Weekly Garden Thread - November 20-26, 2021 ('Odocoileus Virginianus' Edition)

November 20, 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!

[LibWhacker]

Saint Helena, one of the longest straight staircase in the world

Did those architects ever get another job? Ever?

Serval on stairs

[metmom]

You have to be careful if the box is waxed, though.

I only use the plain brown or slightly printed stuff. I don’t use the shiny stuff and I take the labels off. The tape comes off easier once it’s weathered some.

I just scavenge for them at supermarkets and places that use large boxes. The little ones are not worth the effort.

[metmom]

That sabbath is a rest for the land.

Now, I am sure it was somewhat of a rest for the people as well, but they still would have had to harvest whatever they could from what grew of itself, and no doubt hunt game and raise their livestock.

Since our livelihood (at the moment) does not depend on our farming the land, I see it more as a hobby. Keeps me busy, gets me exercise, and gives me a lot of satisfaction in getting a good crop.

Our land had its unintentional rest the year we bought the house, 2019.

The previous owners had moved out and did not plant anything so the garden was overgrown with weeds. There was no opportunity in 2019 for anything.

In 2020, I planted a little bit, maybe 15% of the garden space and for all the neglect, and the tomato hornworms, I still was surprised at the amount I harvested.

Last year was pretty good, so I figure I have about 5-6 more years before it needs its rest again, if I make it that long.

[metmom]

I have two Brussel sprout plants left and those will go into Thanksgiving dinner.

I didn’t get a lot of them but they are far more popular than expected so I bought some heirloom seeds and will be planting them for both a spring and fall crop for next year.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Looks very nice! I love how you always seem to ‘find a way’ to get/make/build/create what you want, usually using things already on hand. :)

[metmom]

This summer I did bucket potatoes and carrots, and both did beautifully.

Our garden has heavy soil, lots of rocks, and tends to be wet, so I figured I’d try this instead.

Mr mm cut off the bottoms of some old plastic buckets and I placed them in the garden and filled them with wood chips, well aged manure, and some garden soil. For the carrots, I mixed a bunch of peat most, some used potting soil from my house plants, and manure.

In both cases I got a great crop.

The few potatoes I did plant by laying them on the ground and covering them with wood chips got seriously snacked on by slugs. GRRRRR.

However there was no slug damage from the bucket potatoes.

We found some old culvert pipe on the property and had to replace one, and mr. mm cut them up into sections for culvert pipe potatoes and carrots.

They are bigger in diameter than the plastic buckets and the same height. I’m looking forward to seeing how the crop does next summer.

[daniel1212]

"Now, I am sure it was somewhat of a rest for the people as well, but they still would have had to harvest whatever they could from what grew of itself, and no doubt hunt game and raise their livestock."

Actually "That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land." (Leviticus 25:5) "And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase: Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store." (Leviticus 25:20-22)

God had it all covered, while the community was one, with one law for all thus they had to see God work, as in the case of gathering manna.

"Last year was pretty good, so I figure I have about 5-6 more years before it needs its rest again, if I make it that long."

To live and die in the Lord, as faithful servants, is to rest: And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. (Revelation 14:13)

[hoe_cake]

thanks for the ping. Today my crew planted a Sweet Bay Magnolia (we are in zone 7B), a Jane Magnolia, an Acer Rubrum, a Redbud (don’t remember the botanical name), and a Hydrangea Tree. All #15 (15 gallon). Hard digging in the dirt a hole big enough to accommodate a 15 gallon root system. Now is the time in Georgia to be planting. If Mother Nature cooperates, we can plant 12 months of the year. Let’s do this!

[greeneyes]

I’m behind on my fall garden cleanup and cover crop. Finally got the garlic planted and taters dug though. Have some cover crops started. I’m thinking about just laying down some cardboard as a quick solution to get fall stuff done.

[greeneyes]

My plastic containers came in this week. I'm going to use them in the green house:

I drilled small drainage holes in the bottom of the black container - I will get about 6 inches of dirt in these. The yellow lid goes under that to catch drips. I have clear plastic containers about 7" tall that fits almost perfectly over the black container to make the mini greenhouse.

I have several potted herbs - I'll use one of the black containers to just put the pots in and then cover with the clear plastic container as needed. I can also try using a seed mat underneath the containers when the weather gets below freezing - an experiment for one or two plants to see how it goes.

The size is just right to fit in the spaces I have, and they are sufficiently sturdy, so I'll be ordering a few more to use this winter. I wanted to grow more lettuce this winter than I did last year. I've got some winter density and little gem along with some leafy types and spinach.

[daniel1212]

"You have to be careful if the box is waxed, though. I only use the plain brown or slightly printed stuff. I don’t use the shiny stuff and I take the labels off. The tape comes off easier once it’s weathered some.

I just scavenge for them at supermarkets and places that use large boxes. The little ones are not worth the effort." Well if you want to travel down here we usually have about 40 empty banana boxes stocked from the food pantry (privately donated) by the Grace of God. About 12 boxes a week, which get recycled (or whatever they truck does with it). Good for moving also since you can break them down and retape them. And if you need gluten free bread... Glory to God for it all.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

*APPLAUSE*

My lettuces are doing great; the spinach is being eaten by mice which SHOULD be asleep by now, but it’s been so warm, they’re not!

Glad you’re giving this a try. I’ve really enjoyed winter growing the past few season. :)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

That Serval is SO beautiful! I’m assuming the pet of someone rich & famous? ;)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

[Diana in Wisconsin]

[MomwithHope]

Of course you know those mice think you built that greenhouse just for them. I want to offer a special Thanksgiving for Diana for doing such a great and faithful job with this thread every week. I am always a little sad this time of the year in west Michigan. No gardening, snow starting and less time outside. Plus a long winter ahead. Some of you are still gardening and live in warmer climates do what you share us very valuable. This is it for as far as gardening.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Those Amaryllis are early! Do you save them from year to year?

Mine will poke along until February or so, then bloom, which will be quite welcome!

My ‘Miss Peach’ Christmas Cactus is full of buds, so I hope she blooms by Thursday - it’s looking good!

Thanks for the kind words. This thread is actually a lot of fun and good therapy for us all.

Stay tuned for lots of posts this winter on Hygge! :)

[MomwithHope]

No they are both new from tractor supply . I never have good luck wintering them over, gave up a long time ago. And for 6.99 its a lot of flower bang for the buck. I had to look up hygge to see what it is. That’s the hard part for me, too old to want to be creative and too sedentary. Man I am sure griping a lot. Funk be gone!

[Liz]

I had heard of a Tom and Jerry.......never had one. And never knew it was indigenous to Wi.

That recipe is fantastic.....Thx.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Its good to remember that venison was on the menu for the first thanksgiving! (What goes better with Venison than Mushrooms, along with maybe Cranberries and Wild Rice?)

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