleeting thought about how to get rid of flea beetles.

[metmom]

Man manipulating genetics NEVER ends well.

I will stick with my heirloom, open pollinated seeds and save them myself.

[MomwithHope]

Genetically modified tomato to produce more antioxidant. FDA did not give it much scrutiny.

[MomwithHope]

Thanks Pollard!

[Pollard]

Got the horizontal truss chords up today. Since my outer frame is larger diameter than most tunnels, this would be enough for a snow load but I also need to hang a bunch of tomato plants from above. I could probably just add verticals going to the peak but two are better than one so I'll add two diagonals. Need to get 28 more straps for the 2-3/8" white outer frame pipe. Trip to Menard's - $1.29 ea.

It's really time to cut some trees around the tunnel. They're all leafed out now so I'll do it when the goats are around so they can get their minerals from the leaves of the freshly cut down tree. They go nuts for that. The first goats we had would scare me by running for the tree while it was falling.

I'm copying this but low enough to be wide enough to hang plants from all the way out to the sides, once I add lengthwise pieces. Speaking of lengthwise. In the pic above, there's a ridge beam of sorts plus two purlins.

I need to do that but there are no straps available to do that because of my oversized outer frame. Might have to get some flat bar and make my own. Either that or through bolt it with carriage bolt. Would have to use locknuts because the fence rail is thin and tightening bolts would just squish them.

God'll come up with something for me.

[Pollard]

And the straps on the white pipe will be getting a few screws through it because the wind waggling the frame back and forth WILL loosen that strap up.

This felt tape will go between straps.

[metmom]

$$$$$$$$$

[metmom]

It’s purple, though and tomatoes are supposed to be red.

I tried yellow watermelon once. It tasted identical, but I could not get past the color.

[metmom]

Very nice.......

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Maybe if I were 20 again with my ‘Army Ready’ rockin’ body, LOL!

Now I’d just scare the children and the livestock! ;)

[MomwithHope]

I know what you mean. I’ve grown some yellow low acid tomatoes in the past but you’re right they should be red. At least in my universe. 😊

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Just stick the soil thermometer in wherever you want to plant. They can be moved around. You want soil temp to be 60 degrees during the day for beans. I’ve never worried about nighttime temperatures, but of course, if you’re planting beans, you need to have warm temps day and night. BUT you can plant beans all season long going forward. If it’s 60 degrees or better that day, plant your bean seeds.

I’m in Zone 5a. I don’t put my beans in until the middle of May at the earliest. For sure do NOT plant until you’re at or have passed your Frost Free date! (Mine is May 15th; check your Zone to be sure what yours is).

[Albion Wilde]

Hahahahaha! I’d get a ticket from the HOA for a disorderly property!

[metmom]

Mine too.

Course, in my universe, Pluto is still a planet.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Small victories! :)

[Silentgypsy]

Welcome!

[Silentgypsy]

Not tired of winning nor asparagus!

[MomwithHope]

Our asparagus is so sweet. We like it best sautéed for maybe 45 seconds in a tablespoon of olive oil and pat of butter. Melt those together, add the asparagus, a dash of salt and stir for 45 seconds. Perfect!

[Silentgypsy]

Wow! Tyvm.

[MomwithHope]

Forgot to mention I only use extra light olive oil. Adds no flavor. My favorite is Bertoli extra light.