Weekly Garden Thread - November 6-12, 2021

November 6, 2021 | Diana in Wisconsin/Greeneyes

[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 a 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!

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Thanks! I don’t care for pumpkin pie, but I think I might like pumpkin crisp! (I wonder how it would be with pecans!)

[tired&retired]

We have always eaten powered. Make it just like asparagus.

My mother even canned it when I was little.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Yes! (Top with whipping cream that has a splash of Bourbon!)

[tired&retired]

We have always eaten pokeweed. Make it just like asparagus.

My mother even canned it when I was little.

I corrected pokeweed twice and spellchecker still changed it.

[Ellendra]

Poisonous, but also medicinal. A tincture of Pokeweed root is used to treat autoimmune disorders, as well as lymphatic problems. Just make sure to pay attention to the dosage!!!

[hoe_cake]

Hello, from Zone 7B, Suwanee, GA. where we are enjoying very cool mornings and beautifully comfortable days. This morning I had a landscaping install, and it was chilly. Me with a toboggan and several layers of clothes. Yes, I'm a Southerner, through and through. Hate these chilly mornings.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

I’ve heard of the ice cube trick for Orchids, but I suppose it would work for other houseplants as well.

I’m still thrilled about the 2x re-blooming on my African Violet. I’ve never had such good luck with one before. I must have it in the perfect spot in the house, so now I’ll never move it! :)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

This is do-able! We need some rain in the worst way, still. They were baling all the corn stalk chaff (for animal bedding) yesterday and pretty much created a Dust Bowl out here! It was nice enough to have the screen open on the kitchen door - now everything in the kitchen is a little gritty! Grrr!

Mom is coming out to the farm today to help me dig the last of the potatoes and plant the rest of my spring bulbs, as I helped her on Wed. with her bulb planting. Two really nice days in a row, ahead. Beau is coming back from CO early because it's been too warm there and the elk hunting is the worst it's ever been for him. He's never one to give up, but I'm glad he did this time. We have a very sick dog that I've taken to the Vet 2x already, so I will be relieved for an extra pair of hands to help me with that situation. Keep my Oneida in your thoughts. Bad intestinal infection of some sort; none of the other dogs are having any issues at this time.

[MomwithHope]

I have heard that about African violets. I have a friend with a perfect window and she has several. My house, no. On your miniature orchid I am assuming it is a phalaenopsis . They are very easy to get to rebloom, you just to need to know where to cut the flower stem. Let me know if you don’t already. Me, I am off early to the store they will have the .33 a pound turkeys starting today, limit 2. I am getting 2 for ground turkey sausage. Our local fresh bird is on order at a much higher price per pound.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Oh, that looks good! I’ll ask Mom what she thinks. She’s a PURIST when it comes to Pumpkin Pie and I’m in charge of Thanksgiving this year. I planned on a crustless Pumpkin Pie that I made a few weeks back that Beau just loved, but I can make more than one dessert. I mean, come on! It’s The Big Feast, LOL!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Oh, I LOVED that story about the Butternut Squash! I grow ‘Honeynut’ which is a smaller version of the squash itself, but still a big viner, so you need room to grow it.

Maybe I’ll tap you to post more ‘Veggie Tales’ for the winter months?

Don’t every do anything well around here; I’ll ask you to keep doing it, Right Pete? LOL!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Awesome pix, today! I’ve seen the Redwoods and the ones that have fallen make you feel as if you’re standing next to the biggest locomotive you’ve ever seen. So impressive!

I need a ‘fasting door’ between the kitchen and the garden, LOL!

And, I usually NEVER say no to diamonds, or anything sparkly and expensive, but that watch is even too much for me! :)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

I love anything that Ree Drummond cooks up! Beau is a HUGE Pecan Pie fan, too.

Mini Pecan Pies:

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/mini-pecan-pies-3865277

[Diana in Wisconsin]

I would imagine you’ll have a lot of work now that it’s cooled off some. :)

The only thing I’m planting is Garlic (done) and Spring flower bulbs (today) now.

[Liz]

The crisp is so easy.....you can make it with your left hand while rolling out pie crust with your right......snix.

[Liz]

Would be great with candied pecans.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Yes, I know orchids to some extent. It is a phalaenopsis - but will it grow into a bigger orchid, or are these ‘minis’ a breed of their own? The root structure is really green and healthy.

I’ve been removing it from the pot and soaking the roots and moss ball, letting it drain, then returning it to the ‘airy’ pot it came in. 2 fully grown new leaves on it since Mother’s Day (May). I’ve also been spritzing the leaves and roots with orchid spray-on fertilizer from Miracle Grow, when I think of it.

So far, so good!

Great deal on the Turkey. I bought the one for THIS year, last year at about that price. When we were dating, Beau always courted me with food of some type; squashes, 7-year cheddar cheese, 1/4 of a pig, etc. He bought me a SEVEN-pound organic chicken that ended up costing him like $37 - because he was too embarrassed to say no to the guy about the price. ($5 a pound!)

We treated that chicken like a rare gem and had it for Christmas Eve dinner. I brined it and everything. I was NOT going to screw up on preparing a $37 chicken, LOL!

Sometimes I tease him: “I guess the ROMANCE is OVER because I’m no longer GIFTED with $37 chickens!” *SMIRK*

And, of course, he retorts with. “Why buy the cow...” Smart@ss! ;)

[Liz]

Yum......

[MomwithHope]

Good looking roots - great. new leaf growth - it may not rebloom this year but always worth trying. When the top flowers start to fall cut back the flower spike halfway just above a joint. I have had many over the years and I think it only did not work once. At one time I had over 30 different orchids and had great luck with them. Then someone wanted to get rid of theirs about 7 of them and they were infected. I fid not notice or quarrantine them. Slowly they infected mine and I had to pitch one by one. Even had good luck with cattlyas and miltonias, my favorite orchid. BTW I scored 2 20 pound birds, 7.00 -7.12 each. I have them out in the attached garage in cloth bags in a big cardboard box sitting in the freezer until tomorrow.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

“I scored 2, 20 pound birds, 7.00 -7.12 each.”

That is fantastic! I’m going to check with my Piggly Wiggly to see what their deals are this week; should get their flier on Wednesday, and also call my local butcher to see what he’s getting for fresh birds. I might keep the one in the freezer for us; I always like a turkey dinner in February when I’m bummed due to the weather, and treat the family to a fresh bird this year.