GARDENING 2025!

[Peanut]

UCANR info sheet on squash bugs
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74144.html

I wanted to highlight a section of that document...

The best method for control is prevention through sanitation. Remove old cucurbit plants after harvest. Keep the garden free from rubbish and debris that can provide overwintering sites for squash bugs. At the end of the gardening season, compost all vegetation or thoroughly till it under. Handpick or vacuum any bugs found under wooden boards. During the growing season, pick off and destroy egg masses as soon as you see them. Use protective covers such as plant cages or row covers in gardens where squash bugs have been a problem in the past and remove covers at bloom to allow for pollination.

Plowing really helps control insects and weeds and we plow throughout the growing season. For instance in this first pick taken in early June, the area with the black X. That area had cabbages, early plants. As soon as they quit producing they get plowed under. Still have plants on either side.

Even though the cabbages were plowed under weeds aren’t allowed to grow the rest of the summer. Dad or I will run a gang disc through that area every couple of months so any weeds that grow won’t be allowed to go to seed or provide a home for insects.

These two were taken in October, the last in November. When the garden is done and any seed harvested the whole garden will be plowed under. Other years it might be later if we have a lot of leaves in the yard. We’ll spread the leaves over the garden, might be plowed under, some years they’ll be burned and then plowed. Plowing or burning are both are good for the soil and do a good job of keep bugs and weeds under control.

 

[Peanut]

These are pasture pics but the same principles apply. Burning is great for the soil, and for controlling insects and weeds. Most people don't burn whole fields anymore. They are missing out on a very beneficial practice.

The conditions aren't right for burning every year. Might have to wait 4, 5, 6 or 7 years, wait for a time when we can do it safely. When the conditions are right we burn!

 

[Magpie]

I planted these in an unheated poly with no plastic down the bottom of one side (its netted)to have one Christmas day, but didn't. When we had frost and snow two weeks back, it went to -8 and I though they were done for. However, they are fine! This is the top of one row. There's more to dig underneath, and I have another bed still to lift. Cabbage still growing, spinach is coming back, and onions and garlic still okay. Turnip didn't grow well but that's probably on me and the wrong soil. Rhubarb starting to appear also.

 

[RJ2019]

My broccoli and purple cauliflower are starting to head.

 

[JustMe]

My broccoli and purple cauliflower are starting to head.View attachment 171994View attachment 171995

I hope they grow and produce well for you. They look amazing.


Last year I couldn't get broccoli to grow at all. I planted both starts and seed and got nothing. But the cabbages just a foot over grew like gangbusters.

Another brassica I have trouble with is Brussel Sprouts, the plants grow big and fairly lush, but the sprouts are really small and not worth the effort. Last year I left them in the ground, thinking of letting them go to seed and I see now the sprouts have finally developed. I'm wondering just how long does it take for them to grow to harvest??? I planted them in April last year

 

[RJ2019]

I hope they grow and produce well for you. They look amazing.


Last year I couldn't get broccoli to grow at all. I planted both starts and seed and got nothing. But the cabbages just a foot over grew like gangbusters.

Another brassica I have trouble with is Brussel Sprouts, the plants grow big and fairly lush, but the sprouts are really small and not worth the effort. Last year I left them in the ground, thinking of letting them go to seed and I see now the sprouts have finally developed. I'm wondering just how long does it take for them to grow to harvest??? I planted them in April last year

I grew Brussels sprouts once and they were about the size of marbles. I have no idea how it's done, honestly. The other stuff I just plant in good soil and keep the cabbage worms off them.

 

[sonya123]

with all the freezing lately I almost forgot ordering my seeds. Usually I start them indoors in January but this year it will be February. I wonder if we will have more weather surprises.
Ordered the usual stuff that grows well here

 

[PopPopT]

with all the freezing lately I almost forgot ordering my seeds. Usually I start them indoors in January but this year it will be February. I wonder if we will have more weather surprises.
Ordered the usual stuff that grows well here

Where are you, sonya123? (Just curious.) I'm in 6b or 7a, depending on who ya ask, north-central TN. Not a lot happening yet for me but I think I have most of the seeds. Working on getting some seed potatoes for early planting (mid to late Feb if weather looks good, in a high tunnel), maybe time to get some green onions in, should have had some carrots in by now but maybe... Farmers market will probably start sometime in early May, it usually does.

Have spent a little time trying to get the high tunnels ready, I still have plenty to do. And the outside gardens will need attention, too, but nothing urgent about those yet.

Was a little discouraged after last year's bad year. But having a few months off... well... I guess there must be some gardener genes still alive on the inside cause I get a hankerin' to play in the dirt n plant stuff.

 

[sonya123]

Where are you, sonya123? (Just curious.) I'm in 6b or 7a, depending on who ya ask, north-central TN.

We used to be in 5a but I think they changed it ( SW Virginia mountains, we are at around 3000 ft) I usually put my little plants out in March and cover them with blankets when it freezes. But as cold as it is this year, it will be doubtful I can get away with it. I also have a greenhouse but it's not heated.

 

[TexasCharm]

Oh man, I feel like I'm going to be behind the 8 ball again this year. I finally have seed trays started, and peppers are coming up, eggplant, a few herbs, and flowers I think, and maybe huckleberries. Just getting my tomatoes started and nothing up yet. I've had no time for garden prep, and need to do some serious fence work because the chickens have taken over my garden area... and this shall not be!

I'm in 9a and if I don't get some stuff in the ground as quickly as I think I can, it quickly gets too hot.

 

[JustMe]

with all the freezing lately I almost forgot ordering my seeds. Usually I start them indoors in January but this year it will be February. I wonder if we will have more weather surprises.
Ordered the usual stuff that grows well here

Have you tried saving your own seeds??? For the most part, it's really not that difficult

 

[WVDragonlady]

My husband got me a 6 pack for Valentine Day.
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Of heat mats for my seedlings

 

[sonya123]

Have you tried saving your own seeds??? For the most part, it's really not that difficult

yes, when we first started this, we used heirloom seeds and tried to save them. It failed. Many of those plants just didn;t do well. They got eaten by bugs, didn't grow well . I experimented with different seeds and found out there are "hybrid" seeds for a reason, they are easier to grow stuff with, the results were better. BUT if stuff regrows, they are not the same
Plus you can't find seeds for some stuff.

wait, except beans, they work

 

[Pearl]

yes, when we first started this, we used heirloom seeds and tried to save them. It failed. Many of those plants just didn;t do well. They got eaten by bugs, didn't grow well . I experimented with different seeds and found out there are "hybrid" seeds for a reason, they are easier to grow stuff with, the results were better. BUT if stuff regrows, they are not the same
Plus you can't find seeds for some stuff.

wait, except beans, they work

I save a lot of seeds and they do ok, but very true on the hybrids! I always buy seeds to insure I get good veggies, and plant saved seeds as 'pot luck' plants!

 

[RJ2019]

I got the seedling area on top of the refrigerator cleared off and ready for planting. Tested the grow lights, all good. I still need to pick up some soil for seed planting but hoping to get that done around beginning of Feb. I don't think I want to run lights in the office again this year, so won't be starting as many seeds. I need to do more sweet potato slips too, they usually sell pretty well.

 

[Peanut]

https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/the-complete-guide-to-saving-seeds.1357/

This is a great book on seeds I put in the library way back in '18. Anyway, Since we have new folks in the forum thought I'd mention it again.

 

[Pearl]

https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/the-complete-guide-to-saving-seeds.1357/

This is a great book on seeds I put in the library way back in '18. Anyway, Since we have new folks in the forum thought I'd mention it again.

That is a great book!! Simple for beginners, and easy and clear!! Even the advanced seed saving part is not overwhelming!! Thank you for reposting!!

 

[RJ2019]

I picked up potting soil this afternoon and began the annual seed starting. Got the light and thermostat for heat mat all situated...couldn't find the timer for the lights (I think it's in the Christmas box and I want to leave it there if it is) so need to buy another one soon. Got Thai eggplant, determinate hybrid tomatoes, croockneck squash, Holstein beans, lemon cucumbers and habanero peppers planted. I looked for and couldn't find any of the Tromboncino squash seed that I thought I had, will have to buy more and it isn't commonly sold here so that'll be a special order.

 

[TexasCharm]

Just went upstairs to turn the light off on my seedlings.
Why do I find itty bitty baby asparagus so ded-gum cute! ?