GARDEN 2023

[ABR]

Well with a series of events over the last 2 weeks I didn't get the garden in. Will be doing it rain or shine this weekend though because I have 18 tomato plants and 22 pepper plants sitting on the front porch and bunch of seeds in the kitchen just waiting to be planted. Probably need to run by the feed store for some more cages for them too

 

[Tommyice]

Upgraded the growing station, replacing the small table with a Metro Shelves

 

[ABR]

Got everything tilled except the last 2 raised beds. Tiller was sinking too much in the first raised beds so figure they should be soft enough for me to hand turn the last ones. Got more cages at Lowes because TSC didn't have the ones that I wanted

 

[UrbanHunter]

Today I transplanted a half dozen lettuce plants into larger containers. I had started them in cups and they are now starting to show true leaves so it was time. I also transplanted 2 cucumber plants that had started to vine. they are now in #3 pots with 3 dowel supports forming a Tee-Pee, that will be their final home.

 

[UrbanHunter]

Today for my lunch break I checked out my outdoor raised bed (the covered ones) and discovered that I have spinach that is almost ready to harvest. I amended the soil and planted a couple of rows back in January when we were having an unusual warm streak, watered it once and now we have salad.

I did get my rain water collection system connected but I have not installed the line into the greenhouse yet. I don't know how much I have collected yet, will check it out tonight.

I am thinking that I will need to move my indoor tomatoes outside in about 3 weeks, I am trying to mentally "see" where things need to go as spring approaches.....

 

[LadyLocust]

Today for my lunch break I checked out my outdoor raised bed (the covered ones) and discovered that I have spinach that is almost ready to harvest. I amended the soil and planted a couple of rows back in January when we were having an unusual warm streak, watered it once and now we have salad.

I did get my rain water collection system connected but I have not installed the line into the greenhouse yet. I don't know how much I have collected yet, will check it out tonight.

I am thinking that I will need to move my indoor tomatoes outside in about 3 weeks, I am trying to mentally "see" where things need to go as spring approaches.....

A quick funny about soil amendment: about a year and a half ago now, Hubby and I went to pick up a trailer, ended up needing a different sized ball for the hitch so ran to local True Value. As we were standing in line, there was a woman at the counter with two of the employees. Someone had told this woman to get some soil amendment. None of the 3 of them knew what they were doing. They were looking in their inventory list for "soil amendment." Finally one of the workers went to another checkstand so she could help us. I kept my big mouth shut. Once we got outside, Hubby said he couldn't believe I didn't say anything. I told him we didn't have all day. We were both laughing at the ignorance among all 3. None of them evidently knew the definition of amendment.

 

[Neb]

A quick funny about soil amendment: about a year and a half ago now, Hubby and I went to pick up a trailer, ended up needing a different sized ball for the hitch so ran to local True Value. As we were standing in line, there was a woman at the counter with two of the employees. Someone had told this woman to get some soil amendment. None of the 3 of them knew what they were doing. They were looking in their inventory list for "soil amendment." Finally one of the workers went to another checkstand so she could help us. I kept my big mouth shut. Once we got outside, Hubby said he couldn't believe I didn't say anything. I told him we didn't have all day. We were both laughing at the ignorance among all 3. None of them evidently knew the definition of amendment.

An often overlooked amendment for clay soil is sand.

Ben

 

[Bacpacker]

Had a productive vacation day from work. Planted 2 3x12 beds with Yukon Gold taters. I love being able to just dig down with your hand as far as you want the tater's planted.
Also put out 2 kinds of lettuce, I had 2 kinds of cabbage as well, but the stupid rabbits ate them down to the dirt. I could feel little stems left, so I planted those as well. We'll see if they come back or not. Gonna pick up some more either way.
Topped off the remaining bed with a new load of compost. Hoping to build bed #10 and get it filled by the weekend, if the weather cooperates.
Also planted a Bartlett pear tree. It had already leafed out and looks really good. My 2 other pear trees are in full bloom right now. So are all of out blueberry bushes. And one apple tree

 

[Wingnut]

I almost bought an apple tree today, I'll probably pick one up tomorrow after I bag the oil & fuel filter for the bike. My pear tree is just beginning to leaf out, the peach tree already blossomed and has green leaves all over the branches.

I'm still kicking myself for missing the "sales window" for pecan trees, and pistachio nut trees are heller expensive right now... but I'll keep my eyes open tomorrow as I look for an apple tree, maybe I'll luck out and score a nut tree.

Quick question: is it better to use seeds from squash bought in the store, or should I buy seeds for squash? I want to try my hand at squash this season, since they keep so well... and I love stuffed squash recipes with beef & cheese, lol.

 

[Bacpacker]

Squash bought in a store, if it doesn't have a variety labeled on it may be a hybrid type. If so they will not reproduce true to the type. Seeds aren't that expensive, I'd just order some. Or check out your local Tractor Supply. Ours has tons of seeds right now of all kinds of stuff.

 

[Pearl]

Had a productive vacation day from work. Planted 2 3x12 beds with Yukon Gold taters. I love being able to just dig down with your hand as far as you want the tater's planted.
Also put out 2 kinds of lettuce, I had 2 kinds of cabbage as well, but the stupid rabbits ate them down to the dirt. I could feel little stems left, so I planted those as well. We'll see if they come back or not. Gonna pick up some more either way.
Topped off the remaining bed with a new load of compost. Hoping to build bed #10 and get it filled by the weekend, if the weather cooperates.
Also planted a Bartlett pear tree. It had already leafed out and looks really good. My 2 other pear trees are in full bloom right now. So are all of out blueberry bushes. And one apple tree

There is just something about hands in the soil!!

 

[LadyLocust]

There is just something about hands in the soil!!

it’s the worms

 

[joel]

There is just something about hands in the soil!!

I said that to a group of no till gardener & they did not like it.

 

[dademoss]

I almost bought an apple tree today, I'll probably pick one up tomorrow after I bag the oil & fuel filter for the bike. My pear tree is just beginning to leaf out, the peach tree already blossomed and has green leaves all over the branches.

I'm still kicking myself for missing the "sales window" for pecan trees, and pistachio nut trees are heller expensive right now... but I'll keep my eyes open tomorrow as I look for an apple tree, maybe I'll luck out and score a nut tree.

Quick question: is it better to use seeds from squash bought in the store, or should I buy seeds for squash? I want to try my hand at squash this season, since they keep so well... and I love stuffed squash recipes with beef & cheese, lol.

Check out Baker Creek for seeds, they have many many varieties, many heirloom so you can save the seeds from year to year. www.rareseeds.com

 

[Pearl]

it’s the worms

It's definitely not the Texas fire ants!!

 

[UrbanHunter]

Today after work I piped a connection from my rain barrels to my little greenhouse, I also installed a sight glass inside the greenhouse so I can monitor my water levels without going outside. This was a big deal because I can now water the greenhouse plants from the rain barrels using just a watering can. I was surprised to only have a foot of water in the rain barrels, the collection system had been turned on for a week. I double checked the collection flush out line, there was water there and not enough trash to limit flow, then I started looking for leaking connections. I had left all of the spigots open and there was one that I used to fill watering cans that was at the 1 foot level. So when it was raining it just filled the barrels and then drained anything above that spigot... I closed it and we are expecting rain tomorrow. That is the nice thing about starting things early, you can find the all the bugs in the system before you really need the water..

 

[LadyLocust]

My coralberry bush appears to show signs of life. I was worried. I already killed 1. It’s just decorative which I don’t have much of but for some reason I like the thing

 

[UrbanHunter]

Today I bought a new watering can, my old one started leaking at the side... I also bought a sewing measuring tape, I stapled it to the brace of my sight glass, now I can accurately measure my water barrels any time even on days like today when it's raining.

I checked my south side raised beds, my onions are now 18" high, nice solid row 16'. I have 2 volunteer potato plants that are about 6" tall.
The east flower bed has been giving me nice flowers for the wife's vase, she can't walk out there so I try to pick her a new arrangement every 3 or 4 days... .

I need to open up my raised bed lids today, it's raining and almost 70F, the spinach will love it...

My indoor growing stations are doing well, the cucumbers are now about 18" tall, I put 3- 3' stakes in their buckets to give them something to climb on, I tied grow lights to the top to the tee-pee to give them something to strive for. I am planning to move about half of my indoor tomatoes out to containers in the garden area in the next couple of weeks.

This year I shared seeds with friends and family, one has reported that his indoor tomatoes are up!

 

[Bacpacker]

Wige picked over a lb of asparagus this morning. Gonna be good for supper tonight

 

[Magpie]

The weather has turned here- yesterday was glorious and the sun actually had warmth in it. Last week I moved some seedlings out of my kitchen window sill and put them in the polytunnel, they were getting knocked a bit and I couldn't put them elsewhere in case the cats...well, the cats. They've actually done better out there, my pumpkins are up and my tomatoes are coming on better. Yesterday we weeded all but two of the veg beds, and I planted early potatoes outside, that I had bought. I have some planted in my polytunnel also, but they are ones I saved. Weeded and covered the strawberries. Spinach seedlings will be ready to put into the ground next week; though last years are coming on lovely also. I'll also be putting out greyhound cabbage, another bed of onions and planting peas outside. It was cool last night; frosts are not done with us yet, but the weather is meant to turn dry and warm over the coming weeks. I have a compost bin to empty, but will have to buy a few bags of compost to top up the beds.

 

[UrbanHunter]

This morning we have a frost, today it is getting into the 70Fs and for the next 10 day the lows are foretasted to be in the 50s (F)...

I now have lots of plants that need to go outdoors... Looking forward to more consistent weather...

 

[LadyLocust]

Today I bought a new watering can, my old one started leaking at the side... I also bought a sewing measuring tape, I stapled it to the brace of my sight glass, now I can accurately measure my water barrels any time even on days like today when it's raining.

I checked my south side raised beds, my onions are now 18" high, nice solid row 16'. I have 2 volunteer potato plants that are about 6" tall.
The east flower bed has been giving me nice flowers for the wife's vase, she can't walk out there so I try to pick her a new arrangement every 3 or 4 days... .

I need to open up my raised bed lids today, it's raining and almost 70F, the spinach will love it...

My indoor growing stations are doing well, the cucumbers are now about 18" tall, I put 3- 3' stakes in their buckets to give them something to climb on, I tied grow lights to the top to the tee-pee to give them something to strive for. I am planning to move about half of my indoor tomatoes out to containers in the garden area in the next couple of weeks.

This year I shared seeds with friends and family, one has reported that his indoor tomatoes are up!

I love that you do those nice things for Mrs. like bringing flowers in for her enjoyment

 

[ABR]

Finally got the rest of the garden planted today. Only took me about a month pup was "helping" i.e. constantly in the way lol

 

[Pearl]

I love that you do those nice things for Mrs. like bringing flowers in for her enjoyment

That is so cool!

 

[Tirediron]

it is still under a lot of snow

 

[ClemKadiddlehopper]

I have started some really old seeds in hopes one or two will sprout and set fruit for fresh seed. I still have lots of snow as well, but it should be melting pretty good by next week.

The only other issue is that I don't actually have a garden. Just big piles of crap dirt and a small pile of chicken compost. I may resort to drilling 18" deep holes in hard, hard pan and filling them just to keep the seed stock viable.

 

[Neb]

I still have about 5 weeks until the threat of frost is behind me but I have been scrambling to ensure I am ready for this year. Last year the backyard gardens were being used as a nursery for fruit and nut trees. Most of those were transplanted in December. So I have been converting my decrepit raised beds for this year of food production.

Re: decrepit boxes

We purchased one 8x4x2 raised bed as a test to see if the neighbors or township object.

The neighbor is ok with it. Still bracing for the township to send me a registered letter (again).

The Local TSC did not have enough 1/2" hardware cloth to keep the moles and voles out so I had to sew together some 1/4" stuff to cover the 4x8 base.

Re: potatoes

I dug up all of the seed potatoes from last year to clear room for what I hope will be my largest onion crop to date. The Princess has adopted a menu heavy on onions so I need a lot of space for them. One vegetable drawer full of seed potatoes. About 6 varieties.

Re: onions

Weather permitting onion have been going in. They seem to handle short cold spells ok. I have getting nervous that my onions starts were getting to big. I still about half a tray of starts waiting their turn. Four 4x4 boxes of onions are in.

And then there is another box of walking onions.

Re: garlic

Four boxes of four varieties of garlic were planted the end of last September and are doing well.

That last image of garlic is the wild garlic I am growing from wild garlic I grew last year. I am under the impression that larger cloves grow larger bulbs. The wild stuff I collected had small cloves having had rough growing conditions. The cloves I grew last year were larger than the wild wild stuff. These are an ongoing experiment.

Continued in next post...

Ben

 

[Neb]

I still have about 5 weeks until the threat of frost is behind me but I have been scrambling to ensure I am ready for this year. Last year the backyard gardens were being used as a nursery for fruit and nut trees. Most of those were transplanted in December. So I have been converting my decrepit raised beds for this year of food production.

Re: decrepit boxes

We purchased one 8x4x2 raised bed as a test to see if the neighbors or township object.

View attachment 106685

The neighbor is ok with it. Still bracing for the township to send me a registered letter (again).

The Local TSC did not have enough 1/2" hardware cloth to keep the moles and voles out so I had to sew together some 1/4" stuff to cover the 4x8 base.

View attachment 106687

Re: potatoes

I dug up all of the seed potatoes from last year to clear room for what I hope will be my largest onion crop to date. The Princess has adopted a menu heavy on onions so I need a lot of space for them. One vegetable drawer full of seed potatoes. About 6 varieties.

View attachment 106689

Re: onions

Weather permitting onion have been going in. They seem to handle short cold spells ok. I have getting nervous that my onions starts were getting to big. I still about half a tray of starts waiting their turn. Four 4x4 boxes of onions are in.

View attachment 106690

View attachment 106691

And then there is another box of walking onions.

View attachment 106692

Re: garlic

Four boxes of four varieties of garlic were planted the end of last September and are doing well.

View attachment 106693

View attachment 106694

View attachment 106695

View attachment 106696

That last image of garlic is the wild garlic I am growing from wild garlic I grew last year. I am under the impression that larger cloves grow larger bulbs. The wild stuff I collected had small cloves having had rough growing conditions. The cloves I grew last year were larger than the wild wild stuff. These are an ongoing experiment.

Continued in next post...

Ben

Continuing...

Re: shutdown the nursery

Two leftovers are a pair of elder bushes.

They have started to put on growth nicely. I have to figure out I can grow in that box. Maybe lettuce or radishes may benefit from shade in the hot months.

Anyone have suggestions?

Re: Waiting in the greenhouse

Bunch of broccoli.

More broccoli and tomatoes.

Bunch of seedless grape vine clones ( that aren't dead yet).

Getting excited!

Ben

 

[Tootsie]

I still have about 5 weeks until the threat of frost is behind me but I have been scrambling to ensure I am ready for this year. Last year the backyard gardens were being used as a nursery for fruit and nut trees. Most of those were transplanted in December. So I have been converting my decrepit raised beds for this year of food production.

Re: decrepit boxes

We purchased one 8x4x2 raised bed as a test to see if the neighbors or township object.

View attachment 106685

The neighbor is ok with it. Still bracing for the township to send me a registered letter (again).

The Local TSC did not have enough 1/2" hardware cloth to keep the moles and voles out so I had to sew together some 1/4" stuff to cover the 4x8 base.

View attachment 106687

Re: potatoes

I dug up all of the seed potatoes from last year to clear room for what I hope will be my largest onion crop to date. The Princess has adopted a menu heavy on onions so I need a lot of space for them. One vegetable drawer full of seed potatoes. About 6 varieties.

View attachment 106689

Re: onions

Weather permitting onion have been going in. They seem to handle short cold spells ok. I have getting nervous that my onions starts were getting to big. I still about half a tray of starts waiting their turn. Four 4x4 boxes of onions are in.

View attachment 106690

View attachment 106691

And then there is another box of walking onions.

View attachment 106692

Re: garlic

Four boxes of four varieties of garlic were planted the end of last September and are doing well.

View attachment 106693

View attachment 106694

View attachment 106695

View attachment 106696

That last image of garlic is the wild garlic I am growing from wild garlic I grew last year. I am under the impression that larger cloves grow larger bulbs. The wild stuff I collected had small cloves having had rough growing conditions. The cloves I grew last year were larger than the wild wild stuff. These are an ongoing experiment.

Continued in next post...

Ben

Nice raised beds! Can I ask where you got them?
Also, any advice on adding young trees to a thinning woods? Ash are gone, maple are declining, beech are gone so I guess it’s a hickory and black walnut mix now. Would like to put in red oak, maybe sycamore and am not sure if little trees will stand a chance if shadowed. What can I do to improve the odds?
Thank you!

 

[Neb]

Nice raised beds! Can I ask where you got them?
Also, any advice on adding young trees to a thinning woods? Ash are gone, maple are declining, beech are gone so I guess it’s a hickory and black walnut mix now. Would like to put in red oak, maybe sycamore and am not sure if little trees will stand a chance if shadowed. What can I do to improve the odds?
Thank you!

FRIZIONE 8x4x2ft Galvanized Metal Raised Garden Bed for Vegetables, Outdoor Garden Raised Planter Box, Backyard Patio Planter Raised Beds for Flowers, Herbs, Fruits https://a.co/d/5nKtLIi

I am not sure what to suggest. The Princess obtained a bunch of trees that are a mix of fruit and nut trees. In our case the state considers The Ridge a private forest and sent a forestry agent to survey what we had. So...

Check with the state?

Ben