Posted on 01/25/2013 11:53:34 AM 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 wont be flamed and the only dumb question is the one that isnt asked.
It is impossible to hijack the Weekly Gardening Thread ... there is no telling where it will go and that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peppers can be cranky...my Naga Morich took nearly three weeks even on a heated surface. It damn near got replaced...threats help on occasion.
/johnny
Where I got the onions, I asked if they had any jalapeno seeds. The guy looked like I had three heads because he’d never sold any and never heard of anyone ever growing them from seed.....
I see you are from Texas. How is the rain situation for you guys?
Hey stranger. Welcome back. :o) Haven’t seen you for awhile.
We've got a 40% chance of rain on Tuesday (yeah, right).
/johnny
But this year is starting off with a stubbed toe on the pepper front. My NM chili seeds haven't proofed yet, and I lost the first attempt of the jalapenos.
I do save seeds after careful selection, and have for years, especially for my peppers.
These jalapenos start off very mild, and by the end of the season, they are VERY spicy. That's the reason I kept propogating them. I could can mild and spicy from the same plant, based on where I picked them during the season.
/johnny
You’ve got a good start. I know what you mean about green and the cold. That’s one reason I like growing winter wheat. It looks so good to look out on a cold sunny day and see green.
Thanks, I’ll check it out.
Good luck with that. I have been contemplating doing the same. Although it’s my understanding you don’t get a lot of product from a tree though.
I figured I could always stretch it with chicory root though.
I've got lots of green coffee beans, since I buy yearly and roast my own. Nothing beats what they grow in Costa Rica.
/johnny
Thanks! Glad I have a little more time to pop in once in a while. Lots going on in my life! Got promoted at work, so I now manage the entire Garden Center, from the first Pansy in the Spring, until the last (bloody!) Christmas Tree is sold, it’s mine, all mine, LOL!
Shameless Plug: http://www.jungseed.com
Fell in love, or lust, or something like that. ;) Been dating Mr. Wonderful (and his 160 acres, LOL!) for close to two years now. Old family friend who I never gave a second look at...until he started looking at ME that way. *Blush*
Taking care of my elderly Dad. Nothing really wrong with him that a good, swift kick in the @ss by a WIFE wouldn’t cure, but he’s no longer got one, and he’s not happy about fending for himself, so he doesn’t take good care of himself, depression issues, etc. I have help in the form of a housekeeper and a visiting nurse 2x a week, but it’s all going to go downhill from here, I fear. *SIGH*
Selling books on Amazon.com, which I still find to be a lot of fun!
Shameless plug: http://www.amazon.com/shops/brandywinefarmbooks
So, I still garden as much as I can and still raise laying hens and am thinking about Angora Rabbits for the fur, or a few sheep for the wool.
In my SPARE time, of course! *SMIRK*
I just need a lot of money so I can stay home on the farm every day, as I did in The Olden Days, LOL!
Horrible week for weather in western PA. Sub-zero wind chills earlier this week and today, fourteen degrees and four inches of snow. Kohl plants outside are holding on.
Could you share any helpful hints on canning your jalapeños? Any special tricks? I read somewhere that peppers can taste bitter after processing. Have you ever had this problem?
For those I'll use in the upcoming year until the next harvest, I just stovetop pickle them with salt, vinegar, sliced, PEELED, carrots, a few cloves of garlic, and a brief boil to bring the outside to 140F for about 8 minutes. I then store them in the fridge.
I haven't died yet.
/johnny
Thank you! I’ll give it a try this year. We always end up with so many peppers and not enough freezer space.
I'm down to about a pint right now. I used up all the canned ones from 2011 last year.
I'm running a pepper deficeit again this year. I hope to repair that in the upcoming season.
Peppers are high in Vit. C. They are my main source, along with tomatoes.
/johnny
Yes-peppers are great. I like the simple chili peppers for Mexican dishes. Yum! What type of tomatoes do you grow? I’m in Nashville tn-zone 6b to 7. I have had some luck growing an heirloom called “ mortgage lifter”. Not a particularly pretty tomato but good for canning. However the past few years , despite crop rotation and such we are really fighting tomato diseases and blight and birds pecking away at them. Ugh. Going to try a hybrid this summer called “celebrity”. Had a friend grow them successfully last year. This variety is supposed to be very disease resistant. Hope so. Them maters go well with the peppers!
BTW-love your tag line.
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.