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Weekly Garden Thread - August 1-7, 2020
August 1, 2020 | Diana in Wisconsin/Greeneyes

Posted on 08/01/2020 6:05:50 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin

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.

If you have specific question about a plant/problem you are having, please remember to state the Growing Zone where you are located.

This thread is non-political respite. 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. Planting, Harvest to Table Recipes, Preserving, Good Living - there is no telling where it will go - and that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us! Send a Private Message to Diana in Wisconsin if you'd like to be added to our New & Improved Ping List.

NOTE: This is a once a week Ping List. We do post to the thread during the week. Links to related articles and discussions which might be of interest to Gardeners are welcomed any time!


TOPICS: Agriculture; Food; Gardening; Hobbies
KEYWORDS: food; garden; gardening; hobbies
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To: Diana in Wisconsin
Did you hear the story of the Raven & the Deer in the Benders front yard...IMG_0614
41 posted on 08/01/2020 12:34:20 PM PDT by tubebender
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To: All
'Sun Dogs' to the west of the house, today. So cool!


42 posted on 08/01/2020 1:02:27 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: marylina

Well, they ARE a shade plant, so that could be a factor, too.

Maybe that’s not the best spot for Brunera? ;)


43 posted on 08/01/2020 1:08:42 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: tubebender

Peaceable Kingdom! :)


44 posted on 08/01/2020 1:10:35 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: tubebender

Nice Picture. Thanks for sharing.


45 posted on 08/01/2020 1:10:40 PM PDT by greeneyes ( Moderation In Pursuit of Justice is NO Virtue--LET FREEDOM RING)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

You’ve got a sick sensahooma.

But that’s ok.


46 posted on 08/01/2020 2:44:01 PM PDT by campaignPete R-CT (Committee to Re-Elect the President ( CREEP ))
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To: campaignPete R-CT

It’s the only thing keeping me going these days - beside Home Grown Tomatoes! ;)


47 posted on 08/01/2020 4:45:07 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: Shady

I use 5 gallon buckets instead of pots.
For bugs I make soapy water using Dawn and spray it on using a mister. If that doesn’t work get a bag of Redman tobacco, steep it in a 5 gallons bucket, then spray it on the leaves and let dry.
I don’t like using pesticides on my food.


48 posted on 08/01/2020 5:05:31 PM PDT by Keyhopper (Indians had bad immigration laws)
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To: All

49 posted on 08/01/2020 7:46:38 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin
speaking of bringing a plant back from the brink of death, my beloved nutured snake plant that I lovingly transplanted and put in a really neat pot and brought to my son's new home was IGNORED....

not watered probably since Feb....

it looks bleak but there are two solid strands that seem firm....

does it have any hope of recovery?

50 posted on 08/01/2020 7:49:02 PM PDT by cherry
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To: cherry

Try watering it with some distilled water + ‘great white’. It’s brought back seemingly dead stuff for me many times. I get it from Amazon, has a giant shark on the container.


51 posted on 08/01/2020 7:55:56 PM PDT by Black Agnes
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To: cherry

They’re amazingly tough. I’ve brought many back from the brink.

Water, but let dry out between. Re-pot with a Cactus Mix if you can. It can survive in a less sunny spot but while recovering, give it a bright room to live in, with indirect light - not blazing sun all day.

Good luck!


52 posted on 08/01/2020 7:57:38 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

Rootandvessel.com is having a discontinuation sale on their gorgeous enameled metal pots-—50% off. When they’re gone, they’re gone. They have 12” - 21” diameters. They have a removable plug in the bottom and can be used indoors or outdoors. I love them for being strong but lightweight, and really beautiful. I don’t know why they are discontinuing these lovely pots, but thought I’d pass this on to fellow gardeners.


53 posted on 08/01/2020 8:12:30 PM PDT by EinNYC
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To: sockmonkey

Interesting idea. Laf.


54 posted on 08/02/2020 2:48:07 AM PDT by TianaHighrider (God bless President Trump)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin
Having spent about 20 minutes trying to find a big fat tomato worm on my plants last week, I discovered this unique trick in locating them at night using a UV flashlight......

Locating tomato worms with UV flashlight

55 posted on 08/02/2020 3:24:51 AM PDT by Hot Tabasco
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To: Hot Tabasco

BTW, it also works for other undesirable pests. Notably scorpions.


56 posted on 08/02/2020 3:28:57 AM PDT by mad_as_he$$
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To: mad_as_he$$
Notably scorpions.

Fortunate we don't have any of those things here in Michigan....FWIW, the light I just purchased mentioned scorpions in its ad....

57 posted on 08/02/2020 3:46:45 AM PDT by Hot Tabasco
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To: Diana in Wisconsin
Just sprayed whole milk 2 parts, and water, three parts on the zucchini, cukes and pumpkins for powdery mildew. This after a week of cloudy but no rain weather in Northern Indiana. Things look better.
58 posted on 08/02/2020 3:57:01 AM PDT by Battle Axe (Repent, for the Lord is coming.)
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To: Battle Axe

I’m getting a little mildew on the zukes, but that’s certainly not holding them back, LOL!

What is surprising me, with all the rain we’ve had since April, is that my Zinnia are holding up so well. They usually get a dose of the mildew about now.

Fingers crossed!


59 posted on 08/02/2020 6:18:36 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: All
Parents create 4-acre field of flowers to honor late son who served in Afghanistan

The flower fields at Fennville Cemetery in Michigan feature a beautiful sea of poppies. If you come across this place, you will think that it is an ordinary flower farm. However, there’s a heartwarming and interesting story behind this stunning poppy field.

Two years ago, couple Joan Donaldson and John Van Voorhees started planting the poppies in the four-acre field. This is to honor their son, Mateo Donaldson, who was previously deployed in Afghanistan. He was a beekeeper on this farm before he joined the military and went to Afghanistan.

He came home with PTSD and took his own life,” Joan disclosed. Apparently, combat situations have negative effects on the soldiers’ minds and bodies. The families of soldiers who have PTSD are also greatly affected by their loved ones’ unfortunate situation.

“We decided to create the poppy field in memory of him, because all these flowers feed the bees and butterflies, which he loved caring for so much. He’s not buried very far from this field,” Joan added.

Just 200 feet away from the poppy field lies Mateo’s grave. The couple said that looking at the flower fields give them peace, knowing that their beloved son is watching over them. Though Mateo’s death was very sad and tragic, Joan and John still see their son as a hero who fought and died for their country.

The four-acre field of white, red and blue flowers is not just for the couple to enjoy. A lot of veterans also find solace in this breath-taking flower field when they visit the cemetery. The couple is glad when veterans who have PTSD talk to them and say how much peace they feel when they look at the colorful flowers.

They believe that Mateo is not only watching over them but also his fellow soldiers suffering from PTSD. Even people who are not veterans find interest in this beautiful farm. Whatever it is that they are struggling with in life, the amazing field of flowers seems to take all their worries away.

“I think, for the most part, we live in a world where people don’t provide enough beauty, or think about it, or how much it could mean to them. So, maybe when they encounter situations like this, they begin to realize how much they need it,” Joan said.

Seeing how the flower fields always become the “calm in the storm” for many visitors, the couple encourages more people to visit their field of poppies. They only have a few rules for visitors to follow: don’t walk in the fields and don’t pick flowers.

Of course, this field of flowers is very precious for the couple so they are only looking after it. If you would like to visit, simply follow their rules and find yourself in great solace, watching the spectacular view of beautiful and colourful flowers. You can find the farm at 5859 124th Avenue in Fennville, Michigan.

What a unique way to honor and remember a family member! Truly, losing a loved one is a hard battle but their memories and their love will stay in our hearts forever.

60 posted on 08/02/2020 9:52:41 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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