Weekly Garden Thread - Jan 27-Feb 2, 2024 [Our Feathered Friends Edition]

January 27, 2024 | Diana in WI/Greeneyes in Memoriam

[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!

[Pollard]

Oh boy

The Almond Agaricus(cousin to the white button mushroom, crimini and portabella) is a heat loving Portobello mushroom variety that grows quickly and can fruit as soon as one month after planting. This mushroom pairs perfectly with garden beds, container gardens, or landscape pots as it loves regular watering. We like to companion plant ours in a high tunnel along with leafy vegetation such as bell peppers, summer squash, and tomatoes.

https://www.fieldforest.net/category/growing-mushrooms-in-beds

https://www.fieldforest.net/product/almond-agaricus-on-compost-instruction-sheet/instruction-sheets

It can be incredibly fast and prolific resulting in large clusters with individuals growing to over 1 lb. in as soon as 4 weeks after planting.

Pic from here: https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2019/07/the-abcs-of-almond-agaricus-mushrooms/ Author is a founder of Field & Forest

[Diana in Wisconsin]

LOL! As if you need more on your plate, LOL!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

[Diana in Wisconsin]

In the winter months I use my porch planter as a bird feeder. I set it against the kitchen window to amuse myself and the cats all winter long. Mainly I get the smaller birds, but sometimes a Cardinal will stop in or a Blue Jay or Mourning Dove. The Evergreen branches and Red Twig Dogwood are clipped from the yard. I put a few flat ceramic dishes in there filled with a basic seed mix. The solar lights look pretty through the window when lit at night.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Here's a shot I took of a Goldfinch. I might enter this one in 'Birds And Blooms' magazine.

[Augie]

The weather improved substantially last week compared to what we’ve had lately here in Central Missouri. Today we actually got some sunshine and it’s in the mid 50°s outside.

But... I accidentally left Nanner’s ignition key in the run position when I stopped working on the swingset frame for the grandkids... then we had a couple weeks of sub-zero weather... $400 worth of two months old starting batteries frozen and junked.

I’m slightly annoyed with that little oversight...

[Diana in Wisconsin]

“I’m slightly annoyed with that little oversight...”

LOL!

[Pollard]

Time to shop for seed starting supplies for some of us. Days are getting noticeably longer.

Might see if I can get another high tunnel truss frame in this weekend. Holes are dug, frame’s laying there and I can park the dysfunctional F150 there as the crane truck now that it’s no longer a driver. It runs enough for that and I don’t have to worry about dismantling the “crane”.

The red Chevy(I hate red for a vehicle color) seems to be a good truck.

I made it to work one slippery day from 40 miles away and was 1 of 5 people who made it in out of 50. The others 4 lived within 2-5 miles.

Blows their minds, but like you, I grew up in a place where we didn’t see actual pavement for a few months, aside from the major highways. We drove on packed powder. I learned to drive doing donuts in mall and large store parking lots. The cops would kick us out at some point and we’d move on to another one. Good times.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

“Days are getting noticeably longer.”

We had some SUNSHINE today after weeks of overcast skies. Beau called me outside to see it, but the puppies and I were already basking in it on the south-facing front porch. :)

“I learned to drive doing donuts in mall and large store parking lots.”

When we ventured out last week I specifically asked Beau to do a few donuts in the Walmart parking lot. Mr. Straight-Laced wouldn’t do it, LOL!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Yay! Kale! :)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

[Diana in Wisconsin]

[DollyCali]

Gorgeous first pix.

I’m ready to order seeds n picked out several that humming birds favor. And of course sunflower for the bigger crew

I get my bird seed for feeders at a mill store. Blend called winter mix It is more expensive but it’s what we started with

I do my own sugar water for hummingbirds No red coloring

[DollyCali]

We have bears in NC

[FamiliarFace]

I bet you do! I’ll guess I’ll keep beautiful NC off my list of places to retire. Where we live currently is seeming pretty nice! No bears, very few mosquitoes. Ok, maybe not much sunshine in the winter months, but perhaps we go travel some when we get that cabin fever feeling.

[FamiliarFace]

Going back over the thread. Very cute display near your window!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

The cats and I love it! None of my feeders have been very busy these days. We are in our ‘January Thaw’ and man, are we ever thawing! Going to hit 50 by the end of the week, and it’s been nice and sunny. Yay! :)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Ignore the Groundhog!

[Pollard]

Field & Forest mushroom catalog just came in the mail yesterday.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Must be a sign from the Heavens! ;)