Marcella, you have voiced the frustration that I think every gardener must feel from time to time. I know I have! LOTS!
I planted a cherry tomato in the June/july planting and it is only now starting to blossom. Don’t give up the towel yet! I’ve had some disasters also, but have been examining them as points of personal instruction which my garden angels, fairies and gnomes are giving me! LOL!
While I share the understanding that you do that these lessons are of critical importance, the truth is that this year, by God’s grace, we are not dependent on our garden procedes so we have the luxury of being philosophic.
For example, this year I’ve learned that okra does REALLY well in our yard! The 4 plants are a veritable jungle out there and I’ve given them away and had lots of fresh gumbo. Sunflowers do really well also.
I’ve learned that several other plants would do well, but I need to learn how to handle the pests.
I’ve learned about using rooting hormone. I’ve learned about temperature/shade issues for plants which died after nursing them along during rooting.
I’ve learned about too much phosphorus being a burn agent if used in excess. (I murdered my yellow squash plant with too much phosphorus.) I’ve learned about the joys of just-right fertilization.
I’ve learned so much from your researches. I learned about walking onions, sunchokes, and T squash among other things.
Timing. Seasons for planting...for harvesting...for learning!
All these things were traumatic at moments, but how grateful I am that I’ve been able to increase my learning curve with you and all the participants of this thread! Because of all of you that curve is almost straight up! The other day, Darlin, who has been letting me make my mistakes and approach the learning process in my own way has helped greatly by support and a useful tip and hand given from time to time, actually stated that I’ve learned so very much and is proud of me!
I have more I hope to report later! Gotta go work on a project in which I’m immersed up to the armpits!
Yes, it is a learning process. I just wish my memory was better-sometimes I forget what I learned and repeat the mistake.
Eventually though, it sticks LOL.
That is the perfect example of why those who have prepper seeds stored for fan hitting times will starve. Gardening has a long hard learning curve which is never fully learned.
My main frustration this year is with the bell peppers. I have had exactly ONE small pepper from twelve plants.
But hey, they are starting to bloom like crazy now. Two weeks from frost.
Last year I had more than I knew what to do with.
My okra grows to about 8ft high and produces a couple pods every two-three days. They look like walking sticks, not bushes. What's your secret?
I’ve learned about too much phosphorus being a burn agent if used in excess.
Did you use the 3% rock phosphate or something else with a higher percentage? I use the 3% and I put a handful in every hole that I'm planting tomato's in.
Thank you so much for sharing your discoveries! I’ve learned so much from y’all! God Bless!
God Bless Darlin!