Author Topic: 2020 Gardening Thread (Read 4049 times)

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #50 on:** May 19, 2020, 01:46:34 PM »

We have having perfect garden weather, but I feel like nothing is happening.

That being said, the kiwis are about to flower, the grapes look like they will once again be prolific, the frogs are super happy (video link below) and self-seeding sunflowers are plentiful.

I planted a bunch of cucumber and pumpkin from seed, and about half of them are finally starting to put out some good leaves. Dan has planted some of his tomato plants (finally!).

But I need more... I will try this weekend to get some lettuce planted, and maybe a couple of eggplant.
And I still need to build the raised bed. I'm now thinking of making it a combination raised bed / cold frame.

Frogs:
https://photos.smugmug.com/The-Garden-1/Pond/i-zsXvCfs/0/1c4ab066/1280/IMG_0596-1280.mp4

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #51 on:** May 24, 2020, 07:36:23 PM »

It was a good day to be out. It’s finally warmed up and it will be dry for a couple of days. I intended to cover the veggie garden and put the vegetables in. I moved them out back, and then noticed how bad the dandelions were in the butterfly garden bed. That led to a weeding session, which led to the realization that none of the six packs of milkweed seeds I planted last fall survived the winter. That led to a trip to the local garden supply store, where I was able to purchase milkweed and several other native perennials for that patch.

Fourstring volunteered to plant those while I covered the veggie garden with weed blocker. The kids were voluntold to put the herbs in the planter boxes. By the time I was done with the weed blocker, it was HOT and we all decided to take a break. The veggies aren’t in yet, but they’ll hold until tomorrow.

In the meantime, I’ll cool off with some tonic water flavored with rhubarb simple syrup, courtesy of the rhubarb patch. 😋

CLAY · « **Reply #52 on:** June 03, 2020, 07:43:58 PM »

My peas and radishes are coming up, the drip irrigation is down and covered with my tarp and the kids planted beans yesterday.

mr.awesome · « **Reply #53 on:** June 04, 2020, 07:56:43 AM »

Asparagus is done, had a good crop this year. Will be having a banner crop of strawberries and raspberries. In the flower gardens poppies are opening up.

doc4216 · « **Reply #54 on:** June 04, 2020, 10:17:35 AM »

For a second year in a row, my tomatoes are flowering but not producing.

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #55 on:** June 04, 2020, 12:22:27 PM »

Our strawberries are producing in decent numbers for the first time. Next year I want to sort out something like this system to use:

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The raspberries are going to inundate us soon - the bushes are just LOADED with berrries!

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I let the sunflowers self-seed and have been thinning them out. Dan hates this plot, as he says that it is a waste of space. Bah - I like the sunflowers. Plus, it is on the north end of the garden, so it doesn't cast any shade.

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The pergola is covering nicely with this year's grapes, and I'm still trying to find a female kiwi growing, so that I can get some fruit

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Dan has been really good about coming with me to the garden this spring. Sometimes he helps, Sometimes he just holds down the hammock

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viffergyrl · « **Reply #56 on:** June 04, 2020, 12:26:04 PM »

Quote from: doc4216 on June 04, 2020, 10:17:35 AM

For a second year in a row, my tomatoes are flowering but not producing.

Do you have flowers that attract pollinators?

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #57 on:** June 04, 2020, 12:52:49 PM »

Quote from: viffergyrl on June 04, 2020, 12:26:04 PM

Quote from: doc4216 on June 04, 2020, 10:17:35 AM
For a second year in a row, my tomatoes are flowering but not producing.

Do you have flowers that attract pollinators?

murder hornets

Andrew · « **Reply #58 on:** June 06, 2020, 11:22:01 PM »

Quote from: viffergyrl on June 04, 2020, 12:26:04 PM

Quote from: doc4216 on June 04, 2020, 10:17:35 AM
For a second year in a row, my tomatoes are flowering but not producing.

Do you have flowers that attract pollinators?

If you have no polinators, well I guess you get to be the bee.
Needed tools 1 q-tip or small soft paint brush
how to be a bee: take said tooling and brush the center of each of the flowers

Your flowers are now experienced and ready to produce

worked for me when I had no bees visiting

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #59 on:** June 07, 2020, 07:09:41 AM »

Last year our brick patio started sagging, so we got it replaced. One of the things that we asked them to do was to extend the bricks out along the line of patio into an outline for another garden patch. Due to weather and other issues, they could do the patio last fall, but they couldn’t finish the garden patch until last week. This one will hold strawberries and herbs.

CLAY · « **Reply #60 on:** June 10, 2020, 08:11:07 PM »

Beans are coming up, and the boy and I planted the greenhouse plants yesterday. I also had a radish sandwich yesterday from mine, which I LOVE! Radishes are always the first payoff of the garden. Things are progressing!

mr.awesome · « **Reply #61 on:** June 20, 2020, 02:49:46 PM »

Have been eating strawberries like crazy. This is today's harvest.

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #62 on:** June 20, 2020, 03:36:03 PM »

Om, nom nom.

The new garden area got built too late this year to plant strawberries, but they are going in that spot next year for sure!

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #63 on:** June 21, 2020, 02:43:47 AM »

Quote from: mr.awesome on June 20, 2020, 02:49:46 PM

Have been eating strawberries like crazy. This is today's harvest.

My strawberries are long gone, but the raspberries are coming in flush!

The near container is from two days ago, and the other one just from yesterday - with plenty more coming in!

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I am still amazed at the quantity of berries I get off of these bushes considering I didn't even know they existed when I took over the garden in 2017!

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #64 on:** June 21, 2020, 02:46:38 AM »

Quote from: jadziadax8 on June 20, 2020, 03:36:03 PM

The new garden area got built too late this year to plant strawberries, but they are going in that spot next year for sure!

I bought a large plastic pipe for my strawberries. I still need to do the work, but the plan is to cut holes in it, fill it full of dirt, and then plant strawberries in the holes. Sort of like this:

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I just need to drill the holes, fill it full of dirt and plant the strawberries. Oh, and figure out where and how to support it

I'm hoping that the tube will help me keep the runners in check, as well as keep the berries off the ground while they are ripening.

CLAY · « **Reply #65 on:** June 21, 2020, 08:33:09 AM »

^That is a fascinating design. I suppose there's no reason they couldn't be waist height- no bending to pick them. Huh.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #66 on:** June 27, 2020, 07:00:45 AM »

Getting there

doc4216 · « **Reply #67 on:** June 27, 2020, 10:27:32 AM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 27, 2020, 07:00:45 AM

Getting there

Hay bale gardening, I just learned about this.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #68 on:** June 27, 2020, 02:22:29 PM »

Quote from: doc4216 on June 27, 2020, 10:27:32 AM

Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 27, 2020, 07:00:45 AM
Getting there

Hay bale gardening, I just learned about this.

It’s amazing. However, don’t miss the distinction between hay and straw bales. You want straw bales.

mr.awesome · « **Reply #69 on:** June 27, 2020, 04:55:01 PM »

Basil is rocking out. Aura is making pesto today .

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #70 on:** June 28, 2020, 07:39:43 AM »

Quote from: mr.awesome on June 27, 2020, 04:55:01 PM

Basil is rocking out. Aura is making pesto today .

I did that yesterday! I got five batches for the freezer and one for nomming on right now.

doc4216 · « **Reply #71 on:** June 28, 2020, 09:58:15 AM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 27, 2020, 02:22:29 PM

Quote from: doc4216 on June 27, 2020, 10:27:32 AM
Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 27, 2020, 07:00:45 AM
Getting there

Hay bale gardening, I just learned about this.

It’s amazing. However, don’t miss the distinction between hay and straw bales. You want straw bales.

Yes, I read that. Seem like a great option for tight spaces but not sure I want to replace them every two to three years. I would think the decomposition makes a mess.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #72 on:** June 28, 2020, 05:10:45 PM »

The decomposition makes dirt. Really good dirt. Eventually.

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #73 on:** July 11, 2020, 04:45:58 AM »

I learned something (!) this year about garlic and onions: they are not the same (wrt when to plant, at least)

I had put in onion bulbs last fall and the garlic bulbs in March. Turns out it should have been the opposite way. Anyway, I dug them all up today and am letting them dry in the garden shed.

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Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #74 on:** July 11, 2020, 04:48:46 AM »

Also, I swear this pumpkin doubled in size since I took this picture a week ago!

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doc4216 · « **Reply #75 on:** July 11, 2020, 01:16:21 PM »

I have had a nocturnal visitor this week. Had an almost perfectly ripe tomato that was completely stolen. The next day I woke up to this. Pretty sure it might be a squirrel.

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #76 on:** July 11, 2020, 08:42:09 PM »

Squirrels are little bastages. They will do that all the time. I have heard that they eat unripe stuff because they’re thirsty, and if you put out water, they won’t touch your garden. I don’t know if it’s true.

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #77 on:** July 11, 2020, 08:42:38 PM »

Today I stir-fried the first eggplants of the season. 😋

Also, the cucumbers are coming in. I made a big batch of cucumber salad today.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #78 on:** July 12, 2020, 08:23:07 AM »

We have had grilled zucchini and squash several nights now. Kim made the first batch of pickles yesterday and is literally picking cucs for the next batch right now. Finally got an umbrella for the table in the garden. It's the happy place.

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #79 on:** August 02, 2020, 11:02:54 PM »

My aunt watched the garden while we were away for three weeks. It’s gone absolutely nuts! I picked enough basil to make 9 batches of pesto. Nearly all the cucumbers were overripe, but I wasn’t going to throw away 8 lbs of them, so I pickled them anyway. If they’re soft, so be it. I also picked a bunch of eggplants with a half dozen more on the vine. Tomorrow night is Sichuan eggplant. 😋

minimac · « **Reply #80 on:** August 03, 2020, 08:11:58 AM »

Quote from: jadziadax8 on August 02, 2020, 11:02:54 PM

I also picked a bunch of eggplants with a half dozen more on the vine. Tomorrow night is Sichuan eggplant. 😋

How's chances of getting that recipe in a PM? I haven't had it and sounds good. I do make an excellent Eggplant Parm, though.

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #81 on:** August 03, 2020, 01:46:32 PM »

I got it from here.

I couldn't get the hot bean paste at my local market, so I subbed in Sambal Oelek. I also got Szechuan peppercorns from Penzeys Spices.

mr.awesome · « **Reply #82 on:** August 11, 2020, 07:34:19 AM »

Carrots are coming in. These went into homemade coleslaw last night.

minimac · « **Reply #83 on:** August 11, 2020, 08:33:00 AM »

Quote from: jadziadax8 on August 03, 2020, 01:46:32 PM

I got it from here.

Thanks! I can't wait to try it.

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #84 on:** August 11, 2020, 10:48:35 AM »

Caution: Heat-induced rant to follow

So I have reached my annual "Why do I bother to keep my garden?" quandry

Every summer, when the temperatures rise and the rains stop falling, I start to wonder "Why do I have a garden?" Don't get me wrong: I love having a garden. But what I don't love is not having a garden in my backyard, and one that is subject to rules that (quite frankly) I find illogical (such as not being allowed to have an irrigation system on a timer)

Dan still does not really enjoy going to our garden, and when I go to water (which is pretty much the only reason I go when the heat of summer hits), it is only to water and harvest. The harvested stuff I bring home gets washed and put in the fridge, with Dan saying "oh, I should make something!" and then the stuff ends up going bad before he does anything with it. I make zucchini bread and give stuff to neighbors and colleagues.

But I love spring time in the garden: the planning and preparation, the nurturing of the seedlings, and the training of the grape and kiwi vines. I love to watch the frogs and the fish and the birds. I love fall, when things start to die back and I trim the vines down and harvest the last of the pumpkins and the birds scavenge for the last of the sunflower seeds. I love winter, when everything is silent and waiting for the tender, warm rains of spring.

Summer can just f*ck right off

I honestly think that if I had a house with a garden that I could just walk out to any time, even for a couple of minutes, I would much better appreciate it. Anyway, you gardening nerds are my audience today. I don't expect any solutions here - just venting.

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jadziadax8 · « **Reply #85 on:** August 12, 2020, 09:49:04 PM »

Quote from: Mrs. DantesDame on August 11, 2020, 10:48:35 AM

I don't expect any solutions here - just venting.

*hug*

CLAY · « **Reply #86 on:** August 12, 2020, 09:59:41 PM »

I get uit. I'm spoiled- the garden is right in the backyard, watered by drip connect to a zone on my sprinkling.

But my brother? He puts one in EVERY year, doesn't tend it well, gets a few tomatoes and deer and rabbits get the rest.

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #87 on:** August 13, 2020, 07:44:52 AM »

Quote from: CLAY on August 12, 2020, 09:59:41 PM

rabbits get the rest.

F those guys. And squirrels who take one bite of a green tomato and spit it out.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #88 on:** August 13, 2020, 07:46:06 AM »

Quote from: jadziadax8 on August 13, 2020, 07:44:52 AM

Quote from: CLAY on August 12, 2020, 09:59:41 PM
rabbits get the rest.

F those guys. And squirrels who take one bite of a green tomato and spit it out.

I assume our Chipmunks are doing the same since that's what we have a bunch of. Rarely see squirrels and never that far inside the fence. Either way, they are jackholes.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #89 on:** August 13, 2020, 01:14:17 PM »

Quote from: Mrs. DantesDame on August 11, 2020, 10:48:35 AM

Caution: Heat-induced rant to follow

So I have reached my annual "Why do I bother to keep my garden?" quandry

Every summer, when the temperatures rise and the rains stop falling, I start to wonder "Why do I have a garden?" Don't get me wrong: I love having a garden. But what I don't love is not having a garden in my backyard, and one that is subject to rules that (quite frankly) I find illogical (such as not being allowed to have an irrigation system on a timer)

Dan still does not really enjoy going to our garden, and when I go to water (which is pretty much the only reason I go when the heat of summer hits), it is only to water and harvest. The harvested stuff I bring home gets washed and put in the fridge, with Dan saying "oh, I should make something!" and then the stuff ends up going bad before he does anything with it. I make zucchini bread and give stuff to neighbors and colleagues.

But I love spring time in the garden: the planning and preparation, the nurturing of the seedlings, and the training of the grape and kiwi vines. I love to watch the frogs and the fish and the birds. I love fall, when things start to die back and I trim the vines down and harvest the last of the pumpkins and the birds scavenge for the last of the sunflower seeds. I love winter, when everything is silent and waiting for the tender, warm rains of spring.

Summer can just f*ck right off

I honestly think that if I had a house with a garden that I could just walk out to any time, even for a couple of minutes, I would much better appreciate it. Anyway, you gardening nerds are my audience today. I don't expect any solutions here - just venting.

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Kim's reply via email:

"I can totally relate, but gardening is like motorcycling:

People are intrigued when you tell them you're a gardener.
If you're not passionate about it, it will become old and tiresome in a heartbeat.
It's a good skill to have and one that more people should learn.
It calms the soul.
Even the worst day of gardening is still better than not gardening at all.
The value you receive from the sense of accomplishment and the sheer enjoyment of gardening far exceeds the time and effort you put into it.
The awe and wonder of Creation surrounds you.
Not all seasons are as enjoyable for gardening.
It's mentally, emotionally, and physically satisfying.
It's what you make of it.
The long, dark, cold days of winter feeds the passion for starting a new gardening adventure in the spring.
It can be shared with your friends and family.

Even though the end of the summer brings the frustrations of fighting the pests that are decimating my harvest and my excitement over watching stuff spring to life wanes and turns into disdain as I struggle to keep things alive, I know full well I will garden again next year - not because it's a skill I happen to have, but because it's a passion. So....it's just like motorcycling."

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #90 on:** August 13, 2020, 03:12:51 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on August 13, 2020, 01:14:17 PM

I know full well I will garden again next year - not because it's a skill I happen to have, but because it's a passion. So....it's just like motorcycling."

This pretty much sums it up for me. I've always enjoyed plants: first houseplants and then landscaping and eventually vegetable gardens. The frustration I experience is temporary, yet every year it comes and every year I ask myself the same questions. Eventually the heat goes away and I soon forget that it was ever a problem

Thanks for the virtual ears, you guys

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #91 on:** August 14, 2020, 08:09:26 AM »

Quote from: Mrs. DantesDame on August 13, 2020, 03:12:51 PM

Quote from: Vulcanbill on August 13, 2020, 01:14:17 PM
I know full well I will garden again next year - not because it's a skill I happen to have, but because it's a passion. So....it's just like motorcycling."

This pretty much sums it up for me. I've always enjoyed plants: first houseplants and then landscaping and eventually vegetable gardens. The frustration I experience is temporary, yet every year it comes and every year I ask myself the same questions. Eventually the heat goes away and I soon forget that it was ever a problem

Thanks for the virtual ears, you guys

I hear the heat is brutal over there right now. My buddy in Koblenz says it was 39C yesterday. This too shall pass.

doc4216 · « **Reply #92 on:** August 16, 2020, 10:09:41 AM »

I can accurately report that a bowl of water beside your plants does not prevent the critters from stealing your almost perfectly ripe tomato

LOL

Andrew · « **Reply #93 on:** August 16, 2020, 09:35:39 PM »

In the front yard planter area I try something different every year, and every year I fight the gophers till the end.

This year it is sunflowers, and pumpkins. I had a gopher or two and all have been marked for death. Not a peep, no holes nothing in over two months..... Until one of the sunflowers just lost all life and began to lean. A slight tug and it just popped up from the ground, it had been chewed right up to ground level, maybe half an inch in the dirt. Out came the traps, as I wanted to save the rest. THis morning I am proud to report there is one less ground dwelling rodent in the garden

Down in the backyard, planter boxes are safe from the subterranean rodents. But I do have another problem neighbor that seems to like to shit on the lawn. From what I can ascertain the critter is a gang member and wears a mask, once and a while it even visits the front door (glass door) just to say "Hey guy I just crapped in your yard, have a nice day". Anyone have luck getting rid of racoons ? Wifie does not think it's a good idea to shoot the dam thing, something about laws and neighbors

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #94 on:** August 17, 2020, 05:37:51 PM »

Be careful with the garbage pandas. They have thumbs and are not to be trifled with.

viffergyrl · « **Reply #95 on:** August 17, 2020, 05:45:53 PM »

Quote from: Andrew on August 16, 2020, 09:35:39 PM

In the front yard planter area I try something different every year, and every year I fight the gophers till the end.

This year it is sunflowers, and pumpkins. I had a gopher or two and all have been marked for death. Not a peep, no holes nothing in over two months..... Until one of the sunflowers just lost all life and began to lean. A slight tug and it just popped up from the ground, it had been chewed right up to ground level, maybe half an inch in the dirt. Out came the traps, as I wanted to save the rest. THis morning I am proud to report there is one less ground dwelling rodent in the garden

Down in the backyard, planter boxes are safe from the subterranean rodents. But I do have another problem neighbor that seems to like to shit on the lawn. From what I can ascertain the critter is a gang member and wears a mask, once and a while it even visits the front door (glass door) just to say "Hey guy I just crapped in your yard, have a nice day". Anyone have luck getting rid of racoons ? Wifie does not think it's a good idea to shoot the dam thing, something about laws and neighbors

Big Have-a-Heart trap with oreo cookies and water. Transport to woods far away.

Or...

Call a professional.

minimac · « **Reply #96 on:** August 17, 2020, 06:20:34 PM »

Quote from: Andrew on August 16, 2020, 09:35:39 PM

Anyone have luck getting rid of racoons ? Wifie does not think it's a good idea to shoot the dam thing, something about laws and neighbors

I baited a live trap with peanut butter, caught a big racoon. He didn't look right, so I shot it with my pellet gun. Next night caught another one. Repeated four more times and disposed of all the evidence. Haven't had a racoon visit my homestead in two years now.

viffergyrl · « **Reply #97 on:** August 17, 2020, 07:27:12 PM »

Quote from: minimac on August 17, 2020, 06:20:34 PM

Quote from: Andrew on August 16, 2020, 09:35:39 PM
Anyone have luck getting rid of racoons ? Wifie does not think it's a good idea to shoot the dam thing, something about laws and neighbors
I baited a live trap with peanut butter, caught a big racoon. He didn't look right, so I shot it with my pellet gun. Next night caught another one. Repeated four more times and disposed of all the evidence. Haven't had a racoon visit my homestead in two years now.

Or.... this

Andrew · « **Reply #98 on:** August 17, 2020, 08:18:45 PM »

Quote from: minimac on August 17, 2020, 06:20:34 PM

Quote from: Andrew on August 16, 2020, 09:35:39 PM
Anyone have luck getting rid of racoons ? Wifie does not think it's a good idea to shoot the dam thing, something about laws and neighbors
I baited a live trap with peanut butter, caught a big racoon. He didn't look right, so I shot it with my pellet gun. Next night caught another one. Repeated four more times and disposed of all the evidence. Haven't had a racoon visit my homestead in two years now.

I do have a sheridan pellet gun that has a decent punch, maybe I should look up traps ?? Again wifey has reservations of this approach.

Ok now to find a trap

Thanks for the suggestions

Andrew · « **Reply #99 on:** August 18, 2020, 09:38:29 PM »

Word on the home front is "OK to trap and release, but that is all"

Gopher has not returned, and the sunflowers are almost all in bloom

Sugar peases got wiped out by the heat wave, they were almost timed out. The pumpkins in front yard are small and green, back yard has just one and it's almost ready.