Weekly Gardening Thread
Weekly Gardening Thread
I hope all of you will stop by.
This is typically a low volume ping list. Once a week for the thread and every once in a while for other FR threads posted that might be of interest.
If you would like to be added to or removed from the list please let me know by FreepMail or by posting to me.
I am in the middle of a transition this season to a near 100% hydroponic solution. I am finding you have a lot better control over the environment and what exactly is going into your plants.
I am also impressed with how efficient this system is with its watering approach.
And this is the first system I have found that I can grow all of my citrus and other fruits hydroponically.
I found a local commercial farmer that uses this technology and grows over 400,000 plants on 3/8 of an acre and he was kind enough to show me how it is done.
It is absolutely worth a look.
We are planning our garden for this year. I will be building raised beds for it and taking advantage of my new woodworking shop and my tools.
We are also planning on building a chicken coop and pen and starting a small flock of chickens, either Jersey Giants or Plymouth Rocks for egg production.
The way we figure it, with the economy in such capable hands, we are going to need to start a subsistance lifestyle.
I am planning on building a Hoosier cabinet for the kitchen and if it turns out okay, seeing if I can start building them on commission for resale.
Pill Bugs!
Seems to be two opposing thoughts about these little critters. Some claim they’re as beneficial as earth worms and of no danger to your plants. Others claim they’ll eat your seedlings before they have a chance to thrive, and even go after your maturing leafy plants.
While preparing a 4’x15’ section to plant yardlong beans, sweet pepper, and onions, I find my rich, moist earth is infested . . . and I do mean infested . . . with them.
I’m headed this morning to Home Depot to buy Slugo Plus to deal with them and similiar predatory critters. But I do wonder if any of you have thoughts you might share?
Add me to the ping list Please! I dont have a very green thumb, but I keep trying....and am getting somewhat better as the years pass. With the prices in the grocery store being so high.....any little thing I can grow will help! NC here.
Good morning! I’m so excited for spring and
another try at a garden! I moved over the winter
and am now in a house along the Hudson; the seller
told me it’s ‘river soil’ and is amazing for
gardens.
I know I’ll bungle part of it, but I must get
supplies for starting seeds. I didn’t order
any, I just ran out of time. I learned some things
last year about gardening in this upstate NY climate,
and I can’t wait to try them out. :)
Send seeds? Befriend seeds? Just want 10 seeds?
Remember that old seeds may have reduced germination. (Although I’ve had great luck with them. And for free, you can't lose...) If possible, list year and variety.
Mrs. Don-o
I CAN OFFER
Acorn Squash (2009)
Borage (2009)
Basil (“Genovese” 2010)
Rainbow Chard (“Bright Lights” 2010)
Kale (’10)
INTERESTED IN
Kefir grain (live culture)
I HAVE HEIRLOOM TOMATO SEEDS (FREEPER TDSCPA) from about 75 popular, open-pollinated heirloom varieties. Tell me via PM what varieties you’re interested in, and if I have them I could send you a few seeds (10?) if you will send me a SASE.
Don’t know what variety to grow? I can make suggestions, if you want to grow plants from seed. Tdscpa
love & hugs to everyone. Still too much snow here..
I fell on ice yesterday. HATE winter
envy those of your already playing in the dirt!
Well, we’re still at least knee deep in snow here but this weekend is supposed to see really warm temperatures and much if it is going to melt.
In light of that, I started peas, beets, leeks, and lettuce the other day. They are all cool weather crops which can be transplanted outside once the soil thaws out.
Peat pots are a gift from God.
Hello all! I just got all the hierloom seeds I ordered. I’m trying winter sowing for the first time. Anybody try this method? I hope the experiment doesn’t crash and burn!
Please add me to the ping list. THANKS!
The basic plan is to plant root crops (say, rutabaga), edible stem-bodied plants (like broccoli) and fruiting veggies (we'll say peppers) in three groupings. Group one would be planted according to the signs and group two would be planted in the least auspicious phase of the moon. Group three would be the control. Data kept would include growth rates, flowering, harvest amount and weights and general appearance, flavor and seed germination rates in the next generation.
Anybody have experience with this stuff? Anyone believe in sign planting - and why?
I'm not being critical of these beliefs, but we are interested in using the scientific method to obtain factual data. What data we obtain may, or may not, support sign planting as folklore.
Anything you can share would be most welcome and probably make up part of the final presentation.
P.S. The old Foxfire books have a terrific treatment of this stuff by old mountain folks showing and telling. Unfortunately, that generation is now largely passed. If you're a believer, we'd like to hear from you via FReepmail of a posting.
Thanks,
WCF and blood kin
Got some sunchokes dug in my garden. Pulled the plastic off the hoop tunnel for the first time since last fall. Have one of the most beautiful stand of wintered over greens I've ever raised, and the carrots and green onions survived well too. NOTHING beats the flavor of early spring greens.
Some pics:
1) Look down the row under the hoops
2) First half of the greens row.
3) Bloomsdale spinach
4) Large leaf corn salad
Please add me to your ping list.
I forgot if I already asked........could you add me to the ping list for the gardening thread?