WEEKLY GARDEN THREAD VOLUME 15 APRIL 12, 2013

Free Republic | April 12, 2013 | greeneyes

[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.

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!

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[greeneyes]

You are so amibitious. I’d do well just to get them ready to use. The artwork would go by the way side. Did I mention how lazy I am?

If it works it’s good enough. Doesn’t have to look good.LOL.

[JRandomFreeper]

I do save most seeds. I had to buy some this year, and I may yet have to buy okra. The saved seed passed the germination test in January, but they haven't come up in their little cups. Some you win, some you lose.

I've planted cantaloupe from saved seed for years, Always my pinto beans and corn.

I had to buy tobacco seed this year because of the late start I got last year with my tobacco. It never flowered and seeded.

Some things like basil, cumin and cilantro pretty much reseed themselves, but I do save seed and start them inside every year as well.

All of my garlic is started from stock I got from my daughter's in-laws in the past.

/johnny

[JRandomFreeper]

Idle hands are the devil's workshop. If I wasn't doing something productive and creative, I'd be getting into trouble and scanning the neighbor's roofs for pants the next morning.

It's best for me to stay in the garden and the shop and out of the pool halls. ;)

/johnny

[tflabo]

/j— do you have to specially prepare and dry store some seed types? Do you pre-soak any seeds before planting or does that depend? I soaked my green bean seeds and only some sprouted—unless the local doves got to them.

[tob2]

The lilies are popping up. Waiting for calla lilies and lily of the valley to pop up. Cold weather veggies are doing fine but not big enough to pick.

[JRandomFreeper]

Seeds are difficult in DFW. I don't know how long you've been here, but I'll admit to over half a century.. We have black mold. It's in the air and there is not much you can do about it.

I make great sourdough bread, except I can't keep a starter here in DFW. It gets infected and that's it.

I lost 3 years of jalapeno seed development last year to black mold.

You do have to prepare the seeds properly. I generally use my food dryer at about 85F.

Some seeds aren't so sensitive. My corn and beans just don't care, dry them in the pod or on the cob and plant as required.

Some, like tomatoes and jalapenos.. I've had a tough time with.

I pre-soak some seeds in the seaweed/molasses dilute solution, some I just plant. On all of my legumes, like beans and peanuts, I generally pre-soak a few hours and then dust with the commercial bacteria/rhizome stuff that helps the plants fix nitrogen. Eventually, my soil won't need any more innoculant, but I'm opening up new ground almost every year.

/johnny

[greeneyes]

I ‘spect you are right. My paternal granny always warned us about the evil pool halls, since we had one next door to our cafe.LOL.

[greeneyes]

Sounds like good progress to me.

[greeneyes]

I plant basil around my tomato plants, so I always have more than I need. Even though I dry it and freeze it, I still like to have the fresh available, so I keep the one little pot going.

[bgill]

Be careful of Spanish moss getting too dense on your tree as it will eventually break the limbs.

[bgill]

I make great sourdough bread, except I can't keep a starter here in DFW. It gets infected and that's it.

I've got a new batch of starter going with pineapple juice. Never tried the pineapple before but it seems to be off to a good start.

[JRandomFreeper]

Can't keep one un-infected around here. They even mentioned that in culinary school.

Up in the mountains in New Mexico... I had one that lived with me for almost 2 years until I got hurt and it froze while I was in the hospital.

/johnny

[tflabo]

I plant basil around my tomato plants, so I always have more than I need.

tats-a what I'm-a gonna do too---a. Great idea.

[JRandomFreeper]

If you have any way to measure the pH of your starter when you start using it, and are happy with it, I sure would like to know that number.

/johnny

[greeneyes]

They are companion plants-beneficial buddies. Basil also helps repel mosquitos. Plant them around your patio too.

[murrie]

Hi all,
Greetings from Tennessee. It’s been mild this week. Heavy rains and storms last thursday gave us about 2 inches of rain.
Had an interesting experience last weekend. A friend of mine has donkeys and a small bobcat/tractor. Got a load of donkey poo with an agreement from my husband that I would clean the pickup when finished. Good heavens. Had poo all over everywhere. But am grateful for the compost-the poo has been sitting for over 6 months. Am hoping it is composted enough. Was surprised that the stuff didn’t stink. No smell at all.

One other little surprise today. I planted some amaryllis bulbs outside in the ground after their Christmas blooming. A guy at Lowes swore that if planted they would survive the winter and bloom in spring. I didn’t believe him but thought I would experiment. The silly things have green fronds about 3 inches high. Am wondering if it will really bloom? Thought they were tropicals but hey-what the heck. Time will tell.
Sure enjoy everyones posts and stories. Thanks so much!

Murrie

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I think this spring is a little late but not out of the ordinary from previous years. I know some farmer relatives want to get their seed in the field but are dialing in an extra week because it's so cold.
I'm glad our household doesn't depend on 300 or 500 acres of successful corn or beans every fall.

[bgill]

Nope. Sorry.

[handmade]

Fresh foot of snow in the past 24

Yesterday morning my son-in-law had the snow blower out- in southeast South Dakota. Sioux Falls had lots of tree damage from rain, freezing rain, and snow. Spring will come. I know it will. Yes it will. Sure it will.

[JRandomFreeper]

Rats. If you grow red cabbage, I can tell you how to make pH paper from red cabbage juice and paper coffee filter material. It's complicated, though. ;)

/johnny