Posted on 01/31/2026 6:26:44 AM PST by 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.
Dunno, working on taxes
I did not know, but maybe that is why the crowds at the market were thin. (There were 3 middle aged blond white guys in Indian aisle at one time. I have never seen that. I noted that to one of the guys and he said, yes, strange times we live in!
Hi
We are having the coldest winter since 1970. Not the very coldest in abslolute terms, but very cold for long periods of time.Weeks on end of 20 to 40 below zero interspersed with 12 to 18 inch snow storms. The usual deal is warm up to 10 below, dump a foot of snow, and then crash to 30 below the very next day. Hard to get anything done. All the guys around here are worn out from re-arrangeing the snow and dealing with the problems that those kinds of tempweratures bring. I guess every one else is having a real trial with snow also. Things are pretty quiet here. I suspect a lot of our aviators are elsewhere. I see they got the Ayatolla.
Going from 60 yesterday to 25 currently at 4pm, is a bit depressing!
And...it is snowing.
Home made chicken vegetable soup simmering on the gas stove now...will be nice on this chilly day.
My early seeded pansies, snapdragons, and dianthus are growing well.
Same for the second BioDome I seeded, wave petunias and lots of other annuals and a few perennials.
Soon I can take my stratifying seed trays out of the fridge and get those growing.
Tried to stick a trowel in the ground yesterday...nope, still frozen. Have a few freebie lily bulbs from Jungs to get into the ground. Have them in the fridge until I can plant them.
Cheers for spring!
🌷🌷🌷
We got to 65 today, but it’s going to be colder from now until at least next Wednesday.
I worked all day installing a chain across the driveway with pvc pipe on it striped with reflective tape & a metal sign “private driveway no turnaround”. We are the best driveway on our stretch of road for turning around : wide & paved. Some folks even come as far as the loop to the front door, turn around there so they are facing out back at the main road. I’m tired of watching people use the driveway & it’s going to get worse when ‘touron’ season starts, especially since we are on the road to the river & half a mile from where rafters, kayaks, tubers & boats put in.
It will be a pain for us & we’ll have to leave it down if we’re not home or expecting a delivery, but it will save a lot of wear & tear on the driveway & aggravation for me/mom.
They’re raising him right, LOL!
“Weeks on end of 20 to 40 below zero interspersed with 12 to 18 inch snow storms.”
You meed to move to Northern Wisconsin to teach those whiners a thing or two, LOL!
Smart move. People can be SO RUDE!
You are more ambitious than I am right now - but I’ll be starting salad greens within the week in the ‘cold frame’ inside of the greenhouse - just to see how it goes.
Looks like we’re going to go nowhere but UP as far as temps go next week.
But - It’s March - anyone’s guess on the weather/temps, for sure.
You’d think a sign would be enough, but I know it won’t be. Sorry that you have to do this. Don’t people know how to make 3 point turns anymore? You don’t need someone’s driveway to accomplish it. Works on any road.
With all due respect, Iran has been at war with us and much of the world for 47 years. Trump is the first one brave enough to say “no more!”
Re: parsnips
I found this advice on germinating parsnip seeds on “seedsnsuch.com” in the customer reviews on parsnip seeds:
” Parsnips are picky to grow!
Parsnips
I have been trying for several years to grow parsnips. First I didn’t realize it can take up to 30 days for them to sprout. Second you want your soil temp 50° to 60° no warmer.
I had tried several times to plant directly to garden soil and very rarely had any sprout. So I tried starting some inside under my grow light but I realize now it was too hot for them, they didn’t sprout. So this year I started some inside my garage and set by south facing windows the temperature there was 55 to 60°. They ALL sprouted! 😊 I have now set them out and they are loving it. Wish I had known these facts about parsnips a long time ago, anyway I do now. Hope this information can help someone else who is having problems with parsnips 😉 “
( I love parsnips but have never grown them)
That is so nice that your grandson is interested in growing some peppers!
What’s next...tomatoes...and someday sweet corn!
😀
I couldn’t find the big snapdragons last year.
Decided to go back to growing my own.
Potomac Ivory White and Potomac Lavender are my 2 varieties this year.
I like how the white shows up from far away.
Maybe Beau will have some good bear stories you can share with us.
🐻🐻🐻
.
The Owl’s Nest was in Poynette, WI on Hwy 51. Not sure if it
is still in business. My mother-in-law worked there for many years as a waitress.
She used to make that garlic cheese spread in a big bowl in the Owl’s Nest kitchen. She was making it way before it was sold in stores.
When my hubby was a teenager he washed dishes at The
Owl’s nest.
🦉
“Jennifer Cooniston” !
🦝 😁
There is a method that is used on Carrots, sow your carrots, water and place boards over them and check every few days until they germinate, watering as necessary. Keeps them moist and if you get rain, keeps them from washing away. (A problem I had one year)
You can use it for parsnips too, but it will a longer time than carrots to germinate.
See: https://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/parsnips-growing/parsnip-germination-tips-methods-temperature
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/parsnips/growing-straight-parsnips.htm
(Toilet paper roll method mentioned here!
I did a Brave search will just post the result.
Board on the Row Method for Parsnips This method is a proven technique to improve parsnip germination by maintaining consistent moisture and protecting seeds from drying out or being washed away.
How it works: After sowing parsnip seeds in a shallow drill (about ½ inch deep), cover the row with a 2×4 or 1×4 piece of lumber (a board). The board helps retain soil moisture, prevents crust formation, and offers light frost protection.
Timing: Leave the board in place for about 1–2 weeks, checking every few days for signs of germination. Remove it as soon as seedlings emerge to avoid overheating or entanglement.
Why it helps: Parsnip seeds can take 14 to 21 days to germinate, and keeping the soil consistently moist is critical. The board acts like a mini greenhouse, reducing evaporation and protecting the seeds during the vulnerable early stage.
Alternative: Use burlap or horticultural fleece instead of wood for a tidier look, though boards are often preferred for their weight and effectiveness.
Bonus benefit: The board also deters birds and other animals from digging up the seeds.
It looks like you are pretty far along, so I wish you well for what you have done!
Well, there ya go! Have had many fine meals at The Owl’s Nest, through the years. :)
Perhaps!
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.