Weekly Gardening Thread (Useful links) Vol. 11, March 16, 2012

Friday, March 16, 2012 | JustaDumbBlonde

[JustaDumbBlonde]

I agree ... go for it! I’m getting the crazy itch to put some seeds in the ground. We could still get a frigid front from the north, but I can’t stand it any longer!

[txhurl]

This is a bad pic of the invaders I just took, there's no sun in TX right now. See how that one has his tail stuck up? He's a drone. The drones ride herd on the workers, whose butts aren't as big or black or stinger-y.

[Ellendra]

LOLOL!!!!!!

Not quite like that. She likes to crawl under cars just as people are getting into them to drive away. And, there’s an owl family and lots of dogs around here. I just prefer keeping her close where she’s safe.

[txhurl]

Taking photos of ants ain’t easy.

[Ellendra]

The trees should be packed in some wet material such as sawdust or newspaper strips,

Aha! A use for all that shredded paper we've got!

[rightly_dividing]

You are way ahead of me; I haven’t studied these things, just stuck my hand in the wrong place a time or two.

[trisham]

I’m suddenly starving! :)

[JPII Be Not Afraid]

Yes, please add me to the list.

As far as the connectors, they are connected by a single connector. I decided against the four way or t-type connectors and wanted to have just the single. I am hoping to have a single pvc pipe run along the top to tie them all together. It will be interesting to see how we finish it since we are working off of 5 different plans. lol

I can relate to all of those who are wanting to start planting, it is gorgeous outside. It feels like the middle of May. And to think we just had 2 1/2 of snow in the yard.

Happy planting and seed starting everyone! :)

[Petruchio]

Taking photos of ants ain’t easy.

I agree, Uncles are far easier. Just set out a cold Beer next to a recliner and you don't have to wait too long . . . [grin]

[trisham]

Thank you! I just ordered it. :)

[JustaDumbBlonde]

[txhurl]

I was out there, ‘ok, now YOU hold still, STOP - the rest can keep moving- and you over there in the corner, come get in the shot’.

I think there’s some sort of collaboration here. Where do ants find aphids? Mailorder? There were these tiny little gnats on the strawberries before the ants showed up and voila! Aphids.

Where do we get aphids from?

[afraidfortherepublic]

THank you so much. I gaze out the window at the weeds and hope that I’ll be able to take care of them when the weather is nice — which is just about now.

[Red_Devil 232]

Went to the Harrison County Extension Agent's office this past week and picked up the paper work and sample bag for a soil sample test and mailed it off. The Agent invited me back for a sit down and explanation of the results and recommendations for what I need to do for my soil when I get the test back. There were a number of levels of testing and costs. the first level tests pH, p-n-p, sulfur, calcium and a few others for $10. The next level ads Iron, Magnesium and a few others into the mix for a total of $14. I opted for the second level. I figured why not know everything essential to make a healthy optimal soil for my veggies. I also got my truck and me legal to drive in Texas - Tags, Safety Inspection and a new Tx Drivers License. What a chore - I hate dealing with the people running those places. I know they have a job to do. For my divers lic. I had to have my current out of state Drivers Lic. social security card,

certified birth cert. (which I can produce - same day within minuets), proof of insurance and proof of Texas residence. I had to raise my right hand and swear I was the person represented by these documents.

[rightly_dividing]

What did you think about the $90 fee added to the title and tag, just for the priviledge of importing your truck into Texas? We had 4 vehicles; $360 added to the tags and title cost.

I had to get copies of my birth cert and SS card for my DL. Then the line was out the door and around the parking lot and out to the street, in the 100deg heat last summer. I never got my license until Nov. when My Alabama license was about to expire.

Moving to Texas is lots of fun!

[MissMagnolia]

I went to Amazon just to see what the reviews are .... wow! The 4 reviews it got are all 5 stars and the comments are terrific - I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since I like the book so much myself! I think you will be very happy with it. :-)

[txhurl]

Glad you made it! You are now free to move about Texas, a whole nother country. Now get your head right and move to the Hill Country!

[Arrowhead1952]

It stings and gets better in a little while. It may or may not be what you have.

I know one thing, put Boric acid in affected areas or use those horse apples and they will LEAVE as fast as they can. I used to pick those horse apples at my old apartment and never had a problem with critters.

[rightly_dividing]

Not moving again in this lifetime. We are looking to explore Hill Country on our next mini-vacation, though.

We didn't come empty handed. When my wife's company moved here, it brought 7 conservatives with it, no Obamacrats and provided 6 new jobs, so far, for local Texans.

[txhurl]

What trip to the Hill Country would you put together for RD?

I would insist on their seeing the ‘lowlands’ of the Highland Lakes, like Krause Springs. They’ll need to see Marble Falls and Kingsland, of course, Llano, Lake Buchanan spillway, Smithwick, Lago, Volente, and then maybe Bend? San Saba? Blanco?

*note there are wineries with free tastings at every stop on this itinerary