Posted on 02/15/2013 10:46:41 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 won’t be flamed and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked.
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Early Advice on Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes:
Last year I cured plants of this problem by pushing 2-3 calcium citrate tablets near the base of the plants, and watering them. The water will soften the tablet, which will slowly dissolve and feed the plant. This worked in ground and container plantings. This year I will add calcium citrate tablets at the time of planting out transplants.
As much as I love salsa, I think I would have to pass, as well...
I just came across this interesting Vegetable Garden Planner at the Territorial Seed Company site. They say there is a free 30 day trial. Has any one tried this?
http://gardenplanner.territorialseed.com/default.aspx
I guess there is no point unless you plan to subscribe, because you would lose your work.
This software program has been making the rounds for the past few years...I saw in Mother Earth magazine a while back, and have seen it several other places, as well...looks interesting, although I haven’t tried it.
Johnny, thanks, (I think!) for the Webster link. I only intended to view a few minutes of it because I have forty-eleven things to do today. Needless to say, I watched the whole thing.
You are correct that some of his advice is tailored for growing zones in Texas....but that imho, only comprised about 25%, if that much. The rest was very good general gardening information for anyone, especially a novice as myself.
It was definitely worth the time, although that does mean I have those project stacking up on me!
Now I want to go back and listen again and make notes!
um.....make that “projectS!”
He is good, and presents the material in an easy-to-take way.
/johnny
Also, I planted some chard and spinach from seed. The plants are alive, but very tiny. Will they survive until spring, or will the cold weather eventually kill them? Anyone have any advice for me?
I have found that both varieties can be spring planted. As of this time, I’m not sure what - exactly - distinguishes winter and spring planting regimens other than some cultivars are hardier and some winters are suitable. In my case, however, it looks like spring planted is the program. I’m going to contact my county agent and discuss these matters for better insight. Some of my investigation goes back over 100 years in ag publications of the time before modern hybrids. Still, much of the basic planting info was assumed to be known by the farmer and specific to his locale. I’m just a newbie trying to do it small-scale and that scale isn’t on the radar of most sources of information.
Oh well. Live and learn.
I will also plant about 1/10 acre in two row barley for the purposes of brewing some consolation.
P.S. Try http://www.bountifulgardens.org for some more sources of ancient grain. They also confirm my findings elsewhere that spring planting is the mode for these grains.
Good luck and stay in touch!
Grouting makes me grouchy lol!
I like taking notes too usually, but this time, because I was only going to listen for just a few minutes, I got deeply into it before realizing I would need to go back and take those notes!
Thanks for the link. I really learned a lot and would recommend it highly to any one of our thread participants to spend the time on it.
Grouting makes my right knee look like a rotten canteloupe, but by golly I got it done! Got the orchard trees all pruned too.
I couldn't figure out where I should put the containers...
I couldn't just place them on the deck where the dogs could get to them, if I put them too close to the house, the residual heat would mess with germination timing, and if they don't get enough sun, the seeds could rot....
Why didn't I think of it before now? The raised beds! Perfect!
I wanted to take a picture of them for you, but it snowed the next day, and they can't be seen now.
LOL, this better work.
Do you have a county extension office in your area? In Nebraska the pre-emergent goes down after the forsythia blooms but before the lilacs bloom.
Damping off- I have had very good luck with sprinkling a thin layer of milled shagnum (probably missspelled) moss on the topsoil of the individual seedling. I just rub it between my fingers so it is very fine. Does not take much. It seems to be an old timey remedy that you never hear about any more. A very small package will last forever.
I have selected 8 possible grains to order and will have to narrow that down a bit before I order.
Thanks for the pics. I am jealous about the weather. We are in the middle of the worst snow/sleet/freezing rain for several years.
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