Posted on 05/03/2013 1:37:50 PM PDT by greeneyes
The Weekly Gardening Thread is a weekly 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.
This thread is non-political, although you will find that most here are conservative folks. No matter what, you won’t be flamed and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked.
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Yes indeed. We started small in 2009, and I started the square foot beds in 2010, plus we put in a dwarf orchard and lots of berry bushes of various types.
We have grown enough that we are able to keep our food purchases to the budget, and stock up the pantry too, even though food prices have gone up a lot.
I would encourage anyone who has some space in the yard or on decks/patios with containers, to start practicing and learning to grow their own stuff.
It’s the only way to really be sure what you are eating.
Now that’s funny!! :)
Hi greeneyes and all!
Well, we had our cold snap. Darlin had helped me with covering the roses and the bulbs which had been budding out. We uncovered them today and they survived nicely.
I found that a few more of the seeds I started in cups have sprouted...others haven’t yet. I started a few more - scalloped white squash, and spinach.
I’m hoping to actually plant some of the little guys this weekend, Al Gore or no Al Gore!
You said that weather is too cool for planting there in MO.
What does the low temperature need to be in order to plant? Upper 30’s aren’t freezing...although, a refrigerator is about 40 which slows down cellular metabolism. Hmmmmmmmm. Maybe I can hope all I want, but oh well, maybe I need to try to nurse the little seedlings along a bit longer.
It did get to a gorgeous 65-70 degrees this afternoon.
I agree about the learning opportunity you refer to. Precisely my thought as well!
Some pretty younger thing would just interfere with my lifestyle.
He said, while thinking about a certain Islander that called recently...
I intend to remain... um... resolute.
/johnny
Sounds like it. We kinda tolerate the squirrels, cause the grandkids like to watch them, and they have become smart enough to steal food from live traps without tripping them.
Also, they could make a good stew if meat prices get too high.LOL
Yellow is my favorite color.
When my wife heard it might be a Squash Vine Borer, she almost went into a swoon. We looked it up on Google, however, and that wasn't it. Turns out it's a Milkweed Bug, relatively harmless unless you consider your Milkweeds a beneficial plant. Thanks for the tip, though. :)
The temperature for planting depends on what you are planting and where.
Cool crops like spinach and lettuce for example are ok right now, but I still wouldn’t transplant them at these temps. The ones that grew during one of our earlier warm periods are surviving nicely.
Winter Wheat will continue to grow in the 30’s for another example - it just grows slower. Goes dormant when the weather gets too cold, and then grows like gangbusters when the spring warmth kicks in.
Tomatoes do not like 40 degree weather and below. Even if well established, the setting of fruit etc is inhibited when weather is in the 40’s.
We don’t have a lot of space, but are making plans to use it more effectively.
It is called “ Graham Thomas”, a climbing rose, repeat bloomer, that tends to do well in these parts ( zone 6-7). I say “tends to”. Have to routinely spray for black spot and aphids. Does better with lots of compost and “rose-tone” fertilizer.
We just have an acre at our current location, but also have some land about 10 miles away with a creek and 22 acres, so If push came to shove, the grandkids could move their trailer there and we could expand.
Well, it sure is pretty.
Thanks for the tips on temperature. That helps! I just started a spinach cup today, and maybe, if it sprouts, I’ll put it out soon!
You are very blessed!
Soil temperature is almost as important as air temps for planting here
I also like to have some row covers on hand for the spring, fall and winter. Let’s in 85% of sun, increases temp about 4 degrees, allows rain to seep in, and you don’t have to rush out to yank it off when the sun comes out for a few hours before the next cold front.
Anyway here in Missouri it’s been useful for a lazy gardener like me.
I think so too. God has blessed me and my family in so many ways. I give thanks every day.
"when the world wearies and ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden".....from a wood print we bought in Vermont about 35 yrs ago...
I’ve just heard that Marigolds help keep insects a way....don’t know it its true...
Got spring greens and roots in and some cabbage transplants. That’s all. Usually I’m picking baby greens by now and starting to plant corn and transplant tomatoes. This is nuts.
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