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Nutritious Gardening with Gayla Trail
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- Emily 0 comments
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We are so excited for a GREAT conversation on gardening with Gayla on Monday!!
over 2 years ago
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- Emily 0 comments
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Here's a link to a preview of Gayla's new book:
http://www.growgreatgrub.com/bookpreview
over 2 years ago
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- Emily 0 comments
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And a page from the book - her photography is gorgeous.
over 2 years ago
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- ThisFullHouse 8 comments
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My favorite go to flowers: We're cutting back on annuals, this year. Splitting Black-eyed Susans is one of our favorite ways to fill empty spots in our garden!!!
over 2 years ago
Amie/MammaLoves
I used BESs to fill in spots last year. They're so hearty in VA.
over 2 years ago
Emily
And here I thought I was so late this year!!!! We're planting our garden this weekend - PERFECT!
over 2 years ago
Brandie
My bday is the 16, so I always wait until after to plant. My parents own a nursery - and every year we get more than a couple people who are rebuying because they bought too early and lost plants to the crazy Chicago weather (80 one day, 30 the next LOL!) so I always wait LOL! Growing up a farmer's daughter taught me that - but I didn't always listen to what they were teaching me, so there is so much I still don't know though. I wish I had listened more. Now, I am always asking questions and trying to remember everything my dad tells me!
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
I know, it's so difficult sometimes to adhere to the May 15th rule (another one of my grandmother's tips, too) especially, that 1st really warm day. My grandparents were married on May 15th which is also known as Peony Day in Hungary :) Just wish my Peonies lasted longer than a couple of weeks.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Here is a link to frost free dates: http://www.naturalgardening.com/shop/frostdatesa-n.php3 Now, it says for where I live frost free is April 25 - that would be for cold weather plants and ones that are hardier though. I grew up learning not to plant anything until May 15! (Although, not from seeds). Which is good because this weekend we dropped low and it was cold. And I had planted my veggies I would have been out there covering them in a scramble. As it was, where I worked (a nursery) we had to call in a few extra hands and move lots and lots of plants indoors. What we couldn't move indoors we covered up, but even still some of the tomatoes (only the yellow plums) had frost damage on them. So sad :(
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
I know! I sowed greens, radishes and beets last week and I'm hoping the cold snap here hasn't ruined my efforts. Still waiting for sprouts (granted, it's only been five days).
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
It was chilly here in Jersey, last week. This week, we're looking at temps in the 30s at night. The week before? 90s. So, I have a feeling we're going to be a little behind on our gardening; especially, my veggy garden :(
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
You've just reminded me, this is one of the things I need to get done out back, too!
over 2 years ago
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- cararolinson 0 comments
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Looking forward to this talk today :) We just got our garden into the ground yesterday and I'm looking for some organic and safe options for keeping our garden weed free.
over 2 years ago
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- Deborah 0 comments
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I hope to make some of this talk. I need it. And my plants would be most grateful. ;)
over 2 years ago
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- thienkim 7 comments
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I'm sad to miss the talk. I need tips! I live in an apartment and have tried container gardening. This year my 4yo picked out a tomato plant and some bell pepper to grow this summer. I hope I can make it work this year.
From Black Thumbed Kim
over 2 years ago
thienkim
I just checked my tomatoes and I have no idea if they're slutty or not. They're Husky Cherry tomatoes.
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Indeterminates also tend to produce crops over a longer time span whereas determinates tend to set all their fruit at one time. Determinates are also generally earlier... Determinates are best for pots but you can grow indeterminates in VERY large pots (like a garbage can).
over 2 years ago
Amie/MammaLoves
Thienkim, it would be appropriate that you had the "slutty" tomatoes. ;-)
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Determinates are shorter and will get more bushy. Indeterminates will grow taller and vine. I'm sure there's more, but that's about where my knowledge stop LOL!
over 2 years ago
thienkim
What's the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes? Is one more promiscuous than the other?
over 2 years ago
Brandie
I was taught for containers, you should go with a determinate tomato as opposed to an indeterminate. The tag in the tomato plant should tell you what kind you have. Also, tomatoes need lots and lots of room and ideally in a 5 gallon bucket or larger. I'll be interested to see if Gayla says yes or has some advice on growing indeterminate tomatoes in a container!!
over 2 years ago
Emily
We'll miss you too! Feel free to post questions here in advance!
over 2 years ago
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- Deborah 0 comments
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The picture on the homepage of the tomatoes in the basket...that's one of my summer dreams. How in the world do I accomplish that? (Back yard is mostly shady)
over 2 years ago
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- Deborah 2 comments
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One more thing. I am craving a potted herb garden. Can I plant cilantro and basil together? How much sun and water?
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
You can plant them together as long as the pot is big enough to accommodate them both. Cilantro is pretty adaptable and will generally stay small depending on the space you give it. Cilantro doesn't like the heat of summer and generally fizzles out much earlier than basil. Both plants like sun. You may need to water daily depending on the heat and the size of the pot.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
If the container is large enough, yes. I have a big pot that I can have 4-5 different herbs in! We get afternoon soon where we have ours - and they grow well. Last year I don't think I ever had to water because of all the rain LOL! BUT just check the soil and see if leaves are wilting. A tip - if you do get a larger container wide enough to accommodate lots of herbs, it's probably taller than what you need to be, so put some empty plastic containers on the bottom layer so it's not so heavy just in case you ever have to move it and you'll need less soil! )
over 2 years ago
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- adivinenature 3 comments
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IS there a good resource for what to plant when by region (I'm in south TX)? Also, different plants require different types of soil conditions, whats the best things to do for vetables? Is this a regional issue as well? How often to fertilize? What's all this interest in fish oil? What does molassas do? I have gotton blooms but not much fruit produced - fertilizer issue? Can you tell me about chichen poop as fertilizer - how much and when? I have heard to make 2 seperate compost piles - 1 for grren and 1 for brown and then layer this. Your thoughts. Thanks for sharing!
over 2 years ago
Emily
So interesting about molasses. I wish you could attend too. The whole transcript will be right here afterwards so come back when you can and add any additional thoughts you'd like!!
over 2 years ago
adivinenature
Emily, the molasses is used in soil prep and I have been told there is a specific kind. I have not tried it yet. wish I could attend.
over 2 years ago
Emily
These are such GREAT questions. I'd love to dive into the composting questions especially! And molasses?! So intriguing.
over 2 years ago
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- Maria Melee 12 comments
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Would love some tips for DIY fertilizer/compost/bug stuff. I'm growing mostly flowers, herbs and a couple of varieties of cherry tomatoes in containers. (10 inch pots.)
over 2 years ago
Amie/MammaLoves
I've been longing for a worm composter for years. My husband keeps telling me he just knows he'll get in trouble if he buys me one for a gift. I've assured him he won't. Need to find inside space for the little guys though. Love the idea that they'll eat all of our junk mail.
over 2 years ago
Emily
Oh, my daughters are going to NAME theirs!!!!!
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
I LOVE my worms too. They are like my other pets....
over 2 years ago
Emily
My girls are going to LOVE the worms! They'll think I got them a present.
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
I love vermicomposting (a worm bin) for small spaces. You can do this year round indoors, it makes incredibly good, light compost that is perfect for fertilizing container plants (and doesn't smell), and kids love the worms... a good education for them.
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
You actually shouldn't have a problem with putting cooked food in as long as you're burying it. You want it to be at least 6 inches from the edge and a foot deep. Your pile should heat up pretty quickly as you add food (raw or cooked) and basically be eaten by the microbes within a week. The problem with smelling comes from too much water, too much nitrogen, or too little air.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
It smells, it rots, and it attracts animals. I know some people who put small amounts in anyway, but it's not something I'm willing to try out!
over 2 years ago
v2br
Brandie, thanks for the tip on not placing cooked foodstuffs in the compost bin. What happens if you do?
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
Don't add anything to your compost pile that contains fats or oils. No dairy, no meat products. I would just add fruit and veggie scraps and coffee grinds/filters, egg shells as far as food is concerned...
over 2 years ago
Brandie
For compost - never ever ever ever ever compost food that has been cooked! We made our composter from a cheapo garbage can with a locking lid and my (poor) husband drilled a bunch of tiny holes in it and it has worked. And also, it as super cheap and not all composters come cheap! We put uncooked food scraps and we mix in a bit of dirt, cardboard, and a few leaves so it's not just food. Also important is turning it! I'll be curious though - adivinenature mention having 2 separate compost piles and I've never heard that before so now I'm wondering if we should have two or if it is okay to mix it all together! I=)
over 2 years ago
Maria Melee
Oo thank you! We have some white roses (we're renting) that were here when we arrived. I know NOTHING about cultivating them but when they bloom they're so pretty.
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
I have one buggy tip I learned from my Hungarian grandmother I use most especially for aphids (they love to suck the juice out of my knock-out roses) add dish washing soap and warm water into a spray bottle and blast those little suckers with it.
over 2 years ago
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- Brandie 5 comments
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What are your thoughts on hardiness zones - should we stick to only buying plants specifically labeled for our zone or can we fudge it a bit?
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
I'm not a stickler for zones because there are other factors that can have an impact on the conditions within your space. It depends on how far off it is. If you're in zone 5 you probably won't be able to overwinter a zone 10 tropical outdoors.... but 1 or 2 zones can sometimes be fudged if you know your space is a microclimate, or if you know how to protect the plant through the winter.
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
You might have little areas in your garden that act like microclimates. My herb garden is against a brick wall that gets lots of sun, so plants emerge early there, and do very well in that spot. It's almost like that garden is in a warmer zone than the rest of my garden!
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
I challenge my hardiness zones. It's all a great big (mostly fun) experiment.
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
Same here - also, we have very sandy soil where I live in coastal New Jersey, so strawberries and root veggies do very well, here. Also, planted a fig tree last year, which wasn't supposed survive, if left outside and uncovered, like I did, this passed winter. Surprised to find it not only alive, but flowering like mad. So, you never know...
over 2 years ago
CoffeeMom
I usually stick to mine because I know citrus will not do well here, but almost everything else will grow here. I think we're still part of the Banana belt where I am.
over 2 years ago
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- magpie 6 comments
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I don't plant many vegetables, because we belong to a CSA. But I like having a few oddball heirloom tomato plants. Last year, even though I bought them from a specialty grower (not Home Depot!), and doctored them with copper sulfate, my tomatoes succumbed to blight. Someone told me that I can't plant tomatoes in that spot again for FIVE years. Is that true? It's really the only place I have to put tomatoes.
over 2 years ago
Emily
I'm going to grow tomatoes in pots and in the ground this year, and see which do better. Great idea!
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Last year was a bad year for tomatoes. I am hearing reports that this will be a hotter, drier summer which is good news for tomatoes. Without the convenience of space in which to rotate I would suggest taking your chances with less plants to be sure, add lots of compost to improve the soil quality, and growing some plants in pots where you can control the soil and drainage.
over 2 years ago
magpie
After I posted that question, I did a little googling - according to the Cornell cooperative extension, it shouldn't be a problem: "Fortunately, the late blight pathogen can't survive in or on tomato seeds, or on tomato cages and stakes between the seasons and therefore cannot be a source of the disease next season. However, Gugino said many bacterial diseases can survive in the seeds and on the cages so it is still important to purchase high quality seed and to disinfect cages and stakes to help control these diseases." (from http://www.extension.org/pages/Prevent_Tomato_Late_Blight_Next_Growing_Season)
over 2 years ago
Brandie
I've never heard that before myself. In an ideal world, you rotate what you plant every year so you don't suck the soil dry, but most people don't. Will be waiting to hear the answer!
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
I've been planting tomatoes here in Jersey for the last 20 years and last year was nuts! The weather was hot, cold, wet, cold and then hot, again. So, my tomatoes never ripened :( I do switch planting beds every couple of years, however and try to give the ground a little rest, you know?
over 2 years ago
Emily
Oh, please, don't say it's true!! Our tomatoes last year were a disaster!!! It was so cold and wet through June that they just drowned!
over 2 years ago
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- Brandie 5 comments
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So something else I heard growing up - that I've love to hear your thoughts on - is that more plants die from overwatering than underwatering. And that you should water unless the plants look thirsty. What do you think - do you see similar things?
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Soaker hoses are good because you don't have to do anything but turn it on and off. The stream is slow and steady, giving the soil a chance to drink it all up. Regular hoses are fine as long as you are careful in how you use it and don't spray all over the plants (keep it on the soil). But it is more work because the stream is faster and you've got to move around a lot. There are nice little ring sprinkler attachements that keep a steady stream very low to the ground (I'm not talking big sprinklers that shoot the water up).
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Yeah last year was an anomaly...
over 2 years ago
Amie/MammaLoves
Gayla are you a fan of soaker hoses for deep watering or just a regular hose?
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Yes, we do deep watering here for sure (when we do water) last year we had so much rain, that it was pretty much a water garden for half the season ROFL!
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Overwatering tends to grow dependent, soft plants that are more susceptible to pests. The trick is to water deeply, less often. So when you water, really soak the soil (not the leaves) and then wait for the soil to dry slightly before watering again. How often to water depends on the plant, whether the plant is flowering/fruiting, the soil drainage, and whether you are growing in the ground or in containers. This method of watering encourages the roots to grow more deeply, which generally makes a plant that can withstand short periods of drought (again depending on the plant). Never let the soil go bone dry.
over 2 years ago
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- Cooper 4 comments
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Ohhhhh Gayla! Thank you so much for being here! My biggest challenge is not enough sun. What veggies, if any, can grow well in limited sun? I am so glad you are here! This is an awesome talk and group. Wow!
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Perpetual onions do well in shady spots as well. I am a big fan of 'Egyptian Walking Onions.' They just grow and perpetuate themselves.
over 2 years ago
Emily
Kale, Swiss chard and spinach are huge hits in our house. I'm so glad to know we can grow them in shadier spots!!
over 2 years ago
Brandie
We do green beans and snap peas in our shady spot - they do so well in the shade. Other than potatoes and onions, it's about the only thing we can grow very well in our garden!
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Thanks Cooper. A lack of sun does limit the edibles you can grow (sorry tomatoes) but there are still lots of options. Lettuce and leafy greens tend to produce in less sunny spots and there is a lot of variety within that category alone. At last count I had about 50 different varieties of seed in all sorts of colors, flavors, and forms. Broccoli, kale, Swiss chard and other leafy plants will produce in shadier spots... they just produce lower yields. Of course this does depend on how shady the spot is. Garlic chives, sorrel, parsley, lemon balm, mints... they all do well in shadier spots. You can even grow woodland garlic in very shady spots under trees. This type of garlic is more like wild leeks (aka ramps) than the clove garlic you get from the store.
over 2 years ago
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- v2br 9 comments
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I have the same problem as Cooper, not enough sunlight. Where there is sun, I don't have enough soil. Can you advise me on the raised box gardens I've read a bit about. Is there an inexpensive way of doing this and how or would you recommend this route?
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
for composting in place I started off with wet newspaper to block grass and weed growth, then I raked my leaves into the area, covered that with grass clippings, and just layered browns and greens to about 18" tall. Water as you go and give it a good hefty watering at the end. when you're ready to plant you pull back the compost to make a little hole, fill that with potting soil and plant directly in that soil. I have a diagram if you're interested. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sk8ordiehard/3370765565/
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
Emily I've done this sort of by accident this year...the soil where we left a pile of organic material to rot down over the winter is so much more rich than the rest of the garden!
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Yes, if you need lots, get it trucked in for sure!!!
over 2 years ago
Emily
Could you say more about composting in place? I'd love to know how to do this!
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
I also have raised beds, using untreated 2 x 4 and agree with Renee that buying dirt by the truckload (or yards) is a lot less expensive.
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
The most inexpensive way to make a raised bed is to simply mound the soil without providing edging to hold it in.... the trouble being of course that eventually you're going to lose soil, nutrients, etc to erosion. But it will work for at least one season until you can either 1. Find materials to use that don't cost anything like scrap wood or cinder blocks or 2. afford to purchase wood to make a permanent structure.
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
Just wanted to add that you absolutely wouldn't want to use pressure-treated wood to build a bed in which you'll grow edibles.
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
I have raised beds as well as no till beds. A raised bed can be as cheap as you want it--all you need are rot resistant boards (not pressure treated) and some corner braces. If you have a landscape supply company where you can buy dirt by the truckload it's a lot cheaper than bags of dirt. My no till beds are a bunch of logs around an area where I compost in place, and plant directly in. Those beds were basically free!
over 2 years ago
Brandie
I know a highly recommended book is called Lasagna Gardening - I haven't read it yet though so I'm not sure what's all in it. Something important when doing raised bed is picking an area with good drainage. Also, I know a lot of people combine raised beds with another method called square foot gardening - in which you plant a lot of things in a small space! I'd love to do this in my front yard (it's where we get the best sun) but I know my current neighbors would freak out if we did, and so we don't :(
over 2 years ago
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- pgoodness 6 comments
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Has anyone ever grown potatoes in a pot? Is it even possible?
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
You can grow sweet potatoes more like a regular plant... just plant them in the soil. The other thing to remember is that they are a tender plant so depending on your location you might need to wait a bit before planting them out. Regular potatoes are tougher -- I've already got mine planted.
over 2 years ago
Emily
So cool! We're doing this! We LOVE sweet potatoes in our house and I would love to eat homegrown ones. Same growing conditions for sweets ones a regular tates?
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
I grow mine in deep containers (garbage bins work great). The trick is to begin with a shallow amount of soil in the bottom of the pot and plant the "seed potatoes" into that. As the plants grow, continue adding soil to the pot until you get to the top.
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
The trick with potatoes is that you have to mound earth around the growing plants over time, so with tires you can add more to the stack as you mound. I guess you'd do the same with a pot, just adding earth as the plants grow.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
You can do them in an old tire! Never tried a pot though!
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
Hmm, I haven't tried this but if you have a big enough container I'm sure you could do it. Have you heard of growing potatoes in a trash can? It's detailed in Gayla's book.
over 2 years ago
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- christinefergu 8 comments
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I live in a wildlife reserve in Pennsyvlania (Fox Chapel, a suburb of Pittsburgh). I have 2 acres of land and would LOVE to have a kitchen garden, but I have deer, groundhogs, chipmunks, rabbits and other wildlife that dine on my perennials - and that neighbors tell me will dine on any vegetables that I plant. Does anyone have any guidance to offer as to how best to grow vegetables and herbs without just feeding the wildlife?
Many thanks!
Christine
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Depends on the plant. Some edibles grow best from seed (lettuce, cilantro, dill, calendula are some examples). I suggest buying fruit bushes, and perennial herbs as transplants since they'll start producing faster. Save money with the annuals by purchasing seeds.
over 2 years ago
christinefergu
Jaelithe, Thanks so much for your thoughts. Very helpful. I did know that I would need a fence, but didn't know what materials to use and how high - so thank you! Love the thoughts on mint (agree!) and oregano - I have perennial patches (two- large) that don't get bothered at all. You Grow Girl - Any advice for a beginning gardener with virgin land - how best to prepare soil to begin planting? Is it best to use seed or better to plant seedlings? Christine
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
I'm gonna second a fence. Mammals are complicated animals with varying tastes (literally). What works in one garden doesn't necessarily work in another. A fence is the only sure thing deterrent.
over 2 years ago
Jaelithe
I absolutely recommend a good garden fence. You can make one fairly cheaply out of chicken wire and cedar. A four foot tall fence will keep rabbits out entirely, and seriously discourage the deer. Squirrels are such acrobats that they can be an issue no matter what you do, but my strategy is just to grow enough food that the squirrels can steal some and I still have plenty. Also, there are many cooking herbs that rabbits don't particularly care for. They generally leave my basil and oregano and chives (which aren't fenced) entirely alone. And almost NOTHING can kill mint (or lemon balm, which is in the mint family). In fact, if you plant mint, after a year or two you might be begging the rabbits to eat some.
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
I think a fence is a good option, too, even adding chicken wire under the bed to prevent the diggers to come up through the soil. Also planting a thick perimeter of tasty treats around the property edge {for the deer} might deter them from entering the yard.
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
I've also planted rows of onions and garlic, and marigolds around the plants that rabbits especially like, and that seemed to help keep them from chowing down. I have no experience with deer, though.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Some herbs actually repel animals. We have baby bunnies in our yard and :::knock on wood::: they haven't eaten our plants yet - we have a bit of a fence, but nothing that they can't get through. I looked up last year by googling - but mostly herbs, so I mixed herbs in with my veggie garden!
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
Sounds like you need a fence to surround the area where you're going to grow edibles...but there are other ways to deter the critters, too. I'm sure others will chime in here.
over 2 years ago
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- Emily 3 comments
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I'd like to welcome Gayla Trail to TheMotherhood! We are HUGE fans of her books, her blogs and her messages, and are THRILLED she's here today!!!!!!!!!
And, on a personal note, I am ready to get planting!
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Hi Renee!
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
Hi Gayla!
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Hello! Nice to be here
over 2 years ago
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- Brandie 11 comments
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This year we are going to plant rhubarb and strawberries for the first time. Anything I need to do special to help see them through the winter. Should I do similar to what I do for my roses or just leave them and they will be fine?
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Brandie: Strawberries won't survive the winter if the containers are shallow (like a windowbox) but will if the container is deeper. Mulching helps too. Also wild strawberries and alpines tend to be hardier than the cultivated types.
over 2 years ago
magpie
In other words, rhubarb is pretty tolerant.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
We tried containers and they never came back :( I was so sad. So that's why we decided to put them in the ground this year. Except husband needs to rip out what's in the spot I want them to go. He's not as thrilled as I am ;-)
over 2 years ago
Emily
Strawberry-rhubarb pie, here we come!
over 2 years ago
magpie
My rhubarb was a gift from a neighbor who was moving - we dug it out in September, that is, the wrong time of year - and it's going gangbusters a year and a half later.
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
They're both pretty tough plants. You can mulch the strawberries with straw but I've gone without mulching and have never lost any... in fact they even come back up in large containers.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
I so hope ours keep coming back! I envision lots of strawberries in a couple of years!
over 2 years ago
Dawn Camp
We have a neighbor who planted some strawberries right in front of her house. They just keep coming back (and my kids keep eating them).
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
I planted strawberries last year and they made it fine through a very snowy Jersey winter, without my help at all :) The only thing is to be careful to give them lots of room for the runners to do their thing. My spearmint creeped over from the bed next door and, well, separating the two was very difficult!
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Fabulous - then I will do nothing too! My kind of gardening! LOL!
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
I do nothing with my rhubarb (I live in zone 6) and it's doing awesome.
over 2 years ago
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- Amie/MammaLoves 6 comments
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Sorry I'm late to the party!! Silly work getting in the way. You know what else is getting in the way of my gardening? Baseball season. Here Mother's Day has come and gone and my vegetable garden isn't in. That's normally the weekend here in VA. How late can I plant and still get good cucumbers and tomatoes?
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Where are you mammalloves? I'm in zone 5b/6ish and I haven't even started cucumbers yet. It's too late to start tomatoes from seed but there is still lots of time to get transplants in the soil.... in fact it is still too early here yet as we've had some frost warnings.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
In the same boat - we won't plant until next week at the earliest. But, we're still seeing frost around here so I'm not too worried about not planting yet LOL!
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
All we have started so far are some greens, rapini, radishes and beets, and they have yet to sprout!
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
Not going to be any earlier than the last week of May for me, at this rate, either.
over 2 years ago
Dawn Camp
We had two baseball games Saturday—every day but one this week! It can eat up your life until the season ends.
over 2 years ago
Emily
I am soooooo behind this year too - only in our house it's soccer season!
over 2 years ago
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- Dawn Camp 5 comments
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I would love to know the best varieties of tomatoes to plant, one regular and one cherry. I'm in zone 7: http://www.burpee.com/ancillary/zonefinder.do?KickerID=1116&KICKER&ch=SEM.
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
In the larger slicing tomato camp I will also remain devoted to 'Black Krim', 'Purple Cherokee', 'Zapotec Pink Pleated', 'Purple Calabash'. Oh there are really so many good varieties.
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
Ohhhh Mortgage Lifter. An AMAZING tomato, definitely one of my faves, too!
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
My new favorite (from last year) is mortgage lifter. I've never grown a more prolific full-sized tomato.
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
Black Cherry is also pretty and tasty.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
We're in zone 5 - but our hottest selling cherry is a husky red. People come to us just for those. No real winner on regular tomatoes though - celebrity does well but I think the others are probably pretty close in sales too.
over 2 years ago
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- Brandie 1 comment
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Soil pH - how important is it? We just ordered a kit to get ours tested. My gut says we have a high pH and so we are going to look at bringing down a bit - but waiting until we get results back before actually doing anything (just in case my gut is wrong LOL!)
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Most edibles prefer soil that is around neutral. Most edibles (save blueberries and strawberries in acidic-ish soil) won't grow well if you're too far on either end of the spectrum.
over 2 years ago
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- Amie/MammaLoves 10 comments
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I want to chime in about perennials. I have a plot along a fence line that gets full sun. I seem to be investing a small fortune each year in zone-appropriate perennials that don't come back. Do you know of a reference for soil type heartiness? I've got zone and light down, thinking maybe I am choosing plants that can't thrive in my soil. I've enriched the plot quite a bit since we have clay, but nothing...
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Oh yes I think drainage. I am reading the list of plants that are suffering in that spot and they all want good drainage.
over 2 years ago
Dawn Camp
I'm in Georgia, and we have nothing but Georgia clay, too. UGH!
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
I'm lucky to have found a local wholesaler (a family-run business) who grows and sells consistently good performing plants, here in Jersey. He's about a 30 minute drive, but totally worth it.
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
And if you have lots of leaves around {go steal your neighbors from the curb} run your mower over them til they're mulched up and spread that around your plants as mulch. The worms will move in before you know it, aerating the soil and bringing the compost down into the dirt.
over 2 years ago
Amie/MammaLoves
My shasta daisies don't do well there, even the salvia. I forget what else. Oh what is that plant... I have dreams of a gorgeous cottage-like garden, but am starting to think I should throw in some hydrangeas and be done with it.
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
I suspect drainage is your issue. You mentioned clay soil... clay tends to not drain very well. Add lots of compost!
over 2 years ago
Amie/MammaLoves
I have to second that Spring Hill nursery shade garden. I also use that site to cheat. I go there and see what they recommend for specific locations and then go to the nursery near me to buy.
over 2 years ago
Dawn Camp
We ordered a "shade garden" preselected perennial variety about four years ago from Spring Hill Nurseries, and they have done great! http://springhillnursery.com/
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
hmmm, where are you buying your plants? could they be shipped in and mislabeled? also, do you mulch?
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
What plants have you tried that haven't come back?
over 2 years ago
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- ThisFullHouse 5 comments
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Can we also talk peppers -- what is up with the brown little pin holes in my cubanol and banana peppers, the last two years?
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Do the holes look like this: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/images/peppers/insects/ecb/peppers_insects_ecb1_zoom.jpg
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
Nope, tiny little pin holes on the fruit. I sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth around the plants to keep the slugs away.
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
I've been wondering what this could be. If the holes were bigger I'd say slugs. If the holes were in the leaves I'd say flea beetle.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Yeah, I haven't been able to grow a pepper ever either. So sad :(
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
I never have luck with peppers, so I'm no help!
over 2 years ago
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- ThisFullHouse 8 comments
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DawnMHSH I loved these cherry-type tomatoes -- they were sweet and very easy to grow --they are called Sungold.
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
MammalLoves, I meant local "distributor" it's a family run farm, greenhouse and nursery -- sorry about that.
over 2 years ago
Amie/MammaLoves
Liz, Do you need to know someone to get in with a wholesaler??
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
I never grow them because the farmers at the market I buy from always carry them --- but they are like little drops of candy.
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
Emily, I bought it as a plant from a local wholesaler here in Jersey, where I buy all of my veggies/flowers.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
I've had sunsugar before and those are good - they look almost identical!
over 2 years ago
Dawn Camp
Sungold sounds yummy! Tomatoes are my "must have" vegetable to plant.
over 2 years ago
Emily
And beautiful! Did plant from seed, you order them or buy at your local nursery?
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
Oh, I just got one of these from a friend at a plant swap this weekend! They look great, excited to grow mine, now.
over 2 years ago
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- magpie 9 comments
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How can I talk my husband into composting? He thinks it's going to attract critters.
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
I have tried bokashi once and completely failed. Oh how it stank! Traumatic. I will try again because I know the fault was my own. But based on that experience I find vermicomposting easier.
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
I would think an unheated garage would be okay, but I'm not totally sure.
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
bokashi is anaerobic composting. I haven't done it, but I have friends that do. One gal that does it recommends this video to get started http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96fSXccQx9Q
over 2 years ago
magpie
Huh - bokashi sounds interesting. (http://cleantechnica.com/2009/03/03/bokashi-this-is-not-your-fathers-compost/) Does it need to be indoors - or could it live in an unheated garage in the winter?
over 2 years ago
magpie
bokashi?
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
That's what most people think, but you won't be putting meat or dairy in it, which is usually what attracts the critters. Also, when done correctly, food breaks down amazingly fast in a compost bin. you really want to bury it deep and not in the same place each time, that'll keep the bad smells away and the microbes will move in quickly and get to work. If you blend it all up before you put it in the bin it'll be gone in no time. If he still thinks critters will want the compost you could do bokashi inside and add that to the bin as it finishes.
over 2 years ago
Dawn Camp
I need to get my 19yos to set up a composting area for us. He goes and throws stuff off of our back deck that should be composted. I've tried to tell him that's NOT the way to do it. lol
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Composting = FREE soil amending. Use a closed bin system that won't allow space for critters and keep anything out of the bin that might attract them -- specifically anything with oil on it, meat, etc. We've never had pests and we're in a spot with lots around.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
We do it and we don't get animals! I think as long as you avoid cooked food, meat and dairy, you should be safe.
over 2 years ago
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- magpie 12 comments
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I put in blueberries last year - but I think I'd like to plant a groundcover under them (I hate the naked dirt). Is there anything that would be okay? Like woodruff maybe? Or is mulch better?
over 2 years ago
adivinenature
I have 2 different ones - yeah! will test soil for acidity.
over 2 years ago
magpie
@adivinenature: they suggest that you have at least two different kinds, so that you get cross-pollination. are the two you have left the same, or different? also, they like acid soil.
over 2 years ago
adivinenature
I have been told that you need 3 blueberry plants to produce. I planted 3 last year and lost 1 in the freeze. Do I need another one? So far they are a bit lanky, not bushy, is this because I didn't prune? sunlight issue? Soil conditions? Thanks!
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Yeah! When I get strawberries maybe we can trade ;-)
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
I love blueberries and second Renee's suggestion. Tricky to find a plant that will coexist in tat acidic soil.
over 2 years ago
magpie
Sure, Brandie - they're already setting fruit.
over 2 years ago
Brandie
I wish I could have blueberries too!! Can I just come over and pick some of yours? =)
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
Magpie--they'll get about 10 inches. It's Vaccinium macrocarpum (there are several plants known as American cranberry)
over 2 years ago
Amie/MammaLoves
i love my sweet woodruff. This is the first year in a few where it hasn't come back thicker than years past.
over 2 years ago
magpie
renee, how tall will the cranberries get?
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
This will be our first year planting blueberries (on order, along with a couple of raspberry bushes) so, I'd be curious to know, as well.
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
I just put American Cranberries in under my blueberries.
over 2 years ago
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- Emily 5 comments
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We're giving away a copy of Gayla's book! In just a few minutes ...
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Congrats!
over 2 years ago
magpie
Woot - this makes my day! Thanks so much.
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
Yay for Magpie!!!
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Congrats Magpie!!! =)
over 2 years ago
Emily
And the winner is .... Magpie! Congratulations!!!!!
over 2 years ago
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- Emily 10 comments
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Thank you, Gayla, Amie, Amy, Liz, Renee and Dawn for an AMAZING conversation!!!!!!!!!!
My family thanks you, my garden thanks you and I do too!!! Your great info and insights have been SOOOOOO fantastic.
I'll be back to post some photos here once everything gets going!!
over 2 years ago
Renee Garner
Oops! I missed this last thread, but thanks for having me!
over 2 years ago
Emily
A monthly meetup would be SO FUN!!!! And in the meantime, here's the link to the gardening circle - started by our very own, beloved Mamaloves! http://www.themotherhood.com/circle/show/id/8970
over 2 years ago
You Grow Girl
Loved your enthusiasm!
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Well you know, Deborah and I were talking about having a farm together - so we could just get more land and everyone can join us! =)
over 2 years ago
Dawn Camp
Fun talk! Thanks, everyone! :-)
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Oh, it would be fun to do like a monthly garden check-in! I'd be up for it! =)
over 2 years ago
ThisFullHouse
If only we could do it...IRL...right?
over 2 years ago
Amie/MammaLoves
I love these chats!! We should definitely get our gardening group together again soon for a check-in. There is a circle for gardening.
over 2 years ago
Assertagirl
It was fun to join you all! Happy growing (if the weather will ever co-operate)!
over 2 years ago
Brandie
Yes, thanks everyone =) What a great chat!!!!
over 2 years ago
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- cararolinson 2 comments
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Gah... I had a pop-up conf call sprung on me at the last minute (started at 1) of course... so I missed the talk... off to catch up on the convo....
over 2 years ago
cararolinson
Thanks Emily - I'm reading through all the posts - soooo much useful information :)
over 2 years ago
Emily
Never too late! Dive right in - you'll find such good info here!
over 2 years ago
Veggie gardens. Pizza gardens. Micro-gardens. Growing the food we eat. Join the wonderful Gayla Trail, author of "Grow Great Grub" and "You Grow Girl", for a one-hour conversation on gardening. Bring your questions, ideas, tips, tricks and favorite photos, and we'll have a fantastic live Talk together!
