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The Garden Thread - September, 2024
September 1, 2024 | Diana in WI/Greeneyes in Memoriam

Posted on 09/01/2024 6:06:00 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin

The MONTHLY Gardening Thread is a 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 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/removed from our New & Improved Ping List.

NOTE: This is a once a MONTH Ping List, but we DO post to the thread all throughout the month. 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; september
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To: Pollard

I probably got 6 gallons of shishitos so far and they are still going but slower. I pick them all green when I can. Any get away red ones hubby likes to eat but only the flesh after he cleans them out.

Finally got our garlic planted, picked almost the last of the sabre tomatoes, still 3 left out there on healthy plants. Have not dug into our big pot of potatoes but will soon. This year’s experiment. Have probably 25 or more Costa Rican red peppers still not red, very late this year. Hope they hurry up. Fall red raspberried coming in. New lettuce about 3” tall coming along nicely. It’s been a very good year. And we are grateful.


141 posted on 09/07/2024 10:58:44 AM PDT by MomwithHope (Forever grateful to all our patriots, past, present and future.)
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To: MomwithHope

Green garden hose? I’d chalk that one up to “poor folks got poor ways”. Either that or just abject laziness. lol


142 posted on 09/07/2024 11:16:05 AM PDT by Augie
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

I just finished finding a home for the last of the trees and bushes that needed one.

WHEW!!!!

No more. I couldn’t figure out where to put anything else anyway without clear cutting some land. NOT going to happen.

And honestly trying to dig holes in the dirt here......

I don’t know how ANYTHING grows in this state. Some of the worst soil I’ve ever had to deal with.

I’m finished up with canning tomatoes and got a good amount of sauce and stewed tomatoes.

Now it’s a matter of harvesting the potatoes and cleaning up all the weeds and dead plants.

We’re due for a few more weeks of nice weather based on the long range forecast, but I’m sure before long, the party will be over. In the meantime, I’m getting a fantastic green bean crop.


143 posted on 09/07/2024 11:28:55 AM PDT by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus”)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

I was in Walmart about an hour ago (their screws are cheaper than the co-op!) & the larger aisles are now set up with cans of pumpkin & the items most frequently used for Thanksgiving cooking. I think more Halloween items have been added, too.

It’s up to 71 ... was 65, very cloudy & sprinkling when I got here at 11, but the sun is now out & it’s warmed up a bit. Trying to ‘gather myself’ for working on the raised bed project ... might need a nap first.


144 posted on 09/07/2024 11:31:44 AM PDT by Qiviut (Forced obedience to obvious lies is the essence of totalitarianism-the ultimate flex for psychopaths)
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To: Liz

I knew we could count on you! Thanks! 🎃

I’m in the market for some spicy tea for the Fall/Winter months. This would be a great addition to any black or green tea, I would think. ☕

Our coffee maker died and since Beau doesn’t drink coffee and I only drink two cups in the am now, and it’s so dang expensive, I’m going to go with hot tea or hot lemon water in the mornings, now.

I do have a back-up coffee pot and a perk-pot if I just can’t stand it. ;)


145 posted on 09/07/2024 11:37:02 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: MomwithHope

Rarely a dull moment, that’s for sure. Only one way off of this Merry-Go-Round. ;)


146 posted on 09/07/2024 11:40:11 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: Diana in Wisconsin

I got the cheap little 5 cup Mr Coffee one from walmart for $20 or something. Makes up to 3 actual coffee cups - 8oz or so. Super easy to program for brew later mode or just hit the brew now button. Bought a 2 tbsp coffee scoop and one slightly rounded scoop does it.


147 posted on 09/07/2024 11:44:53 AM PDT by Pollard (Will work for high tunnel money!)
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To: Albion Wilde

BWACK! 🐣


148 posted on 09/07/2024 11:46:09 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: MomwithHope

I did. I hope she gets it together one day. I really do miss her. She was a FUN drunk, but was drunk way too often for my comfort. *SHRUG*


149 posted on 09/07/2024 11:50:14 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: Diana in Wisconsin

The pumpkin spice syrup would be perfect in tea.


150 posted on 09/07/2024 11:50:50 AM PDT by Liz (Faith is believing what you cannot see; its reward is to see what you believe. St Augustine)
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To: metmom

I’m glad you bit the bullet and got those trees and shrubs planted. Much better than worrying about them all winter. :)


151 posted on 09/07/2024 11:52:04 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: Pollard

I saw that one when I was at Farm & Fleet the other day. I’m going to try and cut out the coffee for now. Three days in - no ill effects so far.

I sleep well, so I don’t need it to ‘wake up’ but I do like a hot beverage in the morning - it’s the German in me. ;)


152 posted on 09/07/2024 11:54:54 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: Diana in Wisconsin

I have a very old stainless steel 3 cup brewer on the stove pot. Found it years ago in a 2.00 box of pots and pans at a yard sale. I brew two cups and the second day nuke the second cup. I can only drink arabica coffee without it upsetting y stomach. 5.99 for a pound at the grocery. For emergencies I have two boxes of tasters choice packets. I use half a packet for a cup. You will get more coffee out of beans tha go through a percolator. The absolute best coffee I ever had was Maxwell House brewed in an electric percolator at my aunts house. Right now I am drying some pawpaw leaves to try as a tea. I read they are good, certainly nutritious. My pawpaws are the late ones, due the beginning of October.


153 posted on 09/07/2024 12:30:03 PM PDT by MomwithHope (Forever grateful to all our patriots, past, present and future.)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

I used to drink kukicha tea, looks like burnt twigs. Actually delicious and a good coffee alternative I thought. If you try it, get the dark one made from twigs and stems. Link for photo only.
https://www.starwest-botanicals.com/product/kukicha-twig-tea-organic-china/?sku=401062-01&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=feed&ad_id=610584036941&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8—2BhCHARIsAF_w1gxsD5-MDHYFxE90H1WgAr044rx3NmI4jiSwpQPYTnr0fZo4aV-K_zsaAh93EALw_wcB


154 posted on 09/07/2024 12:36:21 PM PDT by MomwithHope (Forever grateful to all our patriots, past, present and future.)
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To: MomwithHope

Thanks! I’m also thumbing through a ‘Republic of Tea’ catalog for some ideas, too. :)


155 posted on 09/07/2024 3:02:21 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

I cut out coffee for a week about a year ago. Became a very cranky b-word in the morning. I don’t like starting my day like that.


156 posted on 09/07/2024 3:27:29 PM PDT by FamiliarFace (I got my own way of livin' But everything gets done With a southern accent Where I come from. TPetty)
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To: Qiviut

Qiviut; I have to say, you have a really nice high end shop! The wall looks nice enough to be in someone’s livingroom!

(Impressed! You did really well in finding that property!)


157 posted on 09/07/2024 7:50:32 PM PDT by Pete from Shawnee Mission ( )
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To: FamiliarFace

Of course there are the too frequent unpleasant surprises too (Aww! Not another rampaging raccoon or ‘possum!!), but, one can usually learn from those as well...


158 posted on 09/07/2024 8:20:00 PM PDT by Paul R. (Bin Laden wanted Obama killed so the incompetent VP, Biden, would become President!)
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To: FamiliarFace

Sorry for the delayed reply. I’ve only been on FR in little bits and pieces the last several days. Too busy!

Anyway, a good % of Buckeye nuts seem to sprout just fine even if only half buried in soil, with some fall’s leaves* on top of them, the whole thing kept moist in the spring. I would imagine that they can be started in a pot, with an inch or so of potting soil over them, but I’ve never done that. We have enough come up each spring that if a friend wants a couple saplings, I just dig up a couple.

Whether the nuts have to freeze or at least get pretty cool before they will germinate, I do not know.

*How heavy should the leaves-as-mulch be, for a given growing zone? I’m not sure. We are Zone 7a, and not over a couple inches, once matted down, seems ok. Too much may either choke the germinant, or, encourage a too early sprout that a hard late freeze can penetrate the leaves and kill?

A local extension Forester should have better information than I. ;-)


159 posted on 09/08/2024 12:00:30 AM PDT by Paul R. (Bin Laden wanted Obama killed so the incompetent VP, Biden, would become President!)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin; All

Whew! COOL here this evening. 46 deg. by dawn, says NWS.

Got the last hose link for now, running all the way out to the garden hose “splitter” by the fish cleaning station, upgraded yesterday to better (slightly larger inner dia. & materials to avoid dissimilar metals contacts problems) fittings. Nylon fittings coming, to replenish the parts box. (Nylon, once again, so they won’t lock up due to dissimilar metals connections. These don’t get moved around, so the only worry is draining them B4 freezes. I really should run an underground line out (100+ feet) to the chicken houses, and put in a freeze proof spigot, but, a sidewalk and all the tree roots on the way (in the way!) are a big deterrent to that project! Going down through the concrete floor of the wellhouse, and then out, to really do things right, would be difficult too. That old concrete is unbelievably tough. Years ago I tried to go through it with a big Milwaukee hammer drill from work, and could get nowhere.

All hose out to the 4-way splitter is now 3/4”, rated at over 500 psi.

I also bought from Menards all the goodies to make my own “manifold” / splitter for the 4-way split next nearest the house. Both such splitters I have, have rather small orifices in them @ the ball valve. The better one is still only about 5/16”, I think. The ones I’ve looked at at in stores were not much better, and get pricy fast. Menards has ball valves for 3/4” PVC for $1.50. Must be pre-COVID inventory??? So I bought 5 (one as spare), and adapters to MHT (male garden hose). Still need to figure out the best bet for a “swivel” (rotates) adapter on the input (female) end. I still have plenty of 3/4” PVC pipe here. I’ll have to check that my PVC / CPVC cement hasn’t dried up. But, failing that, for under $20 I should be able to make a splitter that doesn’t restrict water flow when wide open. Then, not ever let it freeze!* :-)

*When hard freeze weather gets here, then it’s take up the hoses and back to carrying jugs or buckets of water out to the little chicken houses! Ugh! But... Someday I’ll be to old for that and will have to give it up. Bigger “ugh”, so, enjoy the “labor”, Paul R. ! — it means “better days” for me are still in the here and now.


160 posted on 09/08/2024 3:08:56 AM PDT by Paul R. (Bin Laden wanted Obama killed so the incompetent VP, Biden, would become President!)
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