Texas Fishing Forum

TFF Gardening Thread

Posted By: LoneStarSon

TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 04:50 PM

Well guys and gals, spring is here. No, not according to the calendar, but by my own declaration. grin

This morning when I was driving to the hardware store, I saw my favorite doe. When spring weather arrives for good, she begins to graze a particular pasture with the cows. Its the only time I see her in the pasture with the cows, but its how I determine, at least at the top of the hill country, spring has sprung.

Therefore, I say it is time for an official TFF gardening thread.

Now is the time to get your beds, or garden, ready to plant. If it hasnt dried up yet, you could actually look into using a raised garden bed, or even growing in containers. If you are fortunate and are able to plant directly into the ground, but have clay, or any poorly draining soils, you can remedy the problem by adding peat moss and/or sandy loam to the soil and tilling it in. I would also take this time to add nutrients such as nitrogen (chicken poo is a GREAT source of nitrogen, but you might want to cut it with brown, or fallen leaves (they add carbon to the soil). Green leaves will add more nitrogen to the soil. For those of you in North Texas and East Texas, due to the rains, you might need to add some gypsum, or limestone, to the soil, especially if you plan on growing healthy tomato plants. I would suggest having your soil tested before adding this, but its a good possibility your ground has been oversaturated and needs replenishing.

Once this is done, you are ready to begin planning your garden. I would suggest plotting out your garden on a piece of paper before planting. If you grow the same vegetables in the same part of the garden every year, rotate them around. Also, leave plenty of room between the rows so that you can either till or hoe the ground throughout the growing season without risking damage to the roots. While the tap roots for the plants are pretty much directly under the plants stem, the entire root system is important and damaging it could weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease. When making plans on how you want your garden laid out, consider adding plants along the border that will attract bees. If you can get a hive coming to your garden on a daily basis your crop production will increase by approximately 30 percent.

I have had my onions in the ground since January, but its still not too late for you to plant yours. Many feed stores still have some available and with the wet weather we should have this spring, it wont be long until yours make substantial growth. My sweet peas are in the ground now AND I was able to purchase 60 (total) tomato and pepper plants this morning. Although the morning temperatures are going to be too low this weekend for mine to go in the ground, I will be introducing them to the cooler temperatures for the next 7 to 10 days. I will, however, be planting my cucumber, yellow squash, zucchini and okra seeds this weekend .

One more thing, if you do have tomatoes, remember MATURE plants ONLY require .5 to 1 inch of water a week. If the plants are browning up, it might be a pest problem, or a disease, but its more than likely they are getting too much water. I would suggest investing in some soaker hoses (at least for the tomato plants), or hand watering, and be certain to keep any sprinklers from hitting them. Its best to water after the sun has risen in the spring and during the heat of the summer around 4:00 in the morning.

Guys and gals, this is one of my favorite times of the year. The sun stays out longer, baby animals are appearing every day, fish are beginning the spawn, and the vegetation is beginning to sprout or green up.

While I dont have a degree in horticulture, I do have many, many, many years of experience thanks to my mom and grandfather getting me interested when I was young. Its a very relaxing hobby for me and if you have any questions or tips, please post them here so we can all gain knowledge from one another.


***One thing I forgot to mention, because of the strong possibilities of hail storms, I would suggest keeping your plastic milk jugs and 2 litter bottles. They can be rinsed out, the bottoms cut off and placed over small, tender plants to protect them. Just leave the lids off when you place them on the plants. They can also be used in case of a freeze, but I seriously think we are for the most part out of the woods (at least down here)...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:18 PM

My onions were planted 2/29, and they have started sprouting really well after all this rain and sun. The potatoes are also just beginning to sprout, and the lettuce is well on its way as well.

Tomatoes and Bell Peppers are still inside and I'll probably plant them in the next week or so.

I also have a strange looking little sprout that shot up in one of my peat pots that I had a bell pepper in. I'm going to cut it, but it appears to be some type of tiny round-head weed. And that is inside my house. Weird.
Posted By: Scagnetti

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:20 PM

How can I keep the tobacco bud worms from swarming?
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:22 PM

Lettuce, and spinach have been in the ground and are growing like gangbusters. 4 new roses picked out and waiting on the back porch to be put in the ground. Peach trees have budded out and are about to pop.


I love spring! grin
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:23 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
My onions were planted 2/29, and they have started sprouting really well after all this rain and sun. The potatoes are also just beginning to sprout, and the lettuce is well on its way as well.

Tomatoes and Bell Peppers are still inside and I'll probably plant them in the next week or so.

I also have a strange looking little sprout that shot up in one of my peat pots that I had a bell pepper in. I'm going to cut it, but it appears to be some type of tiny round-head weed. And that is inside my house. Weird.
I wanted to plant my peppers and tomatoes today, but I know better...Sunday or Monday it's supposed to get to 40, but we'll probably get down to 38 or 35, so I'm not going to risk them since they are so tender. It'd be different if they hadn't been grown in a greenhouse...I'll be buying more tomatoes tomorrow since they had some varieties I hadn't grown before and wanted to do some research before purchasing them...
Posted By: Ride-or-Fish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:27 PM

Originally Posted By: OldSaltDog
i love spring gardening. i'm currently installing aluminum foil in by bedroom closet and getting my lamps out of storage. hopefully will have a good crop this year.


dont forget, exhausting the hot air is imperative.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:29 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
My onions were planted 2/29, and they have started sprouting really well after all this rain and sun. The potatoes are also just beginning to sprout, and the lettuce is well on its way as well.

Tomatoes and Bell Peppers are still inside and I'll probably plant them in the next week or so.

I also have a strange looking little sprout that shot up in one of my peat pots that I had a bell pepper in. I'm going to cut it, but it appears to be some type of tiny round-head weed. And that is inside my house. Weird.
Take a pic and post it before cutting it...Are you sure it's a round-headed weed? It could be a plant that the seed hasn't come off of...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:38 PM

I'll try a picture tonight (didn't work last time because it couldn't focus on it.

It's about a 1" tall one stem, and at the top of the stem is a circular "disc" that is kind of brown.
Posted By: TexDawg

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:46 PM

just planted two flats of asian jasmine on the side of a slope to help stop a bit of erosion
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:56 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I'll try a picture tonight (didn't work last time because it couldn't focus on it.

It's about a 1" tall one stem, and at the top of the stem is a circular "disc" that is kind of brown.
That could actually be a pepper plant that the seed didn't come off before it grew...Try to GENTLY remove the disc without pulling off the leaves or breaking the stem...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:58 PM

Originally Posted By: TexDawg
just planted two flats of asian jasmine on the side of a slope to help stop a bit of erosion
We have a lot of jasmine growing around some of our Ashe Junipers as a ground covering...I had to remove a flowerbed of that stuff a couple of years ago...It grows fast and takes over everything...We had a sidewalk running beside the guest house we didn't know was there because of the jasmine growth...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 05:59 PM

bang I have to drive back to Meridian to get my Homestead tomato plants I left behind...I had set them aside with the others, but forgot to pick those up...Oh well, I guess I'll go buy another flat of plants so I can save the 8%. That's a good excuse to buy another 48 plants, right?
Posted By: Swamp Donkey

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 06:08 PM

I just wish my garden would dry out enough to till.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 06:09 PM

Has anyone on here grown the Sweet 100 tomato plant before? I picked up 4 and now that I've done some research, it appears they can grow somewhere between 1 foot to 15 feet depending on the conditions...That's a HUGE difference in size...It's a cherry tomato plant (not what I wanted, but my sisters love them so I guess that's good), but I've never grown them...

If you've grown them, what was your experience like?

Also, has anyone grown the Lemon Boy variety? It's an heirloom plant that is supposed to produce 7 oz to 8 oz tomatoes that are yellowish clear in color...I will be picking up some of those too...
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 06:30 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Has anyone on here grown the Sweet 100 tomato plant before?

If you've grown them, what was your experience like?



10' sounds about right. They get big, but they stopped producing when the heat turned up and didn't start again until late September.

Unimpressed.

Oh... and the skins on them are really tough too.
Posted By: anthonyhicks101

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 07:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Swamp Donkey
I just wish my garden would dry out enough to till.


Man I hear ya.
This is no lie....I didn't get much from my tomato plants last spring, but had a bunch in the fall. The garden was so muddy, I got what i could one time and left the rest on the vine. My garden has literally been too wet to till ever since! We're talking complete mud pit for at least 4 months now.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 07:33 PM

Will be preparing my soil this weekend. Hoping to get things in the ground by the following weekend.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 07:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Has anyone on here grown the Sweet 100 tomato plant before?

If you've grown them, what was your experience like?



10' sounds about right. They get big, but they stopped producing when the heat turned up and didn't start again until late September.

Unimpressed.

Oh... and the skins on them are really tough too.
Okay, well I always have volunteer cherry tomatoes, so they can help...But DANG, 10 FEET? scared
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 07:36 PM

Originally Posted By: anthonyhicks101
Originally Posted By: Swamp Donkey
I just wish my garden would dry out enough to till.


Man I hear ya.
This is no lie....I didn't get much from my tomato plants last spring, but had a bunch in the fall. The garden was so muddy, I got what i could one time and left the rest on the vine. My garden has literally been too wet to till ever since! We're talking complete mud pit for at least 4 months now.
If I hadn't moved our garden to the lake house a few years back, I'd be in the same ship. The garden area of Joshua is swampy too...There has been a LOT more rain north of us than we've gotten...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 07:38 PM

Okay, just got back from Meridian and picked up another 48 plants...Grand total of 108 will be planted in the garden next week after I get them acclimated to the temperatures by setting them out on the screened in porch...

I also met a new fishing buddy...Man it has been a great day today...
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 08:44 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Has anyone on here grown the Sweet 100 tomato plant before?

If you've grown them, what was your experience like?



10' sounds about right. They get big, but they stopped producing when the heat turned up and didn't start again until late September.

Unimpressed.

Oh... and the skins on them are really tough too.
Okay, well I always have volunteer cherry tomatoes, so they can help...But DANG, 10 FEET? scared


They were all the way up to the eaves of the house. All I know is to hang the hummingbird feeder up there, I've gotta get a ladder. So it may just be 9' ... but doubtful. And that's not counting what decided to make a break for it from the trellises and spread all over my lawn. mad

Hey, its better than some of the roses I know of. Labeled as grows 5-6 feet.... but had a friend down in Houston fall into her 20' monster and have to go to the emergency room to get all the thorns surgically removed scared
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 08:51 PM

Wow...Okay, that's gonna be tall one...I guess my sisters can pick those tomatoes if they want them...grin

My neighbor had a similar rose over here at the lake, it started pulling down the overhead phone line that's at least 15 feet high...He and the other neighbor got into who actually owned the rose because it was over taking the fence and neither one had lived here long enough to have planted it...It wasn't until the thing was taken out that they knew who actually owned it...rolfmao
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 08:54 PM

If the tomatoes are climbing that high, vertically, you might be able to drape it over the other side (if it's growing on a trellis). I haven't done this personally, but I have heard of people doing this.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 10:35 PM

onions are coming up nicely, peas are busting through the ground. I put 4 heads of lettuce out and killed the other 10 when they got flooded in the container I had them in. Tomatoes are about 6" tall now and peppers are about 4". My plan is to start hardening up some of the tomatoes by keeping them out for a little each evening here over the next week and have them in the ground by 3/25. Peppers can wait... They're doing in the garage.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 10:43 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
onions are coming up nicely, peas are busting through the ground. I put 4 heads of lettuce out and killed the other 10 when they got flooded in the container I had them in. Tomatoes are about 6" tall now and peppers are about 4". My plan is to start hardening up some of the tomatoes by keeping them out for a little each evening here over the next week and have them in the ground by 3/25. Peppers can wait... They're doing in the garage.

I'm glad your onions are doing well...It's a shame about the lettuce, but you really shouldn't pee in your vegetable containers...
Posted By: Ride-or-Fish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/10 11:39 PM

bump
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 01:44 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I'll try a picture tonight (didn't work last time because it couldn't focus on it.

It's about a 1" tall one stem, and at the top of the stem is a circular "disc" that is kind of brown.
That could actually be a pepper plant that the seed didn't come off before it grew...Try to GENTLY remove the disc without pulling off the leaves or breaking the stem...


Well, I got home, and it was dead and shriveled up. So, no picture, lol.


Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 02:31 AM

just cut broccoli this evening
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 04:50 AM

Got to get rid of the winter crop to make room for spring. All greens still producing, haven't dug the parsnips yet, still a few turnips, spinach still doing well where I've kept it cut, gone to seed where I didn't. Three types of leaf lettuce still going strong, as is curly endive. Arugula going to seed as well, that stuff grows like weeds!
Planted 9 Celebrity tomatoes in 1 gal. pots on Feb. 10, will keep them there until end of Mar. They are about 6" tall now. Going to put clear plastic around cages this year, and keep it there as long as possible, not for heat units, but to guard against thrips that carry tomatoe wilt virus.
Will see what I can squeeze in between fishing trips.
* Seven hens from last May are avg. 4 eggs a day.
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 07:46 AM

Our seedlings are staying inside until after Easter. Until then they'll stay nice and warm in our seedlingararium.




I'm waaaaaaaaaay ready!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 12:48 PM

Looks good, Madchad...I don't blame you for waiting...Up there, y'all still could have some could nights...

This morning, I dreamed I had peppers ready to pick that had somehow survived the winter...I had foot long banana and bell peppers in this dream...Oh, I can't wait to harvest my first one...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 02:13 PM

Would putting a heating pad under the pan holding my seed pots get them growing a little faster? I might start doing that a couple hours a day...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 03:10 PM

yep... It definitely helps..

Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 03:30 PM

My garden this year will consists of 2 pumpkins from Halloween. Every year after the goblins leave, I set the pumpkins on the ground in a sunny spot. They sprout and make runners, but never make any punkins.

Seriously, we simply have to much shade for a garden. I do have a spot in the front yard I could plant, just not sure what the neighbors would think of the "Hic" across the street. farmer
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 04:02 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
My garden this year will consists of 2 pumpkins from Halloween. Every year after the goblins leave, I set the pumpkins on the ground in a sunny spot. They sprout and make runners, but never make any punkins.

Seriously, we simply have to much shade for a garden. I do have a spot in the front yard I could plant, just not sure what the neighbors would think of the "Hic" across the street. farmer
My garden is in my front yard, but since you enter the house through the back, it's really not an issue...Besides, I like getting my neighbors riled up, I mean at their age, they need to get their hearts a pumping...Peppers, onions, carrots, turnips, beets, potatoes, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, watermelons and cantaloupes and okra don't need shade (although the last two do require more water if they don't get some shade), so you might want to look into planting those...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 04:04 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Would putting a heating pad under the pan holding my seed pots get them growing a little faster? I might start doing that a couple hours a day...
As JDavis wrote it would help. You could also find the room in your house that gets the most sun and stick them in there while you're at work...If it has a massive drop in temperature at night, just bring them back to the main part of the house...
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 04:59 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Would putting a heating pad under the pan holding my seed pots get them growing a little faster? I might start doing that a couple hours a day...
As JDavis wrote it would help. You could also find the room in your house that gets the most sun and stick them in there while you're at work...If it has a massive drop in temperature at night, just bring them back to the main part of the house...


Exactly where we placed our seedlingararium - in the window that gets the most sun. If anybody has an old aquarium that's not in use, just get you a piece of double pane glass cut to fit where the lid goes. Make it 1" short on the length and 1/16" short on the width. Put the lid centered so there's a little gap on either end for freash air and set it in a sunny window and you'll have a nice little green house going. When there's not so much sweat on the inside, add 1/2 cup or so of water. We are having great results. They have all sprouted and the plants are looking super healthy.

The okra sprouts are already 6" to 8" tall and we planted them on Saturday the weekend before last. The pepper plants are all around an inch or two, and the jelly bean tomatoes are a little taller than the peppers. I added 10 peat pots with beefsteak tomato seeds this week (they're for my grandma's garden) and no sprouts in them yet.

Also, I was looking around in the garden and found several peppers (hot banana and cayenne) that had fallen on the ground from last year. The seeds inside looked good so I just mushed them in the dirt a little and we'll see what happens. If they sprout I'll have extra, if they don't there's backups in the seedlingararium.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/10 08:16 PM

Well my Texas Redbud is now in full bud...banana Yep, spring is most definitely here at the top of the top of the Hill Country...thumb
Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/10 08:57 PM

LSS or anyone else, is there such as thing as "must do" and/or "must not do" on planting different vegetables next to each other? For instance would planting peas next to stringbeans be okay or would there be something in one that inhibits the other? I just pulled those two examples out of the air, but I think you get what I'm asking.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/10 10:29 PM

Well, I'll say this, DO NOT plant cucumbers too close to pepper or tomato plants, unless you are able to control where the cucumbers will climb...I had some cucumbers growing freely on the ground for the first time ever last year...I won't be making that same mistake. Although the plants flourished and produced quite heavily, they also overtook the pepper and tomato plants making it hard to harvest.

Also, you do not want to plant yellow squash right next to zucchini because you can end up with hybrid fruits. I've had it happen to me a couple of years. Although it was okay, it wasn't as good as the zucchini/spaghetti squash hybrid I intentionally created...

As far as one plant being bad for another, I can't think of any, but as I stated previously, you do need to be mindful. Now if you are planting different varieties of corn, make certain you have 25 feet or more between the sections of corn.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 04:22 AM

DF, do not plant onions near peas, as well. I don't have firsthand knowledge but I've been told it will make the peas taste terrible. A few feet away should be okay, though.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 05:16 AM

Did anyone here plant lettuce? I planted mine on 02/01, which makes them in the ground 40 days. They're supposed to be ready in 60 days, but they're still only about 1/2" tall, and only have 2 leaves so far. Strangely enough, the other plants in the garden are growing great.
Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 05:26 AM

Thanks for the info guys. Appreciate ya'll.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 02:50 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
DF, do not plant onions near peas, as well. I don't have firsthand knowledge but I've been told it will make the peas taste terrible. A few feet away should be okay, though.
I've only had my peas next to my onions once and I didn't notice any funky taste to them...Although I do like to eat peas with pearl onions, so maybe that's why?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 02:53 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Did anyone here plant lettuce? I planted mine on 02/01, which makes them in the ground 40 days. They're supposed to be ready in 60 days, but they're still only about 1/2" tall, and only have 2 leaves so far. Strangely enough, the other plants in the garden are growing great.
Have you checked your soil's PH level? It should be at 6.5 from what I've read. Also, lettuce requires a good amount of water. The two snow days since your planting could have damaged them, but if they are growing, I'd probably look to the soil's PH level (you can buy an electronic soil tester)...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 03:14 PM

sounds like my lettuce from last year.. My guess. Dead from frost bite.


Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 07:17 PM

If using 5 Gallon buckets for planters, what soil mix should you use? I used a potting soil with miracle grow in it last year and it didn't work out too good.


Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 07:39 PM

interesting planters for 5 gallon buckets.. What's interesting to me is that I did this EXACT example on my own last year, and thought I'd come up with something really original.. Not so much.

http://plant-parenthood.com/?page_id=60


Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 08:56 PM

You can use "Mel's Mix" which is 1/3 Compost, 1/3 Vermiculite, and 1/3 Peat Moss. Good stuff...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 09:00 PM

Planted my peas today and a couple Nasturtiums.

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/10 09:03 PM

my peas are about 2" tall now.. Just rigged up my drip irrigation/mini sprinkler system to my garden. It looks like it's going to work real and won't waste a lot of water.

Posted By: grandpa75672

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/10 05:46 AM

I planted my garden last week end. One pack of seeds each cantaloupe and water melon. One place for each, dumped all the seeds in hole and hope for the best, probably get the worst.
Posted By: TeamHillbilly

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/10 12:26 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Has anyone on here grown the Sweet 100 tomato plant before? I picked up 4 and now that I've done some research, it appears they can grow somewhere between 1 foot to 15 feet depending on the conditions...That's a HUGE difference in size...It's a cherry tomato plant (not what I wanted, but my sisters love them so I guess that's good), but I've never grown them...

If you've grown them, what was your experience like?

Also, has anyone grown the Lemon Boy variety? It's an heirloom plant that is supposed to produce 7 oz to 8 oz tomatoes that are yellowish clear in color...I will be picking up some of those too...
they didn't produce as much as I would have liked plant only got to about 6 foot.I used wire baskets on these because there cherry tomatos are so heavy on the stem
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/10 12:44 AM

Originally Posted By: deerfeeder
LSS or anyone else, is there such as thing as "must do" and/or "must not do" on planting different vegetables next to each other? For instance would planting peas next to stringbeans be okay or would there be something in one that inhibits the other? I just pulled those two examples out of the air, but I think you get what I'm asking.


Companion Planting
Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/10 03:15 AM

Outstanding! Thank you, I saved the link.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/10 12:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: deerfeeder
LSS or anyone else, is there such as thing as "must do" and/or "must not do" on planting different vegetables next to each other? For instance would planting peas next to stringbeans be okay or would there be something in one that inhibits the other? I just pulled those two examples out of the air, but I think you get what I'm asking.


Companion Planting
Originally Posted By: deerfeeder
Outstanding! Thank you, I saved the link.
thumb Thanks, Siberman...thumb
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/10 10:24 PM

Just saw the weather which is saying around the Waco area it could get to the upper 30's tonight and both the D/FW and Waco areas could be in the mid to upper 30's on Sunday night...Watch your most tender plants...2 litter bottles and 1 gallon jugs can be used to cover them (just leave the caps off)...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/10 11:15 PM

thumb

How many more times do you think it'll freeze, LSS?


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/10 11:43 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
thumb

How many more times do you think it'll freeze, LSS?

I don't think it will freeze, I just think there's a chance for a light frost which would damage the tender plants...Especially those plants that don't have any type of protection from the north or west...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/10 11:43 PM

Of course, even without a frost, the 30's aren't a good temp for the pepper or tomato plants...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/10 01:22 PM

Square foot gardening here. So far my peas, radishes, lettuces and onions are coming up nicely. Still waiting on the nasturtium, marigolds and carrots to make a showing. Last weekend I planted a celebrity and sweet 100 that are being protected from the cold. This weekend I plan to plant bell peppers, jalepenos, cukes yellow squash and butternut squash... Although, the forecast is calling for low to mid 30's in DFW this weekends so I may wait on the pepper transplants. Also, the rain we got yesterday filled my 55 gallon rain barrel so I think I'm set.

Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/10 01:56 PM

Seedlingararium Update:

Every last peat pot has sprouted. Last year it was one out of three just using peat pots and seeds. Using the aquarium has made an insane difference. They'll need some potting soil or something added because the okra's already growing roots outside the pots. After Easter we'll put them outside and they'll have a great start.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/10 02:10 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Square foot gardening here. So far my peas, radishes, lettuces and onions are coming up nicely. Still waiting on the nasturtium, marigolds and carrots to make a showing. Last weekend I planted a celebrity and sweet 100 that are being protected from the cold. This weekend I plan to plant bell peppers, jalepenos, cukes yellow squash and butternut squash... Although, the forecast is calling for low to mid 30's in DFW this weekends so I may wait on the pepper transplants. Also, the rain we got yesterday filled my 55 gallon rain barrel so I think I'm set.


Sounds familiar - we're planting quite a bit of the same stuff.

This is also my first year setting up rain barrels, and WOW, they are great for water conservation thumb
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/10 01:11 PM

weather.com is calling for 32 saturday night in the metroplex
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/10 01:21 PM

If it does freeze up there, there are a lot of things you can do to protect your plants...If you have tomato cages, put them over the plants and take some large black trash bags and cover the cages with them, tying the bags at the bottom...

2 litter bottles and 1 gallon milk/water jugs can be emptied, rinsed, and have the bottoms cut off then placed over the plants leaving the tops off or poke holes in the tops.

If you have a boat load of leaves, you can pile them over the plants after the sun goes down and remove them as soon as it comes back up...

You can lay down tomato cages on their sides and cover the plants with sheets, or put them strategically around the garden and place a large tarp over them keeping the tarp off the plants...

I'm sure there are other things people on this forum have done in the past, if you have some ideas, please share them...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/10 01:25 PM

Here's what I was planning on doing...let me know if you think it would work.

I have two 4' x 4' raised beds. I put 4 pieces of Rebar in the ground, at each corner. Saturday night I'll take 10 ft. lengths of PVC pipe, put each end on a bar of Rebar, and build a little "hoop house" type-structure. Then take some 1 mil plastic dropcloth and put it over that, and weigh it down by bricks.

I might also put a few sections from the newspaper over each plant.

edit, found a pic:
kind of similar to this, but with PVC pipes, not steel. And I'll put plastic dropcloth over the top.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/10 01:54 PM

That should work fine, but I wouldn't do the newspapers...The main thing is to protect them from the wind. I would also do that before sundown to keep some heat in there...Remember to pull it off as soon as the sun is up...
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/10 02:34 PM

I've got a similar setup. Raised bed with some PVC over the top that I use to cover the garden while it's still cool at night. I'm not putting plastic over mine, it's just a row cover. It's got about 70% light transmission and protects from a light frost. This bed is 4'x8' and the PVC over the top is a 6' piece of 1/2" PVC.


Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/10 03:03 PM

Really nice setup jeff.m thumb
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/10 03:56 PM

i dont feel so bad about not having my garden up and running,with this freeze coming
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/10 04:01 PM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
i dont feel so bad about not having my garden up and running,with this freeze coming
It's not just the temperature drop that could hurt the plants, but the wind. The cold winter wind can dry those plants out, effectively killing them. I have a guest house blocking the garden at the lake from the north wind, so I don't have to worry about that, but most people, especially in the D/FW area don't seem to have a lot of ways to block the wind. I'm actually more concerned about the wind up there than the temps. I still think the weather morons are wrong, but if it is better to be prepared than to be replanting...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/10 04:23 PM

There is a fence only inches from the north side of my beds so the wind shouldnt be an issue for me but I think I'm still going to cover them with some plastic jugs.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/10 04:31 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
There is a fence only inches from the north side of my beds so the wind shouldnt be an issue for me but I think I'm still going to cover them with some plastic jugs.
thumb
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/10 01:34 PM

Need to know what you guys think of this. You know they talk about potatoes you shouldn't eat that are "green" because of the toxin they contain. The toxin comes from the potato being exposed to light when growing.

I wasn't really expecting it, but one of the potatoes had a shoot when I went out there yesterday to check on them. I never saw it (I guess it was there Wednesday or Tuesday). You see, I put the potato seeds in the dead-middle of the square, on my square foot garden. How was I to know nature would not perfectly agree with everything I was doing, and would send a shoot 6" away, completely unforeseen?! grin

Here's a picture of the potato shoot. I actually covered it a bit up with soil before taking the picture. I'd say there was about 2" of the potato sprout sticking out of the ground. It's in the corner, as you can see, and (at least in the afternoon) it's shielded by the box so the light was not hitting it.




Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/10 01:52 PM

I haven't grown potatoes before, although my grandfather did and I loved pulling them out of the ground...I think it just goes to show that sometimes things don't go as you planned...grin


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/10 11:47 PM

I think I'd chunk it. One thing about taters is that they don't grow down. They grow shallow so it's important to keep piling dirt/leaves/straw/whatever around the plants until they flower. Some people use old tires...put a tire on the ground ,place the potatoes in the middle and cover them with soil. As they grow add layers of mulch and dirt until you need another tire. Keep this going until they're ready to harvest and then just pull the tires up. No digging required. thumb

Wondering how y'all like your raised beds. After last summer's monsoons I've been considering going that way.

Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/10 03:36 AM

I like the raised bed, so far. Though we'll see in August laugh

The problem I have is, my soil is SOLID clay. Nearly impossible to dig into. So, raised beds were an easy pick for me.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/10 02:10 PM

i had a 30 X 90 for six years near abilene and we had to fight wind in the garden all the time, we buried the tall plants very deep at planting, i was always amazed at the corn stalks- after some windy days they'd be listing badly
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/10 04:20 PM

Sorry for you fellers that had seedlings out in this weather. We got a little snow on the ground, but all my seedlings are still safe in the seedlingararium. There have been a few additions and today we're going to start some banana peppers and add another couple of cubanelles (Mrs Chad makes some awesome rellenos!). We've also started a couple of zucchini plants. Mrs Chad uses it in fried rice so that'll be nice.

I'm proud of all my kids, but my son (a very industrious 10 yr old) is planning a garden at his mom's house. This weekend we got a box of peat pots and the seeds that he didn't already have stashed back. He's going to do cayenne, sweet banana pepper, jelly bean tomato, strawberry (we'll have to buy the seedlings), and he's considering cubanelle and serrano. He's also gonna make his mom a few flower beds with Mrs Chad's flower seed stash. He's a chip off the old block for sure!

Lucky for him he got his looks from his mom! wink
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/10 05:15 PM

Originally Posted By: madchad
Sorry for you fellers that had seedlings out in this weather. We got a little snow on the ground, but all my seedlings are still safe in the seedlingararium. There have been a few additions and today we're going to start some banana peppers and add another couple of cubanelles (Mrs Chad makes some awesome rellenos!). We've also started a couple of zucchini plants. Mrs Chad uses it in fried rice so that'll be nice.

I'm proud of all my kids, but my son (a very industrious 10 yr old) is planning a garden at his mom's house. This weekend we got a box of peat pots and the seeds that he didn't already have stashed back. He's going to do cayenne, sweet banana pepper, jelly bean tomato, strawberry (we'll have to buy the seedlings), and he's considering cubanelle and serrano. He's also gonna make his mom a few flower beds with Mrs Chad's flower seed stash. He's a chip off the old block for sure!

Lucky for him he got his looks from his mom! wink
I haven't been able to find the Cubanelle peppers anywhere...bang I have Cayenne, California wonder (bell pepper), Tam Jalapeno, Jalapeno, Hot Banana, Sweet Banana, and Serrano, but no Cubanelle bang
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/10 09:28 PM

Well, in hopes of keeping the tomatoes alive, I've covered them with old plastic flower pots then with about a foot worth of hay.

Also, I planted some jasmine last week and I've covered it with a wire cage and I've wrapped towels around it. Inside it's little house I've put in a plastic bottle filled with hot water. I'll change it out tonight. I figure that'll keep it alive. I hope
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/10 09:29 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Well, in hopes of keeping the tomatoes alive, I've covered them with old plastic flower pots then with about a foot worth of hay.

Also, I planted some jasmine last week and I've covered it with a wire cage and I've wrapped towels around it. Inside it's little house I've put in a plastic bottle filled with hot water. I'll change it out tonight. I figure that'll keep it alive. I hope
I don't know what kind of jasmine you planted but we can't kill the stuff...Seriously, I've tried...Short of ripping it out by the roots, runners and all, it ain't gonna die...At least mine won't...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/10 09:43 PM

Huh. I thought I read it needed to be protected due to it's tropic origins. Well either way, it's extra protected
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/10 11:54 PM

Originally Posted By: kodys'papa
i had a 30 X 90 for six years near abilene and we had to fight wind in the garden all the time, we buried the tall plants very deep at planting, i was always amazed at the corn stalks- after some windy days they'd be listing badly


For the last few years I've been planting my corn in small (10' x 10') blocks. Each plant is about 1' from the other. They pollinate really well and the roots grow together so they support each other in case of tornado weather. thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/10 11:58 PM

Anybody have any tips on growing Jolakia Bhut (from India)chilis ? I got a bunch of dried ones as a present. They're supposedly 4x hotter than habaneros ( I believe it ! flame) but I'm having a beach of a time getting them to germinate.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/10 02:30 AM

Never tried, Siberman...you could try scratching them with a nail file, and putting them in-between a few wet paper towels.


If anyone is interested, there's a guy in Lewisville giving away free horse manure. Can't beat free...

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/zip/1653725299.html
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/10 04:26 AM

finally got the garden tilled the other day, picked up my primary crops as well. They are safely tucked in the garage waiting till the freeze passes us. Its time to grow stuff
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/10 11:02 AM

Almost done with the tilling here...I'm ready to grow... clap We are happy we waiting to plant after seeing this last weather pattern
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/10 01:50 PM

We didn't get below 35 this morning in Lakeside Village. PULL your covers off your plants for those of you that aren't still experiencing snow...
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/10 02:57 PM

We have ice on the ground, glad I waited as well. Still leary...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/10 03:01 PM

Originally Posted By: TreeBass
We have ice on the ground, glad I waited as well. Still leary...
I only waited because I was letting my plants adjust to the nightly temperatures since most were grown in a greenhouse...I've been setting them out on the screened-in porch so they won't go into shock...I'm not worried about anymore freezing weather, mine are going out this week...thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/10 10:28 PM

Got down to 32 early this morning and it's been snowing (and melting) all day . I'm not worried about the greens or onions but I sure hope my peaches and plums make it.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/10 12:18 AM

For those of you in the North Texas area, I'd definitely cover my plants tonight, just in case it gets back down to freezing up there...
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/10 02:59 AM

Picked up 6 Better Boys & 6 Husky Cherry last Wed. Into 1 gal. pots with the rest. That brings the total to 21 plants. Is that too many for a 20'x12' piece of dirt? rolfmao Roughly 35F last nite and tonite as well. Mesquites have just begun to put on leaves, think we're in the clear around here. Still have to get rid of winter garden, rained 1.5" last week.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/10 01:16 PM

Uncovered everything this morning before work. Now lets hope this cold is over with
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/10 01:21 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Uncovered everything this morning before work. Now lets hope this cold is over with


thumb I did that as well. Surprised I got up early enough grin

I keep seeing conflicting weather reports in the D/FW area. Last night the weather channel said it was going to freeze again tonight and tomorrow. Now, weather.com is saying it'll be in the high 40s/low 50s.
Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/10 07:54 PM

Yep, mesquites have finally budded here, should have some leaves shortly.

Ya'll up north probably have to play it a little safe for another couple of weeks and then Spring (the real thing, not the calendar one) should have worked its way up to ya.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/10 07:55 PM

I'm going to go get started planting my over 150 pepper and tomato plants...Yeah, over 150, the final count has NOT been done (primarily because I haven't finished searching for some specific plants)...grin
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/10 04:12 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: madchad
Sorry for you fellers that had seedlings out in this weather. We got a little snow on the ground, but all my seedlings are still safe in the seedlingararium. There have been a few additions and today we're going to start some banana peppers and add another couple of cubanelles (Mrs Chad makes some awesome rellenos!). We've also started a couple of zucchini plants. Mrs Chad uses it in fried rice so that'll be nice.

I'm proud of all my kids, but my son (a very industrious 10 yr old) is planning a garden at his mom's house. This weekend we got a box of peat pots and the seeds that he didn't already have stashed back. He's going to do cayenne, sweet banana pepper, jelly bean tomato, strawberry (we'll have to buy the seedlings), and he's considering cubanelle and serrano. He's also gonna make his mom a few flower beds with Mrs Chad's flower seed stash. He's a chip off the old block for sure!

Lucky for him he got his looks from his mom! wink
I haven't been able to find the Cubanelle peppers anywhere...bang I have Cayenne, California wonder (bell pepper), Tam Jalapeno, Jalapeno, Hot Banana, Sweet Banana, and Serrano, but no Cubanelle bang


We've got cubanelle seeds. How many do ya want and I'll mail them to ya if you'll pm me an address to send to.
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/10 04:14 PM

I'm dying to get my hands on some of them infamous ghost pepper seeds!
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/10 04:20 PM

I always have kept track and dated anything I have planted.

It doesn't look that detailed but it is.









I have 3 6x12' beds ready for action.

Onions, potatoes, and garlic are in the ground.

My garden in Feb.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/10 04:22 PM

Originally Posted By: madchad
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: madchad
Sorry for you fellers that had seedlings out in this weather. We got a little snow on the ground, but all my seedlings are still safe in the seedlingararium. There have been a few additions and today we're going to start some banana peppers and add another couple of cubanelles (Mrs Chad makes some awesome rellenos!). We've also started a couple of zucchini plants. Mrs Chad uses it in fried rice so that'll be nice.

I'm proud of all my kids, but my son (a very industrious 10 yr old) is planning a garden at his mom's house. This weekend we got a box of peat pots and the seeds that he didn't already have stashed back. He's going to do cayenne, sweet banana pepper, jelly bean tomato, strawberry (we'll have to buy the seedlings), and he's considering cubanelle and serrano. He's also gonna make his mom a few flower beds with Mrs Chad's flower seed stash. He's a chip off the old block for sure!

Lucky for him he got his looks from his mom! wink
I haven't been able to find the Cubanelle peppers anywhere...bang I have Cayenne, California wonder (bell pepper), Tam Jalapeno, Jalapeno, Hot Banana, Sweet Banana, and Serrano, but no Cubanelle bang


We've got cubanelle seeds. How many do ya want and I'll mail them to ya if you'll pm me an address to send to.
I appreciate the offer...My mom has a phone customer that has a feed store and they are supposed to go Wednesday to their suppliers and see if they can get me some Cubanelle and Gypsy peppers...If they can't, I'll take you up on the offer...thumb

There seems to be some fraudulent sales going on with those seeds you're looking for. I'd try and buy them from one of the established companies (I've tried to find them through Google) when they become available...Otherwise you'll end up with the habanero plants...bang
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/10 06:35 PM

Good looking stuff, ChickenMan
Posted By: Swamp Donkey

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/10 07:37 PM

Hopefully my garden will try out enough so I can till this week. If not I will be going to Home Depot and buying a lot of soil. So I can make my own mounds and get them going.





My jalapenos and a few of the mater plants are getting huge already. The okra and bannana peppers aren't too far behind them. I need to get them in the ground soon.
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/10 08:02 PM

If anyone is interested in square foot gardening here's a helpful site to plan your garden:

http://www.gardeners.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gardeners-Site/default/Page-KitchenGardenDesigner

Only downside is that it doesn't have everything I planted including different varieties of peppers but I just put in the closest thing they have and then rename it.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/10 09:34 PM

Pardon my ignorance.....cubanelles ?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/10 09:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Pardon my ignorance.....cubanelles ?


Really good sweet pepper...

Clicky
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 01:14 AM

Excellent. Keep rotatin' them crops, dude. wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 01:19 AM

Ohhhh, my bad. A "sweet" ( might as well be an onion) pepper ? Thought it might be something with a few Schofields (sp?).
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 03:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Ohhhh, my bad. A "sweet" ( might as well be an onion) pepper ? Thought it might be something with a few Schofields (sp?).
It's good for salads and for Yankees...grin I am currently growing the following peppers:

California Wonders (Bell Pepper) - 20 plants
Jalapenos - 8 plants
Tam Jalapenos - 16 plants
Hot Banana Peppers - 4 plants
Cayenne Peppers - 8 plants
Serrano Peppers - 2 plants
Sweet Banana Peppers - 20 plants

I should be getting either 4 or 8 plants of both Cubanelle Peppers and Gypsy Peppers this week...Yeah...I need to find some Habaneros now that I see the list on the screen...bang
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 12:44 PM

LoneStarSon. What do you do with everything these plants produce?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 12:55 PM

I give some to family and friends, freeze some of the squash, zucchini, and peas. This year, I'll also be setting up a vegetable stand and selling some of the peppers and tomatoes to help offset the cost of the water...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 01:42 PM

I'm surprised you dont have a giant rainwater collection unit.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 01:49 PM

You using anything to collect rainwater, LSS? While watering yesterday I started to see just how much water I will be using. A bunch is an understatement.

My potato plants are growing well; I think a "Yukon Gold" finally sprouted. Took considerably longer than the "Red Noreland" variety.

Onions are slowly starting to perk back up after that intense wind the other day. Carrots are about an inch tall as well.

Unfortunately I think my experiment with seed-starting is about over. Other Cherry Roma seeds started the same time as mine are about 10" tall now, and mine have not grown above 2.5" in several weeks. The Bell Pepper sprouts have multiple leaves, but are still tiny - maybe 1.5" tall.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 02:13 PM

Huh, same here with the potatoes. Red Norelands are going nuts but the Yukon Gold have barely come up.

My Texas sweet onion transplants look like carp. Any advice on these?

Carrots were planted about 2 weeks ago and I've yet to see any green.

However, my bunching onions sprouted up 2 days ago and are already over an inch tall.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 02:26 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Huh, same here with the potatoes. Red Norelands are going nuts but the Yukon Gold have barely come up.

My Texas sweet onion transplants look like carp. Any advice on these?

Carrots were planted about 2 weeks ago and I've yet to see any green.

However, my bunching onions sprouted up 2 days ago and are already over an inch tall.


My carrots took about 14 days to sprout. Look really close, too, because the greens on them are incredibly tiny.

What are the Texas onions doing?
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 02:47 PM

Most are bent over and turning a little brown.. not the healthy green look I was hoping for.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 02:49 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I'm surprised you dont have a giant rainwater collection unit.
I actually have a water system connected to my gutters for the flower beds that surround the main house...Our water bill gets out of hand for the yard, not the garden...Hopefully this year won't be as bad as the last 2...It's an acre of land and because it has a slightly sloping elevation, water retention for most of it isn't the greatest (makes for great drainage, especially in flooding weather, but not for water retention in droughts)...The garden gets by on fairly little water in comparison because of the Ashe Juniper tree droppings...They, like pine needles, help with the water retention in that area...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 02:50 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Most are bent over and turning a little brown.. not the healthy green look I was hoping for.
Cut off the tops and be certain to water during the drier times...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 03:07 PM

how low shall i cut them?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 03:10 PM

I'd probably cut the brown ones about an inch from the ground...Since onions are a single root vegetable, the greens aren't as important to the survival as say potatoes...The good thing is your onions will probably grow a bit larger than before because you won't be as anxious to pull them with shorter greens....
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 03:15 PM

They could have browned because of the snow or because of the bountiful rain amounts y'all have had recently...If any of the onions have green stalks mixed with brown, just remove the brown ones and keep the green ones on that onion...You might also want to try a little miracle-gro or other plant food because the nutrients might have been greatly diminished because of all the rains...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/10 07:40 PM

Alright, who can make it to the NW side of Lake Whitney by 3:30 this afternoon to help me finish planting? I have 94 plants left to get in the ground...I'll have at least another 30 to plant by this weekend...WTH?!?!?!
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/10 02:18 AM

Anybody got Pequin Chili's? (Tiny Peppers)

I planted one last year and these little dudes are hot and turn into a bush.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pequin_pepper

These are great for adding flavor.

Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/10 11:46 AM

Some of you may know that my 10 yr old son is starting his own garden. He's growing mainly peppers and he's going to try and sell them to make some exta $$$$. He researched on google and boy-howdy! Did he ever! He's breeding a hybrid habanero/cayenne plant. flame I'm proud of my boy! He gets the mad scientist tendencies from his paw. wink Anyway, if it works well he's gonna do all hyprids next year and sell peppers that nobody else has.


Posted By: Woody Wood

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/10 02:38 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Anybody got Pequin Chili's? (Tiny Peppers)

I planted one last year and these little dudes are hot and turn into a bush.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pequin_pepper

These are great for adding flavor.


I have two plants that I have had for a couple years now. Just bring them inside for the winter and set them out now. I should have tons of sprouts this year too. I left a bunch of peppers in the container to dry and sprout.
Posted By: Concho Red

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/10 09:34 PM

We call 'em chili pitens - the plant comes back every year from the roots. I dried about two pints worth last year. They are one of the ingrediants in the shake I put on deer jerky.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/10 10:47 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Anybody got Pequin Chili's? (Tiny Peppers)

I planted one last year and these little dudes are hot and turn into a bush.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pequin_pepper

These are great for adding flavor.


Yeah, bud! cheers I've got a three year old in the house waiting for warm weather. I like growing 'em in large pots outside. They kinda remind me of mini-serranos.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/10 10:54 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Anybody got Pequin Chili's? (Tiny Peppers)

I planted one last year and these little dudes are hot and turn into a bush.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pequin_pepper

These are great for adding flavor.


I noticed you've got horsetail (?) rush growing on the left by the rocks. You got a fish pond over there ? You can't get better water for your chilis than water full of fish poo. wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/10 10:58 PM

Tell him to look up Thai Dragons. Not the small ornamentals but the 1.5 to 2" variety. Chipotle without the smokin'.
Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 01:33 AM

I used to work with a guy that would eat those chili petines by the handful. Seriously. He died of stomach cancer not too long after he retired. I think there was a strong connection with eating them the way he did and the cancer.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 01:09 PM

Originally Posted By: deerfeeder
I used to work with a guy that would eat those chili petines by the handful. Seriously. He died of stomach cancer not too long after he retired. I think there was a strong connection with eating them the way he did and the cancer.


That's sad to hear, DF.



I think I'm going to go buy 3 tomato plants today and 3 Bell Pepper plants. I'll have to put "better seed starting" into the "goals for 2011" category, cause that was an failure.

Anyone know where (besides some guy's house in Joshua) I can get some organic Cherry Roma tomatoes and some Bell Peppers?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 01:14 PM

rolfmao They aren't at my house in Joshua...grin I probably do, but I'm thinking Lakeside Village is a bit far for you to drive...

I would try the feed stores in the area...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 01:27 PM

MSR, I tried the feed store in Mansfield, they don't have any...The Plant Shed there on 287 might, but they aren't answering the phone right now...


Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 02:31 PM

Awesome, Mansfield Nursery comes in with the win again! I gave them a call (they're across 157 from the Mansfield Feed Mill) and she said they still have some. If I get there, and they're all gone, I'm hunting you goons down...grin
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 03:01 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Awesome, Mansfield Nursery comes in with the win again! I gave them a call (they're across 157 from the Mansfield Feed Mill) and she said they still have some. If I get there, and they're all gone, I'm hunting you goons down...grin
If they don't have any let me know and I'll pick some up and meet you somewhere...
Posted By: Woody Wood

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 05:51 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Awesome, Mansfield Nursery comes in with the win again! I gave them a call (they're across 157 from the Mansfield Feed Mill) and she said they still have some. If I get there, and they're all gone, I'm hunting you goons down...grin


Leave a couple MSR!! I am heading that way after work.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 06:16 PM

Don't have a pond, but I would like too. I do have 8 chickens right here in the middle of Dallas and I mix C.poo in and it seems to really work well. That horsetail pops up all over the place.

I wish someone with a green house would start up all the seeds(peppers/tomatoes) next year and sell them to all of us on the TFF!!
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 06:58 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Don't have a pond, but I would like too. I do have 8 chickens right here in the middle of Dallas and I mix C.poo in and it seems to really work well. That horsetail pops up all over the place.

I wish someone with a green house would start up all the seeds(peppers/tomatoes) next year and sell them to all of us on the TFF!!


I might be doing that...I'll let you know later in the year.

Originally Posted By: Woody Wood
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Awesome, Mansfield Nursery comes in with the win again! I gave them a call (they're across 157 from the Mansfield Feed Mill) and she said they still have some. If I get there, and they're all gone, I'm hunting you goons down...grin


Leave a couple MSR!! I am heading that way after work.


How many do you need? I'll make sure I leave some and tell the lady/guy at the counter to keep some for you. I'll be heading over there at ~5:00 or so.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 06:58 PM

Anyone else have city chickens?


Today's harvest.

Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 06:59 PM

Say whaaaaatttt????

I think you put up the wrong pic grin


...edit, thumb

That's awesome, AdventureTX. I really would like to but the HOA won't permit it. I currently have a rabbit I use for it's manure and have some meat chickens growing at a friends' house. I contemplated raising the meat chickens at my house because they make almost no noise. But, that would suck to get hit with a $500 fine...
Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 10:03 PM

I've been thinking about chickens. Thinking hard on getting 1/2 dozen or so, but, between the feral cats, my dogs, and the hawks, I'm not too sure. I dunno if I'd wanna go through the hassle of building a coop. Saw some pre-fab ones in Mother Earth News, but they are outrageously priced.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 10:05 PM

Originally Posted By: deerfeeder
I've been thinking about chickens. Thinking hard on getting 1/2 dozen or so, but, between the feral cats, my dogs, and the hawks, I'm not too sure. I dunno if I'd wanna go through the hassle of building a coop. Saw some pre-fab ones in Mother Earth News, but they are outrageously priced.
I'd love to get some chickens, but my dogs would eat them...

Fortunately, my boat mechanic has over 6,000 birds, some chickens in that mess, and I get plenty of free chicken poop from him...And I get Turkey eggs on occasion...Those are GREAT...food
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/10 10:16 PM

They really are pretty cool birds I've had them about a year and their production just went from 2 a day to 6(more daylight) and I've got 8 birds.

They eat all of our scraps and grass clippings.....and anything else you can give them....I gave them a jar full of grub worms the other day and it was like watching a pack of piranhas. One of them(Toto) will let my 3 year old daughter carry her around in a bucket.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/10 04:15 AM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Say whaaaaatttt????

I think you put up the wrong pic grin


...edit, thumb

That's awesome, AdventureTX. I really would like to but the HOA won't permit it. I currently have a rabbit I use for it's manure and have some meat chickens growing at a friends' house. I contemplated raising the meat chickens at my house because they make almost no noise. But, that would suck to get hit with a $500 fine...



Thank God I live in the sticks. wink

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/10 04:21 AM

Originally Posted By: deerfeeder
I've been thinking about chickens. Thinking hard on getting 1/2 dozen or so, but, between the feral cats, my dogs, and the hawks, I'm not too sure. I dunno if I'd wanna go through the hassle of building a coop. Saw some pre-fab ones in Mother Earth News, but they are outrageously priced.


Mother Earth News has building plans for portable chicken coops that you might consider. You can also build a respectable coop with 2 x 4s and bird netting.
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/10 03:20 PM

The okra grew so tall it wouldn't stand up in the peat pots. Mrs Chad put it in the ground yesterday. The zucchini has to go out today.


I'm gonna make the call. NO MORE FREEZING FOLKS! GO FOR IT!

I know for certain because I have psychotic powers that allow me to see into the future.
Posted By: Swamp Donkey

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/10 04:57 PM

Gonna plant a few peppers and maters today. Hopefully the ground isn't too wet. I have to get them in the ground.






Gonna try to catch some sandies this week. The last two years I have put a sandbass carcass in the hole before I put the plants in. Haven't had to use any fertilizer the last two years. I had jalapeno and cherry mater plants that were taller than my fence. Squash, bell peppers and eggplant went crazy also.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/10 09:14 PM

walmart had a ton of cubanelle seeds.. I think it may be a bit to early to get the small plants for them though. They grow best in 85+ weather.


Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/10 09:42 PM

I got a pack of those seeds. They're now 3" sprouts in the seedlingararium. Today I started a habanero, 2 poblano, and 3 sweet banana. i thnk I've already done some sweet banana, but there's no such thing as too many peppers. Right?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/10 10:28 PM

I am tilling the garden right now getting ready to plant. Last year I had the soil tested and added everything that was missing(so I thought). My plants still did not produce though. At the end of the season when I pulled the plants the root systems were better but still small to me and the soil still felt to dense. I just got a pick up bed full of compost to add to the soil (7'X14') and have been tilling yesterday and today and still have about 2 more days to go until it really dries out and mixes evenly. I do all organic and hope this year it really produces , the last 2 years sucked.
Anyone know where I can find some chicken poop or any other poop that I can add in now while I am tilling? I tried to use bat poop last year but its expensive and would cost to much to try and till in.
Posted By: Swamp Donkey

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/10 11:08 PM

If you were in the mid-cities area. Green Mamma's in NRH has some good stuff.
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/10 01:06 AM

Great thread, LSS!
My wife always gets frustrated. She tries growing tomatoes and peppers, and as soon as they start to ripen, the birds come along and peck one hole in each of them, as if they are making fun of her. When she grows cantaloupe or squash, she gets fire-ant bit when harvesting. She will not eat anything that has had poison around it, so I couldn't keep the ants out. Netting on tomatoes, meant holes poked in every tomato that touched the netting. This year I decided was going to be her year, so I built her an anti-bird cage, with everything raised up to "no-bending" height for comfort AND so I can keep the ants poisoned away from the growing soil. While building it, she decided that she might want more than it would hold, so I raised some containers for plants the birds tend to ignore outside the cage.


Door is on the back side of this picture, shelves are slanted away from the walkway so watering doesn't leave you with wet feet.


This cage is 8'x8'x8', and I used one 16' cattle panel cut in half to make tomato supports. These panels hang in notches cut in 2x4's, and can be pushed back against the wall if not needed. I put removable "windows" behind the tomato trellis to harvest the hard-to-reach beauties. This year, if we fail to have a good harvest, it will be because of my black thumbs or the weather, birds and ants will not be an excuse! Tomatoes are on the south wall so they don't shade the other plants. There is room for smaller plants on the shelf in front of them. All wood is pressure treated, and bird wire is 1" galvanized. The cost for everything(except plants and containers) was between $200 and $250.


Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/10 02:57 AM

Have six silver lace wyandottes & one production red right now. Got them last May 22 from Ideal Poultry. Avg. four eggs a day right now. Wouldn't necessarily recomend the wyandottes for dissposition, seem more destructive than dominiques we had in the past. Prod. Red is a sweetheart though. I.P. mails them when they are one day old. I was amazed not a single chick perished. Cats do not bother them at all once they get some size on them. Dogs can be a problem, but not as bad as I thought. Can answer many questions about getting started.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/10 03:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Henry Hefner
Great thread, LSS!
My wife always gets frustrated. She tries growing tomatoes and peppers, and as soon as they start to ripen, the birds come along and peck one hole in each of them, as if they are making fun of her. When she grows cantaloupe or squash, she gets fire-ant bit when harvesting. She will not eat anything that has had poison around it, so I couldn't keep the ants out. Netting on tomatoes, meant holes poked in every tomato that touched the netting. This year I decided was going to be her year, so I built her an anti-bird cage, with everything raised up to "no-bending" height for comfort AND so I can keep the ants poisoned away from the growing soil. While building it, she decided that she might want more than it would hold, so I raised some containers for plants the birds tend to ignore outside the cage.


Door is on the back side of this picture, shelves are slanted away from the walkway so watering doesn't leave you with wet feet.


This cage is 8'x8'x8', and I used one 16' cattle panel cut in half to make tomato supports. These panels hang in notches cut in 2x4's, and can be pushed back against the wall if not needed. I put removable "windows" behind the tomato trellis to harvest the hard-to-reach beauties. This year, if we fail to have a good harvest, it will be because of my black thumbs or the weather, birds and ants will not be an excuse! Tomatoes are on the south wall so they don't shade the other plants. There is room for smaller plants on the shelf in front of them. All wood is pressure treated, and bird wire is 1" galvanized. The cost for everything(except plants and containers) was between $200 and $250.

I used rubber snakes in the garden to repel the birds , it worked.
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/10 12:57 PM

A couple months back, LSS mentioned Heatwave tomatoes. Well, yours truly messed around with a bunch of other projects and didn't get them started in time. So after questing for them all day yesterday, does anyone know where to buy them in the metromess already growing?

Thanks guys!!!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/10 02:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
A couple months back, LSS mentioned Heatwave tomatoes. Well, yours truly messed around with a bunch of other projects and didn't get them started in time. So after questing for them all day yesterday, does anyone know where to buy them in the metromess already growing?

Thanks guys!!!
I'll see if the store down the road from me still has some and I could maybe be talked into driving somewhere near the metromess to bring them to you...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/10 02:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Henry Hefner
Great thread, LSS!
My wife always gets frustrated. She tries growing tomatoes and peppers, and as soon as they start to ripen, the birds come along and peck one hole in each of them, as if they are making fun of her. When she grows cantaloupe or squash, she gets fire-ant bit when harvesting. She will not eat anything that has had poison around it, so I couldn't keep the ants out. Netting on tomatoes, meant holes poked in every tomato that touched the netting. This year I decided was going to be her year, so I built her an anti-bird cage, with everything raised up to "no-bending" height for comfort AND so I can keep the ants poisoned away from the growing soil. While building it, she decided that she might want more than it would hold, so I raised some containers for plants the birds tend to ignore outside the cage.


Door is on the back side of this picture, shelves are slanted away from the walkway so watering doesn't leave you with wet feet.


This cage is 8'x8'x8', and I used one 16' cattle panel cut in half to make tomato supports. These panels hang in notches cut in 2x4's, and can be pushed back against the wall if not needed. I put removable "windows" behind the tomato trellis to harvest the hard-to-reach beauties. This year, if we fail to have a good harvest, it will be because of my black thumbs or the weather, birds and ants will not be an excuse! Tomatoes are on the south wall so they don't shade the other plants. There is room for smaller plants on the shelf in front of them. All wood is pressure treated, and bird wire is 1" galvanized. The cost for everything(except plants and containers) was between $200 and $250.

Great looking project...How's your shark boat doing?
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/10 06:02 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Great looking project...How's your shark boat doing?


Well, it runs fine, and doesn't leak since I fixed the break in a live-well hose, but I think the shark teeth must scare the fish! bolt
It's a good thing that I enjoy fishing almost as much as catching!

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/10 10:17 PM

Excellent work. Your wife's a lucky lady. thumb

My grandfathers used tin pie plates and ribbon ( you string the long ribbon between the posts then "x" it back over itself : birds apparently think it's a trap) . I've had pretty good luck using old cds and cassette/video tape. Rubber snakes and fake owls are decent but , just like everything else , you have to keep moving them around or the birds get used to them.

Plain old corn meal mix will get rid of fire ants, IME.

I grow cantalopes and small watermelons on my chain-link fence. I cut up old pantyhose and make little hammocks so the fruit doesn't break off the vine. Works really well but I had to start planting them on the outside of the fence as my Huskies developed a taste for 'em. food

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/10 10:32 PM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
Have six silver lace wyandottes & one production red right now. Got them last May 22 from Ideal Poultry. Avg. four eggs a day right now. Wouldn't necessarily recomend the wyandottes for dissposition, seem more destructive than dominiques we had in the past. Prod. Red is a sweetheart though. I.P. mails them when they are one day old. I was amazed not a single chick perished. Cats do not bother them at all once they get some size on them. Dogs can be a problem, but not as bad as I thought. Can answer many questions about getting started.


I have my own flock consisting of RI Reds, Polish Crested, Cochin and Mexican Blues. Makes for some interesting looking chicks. wink Do you use them for insect control in the garden ? I never had much luck with chickens ( even bantams ) 'cause they tend to scratch up the roots too much. Guineas , on the other hand , just walk down the rows and pick the bugs off.
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/10 11:17 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
A couple months back, LSS mentioned Heatwave tomatoes. Well, yours truly messed around with a bunch of other projects and didn't get them started in time. So after questing for them all day yesterday, does anyone know where to buy them in the metromess already growing?

Thanks guys!!!
I'll see if the store down the road from me still has some and I could maybe be talked into driving somewhere near the metromess to bring them to you...



Oh hon that's the sweetest thing! I'm gonna be in Meridian next weekend.... is it anywhere in that general vicinity?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/10 12:14 AM

Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
A couple months back, LSS mentioned Heatwave tomatoes. Well, yours truly messed around with a bunch of other projects and didn't get them started in time. So after questing for them all day yesterday, does anyone know where to buy them in the metromess already growing?

Thanks guys!!!
I'll see if the store down the road from me still has some and I could maybe be talked into driving somewhere near the metromess to bring them to you...



Oh hon that's the sweetest thing! I'm gonna be in Meridian next weekend.... is it anywhere in that general vicinity?
Yes...The Ace Hardware in Meridian has the Homestead Tomatoes and Lampman's in Morgan had the Heatwave...I'll be by both places this week and make certain they have them...
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/10 01:37 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman

Plain old corn meal mix will get rid of fire ants, IME.

I grow cantalopes and small watermelons on my chain-link fence. I cut up old pantyhose and make little hammocks so the fruit doesn't break off the vine. Works really well but I had to start planting them on the outside of the fence as my Huskies developed a taste for 'em. food


Ellis county fire ants seem to thrive on corn meal, or at least I didn't have luck with it when I tried it. I may try the cantaloupe on the fence, we intended to put them beside the tomatoes, but then she bought too many tomato plants...
I think she intends to use the large containers outside for squash.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/10 01:40 AM

Originally Posted By: Henry Hefner
Originally Posted By: Siberman

Plain old corn meal mix will get rid of fire ants, IME.

I grow cantalopes and small watermelons on my chain-link fence. I cut up old pantyhose and make little hammocks so the fruit doesn't break off the vine. Works really well but I had to start planting them on the outside of the fence as my Huskies developed a taste for 'em. food


Ellis county fire ants seem to thrive on corn meal, or at least I didn't have luck with it when I tried it. I may try the cantaloupe on the fence, we intended to put them beside the tomatoes, but then she bought too many tomato plants...
I think she intends to use the large containers outside for squash.
You can NEVER have too many tomato plants...Or at least that seems to have been the guiding thought behind my recent purchases/plantings...bolt
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/10 02:30 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Yes...The Ace Hardware in Meridian has the Homestead Tomatoes and Lampman's in Morgan had the Heatwave...I'll be by both places this week and make certain they have them...


Gone shopping at the Ace hardware a few memorable times when something critical broke unexpectedly and I know exactly where Morgan is and can't help but take note of it as that's my family's name grin


Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/10 04:01 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
Have six silver lace wyandottes & one production red right now. Got them last May 22 from Ideal Poultry. Avg. four eggs a day right now. Wouldn't necessarily recomend the wyandottes for dissposition, seem more destructive than dominiques we had in the past. Prod. Red is a sweetheart though. I.P. mails them when they are one day old. I was amazed not a single chick perished. Cats do not bother them at all once they get some size on them. Dogs can be a problem, but not as bad as I thought. Can answer many questions about getting started.


I have my own flock consisting of RI Reds, Polish Crested, Cochin and Mexican Blues. Makes for some interesting looking chicks. wink Do you use them for insect control in the garden ? I never had much luck with chickens ( even bantams ) 'cause they tend to scratch up the roots too much. Guineas , on the other hand , just walk down the rows and pick the bugs off.
Chickens, at least mine, are way to destructive for the garden. Guineas don't tend to scratch like chickens.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/10 01:07 PM

I picked up my Roma tomatoes and California Bell Peppers Friday; probably will plant them tomorrow. I really need to get some mulch for the garden this week...I'll probably get wheat straw or something.

Anyone got a few dozen extra fish heads laying around? grin I need to put them in the ground before I plant my corn.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/10 01:48 PM

"I used rubber snakes in the garden to repel the birds , it worked"

Really? I'll try anything.

The strawberries have blooms all over them and blackberries are coming up nicely.

We spent all w.e. planting seeds(squash, cucumbers, okra, corn) and 20 diff. tomato plants and over 20 diff pepper plants.

We also cut the power line going from the garage to the house and buried it, which has been on the list for years!

Sore and tired.....back to work.




Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/10 03:47 PM

nice yard!
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/10 04:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Excellent work. Your wife's a lucky lady.

Plain old corn meal mix will get rid of fire ants, IME.

[/color]
you can pee on the fire ants and they will move out. Also you can pour boiling water over them.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 12:09 AM

Got some tomatoes, peppers and herbs in today. Gonna try some Thai peppers this year.... flame
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 01:49 PM

Yesterday I got some pepper plants. Hot jalepeno and California Wonder Bell. Last year when i transplanted my peppers I put em in with the root ball even with the soil but this year I read somewhere to plant them deep like a 'mater and it'll grow more roots from the stem. I could see a couple plants in the nursery starting to develop these roots so I'm thinking it would be beneficial. Advice on how deep to plant my peppers would be great. Thanks
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 01:53 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Yesterday I got some pepper plants. Hot jalepeno and California Wonder Bell. Last year when i transplanted my peppers I put em in with the root ball even with the soil but this year I read somewhere to plant them deep like a 'mater and it'll grow more roots from the stem. I could see a couple plants in the nursery starting to develop these roots so I'm thinking it would be beneficial. Advice on how deep to plant my peppers would be great. Thanks
I plant mine where the first set of leaves are level with the ground...It makes them a bit more sturdy...

I need to go buy some more tomato cages this year...I haven't had to buy cages in over 10 years...bang
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 02:01 PM

Thanks LSS. I'm planning to trellis my maters and peppers this year. Last year my hot banana and maters didnt' do well with the stake up method.

oh, and on a side note, my sugar snap peas are about 4" tall and are sending out the little climbing vine things? reaching for the trellis. These peas are by far outgrowing everything else.

Also, the texas sweet onions are still looking bad. I think a couple of em are done for. On the other hand, I planted some bunching onions from seed and they are reaching for the sun. They are almost 3 inches tall....

That brings me to another question. Bunching onions. Do you just plant one seed and they send up several shoots or do you plant multiple seeds per hole and they don't mind the company?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 02:06 PM

I don't know about the bunching onions...I just buy onion sets and plant the individual onions in the ground...

Glad to read about the peas, the shoots are there for them to latch onto something to support them...They generally grow straight up and need something to latch onto to support the weight of the plant. I take 4 tomato cages, place them along the row of peas, string lines over them on every rung and let them hang on to those...

I have found tomato cages are perfect for the majority of pepper plants too...That's the main reason why I have to buy more...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 02:31 PM

The peas will soon find the trellis.. I have a 6' tall metal trellis with extra twine strung from to to bottom so they can climb at will.

The onions are called evergreen bunching onions and from what I can tell, you are meant to cut the green just below the surface for salads and such and they somehow spread underground and keep producing year after year. We'll see how that goes. So I guess I answered my own question!
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 03:42 PM

Also, if anyone has ever grown hops in the DFW area any input is appreciated. Got some rhizomes last weekend that I plan to plant very soon.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 03:53 PM

I thought about growing them. I think Mother Earth News had an article about it some months ago. I'll see if I can find it.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 05:44 PM

Does anyone know where to buy (or even what it is) the black plastic sheeting "mulch" that goes beneath tomato and pepper plants?

this stuff:


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 05:47 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Does anyone know where to buy (or even what it is) the black plastic sheeting "mulch" that goes beneath tomato and pepper plants?

this stuff:

Yes I do.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 05:51 PM

hammer


rolfmao


When I asked at Home Depot, they looked at me like I was speaking Russian
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 05:54 PM

It's just black plastic landscape mulch sheeting...You can get it on Amazon.com and I'm sure most plant nurseries will have it...
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 06:02 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
The peas will soon find the trellis.. I have a 6' tall metal trellis with extra twine strung from to to bottom so they can climb at will.

The onions are called evergreen bunching onions and from what I can tell, you are meant to cut the green just below the surface for salads and such and they somehow spread underground and keep producing year after year. We'll see how that goes. So I guess I answered my own question!



They will keep coming back that's for sure. Nobody has lived on our farm for 20 years and they are still there. Try mowing them, gives the yard a nice onion smell. They are similar to your regular green onions, small white end and you can chop it up and use a portion of the green as well.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 06:08 PM

Planted a handful of items this past weekend in really large buckets (some washtubs and some black plastic containers that trees come in, about 3 ft diameter.) We only planted 4 Roma tomatoe plants (I like them best),2 jalapenos (I'm the only one in the house that will eat them), red/yellow bell peppers (4 plants) and yellow onion bulbs (80 bulbs). Obviously I like to make salsas and hot sauce on the weekends. We also planted about 30 cucumber seeds. My wife wanted to make pickles and teach the kids a little about canning.

We always have fresh rosemary, chives and oregano growing too.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 11:00 PM

For tomatoes , I let them get tall then dig a small trench and lay them on their sides. Gently bend the upper part straight up (support it with a garden staple, rock, whatever untils it stays in that position) then cover the root ball and most of the stem with soil. The best tomato cage I've come across is hog wire in 2' wide x 5' high cylinders.

I've had good luck "trenching" some of the taller chili varieties such as serrano , pequin , jalapeno and cayenne.

Can't say on the "bunching onions" but if they're the same as Egyptian or Gypsy (grow several bulbs then small bulbs on the crown that fall off and start another plant) I'd appreciate a source.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 11:04 PM

Ask for "landscape fabric". wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/10 11:08 PM

Try a little basil in your salsa this year. It helps tomato plants as well.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/10 02:44 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
For tomatoes , I let them get tall then dig a small trench and lay them on their sides. Gently bend the upper part straight up (support it with a garden staple, rock, whatever untils it stays in that position) then cover the root ball and most of the stem with soil. The best tomato cage I've come across is hog wire in 2' wide x 5' high cylinders.

What does this do for the plants???? Curious I am fixing to plant.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/10 12:48 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
It's just black plastic landscape mulch sheeting...You can get it on Amazon.com and I'm sure most plant nurseries will have it...

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Ask for "landscape fabric". wink


When I looked at Home Depot, they showed me a black "cloth-like" fabric with lots of small holes in it. But the picture I posted above appears to be solid plastic (no holes). I'll check Callaway's at lunch today, but they routinely disappoint, so I may head to the Mansfield Nursery tonight as well.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/10 01:12 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
It's just black plastic landscape mulch sheeting...You can get it on Amazon.com and I'm sure most plant nurseries will have it...

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Ask for "landscape fabric". wink


When I looked at Home Depot, they showed me a black "cloth-like" fabric with lots of small holes in it. But the picture I posted above appears to be solid plastic (no holes). I'll check Callaway's at lunch today, but they routinely disappoint, so I may head to the Mansfield Nursery tonight as well.
They showed you something that is to keep weeds from coming through...

What you are looking for is...




































THIS!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/10 11:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: Siberman
For tomatoes , I let them get tall then dig a small trench and lay them on their sides. Gently bend the upper part straight up (support it with a garden staple, rock, whatever untils it stays in that position) then cover the root ball and most of the stem with soil. The best tomato cage I've come across is hog wire in 2' wide x 5' high cylinders.

What does this do for the plants???? Curious I am fixing to plant.


Roots will grow out of the buried stems, doubling or tripling the size of your root ball. The more roots the plant has the more nutrients (nitrogen, etc.) it can take up which should result in a stronger/ healthier plant. The better the plant, the better the yield. cheers
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/10 11:31 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
It's just black plastic landscape mulch sheeting...You can get it on Amazon.com and I'm sure most plant nurseries will have it...

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Ask for "landscape fabric". wink


When I looked at Home Depot, they showed me a black "cloth-like" fabric with lots of small holes in it. But the picture I posted above appears to be solid plastic (no holes). I'll check Callaway's at lunch today, but they routinely disappoint, so I may head to the Mansfield Nursery tonight as well.

As LoneStar said, you were looking at a non-porous black plastic meant for controlling weeds. It's good if you want to cut holes in it and then water each plant individually (drip systems are good) but it doesn't really do the job. Nut grass will grow up through it quite easily. You might as well buy some "painter's plastic" rolls.
Plus, you have to stake it down like crazy or it'll take off like a kite.
There's some really good/ heavy varieties out there. I bought some made of recycled soda bottles at Wal-Mart and it does pretty well. If you can find it, there's one that's like a light felt and it lasts for years. You need the stuff that'll let water and fertilizer reach the roots but keep the grass and weeds from coming up.
thumb
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/10 05:52 AM

OK, got her tilled up today. Now for tiller questions. I've been fortunate enough to acquire loaners for the past three seasons. Alwyas making sure to return them in better shape than when I recieved them. Seems it's not that hard to do air filters, oil change, clutch cable, they always could use a little work. The ones I've borrowed have both been front tine Craftsman. The smaller one, 2.5 hp?, seems to be the better of the two. With one exception, it seems to run rich if tilted too far forward or back. I'm pretty good with a wrench, but have not been unable to adjust the carburator to remedy this problem. Reviews I've read indicate that this may be particular to this model. Used a 5.5hp this time, and when it's buried to the tine axle the belt begins to slip, even after adjusting the clutch cable. Just seems like too much tine for a belt drive front tine. Have kept the soil in good working condition for two yrs. now, and light tilling is all that is required. Would welcome any comments on front tine tillers that have worked well for the guys on the garden thread. I'm thinking of making an offer on the 2.5hp, even though it's carburator is problematic.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/10 01:30 PM

Sorry sputter, I have no advice on tillers; I broke one that I borrowed and ended up spending 2 hours fixing it, lol.

Yesterday I planted tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, rosemary, and green beans. Didn't have time to plant everything, so today I'll be planting corn, more green beans, squash, and strawberries.

Also, I finally found that black plastic landscapers "mulch." Ace Hardware had it thumb
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/10 04:03 PM

Bees.... looking for plants and flowers that bees will be attracted to. Last year I had to play match-maker with my cukes...
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/10 04:48 PM

Not much help, but the honey hoarders were really working the arugula that had gone to seed. Probably need to look for some sort of perenial, come to think of it Mexican oregano attracts bees. Has lots of lavender trumpet shaped flowers, grows well even in poor soil, and is very drought tolerant. Need to find me some. I've had similar problems with cukes.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/10 05:37 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Bees.... looking for plants and flowers that bees will be attracted to. Last year I had to play match-maker with my cukes...
Anything that has bright, but not red, flowers...I'd plant Zinnias, Marigolds, and the like...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/10 10:18 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Bees.... looking for plants and flowers that bees will be attracted to. Last year I had to play match-maker with my cukes...


White or red clover.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/10 11:34 PM

I hear bees can't see red and are most attracted to blue so, I got some nicely colored flowers including several blues. Thanks
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 02:59 PM

I really hope we get a lot of rain (just a steady rain is fine) today. I created a rain barrel and added a spigot to run water to the garden. I had to dump about 15 gallons of water to drill the hole out, so I hope to at least fill it back up to that point.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 06:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
It's just black plastic landscape mulch sheeting...You can get it on Amazon.com and I'm sure most plant nurseries will have it...

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Ask for "landscape fabric". wink


When I looked at Home Depot, they showed me a black "cloth-like" fabric with lots of small holes in it. But the picture I posted above appears to be solid plastic (no holes). I'll check Callaway's at lunch today, but they routinely disappoint, so I may head to the Mansfield Nursery tonight as well.

As LoneStar said, you were looking at a non-porous black plastic meant for controlling weeds. It's good if you want to cut holes in it and then water each plant individually (drip systems are good) but it doesn't really do the job. Nut grass will grow up through it quite easily. You might as well buy some "painter's plastic" rolls.
Plus, you have to stake it down like crazy or it'll take off like a kite.
There's some really good/ heavy varieties out there. I bought some made of recycled soda bottles at Wal-Mart and it does pretty well. If you can find it, there's one that's like a light felt and it lasts for years. You need the stuff that'll let water and fertilizer reach the roots but keep the grass and weeds from coming up.
thumb
Why not just mulch ? That would stop the weeds and keep the moisture in the dirt better than plastic IMO. At the end of the season you can till it into the dirt or rake it off for next season.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 06:59 PM

I'll still be mulching the rest of the garden (regular mulch), but I had heard the black plastic does wonders for warming up the soil under tomato & pepper plants (also melons).
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 07:02 PM

Mulch worked good for me last year.

But why bother? Nothing a few minutes a day with a hoe can't remedy without having to buy a bunch of stuff and worrying about staking it down. Grandma never used plastic or anything like that. Just a hoe and a little sweat equity!
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 09:38 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I'll still be mulching the rest of the garden (regular mulch), but I had heard the black plastic does wonders for warming up the soil under tomato & pepper plants (also melons).
Oh ok I got you your not really worried about weeds you want the ground warmed up by the black plastic in cooler temps, i think we are past that phase. IMO I would be careful what you wish for since we live in tx the heat can be brutal... I also remember Home depot haveing different shades of organic mulch. I believe plastic would be cheaper though.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 09:40 PM

Tomato plant pruning

I tried doing this last year but still am not sure If I am doing it right and could use a little insight from those that have. There are some videos on You Tube about this I will look and see if I can pull them up. Do you pinch all growth growing inbetween the main stalk and the big leaves? What if it has blooms?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WTCDFxPg8Y

heres a better vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eak7yj0tEvM&feature=fvw
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 09:51 PM

Do you guys use soaker hoses or drip systems, just spray the whole yard? I used to just water and spray everything but I dont think thats the way to do it right. Last year I went to the depot and made a drip system with water lines going to the base of each plant, pretty cheap. I think i am going to do the same this year but install a timer on the faucet for even more convenience.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 10:13 PM

I've got two Redbud trees that were covered with honeybees this week. Yeah, I know, the flowers are more purple than red.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 10:24 PM

I use plastic sheeting mulch in my flowerbeds. You cut holes for the plants you want and you don't have to worry about stuff growing in unwanted areas.

In the vegetable garden I use compost, oak leaves, hay, etc. to keep the weeds down. I've got some pretty nice tater hills going this year by piling all this stuff on top of the plants. Like you said, I can till it under after harvest and it'll add to the soil.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 10:27 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Mulch worked good for me last year.

But why bother? Nothing a few minutes a day with a hoe can't remedy without having to buy a bunch of stuff and worrying about staking it down. Grandma never used plastic or anything like that. Just a hoe and a little sweat equity!


thumb

BUT.... old black and white newspaper works really well.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 10:36 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Do you guys use soaker hoses or drip systems, just spray the whole yard? I used to just water and spray everything but I dont think thats the way to do it right. Last year I went to the depot and made a drip system with water lines going to the base of each plant, pretty cheap. I think i am going to do the same this year but install a timer on the faucet for even more convenience.


There ya go. cheers I built a framework in my garden to support a drip system for my tomatoes and chilis. There's a couple of vinyards in Camp County that use the same system on their vines. Sprinklers waste a lot of water (especially in high heat and wind). I also run soaker hoses down the rows during summer.

Posted By: karpbuster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 10:41 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I've got two Redbud trees that were covered with honeybees this week. Yeah, I know, the flowers are more purple than red.


OK not trying to hijack this thread, but 22 trout and 1 crappie? Where do you Live?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/10 11:05 PM

Titus County. I don't get out much. grin
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 02:52 AM

Here's a question I'm hoping some of you long-time farmers can answer.

Today I built what I consider the "original" type of bed, as opposed to my Square Foot Garden raised beds. I've got about 6 rows, as you can see in the picture. So if I wanted to set up a soaker hose or some type of watering in this bed, would I run the water to the "valleys" or up on top of the hills, where the seeds are planted (corn, beans, & squash)? I'll be throwing quite a bit of hay on top of this in the next few days for mulch, so I want to get the water set up now on it.



Also, I am planning on fertilizing this bed when the corn sets its tassels, so would I put the manure on the hills, or in the valleys?

Thanks
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 03:32 AM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Do you guys use soaker hoses or drip systems, just spray the whole yard? I used to just water and spray everything but I dont think thats the way to do it right. Last year I went to the depot and made a drip system with water lines going to the base of each plant, pretty cheap. I think i am going to do the same this year but install a timer on the faucet for even more convenience.


What sort of hose did you use to make the drip system? Did you just poke a couple of small holes at each plant?
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 03:46 AM

For soaker hose or drip, run the line on top of th bed. The old school design of bed and furrow was for what today is considered a type of flood irrigation. In this application water is pumped down the rows(valleys). Not very efficient, not only as far as water usage is concerned, but also when adressing cost of fuel to pump the resource.
That being said, I'm all about old school. In small plots the lack of efficiency is neglegable.
When fertilizing commercial corn, be it for fresh market or grain, I've always applied dry fertilizer before planting, or liquid at no later than knee high. I'm not suggesting you flatten those pretty beds, but manure is best incorporated into the soil. I would certainly side dress the beds with the manure before placing the hay as a mulch.
Hope this helps.





Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 03:46 AM

You can get a drip kit with accesories and 1/2" and 1/4" lines and 1-4gph "drippers" that you put on each tentacle you add to the main 1/2" line. They're like $20. I actually have several of those at some plants and then have a couple of small directional sprayers that'll hit an entire 4x4 bed at once.



Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 03:50 AM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
For soaker hose or drip, run the line on top of th bed. The old school design of bed and furrow was for what today is considered a type of flood irrigation. In this application water is pumped down the rows(valleys). Not very efficient, not only as far as water usage is concerned, but also when adressing cost of fuel to pump the resource.
That being said, I'm all about old school. In small plots the lack of efficiency is neglegable.
When fertilizing commercial corn, be it for fresh market or grain, I've always applied dry fertilizer before planting, or liquid at no later than knee high. I'm not suggesting you flatten those pretty beds, but manure is best incorporated into the soil. I would certainly side dress the beds with the manure before placing the hay as a mulch.
Hope this helps.


Thanks sputterfuss. A few weeks ago before tilling I worked in some compost and manure, but you're right - I probably need to add a little more. I might also try to track down some fish emulsion or another liquid fert. for later on as well.


Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 04:17 AM

Hey man, if you've allready incorporated the manure then your good to go! Seriously anything more could be overkill. Never have used fish emulsion though, can't speak to it's virtures. Should make a fine liquid fertilizer at about knee high. Thing with corn is, once the silks are set on the ears and the tassle has emerged from the top of the plant, pollination has begun. At this time fertilizing the soil is unnecessary.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 03:41 PM

You can get kits at Wal-Mart , Lowe's and Home Depot. I built a framework of landscape timbers and 1 x 4s (about 7' high) then attached the main line to the top. That way I can move all of the smaller hoses out of the way and have room to till. You poke a hole over the plant and attach a smaller hose with a dripper on the end. I then attach the dripper to the tomato cage or stake with a small zip tie. The vineyards I mentioned run the main line about 2' high and stick the drippers directly into it.

You can get drippers that'll run anywhere from 1 to 10 gallons an hour. Saves a lot of time and water.
thumb
Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 07:47 PM

My onions are itty bitty things and the plant portion is stating to grow a flower. What does that mean?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 08:48 PM

Originally Posted By: deerfeeder
My onions are itty bitty things and the plant portion is stating to grow a flower. What does that mean?
It means the onions believe they have completed 2 life cycles...This can stunt, or 'bolt', the growth of the onion and usually will keep it from getting bigger...I generally remove the flowering stalk and leave the onion...It won't get as big as the others, but will grow some. This is caused because of the temperature fluctuations we have been experiencing...I've had about 20 plants that have done that and I just pinched off the flower before it had a chance to bloom...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 09:33 PM

I got some cilantro growing and it has flowers that are poping out. What does this mean? The last time it did that I got no cilantro and about 15 plants out in the yard the next season. Should I cut the part that has the flower, trim down the plant?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/10 11:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
I got some cilantro growing and it has flowers that are poping out. What does this mean? The last time it did that I got no cilantro and about 15 plants out in the yard the next season. Should I cut the part that has the flower, trim down the plant?
I've never grown cilantro, but from what I've just read, I would say it too is bolting...Apparently this can happen quickly, especially in warm weather...I've seen it suggested that once it flowers you take the seeds from there and replant them, harvesting the cilantro every couple of weeks...

Here is a link to a site I found with this info...

Clicky
Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/10 02:54 PM

Thanks LSS, appreciate it a bunch.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/10 08:37 PM

Onions. Still my Texas sweets look like poo and some are totally dying off. I noticed today that my green onions I planted from seed are starting to turn brown at the tips. Could it be that I'm watering too much or too little?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/10 08:54 PM

I know it was early in the thread but for y'all who asked about companion planting:

"Carrots Love Tomatoes" by Louise Riotte . Not sure if it's still in print but you might find it on Amazon.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/10 09:00 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Onions. Still my Texas sweets look like poo and some are totally dying off. I noticed today that my green onions I planted from seed are starting to turn brown at the tips. Could it be that I'm watering too much or too little?


Stick your index finger into the bed up to the middle knuckle. If it's moist (not wet) at the tip you should be ok. Another way is to grab a hand full of dirt and squeeze. If the dirt falls apart: water. If it stays in place : ok. If you can build a miniature sand castle : let it dry out a few days. laugh

You might want to test your soil. Onions are heavy feeders.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/10 08:45 PM

Siber, I was thinking about planting a mater plant like you said, on its side. But also looking at You Tube I got another idea that might complement lying them on their side. You lay it on its side to get more roots, a bigger root system. Planting them deep I guess would be about the same but put the root system "deeper" then laying on its side. But if you plant them deep or on its side instead of staking the plant you can let it go on the ground. Where ever the vine touches the dirt it should start to set roots so you should have a huge plant that half of its mass is roots. More roots, more nutrients, bigger plants, more produce. Has anyone tried this, I have always staked and grown straight up?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 12:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Siber, I was thinking about planting a mater plant like you said, on its side. But also looking at You Tube I got another idea that might complement lying them on their side. You lay it on its side to get more roots, a bigger root system. Planting them deep I guess would be about the same but put the root system "deeper" then laying on its side. But if you plant them deep or on its side instead of staking the plant you can let it go on the ground. Where ever the vine touches the dirt it should start to set roots so you should have a huge plant that half of its mass is roots. More roots, more nutrients, bigger plants, more produce. Has anyone tried this, I have always staked and grown straight up?


Sounds good but I'd use a larger plant (than the average "six-pack" size ) if I was gonna plant 'em that deep.
Yes, the vines on the ground will root . That's a good way to clone your plants for a fall garden. You'll have better success by covering the rooting part with some dirt and maybe using a garden staple to keep it in place. When the roots are established you can cut it away from the mother plant and hopefully get another harvest. thumb I'd keep the fruit off the ground , though, to discourage insects and rot.

Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 04:24 AM

Finally got the tomatoes in the ground yesterday. The rest will have to wait. Got some fishing to do, and headed to College Sta. this weekend for a little college softball. Ags vs OU, Gig'em Ags Whoop!
Brought three tomatoe plants to Rockort with me today to repay a friend for some concrete reinforcement wire that made some dandy cages. Wife's in charge of taking care of the newly planted tomatoes, while I'm fishing for reds and specks! woot
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 06:25 AM

Anyone know where to get some great organic fertilizer in the D-FW area?
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 01:53 PM

Hit up local feed stores and small nurseries for their rabbit or chicken manure. Mansfield Nursery has a sign on the wall (don't have the phone number) that says you can have all the rabbit manure you want for free. Might try giving them a call, but that's a bit of a drive for you.

You could also get a rabbit laugh That's what I did.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 01:54 PM

Yesterday I bought 2 bales of wheat straw and mulched my gardens. That was fun in the wind...


Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 01:54 PM

Well, here's my update...

carrots, bunching onions, cukes, beans, radishes and peas are looking good. It's amazing how fast a bean can sprout.

Texas sweet bulbing onions are looking sad but I've got a friend that said his white onions are also looking bad but his red onions are doing pretty good so maybe it wasn't a good time for white onions around here?

Tomatoes and peppers in the ground and looking fine.

Hops in the ground. The chinooks are starting to sprout and I've yet to see the cascades but it's early yet.

Lettuces, well, they have come up and put on thier two primary leaves but they have been that way for quite some time. I'm wondering if they need more water. I'll wait till after this rain we are supposed to get to see if that jump starts em.
Posted By: C-Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 06:15 PM

Anyone have any luck growing sweet corn if so what is the trick?
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 06:17 PM

I'm growing about 45 or so stalks. I'll let you know how it turns out in a few months laugh
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 06:44 PM

Originally Posted By: C-Man
Anyone have any luck growing sweet corn if so what is the trick?
When you plant the corn, fertilize it with a well balanced fertilizer...Something like a 12-24-12...

What I do is hoe the row, plant the kernels every 3 to 4 inches, then lightly sprinkle with the fertilizer. Cover them up about .5 to 1 inch deep and water...Then water every day and you'll have corn...Now, also, I plant 4 rows of each kind of corn for the best cross pollination. I've planted 6 different kinds before when I had the 10,000 sq. ft. garden, but wouldn't recommend that on most lots...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 10:18 PM

Plant your corn in the same place you planted beans or peas the previous year. The beans will "fix" nitrogen into the soil and help the corn. It also helps to plant climbing beans around your stalks. According to Tinker's Garden , you shouldn't plant corn close to tomatoes. (I think the 'maters attract certain corn pests.)

If you have a lot of raccoons in your area try planting any kind of squash in amongst your corn. They don't like climbing through the vines to get to the corn.


Another way to fertilize is to bury all your fish carcasses where you plant. These are all old "First Nations" methods but they had a thriving population going without the use of tractors or any of our modern chemicals.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 10:29 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: C-Man
Anyone have any luck growing sweet corn if so what is the trick?
When you plant the corn, fertilize it with a well balanced fertilizer...Something like a 12-24-12...

What I do is hoe the row, plant the kernels every 3 to 4 inches, then lightly sprinkle with the fertilizer. Cover them up about .5 to 1 inch deep and water...Then water every day and you'll have corn...Now, also, I plant 4 rows of each kind of corn for the best cross pollination. I've planted 6 different kinds before when I had the 10,000 sq. ft. garden, but wouldn't recommend that on most lots...


Are you planting genetically modified corn or heirloom ? Do you hoe dirt up around the stalks as they grow or just weed ?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 10:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: C-Man
Anyone have any luck growing sweet corn if so what is the trick?
When you plant the corn, fertilize it with a well balanced fertilizer...Something like a 12-24-12...

What I do is hoe the row, plant the kernels every 3 to 4 inches, then lightly sprinkle with the fertilizer. Cover them up about .5 to 1 inch deep and water...Then water every day and you'll have corn...Now, also, I plant 4 rows of each kind of corn for the best cross pollination. I've planted 6 different kinds before when I had the 10,000 sq. ft. garden, but wouldn't recommend that on most lots...


Are you planting genetically modified corn or heirloom ? Do you hoe dirt up around the stalks as they grow or just weed ?
The year that I had 6 different kinds, I had half and half...It really depends on what I can find in the local stores...I'll say this, the Ruby Queen is one of the best growing, best tasting, hybrid corn I have found...I usually try to hoe the dirt around the stocks once they are between 18 - 24 inches tall...Prior to that I just weed...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/10 10:33 PM

Thanks for the Tinkers Garden link.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 01:10 AM

Anyone try this stuff? Still trying to find info if its all organic, the label says organic base.
http://www.bonnieplants.com/LearnGrowLib...eat-Plants.aspx
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 01:48 AM

What do you guys do for pest preventatives? I try to do 100% organic but it did not work at all last year. I used neem oil and retonone ( I think thats the name, bad stuff) but I ended up losing the battle. Dont want to make the same mistakes this year.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 02:13 AM

I use Sevin dust to keep things like squash bugs at bay...Or if you can catch the bugs before they hatch (they will be on the underside of the squash leaves), you can remove that leaf from the plant. You will, however, need to stomp the adult squash bugs to keep the population under control.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 02:06 PM

I'm kind of dispointed my corn hasn't come up, and several other people are telling me theirs has. Maybe I put the mulch on too much/early?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 02:08 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I'm kind of dispointed my corn hasn't come up, and several other people are telling me theirs has. Maybe I put the mulch on too much/early?
How long ago did you plant it? Did you mulch it before seeing some growth?
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 02:12 PM

About 5-6 days ago I planted it, and yes, I added the mulch before seeing seed growth. Probably shouldn't have done that. I used wheat straw.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 02:14 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
About 5-6 days ago I planted it, and yes, I added the mulch before seeing seed growth. Probably shouldn't have done that. I used wheat straw.
Take off the mulch and wait until it's at least 6 inches tall before you put it back...Water it tonight and you should see some growth by next Wednesday...

You didn't plant it deeper than an inch did you?
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 02:16 PM

No I only planted it an inch deep. Alright, I'll do that.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 02:19 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
No I only planted it an inch deep. Alright, I'll do that.
Remember to water at least every other day, if not every day...

If you don't have growth by next Friday, I'd re-hoe the row and replant.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 06:24 PM

So, with the temps forcasted to be in the lower 40's tonight in DFW, do we cover any plants?
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 06:32 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
So, with the temps forcasted to be in the lower 40's tonight in DFW, do we cover any plants?


Dang NBC. This morning they said it would be 49 tonight. They can't get anything right.

Rant over.

I would think they'll be alright. You could put some newspaper over the tops of some plants just to be sure.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 06:33 PM

Unless you just transplanted them in the last 3 days or so, I wouldn't worry about it...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 09:02 PM

NOAA's predicting lower 40s tonight and 38 Thursday night in Mt. Pleasant. I think I'd get my covers ready just in case.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 09:17 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I use Sevin dust to keep things like squash bugs at bay...Or if you can catch the bugs before they hatch (they will be on the underside of the squash leaves), you can remove that leaf from the plant. You will, however, need to stomp the adult squash bugs to keep the population under control.


+ 1 . I don't like to use poison but after several years of mosaic virus (transmitted by aphids) on my squash I broke out the Sevin . I tried to keep enough ladybugs around but the dang fire ants kept runnin' em off.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 09:50 PM

Thats what I am thinking myself siberman. I believe I will have to use some seven . I guess I better start it now while the plants are not in bloom and since I just platted to get a early start with the cheicals and then when everything goes into bloom I will try to stick with organic bug control.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 10:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Thats what I am thinking myself siberman. I believe I will have to use some seven . I guess I better start it now while the plants are not in bloom and since I just platted to get a early start with the cheicals and then when everything goes into bloom I will try to stick with organic bug control.
If you do use Sevin, remember to wear latex or plastic gloves. I also wear a mask, rubber boots and socks...I wash off my rubber boots and through away the mask and gloves after every application...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/10 10:34 PM

I've spent some time in the garden today and I have volunteer cucumber or squash (not sure which because there are only 2 leaves and the cucumbers I planted last year came up looking like squash) and lots of tomato plants...eeks

I have blooms on some of my cherry tomatoes and one early girl plant.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 12:07 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Thats what I am thinking myself siberman. I believe I will have to use some seven . I guess I better start it now while the plants are not in bloom and since I just platted to get a early start with the cheicals and then when everything goes into bloom I will try to stick with organic bug control.
If you do use Sevin, remember to wear latex or plastic gloves. I also wear a mask, rubber boots and socks...I wash off my rubber boots and through away the mask and gloves after every application...


I remember using this stuff and getting covered in it when I used to put it on my dogs as a kid. I guess that's why I have this weird twitch...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 01:39 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Thats what I am thinking myself siberman. I believe I will have to use some seven . I guess I better start it now while the plants are not in bloom and since I just platted to get a early start with the cheicals and then when everything goes into bloom I will try to stick with organic bug control.
If you do use Sevin, remember to wear latex or plastic gloves. I also wear a mask, rubber boots and socks...I wash off my rubber boots and through away the mask and gloves after every application...


I remember using this stuff and getting covered in it when I used to put it on my dogs as a kid. I guess that's why I have this weird twitch...
eeks Well, I prefer not to let poisons on me, but then again, I'm weird...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 01:44 AM

****POSSIBLE FROST TOMORROW MORNING****

CBS 11 is reporting some areas of North Texas might receive a light frost tomorrow morning...If you have plants you've transplanted within the last 3 days or so, you may want to protect them...Milk bottles are great for this...Most plants that have been in the ground longer than that can withstand a light frost...It's always better to be safe than sorry...
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 01:49 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I remember using this stuff and getting covered in it when I used to put it on my dogs as a kid. I guess that's why I have this weird twitch...


Years ago we had fleas invade our carpet. On advice from another I treated the dog and the carpet with Sevin. I don't remember how long we left it on the carpet, but I know it was at least several days, because you had to treat long enough to affect newly hatching fleas. I never thought of it as strong poison, more along the lines of a medicated powder. I guess I lived through it.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 03:49 AM

Originally Posted By: Henry Hefner
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I remember using this stuff and getting covered in it when I used to put it on my dogs as a kid. I guess that's why I have this weird twitch...


Years ago we had fleas invade our carpet. On advice from another I treated the dog and the carpet with Sevin. I don't remember how long we left it on the carpet, but I know it was at least several days, because you had to treat long enough to affect newly hatching fleas. I never thought of it as strong poison, more along the lines of a medicated powder. I guess I lived through it.
WOW
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 04:07 AM

Not my pic.
Look what I through away today. I find out now that they are ladybug eggs. bang
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 02:25 PM

Doh! That's gotta stink, Tin.

My tomato plants were wilting - I was not watering enough apparently, so I gave them a good drink last night, and will continue doing that until they perk back up. I think since I used that black plastic mulch, it dries out the soil faster than the other beds, so I'll just need to water more.

I removed all the mulch from my corn bed and watered thoroughly last night as well.

The green beans and cucumbers sprouted and are looking great. Also, the lettuce has not looked particularly great all year long (it wasn't planted in enough sun) but after mulching the other day, it started growing like crazy. That's cool, I might just get to eat some yet! laugh
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 04:05 PM

MSR, in the spring, it's best to water in the morning before work...Now it's okay to do it occasionally at night, but it can cause the plants to develop a fungus if they are left wet and cold at night...



Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 04:29 PM

I forgot to ask earlier, but since I'll be planting them today, has anyone had any success growing eggplants? My mom has asked me to plant 4 eggplant plants and the last time I tried it, it didn't turn out so well...That was at another house, with clay soil, so I'm hoping that was the issue...Any suggestions or helpful hints are appreciated...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 05:11 PM

I grew them last year but only did one plant. I turned up about 4 large egg plants (squash). Not a very tall pant or wide either but that could of been something I did wrong. The plant only grew to about less than 2' tall and about 16" wide. I guess they wont get to tall since they wont be able to support the weight.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 05:21 PM

We have our first tomato!!!!!! My mom was given an Early Girl tomato plant from a friend. I planted it last week and although it already had a few blooms, I didn't know if it would produce. Well, while I was putting out some tomato cages a little while ago, I saw one little tomato starting...Woohoo!!!! banana
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 08:22 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I forgot to ask earlier, but since I'll be planting them today, has anyone had any success growing eggplants? My mom has asked me to plant 4 eggplant plants and the last time I tried it, it didn't turn out so well...That was at another house, with clay soil, so I'm hoping that was the issue...Any suggestions or helpful hints are appreciated...


Can't really help you there. My wife grew one in a container on the patio, and it produced, but not well. I told her that the fact our patio is covered and the plant only got 3 or 4 hours of sun might have had something to do with it.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 10:52 PM

Eggplants : good rich soil and full sun . If they're in full sun during the hotter months be sure and mulch / water well. The can get thick-skinned if you grow 'em in desert conditions so I like to plant mine where they get some shade after about 2:00 pm.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 11:10 PM

After inspecting the plants today (I really should have been paying more attention over the last few days), I have a myriad of problems. Several plants have holes eaten through the leaves - the potatoes and cowpeas are the worst off. I'm not really sure what to do, but I had heard I can spray with a detergent/water combination. Dang pests.

The tomatoes are still wilting, though I watered them quite a bit last night and this morning. It's not even that hot!? I'll keep giving them lots of water in the mornings before work to help them start perking back up, but so far it's not looking great (it's only been ~24 hours, though).

crazy
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 11:35 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
After inspecting the plants today (I really should have been paying more attention over the last few days), I have a myriad of problems. Several plants have holes eaten through the leaves - the potatoes and cowpeas are the worst off. I'm not really sure what to do, but I had heard I can spray with a detergent/water combination. Dang pests.

The tomatoes are still wilting, though I watered them quite a bit last night and this morning. It's not even that hot!? I'll keep giving them lots of water in the mornings before work to help them start perking back up, but so far it's not looking great (it's only been ~24 hours, though).

crazy
I have some that are wilting as well. It's because I haven't mulched mine yet...Have you mulched yours? I'll be doing that row tomorrow after I finish planting the peppers and tomato plants I bought today...

I'm almost done planting mine. I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel...

Don't over water your tomatoes, MSR...They need .5 to 1 inch per week and that's it...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/10 11:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Eggplants : good rich soil and full sun . If they're in full sun during the hotter months be sure and mulch / water well. The can get thick-skinned if you grow 'em in desert conditions so I like to plant mine where they get some shade after about 2:00 pm.
Thank you...I planted mine where they will get some shade, but mostly full sun...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/10 12:01 AM

I "mulched" using that black plastic sheeting, but after speaking with my grandpa, he changed my mind on it. So I ripped it all up (sheesh, what a waste tracking that stuff down last week).

So, now instead of that stuff, I put down my wheat straw mulch. I'm thinking that will: 1) help the plants get more air circulation to the roots and 2) help get more sunshine to the roots. I hope for the best...


Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/10 05:04 AM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I "mulched" using that black plastic sheeting, but after speaking with my grandpa, he changed my mind on it. So I ripped it all up (sheesh, what a waste tracking that stuff down last week).

So, now instead of that stuff, I put down my wheat straw mulch. I'm thinking that will: 1) help the plants get more air circulation to the roots and 2) help get more sunshine to the roots. I hope for the best...

Black plastic sheeting is good early in the season to help sterilize the soil. This time of year I would not think it would be neccesary.
Wheat straw will 1. not help the roots get more air circulation, unless tilled in the soil and 2. Will definitely not get more sunshine to the roots, the roots will not tolerate sunshine.
The wheat straw as mulch will help keep the soil moist and help with weeds growing but thats about it.
Posted By: TeamHillbilly

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/10 10:41 AM

Originally Posted By: C-Man
Anyone have any luck growing sweet corn if so what is the trick?

water early morning every day
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/10 01:03 PM

Originally Posted By: Henry Hefner
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I remember using this stuff and getting covered in it when I used to put it on my dogs as a kid. I guess that's why I have this weird twitch...


Years ago we had fleas invade our carpet. On advice from another I treated the dog and the carpet with Sevin. I don't remember how long we left it on the carpet, but I know it was at least several days, because you had to treat long enough to affect newly hatching fleas. I never thought of it as strong poison, more along the lines of a medicated powder. I guess I lived through it.


use this for fleas in the yard and house. You can spray the dogs and cats with a diluted orange oil sold everywhere.

http://www.dirtworks.net/Diatomaceous-Earth.html

You can also use this for grubs and stuff, but be warned, it will kill your earthworms as well and some benificial critters so don't go overboard.

Trust me, it works well thumb
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/10 01:12 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I "mulched" using that black plastic sheeting, but after speaking with my grandpa, he changed my mind on it. So I ripped it all up (sheesh, what a waste tracking that stuff down last week).

So, now instead of that stuff, I put down my wheat straw mulch. I'm thinking that will: 1) help the plants get more air circulation to the roots and 2) help get more sunshine to the roots. I hope for the best...

Black plastic sheeting is good early in the season to help sterilize the soil. This time of year I would not think it would be neccesary.
Wheat straw will 1. not help the roots get more air circulation, unless tilled in the soil and 2. Will definitely not get more sunshine to the roots, the roots will not tolerate sunshine.
The wheat straw as mulch will help keep the soil moist and help with weeds growing but thats about it.


You're right; I worded it wrong. I meant it will get more air circulation to the base of the plant, as opposed to the black plastic which is not permeable by air, water, or light.


I woke up early this morning to water the corn. It was chilly, but didn't freeze.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/10 01:16 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I "mulched" using that black plastic sheeting, but after speaking with my grandpa, he changed my mind on it. So I ripped it all up (sheesh, what a waste tracking that stuff down last week).

So, now instead of that stuff, I put down my wheat straw mulch. I'm thinking that will: 1) help the plants get more air circulation to the roots and 2) help get more sunshine to the roots. I hope for the best...

Black plastic sheeting is good early in the season to help sterilize the soil. This time of year I would not think it would be neccesary.
Wheat straw will 1. not help the roots get more air circulation, unless tilled in the soil and 2. Will definitely not get more sunshine to the roots, the roots will not tolerate sunshine.
The wheat straw as mulch will help keep the soil moist and help with weeds growing but thats about it.


You're right; I worded it wrong. I meant it will get more air circulation to the base of the plant, as opposed to the black plastic which is not permeable by air, water, or light.


I woke up early this morning to water the corn. It was chilly, but didn't freeze.
It was a balmy 49 at 7:00 this morning down here in Paradise...So in the words of The Simpsons' Nelson, 'HA! HA!' grin
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/10 09:03 PM

Make sure you don't breathe in the dust from diatomaceous earth. It's made up of the fossilized shells of micro-crustaceans and every grain is like a little ball of razor blades.

Works great on bugs.
thumb
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/10 09:45 PM

need help with irrigation..i have a 22'x27' garden and its gonna be cramped so i need ideas for watering each plant...56 tomatos,onions,6 peppers,2 cuc's,and 2 okra..thanks
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/10 11:43 PM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
need help with irrigation..i have a 22'x27' garden and its gonna be cramped so i need ideas for watering each plant...56 tomatos,onions,6 peppers,2 cuc's,and 2 okra..thanks
Soaker hose, if things are really packed you might need to thin the herd a little. Too many plants to close could cause a decrease in produce
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/10 12:19 AM

the plants have enough room to grow but it'll be cramped trying to get to them...i am looking for some thing i can hook up to the sprinkler system so it can be automated
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/10 01:24 AM

I would say a drip system but I'm not sure how you'd hook it up to your sprinklers . You'd definitely need to add a pressure regulator between it and the larger system as most drip systems are low flow.

I'd recommend watering at the bases of the plants anyway. That's a lot of tomatoes for a plot that size and you don't want to risk getting any kind of mold or fungus ( possible from sprinkling the foilage) that would spread pretty easily with your plants that close to each other.

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/10 01:34 AM

I would prefer drip myself but running 66 lines is going to be a big project in itself. Also space is cramped so if the lines are not buried you would be tripping over them. Either way would work just depends on how much money and time you are ready to spend. A soaker hose will take about 1 hour and 20 dollars and a drip would be a whole day and cost 3X as much.
Either soaker or drip you can buy a timer for the water faucet for around 20-40 dollars on the cheap. If you want to tap into your sprinkler system that would be easy I would think , Home Depot has every type of connector.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/10 03:57 PM

Just unloaded 2 cubic yards of mulch by the bucketfull. Garden looking good. Will post pictures after wife get the gnomes in.... woot
Gnomes are not German peppers.... rolfmao rolfmao
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/10 08:40 PM

Almost done, just need to pick-up a few Tobasco plants...






Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/10 08:58 PM

Very nice. thumb
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/10 09:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
Almost done, just need to pick-up a few Tobasco plants...





Very nice...So did the Gnomes help with the planting? hmmm
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/10 09:37 PM

Sure they helped, but they took forever to load and unload their share of the buckets.... clap
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/10 09:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
Sure they helped, but they took forever to load and unload their share of the buckets.... clap
rolfmao Well in that case I won't ask you to send them over to help me finish up...
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/10 09:51 PM

It was kinda like working with the Burger King kid with the tiny hands.....but by the bunch full... rolfmao
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/10 01:00 AM

Suspend the drip lines and you don't have to worry about tripping over them. thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/10 01:02 AM

FYI: Lowe's has Thai chilis. banana
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/10 03:31 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
FYI: Lowe's has Thai chilis. banana


Already put in some Thai chilis. Need tobasco peppers for grinding into part of my rub.
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/10 03:42 PM

where can i get some good info on fertilizer for my mater's
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/10 08:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
Originally Posted By: Siberman
FYI: Lowe's has Thai chilis. banana


Already put in some Thai chilis. Need tobasco peppers for grinding into part of my rub.


Wal-Mart usually carries tobascos.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/10 08:21 PM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
where can i get some good info on fertilizer for my mater's


Here Ya go.
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/10 08:26 PM

thanks,i am so sorry for not being more specific about the information i am requesting siberman..i would like some GOOD(meaning something that you would recomend) other than a generic funny guy answer..this is a great thread and most seem to want to help each other out with info, but it seems thier is always the exception to the rule
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/10 11:01 PM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
thanks,i am so sorry for not being more specific about the information i am requesting siberman..i would like some GOOD(meaning something that you would recomend) other than a generic funny guy answer..this is a great thread and most seem to want to help each other out with info, but it seems thier is always the exception to the rule


Sorry if I offended you, bud. There's some good sites on that google page. In response to your question: try chicken litter.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 01:44 PM

Some updates:

My tomatoes aren't dead yet...they're really trying to die though. I'm contemplating just buying 3 more, but who knows - I might kill those too.

The corns, beans, cucumbers, squash, and peas are all growing really well. The peas & potatoes seem to be the woodlice' favorite treat to snack on...little devils. I went outside at like 10:15 Saturday night, and the potato plants were COVERED in woodlice. I grabbed most of them off of there, and many had already fallen to their death in the yeast-water. Hopefully they'll quit coming around. If not, I'll buy some dichotomous earth.

Anyone know what strawberries should look like after about 8 days? I still see nothing.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 01:58 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Some updates:

My tomatoes aren't dead yet...they're really trying to die though. I'm contemplating just buying 3 more, but who knows - I might kill those too.

The corns, beans, cucumbers, squash, and peas are all growing really well. The peas & potatoes seem to be the woodlice' favorite treat to snack on...little devils. I went outside at like 10:15 Saturday night, and the potato plants were COVERED in woodlice. I grabbed most of them off of there, and many had already fallen to their death in the yeast-water. Hopefully they'll quit coming around. If not, I'll buy some dichotomous earth.

Anyone know what strawberries should look like after about 8 days? I still see nothing.
What do the tomatoes look like?
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 02:07 PM

Kind of green at the top, but brittle leaves. Several yellow/dead leaves at the base of the plant. And it hasn't grown any since being transplanted, about 12 days ago. Overall, the plant seems fairly dry, unlike when I bought it.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 02:10 PM

How often do you water it? It could be that it's getting too much water or not enough...It could also be doodle bugs getting to it...Those suckers are EVIL...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 02:20 PM

Evil is right. They ate one of my cowpea's stems - on the inside of the stem! Crazy...it was like a hollow straw with a couple roots.

I water every couple days...If I had to guess the amount, I'd say somewhere about 10-12 oz. of water. I recycled a lot of old glass bottles we used, and fill them up with rainwater, and about 1/2 a bottle on each plant. The soil seems to stay moist for about a day and a half, hence the "every other day" watering.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 02:42 PM

hmmm Go out about 10 to 20 minutes after you've watered and look for doodle bugs...They like to pop up after the ground has been watered...If you see a bunch of them, that's going to be the problem.

How big are the plants? If they are 3 inches tall, that's too much water...6 - 12 inches, good amount of water...Taller than that, you need to get them a bit more of the liquid life...
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 06:29 PM

Nice thread. I usually hang out at the THF and just stumbled on this thread.

I wonder if I am too late? I've had corn, peas and onions in the ground since 3/19. I also had tomatoes out on 3/13 (almost lost them to frost.

I just put out squash, jalapeno's and banana peppers yesterday. Wonder if I am too late? I still have carrots, cucumbers and okra seeds to plant.

I am also wanting to put out more corn seed as we eat a ton of corn, but wanted my harvest spread out a little. Wonder if I'm too late for that???
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 07:34 PM

No you're not too late...With Perrin being further north, now is a great time to get those things in the ground...Remember on the Okra seeds to soak them in water for 24 hours before planting them...

The only thing that might not produce as well would be the carrots, but I'd think you're still okay on those...
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 07:38 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Remember on the Okra seeds to soak them in water for 24 hours before planting them...


Never heard of that???? Whats the thought process behind it?

Thanks
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 07:40 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Remember on the Okra seeds to soak them in water for 24 hours before planting them...


Never heard of that???? Whats the thought process behind it?

Thanks
It helps them to sprout up sooner...I've done it both without soaking and with and soaking is faster...I put them in a bowl, cover them with some water, put a plate over it and then about 24 hours later, in the ground they go...
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 08:11 PM

My garden is going in to late because the cool temps stayed around so long, but the main reason, was that it was so wet I couldn't plow/fertilize and get everything ready.

Just planted another row of corn. It's unreal how dry the ground is considering how much rain we had....
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 08:19 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
My garden is going in to late because the cool temps stayed around so long, but the main reason, was that it was so wet I couldn't plow/fertilize and get everything ready.

Just planted another row of corn. It's unreal how dry the ground is considering how much rain we had....
I've been there...I think it was 2004 that I planted the garden only to have it flood and then I had to replant the garden...bang I didn't get my garden in until late last year, but I started preparing in December and January this year...I've had the onions in since 1/11 and they are doing great...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 10:40 PM

My tomato leaves are also turning brown on the bottom. I dug down in the soil well beside the plants and it is moist from 2 inches down. Also, I did see a doodle bug out there. So, what do I do? Oh, last time I watered was Thursday.

Other than that, everything else looks good except my basil never sprouted so I just replanted and my lettuces are stuck at half an inch and browning. I'm probably going to till those under and plant some okra and or more bell peppers
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 11:08 PM

Ok, what are y'all calling "doodlebugs" ? I was taught that ant lions (green lacewing larvae) are doodlebugs.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 11:12 PM

According to the almanac , the 16th and 17th are prime corn/tomato/bean/pepper planting days. All I've got in the ground right now are onions and greens.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 11:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Ok, what are y'all calling "doodlebugs" ? I was taught that ant lions (green lacewing larvae) are doodlebugs.
I also call them Rollie Pollies


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/10 11:45 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
My tomato leaves are also turning brown on the bottom. I dug down in the soil well beside the plants and it is moist from 2 inches down. Also, I did see a doodle bug out there. So, what do I do? Oh, last time I watered was Thursday.

Other than that, everything else looks good except my basil never sprouted so I just replanted and my lettuces are stuck at half an inch and browning. I'm probably going to till those under and plant some okra and or more bell peppers
You need to water a bit more on the tomatoes...

On the doodle bugs, if you're not growing organic, water, then put out the Sevin Dust...That'll take care of them...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/10 02:23 AM

Ahhhhh, ok. Pill bugs. laugh
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/10 04:31 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Ahhhhh, ok. Pill bugs. laugh
No, DOO DOO bugs,lol. Thats what we called them when we were kids.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 04:41 AM

Pill bugs, doodle bugs, rolly polly are most often refered to on insecticide lables as sow beetles.
I'm more likely to call an antlion a doodle bug. Had to research this one, turns out the antlion is the larva of a brown flying insect. Looks similar to the green lacewing but much larger, 3" long or more.
Green lacewing larvae look similar to lady bug larvae, with larger chewing mouth parts. In both instances it is the larvae that prey on aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and such; not the adults.
Sow beetles can be controlled by the same means as slugs and snails. Not sure if the beer in a cup trick would work on sow beetles.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 01:14 PM

It does work on them. I have killed hundreds in the last couple days using this method. Slowly but surely...

I call them woodlice. That's at least what the internet tells me they are laugh
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 03:34 PM

When I water my plants, I typically water around the base of the plant - I don't pour water from overhead. But, I was talking to a friend who said that's how she does it. Since I've always heard opposite, let me ask what do you guys and girls do?

I will say I don't care as much on the onions and carrots. They're too close for me to care that much...and they seem to be fine.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 04:03 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
When I water my plants, I typically water around the base of the plant - I don't pour water from overhead. But, I was talking to a friend who said that's how she does it. Since I've always heard opposite, let me ask what do you guys and girls do?

I will say I don't care as much on the onions and carrots. They're too close for me to care that much...and they seem to be fine.
IMO I try to water the base of the plant also. About once a week I will "foliar" feed and spray the leaves with a light solution of nutrients, but only in the early evenings when I know that the moisture will dry off and not sit on the plants for hours and hours. That could lead to fungus growing on the leaves with the moisture just sitting there. Also you can burn the plants by watering them during the day, so I have heard. The water drops sitting on the plant during the day can be like a magnifying glass effect in the sun and burn the leaves. So, normally I will water the base of the plant and once a week foliar feed.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 04:57 PM

Wait a minute, you're SUPPOSED to water the plants? Dang it, I knew I was doing something wrong...bang



















grin

MSR, I water overhead and at the base, and it really doesn't matter too much. It depends on the time of the year and the size of the plant...The larger the plants, the harder to hand water without doing it overhead...Thus the reason I'm going to be investing in some soaker hoses...
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 06:06 PM

Planted a bunch more herbs today - Oregano, basil, thyme, dill... and darnya, LSS, the tomato bug is spreading. Got another 20 more plants to find somewhere to find space for.


Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 07:15 PM

When Mother Nature makes it rain it comes from overhead. I would guess that the Man upstairs knows what he is doing. I just water from the top too.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 07:19 PM

Oh, and I sprayed (watered) my garden with Miracle Grow last weekend. I can already see a difference in how much they have grown. Tomatoes plants had 2 yeloow blooms yesterday with about 5-6 more little buds forming. Bell peppers ahd 3-4 little buds. Onions are taking off nicely too.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 07:27 PM

Was planning on installing 2 more rain barrels tomorrow, until I did a bit looking on the internet. Apparently the runoff from roofs is some nasty, nasty stuff. Contains all kinds of bad chemicals and metals, and you're not supposed to use it for watering vegetables.

Oops. blush

So, dang. Do you pay for using "clean" water from the tap (which actually contains chlorine) or do you put unhealthy chemicals into your plants?
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 07:30 PM

I'm using the unhealthy chemicals from the roof smile Cheaper that way

So last night I decided to do away with all the lettuces I planted since they never did anything. Replaced em with two bell peppers and some okra. Not sure I've ever seen an okra plant before... I'm looking forward to it.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 07:41 PM

Nice thumb that's what I've been using, lol. Not sure what I will do in the future...

My lettuce did nothing as well. Only one produced, and it's only about 3" in diameter. Still, I might make one small salad out of it.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 08:08 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Was planning on installing 2 more rain barrels tomorrow, until I did a bit looking on the internet. Apparently the runoff from roofs is some nasty, nasty stuff. Contains all kinds of bad chemicals and metals, and you're not supposed to use it for watering vegetables.

Oops. blush

So, dang. Do you pay for using "clean" water from the tap (which actually contains chlorine) or do you put unhealthy chemicals into your plants?
If you let the water from the tap sit for 24 hours the chlorine will evaporate out of the water. Rain water would be great just have to build some type of rain trap.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 08:09 PM

Well I finally finished getting everything in except the watermelons and cantaloupes. Those will go in tomorrow after I make a run into town for some more topsoil...

Kattelyn, I lost count of how many tomato and pepper plants I have, but I'd guess somewhere around 250 total (not including any volunteers)...I do need to replace a couple of pepper plants that some animals got to...bang I know I have somewhere between 600 and 700 items in the garden (including onions) and that I'm tired...Other than that, I don't know much.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 08:10 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Was planning on installing 2 more rain barrels tomorrow, until I did a bit looking on the internet. Apparently the runoff from roofs is some nasty, nasty stuff. Contains all kinds of bad chemicals and metals, and you're not supposed to use it for watering vegetables.

Oops. blush

So, dang. Do you pay for using "clean" water from the tap (which actually contains chlorine) or do you put unhealthy chemicals into your plants?
One of the reasons my watering system hits the flowerbeds and not the gardens is because of the chemicals. I'm not an organic grower, as I use Miracle Gro and Sevin Dust, but I do try to know what is going on, or in, the ground...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 08:12 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Oh, and I sprayed (watered) my garden with Miracle Grow last weekend. I can already see a difference in how much they have grown. Tomatoes plants had 2 yeloow blooms yesterday with about 5-6 more little buds forming. Bell peppers ahd 3-4 little buds. Onions are taking off nicely too.
I water every Sunday or Monday with Miracle Gro, as long as rain is at least 2 to 3 days away...I found a huge lot of Miracle Gro on craigslist, along with other items, like bug spray, mole traps, etc. and paid well below 50% for it...Otherwise I'd be doing it every two weeks...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 08:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
Planted a bunch more herbs today - Oregano, basil, thyme, dill... and darnya, LSS, the tomato bug is spreading. Got another 20 more plants to find somewhere to find space for.

They say basil is a good deterrent for mosquitoes...Have you found this to be true, Kattelyn?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 08:14 PM

Went looking for a bird house to see if I can get some birds in to take care of the bugs. i found a blue bird house that I am going to mount close to the garden. Any one have any luck bringing the birds in?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 08:15 PM

My aunt hangs bell shaped things that are made out of bird seed...She's done well with that, but then again, some birds will eat, or peck at, your vegetables...It's kind of a danged if you do, danged if you don't situation...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 08:22 PM

Thanks , I now what you mean , kinda be careful what you ask for,lol. I guess,HOPE, I let my dog run the garden when things get out of hand.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 08:58 PM

I put in another half row of corn yesterday. I still have 2 rows of corn to go, a row of okra, a row of carrots and watermelon and cantaloupe.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 09:08 PM

Anyone know if this works? Save some platic bottles, like 2 liter bottles or so, poke some holes in it, bury it about 1/3 deep and fill it with water so it can do it's own drip irrigation? Seems like a good idea for smaller gardens, which I have. Does it work?


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 09:19 PM

+ 1.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 09:20 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Anyone know if this works? Save some platic bottles, like 2 liter bottles or so, poke some holes in it, bury it about 1/3 deep and fill it with water so it can do it's own drip irrigation? Seems like a good idea for smaller gardens, which I have. Does it work?



I bought some deals that allow you to screw on bottles, but I never used them. I wanted them for the heat of the summer, when I leave for a few days. Some plants can't make it a day without water around here.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 09:22 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Anyone know if this works? Save some platic bottles, like 2 liter bottles or so, poke some holes in it, bury it about 1/3 deep and fill it with water so it can do it's own drip irrigation? Seems like a good idea for smaller gardens, which I have. Does it work?



Yes , it works. Gallon milk jugs are good for keeping newly planted trees watered.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 09:28 PM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
Pill bugs, doodle bugs, rolly polly are most often refered to on insecticide lables as sow beetles.
I'm more likely to call an antlion a doodle bug. Had to research this one, turns out the antlion is the larva of a brown flying insect. Looks similar to the green lacewing but much larger, 3" long or more.

Wow, you learn somthin' new every day. grin

Green lacewing larvae look similar to lady bug larvae, with larger chewing mouth parts. In both instances it is the larvae that prey on aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and such; not the adults.

I think adults eat some aphids, just not nearly as much as the larvae.

Sow beetles can be controlled by the same means as slugs and snails. Not sure if the beer in a cup trick would work on sow beetles.


Yeah , that's what I tell my fellow Baptists when we meet at the beer store. "I'm just buying snail bait." cheers
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 09:39 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Was planning on installing 2 more rain barrels tomorrow, until I did a bit looking on the internet. Apparently the runoff from roofs is some nasty, nasty stuff. Contains all kinds of bad chemicals and metals, and you're not supposed to use it for watering vegetables.

Oops. blush

So, dang. Do you pay for using "clean" water from the tap (which actually contains chlorine) or do you put unhealthy chemicals into your plants?



I use the roof runoff for the flowers and the water from a 1900 gallon fish pond for the veggies. I have used the roof water on chilis grown in containers with no ill effects. If you're worried you can always put a few barrels out in the yard someplace.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 09:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Went looking for a bird house to see if I can get some birds in to take care of the bugs. i found a blue bird house that I am going to mount close to the garden. Any one have any luck bringing the birds in?


Bluebird forum.


Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/10 11:08 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Went looking for a bird house to see if I can get some birds in to take care of the bugs. i found a blue bird house that I am going to mount close to the garden. Any one have any luck bringing the birds in?


Did you see my cage to keep birds OUT? Actually, we have a feeder near the house, and it doesn't take long for the birds to find it. The problem with birds is as soon as tomatoes or peppers start to show any red, the birds peck at them... mad
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 12:15 AM

Originally Posted By: Henry Hefner
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Went looking for a bird house to see if I can get some birds in to take care of the bugs. i found a blue bird house that I am going to mount close to the garden. Any one have any luck bringing the birds in?


Did you see my cage to keep birds OUT? Actually, we have a feeder near the house, and it doesn't take long for the birds to find it. The problem with birds is as soon as tomatoes or peppers start to show any red, the birds peck at them... mad


Some birds ( mockingbirds, chickens , etc.) do peck at red fruits. Bluebirds and Purple Martins don't (IME).
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 01:57 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Henry Hefner
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Went looking for a bird house to see if I can get some birds in to take care of the bugs. i found a blue bird house that I am going to mount close to the garden. Any one have any luck bringing the birds in?


Did you see my cage to keep birds OUT? Actually, we have a feeder near the house, and it doesn't take long for the birds to find it. The problem with birds is as soon as tomatoes or peppers start to show any red, the birds peck at them... mad


Some birds ( mockingbirds, chickens , etc.) do peck at red fruits. Bluebirds and Purple Martins don't (IME).


Dead birds don't pick at anything.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 03:24 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Henry Hefner
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Went looking for a bird house to see if I can get some birds in to take care of the bugs. i found a blue bird house that I am going to mount close to the garden. Any one have any luck bringing the birds in?


Did you see my cage to keep birds OUT? Actually, we have a feeder near the house, and it doesn't take long for the birds to find it. The problem with birds is as soon as tomatoes or peppers start to show any red, the birds peck at them... mad


Some birds ( mockingbirds, chickens , etc.) do peck at red fruits. Bluebirds and Purple Martins don't (IME).
I have faith that the dog will keep them away if need be, if not I will take care of them,lol. I have birds in the garden all year long. The only problems I ever had from birds was in the dead heat of summer when they are looking for water. Most times I have seen them they were pecking at the plants but they were taking bugs. Birds picking peppers are some bad ars birds,lol, theres not much that will mess with peppers. Ill watch it and if it turns into a problem Ill move it away.
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 04:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Birds picking peppers are some bad ars birds,lol, theres not much that will mess with peppers. Ill watch it and if it turns into a problem Ill move it away.


It was just bell peppers they were getting into, not jalapeos. My wife wanted to let them fully ripen and change colors on the vine, but had to start picking them green.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 01:03 PM

Tomatoes are really starting to look bad. After doing some research I believe the pH of my mix is too low due to the amount of peat I used. Although, the peas and peppers are looking good. So, what can I ammend my soil with? Also, would it be beneficial to add some chicken or cow poo compost as well as some fertilizer specific for tomatoes?

This is the first year for my raised beds so I'm sure it needs some tinkerin
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 01:25 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Tomatoes are really starting to look bad. After doing some research I believe the pH of my mix is too low due to the amount of peat I used. Although, the peas and peppers are looking good. So, what can I ammend my soil with? Also, would it be beneficial to add some chicken or cow poo compost as well as some fertilizer specific for tomatoes?

This is the first year for my raised beds so I'm sure it needs some tinkerin


I'm in the same boat, DH, and I'll bet it's for the same reason. I was actually going to add some fertilizer tonight around the tomato plants. I'll let you know how it goes.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 01:54 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Tomatoes are really starting to look bad. After doing some research I believe the pH of my mix is too low due to the amount of peat I used. Although, the peas and peppers are looking good. So, what can I ammend my soil with? Also, would it be beneficial to add some chicken or cow poo compost as well as some fertilizer specific for tomatoes?

This is the first year for my raised beds so I'm sure it needs some tinkerin


I'm in the same boat, DH, and I'll bet it's for the same reason. I was actually going to add some fertilizer tonight around the tomato plants. I'll let you know how it goes.
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Tomatoes are really starting to look bad. After doing some research I believe the pH of my mix is too low due to the amount of peat I used. Although, the peas and peppers are looking good. So, what can I ammend my soil with? Also, would it be beneficial to add some chicken or cow poo compost as well as some fertilizer specific for tomatoes?

This is the first year for my raised beds so I'm sure it needs some tinkerin
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Tomatoes are really starting to look bad. After doing some research I believe the pH of my mix is too low due to the amount of peat I used. Although, the peas and peppers are looking good. So, what can I ammend my soil with? Also, would it be beneficial to add some chicken or cow poo compost as well as some fertilizer specific for tomatoes?

This is the first year for my raised beds so I'm sure it needs some tinkerin


I'm in the same boat, DH, and I'll bet it's for the same reason. I was actually going to add some fertilizer tonight around the tomato plants. I'll let you know how it goes.
I would suggest both of you add some gypsum to the soil...

DH, you may want to get a general fertilizer...Something along a 15-15-15 and add that as well to the soil...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 01:56 PM

Also, a little limestone would really be helpful for the tomatoes...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 02:09 PM

I'll try the gypsum, limestone and fertilizer.

Last year I grew a couple tomatoes in a pots with a generic soil and they didn't really take off until I dug a hole and slid a fish carcass underneath the plant....
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 02:59 PM

Birds don't feel the heat from peppers. A good way to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder is to sprinkle the seed with pepper.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 06:56 PM

I need help

Man , I have got a cutworm in the tomatoes. When do they feed , at night? I know the best way is to put a cut plastic cup at the base. What else can I do since I have a soaker hose running through the middle of each plant and will have to raise the soaker hose in order to put the cups. I am trying tostay organinc but If need be the chemicals will have to come out..... bang
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 07:02 PM

Are you're talking about the cutworms or the tomato hornworm, they are different...

This is the hornworm...

Hornworm

This is the cutworm...

Cutworm

If it is the cutworm, I see them in the afternoon. If it's the hornworm, I see them in the morning...I kill them by knocking them off and stomping them...Or if I have my gloves on just squish them in my fingers...


Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 07:08 PM

No , its the cutworm. I had a branch cut day before yesterday and thought it was the kids that did it by accident. I just walked thought the garden and theres another on the same plant. mad
I read they do their dirty work at night....To control climbing and army cutworms, dust plants with Sevin according to label directions. Black cutworms are harder to control because they dont climb on the leaves. The best way to protect plants against them is to create a barrier around the plant. You can cut out the bottom of a 6- or 8-ounce plastic cup and trim the top down so that all you have left is a ring about 3 inches tall. Slip it over the plant and push it an inch or so into the ground so that it is firmly fixed. The result is a little fence that protects the transplant from the worm.


I am going out there right now to dig that little critter up and take care of him......LOL
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 07:40 PM

GOT EM!!!

Now I need to apply some chemical agent banana. If theres one there is room for others. I have sprayed the garden with Neem Oil and rotenone pyrethisis ( I think thats how its spelled) seven days ago. The label says to apply every seven days so today would be time to do it again. The problem is I dont see it working at all, didnt last year either. While I was digging for the cutworm I found a doo doo bug and a small milipede mad I guess its time for seven dust... hammer I have introduced about 20 plants into my garden though in the last week hmmm
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 08:19 PM

Need to find tobasco plants near Lewisville/Flower Mound area. Can anybody help.... clap Have tried Lowes/Home Depot and the local nurseries...no luck.
Thanks fellers.... thumb
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 08:24 PM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
Need to find tobasco plants near Lewisville/Flower Mound area. Can anybody help.... clap Have tried Lowes/Home Depot and the local nurseries...no luck.
Thanks fellers.... thumb
If all else fails try the farmers market in downtown Dallas. While your there eat all the free samples also,lol.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 08:44 PM

Have you tried a Wal Mart yet ? They usually carry them for a couple months . If you don't have any luck you can always direct-seed outside. They grow pretty fast.

I'll keep a lookout and if I find any we can meet in Sulpher Springs or thereabouts if you want.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 08:48 PM

You can cut the cup / toilet paper roll / paper towel roll down the side and open it up enough to go around the base of the plant then make sure it's closed when you bury it.

The wood ashes spread around the plant (described on that "cutworm" link ) work pretty well too.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 08:52 PM

Does anybody grow their tomatoes in the same place every year ? I usually do but last year they didn't perform very well. Soil was ok but we had a really wet summer. Think I ought to move 'em this year ?

Somebody hurry up and answer. I'm planting tomorrow.
laugh
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 08:53 PM

My grandpa grew his in the same year every year. Technically it isn't supposed to be done thanks to disease and soil nutrients, but I bet you could get by with it, with close inspection for disease and adding some compost to the soil.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 08:53 PM

By the way, I wonder if that wood ash trick might work for the doodle-bugs.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/10 08:57 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Does anybody grow their tomatoes in the same place every year ? I usually do but last year they didn't perform very well. Soil was ok but we had a really wet summer. Think I ought to move 'em this year ?

Somebody hurry up and answer. I'm planting tomorrow.
laugh
I will grow mine in the same spot for no more than 3 years in a row. Then I rotate the whole garden...It's one of the reasons I have a map drawn out of where everything will go before I start planting...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 12:21 AM

It might. I've never had a problem with 'em in the veggie garden. They're all over the azalea beds but they don't seem to bother anything.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 12:24 AM

I rotate everything else but I've always heard that maters will do well in the same place. Think I'll put 'em around the asparagus this year.

You ever had any problems growing them near corn ?

Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 01:03 AM

Our tomatoes are planted in the same spot every year and they do well.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 02:05 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I rotate everything else but I've always heard that maters will do well in the same place. Think I'll put 'em around the asparagus this year.

You ever had any problems growing them near corn ?
I don't remember ever planting them near corn...I do know according to that companion guide posted earlier in the thread, tomatoes are a bad companion for corn...

http://www.tinkersgardens.com/vegetables/companionplanting.asp
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 02:28 AM

Hey LSS, here is that image I was telling you about earlier.



Here's the question:

You can see the corn, right next to the beans, on the lower left/right and top left/right. The question is the blades of "grass" in the middle. I am a bit confused because, though they have a seed at the bottom of the root, they were no where near where I planted anything. For this reason, I assume they're weeds. I would just like to know what they are before I hoe them up. I couldn't get a picture of the seed, but it was about 3 mm long, a dark-yellow-ish color. Didn't really look like corn, though.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 03:15 AM

popcorn2
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 03:38 AM

It ain't corn...It looks to be like either nut grass, or Johnson grass...I have some in my garden on occasion...


Corn seedlings will look like this when they first start growing...






Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 03:38 AM

Oh, and MSR, your soil looks dry...
Posted By: Konvicted

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 03:53 AM

Just picked up a few habenaro and jalapeno plants today. How far do these need to be apart? Anything else I need to know about them? This is the first time I have grown anything at all.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 03:56 AM

18 - 24 inches apart in rows that are 24 - 36 inches apart...Plant them to where the bottom leaves are on the ground (should be about 3 or 4 inches deep)...Water them when you plant them and then give them a little drink every day or every other day...Not with a heavy spray, but a light spray, for 5 to 10 seconds...They like mostly sunny to full sun areas...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 03:56 AM

Originally Posted By: Konvicted
Just picked up a few habenaro and jalapeno plants today. How far do these need to be apart? Anything else I need to know about them? This is the first time I have grown anything at all.
Did you get these from Laurie's Garden? I was there and wanted to look, but it was overrun with kids and their parents both times I went...bang
Posted By: Konvicted

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 04:06 AM

No been meaning to stop by there but havent yet. Got them at home depot. Had a gift card for there.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 04:40 AM

She actually has some really nice plants, and if you pay attention, you can get a good deal...Some are a bit pricey, but overall I like it...I'm going to go there and to the other plant store on Hwy 22 (headed back towards the dam) tomorrow...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 12:35 PM

MSR, I think that 'grass' is coming from the straw. I also have straw or hay or whatever it is and it started growing those same blades of 'grass'
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 12:57 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
MSR, I think that 'grass' is coming from the straw. I also have straw or hay or whatever it is and it started growing those same blades of 'grass'


DH, you may be onto something....I wonder if it could be wheat, since I am using wheat straw. That would explain the spotty locations of the "grass blades," and would explain the "seed" at the bottom of each blade.

Well I think you nailed it; that is a little aggravating, though - the whole reason I bought wheat straw was so it would not go to seed. Oh well, time to hoe!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 12:59 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
MSR, I think that 'grass' is coming from the straw. I also have straw or hay or whatever it is and it started growing those same blades of 'grass'


DH, you may be onto something....I wonder if it could be wheat, since I am using wheat straw. That would explain the spotty locations of the "grass blades," and would explain the "seed" at the bottom of each blade.

Well I think you nailed it; that is a little aggravating, though - the whole reason I bought wheat straw was so it would not go to seed. Oh well, time to hoe!
If you're going to hoe, the garden isn't always the most profitable place, but it is the moral choice...grin
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 01:35 PM

None of mine grew any taller than what I see in your pic. The bale started growing in the fall and never got any bigger. I also used it in the garden as mulch and when I see the occasional blade I just pull it up. Not much harm done.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 09:54 PM

Habaneros like it hotter than jalapenos so (if it cools off for a while) don't get discouraged if they don't grow very fast.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/10 11:50 PM

My habaneros did real well later in the season last year. September and October produced many peppers.... thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 01:35 AM

If it turns out to be nut grass (chufa) you need to dig down and remove every little bit of the plant . Tilling doesn't do any good but I've had moderate success with Round-Up. At the main plant there will be a 1/2" tuber that looks like a small shriveled nut (which is edible if you're reallllly hungry) and all the others spread out from it. Try to get rid of it in the winter before it starts spreading.

If it's wheat I wouldn't worry about it. Texas summer will take care of the problem.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 01:37 AM

I try to get my habs fruiting in late June / early July. I've had a problem with them getting kinda moldy during October if it's wet and cool.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 01:43 AM

Just finished planting seven rows of corn, fifteen chilis, six Early Girl tomatoes , 3 rows of black-eyed peas and twelve hills of crook-neck squash. Hope I can get out of bed in the morning to catch the Sandy/Crappie on Sandlin. sleep
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 04:50 PM

I am in need of some hard core chemicals,lol. I have a problem with snails at my Moms place and they are every where. I have started putting ashes to make a border around the yard but what do you guys recommend to get rid of them in the yard, either spray or granules will work? I am WAY past the beer in the saucer thing. These snails are everywhere.... Hopefully you can recommend something I can get from the home depot. Thanks.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 05:43 PM

Water a patch of grass thoroughly and put a piece of plywood on top. In the morning , turn the wood over and collect the snails.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 07:05 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
I am in need of some hard core chemicals,lol. I have a problem with snails at my Moms place and they are every where. I have started putting ashes to make a border around the yard but what do you guys recommend to get rid of them in the yard, either spray or granules will work? I am WAY past the beer in the saucer thing. These snails are everywhere.... Hopefully you can recommend something I can get from the home depot. Thanks.
Do as siberman suggested or get some snail bait and put it out...It comes in a shaker can...
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 07:10 PM

Wonder what all this rain will do to my tomato plants. Had 5" so far in the last 18 hours.........
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 07:13 PM

Wow...I don't know...If it stops it will mean you won't have to water for a week or so...If it doesn't, it might mean you'll need to replace them...It really depends on what type of soil you have and if it has good drainage...
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 07:24 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Wow...I don't know...If it stops it will mean you won't have to water for a week or so...If it doesn't, it might mean you'll need to replace them...It really depends on what type of soil you have and if it has good drainage...


I thought so. On the good news side, there is no water standing in the area, it all seems to be soaking in or draining off. I just watered/miracle growed them yesterday before the rain bang
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 08:41 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Wow...I don't know...If it stops it will mean you won't have to water for a week or so...If it doesn't, it might mean you'll need to replace them...It really depends on what type of soil you have and if it has good drainage...


I thought so. On the good news side, there is no water standing in the area, it all seems to be soaking in or draining off. I just watered/miracle growed them yesterday before the rain bang
If they aren't standing in water, they'll probably be just fine...
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/10 11:47 PM

Finally found my tobasco plants... banana Had to drive to the Walmart in Grapevine. They only had 2 trays.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/10 07:23 PM

I noticed some bubblegum lookin stuff in the garden today. After some research I think it is pink slime mold. From what I can tell, it's harmless, right?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hluYtvGgx6w/S8taAmvUkVI/AAAAAAAAANs/OLOBnwF45zY/s1600/3-750392
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/10 09:25 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I noticed some bubblegum lookin stuff in the garden today. After some research I think it is pink slime mold. From what I can tell, it's harmless, right?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hluYtvGgx6w/S8taAmvUkVI/AAAAAAAAANs/OLOBnwF45zY/s1600/3-750392
This may be one of the few times when the OT's standard answer of 'pee on it' might actually work...? hmmm







Okay, I have no idea. I've never seen that stuff...
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 01:33 AM

better cover em up. it's gonna frost. bolt
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 03:26 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I noticed some bubblegum lookin stuff in the garden today. After some research I think it is pink slime mold. From what I can tell, it's harmless, right?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hluYtvGgx6w/S8taAmvUkVI/AAAAAAAAANs/OLOBnwF45zY/s1600/3-750392
looks to me like something took a [censored] in the garden
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 04:37 PM

Well we ended the weekend with right at 7" of rain in 48 hours. I was late getting my garden in this year as my tractor got stuck twice while plowing. Finally got it plowed and some things in. Now I still have okra to go. How much longer do I have to get okra, squash and pepper seeds in the ground. It will probable be a week before it is dry enough to get into the garden.
Posted By: BuddyLee147

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 04:48 PM

I have a small strawberry patch that is growing good in my backyard... I didn't plant it.. it just started growing. The problem is the ants get to the strawberries before they get big enough to pick. What can I do to keep the ants off without making the strawberries harmful to eat?
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 05:01 PM

I think coffee grounds deter ants.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 07:45 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Well we ended the weekend with right at 7" of rain in 48 hours. I was late getting my garden in this year as my tractor got stuck twice while plowing. Finally got it plowed and some things in. Now I still have okra to go. How much longer do I have to get okra, squash and pepper seeds in the ground. It will probable be a week before it is dry enough to get into the garden.
Okra and pepper plants love the heat, so you're fine there...The squash is the only thing that's iffy...You'll probably be okay, just don't expect a heavy crop...If you can keep them shaded during the hottest parts of the day, you'll be good to go...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 07:45 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I think coffee grounds deter ants.
I just put a picture of you in the garden and no more pests...bolt
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 08:16 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I think coffee grounds deter ants.
I just put a picture of you in the garden and no more pests...bolt


rolfmao

creepy...but probably accurate.


I've got to put up my trellises either today or tomorrow. The Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans (Green Beans) are growing extremely well and are getting ready to start climbing. Problem is, I need to make sure they're bolted down well - don't want all that falling over in one of our sporadic storms.

I sure wish it would quit hovering around 56* at night...I'm ready to plant my Charantais melons.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 10:21 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I think coffee grounds deter ants.
I just put a picture of you in the garden and no more pests...bolt


rolfmao

creepy...but probably accurate.


I've got to put up my trellises either today or tomorrow. The Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans (Green Beans) are growing extremely well and are getting ready to start climbing. Problem is, I need to make sure they're bolted down well - don't want all that falling over in one of our sporadic storms.

I sure wish it would quit hovering around 56* at night...I'm ready to plant my Charantais melons.
I tried to grow those once and I think I got one bean...I'm still not sure what the problem was with those...I do well with peas and such, but those beans just didn't do squat for me...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 11:30 PM

I planted yellow crookneck seeds and chili plants this weekend . I'll probably wait a couple more weeks before I plant any okra or chili seeds.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 11:34 PM

Question about squash bugs : do they eat other insects ? I had a nice crop of catawba worms on my tree last summer. I left 'em alone as they were about 1.5". Came back a week later and they were all gone but the tree was thick with squash bugs.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/10 11:40 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Question about squash bugs : do they eat other insects ? I had a nice crop of catawba worms on my tree last summer. I left 'em alone as they were about 1.5". Came back a week later and they were all gone but the tree was thick with squash bugs.
I don't know if they eat other pests. They destroy squash crops, therefore I have made it my mission to destroy them (at least on my own property)...You can keep better control of them if you remove the eggs from the underside of the leaves...They are brown and make a pattern on the bottom of leaves...If you cut that part of the leaf out and kill the bugs, it's easier to not use pesticides to control them...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 12:09 AM

New pics of the pink stuff


and now this is here. Wasn't there the other day. Different area


Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 01:34 AM

Taste it!!!













Just kidding, are you sure some one is not messing with you? Take it out of there and keep a close eye out. What is your area like? wooded, water, open plains? Thats weird for sure, I have never seen anything like that. Take it out and see if it poops up again.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 03:13 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
New pics of the pink stuff


and now this is here. Wasn't there the other day. Different area

It looks like a fungus of some sort...Where did you get your mulch from? When I got some mulch from the recycling center about 5 years ago, I had a BOAT load of mushrooms pop up...My guess is that wherever that mulch came from had some sort of fungus and now you're getting to enjoy it...

Either that or you have gnomes flipping boogers in your garden...hmmm
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 04:31 PM

Did those 2 days of rain cause you any trouble? I was panicking eek because all my plants started to yellow , then I go out today and everything is greening up again. I guess with all the water the plants were not getting any nutes just rain water. Like I said though with nothing different added the garden is greening up again. clap
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 04:37 PM

The only mulch I've added to the garden is the straw. I did mix and match a good amount of different composts from Lowes and I remember a bag had a good amount of mulchy woody parts in it so that's probably the stuff...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 04:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Did those 2 days of rain cause you any trouble? I was panicking eek because all my plants started to yellow , then I go out today and everything is greening up again. I guess with all the water the plants were not getting any nutes just rain water. Like I said though with nothing different added the garden is greening up again. clap
We needed the rain here...I've got extraordinarily good drainage thanks to a number of things...The main being the yard has a gentle slope to it. The garden sets on the edge of a hill, NO clay, and there is some pea gravel mixed in with the soil...Okay, there are some shells, very little true gravel and lots of tiny limestone pebbles, but you get the idea...I could get 7 inches of rain and in 2 days it will be dry enough to walk on without getting mud on my shoes...I wish my garden in Joshua was like this. It would have made my garden a lot more manageable...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 04:57 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
The only mulch I've added to the garden is the straw. I did mix and match a good amount of different composts from Lowes and I remember a bag had a good amount of mulchy woody parts in it so that's probably the stuff...
That would be my guess...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 05:06 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
The only mulch I've added to the garden is the straw. I did mix and match a good amount of different composts from Lowes and I remember a bag had a good amount of mulchy woody parts in it so that's probably the stuff...
That reminds me , earlier in the thread some one mentioned black plastic. I read the black plastic was good to use in dec,jan. Cover the garden with it for a few weeks and the heat from the sunshine would kill everything in the garden soil to start the season off with "clean" soil. I will do this next year.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 05:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Did those 2 days of rain cause you any trouble? I was panicking eek because all my plants started to yellow , then I go out today and everything is greening up again. I guess with all the water the plants were not getting any nutes just rain water. Like I said though with nothing different added the garden is greening up again. clap


I have not noticed any negative efects as of yet. But, I planted peppers and squash 3 days prior and they still have not come up. My garden is on a slope and I fear my seed may have washed out.

I doctored my corn, peas, bell peppers and tomatoe plants the day before the rain with Miracle Gro plant food and everything doubled in size in just a few days. That stuff is amazing.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 05:47 PM

I finally got a third of my box filled, bigger than I thought when I built it, but easy to manage, I have 50 yellow onions, 35 pruplr, three Rutgers tomatoes, twelve sugar cherry tom. , a large yellow cherry tom. and 6 Celebrity bigger tom. I also have spinach, blackeyed peas , six Broccoli plants , and I threw in two types of Sunflowers for the birds....should keep me busy, will be setting out Zuccini and Yellow squashes next week , I just got them hardened up good and it rained three inches in one afternoon. I have a couple rows of Radishes and Garlic chives also started. Adding in a sweet Italian pepper plant and some Cilantro....should keep me busy for a while...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 06:53 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour


I doctored my corn, peas, bell peppers and tomatoe plants the day before the rain with Miracle Gro plant food and everything doubled in size in just a few days. That stuff is amazing.
I agree, what ever is in miracle grow IT WORKS... I am doing all organic so i wont use miracle grow in MY garden but have set up my father in law and my Mom with miracle grow in theirs. The miracle grow is looking great and easy. I will be sure to do a taste test......
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 08:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
That reminds me , earlier in the thread some one mentioned black plastic. I read the black plastic was good to use in dec,jan. Cover the garden with it for a few weeks and the heat from the sunshine would kill everything in the garden soil to start the season off with "clean" soil. I will do this next year.


It'll be sterile soil. You won't have any weeds (until the wind blows 'em in there) but you also won't have any beneficial bacteria, nematodes, earthworms, etc.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 09:44 PM

Btw, y'all wear good shoes or boots in the garden. Snake weather is here. Almost stepped on a baby copperhead this afternoon.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/10 11:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Btw, y'all wear good shoes or boots in the garden. Snake weather is here. Almost stepped on a baby copperhead this afternoon.
I've killed 2 cotton mouths the last few weeks, but they weren't in the garden...One was about 10 feet away, but not in the garden...I'll be wearing my big rubber boots when things get to really growing...
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 12:29 PM

Update: The strawberries are doing the best with 4-5 ripening each day and they're a lot bigger than last year 2". I've been going out there about 5min. each night with a headlamp and removing the small slugs and it's made all the difference.

Corn has doubled in size since the rain and I'm already getting several small tomato's budding, all the pepper plants look good with some flowering! Let's hope it rains at least once a week.


Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 12:54 PM

Last week before the rains I planted some okra seeds and they are already sprouting. I also used miracle grow before it rained and the tomatoes are starting to grow and get green. However, they look kinda leggy. Everything else is lookin good. Which reminds me. I have to put up the twine for the hops. The chinook is almost 2 feet long
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 03:17 PM

got 8 tomato plants going in 5 gallon buckets and they really don't seem to be doing much. I have about 3" gravel in the bottom, and have it to where it drains adequately.(i think) Wonder what I am doing wrong?

I think I need to move them to where they get as much evening sun as possible now. That my be part of my problem.


Posted By: PriddyTxHunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 03:17 PM

Does anyone know how to get rid of voles / field mice??? I'm told that's what my problem might be. I've had strawberries missing as soon as they turn red and my first little tomato that turned red had a big chunk missing out of it yesterday. I've noticed several holes in the ground about 1" to 1-1/4" in diameter and was told it might be vole / field mice? I built a fence 6' tall all the way around it (22' x 25') and bought the bird netting and stretched it out over the top so I don't know what else might get in there? Any suggestions would be appreciated, this is my first year to do a garden.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 06:27 PM

Looks like it will be rabbit for supper tomorrow. Little turd ate more than a half row of my peas!

mad
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 07:24 PM

Dang, you just reminded me I forgot to close the gate to my garden. And I have wild rabbits...Hopefully the dogs will get to them first.


Still absolutely nothing on the strawberries - I guess I'll try to go get more. What a failure.

One of the tomato plants sprouted a yellow flour - that's got to be a good thing!?
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 07:44 PM

"Still absolutely nothing on the strawberries - I guess I'll try to go get more. What a failure."

Strawberries take a couple of years to get established and they like some sand mixed in. We have been impressed with the amount this year. Give them some space and a hall pass for the first year.



Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 07:54 PM

Ah, okay.

I was worried because I bought them back in January, and thought it was seeds. Then when I pulled them out to plant them in late March, I found out it was more like a bulb/vine/root type seed, and I wasn't sure if they had died in the bag they came in.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 07:56 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Dang, you just reminded me I forgot to close the gate to my garden. And I have wild rabbits...Hopefully the dogs will get to them first.


Still absolutely nothing on the strawberries - I guess I'll try to go get more. What a failure.

One of the tomato plants sprouted a yellow flour - that's got to be a good thing!?
Yes, now go spank the plant this evening...Basically give it a good shake to pollinate the flower...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 07:57 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
"Still absolutely nothing on the strawberries - I guess I'll try to go get more. What a failure."

Strawberries take a couple of years to get established and they like some sand mixed in. We have been impressed with the amount this year. Give them some space and a hall pass for the first year.


Those look great...I need to get some pics of my garden and post them...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 07:57 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
got 8 tomato plants going in 5 gallon buckets and they really don't seem to be doing much. I have about 3" gravel in the bottom, and have it to where it drains adequately.(i think) Wonder what I am doing wrong?

I think I need to move them to where they get as much evening sun as possible now. That my be part of my problem.

Can you take a picture and post it? That'd help me...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 08:41 PM

Originally Posted By: PriddyTxHunter
Does anyone know how to get rid of voles / field mice??? I'm told that's what my problem might be. I've had strawberries missing as soon as they turn red and my first little tomato that turned red had a big chunk missing out of it yesterday. I've noticed several holes in the ground about 1" to 1-1/4" in diameter and was told it might be vole / field mice? I built a fence 6' tall all the way around it (22' x 25') and bought the bird netting and stretched it out over the top so I don't know what else might get in there? Any suggestions would be appreciated, this is my first year to do a garden.



If you're trying to keep rabbits or rats out you'll have to bury the bottom of the fence about 6" or more. Voles and mice can get through a hole the size of a dime (and smaller) so you're best bet is to either go herbal (mint seems to work but it'll take over a garden PDQ) or get you a poison bait station or traps.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 08:43 PM

Anybody here do fruit trees ?
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/10 11:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Anybody here do fruit trees ?


Have 3 apple trees 1 Granny Smith, 2 Red Delicious. They do very well when we get a good freeze in the winter, 3 steady weeks of cold really helps. We also have 1 pear tree that has done well in the past.
Picked up some NewMexico Big Jim peppers, gonna try something new this year... clap
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/10 12:04 AM

I've got one apple left and it ain't doin' too well. The main trunk has died and it's all suckers. I keep the suckers pruned off all my trees so it's not a case of neglect , they just started growing when the main part went down. Should I just go ahead and mow it down or let the shoots grow for smokin' wood ?

I've got a 3 yr old plum tree (Santa Rosa , I think)whose flowers were starting to fade when that last frost hit. It has 1/2" plums on it but they look like small candied sweet potatoes. All the other varieties as well as the peaches look fine. Any ideas ?

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/10 12:34 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
got 8 tomato plants going in 5 gallon buckets and they really don't seem to be doing much. I have about 3" gravel in the bottom, and have it to where it drains adequately.(i think) Wonder what I am doing wrong?

I think I need to move them to where they get as much evening sun as possible now. That my be part of my problem.

Can you take a picture and post it? That'd help me...


I think the problem with everything I have is it's too dang wet. I have this 4 in 1 garden tester and pretty much every where I stuck it showed to be too wet.

How can I make my raised beds drain better? Drill holes in the sides of the walls?

My peas are almost 3' tall now and doing well. The onions and lettuce are doing well also. My maters are stuggling a bit and my okra, cukes and squash are just getting started.



Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/10 01:10 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
got 8 tomato plants going in 5 gallon buckets and they really don't seem to be doing much. I have about 3" gravel in the bottom, and have it to where it drains adequately.(i think) Wonder what I am doing wrong?

I think I need to move them to where they get as much evening sun as possible now. That my be part of my problem.

Can you take a picture and post it? That'd help me...


I think the problem with everything I have is it's too dang wet. I have this 4 in 1 garden tester and pretty much every where I stuck it showed to be too wet.

How can I make my raised beds drain better? Drill holes in the sides of the walls?

My peas are almost 3' tall now and doing well. The onions and lettuce are doing well also. My maters are stuggling a bit and my okra, cukes and squash are just getting started.


Drill some holes on the sides at the bottom and add some pea gravel to it...Not a lot, bu a little will make a HUGE difference in drainage...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/10 07:04 PM

Anyone have any tips to lower PH with out disturbing the soil? Is there some thing I can add to the top of the soil. I know that mixing in the soil would be best but its not going to happen at this point.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/10 07:05 PM

Peeing on it will change the PH.....just sayin.. smile
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/10 07:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Anyone have any tips to lower PH with out disturbing the soil? Is there some thing I can add to the top of the soil. I know that mixing in the soil would be best but its not going to happen at this point.
Why are you wanting to lower it? Do you know the current PH level of your soil? What are you growing there?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/10 07:44 PM

Plants are still not as green as they should be. Things are looking better , new growth is light green. Old growth is still what I would call yellow. I know that I have nutes in the soil. I have compost from "Rons Organics" and a mixture organic nutes I have been feeding with. I have checked my PH with a liquid soil tester, but going to recheck in a different area today and see what pops up.
The first test is showing about 7.5 ph. I am growing tomatoes, peppers, squash, okra, cucumbers. I think I need to come down to 7.-6.5. I am going to recheck right now. Be back
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/10 07:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Plants are still not as green as they should be. Things are looking better , new growth is light green. Old growth is still what I would call yellow. I know that I have nutes in the soil. I have compost from "Rons Organics" and a mixture organic nutes I have been feeding with. I have checked my PH with a liquid soil tester, but going to recheck in a different area today and see what pops up.
Gypsum will help with tomato plants and will lower the PH, but you need to shoot for a general PH of 7 for most plants, because when you fertilize that's going to change it again...DON'T use vinegar or you'll change it so fast you'll kill most plants...

New growth is always a lighter green...
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/10 10:08 PM

#1 does anyone dump lawn clippings in your garden
#2 i have clay for soil..i have dumped mushroom compost and pro mix 40-40-20 and mixed it in but still have too much clay what would you add to help with clumping and drainage,i have spent alot of money on dirt and still need more even with all the good dirt i still cant grow radishes onions or carrots
#3 how tall do you let your tomatos get before trimming
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/10 11:38 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Plants are still not as green as they should be. Things are looking better , new growth is light green. Old growth is still what I would call yellow. I know that I have nutes in the soil. I have compost from "Rons Organics" and a mixture organic nutes I have been feeding with. I have checked my PH with a liquid soil tester, but going to recheck in a different area today and see what pops up.
Gypsum will help with tomato plants and will lower the PH, but you need to shoot for a general PH of 7 for most plants, because when you fertilize that's going to change it again...DON'T use vinegar or you'll change it so fast you'll kill most plants...

New growth is always a lighter green...


lighter green is also a sign of nitrogen depletion. I know this because I am experiencing it. Trying to figure out how to raise it.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 01:14 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Plants are still not as green as they should be. Things are looking better , new growth is light green. Old growth is still what I would call yellow. I know that I have nutes in the soil. I have compost from "Rons Organics" and a mixture organic nutes I have been feeding with. I have checked my PH with a liquid soil tester, but going to recheck in a different area today and see what pops up.
Gypsum will help with tomato plants and will lower the PH, but you need to shoot for a general PH of 7 for most plants, because when you fertilize that's going to change it again...DON'T use vinegar or you'll change it so fast you'll kill most plants...

New growth is always a lighter green...


lighter green is also a sign of nitrogen depletion. I know this because I am experiencing it. Trying to figure out how to raise it.

It can be, it depends on how old the growth is...

You can add chicken poo, that's great for nitrogen, but adding too much can be damaging...If you're not trying to go organic, you can buy some Miracle Gro in granular form and hoe it around the plants. Or just take a high nitrogen fertilizer and put it about 3 inches AWAY from the stem of the plant...The danger with this is nitrogen should really be added around the root system (the root system will go out as far out as the leaf growth)...
Posted By: jeffnsa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 11:35 AM

here is a link for making your own liquid nitrogen for your garden. the dude is a goofball but has some great results on gardening.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Praxxus55712#p/u/34/GCbeALuAYsg
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 01:08 PM

JDavis, if you're ever down here near Mansfield stop by. I'll give you a free bag of rabbit poo thumb grin


Here's a picture of my trellises I put up.



The beds are 4x4 each, and the trellises are 7' tall by 5' wide.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 01:18 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Plants are still not as green as they should be. Things are looking better , new growth is light green. Old growth is still what I would call yellow. I know that I have nutes in the soil. I have compost from "Rons Organics" and a mixture organic nutes I have been feeding with. I have checked my PH with a liquid soil tester, but going to recheck in a different area today and see what pops up.
Gypsum will help with tomato plants and will lower the PH, but you need to shoot for a general PH of 7 for most plants, because when you fertilize that's going to change it again...DON'T use vinegar or you'll change it so fast you'll kill most plants...

New growth is always a lighter green...


lighter green is also a sign of nitrogen depletion. I know this because I am experiencing it. Trying to figure out how to raise it.



It may be coincidence but, I buried a fish carcass under my 'maters a couple weeks ago and they have started to green up nicely.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 01:25 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Plants are still not as green as they should be. Things are looking better , new growth is light green. Old growth is still what I would call yellow. I know that I have nutes in the soil. I have compost from "Rons Organics" and a mixture organic nutes I have been feeding with. I have checked my PH with a liquid soil tester, but going to recheck in a different area today and see what pops up.
Gypsum will help with tomato plants and will lower the PH, but you need to shoot for a general PH of 7 for most plants, because when you fertilize that's going to change it again...DON'T use vinegar or you'll change it so fast you'll kill most plants...

New growth is always a lighter green...


lighter green is also a sign of nitrogen depletion. I know this because I am experiencing it. Trying to figure out how to raise it.



It may be coincidence but, I buried a fish carcass under my 'maters a couple weeks ago and they have started to green up nicely.
I bet...thumb
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 03:48 PM

I am going to get a soil test done by a lab to be sure. I have rechecked with the liquid testers and seem to be getting different readings. bang The first is 7.5 and the second seems to be 8.5. I did get the soil tested last year and added what the lab said I needed. This season I added about 50% compost, so its 50% compost and 50 % last years soil. I also read that compost would be best to bring ph down to nuetral but that woul take time. I have to get the soil tested to be sure. The yellowing that I am claiming could also be from the plants that I got were raised in high nitrogen and 2 weeks later after planting the high nitrogen has been used up and the organinc levels are not that great.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 05:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
I am going to get a soil test done by a lab to be sure. I have rechecked with the liquid testers and seem to be getting different readings. bang The first is 7.5 and the second seems to be 8.5. I did get the soil tested last year and added what the lab said I needed. This season I added about 50% compost, so its 50% compost and 50 % last years soil. I also read that compost would be best to bring ph down to nuetral but that woul take time. I have to get the soil tested to be sure. The yellowing that I am claiming could also be from the plants that I got were raised in high nitrogen and 2 weeks later after planting the high nitrogen has been used up and the organinc levels are not that great.
I hate to read the problems you are having...I know how frustrating it is when you have such high hopes for the garden and things just don't seem to be working out right...2004 was that way for me...I had to plant the garden twice due to 10 inches of rain in less than 12 hours...Then I ended up with cucumber plants (among others) all over the yard...I had some beautiful cucumbers 25 feet from the garden...


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 05:36 PM

I have blooms on 90% of my tomato plants and another 8% will be blooming within the next 3 days...The last 2 percent are about 7 - 10 days from blooming...I do have some tomatoes coming on already...banana

I also have some pepper plants already blooming which surprises me, but I'm not complaining...

I spanked all the tomato plants that were in bloom this morning...I'm praying for a bumper crop...
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 06:09 PM

Whats the best way to raise ph the organic way? Mine seems to be in the 5.5 to 6.5 range
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 06:13 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Whats the best way to raise ph the organic way? Mine seems to be in the 5.5 to 6.5 range
You can add potassium hydroxide, dolomite lime, bone meal, crushed oyster shells, or hardwood ash.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 08:47 PM

I have a lime and lemon bush, both loaded with new fruit on them. Just noticed some lil green worms starting to munch on the leaves.

What should I nuke them with??
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 08:50 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
I have a lime and lemon bush, both loaded with new fruit on them. Just noticed some lil green worms starting to munch on the leaves.

What should I nuke them with??
I've never grown fruit trees, but at first blush I'd say Sevin Dust...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/10 09:25 PM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
#1 does anyone dump lawn clippings in your garden

You take a big chance of introducing grass and weed seeds that way. If you're cutting short enough to eliminate any seeds it might be ok but your best bet is to compost your clippings. The heat should kill any undesireables.

#2 i have clay for soil..i have dumped mushroom compost and pro mix 40-40-20 and mixed it in but still have too much clay what would you add to help with clumping and drainage,i have spent alot of money on dirt and still need more even with all the good dirt i still cant grow radishes onions or carrots

You'd probably do better looking into raised beds (not necessarily the "frame" type. You could use a harrower to make your rows several inches taller than the surrounding soil). From what I've heard , carrots like a really deep bed but if you're having trouble with radishes you might want to get a soil test kit. Somethin' ain't right.

#3 how tall do you let your tomatos get before trimming

Never trimmed a tomato plant.

Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/10 07:31 PM

thanks siberman,i have had 8ft tall tomato plants so i have decided to trim them at 5ft this year
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/10 10:42 PM

Corn, squash , cucumbers and black-eyes are up. Been eating asparagus and turnip greens for a while now. Planted okra Thursday . Gonna start planting icebox watermelons , eggplant and cantalopes Monday.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/10 10:50 PM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
thanks siberman,i have had 8ft tall tomato plants so i have decided to trim them at 5ft this year


You probably have indeterminate (vining plants like cherry tomatoes ) that keep growing / setting fruit throughout their life cycle. Determinate plants usually grow up to a certain size and produce their fruit all at once.

Wondering what good it does to trim them (anybody) ? Does it help the fruit reach a larger size more quickly or are you just pruning to keep the plants under control ?

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/10 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by Siberman
Originally Posted by ROOKIE 07
thanks siberman,i have had 8ft tall tomato plants so i have decided to trim them at 5ft this year


You probably have indeterminate (vining plants like cherry tomatoes ) that keep growing / setting fruit throughout their life cycle. Determinate plants usually grow up to a certain size and produce their fruit all at once.

Wondering what good it does to trim them (anybody) ? Does it help the fruit reach a larger size more quickly or are you just pruning to keep the plants under control ?
Some swear by it others say no need hmmm
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/10 11:04 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman

Wondering what good it does to trim them (anybody) ? Does it help the fruit reach a larger size more quickly or are you just pruning to keep the plants under control ?


I don't know about helping the fruit, but if you trim the tops they will tend to put out more limbs sideways for a bushier plant. This can help you REACH the fruit if you are looking at 8 foot plants!

By the same token, if you are crowding many plants on one trellis, if you will pinch out the limbs that grow sideways, it will encourage upwards growth and keep the different plants from crowding/shading each other.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/10 11:15 PM

I'm 6'1" so 8' plants aren't a problem. cool I can see where making the plants bush out more could be helpful, though. Do the side branches set as much fruit as the upper ones ?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 01:00 AM

anyone know what these are?
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 03:08 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I'm 6'1" so 8' plants aren't a problem. cool I can see where making the plants bush out more could be helpful, though. Do the side branches set as much fruit as the upper ones ?


From what I've read, size of the fruit is partially determined by how many fruit are growing on the plant, so if you have a great number of fruit, they will all be smaller than if you prune back "extra" branches. Looking at it from common sense instead of book learning, I can see that the roots can only handle so much plant and fruit. If you give it less plant to support, there will be more energy and food for fruit.
Here is an interesting article written by someone who knows more than I do:
http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/pruning-tomatoes.aspx
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 04:02 AM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
anyone know what these are?
In the top pic could be aphids that have been hit by a parasitic wasp. Have you had aphids? If so, you have an unseen accomplice in your corner. Bottom pic looks like empty egg casings of some sort, possibly some type of beneficial insect. I'm pretty sure it's all good news, but keep an eye out for aphids. Have you used any insecticide at this point? What type of leaf sample is this?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 04:42 AM

Thanks ,I have not noticed any aphid activity but I will keep a eye out. this was on a okra leaf and I did spray about 2 weeks ago and will be spraying again tomorrow.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 12:57 PM

Went out a couple nights ago and found a ton more woodlice (pillbugs/rollie pollies/etc.) I really hate these things. I have killed thousands and yet, there are so many mroe.

The potato leaves of one of my plants are turning all yellow and the leaves are dying quickly. Anyone know why? It might be the slugs/bugs.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 01:02 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Went out a couple nights ago and found a ton more woodlice (pillbugs/rollie pollies/etc.) I really hate these things. I have killed thousands and yet, there are so many mroe.

The potato leaves of one of my plants are turning all yellow and the leaves are dying quickly. Anyone know why? It might be the slugs/bugs.
It could be...I've had them suck the moisture out of some of our landscaping plants before...It could be any number of pests doing that...

I have to treat my pepper plants because those and the dang slugs/snails are out and about chewing on the leaves...It was too windy yesterday, so I'll do it today...I hate those dang pests...
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 08:11 PM

SO I got to thinkin, lets see some pics of those gardens! I'll get one of mine up shortly.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 08:33 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
SO I got to thinkin, lets see some pics of those gardens! I'll get one of mine up shortly.

Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 08:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: txfour
SO I got to thinkin, lets see some pics of those gardens! I'll get one of mine up shortly.


Nice! Do you make the mounds by hand or with tractor equipment?
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 10:18 PM

first garden. Not a lot of room to work with. This is kind of a trial year. I'll concentrate on whatever grows best next year

Zucchini butternut yellow squash beans carrots cilantro onions tomato etc


peas cukes tomato etc


first pea pod

Posted By: Play Maker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 10:19 PM

I did not plant a garden this year for one basic reason-I am tired of battling Johnson Grass. I removed some old cattle pens several years ago and started my garden in this area. However, I cannot keep up with the persistent Johnson Grass. This area is the only place on the entire ranch that has Johnson Grass. How do you guys handle Johnson Grass problems aside from a hoe?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 10:55 PM

I used a tiller and a hoe. The garden is a little bigger than the pic but not much, 7'X14'. I am having a few issues right now with nutrients. I think??? I planted some other plants at my father in laws and his plants are a little bigger and "GREENER". It could be that he is using chemicals and I am using organics. The nutrient levels are not as high as chemicals so that could be the reason. I am going to send off a soil sample to a lab to make sure thers nothing bad happening. I bought 4 different soil testers and guess what 4 different readings,lol, with distilled water. Oh ya, even though his plants are greener and taller than mine , mine have more flowers and fruit. A little confused but the soil test should say it all, to bad it takes weeks....
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 10:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Tex-Star Wildlife
I did not plant a garden this year for one basic reason-I am tired of battling Johnson Grass. I removed some old cattle pens several years ago and started my garden in this area. However, I cannot keep up with the persistent Johnson Grass. This area is the only place on the entire ranch that has Johnson Grass. How do you guys handle Johnson Grass problems aside from a hoe?
Maybe you could lay a black sheet of plastic over it for a week or so maybe that will kill the grass with no chemicals?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 11:16 PM

I round up my whole garden every year before I plow. Its 50' by 125'. Then a week later, I spread 13-13-13 fertilizer and plow it under, followed by a harrow to smooth. Then it's just maintenance with a hoe.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 11:18 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
first garden. Not a lot of room to work with. This is kind of a trial year. I'll concentrate on whatever grows best next year

Zucchini butternut yellow squash beans carrots cilantro onions tomato etc


peas cukes tomato etc


first pea pod


Looking good cheers. I had some really nice peas going. Unfortunately cut worms took out the entire 125' row! mad
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/10 11:45 PM

Here is mine now. Still have okra, squash, cantaloupe and watermelon to come up.

The Garden


Corn


Onions, tomatoes, and pepper plants


The peas the worms got (about two feet tall before they mowed them down)

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/10 12:36 AM

Anybody tried "Soil Moist" ? It's a polymer that absorbs water and then slowly releases it over time. I've been planting gourds , cukes and melons on the fence for the past few years and it's really helped during the dry months. Don't think it would be economical to use for an entire garden but it's great for those hard-to-reach-with-the-hose places. thumb
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/10 01:35 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
SO I got to thinkin, lets see some pics of those gardens! I'll get one of mine up shortly.












Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/10 07:59 PM











I'm dizzy. Just noticed my camera was on 1600 not auto. Sorry about that.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/10 11:01 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX










I'm dizzy. Just noticed my camera was on 1600 not auto. Sorry about that.


Wow! Your squash is already gigantic!
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 12:01 AM

Squash just came up in several places from my compost I guess? I've got a few pepper plants and two tomato plants that just popped up and doing great.....I couldn't grow a tomato outside(on purpose) from seed if I tried.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 02:14 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Squash just came up in several places from my compost I guess? I've got a few pepper plants and two tomato plants that just popped up and doing great.....I couldn't grow a tomato outside(on purpose) from seed if I tried.
I had over 100 volunteer tomato plants...However, due to the fact that I had already planted about 100 on purpose, I've cleared those to about 20...I went through the ones that were small and wouldn't be in production till the fall...I don't know how or why I have so many volunteer cucumber plants as I cleared the land of all the left over cucumbers before tilling...I guess I missed one...bang Oh well, they were the best tasting/producing cucumbers I'd ever planted before...


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 02:24 PM

Here are some pictures of mine...

A few tomato plants:


Some Early Girl Tomatoes:


Different view of tomato plants:


Some onions and peppers...Notice how perfectly straight the onions stand...

Freaking DOGS! bang
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 02:41 PM





Eggplants:

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 02:53 PM

Early Girl Plant, top view. The plant was about 1 foot tall when my mom's friend gave it to her...It's now about 3 feet tall...



Watermelons:


Some pepper plants:



One of the things you may notice about my garden is the amount of gravel. When I first tilled the soil, I was told by several neighbors I'd never be able to grow anything because of the rocky soil. However, the house sits on a hill that has a large concentration of limestone. If I dig more than 8 inches in most areas, I'm going to hit limestone. I have great drainage and very good soil in 80% of the garden. The area that does have the most rocks, I have been adding a lot of topsoil to the rows for the plants to get plenty of nutrients. Amazingly, in years past, the best tomatoes were produced in the rocky area without adding topsoil. 3 of my neighbors have started to garden on their own lots since they saw how successful my venture has been...

Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 02:57 PM

We've convinced the boss at work that we need to put in a couple tomatoes and a couple pepper plants. The only place we can find is a nice little patch covered in bermuda. Will it even be worth it and if so what are your suggestions?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 03:00 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
We've convinced the boss at work that we need to put in a couple tomatoes and a couple pepper plants. The only place we can find is a nice little patch covered in bermuda. Will it even be worth it and if so what are your suggestions?
I'd suggest digging down about 11 inches and removing the Bermuda grass...Then plant and make certain you mulch the area...You might even get some weed cloth and cut holes out for the plants and then planting them. Bermuda is a nasty, nasty grass that takes over everything in site...It took me 2 years to get it out of a triangle with 25 foot long sides that is now our largest flower bed...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 03:08 PM

Cucumbers in the row next to the fence...


I've mulched several rows with live oak leaves and have to add some more mulch to a few of the rows...I still need to hoe the weeds out of one row that didn't get mulched...bang








Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 06:47 PM

LSS. Your garden looks great. It looks like you get a bunch of shade, or was that just due to the time of the pictures?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 08:11 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
LSS. Your garden looks great. It looks like you get a bunch of shade, or was that just due to the time of the pictures?
Thank you very much...

Both...I get some shade in the morning (I took the pictures this morning) from the trees. Then from about 10:30 through 4:00 they get a lot of sun...After that, they get shade from the guest house when the sun has moved...It helps the plants recover from the heat faster and retain the moisture longer...It's one of the reasons my tomato plants stay healthy from March through November...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 08:27 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
We've convinced the boss at work that we need to put in a couple tomatoes and a couple pepper plants. The only place we can find is a nice little patch covered in bermuda. Will it even be worth it and if so what are your suggestions?


Round Up the snot out of it.
wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 08:38 PM

Do you mulch between corn rows?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/10 08:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Do you mulch between corn rows?
I never have, but I know some people do. Corn is more heat tolerant than say tomatoes or squash, so the main benefit would be to keep the weeds down in corn rows...Of course the water retention would be helped, but they aren't as water needy as some plants...
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 01:59 PM

I had some squash come up yesterday adter I had given up on them and replanted in another area. It took the 17 days to come up. Why in the world would it take so long?? Now Im really gonna be screwed because I just planted cucumbers in that row on Sunday since I had given up on the squash......
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 02:55 PM

Numerous things can cause that...Being planted a bit too deep, lack of water, God showing you He has a sense of humor, etc.

You can transplant them to another area if need be...Just remember to dig a large enough, and deep enough hole when excavating the plant...Then transplant it and water thoroughly...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 03:15 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Numerous things can cause that...Being planted a bit too deep, lack of water, God showing you He has a sense of humor, etc.

You can transplant them to another area if need be...Just remember to dig a large enough, and deep enough hole when excavating the plant...Then transplant it and water thoroughly...
+1
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 03:38 PM



Here's one picture of mine. I need to get a closer picture and a picture of the corn/beans/squash bed. The squash is doing terrible, like the tomatoes. Though, I put down some Diatemaceous earth last night. Hopefully that will help..
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 05:42 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns


Here's one picture of mine. I need to get a closer picture and a picture of the corn/beans/squash bed. The squash is doing terrible, like the tomatoes. Though, I put down some Diatemaceous earth last night. Hopefully that will help..


I figured out that I wasn't watering my maters enough and the fish carcass has done wonders!
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 05:52 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns


Here's one picture of mine. I need to get a closer picture and a picture of the corn/beans/squash bed. The squash is doing terrible, like the tomatoes. Though, I put down some Diatemaceous earth last night. Hopefully that will help..


I figured out that I wasn't watering my maters enough and the fish carcass has done wonders!


Fish carcass?? Tell me more.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 06:43 PM

Buried a fish carcass under each tomato plant. Two weeks later one grew an inch overnight and has never looked better.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 07:22 PM

Here are a couple more pics. There are four rows 75 yards long. The 2 outside rows are black eyed peas and the two inside are corn. Haven't came up all the way yet, but everything this year has been really slow about coming up.




Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 07:22 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Buried a fish carcass under each tomato plant. Two weeks later one grew an inch overnight and has never looked better.


That's why I've taken off tomorrow - to go get some feesh!!!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 08:44 PM

Fish remains are a great source of nutrients , especially nitrogen. Every time I clean fish I bury what's left in the garden. thumb
If you clean lots of catfish, clip off the spines or bury 'em pretty deep. You don't want to step on one of those. realmad

Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 10:06 PM

how deep do you bury them,wont you have ants and bugs and stinky dirt
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/10 11:55 PM

I buried em about a foot down. I dug down beside the mater and made a uturn under the plant and stuffed the fish in there.

Also, I have a confession, I was checking the moisture in my container potatoes and felt a tater so I pulled it up. Nice little red Norland. Picked my biggest pea too. That pea was sweet as all get out and the tater was the best raw tater I've ever had!


Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/10 02:07 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I buried em about a foot down. I dug down beside the mater and made a uturn under the plant and stuffed the fish in there.

Also, I have a confession, I was checking the moisture in my container potatoes and felt a tater so I pulled it up. Nice little red Norland. Picked my biggest pea too. That pea was sweet as all get out and the tater was the best raw tater I've ever had!

clap thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/10 08:24 PM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
how deep do you bury them,wont you have ants and bugs and stinky dirt


About a foot but I don't dig under any plants. I just plant 'em as close to the rootball as possible. "Stinky" is subjective, I suppose. The smell of freshly-manured ground reminds me of all the good stuff that'll be growing there. Then again, I don't roll up my windows when driving by a dead skunk. rolfmao
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/10 12:00 AM

Just did a biological assault on the garden.....


















I let loose about 1500 of these,lol.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/10 01:50 AM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Just did a biological assault on the garden.....


















I let loose about 1500 of these,lol.
Good job...I've never seen so many lady bugs this early in the growing season...It does my heart good...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/10 01:50 AM

90% of my tomato plants are now blooming...I spent about 30 minutes spanking them...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/10 03:55 AM

I have a few blooming.. My bucket plants are about half-arsed. I'm going to start fertilizing with dead fish.. My problem is wanting to grow too many things in the limited space I have.


Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/10 06:21 PM

my urban jungle.. Peas are going insane.




Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/10 10:02 PM

i just scored a hookup on free chicken poop all i want..question is how do i know how much to use..i dont want to burn the veggies..god my truck stinks right now
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/10 10:22 PM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
i just scored a hookup on free chicken poop all i want..question is how do i know how much to use..i dont want to burn the veggies..god my truck stinks right now
A little bit goes a LONG way...Also, keep it away from the stems of the plants and water it in very well...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/10 12:27 AM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
i just scored a hookup on free chicken poop all i want..question is how do i know how much to use..i dont want to burn the veggies..god my truck stinks right now


Put about 1 cup in a gallon milk jug , fill it up with water and let it set a few days. If you've got a whole lot , pile it up with leaves / vegetable scraps / mulch and let it rot down a while or get a good-sized rain barrel and make "chicken chum". laugh
Fresh chicken litter is really high in nitrogen and will burn plants (as you know). I might scatter a half cup or less out past the drip line (the farthest point that the plant's branches/leaves horizontally reach) and dig it in really well.
And remember: it doesn't stink. It smells like cheap groceries. grin

Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/10 01:10 AM

thanks fella's i have 3 shi tzu's and a basset hound that are in love.. they love to roll in the scent and then try to come thru the doggie door...nay nay..i am guessing to poop to be 6-8 mths old its broken down into dirt looking stuff but still stinks to the max..i guess i will till the rows and then spread it and re till i guess we will see
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/10 02:50 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
my urban jungle.. Peas are going insane.





Looks good man.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/10 02:55 AM

Count your blessings. My dogs like to eat possums and then lick you in the face. barf
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/10 03:32 PM

I have to watch out for my dog cause this sucker will eat all the frogs in the area also. I like the frogs in the garden so they can take care of the bigger and flying bugs.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/10 04:06 PM

Well, I've given in to the fact that the onions aren't going to make it. Any suggestions on something I can put in their place? Whatever it is won't be able to crawl or sprawl. It's a square foot garden and whatever I put there can't be very tall and I don't want to wait for the fall.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/10 04:15 PM

I'd probably look at peppers...There are still some good varieties out there and they do well in the hot months.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/10 06:00 PM

It's not to late for okra and it does really well in the heat.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/10 06:06 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
It's not to late for okra and it does really well in the heat.
Yes, but in the type of garden he is talking about, there really isn't enough room for okra...Unless he can find a dwarf plant...Most okra plants get between 4 feet tall and 9 feet tall...Not to mention the width...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/10 06:55 PM

I've got a special spot for the okra. It's a couple inches tall at the moment smile

I was thinking about some more bush beans. The Roma II beans that I have only get a couple feet tall. That's one option. The other option is a smaller pepper plant but I don't know what kind would be smaller. I already have bells and jalapenos.


Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/10 08:54 PM

Came home Saturday and went to throw some rotten fruit in the compost bin. I had a swarm of bees on the lid, which I did not know until I threw the lid on the ground. Thank goodness they didn't sting me. They were pretty docile, actually. Fascinating creatures. Most of them are gone now, but it was nice while they were here.


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/10 09:25 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I've got a special spot for the okra. It's a couple inches tall at the moment smile

I was thinking about some more bush beans. The Roma II beans that I have only get a couple feet tall. That's one option. The other option is a smaller pepper plant but I don't know what kind would be smaller. I already have bells and jalapenos.



Thai, tobasco or habaneros would be ok.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/10 09:28 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Came home Saturday and went to throw some rotten fruit in the compost bin. I had a swarm of bees on the lid, which I did not know until I threw the lid on the ground. Thank goodness they didn't sting me. They were pretty docile, actually. Fascinating creatures. Most of them are gone now, but it was nice while they were here.



Probably looking for a good nest site. Keep checking to make sure they don't start building. Had a colony set up in my water meter last summer. The meter reader was not amused. eeks
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 12:34 PM

I'm in the process of getting a hive on purpose and becoming a bee keeper.....don't know what I'm doing but a local in the area is going to help me get started. a block from the house is a elementary school with thousands of wild flowers so I'm thinking they will have plenty to eat.
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 01:34 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Well, I've given in to the fact that the onions aren't going to make it. Any suggestions on something I can put in their place? Whatever it is won't be able to crawl or sprawl. It's a square foot garden and whatever I put there can't be very tall and I don't want to wait for the fall.


Do you have carrots or lettuce yet? Those would probably both work.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 01:43 PM

Originally Posted By: jeff.m
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Well, I've given in to the fact that the onions aren't going to make it. Any suggestions on something I can put in their place? Whatever it is won't be able to crawl or sprawl. It's a square foot garden and whatever I put there can't be very tall and I don't want to wait for the fall.


Do you have carrots or lettuce yet? Those would probably both work.


Carrots are doing ok and the lettuce never got bigger than the first couple leaves after a month so I turned em under and planted more peppers.

On another note, my roma II bush beans put on about 20 blooms yesterday and they are about a foot tall. I might try more of those.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 03:01 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
It's not to late for okra and it does really well in the heat.
Yes, but in the type of garden he is talking about, there really isn't enough room for okra...Unless he can find a dwarf plant...Most okra plants get between 4 feet tall and 9 feet tall...Not to mention the width...


I bought some okra before I read this. It's so small in the pot. I can't believe it will get that big!

Does it grow like a bush?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 03:08 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
It's not to late for okra and it does really well in the heat.
Yes, but in the type of garden he is talking about, there really isn't enough room for okra...Unless he can find a dwarf plant...Most okra plants get between 4 feet tall and 9 feet tall...Not to mention the width...


I bought some okra before I read this. It's so small in the pot. I can't believe it will get that big!

Does it grow like a bush?
It really depends on the variety...You can trim it back, okra is almost impossible to kill, to keep it in more of a bush form...
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 03:23 PM

Thanks. I'm planting this in a small raised bed. I got scared imagining something 9' tall in there!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 03:48 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Thanks. I'm planting this in a small raised bed. I got scared imagining something 9' tall in there!
They start producing when they are about 1' tall. The first year I planted okra, it was over 8' tall and over 6' wide...They were like trees...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 03:58 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Thanks. I'm planting this in a small raised bed. I got scared imagining something 9' tall in there!
They start producing when they are about 1' tall. The first year I planted okra, it was over 8' tall and over 6' wide...They were like trees...


Just dawned on me, I must have seen okra peeking over my neighbors fence last year. I've been wondering what that was for a while!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 09:02 PM

WTH is wrong with me? I went to a local nursery today looking for some sweet potato vines for one of the flowerbeds...However, what did I do? I made the mistake of going into the veggie greenhouse and found 2 more pepper plant varieties that haven't made it into my garden yet...So what did I do? That's right, I bought 12 more pepper plants...bang Now I have to figure out where they are going to go...

I guess I'll take out a row of onions, but dang it I need HELP!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 09:51 PM

Might be castor beans. They kinda remind me of okra. I have some as a screen that are about 12' high. They reseed freely and alledgedly repel gophers but all parts are very poisonous (especially the "beans").

They're also an annual and leave a huge woody stem to remove.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/10 09:54 PM

cheers
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/10 01:17 PM

My Red Noreland potato plants are all but dead. I haven't posted it up here, but it started a couple weeks ago. A few leaves started turning yellow, then brown, then dead, then they just kept dying. They've been in the ground for ~65 days.

The weird part is, it's only the Red Noreland that are dying. The Yukon Gold, which are between the Red potatoes, are perfectly fine.

Any idea why?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/10 01:37 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
My Red Noreland potato plants are all but dead. I haven't posted it up here, but it started a couple weeks ago. A few leaves started turning yellow, then brown, then dead, then they just kept dying. They've been in the ground for ~65 days.

The weird part is, it's only the Red Noreland that are dying. The Yukon Gold, which are between the Red potatoes, are perfectly fine.

Any idea why?
Stop peeing on them? I have no idea. I've never grown potatoes...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/10 01:43 PM

I think you should do a little diggin around in there to see if the Red Norelands have produced. I dug around in mine a week ago and found a perfect potato about the size of a large egg. I would guess the container is crammed full of em. Also, just so you know, my Red Norelands are also turning brown and my Yukon Golds are just fine. If my Reds keep turning brown, I'm gonna harvest, maybe it's that time....
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/10 01:48 PM

Also, I just read that sometimes the Reds don't bloom and they mature early. Dig one up. It's probably time to harvest.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/10 01:51 PM

Alright, will do DH. It can't hurt, because if they didn't grow then I can plant some more stuff there laugh


Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/10 01:54 PM

Something to note. When I dug in to get my Red, the skin peeled off very easily so if you aren't going to eat them immediately, be gentle.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/10 08:57 PM

Did they already flower? It's probably good to go ahead and dig 'em up . Red taters are usually early. I've got Yukons and a blue tater that are just starting to flower. I dug down and found a nice-sized blue near the plant base. I'll probably be digging them all up pretty soon.

This year I hilled up a row to about 1' ,laid the sets on top of the dirt then covered them with oak leaves and hardwood mulch. Don't know yet how the fruit has done but the plants have thrived.
thumb
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/10 10:34 PM

i just got a rear tine tiller "THEY ROCK" so as i am tilling 15x25 more of my back yard i am saying to myself ...SELF what am i going to plant... i assume water melon is too late yes or no maybe squash..i have never had any luck with squash any help would be great..i now have tomato,onion,okra and peppers
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 02:43 AM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
i just got a rear tine tiller "THEY ROCK" so as i am tilling 15x25 more of my back yard i am saying to myself ...SELF what am i going to plant... i assume water melon is too late yes or no maybe squash..i have never had any luck with squash any help would be great..i now have tomato,onion,okra and peppers
Watermelon may be a bit late, but probably worth a shot...I'd try the bush sugar baby melons...Squash is late...I'd be leaning more towards peppers and okra...Then get ready for things you'd like to plant for your fall garden...
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 02:46 AM

Where do you people live that it is too late for squash and watermelon?????
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 02:52 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Where do you people live that it is too late for squash and watermelon?????
Well squash takes 56 days on average to produce...It can burn up before that time if there's not enough shaded area...Watermelons really depend on the variety...Some are more heat tolerant than others...Thus the reason I suggested the Sugar Baby...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 01:23 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Alright, will do DH. It can't hurt, because if they didn't grow then I can plant some more stuff there laugh



I'm curious to know if you got any taters
Posted By: Woolybugger

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 07:47 PM

I have zucchini squash doing well in the beds, but a couple I planted in 3-gallon pots are barely surviving. I used miracle-gro potting soil, put it in partial shade (gets afternoon sun) and water it daily. Any ideas for successful container gardening?

Second problem is the tomatoes are growing up really nicely but have no fruit! I see lots of flowers but they never grow into fruit. What should I do?

Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 08:16 PM

LSS is going to tell you to spank your 'maters
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 08:54 PM

Plus later summer squash seems to be more susceptible to pests and diseases (IME). + 1 on the Sugar Baby melons. thumb They mature faster and fit in the refridgerator a whole lot easier than those 80 pound suckers.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 09:02 PM

3 gallons seems a bit small for a squash plant but you might try giving them more sun. What kind of pots do you have them in ? Clay needs more water since it evaporates faster but this also keeps the roots cooler. Plastic holds water better but can also get too hot.

If you're against spanking, get a small (watercolor size) paintbrush. Twirl it around inside a flower then repeat with all the other flowers.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 09:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
3 gallons seems a bit small for a squash plant but you might try giving them more sun. What kind of pots do you have them in ? Clay needs more water since it evaporates faster but this also keeps the roots cooler. Plastic holds water better but can also get too hot.

If you're against spanking, get a small (watercolor size) paintbrush. Twirl it around inside a flower then repeat with all the other flowers.
rolfmao clap

Very good advice in this post...


Still laughing about that which is in bold...rolfmao
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 09:37 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
LSS is going to tell you to spank your 'maters
thumb Darn tooting...I spank mine every other day whether they need it or not...nuts
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 09:38 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
3 gallons seems a bit small for a squash plant but you might try giving them more sun. What kind of pots do you have them in ? Clay needs more water since it evaporates faster but this also keeps the roots cooler. Plastic holds water better but can also get too hot.

If you're against spanking, get a small (watercolor size) paintbrush. Twirl it around inside a flower then repeat with all the other flowers.
3 gallons might be okay with regular squash, but Zucchini plants are going to need something much larger...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 10:05 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
LSS is going to tell you to spank your 'maters
thumb Darn tooting...I spank mine every other day whether they need it or not...nuts
I guess best would be to spank in the morning. All though you can spank all day but the blooms are mostly open in the morning. Happy spanking.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 10:07 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
LSS is going to tell you to spank your 'maters
thumb Darn tooting...I spank mine every other day whether they need it or not...nuts
I guess best would be to spank in the morning. All though you can spank all day but the blooms are mostly open in the morning. Happy spanking.
I've actually had better luck spanking in the evening in the earlier part of spring. Mornings, the hotter it gets...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 11:44 PM

*thinking about making a call to TPS (Tomato Protective Services)* huh
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/10 11:46 PM

Here's my update

First the bad news. The lower leaves of my yellow squash and butternut are starting to turn brown. Thoughts?

Also, I found a dern itty bitty green worm on the underside of my cuke leaves. I pinched him and I'm considering the Sevin dust....

Cantaloupe seems to be stuck in the two leaf phase.

On the positive side... The peas are producing like mad but for some reason they don't ever seem to make it all the way inside the house wink Ill be sure to plant more this fall and next year.

Roma II bush beans are about a foot tall and are flowering like mad.

Tomatoes and peppers are nice and green
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 12:42 AM

1) How big are the plants ?

2) How do you water ? If you're splashing the bottom leaves a lot or keeping the soil at the base too wet , that might be it.

Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 01:07 AM

I water by hand from a watering can using rain water. I suppose the leaves get splashed but so does everything else. Are squashes particularly sensitive to wet leaves?




Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:08 AM

If you're watering in the evening. Stop...At least until it gets above 95...It's like sending the plants to bed wet and they can't dry out, causing fungus...It looks like a lack of nitrogen...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:50 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
If you're watering in the evening. Stop...At least until it gets above 95...It's like sending the plants to bed wet and they can't dry out, causing fungus...It looks like a lack of nitrogen...
+1
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:58 AM

I got my lab report for the soil from the lab today. Pretty quick less than a week to do, probably because most have all ready done this earlier in the season. It was pretty much what I suspected. All the nutrients were high, expect for almost no nitrogen. The PH is high at 8.1 but I need to get it down to 7.-7.5
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 01:26 PM

I hear what you're sayin about watering at night. Usually I water at about 530p because I don't have the time in the morning but I'll see what I can do.

Nitrogen huh... maybe I'll bury some more fish smile
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:17 PM

I picked 14 red potatoes this morning banana

There is still one more red potato plant I need to pick, but it's still looking pretty strong so I will let it keep growing, and keep on watering it. Hopefully they'll get a little bigger.

Also, both of my squash plants now have a big yellow flower. Neat

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:19 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I picked 14 red potatoes this morning banana

There is still one more red potato plant I need to pick, but it's still looking pretty strong so I will let it keep growing, and keep on watering it. Hopefully they'll get a little bigger.

Also, both of my squash plants now have a big yellow flower. Neat
You may need to get some paint brushes (like for painting a picture, not a wall) and take the pollen from the flower that's not attached to a squash and put it in the flower attached to a squash...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:19 PM

Congrats on the red potatoes, MSR...I know I was excited when I pulled some of the first onions this past weekend...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:20 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I hear what you're sayin about watering at night. Usually I water at about 530p because I don't have the time in the morning but I'll see what I can do.

Nitrogen huh... maybe I'll bury some more fish smile
About 10 seconds per plant in the morning (early morning, like 5:00 a.m. is okay) will go a long way to sustain it, especially in the heat...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:26 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I picked 14 red potatoes this morning banana

There is still one more red potato plant I need to pick, but it's still looking pretty strong so I will let it keep growing, and keep on watering it. Hopefully they'll get a little bigger.

Also, both of my squash plants now have a big yellow flower. Neat
You may need to get some paint brushes (like for painting a picture, not a wall) and take the pollen from the flower that's not attached to a squash and put it in the flower attached to a squash...


I have no squash yet. To be honest I thought the squash were dead, which is why I was surprised to see the flower. Part of the problem appears to be a lack of nitrogen, which is why I'm going to get some fish emulsion today.
Posted By: PriddyTxHunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:27 PM

This is my first year to have a garden. Everything seems to be doing good best I can tell. The problem I am having is my some of my tomatoes (still green) have a brown hole. I looked it up on the internet and it says it is possibly a caterpillar, but I haven't found how to treat it. Any suggestions? I haven't actually seen them though, just what I read it might be?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:30 PM

Brown hole in the fruit? You can put out Sevin dust if you're not trying to be organic (just remember to wash the fruit when you pick it before eating)...The tomato will still be good to eat, you'll just need to cut out the brown area (and if you find a worm when slicing it, I'd throw it out...

Now if it's brown on the bottom, that's another problem entirely...
Posted By: PriddyTxHunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:32 PM

It's brown on the fruit, not on the bottom. It's a brown hole, maybe a 1/4" to 1/2" deep in the fruit, about a 1/4" in diameter. Do I just sprinkle the Sevin Dust around the base of the plant or on the leaves? Thansk for your help.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:35 PM

I just sprinkle it on the leaves and around the plant...I primarily use it for squash bugs, but have used it in the past for tomato pests...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:42 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I hear what you're sayin about watering at night. Usually I water at about 530p because I don't have the time in the morning but I'll see what I can do.

Nitrogen huh... maybe I'll bury some more fish smile
About 10 seconds per plant in the morning (early morning, like 5:00 a.m. is okay) will go a long way to sustain it, especially in the heat...


Is it possible that I have to water more than usual because of my raised beds. You talkin 10 seconds per plant every morning?

I'm using something like this...

Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 02:43 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I picked 14 red potatoes this morning banana

There is still one more red potato plant I need to pick, but it's still looking pretty strong so I will let it keep growing, and keep on watering it. Hopefully they'll get a little bigger.

Also, both of my squash plants now have a big yellow flower. Neat


Congrats on the taters. I'm gonna have to dump my container soon!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 03:00 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I hear what you're sayin about watering at night. Usually I water at about 530p because I don't have the time in the morning but I'll see what I can do.

Nitrogen huh... maybe I'll bury some more fish smile
About 10 seconds per plant in the morning (early morning, like 5:00 a.m. is okay) will go a long way to sustain it, especially in the heat...


Is it possible that I have to water more than usual because of my raised beds. You talkin 10 seconds per plant every morning?

I'm using something like this...
I have something similar, it's a 2 gallon watering pot, that I use for my plants in a larger flower bed...It is raised as well, and 10 seconds does seem to be about right...Part of it also depends on how compacted the soil around the plant is. It is VERY important to aerate the ground so the roots can get the water...I hoe my rows at least once per week...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 03:01 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I picked 14 red potatoes this morning banana

There is still one more red potato plant I need to pick, but it's still looking pretty strong so I will let it keep growing, and keep on watering it. Hopefully they'll get a little bigger.

Also, both of my squash plants now have a big yellow flower. Neat
You may need to get some paint brushes (like for painting a picture, not a wall) and take the pollen from the flower that's not attached to a squash and put it in the flower attached to a squash...


I have no squash yet. To be honest I thought the squash were dead, which is why I was surprised to see the flower. Part of the problem appears to be a lack of nitrogen, which is why I'm going to get some fish emulsion today.
I prefer being lied to...Honesty is overrated...grin
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 05:29 PM

Well anyways , check out this site for a quick exact report of whats happening in your soil. I got the results in a week and for 15 dollars the soil is tested for PH and macro nutrients and micro nutrients. If the PH is not what your plants are recommended to have you can have all the nutes in the world and the plants wont feed. The PH testers at the local nursery are junk and not accurate.
http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 07:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Well anyways , check out this site for a quick exact report of whats happening in your soil. I got the results in a week and for 15 dollars the soil is tested for PH and macro nutrients and micro nutrients. If the PH is not what your plants are recommended to have you can have all the nutes in the world and the plants wont feed. The PH testers at the local nursery are junk and not accurate.
http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/


Thanks for the link. I've been wondering what some of the procedures are for testing soil. I know I can do pH at work and possibly more.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 08:26 PM

I'm new to this forum. I just skimmed some of the most recent posts. It'll take your squash awhile to start making reak fruit. I'll pick some tomorrow. The brown on the bottom of the tomatoes could be blossom end rot. Nothing you can do about it this year. Your red potatoes will die out and quit growing around the end of May.

Here's a picture of vegetables from my last years garden;




Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/10 10:56 PM

Originally Posted By: PriddyTxHunter
This is my first year to have a garden. Everything seems to be doing good best I can tell. The problem I am having is my some of my tomatoes (still green) have a brown hole. I looked it up on the internet and it says it is possibly a caterpillar, but I haven't found how to treat it. Any suggestions? I haven't actually seen them though, just what I read it might be?


Get a flash light and go out after dark. You'll find them. When you do, well..... You'll know what to do. Good luck.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/10 01:37 AM

I have a very large bush covered in aphids, and it is about fifteen feet from my garden! YIKES>>. What is best to kill them with that wont kill the bush? any ideas?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/10 04:03 AM

Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
I have a very large bush covered in aphids, and it is about fifteen feet from my garden! YIKES>>. What is best to kill them with that wont kill the bush? any ideas?
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/aphids--9--natural-tips-for-removal
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/10 04:12 AM

I tried that soap stuff last year, and it didn't work too good. Liquid Sevin did though.


Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/10 08:17 PM

What do all you guys do with all your yellow squash, and zucchini when it comes in?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/10 08:25 PM

Well, I normally give some to family and friends...If I have an overabundance, I will wash it, slice it and freeze it...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/10 08:37 PM

LSS,

I am about to put a few peppers in my raised beds. I am not planning on tilling anything because I have other stuff growing up around them right now. I was wondering if adding any sand to each hole I dug would make any difference or not.

What say ye?


Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/10 08:38 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Well, I normally give some to family and friends...If I have an overabundance, I will wash it, slice it and freeze it...


do you blanch it before you freeze it? Does that even matter?

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/10 09:14 PM





I always freeze mine with some kind of tomato sauce. I add it to my homemade marinara, which I freeze in the summer, and make spaghetti primavera. Try stir frying it with peppers and onions, then add a stir fry sauce. The twice cooked pork sauce is good.







Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 12:01 AM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
What do all you guys do with all your yellow squash, and zucchini when it comes in?


Coat in cornmeal batter and fry, bake whole or in a casserole and eat smaller ones raw in salads. I also try to pick the prettier ones ,let them mature then slice thin and air-dry for next year's seeds.
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 12:23 AM

We batter and freeze our extra for frying and then when the freezer's got plenty of that we start giving away the surplus.



Here's a recipe I invented to use on some yellow squash.

Cut several yellow squash into 1/2" thick slices and throw them in a deep casserole dish.

Cut an equal amount of white onions into quarters and throw the whole quarters on top of the squash.

Take a pack of sliced bacon and cut the entire slab into 1" pieces. You'll wind up with 1" squares of bacon. Sprinkle the bacon on top of the other stuff and pop a lid on it.

Bake it at 375 for 35 to 45 minutes. Check and see if the bacon's cooked good and if it is pop the dish back in without the lid so the bacon gets crispy.

The bacon grease goes through the onions and into the squash and you just can't believe how good this stuff is. It's a stand alone so no sides needed. You'd think that this recipe would feed several folks, but no. Two people will eat the entire dish every time.

Enjoy.
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 12:25 AM

Also, I never add salt or spices. The bacon and onion flavor the dish to perfection.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 01:43 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
LSS,

I am about to put a few peppers in my raised beds. I am not planning on tilling anything because I have other stuff growing up around them right now. I was wondering if adding any sand to each hole I dug would make any difference or not.

What say ye?

Yes it will make some difference...In some of the areas where I had too much gravel mixed in, I back-filled the rows with top soil I had purchased...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 01:43 AM

Originally Posted By: madchad
Also, I never add salt or spices. The bacon and onion flavor the dish to perfection.
I will agree with MC, do NOT add salt to anything before freezing it, or it will dry it out...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 01:45 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Well, I normally give some to family and friends...If I have an overabundance, I will wash it, slice it and freeze it...


do you blanch it before you freeze it? Does that even matter?
No, I do not blanch...I simply wash them, let them air dry, then slice them. I take a ziploc bag, get it close to being sealed and stick in a straw. I then suck out the remaining air, seal it, and freeze it...It's my own redneck vacuum sealer...grin
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 05:50 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Well, I normally give some to family and friends...If I have an overabundance, I will wash it, slice it and freeze it...


do you blanch it before you freeze it? Does that even matter?
No, I do not blanch...I simply wash them, let them air dry, then slice them. I take a ziploc bag, get it close to being sealed and stick in a straw. I then suck out the remaining air, seal it, and freeze it...It's my own redneck vacuum sealer...grin


I do the same thing, just without the straw. Zip it up until there's about enough left to stick your finger through, pinch it with both hands to make the opening stay, and bottabing.
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 05:52 PM

Oh, strawberries! The strawberry plants from last year are several times larger and we've pulled about 2 dozen so far. The ones we've gotten have been small, but they're starting to get bigger. We moved them to an old oval shaped wash tub and the whole setup is real nice. It pretties up the front yard.
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 05:54 PM

Also, there's two little grape tomatoes already. During the summer we keep a plate on the counter in the kitchen and EVERYBODY snacks on them. Good stuff.

...and the zucchini's flowering.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 10:11 PM

I have lots of tomatoes. The squash and cucumbers are starting to come on...I also noticed a few small cayenne peppers today...banana
Posted By: Crappie Husband

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 10:19 PM

My squash has taken off faster and earlier than any of my other plants so far. It's growing like crazy.

What do you guys mean when you talk about spanking your tomatoes? Mine are growing tall and leafy, but are only producing just a few so far.

I also need major help with my strawberry plants. I have them planted in containers hanging from my fence so they don't touch the ground. But they are getting full sun. Do I need to move them to shade or what?

This is our first attempt at gardening and it is so much fun that I go out and "check" on everything twice a day.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 10:22 PM

I can't tell you about the strawberries, but can explain the 'spanking' of one's tomato plants...

I go out and give mine a good shake (not so hard as to break anything, but to give a good vibrating jolt)...This will help the plants pollinate...Now I have over 100 tomato plants, and I dance at retirement homes for older ladies in the evening so I'm a bit too busy for the other way...However, you can also thump the back of each yellow flower when they are showing and help get the pollination process on the road...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 10:23 PM

Also, congratulations on starting a garden...My mom and grandfather started us on gardening when I was 4. I can only remember a couple of years where we didn't have a garden of some sort growing...It's a good hobby...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/10 10:44 PM

It is a good hobby. I find myself thinking about the dang thing, while I am at work. truthfully, I am thinking, "I wonder if i could make a living as farmer or produce man". Probably not.


Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/10 01:38 PM

I don't spank the plants. What I do, I call diddling (vulgar, I know grin). Diddling is when you go to a flower cluster and cup your fingers around it and twiddle your fingers. After you do do the first cluster, go to the next, and on and on until you've diddled every flower cluster, then got back to the first one and diddle it. The result is that you pollenate the flowers and almost every one will fruit.

Is this perverse? Maybe. But the maters will be worth the act. Just try not to think about how your act helped father the maters and you'll have no problem eating them. hammer
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/10 01:40 PM

My Red Norland potato plant was totally brown so I dumped the container yesterday only to find 6 taters. I was sure there would be more. I ammended the soil and planted some beans.

Also, I 'planted' some fish under my squash plants that are starting to turn brown and I started my early morning watering routine per LSS.

I could probably look back on this thread to find out when I 'planted' fish under the maters but I'm lazy. Anyway, since I did that the tomatoes have grown more than a foot, probably closer to two feet. My sweet 100 is darn near as tall as the peas that are still going nuts by the way. Fresh peas for a snack today!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/10 01:53 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
My Red Norland potato plant was totally brown so I dumped the container yesterday only to find 6 taters. I was sure there would be more. I ammended the soil and planted some beans.

Also, I 'planted' some fish under my squash plants that are starting to turn brown and I started my early morning watering routine per LSS.

I could probably look back on this thread to find out when I 'planted' fish under the maters but I'm lazy. Anyway, since I did that the tomatoes have grown more than a foot, probably closer to two feet. My sweet 100 is darn near as tall as the peas that are still going nuts by the way. Fresh peas for a snack today!
Glad to read your tomatoes are doing well...As the plants get larger, you'll need to increase the watering just a bit...Like 1 or 2 seconds more per plant...Since you have a smaller garden, one thing you could do is get a board, nail some big nails through it and then aerate the ground around the plants with it...

One thing to keep in mind, ESPECIALLY with the high winds, wind can be very drying and you may need to water more to counteract it...I had to turn on the sprinklers for the first time this year, after hand watering the garden, so it could soak into the ground...The 30 and 45 mph winds the day before dried my garden...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/10 02:30 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
My Red Norland potato plant was totally brown so I dumped the container yesterday only to find 6 taters. I was sure there would be more. I ammended the soil and planted some beans.

Also, I 'planted' some fish under my squash plants that are starting to turn brown and I started my early morning watering routine per LSS.

I could probably look back on this thread to find out when I 'planted' fish under the maters but I'm lazy. Anyway, since I did that the tomatoes have grown more than a foot, probably closer to two feet. My sweet 100 is darn near as tall as the peas that are still going nuts by the way. Fresh peas for a snack today!
Glad to read your tomatoes are doing well...As the plants get larger, you'll need to increase the watering just a bit...Like 1 or 2 seconds more per plant...Since you have a smaller garden, one thing you could do is get a board, nail some big nails through it and then aerate the ground around the plants with it...

One thing to keep in mind, ESPECIALLY with the high winds, wind can be very drying and you may need to water more to counteract it...I had to turn on the sprinklers for the first time this year, after hand watering the garden, so it could soak into the ground...The 30 and 45 mph winds the day before dried my garden...


Good info..

Something I forgot to mention... When I was digging down to 'plant' my fish yesterday, I noticed the first 2-4 inches of soil was dry to semi-moist then the next say 6 inches was moist but not wet then at about 10" to a foot down the next 2 inches were pretty wet, like almost standing water wet. My beds have probably 14 inches of soil total. The last time I watered before that was Friday (light watering) and we got only a sprinkling of rain saturday night. Is this something I should be concerned with?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/10 02:34 PM

If you're referring to the standing water, not really...Very few vegetable plants have a long tap root...Most are less than 4 inches in length...Just continue the watering and watch the winds and temp...Both can affect the watering needs of the plants...Also, high nitrogen can be very drying, so watch the ground...You seem to have a good idea of how your garden is doing and that's the first step...My family laughs at me because I know exactly how many plants I have, where they are and how many vegetables on the plants...I KNOW when I've been robbed by a squirrel, or human, of my vegetables...
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/10 03:19 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Well, I normally give some to family and friends...If I have an overabundance, I will wash it, slice it and freeze it...


I thought I had all the bases covered on the zuccs, but I've already started giving some away. I've read some recipes of dump cake made from zuccs. I might try that next.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/10 06:40 PM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Well, I normally give some to family and friends...If I have an overabundance, I will wash it, slice it and freeze it...


I thought I had all the bases covered on the zuccs, but I've already started giving some away. I've read some recipes of dump cake made from zuccs. I might try that next.
I found a recipe in a cookbook called 'White Trash Cooking' (I don't remember which volume) for Squash Pie...I must admit, it was pretty tasty...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/10 08:19 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: bill oxner
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Well, I normally give some to family and friends...If I have an overabundance, I will wash it, slice it and freeze it...


I thought I had all the bases covered on the zuccs, but I've already started giving some away. I've read some recipes of dump cake made from zuccs. I might try that next.
I found a recipe in a cookbook called 'White Trash Cooking' (I don't remember which volume) for Squash Pie...I must admit, it was pretty tasty...


Steamed with a little butter, salt and pepper. Raw with ranch. Marinated and grilled. Casserole
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/10 11:36 PM

Squash.... Why?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 12:32 AM

Fungus or squash bugs would be my guess...Might be too much water, but I'm leaning towards the other two...If they died faster, I'd say you had a pest boring into the roots, but since they are still alive, I'm going with the fungus or squash bugs...

Check the underside of the remaining leaves for brown spots in a cluster...If that's the cause, it's going to be the squash bugs...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 01:08 AM

I think it's lack of nutrients in the soil and it's suffering just like the tomatoes did but I'm workn on that. Aren't these plants a little young/small to flower and should I let em go or should I snip the flowers?
Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 02:17 AM

What are people doing about weeds in the garden. I have a bunch of weeds. I am tired of pulling them all every year. Any tips?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 02:21 AM

Originally Posted By: Gonzz
What are people doing about weeds in the garden. I have a bunch of weeds. I am tired of pulling them all every year. Any tips?
Mulching or weed cloth will curb the weeds...I hoe the rows I didn't have enough leaves for...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 02:22 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I think it's lack of nutrients in the soil and it's suffering just like the tomatoes did but I'm workn on that. Aren't these plants a little young/small to flower and should I let em go or should I snip the flowers?
No. They are not too small to flower...They are larger than some of mine that are already producing some squash that should be able to be picked in about a week...


Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 02:47 AM

Huh. Ok. I'll leave em. Are they like cucumbers in that they rely on bees to pollinate? Cause I ain't seen a single bee, butterfly or moth.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 02:58 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Huh. Ok. I'll leave em. Are they like cucumbers in that they rely on bees to pollinate? Cause I ain't seen a single bee, butterfly or moth.
They do need help to pollinate...If you don't have bees, you can do it yourself...Take a small paintbrush (like you'd use to paint with watercolors) and first spin it in the male flower (the one NOT attached to a squash). Then take it and spin the pollinated brush into the female flower (the one attached to the squash)...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 12:36 PM

Guys and gals, with the south winds we've endured the last few days, if you haven't watered, you need to. It is very important to keep the plants hydrated, especially with these drying winds...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 01:25 PM

I noticed this morning that the squash flowers are both males so it's a bit of a sausage fest out there for now. Hopefully some ladies show up to the party soon. smile

And yes, these winds dried up the beds pretty good. Eventhough I did put some grass clippings and straw down as mulch, the soil was dry.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 01:47 PM

DHFisher, what were you trying to show on your squash picture above?

Thanks
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 02:49 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
DHFisher, what were you trying to show on your squash picture above?

Thanks


Well, last week I had pics showing how some of the leaves were browning so I thought it was not doing too well, then yesterday I came out to these two giant flowers. I was just showing that the plant is still pretty small with kinda brown leaves (but I buried a fish under it so we'll see what happens) and is throwin out these huge blooms. I was wondering if I should pinch em or not. You can see more flowers starting to form down there so, eh, I'll just let em go.

Oh, and I have another question. I think my sugar snap peas are about done, or at least they will be in the next couple weeks. The bottom leaves are starting to turn brown and production has slowed a bit. What can I replace the sugar snaps with when they bite the dust? I'm thinkin a southern pea because there is trellis there and tamu suggests planting as late as may 25th. Any suggestions on which southern pea is most productive in the Ft Worth area?
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 03:13 PM

I'm thinking between the cool spring and 3 years of soil amendments is the reason why my garden is doing better earlier this year!

All 20 T plants have flowers and fruit.




Most peppers have bloomed and already harvested a few.


Last year some bugs wiped out my corn and squash so I've been slinging some DE around and seems to make a BIG difference.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 03:16 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
I'm thinking between the cool spring and 3 years of soil amendments is the reason why my garden is doing better earlier this year!

All 20 T plants have flowers and fruit.




Most peppers have bloomed and already harvested a few.


Last year some bugs wiped out my corn and squash so I've been slinging some DE around and seems to make a BIG difference.
GREAT job!!!!!!
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 03:17 PM

Nice! I am also using DE. Appears to be working well thumb

ATX, how did your corn hold up in the winds yesterday? I went outside and many of mine were leaning over, unfortunately eek
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 03:25 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Nice! I am also using DE. Appears to be working well thumb

ATX, how did your corn hold up in the winds yesterday? I went outside and many of mine were leaning over, unfortunately eek
They were just taking notes on how the fence handled the wind...bolt
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 03:26 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Nice! I am also using DE. Appears to be working well thumb

ATX, how did your corn hold up in the winds yesterday? I went outside and many of mine were leaning over, unfortunately eek
They were just taking notes on how the fence handled the wind...bolt


rolfmao

wait...

duel
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 03:27 PM

grin Just busting your chops...It's best to laugh because crying can dehydrate you...
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 03:31 PM

Let's just say I've helped the corn along....

Last year I didn't get but a few strawberries and had squash bugs and other killers take over I think because I waited until they got established. This year I've been putting out DE and it got rid of the slugs...doodle bugs and hopefully the rest of them and we harvested a couple hundred strawberries.

I just ordered this

http://www.gardenharvestsupply.com/product/dustin-mizer-garden-duster-with-deflector

Which is supposed to really help with the application and help save how much you have to use.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 03:32 PM

That's right. Also my wallet feels dehydrated bang

side note (sorry to get off topic), I dug up one yesterday, out of curiosity, and it wasn't even concreted into the hole. Sorry piece of junk builder!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 05:10 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Huh. Ok. I'll leave em. Are they like cucumbers in that they rely on bees to pollinate? Cause I ain't seen a single bee, butterfly or moth.


Bees work cucumbers for the nectar. Which is a trade off for the cucumbers for the bees to pollinate at the same time. Cucumbers produce nectar only a couple hours a day. 1-3 I think. Could vary with the species. Bees will learn the time and only work them during those couple hours. So you may have to check a few times a day to spot them.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/10 05:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Huh. Ok. I'll leave em. Are they like cucumbers in that they rely on bees to pollinate? Cause I ain't seen a single bee, butterfly or moth.


Bees work cucumbers for the nectar. Which is a trade off for the cucumbers for the bees to pollinate at the same time. Cucumbers produce nectar only a couple hours a day. 1-3 I think. Could vary with the species. Bees will learn the time and only work them during those couple hours. So you may have to check a few times a day to spot them.


I asked because last year with my cukes I had to pollinate them myself. I waited forever before I researched it and started self pollinating. A q-tip worked well for me.
Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 02:05 AM

OK guys, I built my wife a garden this year, it is a 16 X 32 plot with a concrete border around it, I put about 20 yards of what they call premium garden fill in it, looked pretty much like mulch, I then put miracle grow down for fertilizer, my okra came up right away but has done nothing in about 3 weeks, the green beans came up really nice and now they are yellow looking, the spinach, carrots and lettuce are pretty weak, the tomatoes have fruit but they look weak, the onions look terrible, the peppers are fair, the potatoes and squash are growing really well and look the best out of all plants, I water when needed and have good drainage, do I need to put some more fertilizer or plant food out ? My plants are setting in 12 inches of prime garden soil, any help for this rookie would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 02:30 AM

How often are you watering? Here's the thing about good draining soil, you need to water more often then you'd think...When you dig down, how deep is the moisture?
Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 02:34 AM

I have been checking it lately and the moisture is atleast 3 inches down, I did not dig any further thinking it was plenty good. I know ever since I put this garden in we have had very little rain, with very good drainage can you water too much ?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 02:38 AM

Originally Posted By: Happykamper
I have been checking it lately and the moisture is atleast 3 inches down, I did not dig any further thinking it was plenty good. I know ever since I put this garden in we have had very little rain, with very good drainage can you water too much ?
Watering too much with good draining soil is a bit difficult...You need to water more often if it takes three inches before you're hitting moisture...If it's moist from the top down 3 inches you're probably okay...

My soil drains really well and I water at least every other day, and with the winds lately, I've had to turn on the sprinklers for an hour after hand watering...The southerly winds we've been experiencing have really dried out the soil...

The tap roots on most veggie plants are not going to be longer than 4 inches and most of the supporting roots are much closer to the soil. With pepper plants, they begin just under the soil...
Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 02:41 PM

The soil was moist from the top down to atleast 3 inches, hopefully some good sunshine will perk it up some.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 02:55 PM

Do tomato plants cross pollinate? or do they keep it all amongst themselves?

They say we're going to get some good rain this week!!!
Posted By: Woolybugger

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 06:07 PM

I have a tomato plant that is growing like crazy, prolly 3ft high and 4ft across. Problem is, it barely has a couple flowers, and only 1 pitiful fruit. It's green and healthy but just not makin' babies. Any ideas? (Please don't tell me it is ghey)


Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 07:58 PM

Does anyone think soaker hoses work best in gardens?

It's seeming to make a difference for me this year.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 08:06 PM

Artificial hail storm! I know it sounds drastic, but I've taken a broom stick to lanky tomatoe plants that refused to set fruit. Just a light beating. Looks like he11 for a while, but it works.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 08:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Does anyone think soaker hoses work best in gardens?

It's seeming to make a difference for me this year.
One of the reasons they work better is because they are closer to the root system and deliver the water in a drip rather than a flood, allowing the plants to absorb the water.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 09:10 PM

It's much easier to water that way as well. I can leave it on and come back a hour later.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/10 11:30 PM

your also not wasting water by spraying everything.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/10 02:17 PM

Okra - two inches tall, turning brown and getting limp.

I'm pretty sure I know whats wrong. I remember I had a half bag of peat this spring and I used that for the top couple inches of my beds. Well, peat = acidic, duh.

The plants that are able to get below that, such as, the tomatoes and peppers are doing fine but the plants that are young and have a shallow root system are failing... squash, cucumbers and okra.

So, the question is, can I ammend the soil with plants already started to counteract the peat? I think I'm gonna start over with the okra but the other plants are sorta established.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/10 03:59 PM

CUCUMBER BEETLEFeed on Cucumbers, cantaloupes, winter squash, pumpkins, gourds, summer squash and watermelons are preferred by adult striped cucumber beetles. They also feed on beans, peas, corn and blossoms of several wild and cultivated plants. Larvae develop on these and related cucurbits. The spotted cucumber beetle has a wider host range and, in addition to cucurbits, may be found on beans, peas, potato, beet, tomato, eggplant and cabbage. The larvae is the well-known southern corn rootworm which feeds on the roots of corn, peanuts, small grains and many wild grasses

If you see this guy in your garden or yard , KILL HIM IMMEDIATELY eek They look like lady bugs but are not. The next time you see him he will have a lot of friends with him. They eat leaves and new growth and also eat the insides/pollen of the blossoms . When they eat the inside of the blossoms you will not get any cucumbers or squash. They also carry a disease called bacterial wilt.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/10 04:41 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Okra - two inches tall, turning brown and getting limp.

I'm pretty sure I know whats wrong. I remember I had a half bag of peat this spring and I used that for the top couple inches of my beds. Well, peat = acidic, duh.

The plants that are able to get below that, such as, the tomatoes and peppers are doing fine but the plants that are young and have a shallow root system are failing... squash, cucumbers and okra.

So, the question is, can I ammend the soil with plants already started to counteract the peat? I think I'm gonna start over with the okra but the other plants are sorta established.
You'd probably be better served by getting a container and filling it with some sort of garden soil and then transplanting the plants to the container for a week or so...Then amend the soil and replant them where you want them...Do this in the earlier part of the day and give them plenty of water to offset the shock of transplanting...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/10 04:41 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
CUCUMBER BEETLEFeed on Cucumbers, cantaloupes, winter squash, pumpkins, gourds, summer squash and watermelons are preferred by adult striped cucumber beetles. They also feed on beans, peas, corn and blossoms of several wild and cultivated plants. Larvae develop on these and related cucurbits. The spotted cucumber beetle has a wider host range and, in addition to cucurbits, may be found on beans, peas, potato, beet, tomato, eggplant and cabbage. The larvae is the well-known southern corn rootworm which feeds on the roots of corn, peanuts, small grains and many wild grasses

If you see this guy in your garden or yard , KILL HIM IMMEDIATELY eek They look like lady bugs but are not. The next time you see him he will have a lot of friends with him. They eat leaves and new growth and also eat the insides/pollen of the blossoms . When they eat the inside of the blossoms you will not get any cucumbers or squash. They also carry a disease called bacterial wilt.
Good information...thumb
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/10 05:25 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head


If you see this guy in your garden or yard , KILL HIM IMMEDIATELY eek They look like lady bugs but are not. The next time you see him he will have a lot of friends with him. They eat leaves and new growth and also eat the insides/pollen of the blossoms . When they eat the inside of the blossoms you will not get any cucumbers or squash. They also carry a disease called bacterial wilt.


Holy smokes! I saw about 10 of those yesterday crawling on the corn leaves and wondered what they were. Also, my peas were eaten to the ground by what I assumed was cut worms. Wonder if if was these little suckers.

Can I use Sevin dust or do I need something else?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/10 06:24 PM

You should be able to nuke them with sevin, I am going organic so I am using retenone and neem oil. These little suckers are bad news. The larva from them go under the soil and attack the roots of the plant. If you dont want to nuke everything get a spray that has a stream on it and hit each one with a spray. There quick and more active in the mornings/ealry. Dont forget though the eggs and larva will be harder to see and treat. I am going to drench the soil at the plant base once all this rain passes with neem oil. Once there gone dont stop treating, they have about 3 generations through out the growing season. Ladybugs should take care of their eggs. Be careful if you nuke everything with sevin because sevin kills EVERYTHING it will also kill bees which are the plants pollinators.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/10 03:37 PM

I just harvested my first 2 yellow squash and 2 sugary grape tomatoes...banana I should be harvesting more next week...bannana2
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/10 04:19 PM

Had 4 more flowers on my sad looking yellow squash plants today. They were all males so I pinched em.

I can't wait to harvest some squash!
Posted By: ItsZep

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/10 04:44 PM

Are there any great choices for colorful flowers that do well in mostly shade?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/10 04:46 PM

Originally Posted By: ItsZep
Are there any great choices for colorful flowers that do well in mostly shade?


X2

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/10 05:38 PM

Originally Posted By: ItsZep
Are there any great choices for colorful flowers that do well in mostly shade?


Try knockout roses. I like caladiums for color in the shade.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/10 06:02 PM

I've got some impatiens going nuts. They get morning sun then full shade all day.
Posted By: ItsZep

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/10 06:11 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
X2


is that english?
Posted By: ItsZep

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/10 06:12 PM

I have caladiums...love them...very hardy...will make it until Oct/Nov....but wanted a colorful flower....I consider caladiums more of a plant....but thanks
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/10 09:24 PM

Originally Posted By: ItsZep
Are there any great choices for colorful flowers that do well in mostly shade?


I grow azaleas, hydrangeas , begonias , coleus , caladium and impatiens under two large oak trees.
Posted By: ItsZep

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/10 10:20 PM

Thanks Siberman!
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/10 03:09 PM

Look at my zucchini dump cake recipe on the food forum. It's better than I thought it would be.

I'll be eating BLTs next week.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/10 05:14 AM

Tried tomatoe sandwiches for the first time last year. Plain white bread, lots of mayo, thick sliced tomatoes, salt & fresh cracked black pepper. Could not believe how good it was. I'm country plain and simple, how I missed out on this for 40+ years is an injustice! Had to have a long talk with my momma!
Posted By: PriddyTxHunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/10 04:20 PM

Well, everything in my garden was looking good until I got 5" of rain Saturday. Now my green beans are looking bad, along with several other plants. Will they be ok once they dry out some, or was it just too much rain in one day and I'm going to lose them?
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/10 06:55 PM

Looks like we will be doing some pickling by this coming weekend, the cucumbers are going crazy. But, my Mom's pickle recipes call for 10% vinegar but all I can find at the grovery store is 5%. Does anyone else have problems finding the higher proof vinegar or how do you get around it?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/10 09:03 PM

I've always used 5 % when canning peppers. Can you boil 5% down until it's 10 % ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/10 09:08 PM

Run your hoe around individual plants or between rows so the plants are higher than the surrounding soil. This should help drainage. Be careful not to cut any roots.

Wish I had your problem. Maybe 1/2" of rain in the last two weeks. Looks like my water bill's gonna be a booger this summer. scared

Posted By: PriddyTxHunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/10 09:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Run your hoe around individual plants or between rows so the plants are higher than the surrounding soil. This should help drainage. Be careful not to cut any roots.

Wish I had your problem. Maybe 1/2" of rain in the last two weeks. Looks like my water bill's gonna be a booger this summer. scared


There isn't any standing water, it all drained that afternoon. The plants just don't look good now, I guess from too much water. Maybe they will perk back up in a few days?????
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/10 09:32 PM

Originally Posted By: PriddyTxHunter
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Run your hoe around individual plants or between rows so the plants are higher than the surrounding soil. This should help drainage. Be careful not to cut any roots.

Wish I had your problem. Maybe 1/2" of rain in the last two weeks. Looks like my water bill's gonna be a booger this summer. scared


There isn't any standing water, it all drained that afternoon. The plants just don't look good now, I guess from too much water. Maybe they will perk back up in a few days?????
They probably had the nutrients washed away...I'd hoe up the dirt around the plants and fertilize them with some Miracle Gro in a few days (if you're not going organic)...
Posted By: ZX225(Radio)

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/10 01:26 AM

I'm looking for some green Tomatoes? Anybody have any they would sell?
Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/10 01:38 AM

Originally Posted By: ZX225(Radio)
I'm looking for some green Tomatoes? Anybody have any they would sell?


That is so Lousiana. rolfmao You gonna have some crawfish and pie with that? grin

We need to go to Texoma later in the year.
Posted By: BrentMeister

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/10 02:39 AM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
CUCUMBER BEETLE


My squash, zuchini and potatoes started looking bad last week with lots of foilage damage. After reading your post - I was concerned.

A few days ago I found several of the spotted beetles. There were also small flea-like insects moving up and down the stalks of my squash and zuchini.


Ove the past few days, I've tried all the organic tricks from neem oil to a home brew of garlic/onions/pepper and soap - each morning, there were more insects than the night before...
Tonight I gave in and bought a large can of sevin dust and it just went on all the squash/zuchini and potatoes. My peppers have also had some minor damage so it went on them as well. The directions say to reapply after a rain or in 6 days. I plan to fertilize on sunday and give them another dusting...

Any thoughts on if this will work? I wonder if I already have the bacterial blight.... frown
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/10 12:12 PM

It should work...I rarely have to reapply unless the rains wash the Sevin Dust off within a couple of days...

You need to read the directions on when to harvest after applying Sevin Dust...I believe you can not harvest for 3 days after you have applied Sevin Dust...You'll still need to wash the veggies after you do harvest...
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/10 02:34 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Looks like we will be doing some pickling by this coming weekend, the cucumbers are going crazy. But, my Mom's pickle recipes call for 10% vinegar but all I can find at the grovery store is 5%. Does anyone else have problems finding the higher proof vinegar or how do you get around it?


I use the store brand, and still delute it with 2 parts water.


Posted By: BrentMeister

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 12:37 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
It should work...I rarely have to reapply unless the rains wash the Sevin Dust off within a couple of days...

You need to read the directions on when to harvest after applying Sevin Dust...I believe you can not harvest for 3 days after you have applied Sevin Dust...You'll still need to wash the veggies after you do harvest...


Sevin dust did the trick.... Applied it last night, as of this morning, no critter activity at all! thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 12:37 AM

Hoeing some of the wet dirt from around the plants should help them recover from being waterlogged by allowing the dirt near their bases to dry out some. Of course, you'd want to replace the soil as it dries.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 12:44 AM

Do you think the lack of nutrients would be evident in just two days ?
Not questioning your experience , LoneStar-San azn , but this sounds more like a case of overwatering than nutrient deprivation.



Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 12:48 AM

Anybody know what makes 1/4 " holes in collard leaves ? I haven't seen a bug on 'em.
Posted By: PriddyTxHunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 02:32 AM

Thanks Siberman.

As I said, this is my first garden. I didn't realize how far out the watermelon and cantoloupe(sp?) would spread out. Would it hurt the growth or the melons to trim the vines of these or should I just let them take over??? Thanks for all of the advice.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 03:15 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Do you think the lack of nutrients would be evident in just two days ?
Not questioning your experience , LoneStar-San azn , but this sounds more like a case of overwatering than nutrient deprivation.


Depends on the nutrient balance at the time of the water log...Yes, I've seen it happen very, very quickly...June 2004, I lost about half my tomatoes because of a flood that washed all the nutrients out...Not to mention having plants start in odd places because of the seeds being moved...Soil make up also plays a huge part in how well a plant can absorb nutrients and whether nutrients can be wiped out quickly...It's a very delicate balance...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 03:16 AM

Originally Posted By: PriddyTxHunter
Thanks Siberman.

As I said, this is my first garden. I didn't realize how far out the watermelon and cantoloupe(sp?) would spread out. Would it hurt the growth or the melons to trim the vines of these or should I just let them take over??? Thanks for all of the advice.
Just let them take over...You can move them around until they start producing fruit...
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 06:51 PM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
Originally Posted By: scott01
Looks like we will be doing some pickling by this coming weekend, the cucumbers are going crazy. But, my Mom's pickle recipes call for 10% vinegar but all I can find at the grovery store is 5%. Does anyone else have problems finding the higher proof vinegar or how do you get around it?


I use the store brand, and still delute it with 2 parts water.




Thanks. I went online and found other recipes for comparison and some even mentioned the acidity %. My Mom found some 9% at HEB in Temple where she lives and another place out in the country near my aunt that sells 10%. We were just going to adjust our recipe for the 5% but it looks like I won't have to now. Thanks
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 08:39 PM

Originally Posted By: PriddyTxHunter
Thanks Siberman.

As I said, this is my first garden. I didn't realize how far out the watermelon and cantoloupe(sp?) would spread out. Would it hurt the growth or the melons to trim the vines of these or should I just let them take over??? Thanks for all of the advice.

Yeah, they do tend to spread, don't they. grin

I've mowed over some vines that had grown out of the garden and it didn't hurt the rest of the plant. After the first few tries I now grow melons on my chain-link fence . I use strips of pantyhose to make little hammocks for each one (I grow cantalopes and the smaller "Icebox" watermelons) so their weight is supported and they don't break off the vine too early. I also don't have to deal with weeding around all those vines. thumb

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 08:48 PM

Interesting. Was the 2004 garden raised bed or on a slope ? My garden space is on an extremely flat piece of land so most of the water stays in the general area when I get a flood. I did have okra grow about 30' from where I planted it last year , though. wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 08:54 PM

Status report:

Blue potatoes , green tomatoes, small cayennes and the habaneros are flowering.
banana
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 10:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Interesting. Was the 2004 garden raised bed or on a slope ? My garden space is on an extremely flat piece of land so most of the water stays in the general area when I get a flood. I did have okra grow about 30' from where I planted it last year , though. wink
Depends on which part of the garden you are talking about...I ended up expanding it to 10,000 square feet because of the flooding...Part was on a slope, part was flat...I tried to leave about 10 inches of dirt as a sort of levee between the garden and yard...It didn't seem to help...That's just another reason why I moved it to the lake house when we bought this place...Much better soil, better drainage, better nutrients (we sit on a limestone cliff) and relatively flat on top (the draining soil does drain down the hill...You'd have to see it...

I REALLY like how you grow the melons on the fence...I've got a PERFECT location to do that next year...WOOHOO!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 11:05 PM

"I REALLY like how you grow the melons on the fence...I've got a PERFECT location to do that next year...WOOHOO!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!"

Lol. You're welcome , dude. wink Chain link works really well for any type of vine. I've grown gourds, cucumbers, morning glory / moonflower , beans , climbing roses, even squash (you have to tie 'em to the fence).
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/10 11:10 PM

Just in case you belong to an HOA: you might want to explain the pantyhose on the fence before you tie 'em on. wink
Posted By: BrentMeister

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/10 12:19 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Status report:

Blue potatoes , green tomatoes, small cayennes and the habaneros are flowering.
banana


Quick question on the potatoes:

I planted the red/new potato (seed potatoes) on 15 APRIL. I have decent bushes now, about 12" tall. When do I harvest or start to dig and check? Will the red potatoes flower?

Thanks in advance.
Posted By: ZX225(Radio)

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/10 12:19 AM

Still looking for Green Tomatoes! Around the Frisco area please.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/10 02:25 AM

I don't remember if the reds flower but when the plant starts to wilt and die back it's time to dig.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/10 12:21 PM

Originally Posted By: BrentMeister
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Status report:

Blue potatoes , green tomatoes, small cayennes and the habaneros are flowering.
banana


Quick question on the potatoes:

I planted the red/new potato (seed potatoes) on 15 APRIL. I have decent bushes now, about 12" tall. When do I harvest or start to dig and check? Will the red potatoes flower?

Thanks in advance.


They'll make some flowers. Blue I think. You can dig around the base of your plants and see if there are any potatoes. They're usually done around 6/1 in my area. They will wilt.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/10 02:45 PM

Update:

My sweet 100 is almost 3 feet tall and has 14 little maters started as of yesterday. I can't believe how that thing took off. The celebrity tomatoes are starting to do well but nowhere near the 100.

Sugar snap peas are still producing but the older set is starting to brown. I planted some a couple weeks after the first set and those are going mad. Note to self, for a continued crop, plat sugar snap peas a week apart over a months time.

Spacemaster cucumbers are really starting to come alive. Although it's not a very big plant yet, the leaves are close to 8 or so inches in diameter. I wish I could say the same about my pickling cucumbers. They are only a few inches tall.

Squashes. The butternut is going ape and keeps growing in the wrong direction so I'm going to have to figure a way to make it grow in the direction I want. Zuchs are starting to come into their own. Still small plants but very nice and green. The yellow crookneck however are still yellowing and not looking great. I just worked in some fresh compost around those guys so we'll see what happens.

Bush beans grew like crazy till they hit about a foot tall then started to turn light green. They've put out some beans but they look to be struggling. I planted some more bush beans about two weeks ago in a container that I pulled my red norland potatoes out of and they have grown four inches in a week. We'll see if they produce.

Okra = sad. They turned yellow then died. So last night I turned em under and mixed in some fresh compost and replanted.

Peppers are looking good. Although they are not growing very tall, they are a nice dark green color. I've got bell and jalepenos and both have 3 to 4 fruits per plant with the jalepeno in the lead with the biggest at about an inch long. smile

Hops - A friend and I brew beer so we decided to try growing hops this year. I'm using a smallish container so I'm having to water every day. The chinook is about 3 feet tall with the cascades not far behind.
Posted By: BrentMeister

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/10 02:51 AM

UPDATE FROM ROCKWALL AREA:

Red Potatoes: Couldn't resist - did a little scooping around one plant and found the roots LOADED with golf-ball sized taters banana

Celebrity Maters: Marble and golf ball sized tomatoes - loaded with blooms. Did some pruning and it really seemed to help.

Cherry Maters: Loaded with pea and marble sized maters - also prolific blooming. Also did trimming and this seemed to help.

Jalepenos: Recovering from squash beetle attack. Dark green again, lots of new growth. should be fine, just need some hot weather.

Egg Plant: Small fruit - tons of blooms.

White Onions: Awesome - baseball sized - some tops starting to fall over.

Purple onions: very bad. Some plants dead - all small - some bolting to bloom. I think I planted to late or they don't do well here - will stick to texas sweet's from now on.

Zuchini- recovering from aforementioned beetle outbreak. Lots of new growth - just waiting for another round of blooms.

summer squash: Recovering as well - small and still pale - but new growth showing up. Hopefully will recover with hot weather.

Thanks to all for the help!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/10 01:19 PM

I harvested 2 yellow squash and 2 sugary grape tomatoes last week...

This is this week's harvest...



I should have harvested the 2 large zucchinis last week, but they were apparently hiding from me...hmmm Oh well, that just means I can have some fried zucchini (and that's NEVER a bad thing)...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/10 01:21 PM

Oh and if your zucchini ever gets like 18" to 36" (or bigger) you can always cut it in half lengthwise and then scoop out the seeds...You can then slice the remaining meat and boil it...Then add some boiled potatoes and mash it all together...Really good...thumb food
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/10 02:02 PM

Show off wink
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/10 03:00 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Show off wink
I'm trying to keep a record to see how much it grows over the coming weeks...Oh and yes, I'm showing it off...It's a lot of hard work...bannana2
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/10 06:23 PM

My first tomatoes are precious. I'm beyond that stage. I'll start giving some away next week, then I'll start canning some salsa. I put up 24 pints each summer. My jalapenos, and onions are waiting. After that, I'll freezen around 30 pints of marinara, then maybe a little creole sauce.

Most recipes call for cooking the tomatoes down for a couple of hours. I don't do that. I cook about 20 to 30 minutes, and then add tomato paste.
Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/10 10:57 PM

I have some empty room in my garden. What can I plant right now? I want to fill in the area. Thanks
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/10 11:05 PM

Don't know about marinara or creole but for my canned salsa I just put everything in a blender then heat it to boiling before putting it in hot jars.

Why freeze marinara ?

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/10 11:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Gonzz
I have some empty room in my garden. What can I plant right now? I want to fill in the area. Thanks


We've got at least three months' growing season left. Melons , chili peppers ,tomatoes ,okra , purple-hulled and black-eyed peas do well in the heat as long as you keep 'em watered. You might want to give the melons and tomatoes a little afternoon shade.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/10 11:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Don't know about marinara or creole but for my canned salsa I just put everything in a blender then heat it to boiling before putting it in hot jars.

Why freeze marinara ?


I freeze because I have more room in my freezer than I have room to store jars. It's also quicker, and cheaper. I also make stuffed bell peppers and freeze them, and green beans.

Ever tried canning green beans?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/10 12:20 AM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Don't know about marinara or creole but for my canned salsa I just put everything in a blender then heat it to boiling before putting it in hot jars.

Why freeze marinara ?


I freeze because I have more room in my freezer than I have room to store jars. It's also quicker, and cheaper. I also make stuffed bell peppers and freeze them, and green beans.

Ever tried canning green beans?


I got my butt whupped more than once over not eating green beans so you'll understand that they're not my favorite veggie, ok? grin My grandmother used to can them in a pressure cooker and I remember the jars bursting when they got too hot.
I understand the ease of freezing versus canning but being from East Texas (where the electricity goes out every time it storms) I prefer a non-refridgerated preservation method.
I've been experimenting with the dehydrator the last few years and I must say that those "store-bought , sun-dried" tomatoes are waaaaaaaay overpriced.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/10 12:56 AM

Not too sure if I want to eat the blue taters.



Not really gardening related but my Catawba tree's in full bloom. Hopefully I'll have plenty of catfish bait this summer. cheers


Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/10 03:27 AM

Second batch of string beans with some grape tomatoes. Peppers starting to do well. Already picked a batch of Cubanel peppers, waiting on the hot stuff.... thumb




Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/10 12:48 PM

Those green beans look great. Some people pick fresh green beans and boil them until they taste like they came from a can. I blanch mine for around 8 minutes and then stir fry them, in butter, then add lemon juice, or lemon pepper.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/10 03:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
Second batch of string beans with some grape tomatoes. Peppers starting to do well. Already picked a batch of Cubanel peppers, waiting on the hot stuff.... thumb





nice.. I need to come see what a good garden looks like, because mine ain't it. It's ok, but nothing like what you are producing. I have about a dozen tomato plants, but only have a total of 6 tomatoes on the vine.

Speaking of, do you prune your tomato plants, and if so, how?
I understand the process, but not sure what gets pruned and what doesn't.

Also, Cubanelles are becoming my favorite pepper. Can't seem to find them in the markets anywhere though. I grew a few last year, but don't have any planted this season.




Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/10 04:34 PM

Have never pruned our tomatoe plants, just let 'em go. I think the key to good growing is good dirt. I know you know about Dyno dirt, we talked about it last season. Since I've added it to my garden things have really grown better, fuller and produced more than previous years.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/10 05:05 PM

I used dyno dirt, and that's it in my raised beds, and they just didn't do great. I think my problem had been drainage related. It's better, and I have better plant spacing, but still needs work.


Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/10 12:57 AM

What about fertilizing ? I was told to put down the required amount, I think it was miracle grow time release type, my garden is fair at best, I bought select garden dirt that pretty much looked like mulch, it is about 12 inches deep and has good drainage, should I be fertilizing more ?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/10 01:08 AM

No, probably watering more...Can you take pictures and post them?
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/10 12:31 PM

Originally Posted By: Happykamper
What about fertilizing ? I was told to put down the required amount, I think it was miracle grow time release type, my garden is fair at best, I bought select garden dirt that pretty much looked like mulch, it is about 12 inches deep and has good drainage, should I be fertilizing more ?


I always use fertilizer. The mulch could still be composting which will take up the nitrogen.
Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/10 01:58 PM

The place I bought the garden fill from did mention to put nitrogen down and then after 30 days use whatever fertilizer you want, would some more miracle grow be a good choice ?
Originally Posted By: bill oxner
Originally Posted By: Happykamper
What about fertilizing ? I was told to put down the required amount, I think it was miracle grow time release type, my garden is fair at best, I bought select garden dirt that pretty much looked like mulch, it is about 12 inches deep and has good drainage, should I be fertilizing more ?


I always use fertilizer. The mulch could still be composting which will take up the nitrogen.

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/10 02:17 PM

Anything with all three numbers will do. The first number is nitrogen. We always put more than needed in there anyway.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/10 02:24 PM

Well, the cucumbers are doing great. Got to do a little pickling this weekend and the vines are loaded with little 1" to 1 1/2" cucumbers so later this week will be a busy time. laugh Jalapenos are looking great and I picked enough to can this weekend too. The bell peppers are doing nicely as well. Picked a couple of good sized ones this weekend. Odd story. I "thought" I had purchased red and yellow bell peppers. I have 1 bush that produced a purple bell pepper. Never seen antyhing like it so I looked them up. Yep, they exist. I guess someone put the plant in the wrong container. Oh well. But my roma tomatoes are ticking me off. I had blooms like crazy and about 20 little ping pong ball size tomatoes growing. Then I noticed the bottoms were turning brown and looked to be rotting. Hmmm. I ended up picking most of them off, some still looked okay. I researched a bit and the thing I read said it could be from uneven watering, letting the soil get too try then too wet instead of a consistent moisture content. I water about every 4 days unless we get rain so that seemed odd. It also mentioned having a ph imbalance, sorry not a chemist so I'm not sure how to check that. Could also be too much nitrogen and mentioned using fertilizer with more phospherous. These are growing in big pots (tubs) and I used a gardening soil from the nursery and mixed in some cow manure. Have sprayed with Miracle grow once, about a month ago. Maybe the manure had too much nitrogen but it hasn't seemd to bother the other plants, just my tomatoes.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/10 03:31 PM

Sounds like you have blossom end rot on your tomatoes. Not much you can do this year. You need a source of calcium. I put lime in there for that before I plant. It seems to work.

You might get some good tomatoes later.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/10 03:42 PM

Yep, that's what it looks like. I'm just going to let them do their thing and see if it can work thru it at some point.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 12:20 PM

With all the heat we've been experiencing recently, it is time to start watering early in the morning or late in the evening...You will also need to increase the watering time to help keep the plants from burning up...
Posted By: PriddyTxHunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 03:06 PM

Got another newbie question. When do you pick your cucumbers? I've got a few that are close to 10" long but don't look ready yet. Do I wait until it looks ready or will it get tough if I wait too long? Should I pick them at a certain size or does it not matter? Thanks again for everyone's help.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 03:09 PM

It honestly depends on the kind of cucumbers you planted...I'd assume 10" is plenty ready (I pick some at 6" to 8" and another variety at 10" to 12")...Some can get bigger and not be too seedy (the seeds get harder the larger the cucumber gets)...I'd pick one now and then let one or 2 grow to the size you would consider 'ready' and see which one is better...
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 08:03 PM

Here's the latest addition to the garden.

I had to figure out a way to get the chickens from the coop to the side of my house so that they couldn't get to the garden.



Got some bamboo from a friend.


75% of this wood came out of someone's trash.


Put a little gate to close them up at night.



Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 08:05 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Here's the latest addition to the garden.

I had to figure out a way to get the chickens from the coop to the side of my house so that they wouldn't get to the garden.



Got some bamboo from a friend.


75% of this wood came out of someone's trash.


Put a little gate to close them up at night.




Crafty. I like it.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 09:30 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Here's the latest addition to the garden.

I had to figure out a way to get the chickens from the coop to the side of my house so that they couldn't get to the garden.



Got some bamboo from a friend.


75% of this wood came out of someone's trash.


Put a little gate to close them up at night.


Very nice indeed...thumb


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 09:31 PM

Here is what I harvested today...



11 zucchini squash, 2 yellow squash, 4 cucumbers, 1 Cubanelle and 1 Gypsy pepper.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 10:54 PM

Goooood chicken run, dude. thumb Is that black and white a dominique (Dominecker in East Texas ) hen ? If so , protect her. Domis are hard to find nowadays.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 10:57 PM

Good job on the early harvest! I'm getting banana peppers, tomatoes and blackberries right now and everything else is looking good. I found a mulberry tree about 3 blocks away and asked if they minded me harvesting them(side of the house).....been there 3x so far and they're awesome my 3 yr old is painted purple.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 10:59 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
With all the heat we've been experiencing recently, it is time to start watering early in the morning or late in the evening...You will also need to increase the watering time to help keep the plants from burning up...


+ 1

If it don't start raining in Northeast Texas soon I'm gonna lose my corn (or have a $100 water bill).

Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/10 11:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
With all the heat we've been experiencing recently, it is time to start watering early in the morning or late in the evening...You will also need to increase the watering time to help keep the plants from burning up...


+ 1

If it don't start raining in Northeast Texas soon I'm gonna lose my corn (or have a $100 water bill).


Thank the Lord for my water well.
Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 02:08 PM

Went out to water the garden yesterday evening and my potatoes looked llike a hurricane had moved through, almost all the leaves were gone, they were full of bugs, I put dust on them, will they be ok ?
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 02:25 PM

I had a green worm attack on my potatoes too. I dusted em right away. We shall see...
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 07:49 PM

I just built my wife a nice flower bed in the front yard. How do I keep my labs out of it? It's in the shade with fresh tilled dirt so they want to lay in it. They have mashed all of her newly planted flowers and dug.

How can i keep them out?????
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 07:52 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
I just built my wife a nice flower bed in the front yard. How do I keep my labs out of it? It's in the shade with fresh tilled dirt so they want to lay in it. They have mashed all of her newly planted flowers and dug.

How can i keep them out?????
Cayenne pepper will work on some dogs...I have a Shih Tzu that loves to eat the flowers off of marigolds and zinnias..
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 07:57 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: txfour
I just built my wife a nice flower bed in the front yard. How do I keep my labs out of it? It's in the shade with fresh tilled dirt so they want to lay in it. They have mashed all of her newly planted flowers and dug.

How can i keep them out?????
Cayenne pepper will work on some dogs...I have a Shih Tzu that loves to eat the flowers off of marigolds and zinnias..


Seems like Wal Mart use to carry a powder you could sprinkle in. Anyone know if it works?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 09:50 PM

Another question. Just picked up a soaker hose.

I want to use it on squash, tomatoes and corn. How long (in minutes or hours) do I leave it for each species? Getting pretty dry.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 09:54 PM

That's a tough one...I'd say about an hour a day...Tomato plants, if actively growing fruit take about 1 inch of water per week...Squash is the same...Corn is the only one that can take a little less...I'd go with an hour and adjust accordingly...
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 09:59 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
That's a tough one...I'd say about an hour a day...Tomato plants, if actively growing fruit take about 1 inch of water per week...Squash is the same...Corn is the only one that can take a little less...I'd go with an hour and adjust accordingly...


Ok. That's where I will start.

Funny thing is, my smallest tomatoe plants have the largest fruit, albeit only 1 per plant. And I'm not joking either. These are better boy plants that are no more than 10" tall. The fruit is big enough to fill the palm of my hand.

I know alot of it has to do with my soil. It is very high clay content and turns into concrete quickly after a heavy rain.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 10:08 PM

I'd do it very late at night or very early in the morning so that the plants have ample time to absorb the moisture...
Posted By: Texas Husker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 10:12 PM

AdventureTX,
I lived on a farm of which the south border was a river. My grandad would have me go down by the river where there were a lot of wild mulberry trees and pick all I could in the spring. Didn't gripe because I could eat as many as I wanted. With the rest my grandma made fabulous rhubarb-mulberry cobbler and my grandad would keep enought to make a batch of mulberry wine.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 10:12 PM

Thought I've been watering "just" acorn squash but found these mixed in.....pumpkins?





Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 10:16 PM

They sure do look like a pumpkin, but I believe that is Spaghetti Squash...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 10:21 PM

By the way, Spaghetti Squash is GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD eatin'...Just don't pick it before it's ready...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaghetti_squash
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 10:28 PM

Could be? Several friends bring me compost and I've got different kinds of squash everywhere and threatening to take over.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 10:34 PM

It's odd, the one in the first pic looks more like a Spaghetti Squash...However, the second one looks like a pumpkin...Are they on the same plant? Spaghetti Squash plants put off a similar odor to that of yellow squash, but a bit nuttier, sort of like Zucchini...
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 10:38 PM

They're growing down the alley over the fence and spreading to all four corners of the garden...





and I didn't plant any of them.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/10 10:47 PM

LOL...I've had that happen before...It's great, isn't it...Squash and pumpkins have similar plants and Spaghetti Squash is usually more oblong than round...It's a tough call...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/10 06:21 PM

My largest harvest thus far...



15 Zucchini Squash, 6 Yellow Squash, 1 Early Girl Tomato, 8 Sugary Grape Tomatoes (2 weren't ripe, but they came off when I pulled the others), 9 Sweet Banana Peppers, 4 Cayenne Peppers, 5 Anaheim Chili Peppers, and 5 Cubanelle Peppers.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/10 09:15 PM

My very first harvest of 2010 (I put my garden in way too late due to torrential rain). Is this safe to eat and what caused it?


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/10 10:35 PM

What caused what the blackish/brownish/purple color or the utensil laying across the stem...? I'd say manmade global warming caused the utensil to try and have it's way with the stem...grin

I'm not sure what causes the discoloration...We have it on occasion and it's never been a problem...Eat away, just stop when you get to the utensil or else you'll have to buy new teeth...

Good job...thumb
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/10 11:17 PM

Lonestar

Here's another odd one I found....looks like a giant zucchini?



Tomatoes are going crazy too!





These are 2 of 20 plants with fruits all over them!!!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/10 11:25 PM

That's awesome!!!!!

I had one similar to that and it was like a zucchini/spaghetti squash hybrid...VERY good...If that's what it is, they take longer than the other squash to mature, usually about 20 days...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/10 12:42 AM

Friend or foe

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/10 01:07 AM

I don't know, but it looks like it belongs to the beetle family and those are not good for vegetable plants...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/10 01:13 AM

Was it me, or were there more ladybugs around this year than in any I can remember?

In the last few days, I've seen of few of the no-good yellow looking lady-bugs. They'll be dying though.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/10 01:15 AM

I've had a BOAT load of lady bugs...First time it's been this way since 2007...We had them EVERYWHERE including the house that year...They've stayed in the garden this year...
Posted By: Edge

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/10 05:15 AM

Any one up in here? If so I got a question about okra. My first time trying them and not real sure when to pick them.
Thanks for the help!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/10 01:07 PM

Okra is usually ready when it's 2 - 4 inches long...Some varieties are okay longer, but the majority get too difficult to eat when they are longer...Be prepared to pick okra everyday...Oh and take a knife or pair of scissors to cut it from the plant...You may need to wear gloves as well depending on the variety and if it makes you itch or not...
Posted By: Edge

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/10 06:47 PM

Thanks LSS. 1st go around and learning as it happens.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/10 08:20 PM

One more thing, Edge, watch the flowers when you're picking...You might see a bumblebee instead of your more friendly honey bee...Bumblebees can sting more than once...NOT a pleasant experience...
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/10 11:08 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Friend or foe


FOE...get a bottle of Seven at your local Home Depot/nursery, then remember to wash everything before you eat it.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/10 03:16 PM

Starting to get some New Mexico Big Jim's anybody ever heard of them? Are they hot? Hope so.... flame
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/10 02:13 PM





The first pic shows how my sweet 100 is starting to turn brown from the bottom up. The top half still looks great and it's still putting off little maters but if this keeps up I'm afraid the whole plant will die before I harvest. Thoughts?

Second pic is of my cuke. Went out this kiting and it's got those white spots all over it. Thoughts?

Good news bad news thing. There are little wolf/jumping spiders eating those foe beetles I showed you. Spiders good beetles bad
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/10 02:25 PM

The spots on the cucumber leaves look like those that happen after putting out Sevin dust or when fertilizer hits the leaves...

The tomatoes aren't getting either enough water or nitrogen...Or it could be getting wind burned...I've got some that are having the same issue because of the southerly winds...I can block the winds from the north, but the south winds are just a PITA....
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/10 01:31 AM

Anybody ever grow asparagus ? Mine is 3 years old and I thought it was a male (I got a decent harvest this year) but now the fronds have what look to be berries (seed sacs ?) on them.
Posted By: lonestar

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/10 01:45 AM

Got my garden in a little late but everything seems to be going well. In the last week I have had an invasion of grasshoppers. These things are tiny but there are 100's of them. They have eat the tops of my leftover radishes and are now working on my okra and pea plants. Put sevin dust out today , but the directions did not list grasshoppers as one of the insects it controls. Anyone have any suggestions if the sevin does not work? THANKS!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/10 02:23 AM

Originally Posted By: lonestar
Got my garden in a little late but everything seems to be going well. In the last week I have had an invasion of grasshoppers. These things are tiny but there are 100's of them. They have eat the tops of my leftover radishes and are now working on my okra and pea plants. Put sevin dust out today , but the directions did not list grasshoppers as one of the insects it controls. Anyone have any suggestions if the sevin does not work? THANKS!


Here is an interesting read on grasshoppers...It is written by someone in Colorado, but has some very good information...Oh, and like women, grasshoppers are the debil...

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05536.html
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/10 04:43 AM

Well the first tomatoe horn worm was a bit of a novety, even thought about feeding it up to become a lunar moth. 14 worms later... I'm pizzed! Used mechanical means of control...splat!!! Then found the stink bugs realmad. Not happy about it, but malathion should do the tick.
Posted By: BrentMeister

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/10 07:19 PM

I hate to hear that the horn woms are already out...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/10 09:50 PM

Tomato horn worms don't change into Luna moths. They change into Sphinx moths. Be careful with malathion. I'm not sure if it's safe for vegetables.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 05:23 AM

You are correct on the Sphinx moth Siberman. My entymology slipped up on me. Double checked the label before application, Malathion has a 7 day harvest interval for tomatoes at the rate I applied. I understand your concern, I might should have included a disclaimer with my post. I've kept a private pesticide applicator license for 30+ yrs. and even held a commercial lic. for 8 yrs. Also have access to an entymologist w/Phd. that I consult with before application. Certainly didn't wish anyone else to take my lead on chemical applications. thumb
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 02:25 PM

We always grow okra and this year we added Red Velvet to the list because we hadn't ever seen it before here's the first harvest, it is producing on very small plants.


Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 04:09 PM

Cha-ching! 3rd qt of pickles hit the counter today. Should have at least 2 more qts worth of cucumbers by Thursday of this week. I also have 6 bell peppers on one plant 7 on another. 12 roma tomatoes just about full size and starting to turn colors finally. Probably need to pick those today so the birds don't start pecking at them. Seems like that little "bottom rot" issue I had with the tomatoes worked itself out as these all look fine. Jalapeno bushes looking great, loaded with blooms and about 12 little peppers growing... Onions failed though, I don't think they are getting enough sun where I planted them.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 04:44 PM

So I may have screwed up. I have some kind of bug/worm getting my tomatoes just as they are ripening. It leaves a nasty black rotted chunk in the mater. Also, I have never done well with corn. The plant have always grown really well, but worms get in and 95% of the harvest is trashed (im not eating wormy corn).

Anyhow, I have never doen well with tomatoe plants, but this year my plants have a ton of fruit growing and the plants themselves are extremely healthy.

So, here is where I screwed up. I decided I was going to have wormless corn and I wanted rid of whatever is eating my tomatoes. So I bought a bottle of liquid Sevin and mixed it up in my sprayer and sprayed every veggie plant I had, even the fruits themselves.

I have used Sevin powder all my life for a pesticide, but I've never been a big veggie garden guy until the last few years.

Now, 12 hours later, I am regretting using the stuff after all of the reading I have done on other gardening forums.

So how bad have I screwed up here. Some stuff I read said I can't eat the fruits for two weeks. I will lose a ton of tomatoes and peppers and squash if that is the case.

Stoopid, stoopid, stoopid......
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 05:03 PM

Growing up, we always picked field corn at my Grandpa's farm (think 60's thru mid-80's). In those days, there were very fews ears of corn that didn't have a worm on the end and maybe an inch or so of the corn gone. We always just cut that piece off and kept the rest, no big deal. Of course, nowadays, they have all of these hybrid varieties that are "roundup ready" and "worm-free". I can't remember the last worm I saw in an ear of corn from the fields, but then again, I'm talking field corn, not sweet corn. The field stuff is still edible but I would thing with all of the hybridization it's not nearly as good for you now as it once was. Anyway, most of that stuff is used for cattle, hog and chicken feed (not to mention deer corn).
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 07:30 PM

Read the label/booklet attached to the product. Just happen to have a bottle of liquid sevin on hand. The number of days to wait between last application and harvest (PHI pre-harvest interval) for tomatoes and corn is 0 days. That is assuming you used the proper rate. You should be able to rinse thoroughly and consume. PLEASE DO NOT take this as advice to act upon. Read the label, check the rate, call the number provided on the label, 800-332-5553. By the way, never use any product that is not accompanied by a label for that product. Pesticides with no lable should be dissposed of properly.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 09:46 PM

Cool. I bow to your knowledge. flehan thumb
I've used malathion on ornamentals ( you can't beat it for killing bugs) but never on produce. That, and the fact I got a face-full of diazinon (sp?) one year keeps me from using anything stronger than Sevin.

I try to plant "trap" crops that either draw the bad bugs away or attract beneficial insects. (Sunflowers attract squash bugs, btw.) With the population of aphid-loving fire ants in my area I finally had to break down and start nuking the squash.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 09:52 PM

I must live in a micro-climate. All y'all have tomatoes , squash and peppers ready but mine are still green / small. I just put up 14 half-pints of "Alberta" peach preserves this weekend.

Maybe I ought to quit waiting to plant 'til after Easter....

Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 09:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I must live in a micro-climate. All y'all have tomatoes , squash and peppers ready but mine are still green / small. I just put up 14 half-pints of "Alberta" peach preserves this weekend.

Maybe I ought to quit waiting to plant 'til after Easter....


Don't worry. I'm in the same boat as you and have been wondering about all these "harvest" post.

All I've harvested so far are 3 banana peppers and one half eaten, half ripe tomato.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 10:10 PM

Is it too late to bury some crappie carcasses? How far do i want them from my mater plants? How deep?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 10:12 PM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
Read the label/booklet attached to the product. Just happen to have a bottle of liquid sevin on hand. The number of days to wait between last application and harvest (PHI pre-harvest interval) for tomatoes and corn is 0 days. That is assuming you used the proper rate. You should be able to rinse thoroughly and consume. PLEASE DO NOT take this as advice to act upon. Read the label, check the rate, call the number provided on the label, 800-332-5553. By the way, never use any product that is not accompanied by a label for that product. Pesticides with no lable should be dissposed of properly.


Mine says 2 days on corn (which I am fine on, I assume it will be another week before I have any ready) and on tomatoes it says 3 days. But I did use the concentrate.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 10:16 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Originally Posted By: Siberman
I must live in a micro-climate. All y'all have tomatoes , squash and peppers ready but mine are still green / small. I just put up 14 half-pints of "Alberta" peach preserves this weekend.

Maybe I ought to quit waiting to plant 'til after Easter....


Don't worry. I'm in the same boat as you and have been wondering about all these "harvest" post.

All I've harvested so far are 3 banana peppers and one half eaten, half ripe tomato.


And don't get too worried, my cucumbers and okra just came up yesterday (which may be way too late).
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/10 10:25 PM

I'm with you guys on the harvest. All that's ready so far are the green beans I planted last. As posted earlier, wasn't happy about using malathion, esp. this early, but I'm well over a week from any thing being ready. Started the tomatoes as transplants in 1 gal. pots waaay back in the middle of Feb., in the ground mid March and nothing ready yet. Maybe cucumbers by the end of the week... just seems like things aren't maturing as fast as they should.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/10 03:00 PM

I'm there with ya on the late harvest. So far I've only had sugar snap peas which did really well. Tomatoes are green, squash are blooming but not going, I've got one cuke started and a couple small peppers on very small plants. My excuse is this is the first year of my raised bed so the nutrients are probably all wrong.
Posted By: Cody Neace

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/10 04:43 PM

how do yall get rid of the grass and yall garden after you dont planted stuff in it
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/10 09:02 PM

Round-Up. cheers
Posted By: Cody Neace

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/10 11:11 PM

will it kill the plants?
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 12:37 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I'm there with ya on the late harvest. So far I've only had sugar snap peas which did really well. Tomatoes are green, squash are blooming but not going, I've got one cuke started and a couple small peppers on very small plants. My excuse is this is the first year of my raised bed so the nutrients are probably all wrong.


I'm doing better this second year with my raised beds, but I think mine was more of an issue with drainage. I'm not breaking any records, but I've got 12-15 peppers going and about 20 or so peppers scattered over 8 or plants. I did much better last year in the fall though. It was a tough summer watching my maters plants grow tall but not produce anything, but when September rolled around they did quite well.

I've found myself with room for a few more things to plant, but can't decide what I want to put there. It'll probably be a couple of nice mature cubanelle pepper plants. Those are the best tasting peppers.




Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 12:59 AM

Originally Posted By: Crappie&CatfishDudes
will it kill the plants?


I'm sorry, dude. I didn't read your post right. I thought you were talkin' about an un-planted plot.

Yes, Round-Up will kill all plants it gets on. I've used it to kill locust trees. It doesn't stay in the ground though, so if you're a really good shot (and there's no wind) you can use it to spray just the plants you want to kill.

Other than that , about the only way I know is to get a hoe or spend an hour or so every day bent over pullin' up grass. wink



Posted By: Cody Neace

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 01:13 AM

the plants are going to die
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 04:37 AM

For a more controlled application of round-up, you can sponge or paint it on. A little dab'll do ya! I've used a rope wick in the past as well.
Posted By: jeffnsa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 12:11 PM

i had watermelon or pumpkin growing from my compost pile, a few tomato, and some trampled on cucumber plants, and a fruit laden peach tree destroyed last night by some severe storms last night in san antonio. luckly i had just brought in my 3 week old chickens from there chicken run which is a 10x15 chain link dog run, it was thrown across the yard by the winds.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 01:28 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Crappie&CatfishDudes
will it kill the plants?


I'm sorry, dude. I didn't read your post right. I thought you were talkin' about an un-planted plot.

Yes, Round-Up will kill all plants it gets on. I've used it to kill locust trees. It doesn't stay in the ground though, so if you're a really good shot (and there's no wind) you can use it to spray just the plants you want to kill.

Other than that , about the only way I know is to get a hoe or spend an hour or so every day bent over pullin' up grass. wink




For what it's worth, I was reading an article last week about Roundup. Roundup was found to cause extreme harm to reproductive cells, including destroying cells and DNA damage.

Anyways, just worth noting.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 02:08 PM

Many different ways to get rid of weeds.

Boiling water

vinegar/salt

and DE has REALLY helped out to control bugs and my harvest ratio is up. With DE I've found it works as a preventive...once you got bad bugs it's usually to late and then the best thing to do is remove the infected plants and either burn them or put them in a plastic bag......DON'T COMPOST!

Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 02:21 PM

Hey Adventure, I've got another plan for spring next year grin

I'm going to see about getting 1 or 2 chicks, and letting them go ape-crazy in my garden before planting in the early spring. That should wipe out a little bit of the bug population, albeit for a little while.

Just not sure what to do with the chicks after that. I can't keep them, lol.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 02:32 PM

That's usually what I do....but I built a movable cage so I can isolate them to one area.....I'll take'm!

This guy was hanging out with me last night



My wife spreads last years seeds of these black-eyed susans every fall and they keep coming back.


Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 08:57 PM

Since I haven't been here in forever crazy, some pics...

Some potatoes I picked.



Beans and peas are doing really well. Though, my peas are covered in ants and I have no idea why.



Finally, the tomato plants set fruit. I've got somewhere around 10-15 total, from 2 plants. Not very big plants, but at least I have tomatoes.




Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 09:08 PM

I have a ton of fruits on my tomato plants. I have 6 plants with roughly 10 fruit per plant. About 5 or 6 nice big suckers, the kind you can put in the palm of your hand and not be able to fully close your hand. Why will these little boogers not ripen? They have been this way for over a week. I've never had tomato plants before, but didn't expect it to take this long for them to ripen.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 09:33 PM

Glad you're ok, man. thumb

I had the wind pick up and drop my chicken house ( an 8 x 10 portable building that wasn't secured) with all the chickens and chicks in it. Took me all day to round all those little suckers up.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 09:38 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Crappie&CatfishDudes
will it kill the plants?


I'm sorry, dude. I didn't read your post right. I thought you were talkin' about an un-planted plot.

Yes, Round-Up will kill all plants it gets on. I've used it to kill locust trees. It doesn't stay in the ground though, so if you're a really good shot (and there's no wind) you can use it to spray just the plants you want to kill.

Other than that , about the only way I know is to get a hoe or spend an hour or so every day bent over pullin' up grass. wink




For what it's worth, I was reading an article last week about Roundup. Roundup was found to cause extreme harm to reproductive cells, including destroying cells and DNA damage.

Anyways, just worth noting.


Gotta link to the article? RoundUp is supposed to break down into non-detrimental salt compounds. Although I don't really want to reproduce any more, I'd like to know I still can. wink I may just start filling the sprayer with vinegar. It's certainly cheaper.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 09:43 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Many different ways to get rid of weeds.

Boiling water

vinegar/salt

and DE has REALLY helped out to control bugs and my harvest ratio is up. With DE I've found it works as a preventive...once you got bad bugs it's usually to late and then the best thing to do is remove the infected plants and either burn them or put them in a plastic bag......DON'T COMPOST!


Vinegar works on the nut grass and other weeds that grow up in the middle of my walkway so I'm sure it'd be fine for the garden. Don't know if I'd use salt. It's gonna stay in the ground and eventually leach over into other plants.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 09:52 PM

The ants are attracted to the sugar in the peas. If you plant sweet corn harvest it before it gets too ripe or you'll have fire ant bites all over your hands.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 09:55 PM

Your garden rocks. grin It's really grown since the first pic. Must be nice to have toads. I haven't seen one in years.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/10 09:57 PM

wink It takes a while. Be patient. The wait is worth it.
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/10 03:40 AM

Things are looking pretty good in my garden. I was happy to see my first jalapeno starting to grow but went out today to discover it missing. I can only assume it was a bird or a squirrel - I put up a fence to keep the dogs out. Not sure if birds or squirrels can feel the heat but I hope they can so they'll think twice next time.

Any ideas to keep them out? I hear scarecrows don't do much. What works? Rubber snakes? I read something about reflective objects (like CDs) that twirl might work.

Also, my green bean plants are producing a pretty good amount of beans but the plants themselves don't look big enough to me. Should I remove all of the existing beans and then remove the blooms as they form for a while so the plant has a chance to grow? Or should I just let them go?
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/10 03:32 PM

Thanks Siberman it's better this year than the previous 4 so hopefully it keeps improving.....I knew nothing when I started and still know very little. Are there professional gardeners that you can rent for the day? Mine keeps going in stages with improvements each year, but I really think it could be much better.

I'm surprised that there isn't a company that sets up "your" garden on timers and all the planting and then maybe a once a month maintenance????

I think that would get a lot of lazy people gardening!
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/10 08:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
The ants are attracted to the sugar in the peas. If you plant sweet corn harvest it before it gets too ripe or you'll have fire ant bites all over your hands.


Will they harm the peas? I noticed I had actual sprouts forming of the shells the peas will be in, this morning. I hope they don't eat the peas before I ever get to harvest them.

Originally Posted By: Siberman

Gotta link to the article? RoundUp is supposed to break down into non-detrimental salt compounds. Although I don't really want to reproduce any more, I'd like to know I still can. wink I may just start filling the sprayer with vinegar. It's certainly cheaper.


I read it in Mother Earth News magazine, who got it from the Toxicology journal.

Link
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/10 09:24 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX


I'm surprised that there isn't a company that sets up "your" garden on timers and all the planting and then maybe a once a month maintenance????

I think that would get a lot of lazy people gardening!


Might be a good way to make a dollar. thumb
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/10 09:27 PM

I'm getting only a couple nanner peppers a day (only have two plants). I cant eat them every day and they are spoiling before I get enough to pickle. I have them just sitting on the counter top. Is there a better way to store them until I get enough?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/10 09:34 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns


Will they harm the peas? I noticed I had actual sprouts forming of the shells the peas will be in, this morning. I hope they don't eat the peas before I ever get to harvest them.

The peas haven't matured but they're sprouting ? Got a pic ? I'm not sure about that. Open a few pods up and see what's going on inside.
As far as the ants , I'd be more wary of aphids sucking the juice out of the plants since the pea pods should keep the ants out. If they're harvester ants they could do some damage but I have "sugar" and "fire" ants build at the bases of my chili plants every year with no real damage done.




Link

Thanks.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/10 09:42 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
I'm getting only a couple nanner peppers a day (only have two plants). I cant eat them every day and they are spoiling before I get enough to pickle. I have them just sitting on the counter top. Is there a better way to store them until I get enough?


Put 'em in the vegetable crisper of your refridgerator. Low humidity will keep 'em longer.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/10 10:22 AM

Things starting to grow rapidly now. Got these yesterday. Those are some big Habaneros, we've never had te get that big before.



Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/10 06:30 PM

what are those peppers in the upper right?

Those poblanos look great... I need to plant some of those next year.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/10 08:03 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
what are those peppers in the upper right?



I think those are "chocolate" bells.
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/10 09:53 PM

Is this from a horn worm or is this from something else like a squirrel?




It's starting to really tick me off. I've looked the plant over and can't find a horn worm but that doesn't mean there isn't one there.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/10 10:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
what are those peppers in the upper right?



I think those are "chocolate" bells.


You are correct. Chocolate bell peppers
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 12:44 AM

Those look like some bells I planted called black beauty probably the same thing?
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 06:22 AM

Originally Posted By: jeff.m
Is this from a horn worm or is this from something else like a squirrel?




It's starting to really tick me off. I've looked the plant over and can't find a horn worm but that doesn't mean there isn't one there.
I'd be inclined to vote squirrel. Tomatoe horn worms, and I had a bunch, prefer the leaves and are usually easy to spot. You would most certainly be seeing damage to the leaves as well. You may be looking at rabbit damage. I've got a lot of squirrels, and they have never bothered the garden. hmmm
Posted By: Milles

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 09:46 AM

I also think it`s not horn worms.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 12:12 PM

Use Thuricide for horn worms.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 01:24 PM

Anyone here grow berries (in North Texas, anyways)?

I am looking at ordering 10 berry plants - 5 blackberry & 5 raspberry. Was going to do 15, with the other 5 being Golden Anne Raspberries, but since I can only order them in multiples of 5s, I decided to hold off. Still not sure how those golden raspberries would do here.

I staked out my 2011 garden yesterday. Need to spend the next few weeks going around finding free lumber to build 4 more raised beds.


Also, one of my tomatoes finally turned orange-red. Should be just a few more days until it's ready to harvest. How do you tell when it's ready to pick?
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 02:38 PM

Mine has started turning red too but the birds are getting to em before I am. When it looks like you want to eat it, pick it.

Also, according to TAMU, in North Texas the fall planting for peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cantaloupe and watermelon is June 15th - July 15th.

The whole list...
http://grovesite.com/page.asp?o=tamu&s=h&p=317762
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 03:12 PM

I start picking my tomatoes at first blush. Stink worms usually ends my tomatoes. They were swarming in my garden this morning.
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 03:15 PM

what is the biggest you will still use okra..i guess fried okra and gumbo would allow for the biggest to be used is the diameter of a C battery too big
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 03:21 PM

Here's what I added last weekend and after using it for a week it's one of the few things I would recommend. This is after going through 3 plastic ones that always leaked.


Finally used the quail my dad gave me years ago and after installing it I had to take it off and replace all the inner seals.



Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 03:22 PM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
what is the biggest you will still use okra..i guess fried okra and gumbo would allow for the biggest to be used is the diameter of a C battery too big


Sort of depends on the variety. Most okra on bushes need to be harvested no bigger than 3"-4". However, we gre some years ago that my step-father called "German okra" and you didn't even pick it until it was 5"-6" long and you could let it get to about 7" without it getting too hard. That variety is a lighter green color than most okra and it doesn't grow on short, knee to thigh high bushes. It grows more on stalks, sort of like corn. Our plants were about 5'-6' tall, lol..
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 03:26 PM

Now this it what I have been waiting for and a friend told me the time was right so we moved these Italian pollinators behind my garage late last night and I woke up to bees on every flower!


This hive just has the bottom box and will soon have the upper box where they start storing the honey. We won't get a harvest this year.


Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 03:54 PM

congrats...but the hive looks tilted back would'nt rain drain backwards into the hive and cause some problems
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 04:26 PM

It is a little tilted. Probably going to get some cinder blocks and really get it permanently settled. Was out this morning watching them and they look a little different than our natives I'll try and get a pic of one.
Posted By: BrentMeister

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 06:43 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glyphosate#Humans

Roundup toxicity summary with links/references.

I use it, but observe handwashing/safety suggestions...
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 09:47 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Mine has started turning red too but the birds are getting to em before I am. When it looks like you want to eat it, pick it.



Same here. Darn birds get more of the blackberries than we do.... bang
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 10:51 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Anyone here grow berries (in North Texas, anyways)?

I am looking at ordering 10 berry plants - 5 blackberry & 5 raspberry. Was going to do 15, with the other 5 being Golden Anne Raspberries, but since I can only order them in multiples of 5s, I decided to hold off. Still not sure how those golden raspberries would do here.

I staked out my 2011 garden yesterday. Need to spend the next few weeks going around finding free lumber to build 4 more raised beds.


Also, one of my tomatoes finally turned orange-red. Should be just a few more days until it's ready to harvest. How do you tell when it's ready to pick?


I planted 4 thornless blackberries last spring (2009) and this year they're covered ( "Apache" seems to do well here). Both my granddads always grew the thorned variety and I must say it's nice to be able to pick 'em without needing a blood transfusion. thumb

If you're having problems with critters eating your ripe tomatoes go ahead and pick 'em while they're pink. Put them in a bright window and they'll ripen up just fine.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 10:54 PM

Originally Posted By: ROOKIE 07
what is the biggest you will still use okra..i guess fried okra and gumbo would allow for the biggest to be used is the diameter of a C battery too big


3" to 4" for boiling / stewing. Up to 6" for frying. Anything bigger I'd keep to dry and save the seed.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 11:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Mine has started turning red too but the birds are getting to em before I am. When it looks like you want to eat it, pick it.



Same here. Darn birds get more of the blackberries than we do.... bang


2 words: bird netting. It's a pain to work with but it'll keep critters off your food. I even use it to keep snakes out of the bird and chicken houses.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 11:06 PM

Thanks. wink
Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/10 11:31 PM

Some of my potatoes are exposed, will they be ok or do I need to put dirt on them ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/10 01:51 AM

If they've turned green pull 'em up and throw 'em away.
Otherwise, cover 'em up ASAP.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/10 02:27 PM

This is the harvest from this morning...I'm sorry I was too sick to take pics last week and post them. I harvested 1 day, but had my mom and niece harvest when they were down here the other days...



13 Cubanelle Peppers, 7 Gypsy Peppers, 7 Tam Jalapeno Peppers (Mild), 6 Cucumbers (1 of these is too large and will have to be grilled, yes, grilled), 6 Zucchini Squash (2 of these will be turned into Zucchini bread), 4 Yellow Squash, 13 Tomatoes (Mixture of Early Girl, Beefsteak, and Heatwave), 23 Cherry Tomatoes, 1 Jalapeno Pepper (Hot), 5 Anaheim Chili Peppers, 26 Sweet Banana Peppers, 6 Hot Banana Peppers, 8 Cayenne Peppers...

I'll be going out later and checking to see if I missed anything, but dang it's HUMID this morning...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/10 03:58 PM

Sure is. Glad to see you're feeling better LSS.

Thanks Siberman for the tip on the blackberries.

Right now I'm trying to come up with where to put them. Lots of options, but all of them kind of look strange (i.e. dividing the yard in half). I do have a nice south-western facing hill I was thinking of putting them on.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/10 05:01 PM

Lonestar that IS a beautiful harvest!! We're going to do our first big harvest this weekend.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/10 01:34 AM

Nice growing LSS.... thumb
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/10 02:58 AM

Thanks guys...I'm upset about the wind damage my tomatoes and squash have seemingly suffered...I moved the tomatoes this year and they aren't protected from the south winds...They are fine on the other 3 sides, but not the south...Coupling that with the high heat so early and it's basically a blast furnace. This will be the first year I've had to replant the tomatoes for a fall garden...
Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/10 05:54 PM

Does anyone know where I can get small cukes ? I need two bushels and do not want anything over 3 inches, I am going to a Farmers market in NRH to see what they have, I have bought them there for the past 3 or 4 years but cannot seem to get them small enough.
Posted By: SFAbassguy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/10 11:46 PM

whats wrong with my tomatos? are they getting to hot? i know they are getting pleny of water. i have sprayed a few times in the last month for different insects. lss whats the deal.




Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/10 11:49 PM

I can't tell you whats wrong with them, but I can tell you that out of fear of it being a fungus, I immediately break those off at the stalk assuming those branches are not flowering.

Besides, you dont care about leaf growth so much. You want fruit growth.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/10 01:15 AM

Originally Posted By: SFAbassguy
whats wrong with my tomatos? are they getting to hot? i know they are getting pleny of water. i have sprayed a few times in the last month for different insects. lss whats the deal.



Most likely insect activity...I'd cut back on the water just a bit and see if that helps them...Mine are windburned and I'll be replacing them after I make the large harvest in a few weeks...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/10 01:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Happykamper
Does anyone know where I can get small cukes ? I need two bushels and do not want anything over 3 inches, I am going to a Farmers market in NRH to see what they have, I have bought them there for the past 3 or 4 years but cannot seem to get them small enough.


Saw them at costco about 5 months ago for about $8 for a 5-6lb bag.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/10 06:38 PM



Today's harvest: 14 tomatoes (mixture of Big Boy, Better Boy, Early Girl and Homestead), 14 Roma Tomatoes, 4 Yellow Squash, 1 Zucchini Squash, 2 Tam Jalapeno Peppers, 3 Carmen Peppers (they are supposed to be red when ripe, but I am impatient and wanted to spur on growth), 1 Green California Wonder Pepper, 1 Purple Bell Pepper (on a plant that produces...Cubanelle Peppers), 2 Sweet Banana Peppers, 1 Gypsy Pepper, 2 Cubanelle Peppers, 9 Hot Banana Peppers, 2 Hot Jalapeno Peppers, and 7 Cayenne Peppers...
Posted By: TBassYates

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/10 09:05 PM

I am lagging behind on my tomatoes and peppers but my squash has gone crazy this year. I have been picking about 6 to 8 a day on about 8 plants. They didn't do good at all last year but this year it is amazing. Cucumbers are starting to produce pretty good. Okra, tomatoes and peppers are coming along and will be doing really good soon. Melons are also really growing.
Most of all I am trying corn for the first time and my 8 plants look great and have about 12 to 14 cobbs growing. Looks like my first attempt at them are going to work out fine. Can't wait to get me some fresh corn going on the smoker.
Took some squash and put some Habenero Olive Oil, Lime juice, garlic herb and lemon pepper on them and put them on the grill the other night. They were awesome.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/10 01:56 PM

Awesome TBass. If you do pull the corn to grill it, pull it right before you throw it on the grill. It will taste amazing...

Spread a lot of DE yesterday. The peas are being bombarded by pests.

No cobs yet for me, but I am pleased that the corn is about 2.5' tall now. The Kentucky Wonder Pole beans are flat out ridiculous - some have crawled taller than me.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/10 09:41 PM

thumb Excellent.

Finally got some rain last night. About 5" in a couple hours. eeks

Went out to the garden this afternoon and I'm estimating about 5 lbs of blackberries , 20 squash , 15 or so serrano and cayennes (the habs are still green), and beaucoup green tomatoes. Looks like a busy weekend.

Y'all really need to try the "Apache" thornless blackberries. 1.5" long and just the right flavor. Not too sweet, not too sour. wink

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/10 09:48 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Awesome TBass. If you do pull the corn to grill it, pull it right before you throw it on the grill. It will taste amazing...


It's better that way when you boil it as well. Shoot, I can eat sweet corn straight off the stalk. Just think of the silk as dental floss. laugh


Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/10 01:12 PM

you guys ever get mislabeled vegatables? I have a plant that was supposed to be an anaheim pepper plant. Pulled two peppers today, and they are peppers, but they are not anaheims. Anaheims are typically a deep green, and these things are basically big yellow colored banana peppers. The anaheims I had last year were green all the way through there development, so I know these things weren't going to turn green like that.

Maybe I'll post a picture later.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/10 03:58 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
you guys ever get mislabeled vegatables? I have a plant that was supposed to be an anaheim pepper plant. Pulled two peppers today, and they are peppers, but they are not anaheims. Anaheims are typically a deep green, and these things are basically big yellow colored banana peppers. The anaheims I had last year were green all the way through there development, so I know these things weren't going to turn green like that.

Maybe I'll post a picture later.

Yeah, Anaheim Peppers start out dark green...I'll post my pics from today's harvest in a few minutes and show you...

I did get a purple bell pepper off a plant that also grows Cubanelles...It might be a second plant I didn't see when I planted it and just happened to have the purple bell instead...Either way, it makes me happy...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/10 04:14 PM

Today's Harvest:



June 12, 2010 Harvest (Picture 1 of 2): 24 Sweet Banana Peppers, 7 Zucchini Squash, 2 Yellow Squash, 1 Carmen Pepper, 9 Cubanelle Peppers, 5 Cucumbers, 16 Cayenne Peppers, 2 Gypsy Peppers, 21 Tam Jalapeno Peppers, 19 Anaheim Peppers and 11 Hot Banana Peppers.



June 12, 2010 Harvest (Picture 2 of 2): 18 Tomatoes (mixture of Homestead, Early Girl and Heatwave), 11 Large Cherry Tomatoes (I don't remember their name, but they are from a volunteer plant), 35 Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes and 1 Lemon Boy Tomato.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/10 06:00 PM





Wish my maters were doing better, but I have close to 40 growing, so I can't gripe too much, even though most of them are cherry toms.

That poor wimpy carrot.. just got tired of looking at.



Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/10 10:05 PM

Very nice looking veggies...I've never done well with carrots or radishes...I finally gave up after last year...
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/10 03:21 PM

This morning's harvest. The little red ones are Thai peppers..can't wait to see how hot they are.... flame flame






Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/10 04:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
This morning's harvest. The little red ones are Thai peppers..can't wait to see how hot they are.... flame flame





Great harvest...I do believe I'll let you try those hot peppers...I don't grow anything hotter than the Jalapeno or Hot Banana Pepper...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/10 08:14 PM

Dude, you already have OKRA ? When did you plant ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/10 08:18 PM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
This morning's harvest. The little red ones are Thai peppers..can't wait to see how hot they are.... flame flame


They should be somewhere between a cayenne and a pequin. They're hotter green . The red ones kinda remind me of chipotli. Can't wait 'til mine are ripe.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/10 08:26 PM

Just fyi for any newbie chili eaters:

Don't drink water-based liquids like tea to take the burn out. Drink milk , eat cheese or starchy foods like bread/ tortillas/pasta . The heat-producing chemical in chilis (capsicum ? ) is oil based. Water will only spread it around more. Dairy and grain products actually absorb the oil.

Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/10 09:05 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Today's Harvest:



June 12, 2010 Harvest (Picture 1 of 2): 24 Sweet Banana Peppers, 7 Zucchini Squash, 2 Yellow Squash, 1 Carmen Pepper, 9 Cubanelle Peppers, 5 Cucumbers, 16 Cayenne Peppers, 2 Gypsy Peppers, 21 Tam Jalapeno Peppers, 19 Anaheim Peppers and 11 Hot Banana Peppers.



June 12, 2010 Harvest (Picture 2 of 2): 18 Tomatoes (mixture of Homestead, Early Girl and Heatwave), 11 Large Cherry Tomatoes (I don't remember their name, but they are from a volunteer plant), 35 Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes and 1 Lemon Boy Tomato.

Nice growing LSS.... thumb thumb
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/10 01:44 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Dude, you already have OKRA ? When did you plant ?


I guess it was mid may. If there is ONE thing I can grow it's okra. It's actually kind of hard to eff it up.

***correction.. It was actually the third week in April.***



Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/10 03:01 PM

Last week Wednesdays harvest


was out of town Friday - Sunday and came home to lot's of tomatoes



Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/10 04:33 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher




The first pic shows how my sweet 100 is starting to turn brown from the bottom up. The top half still looks great and it's still putting off little maters but if this keeps up I'm afraid the whole plant will die before I harvest. Thoughts?

Second pic is of my cuke. Went out this kiting and it's got those white spots all over it. Thoughts?

Good news bad news thing. There are little wolf/jumping spiders eating those foe beetles I showed you. Spiders good beetles bad
Did you ever get the powdery mildew disease under control?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/10 05:35 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Last week Wednesdays harvest


was out of town Friday - Sunday and came home to lot's of tomatoes


Very nice indeed...thumb
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/10 05:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: DHFisher




The first pic shows how my sweet 100 is starting to turn brown from the bottom up. The top half still looks great and it's still putting off little maters but if this keeps up I'm afraid the whole plant will die before I harvest. Thoughts?

Second pic is of my cuke. Went out this kiting and it's got those white spots all over it. Thoughts?

Good news bad news thing. There are little wolf/jumping spiders eating those foe beetles I showed you. Spiders good beetles bad
Did you ever get the powdery mildew disease under control?


Nope. It's pretty much taken that tomato plant and some leaves of that cuke are dying.
Posted By: PriddyTxHunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/10 06:06 PM

My watermelon had been doing really good. Then I went to check on it yesterday and several of them had black spots on the end and a couple had fallen off of the vine. It's fenced off all the way around so nothing is getting in the garden. Any ideas what could be the cause of this? Overwatering???? I appreciate any advice.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/10 07:44 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: DHFisher




The first pic shows how my sweet 100 is starting to turn brown from the bottom up. The top half still looks great and it's still putting off little maters but if this keeps up I'm afraid the whole plant will die before I harvest. Thoughts?

Second pic is of my cuke. Went out this kiting and it's got those white spots all over it. Thoughts?

Good news bad news thing. There are little wolf/jumping spiders eating those foe beetles I showed you. Spiders good beetles bad
Did you ever get the powdery mildew disease under control?


Nope. It's pretty much taken that tomato plant and some leaves of that cuke are dying.
Use neem oil, Its a organinc "fungicide" (which is what powdery mildew is) ,miticide and pesticide. Also make sure you have good air circulation. I usually cut off about the first foot of leaves at the ground up. Also google powdery mildew and there are some inexpensive methods to treating. There is one I remember with butter milk ,or regular milk. I think the lactic acid in the milk kills the bacteria. Powdery mildew is caused by too much humidity/moisture. Most times because we get to much water on the plant leaves. Its does not do any good to water the plants leaves . Especially in the evening , the water will sit on the leaves for hours causing powdery mildew and other bad things. I have very little powdery mildew problems . I always use a soaker hose and try to water early morning and early after noon about 7am and 5-6 pm. The main thing is not to let the water sit. The problems with powdery mildew that have are caused by the morning dew. I will usually cut the 1-2-3 leaves off and treat with neem oil on a weekly schedule.
Posted By: Tin Head

organic pest control - 06/14/10 08:12 PM

Organic pest control

First off In no way am I claiming to be a expert , just want to pass on what is working for me. Not for everyone,or every situation. Last year I had to kill off my garden because It got over whelmed with pest. This year (knock on wood) problems are minimal. First thing is knowing your enemies. Also, I do not use sevin dust, even though its been used for years, I just cant bring my self to use it in my garden. It kills all your beneficial bugs also, bees, lady bugs,frogs ,snakes, EVERYTHING. I do have a bottle of sevin dust but its not for my garden I put it on bushes and on the ground around the perimeter of the garden. Places where bugs will hide and cross on their journey to my garden. I use Neem oil(mix a teaspoon of dish washing liquid with it), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neem_oil its organic and has been used for many more years than sevin dust. Neem oil does not affect or has little effect on your benefecial bugs, bees lady bugs etc. Neem oil kills the plant eaters and thats it. Ladybugs, bees ,and ants are not plant eaters. One thing thats most important to remember is to use it as a "preventative" , its not a kill all when your overwhelmed with pest or fungus. Rotenone , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotenone , Now this is bad stuff Its about as bad as sevin dust but "organic". I use this for a kill all on the spot. BUT I NEVER SPRAY IT ALL OVER THE PLANTS. I put it in a sprayer bottle and spray on the bugs when I see them so very little ever gets on the plant itself. Here lately I bought some of the ecosmart brand beetle (kills cucmber BEETLES)spray they have for sell at the depot. I mixed some rotenone in the bottle and it kills even cucmber beetles on the spot. I keep the bottle in the garden area and pick it up when I am walking around the garden , see a bug spray him , dead bug. STINK BUGS, these are tough bugs to kill with the chemicals I use. But instead of getting out the sevin dust I got a small vacuum nuts vacuum them off the plant and destroy else where. If a stink bug is not on your plant he cant reproduce in your garden. In fact you off course could walk around with the dust buster and vacum up all bugs and use even less pesticides. nuts If you dont keep up with the bugs this year they will be back in full force next year since most over winter in the dirt. I did loose some squash plants this year but it could of easily been different If I knew what I was looking at. I got the squash vine borer on some plants and since the pest over winter I just pulled them and planted new plants. I have heard of people in injecting rotenone in the stem, slicing the stem and pulling the worm and useing a small wire in the hole and scraping the in side of the stem to kill the worm but I pulled them. If I would of kill these flying bugs when I seen them I might not of had the problem with the vine borers.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: organic pest control - 06/14/10 10:09 PM

rotenone? Really.. I'd only seen that in association with trying to poison ponds and kill off all the fish.

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: organic pest control - 06/15/10 03:17 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
rotenone? Really.. I'd only seen that in association with trying to poison ponds and kill off all the fish.
Off course , its natural, there has been arguments but I'll leave that up to you to do your home work. Sevin will kill and do more damage than rotenone in your pond setting. I use it but only spray the bugs and what maybe 1 leaf at a time.
I have heard of folks also using rotenone to get fish to eat. Heres some reading that has to do with rotenone. Use it wisely and read the directions..... http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_br_t3200_77.pdf

http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/rotenone.html

http://www.biconet.com/botanicals/rps.html

This stuff kinda compares to the killing power of sevin but its organic so I believe it breaks down in 3 days and does not affect ground water. Sevin is great stuff also, plant and roots do not absorb it and there might be a time where I have to use sevin . On the home garden basis I dont think I need sevin, a big scale garden might prove otherwise. But , I will try organic stuff first just because. I dont like using sevin in the garden just because it kills everything it get in contact with including all the good bugs. Then you have to do things like manually pollinate your plants.
Birds eat caterpillars/bugs , frogs eat flying bugs, etc, etc. You will see more activity of natural bugs and animals taking care of your bug problem. With organic gardeing you let things kinda take care of themselves and get in when things get out of hand.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: organic pest control - 06/16/10 04:02 PM

June 16, 2010 Harvest (Picture 1 of 2):



35 Tomatoes (mixture of Homestead, Big Boy, Better Boy, and Early Girl), 27 Roma Tomatoes, 7 Lemon Boy Tomatoes, 44 Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes, 9 Large Cherry Tomatoes, 5 Gypsy Peppers, 3 Yellow Squash, 2 Zucchini Squash, 12 Cubanelle Peppers, 2 California Wonder Peppers, 4 Pimento Peppers, and 25 Sweet Banana Peppers.

Picture 2 of 2:



15 Anaheim Chile Peppers, 5 Cayenne Peppers, 5 Hot Banana Peppers and 6 Hot Jalapeno Peppers.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: organic pest control - 06/16/10 05:39 PM

Whats the square footage of your garden? Nice haul.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: organic pest control - 06/16/10 05:50 PM

It's only about 1000 or 1200 sq. ft. It's not as big as I used to grow, but I have the pepper rows 25 inches apart and the plants in each row 18 inches apart. Then I have the tomato plants between 32 and 36 inches apart and the plants 18 inches apart...Keeping the rows straight really helped this year...I'll probably be expanding it just a bit in the winter to make room for more cucumber and melon plants...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: organic pest control - 06/16/10 09:14 PM

Dont know what part of Tx your in , has the heat started to affect your plants?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: organic pest control - 06/16/10 11:07 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Dont know what part of Tx your in , has the heat started to affect your plants?
I'm in NE Bosque County (about 1.5 hours SW of you...YES...Primarily the tomatoes and squash. I moved the tomatoes this year (it was time to rotate) and they have been affected by the wind/heat...It's been like a blast furnace so I'll be planting a fall garden and replacing my tomato plants for the first time...Oh well, now I need to design something to block the wind before next spring...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: organic pest control - 06/16/10 11:25 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Dont know what part of Tx your in , has the heat started to affect your plants?
I'm in NE Bosque County (about 1.5 hours SW of you...YES...Primarily the tomatoes and squash. I moved the tomatoes this year (it was time to rotate) and they have been affected by the wind/heat...It's been like a blast furnace so I'll be planting a fall garden and replacing my tomato plants for the first time...Oh well, now I need to design something to block the wind before next spring...
The season is pretty short here it seems. I'll be looking into getting my "summer" crop started a little sooner next year, maybe a green house grin. I just replanted some squash and want to see how it will do going into fall. I read a second crop should do pretty good , so I will see. Keep us updated with planting a fall crop as I want to do so also. I will be working on my soil over the winter. Its not what I want and have added whats recommended after soil test. Its still to clay like but twice as good as last year but It could be better.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: organic pest control - 06/16/10 11:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Dont know what part of Tx your in , has the heat started to affect your plants?
I'm in NE Bosque County (about 1.5 hours SW of you...YES...Primarily the tomatoes and squash. I moved the tomatoes this year (it was time to rotate) and they have been affected by the wind/heat...It's been like a blast furnace so I'll be planting a fall garden and replacing my tomato plants for the first time...Oh well, now I need to design something to block the wind before next spring...
The season is pretty short here it seems. I'll be looking into getting my "summer" crop started a little sooner next year, maybe a green house grin. I just replanted some squash and want to see how it will do going into fall. I read a second crop should do pretty good , so I will see. Keep us updated with planting a fall crop as I want to do so also. I will be working on my soil over the winter. Its not what I want and have added whats recommended after soil test. Its still to clay like but twice as good as last year but It could be better.
If you can get your hands on some Sandy Loam and a bunch of horse poo or quail poo, I'd add that to the soil. It'll make a world of difference...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: organic pest control - 06/17/10 10:59 PM

Ok well, I'm pretty upset about my garden.

Here's what I've harvested from 24 square feet in raised beds using the sfg outline

1 cuke
1 zuc
3 sweet 100 tomatoes
2 handfull of peas
6 dinky dink potatoes
1 bell pepper
3 jalapeos

everything is pretty much turning brown except the peppers and cukes but I have to self pollinate those

talk me out of never gardening again
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: organic pest control - 06/18/10 12:53 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Ok well, I'm pretty upset about my garden.

Here's what I've harvested from 24 square feet in raised beds using the sfg outline

1 cuke
1 zuc
3 sweet 100 tomatoes
2 handfull of peas
6 dinky dink potatoes
1 bell pepper
3 jalapeos

everything is pretty much turning brown except the peppers and cukes but I have to self pollinate those

talk me out of never gardening again
I will do no such thing...Now then, the peppers and okra should be doing pretty well in this heat...They need fertilizer, sun and water...Oh and to get the peppers to produce shake them like you do the tomato plants...EVERY day...
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: organic pest control - 06/18/10 02:10 AM

LSS ????

what kind of fertilizer you using?

I've never re-planted tomatoes. When should we do that? It might be to hot and dry right now? I've got tons of tomatoes on the vine but all the plants are drying out and turning brown BUT I did get the best, biggest and most tomatoes ever this year for some reason?

Second year in a row bugs(small ants this year) got my corn. I went ahead and harvested it and got about 30 ears but had to cut the tops off...what do you do?

This year I want to be prepared for "fall-winter" gardening?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: organic pest control - 06/18/10 12:00 PM

I just use Miracle Gro...This next spring, I will be adding a large amount of quail poo and leaves to the soil before planting...

I'd really suggest adding earthworms right after the next good rain. They do a lot...

This has been my best year for tomatoes as well...Every variety of tomato Neil Sperry and other gardening experts say can't be grown in my area have produced beautifully...I have a lot of limestone in my soil (since the house sits on a limestone cliff) and that does help with production. It also helps that I was living here full time and able to spank the tomato plants every day or every other day...

With the ants, there's not a lot you can do except put out grits or pour boiling hot water on the mound (if they aren't too close to a large amount of plants)...

I'd get the tomato plants in no later than mid-July...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: organic pest control - 06/18/10 01:33 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Ok well, I'm pretty upset about my garden.

Here's what I've harvested from 24 square feet in raised beds using the sfg outline

1 cuke
1 zuc
3 sweet 100 tomatoes
2 handfull of peas
6 dinky dink potatoes
1 bell pepper
3 jalapeos

everything is pretty much turning brown except the peppers and cukes but I have to self pollinate those

talk me out of never gardening again
I will do no such thing...Now then, the peppers and okra should be doing pretty well in this heat...They need fertilizer, sun and water...Oh and to get the peppers to produce shake them like you do the tomato plants...EVERY day...
+1


problem I see are maybe some over crowding , How many plants do you have in this 24 square feet? 1 zucchini squash plant can use all that space by itself. Plants are funny like that , if there over crowded they will slow in growth and production.
2. having to self pollinate. you have to make sure you get the plant pollinated and this could be a daily thing.

What soil have you used and what ferts?
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: organic pest control - 06/18/10 01:46 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Ok well, I'm pretty upset about my garden.

Here's what I've harvested from 24 square feet in raised beds using the sfg outline

1 cuke
1 zuc
3 sweet 100 tomatoes
2 handfull of peas
6 dinky dink potatoes
1 bell pepper
3 jalapeos

everything is pretty much turning brown except the peppers and cukes but I have to self pollinate those

talk me out of never gardening again
I will do no such thing...Now then, the peppers and okra should be doing pretty well in this heat...They need fertilizer, sun and water...Oh and to get the peppers to produce shake them like you do the tomato plants...EVERY day...
+1


problem I see are maybe some over crowding , How many plants do you have in this 24 square feet? 1 zucchini squash plant can use all that space by itself. Plants are funny like that , if there over crowded they will slow in growth and production.
2. having to self pollinate. you have to make sure you get the plant pollinated and this could be a daily thing.

What soil have you used and what ferts?


Last year around Oct I build a few beds that are pretty spread apart. I put down a mixture of composts, leaves, coffee grounds, peat, soil, grass clippings... The cukes and squash are planted on the sides of the beds to give them plenty of room to roam off the sides so I don't think that's an issue.

After thinking about the whole situation for a good while last night, I think I've come to two conclusions as to why my garden is failing.

1. I think I used too much peat
2. Last night I dug down a foot or so to check moisture and about 6 inches down the soil is very wet and there's no way it's from the amount of watering I'm doing. I think the beds are on an area that doesn't drain at all.

So I think I need to ammend the soil and somehow get better drainage.

I'm not giving up just yet but I do need to know what I should do to get some drainage. I was thinking about pulling the soil out then removing a foot or so of dirt and replacing that with something that will drain and/or drilling holes in the side of the bed.

Thoughts
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: organic pest control - 06/18/10 05:33 PM

Peat is excellent stuff to use , when needed. I recall that its not neutral and will lower the PH of the soil. If you have high ph and clumpy soil it would be fine to use.I posted a link a few pages back on where to get soil test done for 15 dollars and that will tell you exactly whats going on. This time of year it would probably take a week for results. The extra peat could of caused a shift in PH. When you go to work the soil again use something that will counter act against the peat. When your soil is right , it will do wonders for veggies. correct soil consistency and PH is one of the most important things to have for flourishing plants. Also I am not saying that this is your problem , just a possibility. A soil test will give you the info your looking for. It also test for nutrients in the soil, except for Nitrogen.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/soil/msg011202587188.html

Also you can use a hole saw to make some drainage holes.
Heres a link for plant PH, bottom of the page.
http://www.tinkersgardens.com/vegetables/misc.asp
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/10 09:12 PM

Some freakin' rodent chewed my cayenne down then munched on a habanero. mad

Hope it burned the shad out of him.

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/10 09:47 PM

If it makes you feel any better , my dang dog took a gallop through the garden and broke 2 pepper plants yesterday. bang
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/10 11:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
If it makes you feel any better , my dang dog took a gallop through the garden and broke 2 pepper plants yesterday. bang


I feel your pain but no, it doesn't help. I love my cayennes and it was the only one I planted this year. cry
If that sucker gets anywhere near my Thais I'm gonna hire a sniper. wink

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/10 01:47 PM

My garden is done. I just put up 5 pints of chow-chow (green tomato relish). I have 30 pints of spaghetti sauce in the freezer, along with 16 pints of creole sause, and 8 stuffed bell peppers. I canned 24 pints of salsa.

I'm tired of it.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/10 04:54 PM



June 19, 2010 Harvest: 50 Tam Jalapeno Peppers, 12 Cucumbers, 11 Sweet Banana Peppers, 7 Lemon Boy Tomatoes, 17 Tomatoes (mixture of Big Boy, Early Girl, Better Boy, and Homestead), 5 Large Cherry Tomatoes, 2 Gypsy Peppers, 3 Cubanelle Peppers, 55 Roma Tomatoes, 5 California Wonder Peppers, 12 Anaheim Chile Peppers, 2 Hot Banana Peppers, 11 Cayenne Peppers and 5 Hot Jalapeno Peppers...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/10 08:09 PM

*Starting to dislike LoneStarSon* grin

I bought a miniature yellow bell pepper plant this spring and wish I could remember the name. They're excellent.

Got my first Japanese eggplant today as well as 5 lbs of blackberries, 1 ear of sweet corn, 1 okra pod, several cayennes (thanks to the rodent) thais and serranos , early girl tomatoes and more squash than I care to eat (thinking sbout making pickles).

Right now I'm boiling down about 10 pounds of red plums for jelly.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/10 08:12 PM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
My garden is done. I just put up 5 pints of chow-chow (green tomato relish). I have 30 pints of spaghetti sauce in the freezer, along with 16 pints of creole sause, and 8 stuffed bell peppers. I canned 24 pints of salsa.

I'm tired of it.


Got a good recipe for chow-chow ? The one I have requires brining the veggies in a ceramic crock for 24 hours, etc. Anything simpler ?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/10 08:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
*Starting to dislike LoneStarSon* grin
I think they have a club on the forum that you can join...crying

I'm starting to dislike me too...It's HUMID in the mornings and it takes about an hour to harvest...I'll be replacing the tomato plants after everything has ripened...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/10 09:58 PM

had to yank a couple of squash plants today... they were overran with squash bugs.. decided to pull them before they started jacking with the other plants.. sucks too.. one had 5 fruits and the other had 3 starting to develop.


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/10 10:38 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon

I'm starting to dislike me too...It's HUMID in the mornings and it takes about an hour to harvest...I'll be replacing the tomato plants after everything has ripened...


Tell me about it. I went fishing before sunrise (nada!) , mowed the church yard and my own then hoed and picked blackberries. I was sweatin' like a pig before 9:00.

Do you buy new 'maters or do you take rootings from your existing plants?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/10 11:24 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon

I'm starting to dislike me too...It's HUMID in the mornings and it takes about an hour to harvest...I'll be replacing the tomato plants after everything has ripened...


Tell me about it. I went fishing before sunrise (nada!) , mowed the church yard and my own then hoed and picked blackberries. I was sweatin' like a pig before 9:00.

Do you buy new 'maters or do you take rootings from your existing plants?
I usually just buy new plants...I like to see the different varieties available and I've been very blessed this year to be able to grow so many varieties...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/10 11:25 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
had to yank a couple of squash plants today... they were overran with squash bugs.. decided to pull them before they started jacking with the other plants.. sucks too.. one had 5 fruits and the other had 3 starting to develop.

I've got to put some Miracle Gro and then put some Sevin dust on mine...Doodle bugs and squash bugs have been my biggest problems with the squash plants, but mainly it's been the doodle bugs...bang
Posted By: jwcromer

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/10 01:49 PM

when is it time to plant fall tomatoes and what is the best type to plant in FT Worth area,not cherry but a med size one
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/10 03:29 PM

I make 4 to 6 pints of chow-chow. That's a green tomato relish for those of you who don't know. I chop up green tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, jalapenos (one per pint) and onions, cover with vinegar and bring to a boil. I end up with about half the volume, after straining and putting the chow-chow into pint jars. I don't hot bath those. They always seal. I keep the chow-chow in my frig.

I only use salt and sugar in there. It takes about 30 minutes if you have a food chopper. You could use a blender, and put your vinegar in for the liquid. You can make as little as a couple of pints at one time. Some people use cabbage.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/10 05:43 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
had to yank a couple of squash plants today... they were overran with squash bugs.. decided to pull them before they started jacking with the other plants.. sucks too.. one had 5 fruits and the other had 3 starting to develop.

I've got to put some Miracle Gro and then put some Sevin dust on mine...Doodle bugs and squash bugs have been my biggest problems with the squash plants, but mainly it's been the doodle bugs...bang
I made a huge dent in the doo doo bugs by laying some boards on the ground. Let the boards collect a lot of moisture , water around the boards. The doo doo bugs and snails will collect in this area in about a day or 2. lift the board and spray them with some insecticide.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/10 05:44 PM

Originally Posted By: jwcromer
when is it time to plant fall tomatoes and what is the best type to plant in FT Worth area,not cherry but a med size one
+1

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/10 05:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: jwcromer
when is it time to plant fall tomatoes and what is the best type to plant in FT Worth area,not cherry but a med size one
+1
By mid-July is a good time...I'd try to find Homestead, Heatwave or Celebrity tomato plants...All should do well...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/10 05:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
had to yank a couple of squash plants today... they were overran with squash bugs.. decided to pull them before they started jacking with the other plants.. sucks too.. one had 5 fruits and the other had 3 starting to develop.

I've got to put some Miracle Gro and then put some Sevin dust on mine...Doodle bugs and squash bugs have been my biggest problems with the squash plants, but mainly it's been the doodle bugs...bang
I made a huge dent in the doo doo bugs by laying some boards on the ground. Let the boards collect a lot of moisture , water around the boards. The doo doo bugs and snails will collect in this area in about a day or 2. lift the board and spray them with some insecticide.
Thanks for the info. They have been HORRIBLE this year...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/10 08:32 PM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
I make 4 to 6 pints of chow-chow. That's a green tomato relish for those of you who don't know. I chop up green tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, jalapenos (one per pint) and onions, cover with vinegar and bring to a boil. I end up with about half the volume, after straining and putting the chow-chow into pint jars. I don't hot bath those. They always seal. I keep the chow-chow in my frig.

I only use salt and sugar in there. It takes about 30 minutes if you have a food chopper. You could use a blender, and put your vinegar in for the liquid. You can make as little as a couple of pints at one time. Some people use cabbage.


Ahh, ok. I was thinking of the cabbage-based version. I don't hot-water bath my salsa , pickled peppers or tomato juice either. They're all high acid content so pressure cooking or hot water isn't necessary. I do keep the jars hot in the oven and the lids/ caps in simmering water until I have the food ready.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/10 09:21 PM

Well. My butternut, zucchini, squash and cukes are all dying and showing the same 'sore'. I'm guessing it's those darn squash bugs you guys are talking about?





so now I've been reduced to peppers, okra and believe it or not my carrots are still going. I'm ready to yank everything and start over
Posted By: Black Dallas

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 01:20 AM

thought i would show yall a few pics of my garden. i got it in late due to tiller issues but i fixed that by buying me a new troy built! i have tomatoes (mr. stripey, celebrity, big beef, and lemon boy). jalapenos, sweet banana, and bell peppers, okra, yellow and zuchinni squash, and a watermelon plant that my wife requested. come to find out she was kidding about the watermelon after i planted it! enjoy



Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 01:22 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Well. My butternut, zucchini, squash and cukes are all dying and showing the same 'sore'. I'm guessing it's those darn squash bugs you guys are talking about?





so now I've been reduced to peppers, okra and believe it or not my carrots are still going. I'm ready to yank everything and start over
looks like squash vine borer to me. They will some times attack cucumbers. If you slice the stem open you will find a big ol fat worm. You can slice the stem and cut it out and mend the cut under soil. Stick a wire in the hole and try and kill him that way or another way I heard is to inject some rotenone in the stem to kill. Have you seen these in the past If you dont kill them they will bury themselves in the dirt at seasons end and over winter and be waiting for you next year. http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1209.html
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 01:28 AM

nice, I like the way the soil looks.
Posted By: Quicksilver

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 01:57 AM

Hey guys,

Anyone got any ideas how to keep birds off of tomatoes?


Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 02:02 AM

bb gun, netting, a dog. Probably netting would be easiest, chicken wire. Are you sure there attacking the plants or are they eating the bugs on your tomato plants. I have only had a problems around this time of year. with no water around and the heat they are forced to hydrate themselves with the maters.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 02:03 AM

Originally Posted By: black dallas
thought i would show yall a few pics of my garden. i got it in late due to tiller issues but i fixed that by buying me a new troy built! i have tomatoes (mr. stripey, celebrity, big beef, and lemon boy). jalapenos, sweet banana, and bell peppers, okra, yellow and zuchinni squash, and a watermelon plant that my wife requested. come to find out she was kidding about the watermelon after i planted it! enjoy


Man, that soil looks great. I am jealous, woot
Posted By: Black Dallas

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 02:09 AM

its kinda under a huge pecan tree but the dirt is full of trash. therres no telling whats gonna come up when you till. that area has always produced really awesome bounties! i love it
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 02:16 AM

Originally Posted By: black dallas
its kinda under a huge pecan tree but the dirt is full of trash. therres no telling whats gonna come up when you till. that area has always produced really awesome bounties! i love it
blushoops, it looks nice and loose. bannana2
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 04:38 AM

OOOPPPSSS!!!!!killed a few of these bugs today . I thought these were a growing stink bug but there actually assasin bugs


and these I seen them under the leaves and I thought they were eating leaves but they were working on Aphids. They are the begining of a lady bug, lady bug larva.

Oh well, live and learn.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 01:59 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Well. My butternut, zucchini, squash and cukes are all dying and showing the same 'sore'. I'm guessing it's those darn squash bugs you guys are talking about?





so now I've been reduced to peppers, okra and believe it or not my carrots are still going. I'm ready to yank everything and start over
looks like squash vine borer to me. They will some times attack cucumbers. If you slice the stem open you will find a big ol fat worm. You can slice the stem and cut it out and mend the cut under soil. Stick a wire in the hole and try and kill him that way or another way I heard is to inject some rotenone in the stem to kill. Have you seen these in the past If you dont kill them they will bury themselves in the dirt at seasons end and over winter and be waiting for you next year. http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1209.html


I haven't seen those guys in the garden but I'm pretty sure that's what it is given the descriptions. I'll see what I can do tonight. Tonight might be a 'rip it all out' fest at the DHFisher house.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 02:06 PM

Also, do you guys think that drilling holes in my beds will be enough to keep the moisture levels under control or do you think I should go through the effort of taking all the soil out, digging out a bunch of dirt and refilling with sand or something that will help drainage then putting the soil back in?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 02:22 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Also, do you guys think that drilling holes in my beds will be enough to keep the moisture levels under control or do you think I should go through the effort of taking all the soil out, digging out a bunch of dirt and refilling with sand or something that will help drainage then putting the soil back in?
I'd drill the holes and add a SMALL amount of pea gravel to the bottom...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 02:35 PM

When you say a small amount, are you talking like 1/2 inch or 3 inches. My beds are between 12 to 15 inches tall
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 02:45 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
When you say a small amount, are you talking like 1/2 inch or 3 inches. My beds are between 12 to 15 inches tall
Probably about an inch...I'd try and mix it through the soil a bit, but the majority needs to be at the bottom...
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 05:35 PM

Got'm this morning before they got hot!


Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 06:11 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Also, do you guys think that drilling holes in my beds will be enough to keep the moisture levels under control or do you think I should go through the effort of taking all the soil out, digging out a bunch of dirt and refilling with sand or something that will help drainage then putting the soil back in?
I'd drill the holes and add a SMALL amount of pea gravel to the bottom...
would be best
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 09:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Quicksilver
Hey guys,

Anyone got any ideas how to keep birds off of tomatoes?



Look on page 7. wink
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 10:26 PM

LSS, what are your plans for a fall garden?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 10:28 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
LSS, what are your plans for a fall garden?
If you mean what will I be planting, I'll be replacing the tomato and squash plants. The cucumber, pepper and watermelon plants seem to be okay...Last year everything continued to produce until the first hard freeze.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/10 11:53 PM

well there ya go. Little bassteds




Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/10 12:10 AM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
Got'm this morning before they got hot!

Very nice...thumb
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/10 02:38 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
well there ya go. Little bassteds



Little bastage.... You can replant. I replanted some zucchini 2-3 weeks ago and they are blooming all ready. I bought the plants all ready started from the depot of course.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/10 03:13 PM

I found a worm in the zucchini, cucumber, squash and butternut. I'll be replanting all and hope those little basteds don't come back... can I prevent these little bastages?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/10 03:35 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I found a worm in the zucchini, cucumber, squash and butternut. I'll be replanting all and hope those little basteds don't come back... can I prevent these little bastages?
It's hard to do...I'd put out Sevin Dust...It's really the only pesticide that's fairly safe on veggies...You do need to read the preharvest information so you know how long to wait after applying it before harvesting...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/10 05:50 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I found a worm in the zucchini, cucumber, squash and butternut. I'll be replanting all and hope those little basteds don't come back... can I prevent these little bastages?
I believe they MIGHT be gone for the year. I say might because in Southern states 2 generations are possible. The flying bugs I posted are the ones that lay the eggs. The eggs are little brown disk shaped single egg that is attached to the lower part of the stem by the flying bugs, keep a sharp eye out for the eggs and the flying bugs. Remove those and you will remove the worm from hatcing and digging into the stem. They sell some netting that will keep the flying bugs from landing on the squash. If you use sevin be prepared to manually pollinate since it will kill bees also.

pic of eggs
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/10 06:24 PM



June 22, 2010 Harvest (Picture 1 of 2): 14 Lemon Boy Tomatoes, 50 Tomatoes (mixture of Homestead, Heatwave, Big Boy, Better Boy, and Early Girl), 45 Roma Tomatoes, 1 Brandywine (my first SUCCESSFUL attempt to grow them), 28 Large Cherry Tomatoes, 5 Zucchini Squash, and 13 Cucumbers.



June 22, 2010 Harvest (Picture 2 of 2): 6 Gypsy Peppers, 11 Tam Jalapeno Peppers, 18 Sweet Banana Peppers, 3 Hot Jalapeno Peppers, 2 Pimento Peppers, 2 Carmen Peppers, 3 Cubanelle Peppers (these seem to be a hybrid of purple bell peppers and Cubanelle), 7 Anaheim Chile Peppers, and 13 Cayenne Peppers.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/10 08:43 PM

Todays harvest: cucumbers, tomatoes, a variety of peppers, sweet and hot and some Japanese eggplant..... food



Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/10 08:57 PM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
Todays harvest: cucumbers, tomatoes, a variety of peppers, sweet and hot and some Japanese eggplant..... food


Very nice...I have some eggplants growing, but nothing like yours...thumb
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/10 10:19 PM

They are the Japanese variety. They are supposed to be picked at about 4 inches long. Gonna grill some tonight and see how they taste.
Posted By: Tritonman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/10 01:36 AM

<-- so friggin jealous

Originally Posted By: Frank I
Todays harvest: cucumbers, tomatoes, a variety of peppers, sweet and hot and some Japanese eggplant..... food



Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/10 02:12 AM

Awsome
Posted By: J.D.B.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/10 02:16 AM

dang frank. we buds right those look awesome
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/10 01:15 PM

Been meaning to post this up.

Went to see a guy's tomatoes that my grandpa is always raving about. They are on the right in the picture below.

Each plant is about 7 FEET TALL eek2



George (grower of these tomatoes) has a "secret technique" he uses. He said, on average, he'll pick about 200-250 lbs. of tomatoes every other day.

These suckers are massive.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/10 04:16 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Been meaning to post this up.

Went to see a guy's tomatoes that my grandpa is always raving about. They are on the right in the picture below.

Each plant is about 7 FEET TALL eek2



George (grower of these tomatoes) has a "secret technique" he uses. He said, on average, he'll pick about 200-250 lbs. of tomatoes every other day.

These suckers are massive.
Wow!
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/10 04:20 PM

I was going to put up the one of my wife being dwarfed by it. But then I remembered this is the TFF, and that probably isn't a good idea grin
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/10 04:30 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
I was going to put up the one of my wife being dwarfed by it. But then I remembered this is the TFF, and that probably isn't a good idea grin
Yeah, you're probably right...

Thanks for not posting your ugly mug on here...thumb
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/10 05:15 PM

Most tomato plants (indeterminate) get 7' tall or bigger but those things look bushy.
Whats the secret???
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/10 06:13 PM

Cloning

Any one clone? LSS talking about getting a second crop going got me thinking of cloning. All ways clone your best plants.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/10 09:30 PM

Originally Posted By: Tritonman
<-- so friggin jealous



Have no fear....you know you will get to try some it.... thumb
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/10 02:30 PM

Next year I am going to be making & using some of the big tomato cages that apparently work well for many tomato gardeners. They're the ones that are 5' tall, ~20-22" in diameter, and have a 6"x6" mesh so you can reach through and pull tomatoes. If I buy a 150' roll though (way too much for me) I can make some for anybody here that wants what I have left.

Anyone want one? If so, just PM me.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/10 04:16 PM

what tomato verities did good for you this year?
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/10 04:56 PM

I only grew Roma and they turned out very well (after I initially thought they died). I talked to a guy who said some variety with "giant" in the name grew really well for him.

LSS should have some info on his, he grew a ton of varieties.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/10 05:24 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
what tomato verities did good for you this year?
I had great luck with Heatwave, Homestead, Lemon Boy, Better Boy, Big Boy, Beefsteak, and Early Girl...I also did well with a large cherry tomato variety (I don't know their name, I planted them 3 years ago and have had volunteers the last 2 growing seasons)...The Brandywine didn't do very well for me. I only planted one plant and actually did get some tomatoes on the plant, but only about 6.

The Sugary Grape cherry tomato did produce, but the plant didn't do well from early on. The Mountain Pride didn't do well at all...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/10 05:50 PM

LSS, what part of Tx are you in?
I am in Mesquite east of Dallas by about 10 miles,lol. I think the early girl did , is doing, best for me. I only did 3 varieties though, early girl, better boy and celebrity. This is the first year I "got serious" with tomatoes. Of the 3 varieties I did 2 of each. I pulled all the suckers from one of each plant and I do not like how they turned out. The plant still produced ok , but the foliage was minimal. I know the goal is to produce produce and not branches and leaves but I dont think I have enough leaves from the pulled sucker plants to support good tomato growth. I think I could of done better if the plants had more leaves on them. I'll save the sucker pulling for plants that are crowded, or maybe try pulling every other sucker. For the most part i am going to leave the suckers from now on.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/10 08:26 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
LSS, what part of Tx are you in?
I am in Mesquite east of Dallas by about 10 miles,lol. I think the early girl did , is doing, best for me. I only did 3 varieties though, early girl, better boy and celebrity. This is the first year I "got serious" with tomatoes. Of the 3 varieties I did 2 of each. I pulled all the suckers from one of each plant and I do not like how they turned out. The plant still produced ok , but the foliage was minimal. I know the goal is to produce produce and not branches and leaves but I dont think I have enough leaves from the pulled sucker plants to support good tomato growth. I think I could of done better if the plants had more leaves on them. I'll save the sucker pulling for plants that are crowded, or maybe try pulling every other sucker. For the most part i am going to leave the suckers from now on.
I'm down by Lake Whitney in the NE corner of Bosque County...I've always just planted and watered/fertilized the plants. I don't trim them or anything. They need to leaves to help protect the fruit and to promote good production...

I did also do very well with Roma tomatoes...In fact those have done better than anything else I've planted. I've always been told due to the fact we get so hot so fast, the plants that produce the larger fruit won't do well. However, if you plant them early enough and if they are shaded, then they will produce. Also, you must remember to shake them once the flowers are there...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/10 08:43 PM

I've been thinking a lot about shading mine next year. I'm going to grow 2 half-rows of beans in front of them, which should shade them in the evenings. The fence will shade them until about 7-8am. I think that should be enough (if not too much) sun as is.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/10 09:02 PM

I am with you guys on the shading but reading on the net I think the plants stop, or slow production because of the temps, nt so much because of sunlight. Never the less, I am going to plant okra or similar in my garden next year that will block the sun from about 3-4pm till sundown.

How are the Heat wave plants doing, should they still be producing more in the middle of summer? TEXAS SUMMERS ARE BRUTAL!!!!
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/10 03:12 PM

i shade tomatoes inside corn rows...works great
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/10 03:36 PM



June 26, 2010 Harvest: 6 Yellow Squash, 2 Carmen Peppers, 5 Cubanelle Peppers, 4 Zucchini Squash, 3 Gypsy Peppers, 1 California Wonder Pepper, 1 Cayenne Pepper, 1 Hot Jalapeno Pepper, 6 Hot Banana Peppers, 5 Anaheim Chile Peppers, 12 Lemon Boy Tomatoes, 1 Watermelon (fell off the vine when I tried to move it so I could pull a squash), 1 Eggplant (... See Morelittle yellow thing. It went from green to yellow, so I pulled it...), 22 Sweet Banana Peppers, 29 Sweet 100 Tomatoes (little cherry tomatoes), 39 Roma Tomatoes, 7 Cucumbers, 17 Large Cherry Tomatoes, 1 Brandywine Tomato, 50 Tomatoes (mixture of Super Fantastic, Homestead, Heatwave, Early Girl, Big Boy and Better Boy)...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/10 05:51 PM

*boiling some sweet corn*
banana
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/10 06:44 PM

Just finished canning my 7th quart of dill pickles last Friday and there's enough out there now to make another qt in the next day or so (just letting them get a tad bigger). Popped open the first jar last week. I think my boy found a new favorite, he just about wiped out the jar of pickles in a couple of days. He's only 7 yrs old. smile
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/10 07:21 PM

Our garden flooded last night and today there are hundreds of these white bugs on the squash plants. Anybody know what they might be? The kind of look like blister bugs, but all white except for a little black on the feet. noidea Some of the squash have started rotting on the plant. Connection?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/10 07:25 PM

you gotta pic
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/10 07:29 PM

Nope, but I'll work on getting one.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/10 07:32 PM

MC, do they look like these bugs?


Clicky

If so, they are squash bugs and yes, that would be why you're squash is dying on the vine...Water early in the morning, then about 10 minutes later, go out there and put Sevin Dust on them...You can't harvest the squash for a few days, and you'll need to wash it when you do pick it...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/10 07:43 PM

OUCH!!!! KILL THEM, KILL THEM ALLLL!!!!!!!!
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/10 01:14 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
MC, do they look like these bugs?


Clicky

If so, they are squash bugs and yes, that would be why you're squash is dying on the vine...Water early in the morning, then about 10 minutes later, go out there and put Sevin Dust on them...You can't harvest the squash for a few days, and you'll need to wash it when you do pick it...


Yup, that's the critters. I'm gonna kill every last one of them. A few years back I declared war on the ants. It was ANTPOCOLYPSE! Time for SQUASH BUGEDDON!
Posted By: madchad

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/10 01:14 PM

Thanks for the help fellers. Where's my map gas torch......
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/10 10:27 PM

I'm going to be greatly expanding my garden and am having some people come over and help me stake it out and start tilling/cultivating.

Any tips on how to form a barrier so the grass from the yard won't grow into the garden bed? It's going to be about 850 sq. ft. in size.

Thanks
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/10 11:46 PM

Id like to know myself. Best I can do is pick the grass when I see it pop up. For starters you could lay some weed guard or black plastic over the area. It should kill the grass thats there all ready. Mulching usually prevents grass from coming up also besides retaining moisture which is also a plus. You dont have to go and get expensive mulch , mulching with wheat straw should do and its about 7-8 dollars a bail.
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/10 11:47 PM

ditch witch it down about a foot or so, line it with a thick plastic, cover most of the way with soil, add boards, rocks, etc. (like rail road ties if you can) so that those are partially exposed but mostly buried on top of the plastic liner.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/10 02:39 AM

Thanks guys, good thinking.
Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/10 03:09 AM

We have harvested over 75 pounds of tomatoes in the last 6 days. This is the best tomatoes we have grown. we don't have time to can so our friends are eating well. Today we picked close to 50 pounds. It is unbeliveable.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/10 03:11 AM

awesome slim, congrats on the good harvest thumb
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/10 03:47 AM

flehan woot
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/10 11:53 AM

Don't use railroad ties in a vegetable garden. They can leach creosote into the soil.
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/10 02:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Don't use railroad ties in a vegetable garden. They can leach creosote into the soil.


never had a problem with them (it's the large scale use and production of them that leads to problems)...just around the border is fine...the amount leached into the soil is insignificant on such a small scale...but don't use them as mulch.


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/10 04:32 PM

Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Don't use railroad ties in a vegetable garden. They can leach creosote into the soil.


never had a problem with them (it's the large scale use and production of them that leads to problems)...just around the border is fine...the amount leached into the soil is insignificant on such a small scale...but don't use them as mulch.




Think they'd be safe for raised beds?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/10 06:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Don't use railroad ties in a vegetable garden. They can leach creosote into the soil.
thumb
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/10 12:19 AM

Todays harvest: huge cucumbers, eggplant,tomatoes regular,grape and Roma and Big Jim New Mexico peppers..... food




Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/10 02:14 AM

Lord o' MERCY ! 2 days of rain in a row ! Thank You, Father !
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/10 02:16 AM

Are those Anaheim peppers?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/10 02:50 AM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
Todays harvest: huge cucumbers, eggplant,tomatoes regular,grape and Roma and Big Jim New Mexico peppers..... food



Very, very nice...I harvested on Saturday and Tuesday. I'm hoping I can harvest again tomorrow...It's awful wet and I hurt my back the last time when I slipped and twisted the wrong way...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/10 04:42 AM

clap
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/10 01:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Don't use railroad ties in a vegetable garden. They can leach creosote into the soil.


never had a problem with them (it's the large scale use and production of them that leads to problems)...just around the border is fine...the amount leached into the soil is insignificant on such a small scale...but don't use them as mulch.




Think they'd be safe for raised beds?


probably wouldn't use them on a raised bed just because of the size (may be too concentrated)...large areas only
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/10 08:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Are those Anaheim peppers?


Those are Big Jim New Mexico peppers. Never heard of them before we found 'em at the Wal-Mart over in South lake, figured we'd give them a try this year. Glad we did..... clap
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/10 01:46 AM

I have a single MexiBell that is doing wonderfully in my raised bed. My quwstion is,,, when do I harvest the peppers? They are about 3 inches across and about two inches tall..and the plant is loaded...i used humus top soil and tree branches chopped in the bottom of my raised beds and just potting soil on top..also have a little mulch mixed in , but everything is growing great. First time I have ever built a bed from scratch. Put 19 tomatoes in the other end from peppers and blackeyed peas...and I have some Broccoli I have been babying , but overall it worked very well. Thanks in advance for any tips on the peppers...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/10 02:40 AM

Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
I have a single MexiBell that is doing wonderfully in my raised bed. My quwstion is,,, when do I harvest the peppers? They are about 3 inches across and about two inches tall..and the plant is loaded...i used humus top soil and tree branches chopped in the bottom of my raised beds and just potting soil on top..also have a little mulch mixed in , but everything is growing great. First time I have ever built a bed from scratch. Put 19 tomatoes in the other end from peppers and blackeyed peas...and I have some Broccoli I have been babying , but overall it worked very well. Thanks in advance for any tips on the peppers...
I've never grown those, but with the California Wonder bell peppers, I usually pull them at about that size the first couple of times to help spur production...Then I let them grow bigger...

From what I've read about Mexibells, they are supposed to be ready for harvest when they turn red...I usually don't wait for peppers to turn red, but that's just me...
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/10 02:56 PM

I know its late , Is it to late for me to plant anything to get started --- Be nice
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/10 04:07 PM

Originally Posted By: PhotoGuySteve
I know its late , Is it to late for me to plant anything to get started --- Be nice
It's not late...I'll be planting tomatoes for the fall garden in the next couple of weeks...Now would be a good time to start preparing to plant squash, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc. There are two times to plant/harvest, spring and fall...You usually plant a couple of weeks before spring and a couple of months before fall...
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/10 04:17 PM

Thanks
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/10 06:21 PM

You've got time to plant most anything as long as we don't get an early winter. Be prepared to spend some money for the water bill. wink
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/10 10:37 PM

Originally Posted By: PhotoGuySteve
I know its late , Is it to late for me to plant anything to get started --- Be nice


Not to late for tomatoes, peppers and many herbs
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/10 10:53 PM

2- grand marconi peppers
8 sweet banana peppers
2 japs
3 okra
3 anaheim
2 small maters
squash bugs are getting bad, but I am still getting 1-2 every other day or so. I'm going to try to bust their arse with liquid sevin once it quits raining.

I'm also attempting to clone a tomato plant.. We'll see how that goes, but I am expecting failure.

Time to start thinking about the fall garden and how and what I want for it.




Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/10 03:44 AM

I tried the cloning just like in the video that was posted here , and even with no root hormone I have been able to do two different plants...those little swell up when you water them peat pots work great...hope yours works well...Thanks for the help on the peppers LSS, I have decided it wasnt as big as I thought and I will give it a few more days...just put out Zuccini, Yellow straight neck , some more Broccoli and another 19 tomatoes that should have been out before now, but they should do good. Have some okra seed on the way too...
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/10 04:22 PM

no there's still time to grow about anything that's already been harvested this year (plenty of time till freezes start coming...i don't get a round 2 this year because i'll be moving so i'm just about done for the year
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/10 08:43 PM

Anybody ever had any luck controlling Bahaia grass (thank you, A&M eeks) in the yard ? I'm surrounded by miles of it and although it's a great pasture grass, I kinda get tired of mowing the lawn every other day.

RoundUp will kill it but who wants huge dead patches all summer ? wink

Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/10 11:05 PM

I need some help trying to find out what is doing this: My Mom in New England planted some pole lima and pole green beans. These have been in the ground for about 3 months. Something is cutting the plants 3-4 inches from the ground. What can cut the plants just like someone is cutting them with a knife. Any ideas? The stock is about the size of a pencil.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/05/10 03:09 AM

http://www.bonnieplants.com/LearnGrowLib...0/Cutworms.aspx
Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/05/10 04:28 PM

Thanks for the info. She went to a local farm in the area and they told her cutworms are active only in the spring. I think it's the cutworms no matter what they say. She ended up wrapping the bottom 6" of the plant stem and no more cutting. Thanks again
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/05/10 05:37 PM

If she can dig down around the plant a few inches it possible she will find the worm.
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/05/10 10:03 PM

Just went and bought a Tiller , Much work ahead of me , I live in Cedar Hill Tx , Very rocky here . I have to start from ground zero here . Wish me luck
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/05/10 10:29 PM

just keep thinking about the rewards. A gardens soil is the most important thing in gardening. Well besides water and sun,lol.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 01:36 AM

Originally Posted By: PhotoGuySteve
Just went and bought a Tiller , Much work ahead of me , I live in Cedar Hill Tx , Very rocky here . I have to start from ground zero here . Wish me luck


good luck.. I cheated and built above ground beds. The Acme Brick plant is here for a reason. South Denton clay is like concrete in the summer.
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 01:51 AM

Tomorrow I might Die , But nothing in life comes easy

Question to all the gardening Gurus --- To keep cost down , I would like to plant from seeds if possible what do you recommend

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 03:11 AM

Originally Posted By: PhotoGuySteve
Tomorrow I might Die , But nothing in life comes easy

Question to all the gardening Gurus --- To keep cost down , I would like to plant from seeds if possible what do you recommend
thumb let us know how it goes.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 03:39 AM

Originally Posted By: PhotoGuySteve
Tomorrow I might Die , But nothing in life comes easy

Question to all the gardening Gurus --- To keep cost down , I would like to plant from seeds if possible what do you recommend
I'd probably stay away from growing peppers and tomatoes from seeds...I'd plant squash, cucumbers, watermelon or cantaloupe seeds...I'd get pepper and tomato plants from a local nursery or small hardware store...Most sell 4 packs for $1.50 or less...
Posted By: PiercerJason

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 09:15 AM

Hey everyone.. I have been trying to find some plants to put outside of my apartment in a plant box I'm going to attach to the balcony railing.. It will get a LOT of sun, and I'm very forgetful at times when it comes to watering regularly.

Any advice on something that wont die, wont grow all over the place, and does not need a lot of love?
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 02:04 PM

Took the family to a community garden at Our Saviour Church off Jim Miller and Hwy 175. This was a really nice one with chickens and all, but was most impressed with these tomatoes 12' tall!! Don't know exactly what the jugs of water do? they had no holes.








Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 03:04 PM

Originally Posted By: PiercerJason
Hey everyone.. I have been trying to find some plants to put outside of my apartment in a plant box I'm going to attach to the balcony railing.. It will get a LOT of sun, and I'm very forgetful at times when it comes to watering regularly.

Any advice on something that wont die, wont grow all over the place, and does not need a lot of love?
Bag of miracle grow soil, vermiculite and perlite, to help keep aerated and retain moisture. Something with a woody stem will be a hardy plant and might do better . With a little love and care most anything will do.
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 07:47 PM

Okay guys , I think I am done tillin ,Everything is comin up like powder behind tiller, I tilled racked grass, tilled and cleared grass rock whatever for the last 6 hours . Fixin to lay borders, and Figure out compost bin--Any other suggestions??

Im gettin pumped about this ---
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 11:14 PM

Originally Posted By: PiercerJason
Hey everyone.. I have been trying to find some plants to put outside of my apartment in a plant box I'm going to attach to the balcony railing.. It will get a LOT of sun, and I'm very forgetful at times when it comes to watering regularly.

Any advice on something that wont die, wont grow all over the place, and does not need a lot of love?


There's a product called "Soil Moist" at Lowe's. It's a polymer that absorbs water then releases it as the plant's needs dictate. Don't use too much. It'll swell up and push your plants out of the ground. mad
You're gonna have to water until the plants get established but portulaca (rose moss) , cacti and succulents like "hen and chicks" will all do well with minimal watering.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 11:16 PM

Go ahead and till some good manure into your soil and get the soil tested.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 11:23 PM

Just finished canning my first pickles. Tomorrow's agenda includes blackberry jelly and salsa. One bad thing , though, my serranos aren't hot this year. What's the deal ? Are they breeding a "heatless" serrano now or have I finally burned out my pain receptors ? hmmm
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/10 11:28 PM

I'm gonna guess that the water jugs were put there early in the season so they could absorb heat during the day and keep the plants warm at night.

What kind of corn is that ?

Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 12:31 AM

What do yall you use to store compost
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by PhotoGuySteve
What do yall you use to store compost
check this out. you tube vids are full of useful info that can explain it better than I can.


Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 12:46 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I'm gonna guess that the water jugs were put there early in the season so they could absorb heat during the day and keep the plants warm at night.

What kind of corn is that ?
I was thinking the same. The corn looks huge also. Does the garden use chemical or organic fertilizers?
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 12:56 AM

Originally Posted by Tin Head
Originally Posted by PhotoGuySteve
What do yall you use to store compost
check this out. you tube vids are full of useful info that can explain it better than I can.



Thanks Tin Head its very informative , I need to search youtube more often
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 03:26 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Just finished canning my first pickles. Tomorrow's agenda includes blackberry jelly and salsa. One bad thing , though, my serranos aren't hot this year. What's the deal ? Are they breeding a "heatless" serrano now or have I finally burned out my pain receptors ? hmmm
I don't know...I haven't eaten any yet...My uncle has said the same thing about the cayenne peppers...Neither his nor the ones I grew taste 'right' according to him...
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 03:53 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Just finished canning my first pickles. Tomorrow's agenda includes blackberry jelly and salsa. One bad thing , though, my serranos aren't hot this year. What's the deal ? Are they breeding a "heatless" serrano now or have I finally burned out my pain receptors ? hmmm
I don't know...I haven't eaten any yet...My uncle has said the same thing about the cayenne peppers...Neither his nor the ones I grew taste 'right' according to him...


I remember reading somewhere that different pepper varieties can cross pollinate; meaning that if you grow jalapenos next to say... sweet banana peppers, and they happen to cross pollinate, you can have milder jalapenos and/or hotter banana peppers. But unless you have trained pollinators, it is difficult to control the result.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 01:09 PM

supposedly it's all organic. Not sure what kind of corn, but it was about 3x the size of mine. I was thinking maybe early in the season they put plastic around the whole cage to make a mini greenhouse and then they just leave them there?

http://oursaviourdallas.org/our-saviour-dallas-community-garden/

There wasn't anyone around to ask ??
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 02:05 PM

Originally Posted By: PhotoGuySteve
What do yall you use to store compost


on the ground...cover with tarp
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 05:34 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
supposedly it's all organic. Not sure what kind of corn, but it was about 3x the size of mine. I was thinking maybe early in the season they put plastic around the whole cage to make a mini greenhouse and then they just leave them there?

http://oursaviourdallas.org/our-saviour-dallas-community-garden/

There wasn't anyone around to ask ??
Maybe you could take some cutting and clone them for your own garden. There nice!!!
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 05:45 PM

Seeds are almost planted, Now it needs to rain
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 05:55 PM

Originally Posted By: PhotoGuySteve
Seeds are almost planted, Now it needs to rain
I still have 2 acres to mow and weedeat and the Hill of **** is only half mowed...So it can rain tomorrow...grin
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/10 07:56 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: PhotoGuySteve
Seeds are almost planted, Now it needs to rain
I still have 2 acres to mow and weedeat and the Hill of **** is only half mowed...So it can rain tomorrow...grin
I just through down some Nitrogen rich fertilizer and a layer of wheat straw over that. Hopefully with all this rain I can get more green growth to help push me through the hottest summer months. Come on rain......
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 01:42 AM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
supposedly it's all organic. Not sure what kind of corn, but it was about 3x the size of mine. I was thinking maybe early in the season they put plastic around the whole cage to make a mini greenhouse and then they just leave them there?

http://oursaviourdallas.org/our-saviour-dallas-community-garden/

There wasn't anyone around to ask ??
I believe your right.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 02:14 PM

Okra. I've only got two plants this year as an experiment to see if it'll grow. Anyway, when they start producing, what's the best way to store them until I get enough for a meal?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 02:22 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Okra. I've only got two plants this year as an experiment to see if it'll grow. Anyway, when they start producing, what's the best way to store them until I get enough for a meal?
Wash them and then freeze them...You can also boil them for about three minutes and then freeze them...Either way will work...
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 03:53 PM

Been a while since I last posted, mainly due to the frustrating loss of my battle with stink bugs. Had a late crop of tomatoes, lots of production, sure hope the #!@% stink bugs enjoyed them. Squash continues to bloom, not a single piece of squash to date. There are some winners in the garden, apparently stink bugs prefer tomatoes to cucumbers, green beans, and peppers. Just discovered that the habaneros that had long since been written off are producing quite handily. What do you guys use the habanero's for. I'm a chilie head, but my past experiences with these have been just short of apocolyptic.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 04:47 PM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
Been a while since I last posted, mainly due to the frustrating loss of my battle with stink bugs. Had a late crop of tomatoes, lots of production, sure hope the #!@% stink bugs enjoyed them. Squash continues to bloom, not a single piece of squash to date. There are some winners in the garden, apparently stink bugs prefer tomatoes to cucumbers, green beans, and peppers. Just discovered that the habaneros that had long since been written off are producing quite handily. What do you guys use the habanero's for. I'm a chilie head, but my past experiences with these have been just short of apocolyptic.


I like eating them raw with a little salt and lemon but I know that isn't for everybody. grin Pickeling them takes some of the heat out or you can fry them mixed with onions and hamburger meat for tacos. They make good salsa as well, just adjust the amount according to your pain tolerance.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 04:54 PM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
Been a while since I last posted, mainly due to the frustrating loss of my battle with stink bugs. Had a late crop of tomatoes, lots of production, sure hope the #!@% stink bugs enjoyed them. Squash continues to bloom, not a single piece of squash to date. There are some winners in the garden, apparently stink bugs prefer tomatoes to cucumbers, green beans, and peppers. Just discovered that the habaneros that had long since been written off are producing quite handily. What do you guys use the habanero's for. I'm a chilie head, but my past experiences with these have been just short of apocolyptic.
If your using seven dust you will have to manually pollinate. Sevin Dust kill everything including your beneficial bugs like bees which are needed to pollinated your squash blooms.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 05:48 PM

Any of you guys grow corn? My corn should be "done" in 10 days (at 95 days right now).

Next year I'll be growing ~75-185 corn plants. I know how far to space them in the row, but I'm not sure how far I should space the rows apart. I have heard from many people that you want to plant them in a "block" so the pollination rate is better.

I've got a 6' x 75' block of the garden sectioned out for corn.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 06:11 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Any of you guys grow corn? My corn should be "done" in 10 days (at 95 days right now).

Next year I'll be growing ~75-185 corn plants. I know how far to space them in the row, but I'm not sure how far I should space the rows apart. I have heard from many people that you want to plant them in a "block" so the pollination rate is better.

I've got a 6' x 75' block of the garden sectioned out for corn.
When I was growing it, I would grow it in blocks of either 4 or 6 rows, depending on the variety (I like some more than others). The rows were spaced 24" to 32" and were typically 25 feet long...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 06:15 PM

Alright. And I assume it did pretty well for you? That's about how I have it mapped out right now: 3 rows, 25' long, spaced 24" apart.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 06:18 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Alright. And I assume it did pretty well for you? That's about how I have it mapped out right now: 3 rows, 25' long, spaced 24" apart.
You're better off doing it with an even number of rows (don't ask me why, I'm not sure, it's just what worked for me)...Yes, I would usually get a couple thousand ears of corn...One more reason I no longer have a 10,000 square foot garden...Corn plants aren't like most vegetable plants and you can space the seeds 3 to 6 inches apart and they will do fine...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 06:30 PM

Cool. Yea, I have seen them spaced over a foot and seen them spaced 6", and the closer spacing always seems to do better, because they don't blow over, and they pollinate better. I spaced mine 8" apart this year, but will probably do closer next year.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 06:49 PM

Have not had the need to use any sort of pest control on the squash, and it is in a separate bed removed from the rest of the garden. Pollination seems to be the problem though. I've never had to manually pollinate before but that may be what is required. These plants get full sun from first light till around 3 o'clock. Have'nt seen any squash bugs. Can't see what else would cause poor production. Healthiest squash PLANTS I've ever had.
I'll have to man up and try the lemon and salt Siberman. Will get back to ya!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 07:40 PM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
Have not had the need to use any sort of pest control on the squash, and it is in a separate bed removed from the rest of the garden. Pollination seems to be the problem though. I've never had to manually pollinate before but that may be what is required. These plants get full sun from first light till around 3 o'clock. Have'nt seen any squash bugs. Can't see what else would cause poor production. Healthiest squash PLANTS I've ever had.
I'll have to man up and try the lemon and salt Siberman. Will get back to ya!
Are they only producing male flowers?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 08:22 PM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
Have not had the need to use any sort of pest control on the squash, and it is in a separate bed removed from the rest of the garden. Pollination seems to be the problem though. I've never had to manually pollinate before but that may be what is required. These plants get full sun from first light till around 3 o'clock. Have'nt seen any squash bugs. Can't see what else would cause poor production. Healthiest squash PLANTS I've ever had.
I'll have to man up and try the lemon and salt Siberman. Will get back to ya!
Wow , habeneros lemon and salt. Might be ok going down but coming out is what worries me. rolfmao I stopped growing habeneros they were just to hot to enjoy with anything. I make hot sauce with them and only use 1 pepper which kind of defeats the use of peppers in sauce for me. I like the texture you get from the peppers skin in sauce. With Habeneros the hot is there but no texture since I only used 1 pepper.
How far are your squash from the other plants? If there close and you have dusted like crazy to get rid of the squash bugs it would still kill bees in the whole area. I have been using Neem Oil this year, last year I had to kill entire garden because of squash bugs. It does not effect bees either. This year I have had one squash bug . Neem oil will not kill them on contact but will repel them when they come to your garden to eat. But for now you will have to manually pollinate. Unless , you got some weird strain with male flowers only.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 09:04 PM

Have not used Sevin at all. Did have a go round with Malathion for stink bugs waaay before harvest. Funny thing is cucumbers growing into the tomatoes now, are having no problems w/ pollination. Saw some disscusion about male blooms on squash awhile back, guess I'll ask...how is a male squash bloom different from any other. I thought the flower had both male and female parts.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 09:12 PM

How old are they? Younger plants will produce males until it matures then it will start to produce females. the female has a little squash behind the flower the male has a stem behind the flower. You will see what looks like a squash starting to grow (female) but if it does not get pollinated it will die and fall off at about 2 inches. It is a little off that cucumbers are fine and squash is not producing.
Have you seen any other pest on your squash? I had cucumber beetles eating the insides of the blooms last year also.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 10:59 PM

Squash was planted in April. I've seen both types of blooms, nothing ever comes of the females. Have never noticed any insects, particulary in the blooms. The plants are about to succumb to squash vine borers, in the past seasons that has happened long after a successfull harvest. Most of the plants are still healthy, but the damage is evident. Probably one for the books at this point.
Tried the habanero! Fresh, no lemon or salt. Kinda lazy today. I was careful to avoid the seeds. Did'nt send me into orbit. Still prefer a good serrano.
Posted By: SkinnyT

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 11:02 PM

Planted the Earth Box and Topsy Turvy the same day with. I think the Earth box wins.



Gonna have a few Jal`s this year. thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 11:26 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Any of you guys grow corn? My corn should be "done" in 10 days (at 95 days right now).

Next year I'll be growing ~75-185 corn plants. I know how far to space them in the row, but I'm not sure how far I should space the rows apart. I have heard from many people that you want to plant them in a "block" so the pollination rate is better.

I've got a 6' x 75' block of the garden sectioned out for corn.


Pick your corn when the silk turns brown. thumb

I learned a few things from some "south of the border" friends about corn. Try planting in 12' x 12' blocks with 1' spacing between plants and rows. The roots will grow together and help support the plants. Pollination will be easier and the plants will shade out weeds. You can also plant climbing beans or Morning Glory around the corn stalks to aid with nitrogen ( make sure you really want Morning Glory before you plant it ). Squash and pumpkin vines growing around the base of your corn will discourage raccoons.

Be sure to plant plenty of fish heads. grin

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 11:48 PM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss

Tried the habanero! Fresh, no lemon or salt. Kinda lazy today. I was careful to avoid the seeds. Did'nt send me into orbit. Still prefer a good serrano.


You're learning, grasshopper. azn
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 11:50 PM

Yup. I've tried the upside down planters for a couple of years now. Don't believe the hype (or info-mercials).
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 11:56 PM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
Squash was planted in April. I've seen both types of blooms, nothing ever comes of the females. Have never noticed any insects, particulary in the blooms. The plants are about to succumb to squash vine borers, in the past seasons that has happened long after a successfull harvest. Most of the plants are still healthy, but the damage is evident. Probably one for the books at this point.
Tried the habanero! Fresh, no lemon or salt. Kinda lazy today. I was careful to avoid the seeds. Did'nt send me into orbit. Still prefer a good serrano.
If you have seen both then they are not getting pollinated and you will have to manually polinate. I posted a vid from you tube a while back I see if I can find it. The bee population from what I have read is declining and it could be you just dont have them in the area.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 11:57 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Wow , habeneros lemon and salt. Might be ok going down but coming out is what worries me. rolfmao I stopped growing habeneros they were just to hot to enjoy with anything.

Wuss. grin

I make hot sauce with them and only use 1 pepper which kind of defeats the use of peppers in sauce for me. I like the texture you get from the peppers skin in sauce. With Habeneros the hot is there but no texture since I only used 1 pepper.

Don't skin/ core your tomatoes and use the green part of the onions as well as the cilantro stems.

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/10 11:57 PM

Originally Posted By: SkinnyT
Planted the Earth Box and Topsy Turvy the same day with. I think the Earth box wins.



Gonna have a few Jal`s this year. thumb
clap woot
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/10 12:02 AM

You are right about the tomatoes they do have the male and female parts in each blossom. Squash is a little different.I have done it like this.

The Flower-to-Flower Technique

This is one pollinating technique where no tools are necessary; all that's needed are the flowers themselves. To hand-pollinate using the flower to flower technique, a male flower is picked off a vine. The petals should be gently pulled off and the middle part of the flower (stamen) should be rubbed all over the female flowers middle part (pistil). The flower is now pollinated.

Read more at Suite101: Hand-Pollinate Cucumbers, Pumpkins, and Squash: Using Hand-Pollinating Techniques in the Vegetable Garden http://vegetablegardens.suite101.co...umbers-pumpkins-and-squash#ixzz0t8fA28ag


Check about 1:50

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/10 12:13 AM

for your maters



Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/10 02:10 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Any of you guys grow corn? My corn should be "done" in 10 days (at 95 days right now).

Next year I'll be growing ~75-185 corn plants. I know how far to space them in the row, but I'm not sure how far I should space the rows apart. I have heard from many people that you want to plant them in a "block" so the pollination rate is better.

I've got a 6' x 75' block of the garden sectioned out for corn.


Pick your corn when the silk turns brown. thumb

I learned a few things from some "south of the border" friends about corn. Try planting in 12' x 12' blocks with 1' spacing between plants and rows. The roots will grow together and help support the plants. Pollination will be easier and the plants will shade out weeds. You can also plant climbing beans or Morning Glory around the corn stalks to aid with nitrogen ( make sure you really want Morning Glory before you plant it ). Squash and pumpkin vines growing around the base of your corn will discourage raccoons.

Be sure to plant plenty of fish heads. grin


thumb on the fish heads! I just got a new free cast net, and will hopefully be pulling them in, in the spring.

Man I've got a lot of carp to add to the soil. Literally and figuratively.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/10 02:16 AM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Any of you guys grow corn? My corn should be "done" in 10 days (at 95 days right now).

Next year I'll be growing ~75-185 corn plants. I know how far to space them in the row, but I'm not sure how far I should space the rows apart. I have heard from many people that you want to plant them in a "block" so the pollination rate is better.

I've got a 6' x 75' block of the garden sectioned out for corn.


Pick your corn when the silk turns brown. thumb

I learned a few things from some "south of the border" friends about corn. Try planting in 12' x 12' blocks with 1' spacing between plants and rows. The roots will grow together and help support the plants. Pollination will be easier and the plants will shade out weeds. You can also plant climbing beans or Morning Glory around the corn stalks to aid with nitrogen ( make sure you really want Morning Glory before you plant it ). Squash and pumpkin vines growing around the base of your corn will discourage raccoons.

Be sure to plant plenty of fish heads. grin


thumb on the fish heads! I just got a new free cast net, and will hopefully be pulling them in, in the spring.

Man I've got a lot of carp to add to the soil. Literally and figuratively.
I am still trying to catch fish to do that. rolfmao
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/10 02:44 AM

Thanks for the pollination tip, Tin Head, makes more sense than using some type of brush.
Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/10 02:31 PM

I need some help with the weeds in my garden. How are people controlling them? I am going to start from scratch after this planting season. Thanks for the help.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/10 03:42 PM

My peppers are still green...guess I am glad I didn't pull them last week...going to wait another few days and see if I get any color....anybody make anything special with Mexi-Bells? Or just use them to cook normal bell pepper dishes ? Just curious...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/10 03:49 PM

I usually just walk around and pull them when I see them pop up. You could mulch which will block the weeds from growing and retain moisture in your soil during our hot months. I just bought some wheat straw as mulch it does not affect ph and will not absorb nutrients sprayed on garden like wood will. Also at the end of the season you can till it into the soil for next year. Wheat straw is 7 dollars a bail at the feed store. You can also try this http://www.moscowfood.coop/archive/VinegarKillsWeeds.html . You might be able to use what you have at home if not I have seen the garden grade vinegar at lowes.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/10 04:34 PM

Gonzz I've got a bale of wheat straw if you want to buy it for a few bucks. I'm not too far from you. Might be cheaper to just buy it from a feed store, though.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/10 05:37 PM

WOOO HOOOO that past week of rain and cool weather did great in the garden. I had some maters that got so juiced up they popped,lol. I love when it rains you can see plants grow a few inches in hours. Just did a lot of trimming and cutting off older growth.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/10 09:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
WOOO HOOOO that past week of rain and cool weather did great in the garden. I had some maters that got so juiced up they popped,lol. I love when it rains you can see plants grow a few inches in hours. Just did a lot of trimming and cutting off older growth.


Love what it did for the garden but the bahaia grass grew about 2 feet. rolleyes
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/10 01:59 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
WOOO HOOOO that past week of rain and cool weather did great in the garden. I had some maters that got so juiced up they popped,lol. I love when it rains you can see plants grow a few inches in hours. Just did a lot of trimming and cutting off older growth.


Love what it did for the garden but the bahaia grass grew about 2 feet. rolleyes
rolfmao
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/10 10:38 PM

The rain did wonders for mine too.. Actually got a few new fruits showing up on the maters. Had uproot a squash plant today though, as it had got wiped out by friggin rollie polleys. bastages didn't like the 1/2 gallon of sevin I just sprayed on them though.



Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/10 11:49 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
The rain did wonders for mine too.. Actually got a few new fruits showing up on the maters. Had uproot a squash plant today though, as it had got wiped out by friggin rollie polleys. bastages didn't like the 1/2 gallon of sevin I just sprayed on them though.


that will get them or sure. clap
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/10 09:03 PM

Will be canning my 10th quart of pickles tonight. Almost starting to look like my Grandmas ole pantry (not really, she had a 6x10 ft pantry with shelves and stocked to the ceiling with all varieties of stuff). By the looks of things, there will be another quarts worth of cukes ready by Thur or Fri. It's been fun!
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/10 09:05 PM

No idea what I did wrong on the cucumbers. I didn't get any. Lots of vines and flowers, and I went and gave the flowers a little "shake" every few days, but only 3 cucs or so, and they shriveled up and died. One had pillbugs in it. Stupid pillbugs...
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/10 09:12 PM

Sorry, I can't help with any ideas on what could have gone wrong. This was my first time to mess with cukes but they have grown like crazy and produced a lot so far considering I only have them planted in those big black tree buckets/tubs with about 5 plants per bucket. I built a little trellace(sp) for them to climb on and they are now about 5 ft tall and spread out. My jalapenos have been a disappointment this year though. They are making fine, but they have no heat to them at all. You can eat them like bell peppers, lol. Not even hot enough to make hot sauce. My bell peppers have done very good too, green, red, yellow and purple (first time I had seen that variety so I was a little surprised when they showed up).
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/10 09:35 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Sorry, I can't help with any ideas on what could have gone wrong. This was my first time to mess with cukes but they have grown like crazy and produced a lot so far considering I only have them planted in those big black tree buckets/tubs with about 5 plants per bucket. I built a little trellace(sp) for them to climb on and they are now about 5 ft tall and spread out. My jalapenos have been a disappointment this year though. They are making fine, but they have no heat to them at all. You can eat them like bell peppers, lol. Not even hot enough to make hot sauce. My bell peppers have done very good too, green, red, yellow and purple (first time I had seen that variety so I was a little surprised when they showed up).


Those tubs probably keep the bugs from climbing up onto the plants. I've got some plastic whiskey barrel liners that I was gonna use this year but never got around to it.
Don't feel by yourself on the peppers. I haven't had a hot thai or serrano yet. My habs were rabbit-chewed but they're making a comeback. I'm hoping the hot weather will help the situation. Are you sure you didn't plant TAM (heatless) jalapenos ?

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/10 09:40 PM

According to the label, they are supposed to be hot. Can't see a purpose in planting any that aren't! But then again, those little plants get all moved around and sometimes you're not sure what you end up taking home (I didn't plant from seed on the jalapenos). That's how I ended up with purple bell peppers too! lol All I had planned on growing was red and yellow but ended up with 4 different colors. I guess someone moved them around at the store too..
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/10 09:41 PM

Oh, and I had a similar issue with the jalapenos last year. They all started out mild or no heat but after the temps got up, they ended up getting hotter and hotter. So I will let them ride along and keep taste testing.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/10 09:59 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
No idea what I did wrong on the cucumbers. I didn't get any. Lots of vines and flowers, and I went and gave the flowers a little "shake" every few days, but only 3 cucs or so, and they shriveled up and died. One had pillbugs in it. Stupid pillbugs...
Cucumbers, unlike tomatoes and peppers, don't need a shake or spanking...There are male and female flowers on a cucumber plant. If the bees don't pollinate the female flowers on the small cucumbers, they wilt and die...You can take a small paint brush (like for water colors) and dip it into the male flower (on a stem without a cucumber) and then take the pollen and put it in the female flower...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/10 10:47 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Will be canning my 10th quart of pickles tonight. Almost starting to look like my Grandmas ole pantry (not really, she had a 6x10 ft pantry with shelves and stocked to the ceiling with all varieties of stuff). By the looks of things, there will be another quarts worth of cukes ready by Thur or Fri. It's been fun!
Whats needed to can? I have some cucumbers (regular size) and a bunch of peppers I would like to pickle. Is there a seasoning kit?
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/10 12:22 AM

I'd like to learn how to do this too. It would be for peppers only as my cucumbers were non existent this year.. I too got a big fat ZERO. I've had 4 plants that were 3 ft tall and stretched along for about 10'. Had bees working the garden, but no cukes.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/10 12:38 AM

Go to Wal-Mart and look for the "Ball Blue Book of Preserving" or :
Try Here .

I can peppers by washing them, packing them in hot jars with garlic/onion/sage/whatever then covering them with boiling vinegar. Screw the (hot) lids and caps on and let 'em cool overnight. After they've cooled down, press on the lids to make sure they're air-tight. If the lid doesn't pop back up they're sealed. If it does, put 'em in the refrigerator ASAP.

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/10 12:56 AM



Im diggin this one...

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/10 01:06 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Go to Wal-Mart and look for the "Ball Blue Book of Preserving" or :
Try Here .

I can peppers by washing them, packing them in hot jars with garlic/onion/sage/whatever then covering them with boiling vinegar. Screw the (hot) lids and caps on and let 'em cool overnight. After they've cooled down, press on the lids to make sure they're air-tight. If the lid doesn't pop back up they're sealed. If it does, put 'em in the refrigerator ASAP.


thought that book said "Blue Ball....." cyclop
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/10 10:40 AM

Don't give up on your peppers just yet. Mine usually do their best after the summer heat. Last year I was picking jalapenos and tobascos well into November.... flame
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/10 02:33 PM

You can also self pollinate the cukes with a q-tip. I've been doing this on top of the bees doing their thing. i've noticed the bees are there in the mornings and I pollinate at night.

As for the peppers, I also got 'hot' jalapenos and they are freakin HOT! but I like torturing myself smile

BTW, There's a whole list of things we should be planting right now in N Texas
http://grovesite.com/page.asp?o=tamu&s=h&p=317762

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/10 05:15 PM

This is my Grandmas recipe and it's what I use as well. For canning pickles, I use 10% vinegar (hard to find in the DFW area so my Mom bought me a gallon where she lives). I guess you can use 5% but change the ratio of water to vinegar to 2 qts water and 2 qts 5% vinegar. Anyway, it calls for 3 qts water, 1 qt 10% vinegar and 1 cup pickling salt. Put in a big pot to boil until the salt is dissolved. Pick your cukes, wash really good to get any little "spines" off. Get qt jar (sterilize if it's been used before). Put a head of dill in the bottom (dill weed/seed works okay too but be sure to put plenty), 1 garlic clove and a few peppercorns (I use 5 or 6). You can adjust the amount of garlic or pepper to see what you like best. Now stuff the cukes into the jar as tightly as possible till full, just below the neck of the jar. Spoon in 1 teaspoon of sugar (you can put 2 if you like them a tad sweeter) but you need to add some as it aids in making the pickles crunchy. Now fill the jar to the bottom of the neck with the water/vinegar solution. Put the lid on loosely. Have a bigger pot with boiling water ready to go and place the jar into that pot making sure it's at least halfway up the jar. Allow this to sit in the boil, water boiling for approx 15 minutes. You will see the cukes begin to change color and little air bubbles rise to the top. After 15 minutes, use a good towel or pot holder and remove the jar to the counter top. Tighten the lid down as tight as you can, I use those rubber lid removers because they aid in getting a grip on it plus the lids are usually hot by now. The lid will have a little "nipple" in the center, sticking up slightly. Usually the jar will seal and "burp" within 30 minutes but sometimes longer. You can always tell if it sealed properly because the little nipple I mentioned will be gone and the lid will be slightly sunken in. Let this sit on the shelf for about 30 days to get the flavors all happy. Then enjoy.

Once you gallon of the water/vinegar/salt mixture cools, I put it into a big gallon jug and refrigerate so that next time I have a mess of cukes ready for pickling, my mixture is ready to go. No need to boil it again before filling the jar. Just pour it on top of a jar full of cukes and complete 15 minute boiling process. This really speeds up the process on the next go around, especially if you're getting home from work and need to make a quick quart or 2.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/10 09:45 PM

"thought that book said "Blue Ball....." "

Nah. I'm gonna leave that one alone. grin

It's a good book , though. My family skipped a generation in the food preservation area. (Born in 1960 when refridgeration became the norm.) I remember my grands putting up all sorts of stuff . My granddaddy raised/slaughtered/smoked his own pork , chickens, acres of veggies, etc.

You ain't lived until you've had a thick slice of real no-preservatives-allowed ham with eggs , churned butter on top of home made biscuits and peach preserves on the side for breakfast , son! lizard




Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/10 09:49 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
This is my Grandmas recipe and it's what I use as well. For canning pickles, I use 10% vinegar (hard to find in the DFW area so my Mom bought me a gallon where she lives). I guess you can use 5% but change the ratio of water to vinegar to 2 qts water and 2 qts 5% vinegar. Anyway, it calls for 3 qts water, 1 qt 10% vinegar and 1 cup pickling salt. Put in a big pot to boil until the salt is dissolved. Pick your cukes, wash really good to get any little "spines" off. Get qt jar (sterilize if it's been used before). Put a head of dill in the bottom (dill weed/seed works okay too but be sure to put plenty), 1 garlic clove and a few peppercorns (I use 5 or 6). You can adjust the amount of garlic or pepper to see what you like best. Now stuff the cukes into the jar as tightly as possible till full, just below the neck of the jar. Spoon in 1 teaspoon of sugar (you can put 2 if you like them a tad sweeter) but you need to add some as it aids in making the pickles crunchy. Now fill the jar to the bottom of the neck with the water/vinegar solution. Put the lid on loosely. Have a bigger pot with boiling water ready to go and place the jar into that pot making sure it's at least halfway up the jar. Allow this to sit in the boil, water boiling for approx 15 minutes. You will see the cukes begin to change color and little air bubbles rise to the top. After 15 minutes, use a good towel or pot holder and remove the jar to the counter top. Tighten the lid down as tight as you can, I use those rubber lid removers because they aid in getting a grip on it plus the lids are usually hot by now. The lid will have a little "nipple" in the center, sticking up slightly. Usually the jar will seal and "burp" within 30 minutes but sometimes longer. You can always tell if it sealed properly because the little nipple I mentioned will be gone and the lid will be slightly sunken in. Let this sit on the shelf for about 30 days to get the flavors all happy. Then enjoy.

Once you gallon of the water/vinegar/salt mixture cools, I put it into a big gallon jug and refrigerate so that next time I have a mess of cukes ready for pickling, my mixture is ready to go. No need to boil it again before filling the jar. Just pour it on top of a jar full of cukes and complete 15 minute boiling process. This really speeds up the process on the next go around, especially if you're getting home from work and need to make a quick quart or 2.


Do you use a rack on the bottom of the boiling water pot ? I've always heard it was best to so the jars won't break from the heat.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/10 01:57 PM

I don't use a rack but I guess it would be fine. This is sort of old school canning I guess and Granny didn't have the best of the best on the farm so they made do with what they had. But I also put the jars in before the water starts boiling so they can come up to temp a little if I use the vinegar mixture right out of the fridge (cold). If you want to heat the mixture up before putting it in the jars, then you are basically heating the jar up (tempering) so it wouldn't matter. Maybe I've just been lucky though but I did finish my 10th qt on Tuesday and none have caused any problems. If you want to spend a little extra money, I beleive they actually make a little canning "system" that has a rack, pot and even some fancy tongs to put the jars in and remove them. Since my garden is small and I'm only canning 1 or 2 jars at a time, I didn't see the need for it. If you have a bigger garden and end up canning a lot at one time, I would invest in it since you can boil multiple qts at once.
Posted By: Woolybugger

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/10 07:01 PM

I think my beds have too much nitrogen. Tomatoes and squash are huge and leafy but hardly bearing any flowers. I use lots of compost which I think is too high in nitrogen, not enough carbon.
Anyone have suggestions for a remedy?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/10 07:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Woolybugger
I think my beds have too much nitrogen. Tomatoes and squash are huge and leafy but hardly bearing any flowers. I use lots of compost which I think is too high in nitrogen, not enough carbon.
Anyone have suggestions for a remedy?

What are you using for fertilizers now?


When was the last time you applied nitrogen? Nitrogen dissapears very quickly in the soil ,are you using organic or chemical? For flowers you need to concentrate on the middle of the 3 NPK levels. Phosphorous, the second number is what makes your plants bloom. Nitrogen the first is for as you know foliage growth. Eliminate all nitrogen ferts and concentrate on the second number. Example 0-10-6,(example only). APPLY NITROGEN ONLY WHEN YOU SEE LOWER LEAVES START TO YELLOW, THE PLANT WILL TELL YOU WHEN IT NEEDS NITROGEN. When plants get mature I usually try and concentrate in the second number adding nitrogen when needed , or at lower levels then the other 2. Too much nitrogen will keep plants growing foliage instead of veggies, and I want veggies not green leaves,lol. Its a balance, with too much nitrogen you end up feeding/growing/supporting the lush green foliage instead of supporting the veggies. You do as your example, grow plants and not veggies. Some just run a even number of the three npk levels which will work also 30-30-30.
Posted By: Woolybugger

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/10 08:27 PM

Thanx, I'll pick up some 0-10-6 or similar.

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/10 08:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Woolybugger
Thanx, I'll pick up some 0-10-6 or similar.
trying anything with a higher middle number will work. feeding with some thing like 4-10-6 will work fine also , just keep the first number(nitrogen) down.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/10 10:37 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
I don't use a rack but I guess it would be fine. This is sort of old school canning I guess and Granny didn't have the best of the best on the farm so they made do with what they had. But I also put the jars in before the water starts boiling so they can come up to temp a little if I use the vinegar mixture right out of the fridge (cold). If you want to heat the mixture up before putting it in the jars, then you are basically heating the jar up (tempering) so it wouldn't matter. Maybe I've just been lucky though but I did finish my 10th qt on Tuesday and none have caused any problems. If you want to spend a liBut I also put the jars in before the water starts boiling so they can come up to temp a little ttle extra money, I beleive they actually make a little canning "system" that has a rack, pot and even some fancy tongs to put the jars in and remove them. Since my garden is small and I'm only canning 1 or 2 jars at a time, I didn't see the need for it. If you have a bigger garden and end up canning a lot at one time, I would invest in it since you can boil multiple qts at once.


I use racks since my water bath and pressure cooker came with them and I remember grandmom using them when she pressure-cooked jars of green beans. This : "But I also put the jars in before the water starts boiling so they can come up to temp a little " makes a lot of sense , though. I'll try a bare bottom water bath next time. I'm tired of trying to balance all those pint jars on a rack.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/10 10:40 PM

Too much Miracle-Gro can have the same effect in flower gardens. You'll have huge bushy plants but not many flowers.
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/10 01:06 AM

Okay I got back into town , I see rows of squash , Cucumbers, and Cantaloupe , I see progress , Wife watered for me , she done good
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/10 11:16 PM

It appears as though my previous statement concerning high heat indexes' effect on the heat level of chili peppers was correct. I just went out and harvested a double-handfull of thais and pequins.

Good Lord o' MERCY! flame

My chest hairs curled !
loco_2
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/17/10 06:30 PM

Watch your tomatoes...

Horned tomato worms are now out.. I got one the other day, and 6 just now.. those things will eat up a plant in no time.

What's the best way to get rid of them? Just sprayed a bunch of liquid Sevin on the plants..

I am about to clone what I have in the ground now anyway, and pull the big plants, if there's anything left worth cloning. frown
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/17/10 08:34 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Watch your tomatoes...

Horned tomato worms are now out.. I got one the other day, and 6 just now.. those things will eat up a plant in no time.

What's the best way to get rid of them? Just sprayed a bunch of liquid Sevin on the plants..

I am about to clone what I have in the ground now anyway, and pull the big plants, if there's anything left worth cloning. frown
Liquid sevin should take care of them if not try Thruicide (organic) to kill them. Let the birds do what they do and they will take care of them also. I am having problelm with grasshoppers but I am shooting them off with a bb gun,lol. Probly the most important thing to cloning is to make sure the soil around them stays moist at all times. You could start them in a tray the sell at wally world for starting plants. I believe it has 20 or so plugs . If not this route just make sure the soil stays moist around them. Also dont leave to much leaves on your clones. The plant will stress much more trying to feed the leaves instead of growing roots. If you fertilize you could use a lower first number NPK fert(example only,4-8-6). The second number helps in root and flowering growth.
Also , dont kill/pull your existing plants trim them down to a couple feet 2-3 feet(leave some foliage) and in a few days you should see some new shoots coming up from gound level. You will be way ahead of the game with these since the root system has allready established it self. With this stick with a higher first number nutrient ,since your looking for lush plant growth.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/17/10 10:21 PM

I pick 'em off and feed 'em to my chickens. wink Don't know if this has been discussed here but if you see a hornworm with small white cocoons on it , leave it alone. They're from a parasitic wasp that'll help control the population of caterpillars.
Posted By: ZX225(Radio)

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/10 12:10 AM

I need to buy some home grown tomatoes. Anybody have any??
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/10 03:11 AM

hmmm
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/10 01:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
[color:#000099] It appears as though my previous statement concerning high heat indexes' effect on the heat level of chili peppers was correct. I just went out and harvested a double-handfull of thais and pequins.


My peppers typically do better in the fall. Last year I was plucking tobascos and jalapenos until November. Having a good crop so far this year.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/10 03:08 PM

Man those vine borers are bad! They killed all my original squash and now they've taken hold of my second round of squash. I think I got to em early enough but man, I love squash and they are really pissin me off! Are there any varieties of squash that are resistant?

Pickling cukes are going mad.

I have a celebrity tomato plant and every tomato it puts off cracks like crazy when it starts to turn.

Any advice on the SVBs and the cracking tomatoes?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/10 05:28 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Man those vine borers are bad! They killed all my original squash and now they've taken hold of my second round of squash. I think I got to em early enough but man, I love squash and they are really pissin me off! Are there any varieties of squash that are resistant?

Pickling cukes are going mad.

I have a celebrity tomato plant and every tomato it puts off cracks like crazy when it starts to turn.

Any advice on the SVBs and the cracking tomatoes?
I have the same issues with celebrities also. I will not grow them next year, just didnt like them overall. I believe its due to irregular waterings also. A dry spell then a heavy shower all of a sudden ,like we have been having, will cause them to crack. You can still eat them. Mulching will also help to keep the soil consistently moist.


I had to replant my squash also and have seen the adult moth to the svb buzzin around the squash. Kill the moth if possible, I sprayed the base of the plant with thuricide. Its a organic worm killer. Check the base of the plant for very small disc shaped eggs on the base. If you find one pull it off, dont throw it into the soil. If you miss one the thuricide should kill it when it hatches and tries to burrow in the stem. I also used some hay and pilled it up at the base to hopefully block access the the moth so she cant get in there to lay eggs. It seems to be working. I read some have wrapped the base of the squash plant with tin foil.
Another thing I learned also, give the plants a hard spray of water every now and then. Dont kill the plant with the water spray. What you want to do is knock off the any bugs from your plants. Concentrate the water on the stem and branches and under leaves.

Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/10 06:22 PM

Well, I finally after watching my Mexi Bells turn a really nice chocolate brown , cut them and brought them in. After two days the brown turned to the most nrilliant red. Question: they are about half the size they are suppose to be according to the tags with it and what I have read..so do I need miracle grow? or should I just enjoy my lil peppers?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/20/10 02:44 PM

enjoy the lilns. What kind of miracle grow are you using?
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/20/10 04:30 PM

Update. Cukes still going good. Pickled my 15th qt this past weekend and the vines are still loaded.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/10 03:11 AM

I use the granulated miracle grow , mix it up in my watering can and do it according to the package schedule,,, we will see if it helps me , have only been doing it for two applications but I hope , cuz Hubby really lookin forward to those mater's
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/10 12:36 PM

This mornings harves: mucho habaneros,Japanese eggplants,jalapenos cucumbers and a nice cantelope. Many more cantelopes just starting to get the netting..... food




Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/10 07:13 PM

Looks nice frank
Posted By: Texas Husker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/10 10:31 PM

Garden tomatoes for a BLT.

Eggplant cut thin, dipped in egg yolks and then rolled in cracker crumbs. Fried in crisco. Served hot with a liberal amount of butter melted over the top.


Just doesn't get any better than these two.\!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Cameron T.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/23/10 02:45 AM

i leave the TFF for a while and they start a gardening thread...
WTH
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/23/10 01:30 PM

There was one last year too smile
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/24/10 12:07 AM

I've got honeydew melons starting to fruit out finally. I guess when the squash died, the bees had to go somewhere to get pollen.




Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/24/10 09:15 PM

Picked this today:...... banana banana banana banana



Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/24/10 10:09 PM

Looks great, my garden has come to a screatching halt. I got attacked by aphids and the heat is not helping. Looks good.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/25/10 01:54 AM

Looks great, Frank...I haven't photographed my harvests lately, but I'm still getting a ton of peppers and cucumbers...My tomato plants are somewhat trying to make a comeback. Looks like I might only have to replant 20 or so...banana
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/25/10 03:14 PM

Hey Frank,
Where did you get the poblano seeds/plants?

I looked and couldn't find any. That's my favorite pepper. Cubanelle is climbing fast though, too bad I only have one plant. bang


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/26/10 03:10 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Hey Frank,
Where did you get the poblano seeds/plants?

I looked and couldn't find any. That's my favorite pepper. Cubanelle is climbing fast though, too bad I only have one plant. bang

If you like the Cubanelle, try and find some Carmen Peppers...My family LOVES them...
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/10 03:42 PM

GREAT Harvest Frank!!!
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/10 12:43 AM

ANY ONE TRY Diatomaceous earth?

I am having problems with ants and grasshoppers in the garden. This stuff is supposed to kill all crawlies in the garden and be organic. It looks like seven and goes on like seven but is 4lbs for l2 dollars. I guess the cost is the same as seven.Its supposed to be like glass and get in their crevices and cut them up.

Whats have you guys used besides sevin to get rid of grasshoppers and ants? I know most ants in the garden are harmless unless the are herding aphids and eating my okra like they are. bolt
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/10 01:05 AM

In laws live in recharge zone in Edwards Aquifer, and they can pnly use this product. They have very good luck with it, and I have used it in the past, and it does the job for sure. Hope you get rid of those aphids..I had too wasn't an easy task...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/10 04:59 AM

Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
In laws live in recharge zone in Edwards Aquifer, and they can pnly use this product. They have very good luck with it, and I have used it in the past, and it does the job for sure. Hope you get rid of those aphids..I had too wasn't an easy task...
Ants were gone 10 minutes after I put it on the okra. Now if they can just stay gone...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/10 01:25 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
In laws live in recharge zone in Edwards Aquifer, and they can pnly use this product. They have very good luck with it, and I have used it in the past, and it does the job for sure. Hope you get rid of those aphids..I had too wasn't an easy task...
Ants were gone 10 minutes after I put it on the okra. Now if they can just stay gone...


I've noticed ants on my okra as well. I haven't noticed any distress, markings, holes or otherwise on the okra. Are they harmful to the plant?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/10 02:08 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
In laws live in recharge zone in Edwards Aquifer, and they can pnly use this product. They have very good luck with it, and I have used it in the past, and it does the job for sure. Hope you get rid of those aphids..I had too wasn't an easy task...
Ants were gone 10 minutes after I put it on the okra. Now if they can just stay gone...


I've noticed ants on my okra as well. I haven't noticed any distress, markings, holes or otherwise on the okra. Are they harmful to the plant?
I've never had them do much damage, but they have gotten to a couple of pieces of okra before...Grasshoppers and other pests seem to do the most damage...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/10 02:09 PM

Now is time to have your squash, tomatoes, etc. in for a fall garden...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/10 05:38 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
In laws live in recharge zone in Edwards Aquifer, and they can pnly use this product. They have very good luck with it, and I have used it in the past, and it does the job for sure. Hope you get rid of those aphids..I had too wasn't an easy task...
Ants were gone 10 minutes after I put it on the okra. Now if they can just stay gone...


I've noticed ants on my okra as well. I haven't noticed any distress, markings, holes or otherwise on the okra. Are they harmful to the plant?
The ants on the okra are a different species than the ones that are farming the aphids. The Okra ants are bigger and I believe they are carpenter ants. They are only getting a few okra true so I am not overly concerned with these but they have covered 2-3 okra and are eating it. Not a big problem with okra as fast as it produces. The other ants ,smaller and black, on the other hand are NOT eating none of the plants what they do is move aphids to good eating spots and let them get their fill then go in and feed on the aphids. Once the ants are done feeding they will move the aphids to another good spot and do the same. So I have been trying to kill the aphids and do about a 98% kill on the aphids but the ants take the live ones and start them back up again. Dang smart ants,lol..... Ants (depending on species)in the garden are not a bad thing if you have everything in check , they will actually eat bugs that fall of your plants and are responsible for other beneficial things. I did not catch the aphids soon enough so I am going to get rid of the ants at this point. Plus this DT earth stuff should work for other pest like grass hoppers also. I let you guys know how the stuff works in a few days.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/10 09:22 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head


The ants on the okra are a different species than the ones that are farming the aphids. The Okra ants are bigger and I believe they are carpenter ants.

Do they have red heads/bodies with black tails? That's what I call carpenters and they'll get in the wood frame of your house if you're not careful.

Plus this DT earth stuff should work for other pest like grass hoppers also. I let you guys know how the stuff works in a few days.

Grasshoppers are great fish bait. (Just sayin'.) Be careful with the DT. It's made of the fossilized shells of micro-crustaceans and every little dust particle has a lot of sharp edges on it. The edges puncture the exoskeleton of insects so they lose liquids and die. Wear a dust mask when using it.

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/10 10:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Tin Head


The ants on the okra are a different species than the ones that are farming the aphids. The Okra ants are bigger and I believe they are carpenter ants.

Do they have red heads/bodies with black tails? That's what I call carpenters and they'll get in the wood frame of your house if you're not careful.

Plus this DT earth stuff should work for other pest like grass hoppers also. I let you guys know how the stuff works in a few days.

Grasshoppers are great fish bait. (Just sayin'.) Be careful with the DT. It's made of the fossilized shells of micro-crustaceans and every little dust particle has a lot of sharp edges on it. The edges puncture the exoskeleton of insects so they lose liquids and die. Wear a dust mask when using it.
Could be carpenter ants , I do not know species and just through that out there since it came to mind.
On the dusting stuff I will definitely do as I do with spreading of all powders and use a mask.
Posted By: Reaper9789

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/10 11:42 PM

That DT is perfect for getting rid of pests everywhere. and its not harmful to people at all.. i remember the first time we bought some the guy actually ate some just to show i was safe. hope he is still alive lol
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/29/10 04:41 AM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Looks great, my garden has come to a screatching halt. I got attacked by aphids and the heat is not helping. Looks good.
I'm feelin' ya Tin Head. Nothin' but peppers left. Lost the war with stink bugs. Whats the trick to getting the orange habaneros. Mine have stayed green.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/29/10 09:10 PM

Originally Posted By: sputterfuss
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Looks great, my garden has come to a screatching halt. I got attacked by aphids and the heat is not helping. Looks good.
I'm feelin' ya Tin Head. Nothin' but peppers left. Lost the war with stink bugs. Whats the trick to getting the orange habaneros. Mine have stayed green.
You might have to leave the Habs. longer and let them ripen a little. Stink bugs are some tough little critters to eliminate.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/10 04:16 PM

What makes tomatoes crack or bust? I'm assuming it is the rain we had this last week.

Everyone of my ripe ones split down the side. They are rather little too.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/10 05:26 PM

When a tomato begins to ripen, the outer flesh begins more fragile. When cooler water hits it, it causes it to split. One more reason to water EARLY morning before the sun has had a change to raise the temp of the tomato...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/10 07:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
What makes tomatoes crack or bust? I'm assuming it is the rain we had this last week.

Everyone of my ripe ones split down the side. They are rather little too.
infrequent watering would be the main cause like LSS said. The soil gets dry then a heavy watering. Using a good mulch will help out to keep the soil at a more consistent moisture level also. Ideal would be for the soil to stay moist, not wet, 100% of the time. This time of year i like watering in the evenings, it works for me. The water has about 12 hours to soak in the soil before the sun and heat come up. And the plants have the same 12 hours to enjoy the moisture with out the Texas summer beating them up during the day. Mulch helps through out the day to retain the moisture.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/10 07:39 PM

The DE stuff posted above does work but i think it would be best with one of those "puffers", I forget the name. The deals where you put the powder in the can and it has a pump to distribute the powder in a cloud, anyone know the name and where to find one?

EDEIT: and a face mask. woot I wonder how much DE the guy was selling that he felt the need to eat it? banana
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/01/10 11:28 AM

check other gardening websites seen some there.

I've had fire ants on my okra for about two weeks. Pizzed me off enough that I got the machete after them on Friday. No worries though, I have more dang okra than I need already, and still have 5 plants in the ground...

time to do some weeding today and put together the plan for the fall garden.


Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/01/10 11:20 PM

According to the the recommended planting dates for North Texas, I'm a couple weeks late for planting peppers and tomatoes. Does anyone know if planting these (in the next couple days) is a worthless attempt, or might I get something out of it?

Also, does anyone know where I can get seed potatoes at this time in the year? All the local places seem to stop carrying them after the Spring (that I can find).

It's been a while since I've been in here. Here's my latest work:

This:



Transformed into this:



Which has now transformed into this:


Later on, I'll finish the top half. It's a little too warm right now.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/10 12:31 PM

You can go ahead and try peppers and tomatoes...I think we'll get a later freeze this year...

Looks good, by the way...
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/10 07:51 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
When a tomato begins to ripen, the outer flesh begins more fragile. When cooler water hits it, it causes it to split. One more reason to water EARLY morning before the sun has had a change to raise the temp of the tomato...


I use soaker hoses. We did have some good solid later afternoon rains about a week and half ago. I guess that is what did it.

I water in the evening when I get home.

What type of mulch should I use?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/10 08:31 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
When a tomato begins to ripen, the outer flesh begins more fragile. When cooler water hits it, it causes it to split. One more reason to water EARLY morning before the sun has had a change to raise the temp of the tomato...


I use soaker hoses. We did have some good solid later afternoon rains about a week and half ago. I guess that is what did it.

I water in the evening when I get home.

What type of mulch should I use?
depends on a few things as far as what kind of mulch, main thing is you dont want something that is going to throw your ph level off. I used wheat straw. Theres a organic place close by that sells cedar mulch for 22 dollars a bobcat scoop. I use a soaker hose also and one thing I learned is to give the garden a good spray of water ,concentrating on the stems, do this atleast once a week. This will help keep pest from getting out of control.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/10 09:50 PM

Yup, looks like you got the fever. Time for an intervention. grin

Buy some taters and put a few under your sink for a couple weeks. You should have some sprouts and I believe you have enough time to try this if you can't find any "ready to plant" anywhere. I wouldn't bother with Russets but Yukon Gold and Reds (if you can find 'em) should sprout ok (plus, they'll be more amenable to cooler temps).

Nice garden patch. Now where you gonna put the hot tub?
wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/10 09:55 PM

I've got a really nice serrano plant this year. Must be three feet tall with deep green foilage and was covered with flowers. I've gotten one chili off of it so far.

What's the deal? Is it better for serranos to be planted in pairs for pollination ? I've always had good yields from single plants.
hmmm
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/10 10:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman


Nice garden patch. Now where you gonna put the hot tub?
wink
In the middle of the garden of course... grin
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/10 10:17 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I've got a really nice serrano plant this year. Must be three feet tall with deep green foilage and was covered with flowers. I've gotten one chili off of it so far.

What's the deal? Is it better for serranos to be planted in pairs for pollination ? I've always had good yields from single plants.
hmmm
Dang , dont do a serrano image search on google , scary.
Mine seem to do fine as long as their not bothered by pest. On these pepper plants you should flick each flower and you should see a little puff of pollen, then the flowers should set fruit. I think LSS posted earlier in the year the importance of spanking the plants.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/10 10:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I've got a really nice serrano plant this year. Must be three feet tall with deep green foilage and was covered with flowers. I've gotten one chili off of it so far.

What's the deal? Is it better for serranos to be planted in pairs for pollination ? I've always had good yields from single plants.
hmmm
Start spanking it like a tomato plant...
Posted By: lws6772

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/10 12:58 AM

Do any of you guys make your own compost? I took over the compost making from my wife and I really enjoy it. Plus it is a good mini work out the way I do it, chopping and blending the stuff with a hoe. We are always on the look out for free ingredients.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/10 04:29 AM

Originally Posted By: lws6772
Do any of you guys make your own compost? I took over the compost making from my wife and I really enjoy it. Plus it is a good mini work out the way I do it, chopping and blending the stuff with a hoe. We are always on the look out for free ingredients.
true...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/10 01:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: Siberman


Nice garden patch. Now where you gonna put the hot tub?
wink
In the middle of the garden of course... grin


rolfmao thumb


Originally Posted By: lws6772
Do any of you guys make your own compost? I took over the compost making from my wife and I really enjoy it. Plus it is a good mini work out the way I do it, chopping and blending the stuff with a hoe. We are always on the look out for free ingredients.


Yes, I compost. Finding the "ingredients" has sort of become a game - I'm always keeping an eye out for someone throwing out bags of leaves, grass clippings, companies throwing away coffee grounds, etc.

In related news, I need like 10 more cubic yards of cow/horse/chicken/rabbit manure. That's a lot of truckloads of carp.
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/10 01:20 PM

hit up a dairy...they'll usually tell you to take whatever you can load.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/10 01:36 PM

Originally Posted By: lws6772
Do any of you guys make your own compost? I took over the compost making from my wife and I really enjoy it. Plus it is a good mini work out the way I do it, chopping and blending the stuff with a hoe. We are always on the look out for free ingredients.


Stop in any starbucks and ask them for coffee grounds. They'll bag em up and give em to ya.

I need to add another compost pile to my already full gardening area because I don't want to add stuff to the pile that's almost done. I need more space.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/10 01:57 PM

Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
hit up a dairy...they'll usually tell you to take whatever you can load.


Lol, I would but there aren't too many dairies in the metroplex.


Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/10 06:13 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns

In related news, I need like 10 more cubic yards of cow/horse/chicken/rabbit manure. That's a lot of truckloads of carp.
If you need to cheat a little check your organic places. The same place that sells the mulch by the bobcat scope full also sells compost. If I remember correctly its 11 dollars a scope. 2 scopes and your truck bumpber will be on the ground,lol. This should have all the organic matter and some nutrients to make your plants do good.

Also dont for get to do a soil test before you start adding stuff. For the 15 dollars you will get all the info on whats happening in the soil so you know what to add to make your plants do great. The soil test that are sold in stores are junk and a waste of money.

I am going to try and see if I can find the link but I remember reading some where that chicken poop had the highest level of nutrients.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/10 09:52 PM

Chicken poop is really high in nitrogen. You need to let it rot down (till it under during winter,compost,or make "tea"). Fresh can burn your plants up.

It's good stuff , really. I keep chickens and move their pen every 5 years or so. I then plant where the chickens were the year before. thumb

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/10 10:00 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Start spanking it like a tomato plant...


Ever get in trouble with CPS (Chili Protection Service) ? grin
Posted By: lws6772

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/10 01:00 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: lws6772
Do any of you guys make your own compost? I took over the compost making from my wife and I really enjoy it. Plus it is a good mini work out the way I do it, chopping and blending the stuff with a hoe. We are always on the look out for free ingredients.


Stop in any starbucks and ask them for coffee grounds. They'll bag em up and give em to ya.

I need to add another compost pile to my already full gardening area because I don't want to add stuff to the pile that's almost done. I need more space.
Yes, we have been using Starbucks coffee grounds for a couple of years. I will probably add several more piles in the fall, now that we have the room. My wife said the compost is ready much quicker for me than it was for her. But at our last location it was in a shady spot and now it is in full sun, plus I am more active with it than she had time for. Another thing I have been doing(especially since grass clippings(N) have been sparse lately), is saving my urine(N) to put on the pile. Have been mixing it with 3 parts water.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/10 01:05 PM

Originally Posted By: lws6772
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: lws6772
Do any of you guys make your own compost? I took over the compost making from my wife and I really enjoy it. Plus it is a good mini work out the way I do it, chopping and blending the stuff with a hoe. We are always on the look out for free ingredients.


Stop in any starbucks and ask them for coffee grounds. They'll bag em up and give em to ya.

I need to add another compost pile to my already full gardening area because I don't want to add stuff to the pile that's almost done. I need more space.
Yes, we have been using Starbucks coffee grounds for a couple of years. I will probably add several more piles in the fall, now that we have the room. My wife said the compost is ready much quicker for me than it was for her. But at our last location it was in a shady spot and now it is in full sun, plus I am more active with it than she had time for. Another thing I have been doing(especially since grass clippings(N) have been sparse lately), is saving my urine(N) to put on the pile. Have been mixing it with 3 parts water.


I did read that peein on your pile was good for it but saving it is too much for me! LOL
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/10 06:16 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: lws6772
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: lws6772
Do any of you guys make your own compost? I took over the compost making from my wife and I really enjoy it. Plus it is a good mini work out the way I do it, chopping and blending the stuff with a hoe. We are always on the look out for free ingredients.


Stop in any starbucks and ask them for coffee grounds. They'll bag em up and give em to ya.

I need to add another compost pile to my already full gardening area because I don't want to add stuff to the pile that's almost done. I need more space.
Yes, we have been using Starbucks coffee grounds for a couple of years. I will probably add several more piles in the fall, now that we have the room. My wife said the compost is ready much quicker for me than it was for her. But at our last location it was in a shady spot and now it is in full sun, plus I am more active with it than she had time for. Another thing I have been doing(especially since grass clippings(N) have been sparse lately), is saving my urine(N) to put on the pile. Have been mixing it with 3 parts water.


I did read that peein on your pile was good for it but saving it is too much for me! LOL
+1
Posted By: MUD-DABBER

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/10 06:52 PM

For those close enough to Colorado City that want tomato plants, Neff's greehouse north of Colorado City heading towards Snyder, Texas on the west side of the road has some apprx. 3 inch plants for 40 cents each. These are pretty small, the man there said leave them on the back porch in the shade for about a week and they would be more than ready to plant. Just thought anyone passing thru that area might be interested as those tomato plants are very, very hard to find for fall gardens out in this neck of the woods. Varieties are BHN444 and Celebrity - he said they should be ready to start pulling tomatoes by mid-October.

Neff Greenhouses
(325) 728-2428

Regards,
Mud-Dabber
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 01:59 AM

I went out today to pick peas, and found that I have several blooms dead and several more turning yellow to follow I am sure. I think they got water on them , but there are a few on my three biggest plants that are ok, would it be good to fertilze now to help them re-set ? I planted purple hull peas three days ago and have about 7 that came up already...they should do goo where I out them...Thanks in advice or help with tomatoes...hubby really likes them and Iam just not doing good in the suppling department this year....
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 01:18 PM

Good luck with purple-hull. They're my favorite, but I can't get them to grow worth anything (attacked relentlessly by aphids and ants). Let me know what your technique is to keep them growing.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 02:57 PM

Are aphids those little whiteish yellow lookin bugs that totally cover the bottom of leaves? I noticed yesterday I had a bunch of ants and small bugs and what looked like larvae on a few leaves.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 05:20 PM

Not sure. To be honest I could be wrong (I was guessing these are aphids).

What I had were tons, literally tons, of very tiny black bugs.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 05:51 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Are aphids those little whiteish yellow lookin bugs that totally cover the bottom of leaves? I noticed yesterday I had a bunch of ants and small bugs and what looked like larvae on a few leaves.
For you aphids you need to attack now!!!! grin Those things multiply fast in a day they will take over your garden. Get a sprayer hose and give the underside of the leaves and stems a blast of water. This will knock a lot of the aphids loose and most will not make it back to the plants as the will get eating up by other bugs on the ground. I dont like sevin cause it will kill everything in the area , including bees that pollinate some plants. After this I went organic are their arse and used a solution of vegetable oil and liquid soap. The soap helps the oil mix with the water more evenly and the oil does a number on the their exoskeleton. It disolves their outer body. It works BUT do over do with the oil and wash it off after a few minutes.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 05:59 PM

i'll check it tonight. i put sevin on em last night

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 06:35 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
i'll check it tonight. i put sevin on em last night
I have been trying some organic stuff and am finding out vegetable , mineral, oil and soap will kill a lot of things. Including your plants if you over do it. bolt
I tried this solution on some ants and they literally stopped in their tracks dead.

If the sevin does not seem to be working , give them a blast of water. This helps a lot. They multiply so fast though that to get rid of them its gonna take a few times before there all gone.

Have you fertilized lately? Aphids are attracted to plants with high nitrogen. The sap coming out of the leaves is what there after and if its rich with nitrogen they go crazy, or the ants go crazy also. Their loving the sap.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 07:45 PM

Nope, haven't fertilized lately.

I did just learn that ants suck the sap out of the buttt of the aphids. Click


Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 07:56 PM

Yes , and the ants will also "farm" the aphids like we do cows. They will move the aphids to areas and keep them there then go in and get their fill.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 08:56 PM

There are literally thousands of species of aphids so color isn't a good way to tell. They all have pretty much the same body shape, though. If the ants are all around and not killing them I'd say it's a pretty good chance that they are aphids.

Are the "larvae" black with orange or yellow stripes ? They might be ladybug larvae that eat a ton of aphids. When I have them I put Sevin around the base of the plant (to discourage the ants) and let the ladybugs go to town. wink

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 09:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Have you fertilized lately? Aphids are attracted to plants with high nitrogen. The sap coming out of the leaves is what there after and if its rich with nitrogen they go crazy, or the ants go crazy also. Their loving the sap.


Might explain why ants get in peas and beans so much. All the legumes "fix" nitrogen into the surrounding soil.

I've used "trap crops" for aphids before. You plant something they like a week or so earlier than your main crop so they'll be drawn away. Maybe could try planting some greens and pour on the Miracle-Gro to keep 'em away from the other stuff ?

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/10 10:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Have you fertilized lately? Aphids are attracted to plants with high nitrogen. The sap coming out of the leaves is what there after and if its rich with nitrogen they go crazy, or the ants go crazy also. Their loving the sap.


Might explain why ants get in peas and beans so much. All the legumes "fix" nitrogen into the surrounding soil.

I've used "trap crops" for aphids before. You plant something they like a week or so earlier than your main crop so they'll be drawn away. Maybe could try planting some greens and pour on the Miracle-Gro to keep 'em away from the other stuff ?
Well from what I have read ants dont go after the plants. Probably some one from up north wrote the article. BUT, from what I have seen , a ant will dip their chops into the plants. After I killed most of the aphids I seen the ants running like crazy all over the leaves. I think they were in search of aphids to farm. They seemed to also be biting into the leaves, unless there was some microscopic bug they were attacking, they were getting there "sap" fix themselves. I was thinking of using those fly glue strips and wrap it around the stem at the base of each plant. No ants bugs should make it up to the foliage.
But for aphids mix a spray bottle with vegetable oil, soap ,and water,spray it directly on them and check back in a hour or so they will be dead. It works. But again for those mainly that use soaker hoses, spray the plants at least once a week or when you see bugs getting out of control. On the stems and under the leaves. This works good to get the numbers down on aphids.


I like to push the limit on nitrogen when getting lush green foliage so I will always be dealing with aphids. When I want the plants to start producing I concentrate more on the second of the N-P-K level. Its a balance.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/06/10 02:57 PM

The sevin took care of the issue for me. It was on the plants for about 24 hrs and last night I sprayed the plant off really well. Seems to be good now.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/06/10 05:24 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
The sevin took care of the issue for me. It was on the plants for about 24 hrs and last night I sprayed the plant off really well. Seems to be good now.
thumb I think I am going to get some liquid seven also to keep in a spray bottle. I dont want through it all over the garden. Just to spot check things.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/06/10 11:41 PM

Hey Tin Head, finally started getting orange habaneros! Just needed more time to ripen, as suggested. #@!$% stink bugs are showing up in the peppers now. Thinking about trying some liquid Sevin. Problem is my sprayer is tied up with material for Cut Ants. I'm sure it would take care of the stinkers, but it would be WAAAY off label!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/09/10 08:53 PM

I had these posted on the THF during our down time, since we're back here ya go...

Today's harvest (after about 4 days of not picking)...






Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/09/10 08:57 PM

Another trick to keeping aphids away, as Siberman pointed out, is to grow companion plants that repel or "trap" aphids (2 different approaches). Here's a good link:

Link
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/09/10 08:59 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Another trick to keeping aphids away, as Siberman pointed out, is to grow companion plants that repel or "trap" aphids (2 different approaches). Here's a good link:

Link

I just put out that picture of Fatty in a dress and it seems to have done wonders at keeping the pests away...
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/09/10 09:04 PM

Cantelopes are doing well.... banana used a water bottle for size reference.... thumb



Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/09/10 09:08 PM

Those are AWESOME!!!! I had one that ripened and the freaking bugs got to it the morning I went to pick it...realmad My watermelons are doing okay still, so we'll see...
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/09/10 10:21 PM

Thanks LSS....your pepper crop looks great..... banana
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/09/10 10:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
Thanks LSS....your pepper crop looks great..... banana

Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 12:56 AM

I'm really jealous about those cantaloupes, I only had two, and they never got very large, they were almost all seeds. I was going to replant for fall, but my wife wanted those pots by the fence for pole beans.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 03:44 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I had these posted on the THF during our down time, since we're back here ya go...

Today's harvest (after about 4 days of not picking)...



Here is mine, it was the last big harvest. Now I'm about to tear it up to get ready for the fall garden.














Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 03:47 PM

That's AWESOME! My tomatoes gave up in early July, except the cherry tomatoes...They are making a comeback now, well most of them...Depending on where you are located, you may want to try the Lemon Boy tomatoes next spring...Those things are GOOD and less acidic than the standard varieties...
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 03:50 PM

Those are cherry 100's and celebrity. I bought a couple of heirlooms and neither made a thing. I'm in Lavaca county about 2 hours from the coast.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 03:54 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Those are cherry 100's and celebrity. I bought a couple of heirlooms and neither made a thing. I'm in Lavaca county about 2 hours from the coast.
You could probably get away with planting them earlier than I can...As long as you protect them from a late frost...The heirlooms and larger tomato plants won't set fruit once you hit the 90's for more than 2 to 3 weeks...So they need to go in as early as possible...
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 03:56 PM

I put them in the Monday before Easter. I was hoping for better results.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 04:00 PM

Now that I'm at the lake, I wait for a particular doe to make her appearance. She's an odd one and she eats with cows on a farm between my house and Morgan, TX. When she comes to graze in March, it means spring is here and there won't be a late frost. Whether or not spring is on the calendar, if the doe is there, the time has come...Also, spanking the plants everyday once the blooms showed yielded great results for me. Although it was a bit time consuming...
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 04:05 PM

I was in there everyday at the beginning, they just didn't take off. I was going to plant like I do every year, the day after Easter but the forecast was in my favor so I planted a week earlier. I had great rain this year and had one of my best garden to date. The ash from my wood burning heaters did the trick.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 04:09 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
I was in there everyday at the beginning, they just didn't take off. I was going to plant like I do every year, the day after Easter but the forecast was in my favor so I planted a week earlier. I had great rain this year and had one of my best garden to date. The ash from my wood burning heaters did the trick.
Well, I know how you feel, I planted some Brandywine tomatoes a couple of years ago and didn't get squat...The plants were HUGE, just no tomatoes...Very frustrating...This year, I did get to try a Brandywine and they are good and big, but I won't plant more than 4 ever again...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 05:59 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Those are cherry 100's and celebrity. I bought a couple of heirlooms and neither made a thing. I'm in Lavaca county about 2 hours from the coast.
If you dont mind me asking how big is your garden? Nice haul.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 06:31 PM

For those of you who run soaker hoses, do you run them in the furrows (between the rows) or on top of the row?

I'm confused how watering several inches below the base of the plant, and 6" to the left/right, will be able to get water to the plant's roots.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 06:35 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
For those of you who run soaker hoses, do you run them in the furrows (between the rows) or on top of the row?

I'm confused how watering several inches below the base of the plant, and 6" to the left/right, will be able to get water to the plant's roots.
Well, you do know that roots grow out, not just down right? The root system should mirror the plant's leaf canopy...So however far the leaves spread the roots should spread as well...

I tried soakers, but they didn't put out enough water, so I now run a sprinkler that I purchased at TSC when it was on sale...


Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 06:39 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
For those of you who run soaker hoses, do you run them in the furrows (between the rows) or on top of the row?

I'm confused how watering several inches below the base of the plant, and 6" to the left/right, will be able to get water to the plant's roots.
I run them on top of the rows and let gravity pull the water down. Most plants seem to have the main roots down deep but a lot of feeder roots at the surface or below the surface a inch or so. My squash has the roots pretty shallow and My maters have the roots a little deeper. If your plants are in a area that has flat soil the roots will spread out a little further. If they are in rows/hill/mounds the roots will obviously spread out but angled down instead of straight out. With a set up like LSS's it would be difficult to use soaker hoses. You would need a lot more water pressure to water 1000 square feet with a soaker hose. What I like about soaker hoses though is theres no wasted water. If your worried about getting enough water you can always run 2 lines down the row. Gravity usually pulls the water down and fills the bottom of the rows. Instead of running one long line , water pressure is 0 by the time it get to the end of the line. Try using a spliter and your regular hose and from there split into 2-3-4 individual hoses , might help.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 06:49 PM

Thanks Tin and LSS.

LSS - with using a sprinkler, do you have any problems with fungi on the leaves? The garden is in my backyard and I have the whole yard already set up with sprinkler lines. I was going to turn them off in that area, though, next year, because of the fear of fungi (hence the soaker hoses which are below the mulching and foliage).

If fungi isn't a problem, I might just leave the sprinklers as-is, and save a few hundred bones.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 06:53 PM

Um, the only fungus comes from between my toes...I probably should have that looked at...scared


No, there's not a fungus problem. However, I don't put my plants to bed wet at night...Okay, I do, but just in the summer when it's still 93 degrees at midnight...

As long as you water at the appropriate times for the season, there shouldn't be a problem.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 07:10 PM

During this summer heat there is no worries for fungus. But , its really up to your situation on what you will need to do. During the spring I could not keep Powdery mildew from forming with just the humity and morning dew, watering in the morning.When you use water, try to concentrate it in the plants' ROOT ZONE. Water from a sprinkler won't all reach the soil surface because of evaporation--a loss of up to 25%. BUT, using sprinklers can help also in this EXTREME summertime heat but the roots are where the water should be concentrated.Remember , plants dont take up much water through its foliage, so watering these areas is not that efficient. Concetrate watering on the root zone. I have learned to do both use soaker hoses and hit the foliage with water once a week. Plants do best when the root zone is kept moist ,not wet, 100% of the time. For that reason I like to water this time of year in the evenings, so less water is evaporated compared to the daylight hours. Another reason I use soaker hose is because the water is let out slowly, very slowly, "SOAKING" the soil. To keep these areas consistently moist is a challenge, thats why I like to use a timer.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 08:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Those are cherry 100's and celebrity. I bought a couple of heirlooms and neither made a thing. I'm in Lavaca county about 2 hours from the coast.
If you dont mind me asking how big is your garden? Nice haul.


20' by 40' , Thanks.






The orchard is about 150' by 500' or so.
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 08:44 PM

Absolutely beautiful PayneTHF. Very nice thumb
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 08:46 PM

Thanks, it's a second job but worth it.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/10 11:32 PM

Nice!!! Looks great . Nice haul , your doing something right.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/11/10 04:50 PM

Payne Awesome place and harvest!!!

My wife would love those grapes. What county are you in? It looks sandy.

LSS - Great harvest.

Do you know why my peppers(bells) would have one bad spot on some of them?



I haven't even been on here in a month. We found this huge umbrella and just had to put a new rope through it. We put up several fence poles so we can move it around and this has really helped out.



ALL the peppers and okra are really popping. I've been watering at night for the last month.






Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/11/10 07:13 PM

Things are looking great thumb

I get those brown spots too...I think they are caused by pests...Either squash bugs or grasshoppers and I'm not certain which...I had about 4 peppers I had to throw away because of those stinking spots...They were probably edible, I just prefer to be the first one to bite into my food...
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/11/10 09:49 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX


My wife would love those grapes. What county are you in? It looks sandy.



Do you know why my peppers(bells) would have one bad spot on some of them?





Lavaca county. Do you have horn worms on any of your plants?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/11/10 10:18 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX

I haven't even been on here in a month. We found this huge umbrella and just had to put a new rope through it. We put up several fence poles so we can move it around and this has really helped out.




I think next year I am going to plant the okra spaced all around the garden to help block the extreme summer sun. If they are planted early they get pretty tall. Nice place you got there.
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/14/10 12:40 AM

I finally have squash producing , waiting on cucumbers ,cantaloupe
jalapenos to start producing . I planted from seeds early July
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/17/10 06:33 PM



Could anyone help my brother out with these melons? What's happening??
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/17/10 09:04 PM

Blossom end rot?

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/tomato/2000082444023571.html
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/17/10 09:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
That's what I was going to say...A lack of calcium will cause this...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/18/10 12:48 AM

If need be you can foliar feed a calcium solution through the leaves. Spray the plants down with your nutrient solution.This will get the calcium in the plants quicker. If using chemical nutrients use half or quarter strength. Get the calcium in the ground also at regular strength.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/18/10 01:48 PM

Thanks for the help! I'll forward this too him
Posted By: m5ash

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/24/10 02:10 AM

If I wanted to plant some veggies for a fall harvest what should I plant? Or is it too late?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/24/10 02:57 AM

You could be successful with peas, carrots and/or lettuce...Most everything else won't be successful...If you can find some squash plants at a nursery, you would probably get some fruit off those as well...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/24/10 03:28 AM

If you have a green house you can all winter long. Or you can try some potted veggies in a sun room. Its never to late. thumb
Posted By: m5ash

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/10 01:39 AM

well I'm going to see what happens.. I did plant some carrots, corn , cucumbers and some radishes...




Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/10 04:09 PM

Has everyone given up on your tomato plants?

Half of mine are brown, tops of them are green, but only one tomato on the plants.

Should I rip them up and plant a fall garden like m5ash?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/10 07:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Has everyone given up on your tomato plants?

Half of mine are brown, tops of them are green, but only one tomato on the plants.

Should I rip them up and plant a fall garden like m5ash?
The majority of mine are okay (but then again, I planted approx. 200), but I did have to rip up some. I do have some that are beginning to produce again. It's probably too late for you to plant new tomato plants, unless you can find some in the store that are already showing blooms and even then, it might not be enough time...

It's really a personal call, but if the lower half aren't green, it's probably best to replace them with something else...

Peas will survive a light frost better than most things, so that might be a viable option for you...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/10 11:13 PM

Havent given up on mine, fingers crossed,lol. There still green but they have stopped putting out with all this heat.
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/27/10 12:29 AM

We have Rabbits in the Area here , Besides the Obvious how do you keep em out of the garden , They have been eatin my squash
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/27/10 12:54 AM

Originally Posted By: Stink Bait Steve--
We have Rabbits in the Area here , Besides the Obvious how do you keep em out of the garden , They have been eatin my squash
Plant more squash? grin

I'd probably erect some chicken wire cage things to keep the rabbits out...Or get a dog...I'd suggest a cat, but their urine will kill the plants and make it stink...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/27/10 09:09 PM

1) Chicken or other narrow-spaced wire with the bottom buried about one foot deep. Rabbits can dig.

2) Bird netting.

3) A low voltage electric fence with wires at 1" , 4" , 7" and 12" high.

4) Blood meal or red/black pepper around / on the plants. You'll have to reapply after very rain.

5) Mix habaneros , onions ,garlic, Ivory liquid and water. Strain into your sprayer then spray it on the plants. Be sure and wait a few days before harvesting and wash the veggies really well.

6) Get a cat or a small Terrier .

7) Pellet gun.

I was kinda suprised by the rabbits this year. They chewed down several pepper plants but didn't touch the squash , melons or thornless blackberries. Maybe they're so used to the thorns on the dewberries that they didn't bother. Are you sure it's rabbits ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/27/10 09:13 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Stink Bait Steve--
We have Rabbits in the Area here , Besides the Obvious how do you keep em out of the garden , They have been eatin my squash
Plant more squash? grin

I'd probably erect some chicken wire cage things to keep the rabbits out...Or get a dog...I'd suggest a cat, but their urine will kill the plants and make it stink...


Don't know how dog pee affects veggies but I know for a fact that Chow pee will kill a climbing rose pdq. wink
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/27/10 09:20 PM

It will burn them for sure. I could not figure out for the longest what was happening to some plants that should of been fine . Until I seem my dog come by and hike up his leg on them bang .
Erect a chicken wire fence around the entire garden. A chicken wire fence that encases the entire vegetable garden is probably the most effective, yet labour-intensive way to prevent rabbits from munching the garden down to bare stems. When erecting the fence, remember that rabbits are diggers, so the chicken wire must penetrate the soil level about eight inches deep.
Create chicken wire cages or cloches for individual plants. Roll a piece of chicken wire into a tube, being careful to clip off or trim any sharp edges. Twist one end of the chicken wire tube into a point, creating a cloche. Cloches can be placed around individual plants to protect them from being eaten. Ensure the cage/cloche is installed several inches into the ground, or mound soil around the base.
Sprinkle chili powder around the base of plants. The powder will need to be reapplied following any rainfall.
Use blood meal around plants. A commercially available product such as Plant Skidd, which contains blood meal, can be spread around the base of vegetable plants. It does not have an unpleasant smell to humans, but animals will steer clear of the scent of blood.
Place oven racks around plants. Some vegetable gardeners have reported that placing wire or metal oven racks around the targeted plants in their gardens have helped to prevent rabbits fromhelping themselves to the vegetables growing there. The rabbits reportedly do not like to step among or stand upon the racks, and will look for food elsewhere.
Apply a Liquid Fence product. Spray one of Liquid Fences natural animal repellent products around the edges of vegetable beds. These products are biodegradable, rain-resistant and pet friendly.
Trap and release. Trap rabbits humanely in the garden and release them quickly into a habitat that matches closely that from which they were removed. Ensure that the animals are not left in the trap any longer than is absolutely necessary, and keep them out of extreme heat or cold.
Plant rabbit-resistant perennials. The University of Nebraska, Lincoln, recommends planting rabbit-resistant perennials in areas they frequently visit. Interspersing some of these plants among vegetable plants may help deter them from eating the veggies nearby.
Place branches over small seedlings. Protect small, tender vegetable plants by gently pushing branches into the soil surrounding the plants. The branches should make it too difficult for the rabbits to enjoy the food contained within.
Mix a rabbit repellent tea. Homemade, organic mixtures that can be sprayed onto the surface of plants is often helpful. Place 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper and 2 tablespoons of garlic powder into a coffee filter and twist it closed. Place this makeshift teabag into a jug or pitcher and pour about 32 ounces of warm water over it. Allow the mixture to steep overnight. It may be preferable to allow the mixture to steep outdoors, as it has a potent smell! Squeeze the filter gently when removing it from the water, being careful not to rip or tear it. Pour the resulting brew into a spray bottle, adding a squirt of dish soap, which allows the spray to adhere to plants leaves. Spray the concoction liberally onto the plants that are most targeted by rabbits. This mixture will need to be reapplied following a heavy rain.


Read more at Suite101: Rabbit-Proofing a Vegetable Garden: 10 Ways to Deter Rabbits from Damaging a Plot Full of Vegetables http://garden-pests-diseases.suite101.co...n#ixzz0xqNiEtBc
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/28/10 06:46 PM

Plants are LOVING this cooooool weather.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/29/10 09:10 PM

Lowe's has 'mater plants. banana I picked "Early Girl" since it was the fastest producer (50 days). I'm going to plant them in the flowerbeds close to the house so (hopefully ) the brick will provide radiant heat when it starts getting cooler. Y'all wish me luck.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/30/10 09:58 PM

I wonder if my catfish chum would keep rabbits out of the garden ? It certainly keeps the buzzards away. grin
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/02/10 06:34 PM

Well, my wonderfully producing cukes gave up a few weeks ago after in infestation of aphids combined with high temps. That's okay, those 2 big tubs produced 15 qts of pickles. So we decided to see what would happen with a Fall garden of sorts. We replanted cuke seeds Sunday afternoon (Aug 28). Might be a little late but we will see. As of Tuesday afternoon, I already had 22 little sprouts about 1 inch tall coming up. Now we will wait to see if they make it to maturity and produce before any freezes. Hope to put up more pickles and give away a few qts at Christmas. Also planted a couple tomotoe plants we picked up from Home Depot. They were already about 1 ft tall and as of yesterday they had grown a couple more inches (no telling after this rain). Still had a couple of other tomatoe plants hanging on from the summer, green stalks and bushy but not setting any blooms lately. Of course, a couple of tomatoe worms got on the bushes and started stripping the leaves. A healthy dose of sevin dust took care of that but still waiting to see if they produce anything else. I think the rain and cooler temps will get things started.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/02/10 07:37 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Well, my wonderfully producing cukes gave up a few weeks ago after in infestation of aphids combined with high temps. That's okay, those 2 big tubs produced 15 qts of pickles. So we decided to see what would happen with a Fall garden of sorts. We replanted cuke seeds Sunday afternoon (Aug 28). Might be a little late but we will see. As of Tuesday afternoon, I already had 22 little sprouts about 1 inch tall coming up. Now we will wait to see if they make it to maturity and produce before any freezes. Hope to put up more pickles and give away a few qts at Christmas. Also planted a couple tomotoe plants we picked up from Home Depot. They were already about 1 ft tall and as of yesterday they had grown a couple more inches (no telling after this rain). Still had a couple of other tomatoe plants hanging on from the summer, green stalks and bushy but not setting any blooms lately. Of course, a couple of tomatoe worms got on the bushes and started stripping the leaves. A healthy dose of sevin dust took care of that but still waiting to see if they produce anything else. I think the rain and cooler temps will get things started.
It should...I don't think this will be as harsh of a fall/winter as last year, so hopefully you will get to harvest some...I have plenty of peppers and a lot of my tomato plants are producing once again. The Lemon Boy plants are still producing even in 100+ degree weather...Which was a HUGE surprise to me...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/02/10 07:40 PM

According to the Farmer's Almanac, it will be much colder this year, but much less snow. Usually here in N. Texas though, the really cold temps don't hit until late Jan. - early Feb.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/02/10 07:43 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
According to the Farmer's Almanac, it will be much colder this year, but much less snow. Usually here in N. Texas though, the really cold temps don't hit until late Jan. - early Feb.
You are right, it is supposed to be colder in the northern part of Texas...I don't garden there anymore and rarely pay attention to y'alls forecast...Good catch you knucklehead...BTW, how's the foot?
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/02/10 07:46 PM

Still broken and not really any better, unfortunately. I snuck out and went to the garden the other day, only to nearly kill myself tripping over a bed. Note to self: follow the boss' orders, stay in the house.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/02/10 07:50 PM

Um, MSR, if you tick your wife off bad enough to have her put your bed outside, you should share the story...grin



















In 2002, I had to use a cane to get around and fell when I went outside to look at a garden my mom had planted...It took a few hours for me to be able to crawl back into the house...My dog, Preema, was laughing at me when I got back...Okay, she can't laugh, but with her under bite, she looks like she's laughing...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/02/10 09:51 PM

Dogs won't laugh at you until you go back inside. Cats, on the other hand, will rub your face in it. grin
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/04/10 02:30 AM

Tiny Melons...




Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/11/10 09:00 PM

updates?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/11/10 10:39 PM

Well, the newest update is that I'm still getting lots of peppers and my tomatoes are making a very strong comeback...I've also decided to plant okra in the spring...I'm going to use it as a windbreak, and to produce food...grin

How is everyone else doing?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/11/10 11:11 PM

Brutal summer this year. I've planted some more tomatoes and squash and still hoping for rain.
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/12/10 12:53 AM

Very poor year, here. Have some peppers still growing, and planted more beans and squash a few weeks ago. I bought a yard of professional bedding soil from Living Earth in Lancaster, and even with regular fertilizing I think there is something lacking in it. Next year I will have to have the soil tested to see what it needs. frown
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/12/10 06:19 PM

I have a question for people who've grown sweet potato vines in the past...I planted 6 in 2008 and had 1 come back in 2009 (these are supposed to be annuals). This year, we planted a bunch in planters (about 24 plants in 6 planters) and I'd like to know if you've been able to keep them alive year round...I can put them inside if need be and they'd receive plenty of sun. I just don't want to waste my time...I'm tired of spending $2.00/plant (and sometimes more) and then having them die off...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/12/10 10:11 PM

You should be able to put them inside with no problem. Lighting I think would be the biggest factor but they should be all right indoors. If you really want to get crazy get a indoor light for your plants. I believe that going into winter the days get shorter so this could trigger the plant to do something funny ,like die,lol. Keep the light ( cheap fluorescent ) on a lighting time limit like you would in the spring ,summer,longer days. I would just bring them inside though if you notice them not looking to good add a light. Should really be no different than any other indoor vine plant. My mom has had a vine plant growing indoor for about 10 years now.
Edit: The vine seems to put out sweet potatoes at early fall through early winter. If you dont pick and eat its likely the potato will reroot in spring.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/12/10 10:23 PM

Uh, we are talking about the real sweet tater vines (not the ornamentals), right ? If you have a good south-facing window they should be fine . Tin Head is right about the photo-period as well. If you're gonna use Regular Output flourescents, get at least two 48" shoplights and keep the plants as close to the middle as possible(ROs lose intensity on either end).

You can also start sweet potato vines by suspending the tater with toothpicks in a glass of water (kinda like you sprout avacado seeds).

Posted By: grandpa75672

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/13/10 03:04 AM

Have never posted here before but thought I would.
I have a 4x8 back porch. I started tossing bird seed on it and the birds went nuts. Its great watching them fight over the seed.
Some days I see cardinals, blue jays, and doves all at the same time. Even got a squirrel that gets in on the act. And one day I even had one or our two local rabbits sitting on the porch with the birds and the squirrel eating that bird seed.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/13/10 03:19 PM

I had no idea how much okra a single okra plant could produce.

Okra, pickling cukes, jalapenos and sugar snap peas were my best producers this year. Everything else was marginal at best.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/13/10 03:30 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I had no idea how much okra a single okra plant could produce.

Okra, pickling cukes, jalapenos and sugar snap peas were my best producers this year. Everything else was marginal at best.
Okra is the energizer bunny of the vegetable world...It just keeps growing and growing and growing...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/13/10 03:31 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Uh, we are talking about the real sweet tater vines (not the ornamentals), right ? If you have a good south-facing window they should be fine . Tin Head is right about the photo-period as well. If you're gonna use Regular Output flourescents, get at least two 48" shoplights and keep the plants as close to the middle as possible(ROs lose intensity on either end).

You can also start sweet potato vines by suspending the tater with toothpicks in a glass of water (kinda like you sprout avacado seeds).
They are the ones you buy and Lowe's and other places...However, I did find a couple potatoes at the root this spring from where one was planted in 2008 and returned in 2009...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/13/10 06:54 PM

I was under the impression the "real" sweet potato vines are the ornamental type also. I mean there both one in the same, no difference . They just have nice foliage,could be wrong though. You can buy a fluorescent light that will be specifically for plants , not the home depot light. Fluorescents should do the job with out using much electricity, all though there are better lights. I will be bring in some pepper plants , I want fresh peppers in the middle of winter. banana
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/13/10 09:41 PM

Originally Posted By: grandpa75672
Have never posted here before but thought I would.
I have a 4x8 back porch. I started tossing bird seed on it and the birds went nuts. Its great watching them fight over the seed.
Some days I see cardinals, blue jays, and doves all at the same time. Even got a squirrel that gets in on the act. And one day I even had one or our two local rabbits sitting on the porch with the birds and the squirrel eating that bird seed.


Invest in a hanging feeder when you can and keep the seeds off the ground where they'll also attract mice and rats which in turn attract snakes. If you want a real show get one of them cheap hummingbird feeders and set it out now. They're fixin' to start their migration to Mexico and Central / South America. thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/13/10 10:03 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
I was under the impression the "real" sweet potato vines are the ornamental type also. I mean there both one in the same, no difference . They just have nice foliage,could be wrong though. You can buy a fluorescent light that will be specifically for plants , not the home depot light. Fluorescents should do the job with out using much electricity, all though there are better lights. I will be bring in some pepper plants , I want fresh peppers in the middle of winter. banana


Ok , my bad. I thought they were just an ornamental. bang
You might want to try Very High Output or Power Compact flourescents or even Metal Halides for growing inside. Try to get bulbs in the red / violet end of the spectrum (for plant growth). Halides will grow a tree in your house but they ( as well as Halogens) run
HOT and your meter will be spinning like a ceiling fan !

Posted By: jeffnsa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/14/10 12:03 PM

you can use t-5 flouresent set up that runs as much light as a metal halide but way less heat and the bulbs last longer. good reflectors will make it much better. (most flouresents are t-12 size, t-5 are smaller and alast longer that compact flouresents.)
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/14/10 09:53 PM

Originally Posted By: jeffnsa
you can use t-5 flouresent set up that runs as much light as a metal halide but way less heat and the bulbs last longer. good reflectors will make it much better. (most flouresents are t-12 size, t-5 are smaller and alast longer that compact flouresents.)


Oops , forgot about the T-5s. I'm still running PCs on my reef . I want to update but I'm trying to hold out 'til LEDs drop their prices.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/15/10 02:39 AM

You can also do a green house. That would be nice.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/25/10 01:02 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I had no idea how much okra a single okra plant could produce.

Okra, pickling cukes, jalapenos and sugar snap peas were my best producers this year. Everything else was marginal at best.


My peppers are still kicking arse and taking names. I have a few okra plants producing about 8 fruit a week. My tomatoes are back to being lush and green, and tons of flowers, but only a few tomatoes developing.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/25/10 02:16 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I had no idea how much okra a single okra plant could produce.

Okra, pickling cukes, jalapenos and sugar snap peas were my best producers this year. Everything else was marginal at best.


My peppers are still kicking arse and taking names. I have a few okra plants producing about 8 fruit a week. My tomatoes are back to being lush and green, and tons of flowers, but only a few tomatoes developing.
Get to spanking the tomato plants...You might be able to get a harvest of green ones before the first bad freeze (depending on the variety)...You can get them to ripen by placing them in a box lined with a newspaper...Or put them on the window sill...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/25/10 06:59 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I had no idea how much okra a single okra plant could produce.

Okra, pickling cukes, jalapenos and sugar snap peas were my best producers this year. Everything else was marginal at best.


My peppers are still kicking arse and taking names. I have a few okra plants producing about 8 fruit a week. My tomatoes are back to being lush and green, and tons of flowers, but only a few tomatoes developing.
exact same here in Mesquite.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/26/10 01:50 PM

Due to the drop in overnight temps, please do not water at night. Return to watering early morning as to avoid fungus issues...
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/26/10 04:59 PM

This is a good time of the year to make chow-chow with your green tomatoes. Mine are all gone.

I planted mustards, turnips, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower in my fall garden. The mustards and turnips are a good good way to keep the weeds under control.

Cilantro is comming up all around the edges.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/27/10 09:16 PM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
This is a good time of the year to make chow-chow with your green tomatoes. Mine are all gone.

I planted mustards, turnips, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower in my fall garden. The mustards and turnips are a good good way to keep the weeds under control.

Cilantro is comming up all around the edges.


I've never had a successful fall garden.

Did you plant all that from seeds?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/27/10 10:04 PM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
I've never had a successful fall garden.


Try all the greens. They can take a light frost. I've even had collards make it through to the next summer.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/27/10 10:25 PM

I have started my broccoli and cauliflower from seed, but bought the plants this year.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/01/10 02:08 AM

went out to water some container plants today and ran into 12 of these on 2 plants. Where yesterday there was nothing. bang
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/01/10 03:12 AM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
went out to water some container plants today and ran into 12 of these on 2 plants. Where yesterday there was nothing. bang
Those things take after wommin...They are the debil!!!!!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/01/10 08:50 PM

Sphinx moth caterpillar. I have a lot of night-blooming flowers so there's a bunch of them around. I check my plants daily during the summer.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/10 02:10 AM

OK I have a whole bunch of really tall tomato plants with blooms all over them...and not a freakin tomato...truly, I left these tomato's in their little pots they came in way longer than I should have when i bought them , but I was getting tomato's...I grow everything else...but cant get diddly outta them. So my question is , do I chop them down and forget them, or do something else? and what would that be exactly? Can you sense my exasperation...I toasted my waterbill all summer to water correctly, and now I got nothing but questions ..and I have never had a problem growing them before...just don't get it....
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/10 03:02 AM

Did you spank them? Probably time to chop, others might have a better idea.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/10 03:19 AM

Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
OK I have a whole bunch of really tall tomato plants with blooms all over them...and not a freakin tomato...truly, I left these tomato's in their little pots they came in way longer than I should have when i bought them , but I was getting tomato's...I grow everything else...but cant get diddly outta them. So my question is , do I chop them down and forget them, or do something else? and what would that be exactly? Can you sense my exasperation...I toasted my waterbill all summer to water correctly, and now I got nothing but questions ..and I have never had a problem growing them before...just don't get it....
I would definitely spank them everyday...To spank them just means giving them a good, vigorous shake...You should be able to harvest some good green tomatoes before the first freeze...We're a little farther south so we generally can keep them a bit longer...If you don't have anything on them by the end of this month, it's going to be a lost cause...
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/08/10 03:26 AM

OK going to try the spanking, just have tons o bees and thought it was being taken care of, but no tomato's would sure mean ya'll are right and I shouldn't assume ...ha ha....well I am going to try this and I will let you kow how it goes...Thanks for helping
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/12/10 05:40 PM

Killed a 4 inch long cut worm Sunday...Be sure to watch for those nasty little critters...

Also, for those of you who have added fish guts to the soil, have any added it before planting? I was considering adding it late this fall after the first freeze. I was wondering if adding the fish guts and letting them break down for a few months would be beneficial...
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/12/10 07:00 PM

Cucumber plants are full of blooms and small (1") cukes. Saw a bunch of little black dots on the leaves and the small cukes yesterday, assumed they were aphids. Got out the insecticidal soap (really just Dawn liquid and water) and gave them a good soaking, especially the back side of the leaves. My yellow bell pepper plant is loaded (only 1 plant made it thru summer). Counted 11 peppers on it yesterday. That is the tallest pepper plant I have ever seen. it is almost 5 ft tall. Not sure about the tomatoes yet. My 2 summer plants came back and full green growth but only 2 blooms. My other tomatoe plant I put in back in August is growing nicely but only a couple of blooms there too. I shook them good so we will see if they set.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/12/10 09:06 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon

Also, for those of you who have added fish guts to the soil, have any added it before planting? I was considering adding it late this fall after the first freeze. I was wondering if adding the fish guts and letting them break down for a few months would be beneficial...


I do it all year long. I figure it'd probably be better to give the fish time to break down so the nutrients would be immediately available for young plants. Keep the area mulched and weeded so nothing undesireable uses up the fertilizer. I have a beautiful patch of Bermuda over a catfish graveyard in my garden spot right now. Think I'm gonna start using fish in the yard. One more excuse to hit the water. wink

Btw, I plant the heads, skin, bones and all.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/12/10 09:11 PM

Thanks for the insight...I need to go pull some cats out of a pond at my uncle's property and figured I'd rather use the guts to fertilize my garden, rather than feed them to the hogs...thumb
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/10 12:24 AM

Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
OK going to try the spanking, just have tons o bees and thought it was being taken care of, but no tomato's would sure mean ya'll are right and I shouldn't assume ...ha ha....well I am going to try this and I will let you kow how it goes...Thanks for helping


I now have around 5 dozen green tomatoes, far and away more than at any time in the past two years. Sucks to think my plants are over 6 months old and aside from a few tomatoes I got in May, these are all I have, but I'll take what I can get. I have to learn to time it better for a good spring harvest with them.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/10 12:26 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
OK going to try the spanking, just have tons o bees and thought it was being taken care of, but no tomato's would sure mean ya'll are right and I shouldn't assume ...ha ha....well I am going to try this and I will let you kow how it goes...Thanks for helping


I now have around 5 dozen green tomatoes, far and away more than at any time in the past two years. Sucks to think my plants are over 6 months old and aside from a few tomatoes I got in May, these are all I have, but I'll take what I can get. I have to learn to time it better for a good spring harvest with them.

You may also need to try different varieties...I will do some research by then and see what would probably work best for you...

You can ripen those tomatoes by placing them in a box lined with newspaper, or by placing them on the windowsill (if a freeze comes before the ripened harvest)...
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/10 02:23 AM

The spanking has begun, hopefully tomato's will follow...
Posted By: mysavioreigns

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/10 05:51 PM

Would like some of y'alls advice...

I completely missed the boat on planting blackberries & strawberries - I was thinking you planted in the spring, but apparently you're supposed to plant in late September/early October. Wouldn't be a problem but, I've already put down about 6" of manure and 6" of hay to compost over the winter on my garden. If I tried to plant them, would the manure kill the plants?

I might just be outta luck as far as next year's berries frown
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/10 07:47 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Would like some of y'alls advice...

I completely missed the boat on planting blackberries & strawberries - I was thinking you planted in the spring, but apparently you're supposed to plant in late September/early October. Wouldn't be a problem but, I've already put down about 6" of manure and 6" of hay to compost over the winter on my garden. If I tried to plant them, would the manure kill the plants?

I might just be outta luck as far as next year's berries frown
I've never purposefully grown berries, but I would think you could plant them in a large container (say 1 foot tall and 1 foot, or 1.5 feet in diameter) and then transplant them later...That should give them enough room for good root development...
Posted By: Allen Ehlers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/14/10 12:14 AM

I need y'alls help. I am looking for a peach tree. Where is a good place to buy one in the metroplex? I found Bob Wells in Lindale but I haven't called them yet. I am picky so just any tree won't due. Looking at Harvester or Loring right now. Thanks y'all
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/14/10 01:46 PM

We're having family over tonight for a big fall harvest dinner. Our daughter gathered these up.


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/14/10 09:20 PM

Originally Posted By: mysavioreigns
Would like some of y'alls advice...

I completely missed the boat on planting blackberries & strawberries - I was thinking you planted in the spring, but apparently you're supposed to plant in late September/early October. Wouldn't be a problem but, I've already put down about 6" of manure and 6" of hay to compost over the winter on my garden. If I tried to plant them, would the manure kill the plants?

I might just be outta luck as far as next year's berries frown


I planted my thornless as soon as Lowe's set them out (February?). Last year they didn't do well but this year they were loaded. I'd let the compost break down for a while since you've got 4-5 months to go and they probably won't produce much that first year anyway. .
Posted By: tomnt

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/14/10 10:38 PM

Finally got my Fall garden in last week right before the rain. Turnips, turnip greens, rutabagas, mustard greens and some more radishes. I really like cold weather radishes.

Could I plant some cabbage now? Never have tried it in the Fall.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/15/10 01:01 AM

Originally Posted By: AdventureTX
We're having family over tonight for a big fall harvest dinner. Our daughter gathered these up.



You have the makings of some good chow-chow (green tomato relish) there. Chop up some of everything you have with green tomatoes, and onions. Cover with vinegar, add salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Dip it into pint jars with a slotted spoon, and place in the frig. It'll keep a year.
Posted By: TBassYates

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/15/10 12:41 PM

I went out to my garden yesterday afternoon for the first time in a while and couldn't believe how many peppers I had to pick. My habenero's made a great comeback and I picked about 25 of them along with about 40 from my other plants. Gonna do some good pickling and sauce making this weekend while rooting on the Rangers. Had a so so year but did good on our first corn plants and had some great okra and cucumbers. Melons did fairly well for the first time but didn't have a good year with the tomatoes.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/15/10 09:47 PM

Originally Posted By: tomnt


Could I plant some cabbage now? Never have tried it in the Fall.


Are you starting from seed or sets? I've had young cabbage plants take a freeze in early spring. Go for it. Worst possible scenario is that you'll find out when not to plant. wink
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/15/10 10:48 PM

Today's pepper harvest...I have about 200 (or more) Tabasco Peppers...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/17/10 06:27 PM

Nice LSS.

What are those on the bottom row? I have a plant of Santa Fe Chile pepper that went the entire summer with nary a bloom, but now it's covered up. I'm up to about 100 tomatoes on the vine, but most of them a cherry or some kind of red delicious I got from Chickenman.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/17/10 09:09 PM

Thank you...Those are Gypsy Peppers...
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/17/10 09:32 PM


Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Nice LSS.

What are those on the bottom row? I have a plant of Santa Fe Chile pepper that went the entire summer with nary a bloom, but now it's covered up. I'm up to about 100 tomatoes on the vine, but most of them a cherry or some kind of red delicious I got from Chickenman.



That's nuts Clown! I planted from those same seed and its been a failure. I'd post pics of my "garden" but I don't want to cry.

Next year she'll water it during early morning hours or I'll take away sex.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/17/10 11:27 PM

You ever heard of "Gypsy" onions ? They grow little bulbs on the top of the stalks and when the stalks fall over they re-plant themselves. My dad called them "shall-owes" (maybe a French pronunciation of "shallot" ? ) but they're not shallots.

Mine died out and I've been trying to find them for years. Good strong onion flavor without the bother of seeds.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/17/10 11:30 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman



Next year she'll water it during early morning hours or I'll take away sex.


It's good to let your garden space lie fallow every now and then. grin
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/18/10 01:30 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
You ever heard of "Gypsy" onions ? They grow little bulbs on the top of the stalks and when the stalks fall over they re-plant themselves. My dad called them "shall-owes" (maybe a French pronunciation of "shallot" ? ) but they're not shallots.

Mine died out and I've been trying to find them for years. Good strong onion flavor without the bother of seeds.



I googled them since I have never heard of them, and found they are called by other names, maybe you can find them under one of these names. Here is a quote from another site:
Quote:
Walking onions, they're sometimes called. Or topset onions. Or tree onions. As they mature, an odd growth appears at the top of the stem, encased in a shroud that peels back like a snakeskin, revealing a clutch of small, dark-skinned bulblets that send out thin green scapes to dance on the breeze like a many-armed Indian goddess. As the bulblets grow, the weight of them bends the stem toward the soil. Where it touches, the little bulbs sprout, making a new garden for themselves, slowly but purposefully moving away from where I planted them, wandering in search of something better, or maybe just different.


From another site:
Quote:
Perennial white topset onions, walking onions, Egyptian onions, winter onions, shallots, multiplier onions and scallions are common names for these onions. These onions can be planted and left in the ground year round.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/18/10 11:35 PM

Thanks, Henry ! cheers Now if I can just find a source for 'em. They're really good for cooking ( you don't want to eat 'em raw).
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/10 01:28 PM

I remember reading somewhere to plant annual ryegrass in the garden over the winter to promote a more nitrogen rich soil for the spring. Any truth to that? Experiences?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/10 10:10 PM

Do a search on "cover crops" . White clover is a really good one.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/23/10 01:09 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I remember reading somewhere to plant annual ryegrass in the garden over the winter to promote a more nitrogen rich soil for the spring. Any truth to that? Experiences?
Nitrogen from what I read breaks down rapidly. Thats one reason they dont test for it in a soil test. I believe the key to a nitrogen rich soil is organic decaying matter. Instead of adding a grass to your garden that you might be fighting to kill when spring comes along just add a good compost and you will get the same affect.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/23/10 12:46 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I remember reading somewhere to plant annual ryegrass in the garden over the winter to promote a more nitrogen rich soil for the spring. Any truth to that? Experiences?


put some fish in the garden. I'd have to go buy them though, as I can't catch any.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/23/10 01:28 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I remember reading somewhere to plant annual ryegrass in the garden over the winter to promote a more nitrogen rich soil for the spring. Any truth to that? Experiences?


put some fish in the garden. I'd have to go buy them though, as I can't catch any.
rolfmao We are having our annual family get together next weekend at my uncle's land. I will be spending a lot of time (hopefully) pulling cats out of the pond. Using the meat for the annual fish fry and the remains for the garden...thumb
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/23/10 05:13 PM

Thats a better idea IMO (decaying organic matter), adding rye grass or other type of grass may have you fighting to kill the grass all season long while your plants are growing.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/24/10 08:47 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I remember reading somewhere to plant annual ryegrass in the garden over the winter to promote a more nitrogen rich soil for the spring. Any truth to that? Experiences?


put some fish in the garden. I'd have to go buy them though, as I can't catch any.
rolfmao We are having our annual family get together next weekend at my uncle's land. I will be spending a lot of time (hopefully) pulling cats out of the pond. Using the meat for the annual fish fry and the remains for the garden...thumb


Make sure and clip the fins. You don't want to step on one.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/25/10 02:18 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I remember reading somewhere to plant annual ryegrass in the garden over the winter to promote a more nitrogen rich soil for the spring. Any truth to that? Experiences?


put some fish in the garden. I'd have to go buy them though, as I can't catch any.
rolfmao We are having our annual family get together next weekend at my uncle's land. I will be spending a lot of time (hopefully) pulling cats out of the pond. Using the meat for the annual fish fry and the remains for the garden...thumb


Make sure and clip the fins. You don't want to step on one.
Will do...grin


I pulled about 40 tomatoes and hundreds of peppers yesterday. My mom ended up taking them back to my sisters and some friends before I was able to take pictures...bang It's always good to see my mom, but I had planned on making pepper jelly today and that will now be put off a few more days...At least she left me 4 tomatoes for my salad...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/27/10 02:28 PM

Possible frost advisory for Thursday night. Please watch the weather and take precautions to protect your plants. I thought this was just for the northern parts, but apparently Waco news outlets are saying it could get down to 38 around here...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/27/10 04:33 PM

Guess it's time to pluck the rest of those peppers! Mmmm stuffed jalepenos
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/27/10 09:57 PM

I never pulled up my summer tomato plants after they quit producing. I now have about 60 tomatoes about the size of golf balls on 3 plants.

Will they ripen? How do I protect them from frost (they are 5 feet tall)?
Posted By: m5ash

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/27/10 09:58 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
I never pulled up my summer tomato plants after they quit producing. I now have about 60 tomatoes about the size of golf balls on 3 plants.

Will they ripen? How do I protect them from frost (they are 5 feet tall)?



I have a bunch too
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/27/10 09:59 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
I never pulled up my summer tomato plants after they quit producing. I now have about 60 tomatoes about the size of golf balls on 3 plants.

Will they ripen? How do I protect them from frost (they are 5 feet tall)?
They should. If nothing else, you can pull them, place them in a newspaper lined box and they should ripen. You can protect them by putting a sheet, blanket, tarp, etc. over the plants, just don't let them touch the plants. However, the plants are the most at risk. I was able to get vegetables after a couple of frosts last year. It was the hard freeze that took the vegetables I hadn't harvested. I just know the further north you are, the worst it seems to be...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/27/10 11:36 PM

ineresting. Guess I'll just let mine keep on keeping on. I have about 100 tomatoes and 75 peppers still on the vine.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/28/10 03:22 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
I never pulled up my summer tomato plants after they quit producing. I now have about 60 tomatoes about the size of golf balls on 3 plants.

Will they ripen? How do I protect them from frost (they are 5 feet tall)?
shoot, I am all ready tilling and preping soil for next season. cyclop
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/29/10 01:33 AM

With the possibility of a light frost overnight, I decided to do some harvesting a day earlier than planned. We are having a huge family and friends function at my uncle's land Saturday and Sunday. These beauties will be part of the festivities...





An overhead view of the entire table:

Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/29/10 07:33 PM

food
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/30/10 11:07 PM

NIce haul LSS. Were in Texas are you located?

This is my afternoon pickin' from today




Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/31/10 04:14 AM

are those small ones thai peppers, Frank?

Gonna try to grow some Habeneros next year.
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/31/10 01:07 PM

Yes. the small red one mixed in with the Tobascos are Thai peppers.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/01/10 01:29 AM

Originally Posted By: Frank I
NIce haul LSS. Were in Texas are you located?

This is my afternoon pickin' from today



Very nice...

I live in NE Bosque County on the NW side of Lake Whitney...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/05/10 04:45 PM

This morning temps got down to 38 degrees around here...I know in Joshua there was ice on the windshields and rooftops. Overnight it temperatures are once again expected to dip into the low 30's (34 is the predicted low). Some of you who have tender crops will need to cover them. I use empty 1 gallon milk/water jugs for this. Cut off the bottom and place them over the plants with the lid off. Remove them in the morning...

I will once again plant tomatoes, squash, peppers, okra, onions and cucumbers. Does anyone have any suggestions for okra? I have grown several varieties over the years and was thinking about switching things up. The soil where they will be planted is a little more rocky and they will be used as a wind break to protect the tomato plants...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/05/10 06:24 PM

I planted 2 okra plants this past season. They got in late but still produced like mad. I believe they are Clemson Spineless The got to about 7-8 feet tall and I was harvesting everyday.

Question - Are there any summer squash varieties that can't or are less likely to be attacked by those darn vine boreres? I love me some squash and zucchini but all plants were destroyed this year and I ended the season with ONE zucc.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/05/10 06:58 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I planted 2 okra plants this past season. They got in late but still produced like mad. I believe they are Clemson Spineless The got to about 7-8 feet tall and I was harvesting everyday.

Question - Are there any summer squash varieties that can't or are less likely to be attacked by those darn vine boreres? I love me some squash and zucchini but all plants were destroyed this year and I ended the season with ONE zucc.
Same here, I planted three times during the season. They were ALL lost to vine borers. bang
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/05/10 08:22 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I planted 2 okra plants this past season. They got in late but still produced like mad. I believe they are Clemson Spineless The got to about 7-8 feet tall and I was harvesting everyday.

Question - Are there any summer squash varieties that can't or are less likely to be attacked by those darn vine boreres? I love me some squash and zucchini but all plants were destroyed this year and I ended the season with ONE zucc.
Nope. The best way to deal with them is to check the back of the leaves. You will see little brown spots like those in the picture...



You can then remove the eggs from the leaf by cutting them out, or remove the whole leaf. To treat the adults, I use Sevin Dust...They are a pain in the rump...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/05/10 08:25 PM

I've planted Clemson Spineless before and the plants got over 8 feet tall and almost as wide. That's fine, and I'll probably plant a few plants of those, but they take up a lot of space. I've also planted the Red Dwarf Okra plants and the Longhorn Okra...I just want to plant a couple of other varieties and am looking for some that worked for y'all...
Posted By: crankin'_dave

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/05/10 09:52 PM

This thread is making me hungry.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/05/10 11:24 PM

Originally Posted By: crankin'_dave
This thread is making me hungry.
You eat a lot of Vine Borer eggs? hmmm
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/10 05:41 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I planted 2 okra plants this past season. They got in late but still produced like mad. I believe they are Clemson Spineless The got to about 7-8 feet tall and I was harvesting everyday.

Question - Are there any summer squash varieties that can't or are less likely to be attacked by those darn vine boreres? I love me some squash and zucchini but all plants were destroyed this year and I ended the season with ONE zucc.
Nope. The best way to deal with them is to check the back of the leaves. You will see little brown spots like those in the picture...



You can then remove the eggs from the leaf by cutting them out, or remove the whole leaf. To treat the adults, I use Sevin Dust...They are a pain in the rump...
I believe what you posted is the squash bug/stink bug and not the squash vine borer. The vine borer eggs are mainly on the stems close to the dirt. If you remove them dont just flick them in to the dirt, they will still hatch. They usually feed on the plant for a while then exit the stem and go into the ground a few inches and make a cocoon and overwinter.





This is what lays the eggs. They are the debil....




Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/10 12:04 PM

top picture is definitely the squash bug. sorry bastages took out my squash and zucchinni plants this year.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/10 12:42 PM

That vine borer is the little bastd I saw flying around my garden. I shall declare war on those little bastages next year.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/10 01:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher
I planted 2 okra plants this past season. They got in late but still produced like mad. I believe they are Clemson Spineless The got to about 7-8 feet tall and I was harvesting everyday.

Question - Are there any summer squash varieties that can't or are less likely to be attacked by those darn vine boreres? I love me some squash and zucchini but all plants were destroyed this year and I ended the season with ONE zucc.
Nope. The best way to deal with them is to check the back of the leaves. You will see little brown spots like those in the picture...



You can then remove the eggs from the leaf by cutting them out, or remove the whole leaf. To treat the adults, I use Sevin Dust...They are a pain in the rump...
I believe what you posted is the squash bug/stink bug and not the squash vine borer. The vine borer eggs are mainly on the stems close to the dirt. If you remove them dont just flick them in to the dirt, they will still hatch. They usually feed on the plant for a while then exit the stem and go into the ground a few inches and make a cocoon and overwinter.





This is what lays the eggs. They are the debil....



Thank you for posting that...I haven't seen those before. I have the squash bugs I posted...I'll keep my eyes open for the other suckers...Then I'll send them to JDavis...bolt
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/10 08:02 PM

I wanted to let y'all know a way to freeze some of your access peppers...

Slice the peppers into strips and rinse them off. Dab them dry with a paper towel and then place them on a paper plate in the freezer for 15 - 20 minutes. Then take the individual strips and stick them in freezer bags. This should keep the slices separated and good for use in the future...
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/10 08:04 PM

vacuum sealer works good for me.

Hey LSS, I decided to pull all remaining vegetables today and now have a sink full of green tomatoes. How long will it take them to ripen in cardboard boxes or whatever?

Will all green tomatoes eventually ripen?

talk to me.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/10 11:11 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
vacuum sealer works good for me.

Hey LSS, I decided to pull all remaining vegetables today and now have a sink full of green tomatoes. How long will it take them to ripen in cardboard boxes or whatever?

Will all green tomatoes eventually ripen?

talk to me.

I believe they should , it might help also if you put them into some paper sacks. I remember reading that it helps to put some ripe veggies in also. Something about the chemicals coming off the ripe ones will help push the green ones along. BUT, dont forget fried green tomatoes . Man , my mouth is watering thinking about them,lol. I think some one also posted a recipe for "chow chow" made with green tomatoes.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/07/10 12:46 AM

hmm. FIL mentioned chow-chow. never had it. Might be worth entertaining, since I have almost 1 full 5gallon bucket full of 2-3" tomatoes.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/07/10 01:44 AM

Chow-chow is always a good idea...You can put tomatoes in a box, put newspaper over the tomatoes and then close the box.
Posted By: Swamp Donkey

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/07/10 08:49 PM

Anyone know how to get rid of aphids??? Little suckers have invaded my peas and butterbeans. I had a bunch of ladybugs out there at one time but now they are gone. I guess the birds finally got them all.
Posted By: jignpig

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/07/10 09:28 PM

Originally Posted By: Swamp Donkey
Anyone know how to get rid of aphids??? Little suckers have invaded my peas and butterbeans. I had a bunch of ladybugs out there at one time but now they are gone. I guess the birds finally got them all.


Ladybugs again, that's the best way. Unless you have a HUGE garden where they can breed and hide, you have to put ladybugs out at least twice a year.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/07/10 11:08 PM

Originally Posted By: Swamp Donkey
Anyone know how to get rid of aphids??? Little suckers have invaded my peas and butterbeans. I had a bunch of ladybugs out there at one time but now they are gone. I guess the birds finally got them all.
Do you have ants all over the place, they will farm the aphids. Aphids are attracted to plants with a lot of nitrogen , peas and butterbeans being nitrogen producing plants. Best treatment will be this IMO.

1 cup vegetable or white mineral oil
2 cups water
2 teaspoons dish soap (without bleach) or Murphys soap

Spray this homemade aphid control mixture ("ON THE APHIDS"), NOT THE ENTIRE PLANT, every few days until the aphids recede. This home remedy to get rid of aphids will suffocate the aphids. Make sure that plants that are treated with this solution are keptout of direct sunlight as the oil may magnify the sunlight and burn the plants.

Also, spray the plants with a blast of water , concentrating on stems and under leaves. Spray the plants with enough pressure to knock the bugs off but not to kill the plant. This will help greatly...
This will eliminate Aphids with out harsh chemcials.
Posted By: tomnt

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/10 07:24 PM

Fall radishes going strong.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/10 08:21 PM

Those look great...I've tried to grow radishes here, but I guess the soil just isn't right...Good job...thumb
Posted By: tomnt

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/10 08:24 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Those look great...I've tried to grow radishes here, but I guess the soil just isn't right...Good job...thumb


I've taken sand and mixed in real hard soils for my radish and carrot beds. So far it's helped. thumb
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/10 08:32 PM

Originally Posted By: tomnt
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Those look great...I've tried to grow radishes here, but I guess the soil just isn't right...Good job...thumb


I've taken sand and mixed in real hard soils for my radish and carrot beds. So far it's helped. thumb
I may try that in the spring...I get great radish tops, just no real radishes...bang
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/20/10 03:25 PM

Okay, this year is almost winding down...I'm starting to plan my garden for next year...I'm not sure if I'll plant onions for the upcoming growing season, but I am looking at putting some different varieties of cucumbers in the space normally reserved for onions...I like the heirloom Lemon Cucumbers and the Crunchy Munchers...Both of these grow on the standard vine. I'd like to try some bush plant cucumbers. Has anyone grown these, and if so, which ones turned out the best for you?
Posted By: EN591

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/21/10 06:01 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Okay, this year is almost winding down...I'm starting to plan my garden for next year...I'm not sure if I'll plant onions for the upcoming growing season, but I am looking at putting some different varieties of cucumbers in the space normally reserved for onions...I like the heirloom Lemon Cucumbers and the Crunchy Munchers...Both of these grow on the standard vine. I'd like to try some bush plant cucumbers. Has anyone grown these, and if so, which ones turned out the best for you?


I love lemon cucumbers. I helped my grandparents grow these up in the Panhandle and they were probably my favorite veggie out of the garden.

Just moved to the North Texas area and I'm ready to grow some things down here. I'm limited in backyard space so it looks like I'll have to research doing some container gardening.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/21/10 08:44 PM

Originally Posted By: tomnt
Fall radishes going strong.

Still cant stop looking at those. Those things are nice.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/21/10 08:52 PM

Originally Posted By: EN591
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Okay, this year is almost winding down...I'm starting to plan my garden for next year...I'm not sure if I'll plant onions for the upcoming growing season, but I am looking at putting some different varieties of cucumbers in the space normally reserved for onions...I like the heirloom Lemon Cucumbers and the Crunchy Munchers...Both of these grow on the standard vine. I'd like to try some bush plant cucumbers. Has anyone grown these, and if so, which ones turned out the best for you?


I love lemon cucumbers. I helped my grandparents grow these up in the Panhandle and they were probably my favorite veggie out of the garden.

Just moved to the North Texas area and I'm ready to grow some things down here. I'm limited in backyard space so it looks like I'll have to research doing some container gardening.
I did a little experiment this season with some containers and I was impressed. In the summer though it would not hurt if you could bury the container to insulate the roots from the extreme heat.
Heres a good link on soil.
http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/soil-care.html
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/21/10 11:35 PM

Well guys and gals, this is my final harvest from 2010. Well, I still have some Tabasco peppers, but I'm not picking them tonight...



I had to stand in a chair to get that picture...That's the chain from the ceiling fan dangling there in the picture, not some new variety of lighted peppers (although how cool would that be?).

In addition to the peppers, there were 6.5 plastic bags (like what you get at the grocery store) full of tomatoes harvested today...I didn't wash or photograph those because I'm tired...It took 2 hours just to wash the peppers...
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/10 06:49 PM

Nice haul LSS. This is what I picked this morning. There are plenty of Habaneros and Tabascos left too




Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/10 06:54 PM

Very nice, Frank...

My mom was down this weekend and with the upcoming freeze at the end of the week, I decided it was time to just do a final harvest and be done with it...I am very grateful she was here to help, because there is no way I would have been able to get it all done by myself...At least not in one day...Almost 14 grocery bags full of vegetables came out of there...Hours were spent picking them...Besides, our water bill reset on Friday, so this way, I won't have any water usage that isn't for the household...
Posted By: jignpig

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/10 07:11 PM

Still time to grow some lettuces and other cool weather crops, folks, as long as you cover them at night to keep the frost off.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/10 07:13 PM

Originally Posted By: jignpig
Still time to grow some lettuces and other cool weather crops, folks, as long as you cover them at night to keep the frost off.
Yep. I am not going to do that, however...I have a lot of cleanup and prep work to do before next season...Besides, my back needs a bit of a break...thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/10 10:58 PM

I'm going to try putting the "Wall of Water" (vinyl tubes full of water in a cone shape) over my tomatoes I planted in September. They may not produce but I just might get a good jump on next year. I've had pepper plants survive late freezes with sleet so it's worth a shot.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/23/10 09:06 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I'm going to try putting the "Wall of Water" (vinyl tubes full of water in a cone shape) over my tomatoes I planted in September. They may not produce but I just might get a good jump on next year. I've had pepper plants survive late freezes with sleet so it's worth a shot.
Try making a small green house around the plants. A few sticks and some clear plastic sheeting should work. Doesnt need to be fancy.

I tilled my soil last night and added a few bails of hay. Also got some soil to send off for a soil test to try and get a head start on the new season.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/23/10 10:49 PM

That's basically what these are. It's a 24" tall ring of 2" diameter soft vinyl tubes. You know those "popsicles" (plastic bags of colored sugar water)you put in the freezer? Think of 30 of those glued together. You fill the individual tubes with water . Fill 'em up all the way and it closes over the plant, let some water out and the "teepee" opens up. The water warms up in the sun and slowly releases it's heat overnight.

I've been using them in the spring for years. Excellent for late frosts. I've had tomato plants get bit down to where the plastic starts but everything inside is fine ; even with sleet or snow. The only problem is that warm, humid interior attracts fire ants.

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/26/10 03:28 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
That's basically what these are. It's a 24" tall ring of 2" diameter soft vinyl tubes. You know those "popsicles" (plastic bags of colored sugar water)you put in the freezer? Think of 30 of those glued together. You fill the individual tubes with water . Fill 'em up all the way and it closes over the plant, let some water out and the "teepee" opens up. The water warms up in the sun and slowly releases it's heat overnight.

I've been using them in the spring for years. Excellent for late frosts. I've had tomato plants get bit down to where the plastic starts but everything inside is fine ; even with sleet or snow. The only problem is that warm, humid interior attracts fire ants.


where do you get those "walls of water" things? I've seen them, but they looked kind of expensive, $3-4 a piece.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/26/10 11:05 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
where do you get those "walls of water" things? I've seen them, but they looked kind of expensive, $3-4 a piece.


I believe I ordered my first ones from "Gardener's Supply Inc." (?) but I've found them at Home Depot and local plant stores. They last several years as long as you don't leave 'em out in the heat of summer (the glue seperating the tubes tends to break down in high UV light).

You could probably get the same effect by making a Saran Wrap cover and putting several milk jugs full of water inside.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/10 10:20 PM

Looks like there could be a hard freeze tonight/tomorrow morning further south and east than the last one...Y'all may want to cover/harvest your plants and remember to protect your pipes...
Posted By: jignpig

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/10 02:44 AM

forecasted low here in DFW is 29.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/10 03:07 AM

Originally Posted By: jignpig
forecasted low here in DFW is 29.
That's not too bad. Earlier they were saying 23 to 26...Not that they are ever right, but still...
Posted By: jignpig

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/10 05:32 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: jignpig
forecasted low here in DFW is 29.
That's not too bad. Earlier they were saying 23 to 26...Not that they are ever right, but still...


If one gets out of the concrete jungle that holds heat, 23 to 26 is probably more realistic.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/10 01:04 PM

It was 29 at 10:00 last night in Hillsboro and 30 in Burleson...I am thankful I drained the pipes at the houses down at the lake...I know they got a hard freeze down there...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/04/10 07:06 PM

Since Christmas is around the corner, those of you who do a lot of gardening/yard work may want to ask for some Radius Garden tools. I have the shovel and I LOVE it...I've used it for digging holes for large trees and crepe myrtles and for removing the pepper and tomato plants from my garden...The handle is at a great height for me so I can use it as leverage when I have to bend down to pick up plants.

http://www.radiusgarden.com/index.php
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/04/10 11:54 PM

LSS , do you have any good links to what plants you can grow through out the year for our area?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/05/10 01:08 AM

Your area being Arizona?
Posted By: Swamp Donkey

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/05/10 08:03 PM

LSS,

Is it too late to start a winter garden? If not what would you plant. I just tilled my garden yesterday.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/05/10 11:58 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Your area being Arizona?
No, I live in the D-FW area. I was at the local hardware store today and noticed they had cauliflower for sale.



Edit: Heres a good start.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/publications/guides/E-502_home_vegetable_guide.pdf


http://www.nhg.com/pdf/NTexasVegPlantingDates.pdf
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/11/10 11:58 PM

My broccoli and cauliflower is in. I had maybe a half pound of frozen shrimp, and some kind of pasta shells. I just boiled it all together for a around whatever, and poured in store bought Alfredo sauce. It was great. I make my own marinara in the summer when my tomatoes are in. It's great, but what-the-heck, so is store bought. I think they're about as cost effective. Do you use them? Which ones?
Posted By: Texascandc43

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/17/10 09:57 PM

Both
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/27/10 10:05 PM

I know I'm way early here and this may be somewhere in the 55 pages of the thread so far, but when do you guys start your tomato plants indoors? I read somewhere that you should have 6 - 8 week old tomato plants in the ground by march, covered by row covers to protect from late frosts. That would mean starting them indoors in late Jan or early Feb. That seems too early to me.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/27/10 11:04 PM

Late January or early February is right for both tomato and pepper seeds to be started indoors...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/28/10 02:25 AM

Start them now , your late. cheers
Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/07/11 09:59 PM

Where would a guy take his soil to be tested ? I started a new garden last year and it did not do to well.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/07/11 10:11 PM

http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/webpages/forms.html

Most nurseries will have a soil testing kit you can purchase to do the work yourself.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/08/11 03:57 AM

Originally Posted By: Happykamper
Where would a guy take his soil to be tested ? I started a new garden last year and it did not do to well.
I would go with the link LSS gave you. The soil test you buy at the store are a waste of money IMO. I have bought about 5 packs and got different readings everytime. If you send the soil off you will have it LAB tested and results back to you in about a week.
Posted By: m5ash

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/10/11 01:03 AM

bump
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/10/11 08:29 PM

Got my onions yesterday and plan to plant them next weekend.
Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/11 09:00 PM

I have a 16 feet by 32 feet raised garden and was wanting a very small tiller, I checked into the Mantis but they are expensive, anyone have one or know of one for sale ?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/11 09:11 PM

I would look on craigslist. That's where I'll probably be buying mine. I'd also look at the Echo TC-210 tiller.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/11 12:40 AM

Originally Posted By: Happykamper
I have a 16 feet by 32 feet raised garden and was wanting a very small tiller, I checked into the Mantis but they are expensive, anyone have one or know of one for sale ?


There's several makes of those small tillers that are cheaper. Look at Sears , Tractor Supply and Wal-Mart when the sales are on if you want a new one. Better get busy though 'cause gardening season is right around the corner ( and the prices will go up). Isn't there a huge flea market in Grand Prairie ? You might also try "First Sunday" in Canton.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/11 01:00 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Happykamper
I have a 16 feet by 32 feet raised garden and was wanting a very small tiller, I checked into the Mantis but they are expensive, anyone have one or know of one for sale ?


There's several makes of those small tillers that are cheaper. Look at Sears , Tractor Supply and Wal-Mart when the sales are on if you want a new one. Better get busy though 'cause gardening season is right around the corner ( and the prices will go up). Isn't there a huge flea market in Grand Prairie ? You might also try "First Sunday" in Canton.
Some of those have some pretty poor reviews, so read the user reviews before buying one...
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/11 07:16 PM

If the funds are not ready to buy a tiller , I believe you can rent one for 4 hours.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/11 10:38 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Some of those have some pretty poor reviews, so read the user reviews before buying one...


I really don't remember which one I have . Some friends borrowed it a few years ago . I know I got it mail order so it might be the Mantis. It got a short in it where it would shock just a bit and it's not powerful enough to break up new plots but other than that it was fine for the type of application Happycamper is talking about. I used it for tilling in compost/ whatever in flowerbeds and weeding the veggies.

If you want a hoss , now, get a Craftsman 6 HP rear-tine. That sucker will dig up wet clay. thumb

Posted By: Happykamper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/13/11 02:05 AM

Thanks for the input guys, I do not need anything big, the soil in my raised garden is not compacted at all, I am sure I could just rake it by hand but I thought one of those miniature tillers would be the ticket.
Posted By: windfish1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/15/11 01:54 AM

Hi gang. I am new to this thread. I have not had a garden or so much as aflower bed for nearly 5 years. To make a long story short I've been in a rent house. It was too painful to think about planting stuff and then moving on. An I am a houseplant killer. (There are wanted dead or alive signs of me up at the postoffice in Plantland.) We move in two weeks and I can't wait! Ya see I'm really a planthead. I was a perennial grower for a big plant farm in East Texas for years. I loved it. Our new place has plenty of room for gardening and some nice beds for perennials and it will be my home for years and years so I am ready to get after it. Perennials are my first love and I love herbs nearly as much. (I'm sure to do some simple veggies too.)
If anybody has any extra seed or plant starts I would truly be grateful. I used to thin my perennials out every spring so I hope you don't think I'm being greedy or anything. I'll pass along anything I have coming up in my beds when spring hits. Anyway, I look forward to spending some happy hours in this thread. Happy growing!! smile
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/15/11 05:35 AM

Good to have you in the nieghborhood! I do'nt know exactly where Boyd is, but I'm assuming the Dallas area. I've found winter crops to be more "friendly". I still garden year around, but each summer I get more discouraged with the insect wars. Stink bugs, squash bugs, aphids, white flies... you get the picture. Then about the time I get a good crop of tomatoes set, it turns off hot aaargh! I gotta stop before I talk myself out of a spring garden.
If starting from seed, it's time for tomatoes and peppers. I usually put transplants in 1 gal. pots as soon as good specimens show up at the nurseries, mid Feb. Then plant in the ground around Spring break.
I'm located on a line with San Antonio and Del Rio, so right now I've got spinach, turnips, beets, english peas, carrots, dill, and parsley. Even pulled some green beans through a couple of the first frosts and had them for X-mas dinner. I've got a few white flies but, they are'nt doing any significant damage. All of the se crops, with the exception of the beans, are cold hardy crops. May be a little late or early for these depending on where your at.
Lots of good information here. Been kinda slow lately, but things should heat up soon.
Posted By: windfish1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/15/11 04:16 PM

I can't wait to get my hands back in the soil!! It's been too long....
Posted By: lws6772

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/11 07:54 PM

Had a question for chipper/shredder owners or anyone that might know. I have been making good amounts of compost with just a hoe and a big kitchen knife. And this winter I have been using my mower to cut up all the bags of leaves I collect each week, with good results. But I have been considering getting a used chipper/shredder just so I could make more/faster compost. Do any of you guys use a chipper/shredder in your compost making and if so, would you recommend one or not? Thanks very much for any thoughts.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/11 01:47 AM

Congratulations ! I love burying my hands in freshly turned dirt. wink If you ever come to Sandlin , Monticello or Cypress Springs gimme a holler. I've got a good variety of daylillies , cannas and iris that I'll be glad to divide . thumb

Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/11 01:55 AM

Originally Posted By: windfish1
Hi gang. I am new to this thread. I have not had a garden or so much as aflower bed for nearly 5 years. To make a long story short I've been in a rent house. It was too painful to think about planting stuff and then moving on. An I am a houseplant killer. (There are wanted dead or alive signs of me up at the postoffice in Plantland.) We move in two weeks and I can't wait! Ya see I'm really a planthead. I was a perennial grower for a big plant farm in East Texas for years. I loved it. Our new place has plenty of room for gardening and some nice beds for perennials and it will be my home for years and years so I am ready to get after it. Perennials are my first love and I love herbs nearly as much. (I'm sure to do some simple veggies too.)
If anybody has any extra seed or plant starts I would truly be grateful. I used to thin my perennials out every spring so I hope you don't think I'm being greedy or anything. I'll pass along anything I have coming up in my beds when spring hits. Anyway, I look forward to spending some happy hours in this thread. Happy growing!! smile


If you want some vegetable seeds I got some you can have. PM me your address and I'll put them in the snail mail sometime soon. It's seed I've got left over from last years garden so it should still be good.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/20/11 01:19 AM

Question for container gardeners or algebra brains. I've got several whiskey barrel liners and other really large pots. How do I figure how much soil goes in each one by measuring the pot?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/20/11 03:07 AM

Most pots are cylinders or are cylinder-ish, and there is a simple math equation to figure out the volume of a cylinder:
volume of cylinder= pi * radius squared * height
Let's break that down: you first figure out the area of a circle, which is pi (3.14) multiplied by the radius squared. Containers are generally sold by diameter - so an 18" pot is 18" diameter at the top, and it is that circle whose area we'll calculate. Most containers taper so that the bottom is smaller than the top, but for the sake of estimating, it's easiest to pretend your container is the same diameter throughout. The radius is half of the diameter, so the radius of an 18" pot is 9". That means the radius squared - 9" multiplied by 9" - is 81". We'll multiply that by pi, rounded to a convenient 3.14 which gives us 254.34 square inches - that's the area of the circle, or the surface, of the container.
Now we need to multiply that by the height of the container. Let's say that our 18" pot is 14" high:

254.34 square inches x 14 inches = 3560.76 cubic inches

When we multiplied by the height, we went from square inches to cubic inches, so the volume of our 18" wide, 14" high pot is 3560.76 cubic inches.

But potting mix isn't sold in cubic inches - it's sold in dry quarts or cubic feet. So we need to convert our result into a relevant number by dividing it by the number of cubic inches contained in one:

quart - 67.2 cubic inches per dry quart
or
cubic foot - 1728 cubic inches per cubic foot

(you can use this handy site to do the converting for you if you'd like)

So to fill one 18" wide, 14" high container, we'll need 52.98 quarts or 2.06 cubic feet of potting mix.

If you have a square or rectangular container, just find the area of the top surface by multiplying the length times the width, then multiply that result by the height of the container.

Add up the volumes of all the containers you need to fill to know how much potting mix you'll need to buy. Remember that estimates are on the generous side, especially for tapered containers, and that they don't allow for the space that the roots will take up or the 1-2" space you'll leave at the top for watering.


Or you can just fill until the container is full. banana
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/21/11 12:13 AM

It's been over 30 years since I had any kind of math but you explained it perfectly, dude. Thanks. cheers

Btw: "(you can use this handy site to do the converting for you if you'd like)"

You didn't post a link.
grin

"Or you can just fill until the container is full."

I figured I'd get that response from someone but after your most excellent explanation I'll let it slide.
thumb
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/21/11 10:44 PM

you really need to know the volume of the containers before you can figure whats needed. Try here http://www.bonnieplants.com/LearnGrowLib...ag-of-Soil.aspx

Buy a small amount and fill one of the containers. Take note how much soil it took to fill. Then if the other containers are the same size you should be able to figure how many bags you need.
Posted By: Corey C. Metroplex Insurance

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/11 04:07 PM

I am doing a lasagna garden this year, be my first time to try it.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/11 09:53 PM

Originally Posted By: Corey C.
I am doing a lasagna garden this year, be my first time to try it.
I do all organic myself. Keep us updated.
Posted By: Corey C. Metroplex Insurance

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/11 10:12 PM

Will do! I am excited.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/25/11 01:35 AM

Originally Posted By: Corey C.
Will do! I am excited.


What the heck is a lasagna garden?
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/25/11 03:12 AM

You have any extra noodle seeds?
Posted By: Corey C. Metroplex Insurance

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/25/11 10:08 PM

Google is your friend
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/26/11 03:28 PM

Is it time to plant onions? I figure it should be close.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/26/11 03:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Is it time to plant onions? I figure it should be close.
That's a tough call for your area. I'd probably wait until after Valentine's Day. The reason being if we get a couple more cycles of freezing/warm/freezing/warm, it's going to hinder their growth and it would be difficult for you to get any good sized onions...
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/27/11 09:00 PM

it's (almost) that time of year again.

anyone plannin anything interesting this year?


Posted By: jeffnsa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/11 12:48 PM

i just put some peas, beets, and radishes out yesterday but it got pretty cold at night so they are suffering a little. my mother in law has a friend who gave me 20 blackberry cuttings and root sets so i planted them all over the place on fence lines. i guess next month i will start some other vegies.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/11 01:20 PM

You're a bit lucky being so far south you should be able to start a few things earlier than most of us. I'd love to get some berries growing.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/11 11:56 PM

double check the berries PH ,I believe the PH is different then "regular" veggies.
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/11 12:07 AM

LSS, any recommendations on tomato plants?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/11 12:10 AM

I had really good luck with the Lemon Boys, Heatwave, Early Girls and Homestead tomatoes. Those will be my primary plants this year.
Posted By: Swamp Donkey

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/11 02:58 PM

Just found out the feed store in Keller has onions in now. Gonna stop by there later and pick some up.
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/11 10:17 PM

Should I till now????
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/11 10:26 PM

Sure, Turning the dirt wont hurt anything. If you have some critters that have burrowed in the soil , tilling and the next cold blast should take care of them. Try tilling in some organic matter also.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/11 10:42 PM

Like Tin Head, stated, it won't hurt to turn the soil. I plan on turning the soil tomorrow before the rains and letting the worms go back down before the next freeze...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/11 06:59 PM

Well the garden has been tilled. I can't wait till it's planting time...banana
Posted By: Sparky 61

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/11 09:50 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Well the garden has been tilled. I can't wait till it's planting time...banana

My Garden is also Tilled --Perfect weather for January, I almost broke a sweat ---Cant wait to plant also
Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/11 10:30 PM

Onions planted in Squeezepenny. 400-1015's 150 white onions and 50 purple. A couple months all will need is some corn bread ,beans and sweet tea
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/11 10:57 PM

Originally Posted By: slim 285
Onions planted in Squeezepenny. 400-1015's 150 white onions and 50 purple. A couple months all will need is some corn bread ,beans and sweet tea

It'll have to be last years corn and beans, though. farmer

I planted 4 dozen of the Texas sweet onions this week.
Posted By: bigrebar

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/07/11 09:06 PM

LSS, what tomato brand do you recomend for a garden area that sees little sun. I had very healthy plants last year, but very little fruit. I assume it is due to the lack of sun.

95 percent of my yard is coved by shade from Live and Red Oak Trees.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/11 12:36 AM

Homestead (medium to large tomatoes), Early Girl, Lemon Boys and the Texas 100 (small cherry tomatoes) would probably do okay. It's probably not just from a lack of sun, but a lack of movement. You need to shake those plants every day, or every other day, and thunder really helps to get things going...
Posted By: bigrebar

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/11 02:03 PM

Shake the plants? Never heard of that. I'll keep that in mind this year, thanks.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/11 02:11 PM

Originally Posted By: bigrebar
Shake the plants? Never heard of that. I'll keep that in mind this year, thanks.
Most people call it spanking 'em. Basically, I grab the tallest vine and shake it. Not too hard, as you don't want to break the vine. Both tomato and pepper plants need vibration, either by the wind, a lost honey bee, thunder, or someone shaking them, to pollinate.
Posted By: bigrebar

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/11 02:22 PM

I'm sold. Now that I think about it, I did not hand water much last year. I had the sprinklers back there set to go off every other day because I was lazy. Most years I hand water with a rain head sprinkler, which moves the plants around some what. The sprinkler system does not.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/11 02:26 PM

Yep. I hand water early in the spring until the plants and tomatoes are too big for me to walk through. I spank the plants every other day while I'm watering. I use an overhead sprinkler after that to keep the plants alive and the tomatoes growing. It gets awful hot awful early come summer, but that sprinkler doesn't seem to mind. grin
Posted By: ichliebe

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/11 01:51 AM

No need to mind.hehe
Posted By: jeffnsa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/11 12:51 PM

i lost the beets and radishes due to freezing but i have lettuce and onions doing nicly under a blanket of much. i need to start some carrots, cucumbers, beets and radishes agin this weekend. my garden is small becaus it is fenced in to protect it from goats, chickens and others but after i get rid of the goats i will make it larger.
Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/11 01:51 AM

Where can I buy expanded shale in the DFW araea? Also need some compost. Thanks
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/11 03:50 AM

Gonzz, welcome to the Gardening Thread. North Haven Gardens in Dallas should have the expanded shale. I would be willing to bet if they don't have compost, they can tell you how to get your hands on it...

Good luck and thank you for your service...flag


http://www.nhg.com/
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/11 11:50 AM

What's "expanded shale" ?
Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/11 01:36 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Gonzz, welcome to the Gardening Thread. North Haven Gardens in Dallas should have the expanded shale. I would be willing to bet if they don't have compost, they can tell you how to get your hands on it...

Good luck and thank you for your service...flag


http://www.nhg.com/


Thanks for the info.
Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/11 01:40 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
What's "expanded shale" ?


I picked up a Ellis County Master Gardener Calender at a local rock place and started to read it. It say you should add expanded shale and compost. I looked it up and it help if your soil sticks to itself like my mud sticky soil. It's like cut up rock that let's the plant roots get more air and get bigger and better plants.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/11 02:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
What's "expanded shale" ?
Well, it's the opposite of contracted shale. grin











It's something you can add to the soil to help maintain air in the soil. Say you have a flood or a massive brain belch and forget to shut off the water, expanded shale will still maintain an air pocket of 30% that the plants' roots can draw needed air to keep from drowning...It's similar to vermiculite, except it starts off like rounded rock and keeps it's smooth round appearance, but it expands...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/11 10:33 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Siberman
What's "expanded shale" ?
Well, it's the opposite of contracted shale. grin



Thanks, smart a$$.;)


It's something you can add to the soil to help maintain air in the soil. Say you have a flood or a massive brain belch and forget to shut off the water, expanded shale will still maintain an air pocket of 30% that the plants' roots can draw needed air to keep from drowning...It's similar to vermiculite, except it starts off like rounded rock and keeps it's smooth round appearance, but it expands...


Kinda like the water absorbing crystals in reverse , huh ? Cool. How much is it ? Wouldn't it be just as effective to add more organic matter or sand ?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/11 10:46 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Siberman
What's "expanded shale" ?
Well, it's the opposite of contracted shale. grin



Thanks, smart a$$.;)


It's something you can add to the soil to help maintain air in the soil. Say you have a flood or a massive brain belch and forget to shut off the water, expanded shale will still maintain an air pocket of 30% that the plants' roots can draw needed air to keep from drowning...It's similar to vermiculite, except it starts off like rounded rock and keeps it's smooth round appearance, but it expands...


Kinda like the water absorbing crystals in reverse , huh ? Cool. How much is it ? Wouldn't it be just as effective to add more organic matter or sand ?
Not really. I've lost a couple of gardens in the past to heavy floods. Although sand can help with draining, sometimes, there's just too much water. I remember getting over 10 inches of rain in a matter of hours in 2005. I had to replant that garden and I was not happy...bang
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/11 10:56 PM

I'm trying container gardening this year. I built a small plywood deck in a corner of the back yard that gets sun all day and loaded it up with the biggest pots I could find ( whiskey barrel liners, rubbermaid containers , large planters , etc.) , filled them with Stay-Green and Miracle-Gro mixes for veggies and planted onions, spinach , lettuce , icicle radishes and turnip greens today. We'll see how it goes.

I plan on growing all my chilis in containers since I like the shorter varieties such as habs and thais and it's a lot easier to keep the weeds / fire ants out when they're potted.

The main garden will be dedicated to squash , corn , tomatoes and maybe some purple hulls or black-eyes this summer. I'm hoping the asparagus really takes off as I buried several fish carcasses around it this last year.

I always leave a few watermelons and cucumbers on the fence so they've been pretty good about re-seeding themselves for the past couple of years. Hoping the cantalopes will "volunteer" as well. thumb

Posted By: jbassman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/11 11:30 PM

Ist time gardener, what do i plant and when,, small 4x 10' double 4x4 area.

But i do have good soil,, it is in a built up area pm me please
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/11 04:12 AM

Try here for starters.
http://www.nhg.com/pdf/NTexasVegPlantingDates.pdf
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/11 11:51 PM

Originally Posted By: jbassman
Ist time gardener, what do i plant and when,, small 4x 10' double 4x4 area.

But i do have good soil,, it is in a built up area pm me please


You're describing a raised bed 4' x 8' x 8" high, right ? I've yet to do raised beds but my understanding is that you can really pack the plants in there as long as they don't shade each other and you supply plenty of water and fertilizer.

I plant onions and greens in anything but blizzard conditions. I generally wait until after Easter to plant the tender veggies like corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, etc. but Easter is April 24th this year so I'll probably move that up a couple of weeks .

I direct-seed melons and okra around the first of May.

Posted By: Play Maker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/11 03:34 AM

I have a huge problem with Johnson grass in my garden area. What do y'all suggest for control of this invasive species? Is there any pre-emergent that can be applied to aid in the prevention of Johnson grass?
Posted By: Tin Head

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/11 03:53 AM

Try here, just might have to spray the grass killer through out the season. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_an_effective_all_natural_weed_and_grass_killer
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/11 02:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Tex-Star Wildlife
I have a huge problem with Johnson grass in my garden area. What do y'all suggest for control of this invasive species? Is there any pre-emergent that can be applied to aid in the prevention of Johnson grass?


I've never used pre-emergents in a vegetable garden but I was a fan of Round Up *tm until I did some heavy reading on it this past summer. You could always cover the plot with clear plastic and let the sun kill everything (including weed seeds/ roots , beneficial bacteria and nematodes , etc. ) in the soil but sterile earth isn't the best way to grow food (IMO).
Try a spray bottle full of 5 % white vinegar. The warmer and drier it is , the better it works (and there's no residual toxins in your garden).

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/11 02:46 AM

Don't use salt unless you don't want anything to grow in that area. It will stay in the ground or move around by watering.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/11 08:51 PM

Planted blue taters and patio tomatoes today. thumb
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/24/11 05:59 PM

So I planted a bunch of seeds in one of those Jiffy greenhouse trays you can get from wal-mart. Things have sprouted. When do I take them from the green house and put them in a pot in the sun in the house?

So far my cucumbers and cherry maters have come up with about 1" stems.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/11 02:00 AM

You should prop up the clear plastic top until the rest sprout then transplant.

Wasn't this thread a sticky last year?

Here's what I got so far.


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/11 09:33 PM

I'd wait until they all had their first set of true leaves.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/11 09:34 PM

Nice set up there, hoss. cheers What kinda lights are you using ?
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/11 01:54 AM

Bump!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/11 02:52 AM

Lowe's has several varieties of peppers now. I bought serranos, habaneros and cubanelles today. They carry a "mexibell" that's a small hot bell pepper. Really good stuffed.

The "greens" garden (in containers) is doing really well. I'm eating fresh turnip greens , lettuce and spinach . The onions are about 8" high and the potatoes are starting to break the surface. Freakin' rabbits haven't figured out how to get up in the containers so this may become an annual practice.
thumb

Hope everybody covered all their stuff up tonight. Looks like we may get a freeze.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/11 02:54 AM

Cubanelles are my favorite pepper. Sucks I didn't get many last year. I'm trying to start some of them from seeds, but of all the peppers I've tried, those are the most stubborn about sprouting.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/11 03:07 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Cubanelles are my favorite pepper. Sucks I didn't get many last year. I'm trying to start some of them from seeds, but of all the peppers I've tried, those are the most stubborn about sprouting.


Try jolakias. wink
Posted By: Henry Hefner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/11 03:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman

Kinda like the water absorbing crystals in reverse , huh ? Cool. How much is it ? Wouldn't it be just as effective to add more organic matter or sand ?


I am expanding the garden this year, and needed something to break up this clay soil I have. I was at Ace Hardware the other day, and saw expanded shale in bags for sale, these bags were about the size of two loaves of bread, and they were over $6.00 apiece!! eeks

I went to Living Earth in Lancaster, and asked the guy about sand to improve the drainage in clay soil, and he had a mixture that looks to be about 50/50 expanded shale/compost, for $50 a yard. That sounded a lot better to me. Yes, they will sell it in half yards, which makes it easier on my Dodge Dakota. (I think you actually get more than a yard when you buy it by the half yard, I think the bucket they used was 1 yard, and it was well over half full each time they loaded my truck.)
The info he has on it was written by a guy at the Dallas Arboretum, and recommends about a 4" depth of this mixture tilled into the clay. Ask me at the end of the year how it worked out, I just finished tilling it in.
Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/11 03:26 AM

I also put compost and expanded shale in my garden this year. It changed the feel of the soil right away after tilled.


Originally Posted By: Henry Hefner
Originally Posted By: Siberman

Kinda like the water absorbing crystals in reverse , huh ? Cool. How much is it ? Wouldn't it be just as effective to add more organic matter or sand ?


I am expanding the garden this year, and needed something to break up this clay soil I have. I was at Ace Hardware the other day, and saw expanded shale in bags for sale, these bags were about the size of two loaves of bread, and they were over $6.00 apiece!! eeks

I went to Living Earth in Lancaster, and asked the guy about sand to improve the drainage in clay soil, and he had a mixture that looks to be about 50/50 expanded shale/compost, for $50 a yard. That sounded a lot better to me. Yes, they will sell it in half yards, which makes it easier on my Dodge Dakota. (I think you actually get more than a yard when you buy it by the half yard, I think the bucket they used was 1 yard, and it was well over half full each time they loaded my truck.)
The info he has on it was written by a guy at the Dallas Arboretum, and recommends about a 4" depth of this mixture tilled into the clay. Ask me at the end of the year how it worked out, I just finished tilling it in.

Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/11 04:27 AM

Anybody ever used any of the Topsy Turvy carp? My kid has been bugging me the last few years to get one and the HEB in Burleson had Topsy Turvy Hot Pepper Planters clearanced out at $2 so I bought a couple. I am going to try putting some sugar snap peas in them for him.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/11 05:36 AM

Originally Posted By: imgonefishing
Anybody ever used any of the Topsy Turvy carp? My kid has been bugging me the last few years to get one and the HEB in Burleson had Topsy Turvy Hot Pepper Planters clearanced out at $2 so I bought a couple. I am going to try putting some sugar snap peas in them for him.


I never had much luck with the ones that had the single hole on the bottom but I tried the one made for peppers last year. I planted a six-pack of habs in the sides and they didn't do well at all but the cucumbers I planted in the top did really well. It might be due to location but I'm betting that you'd probably do better with a large planter .

Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/11 05:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: imgonefishing
Anybody ever used any of the Topsy Turvy carp? My kid has been bugging me the last few years to get one and the HEB in Burleson had Topsy Turvy Hot Pepper Planters clearanced out at $2 so I bought a couple. I am going to try putting some sugar snap peas in them for him.


I never had much luck with the ones that had the single hole on the bottom but I tried the one made for peppers last year. I planted a six-pack of habs in the sides and they didn't do well at all but the cucumbers I planted in the top did really well. It might be due to location but I'm betting that you'd probably do better with a large planter .


So am I but the Kiddo wanted these. I figured peas would be about the fastest grown thing in them for him. If they stay watered I am thinking 6'-7' of peas hanging down will at least look impressive. Kinda interested to see how they do with gravity feeding water to the pods instead of capillary action. I am also putting out some in the ground climbing a stake.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/11 09:17 PM

Just paid $13.50 for a pound of hybrid sweet corn. eek2

Ethanol's gotta go.

Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/11 09:21 PM

i thought this got deleted...i'll be having my first year of not growing anything thanks to a move to a shallow rocky area and no desire to do any small gardening type stuff, so i may have to live vicariously thru y'all.
Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/11 09:26 PM

Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
i thought this got deleted...i'll be having my first year of not growing anything thanks to a move to a shallow rocky area and no desire to do any small gardening type stuff, so i may have to live vicariously thru y'all.

Spend 1 summer taking out a loan and buying the stuff at the grocery store. You will find a way to make it work next year. smile
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/11 09:30 PM

i'll have some property by the end of this year (i hope)...just temporarily in town till i can find a place...or i'll be moving elsewhere. living in town for 6 months is about all i can handle.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/11 09:36 PM

Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
i thought this got deleted...i'll be having my first year of not growing anything thanks to a move to a shallow rocky area and no desire to do any small gardening type stuff, so i may have to live vicariously thru y'all.


You'd be suprised how many turnip greens you can grow in a 50 gallon container. wink
Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/11 09:39 PM

If my soil is more like clay than dirt what do I need to add to it to make it more loose like dirt?
Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/11 11:17 PM

Compost and expanded shale. My soil is great now.


Originally Posted By: deerfeeder
If my soil is more like clay than dirt what do I need to add to it to make it more loose like dirt?

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/11 12:03 AM

I haven't tried the expanded shale but I've heard it's pretty good. I second the compost suggestion. If you've got access to plenty of leaves,wood chips , manure (watch the nitrogen levels) , a truckload of topsoil , pretty much anything organic , you can till it in and help build up the soil.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/11 02:04 PM

DF, Canadian Peat Moss will also help quite a bit...At the end of the growing season, till in some leaves and add a bunch of red worms, or night crawlers....
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/11 02:28 PM

clay is good...it holds a lot of nutrients and a lot of fruits and vegetables will grow very well in clay soil especially if you've been adding compost, other materials, or just sand to lighten the texture.

adding compost or other materials is not a one time thing...you will need to do it 1 to 2 times a year (at least once deep plowed). the reason for this is not that clay soil causes problems for root growth, but it does form shallow compaction zones more easily than sandier textures, which do restrict root growth. in fact, potatoes can do exceptionally well in clay soil.

most soils are ammended with compost to help add nutrients and water holding capacity, but since you have clay those things are already there.
Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/11 08:52 PM

I have some old dry leaves I can rake up and add in. Sand helps how? I've added in some top soil and some other stuff I had to in a couple of places, but this stuff really holds moisure. I watered probably going on 3 weeks ago and as I turn it over, from about 2 inches down, it still clumps together.

It's tough turning it over and braking the clods. If I don't break them up, once they are in the sun, for a couple of days, the clods practically turn into rock. These things are fist size and very, very solid.

Thanks.
Posted By: muddy_shoes

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/11 09:02 PM

Rent a tiller. You can do in a couple of hours what takes days by hand, and it does a better job.
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/11 09:08 PM

sounds like you've probably got a vertisol. clay that heavy can be hard to work with (easy to mess up i.e. letting get to wet or to dry can ruin a crop).
sand will take your texture from clay to sandy clay, sandy clay loam, clay loam, loam, loamy sand, etc. depending on how much you add. and organic matter can always help the incorporation. once this is done you should have better drainage but still good water holding capacity and retain your nutrients. this will make it easier to manage and prevent cracks as well as the hard clods if you can get it to a loamy texture to 6+ inches.
on large scale opperations it takes a very skilled manager to work with these soils (changing the texture not feasable).

i would also suggest starting a compost pile now and it will be ready for next year.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/11 09:15 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
DF, Canadian Peat Moss will also help quite a bit...At the end of the growing season, till in some leaves and add a bunch of red worms, or night crawlers....


Will nightcrawlers live through the summer down here? I usually put leftover worms in the gardens but I feed the crawlers to the bluegills. If they'll make it I'll start putting them to work. wink
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/11 09:19 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
DF, Canadian Peat Moss will also help quite a bit...At the end of the growing season, till in some leaves and add a bunch of red worms, or night crawlers....


Will nightcrawlers live through the summer down here? I usually put leftover worms in the gardens but I feed the crawlers to the bluegills. If they'll make it I'll start putting them to work. wink
Mine do, but my garden has some nice shade...It's fun to till your garden and see the new ones coming along...Unless you've just cut one in half. Then you might feel a bit guilty, but you'll get over it.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/11 10:41 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Mine do, but my garden has some nice shade...It's fun to till your garden and see the new ones coming along...Unless you've just cut one in half. Then you might feel a bit guilty, but you'll get over it.


I cut 'em in pieces for bream . I think I'll be ok. rolfmao
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/11 01:33 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Mine do, but my garden has some nice shade...It's fun to till your garden and see the new ones coming along...Unless you've just cut one in half. Then you might feel a bit guilty, but you'll get over it.


I cut 'em in pieces for bream . I think I'll be ok. rolfmao
I don't know, I heard somewhere that you were a PETA supporter... eeks
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/11 01:37 AM

nothing wrong with peta...just the oh so many nut jobs associated with them.

i know a guy that was a member of peta, nra, ducks unlimited, world somethin or other, and other things that i thought (at the time) contradicted each other.
Posted By: Pope1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/11 01:45 PM

Planting this weekend!

Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/11 03:07 PM

looks like a good layout for a greenhouse
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/11 09:40 PM

Nice plots pope. What size are they?

Just put my tomato and pepper seedlings outside in my raised garden last weekend. I know it's still a little cold outside but I've got a row cover on it so they're warmer at night. No transfer shock that I can see so I'm hoping they'll take off soon.
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/11 09:45 PM

By the way - anyone here use drip irrigation? I got a little blight on my tomatoes last year and think it might have been due to my hand watering hitting the lower leaves and them not drying. I'm thinking maybe a drip irrigation system will help avoid it. Plus then I can put it on a timer. Anyone have any suggestions for a kit? I've just got a small 4'x8' raised bed.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/11 10:54 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I don't know, I heard somewhere that you were a PETA supporter... eeks


I peta dog today. Does that count ? smile
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/11 11:02 PM

Originally Posted By: jeff.m
By the way - anyone here use drip irrigation? I got a little blight on my tomatoes last year and think it might have been due to my hand watering hitting the lower leaves and them not drying. I'm thinking maybe a drip irrigation system will help avoid it. Plus then I can put it on a timer. Anyone have any suggestions for a kit? I've just got a small 4'x8' raised bed.


I built a framework , suspended the main pipe from it then ran the smaller hoses down to where the drippers were at the base of each plant. You can't beat 'em for water conservation. Helps keep the weeds down as well by watering only what you want to water. Wal-Mart has a small flower/veggie garden kit that should be just fine for what you want. Lowe's and HD carry all the parts (maybe the kits).
Be sure and get a "water-pressure reducer" that goes between your hose and the drip kit.

Posted By: Pope1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/11 08:01 PM

Originally Posted By: jeff.m
Nice plots pope. What size are they?

Just put my tomato and pepper seedlings outside in my raised garden last weekend. I know it's still a little cold outside but I've got a row cover on it so they're warmer at night. No transfer shock that I can see so I'm hoping they'll take off soon.


Thanks Jeff. In my yard I have 2 8x8 plots and 1 16x16 plot. At my school (I am a teacher), I have 1 30x30 plot. This one has drip irrigation.

Here is another photo of my yard. I added the last 8x8 yesterday.

Posted By: deerfeeder

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/11 09:02 PM

Going back to night crawlers. I bought to plastic buckets last year and put them in three different beds that had regular topsoil and some other kind of garden soil I bought in them. All of this was over the clayish soil. I don't believe they survived, never saw them again and I used no herbicides or fertilizers on those beds.

One produced probably 5 or 6 quart size plastic bags of green beans.

I'll try to mix some sand in and see what happens.

Corn last year was a joke in the sandy part of the garden on the north end. It might have got to 3 feet tall if you tugged on the stalk a little bit.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/11 08:44 PM

Originally Posted By: deerfeeder
Corn last year was a joke in the sandy part of the garden on the north end. It might have got to 3 feet tall if you tugged on the stalk a little bit.


IMO , corn's a pretty heavy feeder. The more feretilizer you can get near the roots , the better. You might want to test your soil to see if it's deficient in anything. Did it make silk and ears but just not grow very tall ?

You might want to try planting climbing beans or peas in your corn patch. They help by taking nitrogen from the air and depositing it in their roots (and the surrounding soil). Don't throw away anything when you clean fish, either. Bury everything in your garden for fertilizer. wink

Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/11 02:31 PM

Have you guys in the DFW area started planting tomatoes and peppers yet? I've seen at Sutherlands in Ft Worth that they have sets of 6 plants for $1.99. I think it's early but for that price I'll probably give it a shot.

Also, it is my mission this year to destroy vine borers and actually harvest some squashes!
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/11 02:41 PM

you can start a couple hundred tomatoe and pepper plants for 1.99 if you start from seed...
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/11 07:57 PM

Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
you can start a couple hundred tomatoe and pepper plants for 1.99 if you start from seed...


Yeah, thank God I have absolutely no use for a couple hundred tomato plants! That would require entirely too much work.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/11 12:04 AM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Have you guys in the DFW area started planting tomatoes and peppers yet? I've seen at Sutherlands in Ft Worth that they have sets of 6 plants for $1.99. I think it's early but for that price I'll probably give it a shot.

Also, it is my mission this year to destroy vine borers and actually harvest some squashes!


Go for it . Keep a few plastic milk jugs around just in case.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/11 03:10 PM

Sutherlands in Ft Worth has some tomatoes right now. I think I remember seeing celebrity and a couple others that are of the very large tomato varieties. They also have squash and banana peppers. They all come in packs of 6 plants for $1.39. FYI
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/11 12:48 AM

We have produce!!!!!!!!! One 1/4 " tomato and one .5 centimeter serrano ! cheers

Kidding aside though, had a nice salad of "Buttercrunch" lettuce , turnip greens , spinach , "Daikon" radish and green onions with a big bowl of last year's tomato soup for supper last night. Container gardens rock. rock

Lord willing , I'm planting corn,sunflowers,cukes, cantalopes and squash this weekend.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/11 11:15 PM

I'd like to announce that fire ant season has started. Got a nice double-handfull while moving a dead pear tree today.

Just fyi : vinegar or urine will stop the itch.
wink

Awful quiet here . Nobody gardening this year ?
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/11 12:13 AM

I just harvested my first batch of radishes.. Thank God any idiot could grow them!! Too bad I don't like to eat them!.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/11 01:20 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I'd like to announce that fire ant season has started. Got a nice double-handfull while moving a dead pear tree today.

Just fyi : vinegar or urine will stop the itch.
wink

Awful quiet here . Nobody gardening this year ?
I have my garden in and have a 3 inch Banana Pepper currently trying to fatten up. I planted: peas, sweet and blackeye; corn; peppers; tomatoes; squash, yellow and zucchini; watermelons, Black Diamond, Charleston Gray and Moon and Stars; cantaloupes, Hale's Best and another variety; okra; cucumbers, lemon and burpless; and onions.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/11 10:24 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
I just harvested my first batch of radishes.. Thank God any idiot could grow them!! Too bad I don't like to eat them!.



Try the white Daikon radishes. wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/11 10:41 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I have my garden in and have a 3 inch Banana Pepper currently trying to fatten up. I planted: peas, sweet and blackeye; corn; peppers; tomatoes; squash, yellow and zucchini; watermelons, Black Diamond, Charleston Gray and Moon and Stars; cantaloupes, Hale's Best and another variety; okra; cucumbers, lemon and burpless; and onions.


I've got about 5 little serranos trying to grow up and my 'maters are blooming. banana

Planted "Candy Cane" corn and "Russian Mammoth" sunflowers surrounded by yellow crook-neck squash behind the house ,cantalopes and cukes on the back fence and bird house gourds at the front this weekend. The Lord helped me out by watering them today. thumb

I bought a "Black Russian " heirloom tomato this year. I'll let y'all know how it does.

LSS: you already planted blackeyes and Okra ? You're not worried about the Easter snap, huh ?

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/11 10:50 PM

The container garden has done really well but I'll probably set up a framework so I can shade it next year . The onions / potatoes / radishes and turnip greens are all fine but those few days of 80 + temps messed with the lettuce and fried the spinach. Maybe I should start those two from seed and plant 'em in November.
Posted By: Leever

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/11 11:19 PM

I have been growing, for the first time, a couple serrano plants. No peppers yet. Does anyone have any tips for growing serranos or peppers in general? Thanks.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/11 01:42 AM

Originally Posted By: Leever
I have been growing, for the first time, a couple serrano plants. No peppers yet. Does anyone have any tips for growing serranos or peppers in general? Thanks.


Peppers are a lot like tomatoes . Give 'em at least 6 hours of direct sun per day and when they look like they're starting to wilt, water them good and deep without getting the water on the plant leaves . Let the soil dry out ( not bone-dry) between waterings. IMO, the hotter the pepper , the hotter and wetter the environment for them. Jalapenos and bells can do well in cooler / drier temperatures but habaneros really thrive in hot and humid conditions. Serranos are somewhere in the middle.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/11 01:54 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I have my garden in and have a 3 inch Banana Pepper currently trying to fatten up. I planted: peas, sweet and blackeye; corn; peppers; tomatoes; squash, yellow and zucchini; watermelons, Black Diamond, Charleston Gray and Moon and Stars; cantaloupes, Hale's Best and another variety; okra; cucumbers, lemon and burpless; and onions.


I've got about 5 little serranos trying to grow up and my 'maters are blooming. banana

Planted "Candy Cane" corn and "Russian Mammoth" sunflowers surrounded by yellow crook-neck squash behind the house ,cantalopes and cukes on the back fence and bird house gourds at the front this weekend. The Lord helped me out by watering them today. thumb

I bought a "Black Russian " heirloom tomato this year. I'll let y'all know how it does.

LSS: you already planted blackeyes and Okra ? You're not worried about the Easter snap, huh ?
Nope. I saw the doe I look for a long while back. No more freezes.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/11 01:56 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Leever
I have been growing, for the first time, a couple serrano plants. No peppers yet. Does anyone have any tips for growing serranos or peppers in general? Thanks.


Peppers are a lot like tomatoes . Give 'em at least 6 hours of direct sun per day and when they look like they're starting to wilt, water them good and deep without getting the water on the plant leaves . Let the soil dry out ( not bone-dry) between waterings. IMO, the hotter the pepper , the hotter and wetter the environment for them. Jalapenos and bells can do well in cooler / drier temperatures but habaneros really thrive in hot and humid conditions. Serranos are somewhere in the middle.
Also, like tomatoes, it doesn't hurt to spank the plants to help with production.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/11 04:41 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Awful quiet here . Nobody gardening this year ?
Yep, back at it again! Been in an out of the garden for a few weeks now. Got the tomatoes, squash and cukes in on time, green beans, sweet peas,and beets maybe a little late. No peppers yet. Pretty excited about the Homestead tomatoes I found this year. Used to plant them about 10 yrs. ago with good results.
Also making a trellis out of an old mattress box spring. Still have some spot welding to do on the project. S'gonna look pretty neat.
Good to be with you guys again!
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/11 12:32 PM

also with the peppers...make sure they don't have competition from other plants and that they are spread at least 1/2 inch from each other (but probably no more than 1.5in. from the nearest pepper plant for better production, but don't spread them out too much in the open or they'll have to put too much into the stem for support and limit production.

My peppers have always done best when they look like a miniature pine forrest.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/11 01:55 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
I just harvested my first batch of radishes.. Thank God any idiot could grow them!! Too bad I don't like to eat them!.



I must be an idiot! I love radishes but can't grow them for the life of me!
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/11 02:10 PM

Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
also with the peppers...make sure they don't have competition from other plants and that they are spread at least 1/2 inch from each other (but probably no more than 1.5in. from the nearest pepper plant for better production, but don't spread them out too much in the open or they'll have to put too much into the stem for support and limit production.

My peppers have always done best when they look like a miniature pine forrest.


Let me understand this theory. You say to plant pepper plants .5 to 1.5 inches from each other? Everything I read says at least 12-18" and if they are too close they put too much energy into growing tall and less into producing? Are you eventually thinning these plants out?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/11 03:39 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher
Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
also with the peppers...make sure they don't have competition from other plants and that they are spread at least 1/2 inch from each other (but probably no more than 1.5in. from the nearest pepper plant for better production, but don't spread them out too much in the open or they'll have to put too much into the stem for support and limit production.

My peppers have always done best when they look like a miniature pine forrest.


Let me understand this theory. You say to plant pepper plants .5 to 1.5 inches from each other? Everything I read says at least 12-18" and if they are too close they put too much energy into growing tall and less into producing? Are you eventually thinning these plants out?
Surely the poster meant .5 foot to 1.5 feet apart, not 1/2 an inch...I have never had any problems with massive production out of plants planted 18 inches apart. That is the distance that is best so that you can properly aerate the soil during the growing season.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/11 10:05 PM

How old is that doe anyway ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/11 10:16 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: DHFisher

Let me understand this theory. You say to plant pepper plants .5 to 1.5 inches from each other? Everything I read says at least 12-18" and if they are too close they put too much energy into growing tall and less into producing? Are you eventually thinning these plants out?
Surely the poster meant .5 foot to 1.5 feet apart, not 1/2 an inch...I have never had any problems with massive production out of plants planted 18 inches apart. That is the distance that is best so that you can properly aerate the soil during the growing season.



I think he's talking about the spread (canopy) being that close , not the stems . Makes sense as the plants would help support each other and pollination would increase between individuals. I've planted corn in small blocks with about 8" between plants and they did really well.
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/11 12:26 PM

yes. canopy. and yes, thinning as they grow...sorry, left that out.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/11 02:28 PM

Oh, OK, I was about to go plant 10 more pepper plants in little area! smile
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/11 11:12 PM

I've got a three - four year old pequin in a 2 gallon pot . The soil is about 6" from the top and the plant is about 18".

Should I :

a) Just add more soil ? (I'm assuming you can bury the stem of an older chili so more roots will grow .)

b) Repot it ?

c) Root a lot of cuttings and start a pequin plantation ?
wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/11 11:15 PM

Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
yes. canopy. and yes, thinning as they grow...sorry, left that out.


Sounds good. Look at some of the pepper fields in New Mexico. They look like big rows of turnip greens.
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/11 12:07 PM

i don't think they have advantageous/adventitous roots, so you should probably go to a bigger pot....but, if they do then adding more soil would work.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/11 06:36 PM

Tomatoes looking good so far. Planted Early Girls this year and I already have lots of blooms (only 4 plants though) and 4 little tomatoes about grape size. Don't understand my cucumbers though. Last year they went crazy and the seeds popped quickly. This year they seem a little slow and only about 6-8 small plants popped up. Might have to reseed and try again if the others don't germinate and pop up in the next week.
Posted By: windfish1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/11 04:52 AM

I'm looking for a few castor bean seeds if anybody has some they could spare. It's such a cool looking plant I like having a few. But my old seeds don't seem to be germinating. If you have a few PM me and I will send you an PPD envelope to mail them. Thanks,
Posted By: Jeff Schiller

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/11 11:20 AM

I tink I might not be meant for this gardening thing.
Got my rasied gardens built about 3 weeks ago.
Two Saturday's ago, planted plants - Maters, bell peppers (different colors), squash, zucchini, watermelon and cantaloupe - all plants.
Monday, we had a frost. Killed all my plants except for my maters and one pepper plant.

Replaced all those dead plants this Saturday plus transplanted all of our herbs from inside to outside and then every freakin hail stone ever created came crashing in to my garden this morning.

Will these things survive this? or should I just give up? A quick check this morning looks like they are pretty battered.
Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/11 11:27 AM

That depends. Did You make sure to buy the hail resistant varieties?
Posted By: Jeff Schiller

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/11 11:38 AM

Originally Posted By: imgonefishing
That depends. Did You make sure to buy the hail resistant varieties?


They tried to sell me the extended warranty on them at the sales counter but I refuse all extended warranties. grin
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/11 12:26 PM

Originally Posted By: Jeff Schiller
I tink I might not be meant for this gardening thing.
Got my rasied gardens built about 3 weeks ago.
Two Saturday's ago, planted plants - Maters, bell peppers (different colors), squash, zucchini, watermelon and cantaloupe - all plants.
Monday, we had a frost. Killed all my plants except for my maters and one pepper plant.

Replaced all those dead plants this Saturday plus transplanted all of our herbs from inside to outside and then every freakin hail stone ever created came crashing in to my garden this morning.

Will these things survive this? or should I just give up? A quick check this morning looks like they are pretty battered.


you'll never look at farmers/farming the same way again...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/11 12:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Jeff Schiller
I tink I might not be meant for this gardening thing.
Got my rasied gardens built about 3 weeks ago.
Two Saturday's ago, planted plants - Maters, bell peppers (different colors), squash, zucchini, watermelon and cantaloupe - all plants.
Monday, we had a frost. Killed all my plants except for my maters and one pepper plant.

Replaced all those dead plants this Saturday plus transplanted all of our herbs from inside to outside and then every freakin hail stone ever created came crashing in to my garden this morning.

Will these things survive this? or should I just give up? A quick check this morning looks like they are pretty battered.
It depends on if the plants were broken or bent. Tomatoes can take some breakage and be fine. However, pepper plants broken on the main trunk/stem, if they are young plants, usually die. I wish you luck. I have to go check the garden at the lake.
Posted By: PriddyTxHunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/11 08:38 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Don't understand my cucumbers though. Last year they went crazy and the seeds popped quickly. This year they seem a little slow and only about 6-8 small plants popped up. Might have to reseed and try again if the others don't germinate and pop up in the next week.


We are experiencing the exact same thing. Last year we had more cucumbers than we knew what to do with, this year nothing has popped up. We put some more seeds in the ground last week, we'll see if these come up.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/11 09:17 PM

Perhaps we need the soil to warm a bit more...

Germination temps -
Min - range - optimum - max
Asparagus 50 60-85 75 95
Bean 60 60-85 80 95
Bean, Lima 60 65-85 85 85
Beet 40 50-85 85 85
Cabbage 40 45-95 85 100
Carrot 40 45-85 80 95
Cauliflower 40 45-85 80 100
Celery 40 60-70 70 85
Chard, Swiss 40 50-85 85 95
Corn 50 60-95 95 105
Cucumber 60 60-95 95 105
Eggplant 60 75-90 85 95
Lettuce 35 40-80 75 85
Muskmelon 60 75-95 90 100
Okra 60 70-95 95 105
Onion 35 50-95 75 95
Parsley 40 50-85 75 90
Parsnip 35 50-70 65 85
Pea 40 40-75 75 85
Pepper 60 65-95 85 95
Pumpkin 60 70-90 90 100
Radish 40 45-90 85 95
Spinach 35 45-75 70 85
Squash 60 70-95 95 100
Tomato 50 70-95 85 95
Turnip 40 60-105 85 105
Watermelon 60 70-95 95 105
Posted By: dontdoit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/11 12:08 AM

This is my earliest tomatoe ever...


Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/11 12:26 PM

my wife decided that since i wasn't growing anything this year she would make a flower bed....she spent all of last week and weekend working on it and finally got it ready to plant yesterday, so she did....wake up this morning and the deer had destroyed almost all of it...i'll let her wake up and see it her self, then explain option of either deer resistant plants or an enclosure.
rolfmao
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/11 11:09 PM

Corn , squash, cukes, cantalopes and watermelons are all up. Both patio tomatoes have several fruit and the large varieties are flowering like crazy . I'm impressed with this "Black Russian" heirloom. It's about 2 ' tall and and a well-branched sturdy plant. Hope it holds up during the heat.

Looks like a good year for chilis. I have several eating-size serranos and the others (except for the habs , naturally rolleyes) are growing fast.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/11 11:14 PM

Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
my wife decided that since i wasn't growing anything this year she would make a flower bed....she spent all of last week and weekend working on it and finally got it ready to plant yesterday, so she did....wake up this morning and the deer had destroyed almost all of it...i'll let her wake up and see it her self, then explain option of either deer resistant plants or an enclosure.
rolfmao


I've heard that hanging clumps of human hair around the garden will discourage deer. Then again, I heard those garlic-scented clips would discourage dogs. My dogs ate 'em. laugh
Posted By: Leever

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/11 11:34 PM

I've heard that plucking the little pepper buds on a young serrano plant will help it grow and produce more serranos in the long run. Should I pluck em or let them grow.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/11 12:05 AM

Originally Posted By: Leever
I've heard that plucking the little pepper buds on a young serrano plant will help it grow and produce more serranos in the long run. Should I pluck em or let them grow.


I never heard that but it makes sense. You can "dead-head" (remove faded flowers from ornamentals ) so the plant won't put all its energy into producing seeds and will instead make more blooms.

I've trimmed plants so they'll branch out more (more branches = more blooms).

Posted By: Leever

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/11 03:17 PM

I'm going to leave then. Thanks for the input.
Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/11 04:46 PM

I'm wondering if my Mexican palm is going to make it. When do they start to put on new growth in Texas?
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/11 05:23 PM

Kevster, Neil Sperry said after this winter's cold, if they haven't shown new growth by mid April, it's toast.

We lost one planted that went in last spring. I haven't given up total hope yet, but it isn't showing any signs of recovery. May drag it to the curb in the next week or 2.
Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/11 05:31 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Kevster, Neil Sperry said after this winter's cold, if they haven't shown new growth by mid April, it's toast.

We lost one planted that went in last spring. I haven't given up total hope yet, but it isn't showing any signs of recovery. May drag it to the curb in the next week or 2.
I did some research,and what I found out was that if you try to pull out the heart and it comes out with very little pressure its a goner,that's what I just tried and it came out and the ants and their eggs where everywhere inside it.so I went ahead and dug it up.
Posted By: Tritonman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/11 06:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Corn , squash, cukes, cantalopes and watermelons are all up. Both patio tomatoes have several fruit and the large varieties are flowering like crazy . I'm impressed with this "Black Russian" heirloom. It's about 2 ' tall and and a well-branched sturdy plant. Hope it holds up during the heat.

Looks like a good year for chilis. I have several eating-size serranos and the others (except for the habs , naturally rolleyes) are growing fast.
Yeah I just checked and I have several already myself. One chili is already red
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/11 03:32 AM

I managed to getin four Rutgers, two Black crim's, one lemonboy, one grape cherry , one Orange I don't recall name of, Anahiem peppers , Sweet Banana peppers, and one Mexi bell , with a Yellow Bell...have three Zuccini, ^ purple potatoes and a row of Garlic.... One of my patio tomatoes is loaded with fruit and two of the peppers are dropping bloom buds to reveal small peppers , so I hope I am well on my way , I got an Herb box , just some Rosemary and Dill sprinkled in and Garlic as well as regular chives....now lets see what I can get thru summer with....
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/11 12:30 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman

I've heard that hanging clumps of human hair around the garden will discourage deer. Then again, I heard those garlic-scented clips would discourage dogs. My dogs ate 'em. laugh


shave my head and throw clippings around the yard since i moved here last july and they have no problem hanging around
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/11 11:36 PM

Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
shave my head and throw clippings around the yard since i moved here last july and they have no problem hanging around


Get a dog or a hunting license, dude. grin
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/11 12:25 PM

the dog is old and lazy, he hangs out in the garage...the hunting license don't work this time of year...might have to high fence the yard area
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/11 10:53 PM

Originally Posted By: nethingthatbites
the dog is old and lazy, he hangs out in the garage...the hunting license don't work this time of year...might have to high fence the yard area


Now you have a good excuse to get a new dog. "He'll protect your flowers , honey , and he's a lot cheaper than a new fence. " grin
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/11 05:46 PM

Here's a story about fellow TFFer AdvTX

Figured yall might like it...

DMN Story
Posted By: jeffnsa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/11 12:35 PM

great story. i have about 25 chickens in different age groups running around my property. i put 5 cherry tomato plants in different areas on 3 acres for the chickens to use as food and shade but they are barley surviving because of no rain since the winter. i pull 5-10 serrano peppers per week and have plenty of green tomatos but no red yet. my lettuce is pretty much wilting and dead but i still manage to get some leaves to the chickens and rabbits. the beets and radishes are good but they are fed mainly to the animals for fresh food. i planted 20 blackberry plants and only have about 5 that made it even with being watered everyday to every otherday, it is that dry here now. man, do we need some rain.
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/11 12:39 PM

blackberrys are picky...that may have something to do with soil pH...and yes rain...need rain.
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/11 07:50 PM

Man, I must be doing something wrong cause I don't have any tomatoes yet. I've got plenty of blooms but no maters yet. I guess I'll just get out there and spank them some more.
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/11 08:25 PM

may be lacking some nutrients or too wet...try a complete fertilizer and less water
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/11 09:58 PM

Originally Posted By: jeff.m
Man, I must be doing something wrong cause I don't have any tomatoes yet. I've got plenty of blooms but no maters yet. I guess I'll just get out there and spank them some more.
Unfortunately, we've had a lot hot days this past month. The heat makes it difficult for most varieties of tomato plants to set the tomato. I only have a few myself right now, out of 40+ plants...I'm hoping with the cool front, they will set...So spank them this coming week and see what happens.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/11 05:25 AM

Been awhile but, the garden looks good. Have a few tomatoes set on the celebs and the bastage tomatoe from Wally world. Do'nt know what else to call it, was simply labled Tomatoe .99, not really a bargain but could'nt resist. As usual, some successfull new ventures this year, and some not so. Herb seed planted in the afternoon shade of the garage are doing well. In the past I've had a hard time getting dill and parsley to survive the late afternoon sun. Parsley looks right at home under the garden bench.
Getting some squash already, seems that the straight neck yellow is more resistant to squash borers, as the Gold Rush and white scallops are already showing signs of decline.
Jury's still out on the green beans, may have got them in too late. They are just beginning to put on, but I'm thinking it may get hot enough they will turn to seed.
Ren the dominicker hen trashed the squash in the back yard. Guess that's what I get for turning her out, had to dedicate the space in her coop for a "brooder" for the production red chicks.
The best news is that I've not had any insect problems YET, other than the squash borers.
Maybe I'll get some pictures posted before it turns hot and all goes to he11! rolfmao
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/11 01:12 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Here's a story about fellow TFFer AdvTX

Figured yall might like it...

DMN Story


His set up is phenomenal. Makes me want to go back to gardening at Kroger.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/11 02:26 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: jeff.m
Man, I must be doing something wrong cause I don't have any tomatoes yet. I've got plenty of blooms but no maters yet. I guess I'll just get out there and spank them some more.
Unfortunately, we've had a lot hot days this past month. The heat makes it difficult for most varieties of tomato plants to set the tomato. I only have a few myself right now, out of 40+ plants...I'm hoping with the cool front, they will set...So spank them this coming week and see what happens.

I have 12 green maters on the two "patio" plants and 10 < 1" on the "Black Prince" Russian heirloom. Nothing on the Early Girls or the Better Boys yet (although they're blooming).
Looks like a good year for chilis. Ate a serrano with my corn-mealed sand bass this evening and got a good scalp sweat. thumb

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/11 02:31 AM

Yup. Keep the chickens out of your garden. They'll scratch up all of your plants. Use guinea fowl or reptiles like lizards or green snakes for insect control.
Posted By: sputterfuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/11 05:40 AM

Really was'nt using the hen for insect control, just a pet that happens to yield fresh eggs. I knew chickens do what chickens do. Got only myself to blame on that one. hammer I do kinda' like the idea of the green snakes. Should cut down on interuptions from the wife and them pesky kids. rolfmao
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/11 03:04 PM

Guys and gals, this will be the best week to spank the tomato plants. I doubt we'll have many more days where we're well below the 90 degree mark. Once we hit that consistently for 14 days in a row, it's almost impossible to get tomato plants to set the tomato...unless you have a variety specified for that...

I picked 2 squash and 4 peppers yesterday. I would post a picture, but the connecting cable for my phone is at the lake house...I'll try to post one tomorrow.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/11 11:24 PM

whip
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/11 04:55 PM

I've been getting ripe tomatoes for about 10 days. I've been sharing them with my neighbors, but will start canning some salsa next week. My onions and jalapenos are read.
Posted By: flounder#1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/11 10:38 AM

Originally Posted By: Tin Head
Tomato plant pruning

I tried doing this last year but still am not sure If I am doing it right and could use a little insight from those that have. There are some videos on You Tube about this I will look and see if I can pull them up. Do you pinch all growth growing inbetween the main stalk and the big leaves? What if it has blooms?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WTCDFxPg8Y

heres a better vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eak7yj0tEvM&feature=fvw
We call that suckering.The suckers will not have blooms,but you can put the suckers in water and they will get roots then plant them and they will have more tomatos than the plant you got the sucker from.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/11 04:12 AM

I pulled a sucker couple of days ago , on a Yellow Pear Tomato, we will see if I can get it to root. That would be nice. I only have two plants left in pots to move to the big garden box , they are both Black Krim Heirlooms. Picked my first patio tomato's today and have a nice amount of peppers that will be ready about Monday. Squash blooming too, looking to fill one more spot in the big box garden , but I already have four varieties of tomato and three diff pepper's any suggestions?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/11 07:16 PM

Here are some pictures of this year's harvest...

April 30, 2011:



May 7, 2011:



May 11, 2011:



May 13, 2011:



The Conway Twitty music I play at night is really paying off.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/11 09:06 PM

Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
I pulled a sucker couple of days ago , on a Yellow Pear Tomato, we will see if I can get it to root. That would be nice. I only have two plants left in pots to move to the big garden box , they are both Black Krim Heirlooms. Picked my first patio tomato's today and have a nice amount of peppers that will be ready about Monday. Squash blooming too, looking to fill one more spot in the big box garden , but I already have four varieties of tomato and three diff pepper's any suggestions?


Plant some basil. It'll help the tomatoes. wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/11 09:12 PM

How far south are you ? My squash is only a couple inches so far .
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/11 09:18 PM

NE Bosque County...About 15 miles east of Meridian (the top of the hill country) and 50 miles southwest of Fort Worth.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/11 04:39 AM

My squash are about 3-4 days from being ready. My harvest so far has only been radishes, one giant head of romaine lettuce and a handful of carrots and gypsy peppers.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/11 04:39 AM

Oh yeah, and about 5lbs of peas.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/11 05:26 AM

I will try the Basi; suggestion...a few more wont hurt, I have a very large pot of Pepper Basil that I re-seed every year...Thanks for the tip.
Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/11 04:21 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Oh yeah, and about 5lbs of peas.


Snap peas? Pole style?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/11 04:34 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Oh yeah, and about 5lbs of peas.
My peas are just now blooming. I planted them early too. Oh well, I hope I get some. I've got good looking purple hull peas and sugar snaps going.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/11 11:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Gonzz
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Oh yeah, and about 5lbs of peas.


Snap peas? Pole style?


Alaskan Snow White. They are an early blooming pea that can handle the frost. I wish I knew how to keep them from rusting so I could keep them for a couple of months, but I get about two good batches out them and then they stop producing fruit.
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/11 12:33 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
NE Bosque County...About 15 miles east of Meridian (the top of the hill country) and 50 miles southwest of Fort Worth.


that's in the grand prairie...between the northern blackland prairie and western cross timbers....still gotta go south thru coryell and lampasas co. before you hit the edwards plateau or any uplifts...same ecologic area as fort worth...anything recommended for that area works for you.
Posted By: flounder#1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/11 10:37 AM

Anybody ever heard of Asparagus Beans?


Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/11 02:04 PM

My burpless cucumbers are bitter. Any suggestions?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/11 03:14 PM

May 20, 2011 - Picture 1



May 20, 2011 - Picture 2


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/11 03:17 PM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
My burpless cucumbers are bitter. Any suggestions?
Uneven watering patterns and cool temperatures can cause it. Try to keep your watering pattern even.
Posted By: dontdoit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/11 07:11 PM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
My burpless cucumbers are bitter. Any suggestions?


Cut a 1/2" slice off the stem end... rub the 2 cut ends in a circular motion until a white creamy substance comes out...cut another 1/4" slice off... then slice as usual. This will not only take the bitter taste out but the cucumbers will hold up better in the fridge.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/11 03:58 PM

No pics to share but will report that my tomato plants are absolutely loaded. I only have 4 plants but counted 60+ tomatoes on them as of yesterday. Already picked 8 that were ripe. So far so good but they aren't exactly super large tomatoes. They seem to be ripening when they are slightly bigger than a golfball. Good for salads and pico but hopefully I will get enough to ripen at the same time to make some hot sauce. Bell peppers look good too with 8 between 3 plants and they are all big, baseball size or bigger. Had an early run in with the aphids on my cucumbers and they set some of the plants back but it looks like I got them taken care of for now and those vines are coming back. Lots of blooms and little cukes showing up so maybe I can start pickling in the next couple of weeks.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/11 06:37 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
No pics to share but will report that my tomato plants are absolutely loaded. I only have 4 plants but counted 60+ tomatoes on them as of yesterday. Already picked 8 that were ripe. So far so good but they aren't exactly super large tomatoes. They seem to be ripening when they are slightly bigger than a golfball. Good for salads and pico but hopefully I will get enough to ripen at the same time to make some hot sauce. Bell peppers look good too with 8 between 3 plants and they are all big, baseball size or bigger. Had an early run in with the aphids on my cucumbers and they set some of the plants back but it looks like I got them taken care of for now and those vines are coming back. Lots of blooms and little cukes showing up so maybe I can start pickling in the next couple of weeks.


How did you take care of the aphids?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/11 10:35 PM

I like planting some early greens for a trap crop before I plant anything else. Left alone, they'll get aphids all over them and then the predators like ladybugs will have a population boom just in time for the main garden. wink
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/11 06:09 PM

Originally Posted By: DHFisher


How did you take care of the aphids?
Aphids are very attracted to plants that are high in nitrogen, this is also one indicator you could be giving your plants to much nitrogen. A daily "sharp"spray of water ( not harsh enough to damage the plant) with the water hose on the underside of the leaves and the stem will knock them off and they have a difficult time getting back to the plants. They will likely be eaten on their journey back to the plant. There is also a organic solution that will work by softening their shell and the will die, google on line for it , simple, cheap , no harsh chemicals. Keep a eye on ants , I believe its the black ants, they will herd the aphids on your plants (ants will move the aphids around the garden). I use Neem Oil for a organic insect control.
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/11 07:06 PM

Yep, I had a big problem with ants herding aphids onto my okra last year but it was late in the season so I let em have it. This year I'm on the lookout
Posted By: TeamHillbilly

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/11 06:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I'd like to announce that fire ant season has started. Got a nice double-handfull while moving a dead pear tree today.

Just fyi : vinegar or urine will stop the itch.
wink

Awful quiet here . Nobody gardening this year ?
just a small one again this year
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/11 02:17 PM

Originally Posted By: TeamHillbilly
Originally Posted By: Siberman
I'd like to announce that fire ant season has started. Got a nice double-handfull while moving a dead pear tree today.

Just fyi : vinegar or urine will stop the itch.
wink

Awful quiet here . Nobody gardening this year ?
just a small one again this year


Nothing beats Benadryl cream for fire ants. You need to apply it soon after the bires.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/11 06:19 PM

Originally Posted By: TeamHillbilly
just a small one again this year


I didn't plan a big one because of uncertain work schedules. Good thing with the wind this year . My corn's already trying to dry out.
Posted By: TeamHillbilly

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/11 11:22 PM

my corn isn't even up yet,I've got 154 tomato plant lots of flowers just not setting much fruit yet?.sqush and watermelon plants are doing good,cucumbers every where I counted 90 hills I was flooded out first planting then our only rain this spring washed the second planting into the yard next door,round three is looking good.don't know if corn or beans will do any good this late???Rabbits ate most of my swiss chard so I ate the rabbit worked pretty good smile yawn
Posted By: TeamHillbilly

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/11 11:04 AM

Quote:


How did you take care of the aphids?

try dish soap
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/11 06:42 PM

Thursday, June 2, 2011 harvest...


Posted By: TeamHillbilly

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/11 07:22 PM

that's great
Posted By: TeamHillbilly

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/11 08:04 PM

24.51 just in the squash
they are selling in huntington for $1.29 each little squash
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/11 08:08 PM

Originally Posted By: TeamHillbilly
24.51 just in the squash
they are selling in huntington for $1.29 each little squash
Well, a few of the squash weigh well over a pound. Those will be put in some cornmeal and fried. I am amazed at what veggies are going for right now. I am going to be dividing this particular harvest up and giving it to some of my neighbors. They are in their 70's and 80's, and due to their health, can't garden anymore.
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/11 08:27 PM

I would really expect for the prices to keep going up. Grow your own while you can, and get others involved in growing.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/11 06:40 PM

Saturday, June 4 2011 harvest...



My sugar peas started off with great promise. However, this early heat and drought has greatly hindered their production.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/11 06:50 PM

pill bugs killed my lone squash plant.. Think I am going to buy 2 seedlings and try again with them. I am getting some decent cucumbers and tomatoes though and my peppers are going crazy again. I need to get my okra in the ground too, but I am not too worried about it. I am convinced that it'll grow in just about any weather as long as its hot.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/11 06:53 PM

Yeah, okra's pretty easy. Sevin Dust takes care of most bugs. I hate to use it, but due to an infestation of squash bugs, I've had to twice. If you do use it, just remember to read how long you have to wait to harvest after the application.
Posted By: TeamHillbilly

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/11 11:07 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Yeah, okra's pretty easy. Sevin Dust takes care of most bugs. I hate to use it, but due to an infestation of squash bugs, I've had to twice. If you do use it, just remember to read how long you have to wait to harvest after the application.
yep got to becarful with that stuff,I seen at TSC they have gal jugs of 7 dust spray now?? I've never trid the spary,dust has always worked for me so why change?beside I'm still using the same can over the last 10 years or so never use it unless there is no other way bang thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/11 09:55 PM

Picked about 20 lbs of squash this weekend . The cubanells and serranos are producing nicely as well as the tomatoes (although the "Russian heirloom" turned out to be a freakin cherry tomato mad).

Melons and cukes are blooming but it looks like the "candy cane" corn was a waste of time. My corn patch looks like one of those pics from the dustbowl era. cry

I used black whiskey barrel liners and dark colored fake whiskey barrels for the greens / onions this year. They did really well until the temps got up around 80. I plan on planting greens in November this year but I'll probably move the onion planters to the east side of the house to keep 'em cooler longer next spring.

The chilis are all in lighter colored plastic and so far they're doing fine in full sun all day. The tomatoes in pots are on the deck underneath some large oaks so they're not getting scorched.

Think I'm fixin' to quit reading the Farmer's Almanac. They predicted a " cooler, wetter " summer. Uh-huh.
huh
Posted By: RD

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/11 03:29 PM

Out of 14 Tomato plants, only 3 fruit produced. I think I planted a little late and suffering from blossom drop as far as I can tell. From what I have read, either too much Nitrogen or too hot to turn blossom's into fruit....sigh. On the flip side, squash, corn, peppers, peas, and melons all looking great.
Posted By: TeamHillbilly

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/11 04:07 PM

tomatoes don't do very good in this high heat,anything over 95* the plants grow good but don't fruit to well????
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/11 10:36 PM

Originally Posted By: RD
Out of 14 Tomato plants, only 3 fruit produced. I think I planted a little late and suffering from blossom drop as far as I can tell. From what I have read, either too much Nitrogen or too hot to turn blossom's into fruit....sigh. On the flip side, squash, corn, peppers, peas, and melons all looking great.
Keep the plants alive. I usually get an even better crop of tomatoes in the fall. The plants may end up looking like burned and brown, but I've had them come back to lush, green tomato producing plants.
Posted By: Leever

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/11 11:55 PM

My serrano plants looked great when they were blooming about a month ago. Deep green color and healthy looking leaves. Now they are slightly wilted (which I assume is from the heat lately) and have turn a faint shade of yellow. Individual leaves turn completely yellow and fall off periodically. They have fruited out too. Not sure what the problem is. Do they need to be fertilized? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Leever
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/11 12:30 AM

You might be over-watering. I think serranos's leaves will droop in response to high heat (like hydrangeas) and most people assume it's a need for more water.

How much are you watering ?

Posted By: Leever

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/11 01:15 AM

I had been watering every 4 days. Lately more often, every 2-3 days.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/11 01:42 AM

I water, especially in this heat, every day. I use the Miracle Gro sprayer (although I only use Miracle Gro every 10-14 days) to water the plants. I water every plant for 15 - 20 seconds.

Your plants could be under attack by doodle bugs (rollie pollies), you'll see them pop up after you water...or they could be lacking water and or nutrients. I would water a bit more often, early in the morning, or late in the evening...I would also get some Miracle Gro and use it.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/11 01:44 AM

Now, I have to water for that long because of my soil type. You may only need 10 to 15 seconds of water...especially in clay soils.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/11 05:09 PM

My tomatoe plants are doing very well (Early Girls). I only have 4 plants but have to pick them every other day. Right now, I counted 45 additional tomatoes on the vine of which about 1/2 will need to be picked tomorrow (they are yellowish orange now). Cukes are coming back nicely after a round of aphids set them back. Lots of vines climbing and loaded with blooms and smaller cukes from 1"-2" long. Bell peppers have been the best I've ever grown for size. I normally make a lot of peppers but the size in the past was smaller, most about 1/2 fist size. This year they are reaching fist size and larger.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/11 01:30 AM

June 8, 2011 harvest...


Posted By: TeamHillbilly

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/11 08:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
You might be over-watering. I think serranos's leaves will droop in response to high heat (like hydrangeas) and most people assume it's a need for more water.

How much are you watering ?

try adding a high nitrogen plant food like Miracle-Gro it's the blue mix 24-8-16 and water daily in this heat right before dark or just before daylight if you have mulch down,if you don't have mulch you need to add it just to fight off the heat
btw if you water in the evening don't wet the leaves of your plants they won't have time to dry before dark
Posted By: Leever

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/11 10:54 PM

Originally Posted By: TeamHillbilly
Originally Posted By: Siberman
You might be over-watering. I think serranos's leaves will droop in response to high heat (like hydrangeas) and most people assume it's a need for more water.

How much are you watering ?

try adding a high nitrogen plant food like Miracle-Gro it's the blue mix 24-8-16 and water daily in this heat right before dark or just before daylight if you have mulch down,if you don't have mulch you need to add it just to fight off the heat
btw if you water in the evening don't wet the leaves of your plants they won't have time to dry before dark


Thanks for the tips. thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/11 12:55 AM

Anybody know how long tomato juice canned in a hot water bath will last ? I just discovered some from last year. rolleyes
Posted By: Quicksilver

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/11 07:44 PM

Help needed. My tomatoes are doing great. But just as they start to ripen, the birds are getting to them before I can.

I have placed a plastic owl on the garden fence, placed a rubber snake next to the tomatoe plants, placed a bird feeder full of good bird seed away from the garden, tied aluminum pie pans on the tomatoe stakes... Nothing is working...

Any suggestions to keep the birds away will be greatly appreciated..
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/11 08:08 PM

Fortunately, I have not had the bird problems, but my aunt put up one of those shiny whirlybird things and seems to have helped. You can pull them when they've gone from dark green to light green and get them to ripen. Just put them in the windowsill or in a box lined with newspapers...Or just shoot the birds.
Posted By: RD

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/11 08:43 PM

Ran into the bird problem a couple of years ago. You can buy netting, specifically for your vegetables, at Home Depot, Lowes, Wally World. Worked great for me.
Posted By: Quicksilver

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/11 08:47 PM

Thanks.. Hate to shoot em.. I'm old school and prefer "vine ripened" but I may have to start pulling em a little earlier. Read an article a few minutes ago that said Birds eat tomatoes during droughts to get the moisture. It recommended placing a bird bath adjacent to the garden.. May try that too..

I wish they liked Crappie... I'd give up some crappie if it would keep em off of my tomatoes! grin

thanks again.
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/11 09:08 PM

I'm about to have to get some netting too. Same problem here with the birds. Got me last year too and I'm about tired of it.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/11 12:09 AM

no birds, but the rolly pollys and tomato worms are starting to show up. Time to give them a liquid sevin bath. I've not put any fertilizer out, other than fish guts in February, and been pesticide free to this point. I was hoping to not have to use any, but no one gets a free lunch from me.
Posted By: MUD-DABBER

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/11 12:56 AM

I am in Abilene. I had a very good crop of Celebrity and Big Beef eventhough my earliest crop were stripped from the vines during an Easter Sunday hail storm.

Question and Suggestions:

I have some Celebrity transplants that are 6-8 inches tall and wanting to plant them for a Fall garden. With the consistent 100 degree days and nothing cooler in site, would I be better off waiting until late in July to plant them or plant them now and hope I can get them to live in these heat? Suggestions appreciated as it is for a Fall garden and don't expect any tomato setting until late August or September. If I were to plant them now, how would you keep the direct sun off of them late in the p.m.'s when the temps are 103-106 every day right now.

I appreciate your help and suggestions.

Regards,
Mud-Dabber
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/11 02:18 AM

I'd plant them now, they'll still grow, just no fruit.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/11 02:22 AM

I'd wait it out for 3 to 5 more weeks, if it were me. You could use a tarp, about 3 feet off the plants, to block them from the direct sunlight later in the day.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/11 07:36 PM

Forget the birds. This is the 2nd year in a row my dog (lap/rot mix) started picking the tomaotes off the vine. lol I guess she sees us picking them so she does too (seen her do it). She plucks them off, bites them, then drops them.. Very frustrating to come home from work and see tomatoes on the ground. Seems like if I go ahead and pick them just when they turn yellowish or just a light orange then I'm okay. If I wait till the whole tomatoes is orange or starting to turn red, she gets them first. Craziest thing.
Posted By: EN591

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/11 02:14 AM

Any of y'all grow mint? Mine was growing great up until a few days ago. There are a bunch of black things all over the leaves now and the mint seems to be getting weak. There were also a ton of little tiny white/clear liquid filled bubbles on the soil below the plants.

Any ideas on what it might be?
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/11 02:56 AM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Forget the birds. This is the 2nd year in a row my dog (lap/rot mix) started picking the tomaotes off the vine. lol I guess she sees us picking them so she does too (seen her do it). She plucks them off, bites them, then drops them.. Very frustrating to come home from work and see tomatoes on the ground. Seems like if I go ahead and pick them just when they turn yellowish or just a light orange then I'm okay. If I wait till the whole tomatoes is orange or starting to turn red, she gets them first. Craziest thing.


she probably thinks they are a ball. our pit did the same thing, but he actually liked them, so we had to build a better fence.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/11 03:39 AM

I had a friend whose dog would eat their cucumbers. Then cucumber plants would pop up in the weirdest places...flush
Posted By: Jeff Schiller

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/11 11:45 AM

What makes tomato plant leaves curl up? I have a huge tomato plant that is just now starting to bloom and a lot of the leaves have been curling up. Seems like the plant overall is still doing well. But I don't want to wait too long if it's something that's going to damage the plant.
Not all of the leaves are curling. Just some.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/11 12:32 PM

Those dayum squash vine borers got my zucchini again. Time to replant.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/11 07:13 PM

I have been fighting the usual bugs , but last night discovered lil black sticky bugs on my su=quash , but just one plant , going to get something to spray and end that in the Morning...but I have one yellow pear tomatoe that is crazy full of tomatoes, so I tried the propigating thing , and so far I have gotten three more in pots from this one plant , and four rooting in the window from others , I have tomatoes on my Rutgers, Black Crim , Grape Cherries , and the Orange one , also have the little pattypan squash , Zuccini , and Yellow Bells , Mexi Bells , Sweet Bananas , and Anahiem's . Finally got Hubby helping me water , so I am getting lot's better results this year. I have some Herbs too , Garlic and Regular Chives , Dill , Basil , and Mint, Rosemary...makes Geart Baked Fish. I hope everyone gets lots from their plantings this year.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/11 10:17 PM

I moved my main plot to the north of the house this year so it would get plenty of sun and wind for the corn to pollinate. I finally gave up and mowed it yesterday. cry I might try another one if the hurricanes kick in.

Had to move all the potted plants under the trees and I may have to shade the tomatoes with tarp. Definitely going back to the east side next year.
thumb
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/11 01:18 AM

My squash is not doing well now. The majority is burning up. I have watered everyday, but it's just too hot and windy. The tomato plants look pitiful. My melons, cantaloupes, okra, peppers and cucumbers are doing well, however.
Posted By: Grove Rat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/11 03:57 PM

OK,,,,I need a little help. This is only my 2nd year to gardening. It started as a hobby thing for my wife. I have three 4x8 raised beds that are doing well. Yellow squash and pattypan are doing ok i guess. This morning I noticed A BUNCH of bugs on the back side of the squash leaves. They look like stink bugs. Do they hurt anything? Im still getting squash. However, if I get 3-4 little ones at the same time on a plant, only one will grow and the others will die. Are the bugs causing this? I had something eating my pepper plants to the ground and blamed it on the rabbits. I put out some rubber snakes and they were attacked the 1st night. Chunks bit out of the heads and tails. Someone told me it was field mice (I live in Forney on one acre with open pasture on 2 sides of me). I put up an owl and move it often but the birds just sit it on its head and dump on it. I put a net over the tomatoe plants and its finally keeping the birds from pecking holes in the tomatoes as soon as the turn pink.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/11 06:21 PM

Grove Rat, google "squash vine borers" and check out the pics.
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/11 07:06 PM

Well you guys are making making me feel a little better. I thought it was just my garden that was doing so pitiful this year. My squash and peppers are doing alright but my tomatoes just look terrible. The lower sections are all burned up despite me drip watering the garden for 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes at night. I'm only keeping them around to see if the tomatoes that are on there will ripen up. After that I think I'm going to pull them up and plant some more squash or green beans.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/11 07:56 PM

Unloaded my 4 tomatoe plants this weekend and ended up making 2 qts of hot sauce. Just no way we could eat them fast enough. Bell peppers are slowing down some, 4 plants and only 4-5 small peppers right now, but then again, I've harvested 8-10 fist sized ones already (green and red). Cukes aren't nearly as good this year, so far. I might have enough pulled off yesterday to make 1 qt of pickles but that's it. Last year I had already made 3 qts. Was attacked by aphids early and set the plants back and right now they are vining and blooming well so maybe I'll just have a late harvest. Only water about every 4 days or so. Just hope to keep the plants going till fall rolls around although the cukes never seem to get past Aug. Usually the tomatoes have a really good Fall harvest.
Posted By: Grove Rat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/11 10:35 PM

Thanks for the info Skeeter.
Posted By: Grove Rat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/11 10:45 PM

Just looked on-line. I have Squash Bugs, not vine borers. Now I need to get rid of them.
Posted By: Grove Rat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/11 04:10 PM

Test
Posted By: nethingthatbites

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/11 04:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Grove Rat
Test

worked
Posted By: Grove Rat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/11 08:58 PM

I have been killing my squash bugs one at a time with Insecticidal soap. Is there anything better to use to kill them? I only chose the soap so I didnt have to worry about harvest time.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/11 09:03 PM

physical removal is the most effective least damaging to your crops. not a big fan of that soap ckrap. If you're over a week from harvest, use sevin.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/11 09:15 PM

You can also look at the leaves and if you find a lot of tiny brown 'spots' grouped together, tear that part of the leaf off the plant. Those are the 'eggs' of the squash bugs and you're about to have new enemies to deal with. Remember to look at the underside of the leaves as well. As JD pointed out, Sevin is probably the best option to rid yourself of an infestation. I hate to use poisons, but Sevin isn't too bad. I've had to use it twice this year now because of the bugs. Now I'm done with them.
Posted By: Grove Rat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/11 07:07 AM

The soap worked good, if you spray it right on the bug. I sprayed it on the eggs but was not sure if it would kill them or not so I did like LoneStarSon said and was cutting that part of the leaf off. I guess I will put Sevin on there and be done with it. When using Sevin, do I need to get it on both sides of each leaf, or will they walk through it and die? Any time I see someone using Sevin, they just sprinkle some on the plant. Also, why do some of my squash start out good then just wither and die? Prob half or a little less are dying like that. They are getting enough water.
Posted By: Fish AKA Jerry

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/11 04:02 PM

Hot pepper wax.
Posted By: phen u2

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/11 07:38 PM

the heat is winning this year.tomatoes have about stopped.hope to keep a few plants alive to get some early fall.having trouble with birds are tomatoes splitting. pick green wrap in news paper put in cool place. will be ripe in a few days. food
Posted By: phen u2

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/11 07:53 PM

to get rid of squash bugs.mix water and vanilla extract in a pump up sprayer.about 50 to 1 water to vanilla more or less.spray all over and under leaves and ground around plant.watch the bugs run.works for me. ole
Posted By: Uncle Zeek

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/11 03:35 AM

Well, my fish carcass compost is working wonders. Planted squash seeds at the end of May & we have approx 3-4 months worth of growth out of them already. Likewise on the okra!

Only problem is that it takes time for the compost to 'cook' and I still have more yard that needs it frown
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/11 09:16 PM

I must have missed that post. How do you make the fish compost ? I generally just bury 'em in the garden plot.
Posted By: Uncle Zeek

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/11 01:21 AM

Well, I have a mulch pile (mown grass, leaves, etc) in addition to the compost bins. One bin is the active pile that I'm adding stuff to, and the other is the stuff thats 'cooking' itself down & I'll turn this one periodically. The normal 'kitchen' routine is to cover the kitchen scraps in the active pile with some fresh mulch. Whenever I put fish carcasses in the compost bin, I spread a layer of coffee grounds over them, then cover with enough mulched grass to absorb odors.

The finished compost is incredibly rich, black soil and it doesn't stink at all ... fairly aromatic, but I've asked my neighbors if they've ever noticed any smell at all & they say 'no'.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/11 02:58 AM

I will be ripping out most of my plants, except my peppers in the coming days/week. The squash bugs, and doodle bugs have decimated everything but the peppers and a few melons. I will be doing a heavy dusting with Sevin before I till the ground again. The combination of the drought and bugs has been brutal.

How is everyone else doing?
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/11 03:37 AM

Peppers Toms and Cucumbers are still doing ok. Cukes and peppers are producing fruit still. Tomatoes are pretty much in a holding pattern, except for one particular plant that has about 20 new fruit on it. I canned 5 quarts of subpar salsa from garden fresh vegetables yesterday. I suck at it. better luck next time.

Pole beans and squash were a total failure this year.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/11 05:43 AM

I have never seen squash bugs like this and I'm not real certain there weren't a few stink bugs thrown in the mix as well. Those are more difficult to get rid of. My plants were turned to powder. It's the strangest thing and I've never had it happen before. My garden in Joshua has done rather well...Perfect tomatoes. I wish it was cheaper to water there, I'd have a bigger garden.
Posted By: grandpa75672

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/11 09:49 AM

I have a peace lilly that I did nothing but add some water hen the leaves drooped. It was doing well for 2 years, never bloomed but kept growing. Then the leaves started turn yellow then brown then died. It has always done that but the pace increased. I got a bag of container media (not dirt) and repotted the plant into a 5 gallon bucket. I cut all the dead stalks.
Looked the plant up on the internet and it said the leaves were getting too much sunlight. So I set it in the middle of the room. All the windows are shaded. Now the leaves are turning faster, yellow then brown and now the edges look like I burned them with a lighter.
Is the plant dying? Can it be saved?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/11 02:27 PM

Grandpa, you need to put the plant in a room that gets a lot of INDIRECT sunlight. It needs to be well lit, but where the rays of the sun aren't penetrating the window and hitting the plant. Bathrooms usually have this set up.

Also, you need to keep the root ball compact. So if you had it in a smaller bucket before replanting, you need to put it back, or into a planter one size larger than the original.

You also need to wipe down the leaves every few days with a damp cloth. This will remove dust, grime, etc. and allow the leaves to soak up more sunlight.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/11 06:04 PM

My little garden was pretty bad this year too. Made lots of tomatoes early as well as green and red bell peppers. After the first bout with aphids on my cukes, those never really recovered and produced. It's too bad too since last year I put up 16 qts of pickles and this year 0. The vines all look good and green still and are still growing but not producing any blooms. Some of the tomatoe plants are still green but no blooms. Bell peppers aren't doing anything. Even my jalapeno plants are doing very little. Was hoping to keep everything alive in hopes that things will take off in the fall. Or, maybe I should just pull them out and replant for the fall. Fall is usually excellent for tomatoes.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/11 06:12 PM

Yep. I usually have an amazing fall tomato growing season. I hate to go through all that work again, but it looks like I will have to.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/11 08:53 PM

Planted my fall tomatoes over the weekend. Hope they will survive this brutal heat.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/11 12:51 AM

I mowed my corn and squash a few weeks ago since it was inevitable. Got some good squash/cukes/maters early but I'm just trying to keep the tomatoes alive now. Definitely moving the in-ground garden back to the east side next year.

The container chilis are fine but not much fruit. I haven't had a habanero yet. I plan on moving them all into the house before frost.

Still holding out for some watermelons . wink

My biggest disappointment this year was the blackberry plants and fruit trees. What the late frosts didn't get , the drought did. I've got some pears but they're so small I'll probably just make jelly out of them.

One good thing. It's so dry you can kill all the weeds with a good tilling. thumb

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/11 12:56 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
I canned 5 quarts of subpar salsa from garden fresh vegetables yesterday. I suck at it. better luck next time.


Give your salsa time to mature before opening a jar. I leave mine in the pantry for 6 months to a year before opening. Allowing all the herbs and peppers time to blend together makes a world of difference. wink
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/11 07:44 PM

Does anyone know what would strip the leaves off my sweet potato vines? I have about 15 sweet potato vines in my various flower beds and something is stripping the leaves off. I had two plants that were fine when I left for Waco a little after 12:00 this afternoon. When I returned home at 2:30, the plants were stripped. I have 6 more plants in this flowerbed and don't want to lose them. Whatever did it also stripped the leaves in my triangle garden a couple of days ago and some potted vines last week. Any ideas? Will Sevin dust take care of these critters? I'm not sure, but I think this pest has also hit a couple of my rose bushes? I have about 25 of those and don't care to have them stripped.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/11 09:18 PM

Deer or rabbits?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/11 09:21 PM

We have both, but this would be the first time they've ever done this.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/11 09:24 PM

Food is scarce. Everything is burned up. Not much vegetation for them to eat.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/11 09:28 PM

Wow. I guess I need to watch for them. My yard is very green and we have a lot of plants around. Anyway to keep them away from the plants they haven't hit?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/11 09:34 PM

A 10' fence around your yard. There is not much that they won't eat if they are starving.
Posted By: keep it wet

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/11 02:41 PM

Why is the skin on my squash hard on 1/2 of the ones I pick?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/11 02:56 PM

Not enough water or they have been ready for harvesting too long...Squash bugs can also have this affect as they drain the moisture from the vegetable.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/11 01:27 PM

I just wanted to say...my garden sucks this year! No rain and too hot too quick!

I'm about to tear it out....what is something good to plant for fall/winter in a small raised bed? When should I plant it?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/11 01:49 PM

If you want fall tomatoes, it's time to plant them.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/17/11 04:47 PM

I have managed to propagate , not sure I spelled that right..several yellow pear cherry tomato, a black krim , which by the way is a beautiful one , with a very good flavor, I have one frape cherry and two rutgers, in pots , ready to go out once this het backs off a little. I have managed to keep everything going , and I am getting some okra, lots of banana peppers, anaheims and mexi bells. I am hoping that my fall garden will have more time to produce. like someone posted earlier , it just got too hot too fast,,,hope everybody else gets to hang on to some stuff through this heat...it is awful
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/17/11 05:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
I just wanted to say...my garden sucks this year! No rain and too hot too quick!

I'm about to tear it out....what is something good to plant for fall/winter in a small raised bed? When should I plant it?



Give it up till about mid September, then put broccoli, cauliflower, and other bedding plants in there. You can plant root crops from seed. Try carrots, and turnips.
Posted By: Dan90210 ☮

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/11 12:30 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Planted my fall tomatoes over the weekend. Hope they will survive this brutal heat.


Would most of you agree with this? I am not trying to question you Skeet but just wonder if thats a group consenus as far as planting the tomatoes now for fall... I am very new to gardening having come from the desert of Nevada. Fall tomatoes would be awesome, I planted some in ealry May (too late) and all they have done is get tall, stringy and are making a few very small oragneish colored balls that were not what I had in mind... May to scrap those and start again for fall. If now is the time?
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/11 01:24 PM

keep what you have alive and green and when fall rolls around they'll already be well established. I'm about to clone a few of the Toms I already have to more plants for the fall.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/11 01:46 PM

BACK

Plant of the Week
July 14, 2007

Plant Fall Tomatoes NOW

Plant-of-the-Week


by
David Rodriguez

Now that the three year drought is somewhat over and we finally can see the sun again, especially after all that record breaking rain, it's time to start thinking about the fall vegetable garden. The best fall performer that is planted earliest is tomatoes and now would be the time.

There may be some small spring tomatoes hanging on to the plant, but, unless you have at least 20 to 25 good-sized fruit, pull them out-make green tomato relish, chow-chow or salsa. If you will recall, the largest and best tomatoes you had this spring were the first ones produced. If the tomato plant has gotten old, diseased, and damaged by insects-it will never produce in abundance again. Besides, it's too large to be manageable as far as insect and disease populations are concerned. Pull the old plants up and discard them. Give them to the garbage man. Don't try to compost insect and disease-ridden plants. Spider mites don't compost well!

If you have the space, it's best to move the tomato plant around the garden. There is some disease prevention value in crop rotation. It is, however, more important that the plants receive full sun (at least six-to-eight hours) than a new location. Incorporate two inches of manure compost into the planting area and spread one pound of slow release 19-5-9 analysis fertilizer over every 10 linear feet of planting area.

Plant a Texas Cooperative Extension recommended variety of tomato every three-to-four feet. Tomato cages keep the plants in control and keep the fruit off the ground. Fruit rot and even insect damage is reduced if the tomatoes are caged. Most retail nurseries offer aluminum cages (use the largest 54" size) or, if you are really ambitious, you can make cages out of concrete Remix reinforcing wire. A cage two and one-half feet in diameter would require a piece of reinforcing wire eight feet long.

Mulch the newly planted tomatoes to a depth of two inches. Native cedar or hardwood mulch is highly desirable and available because they spread easily and decompose at a moderate rate. The decomposing is slow enough to protect the tomato roots but fast enough that they can be incorporated into the garden soil after the tomato season without long nutrient tie-up.

Tomatoes are not drought tolerant plants; they need an ample supply of supplemental irrigation. Using mulch and drip irrigation is the most efficient way to do it. Water when the soil under the mulch dries to one-half inch. Tomatoes are also heavy feeders. A half cup of slow release
19-5-9 analysis fertilizer every 10 to 14 days per plant works well for around three applications. This is also called side-dressing or banning of fertilizer.

The best fall tomato for Central/South Texas is Surefire. It tolerates the heat well to produce an early tennis ball-size fruit. But, unfortunately it's almost impossible to find. Consider other heat setting tomatoes like the 2007 Texas SuperStar tomato 'Sunpride' and other proven winners like 'Celebrity,' 'Sun Master,' '444,' 'Amelia,' 'Solarfire,' and 'Top Gun' also do well. Remember, all fall recommended tomatoes are also planted for spring planting. For a complete list of other fall recommended vegetables and planting dates, please visit this link at: http://bexartx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/F4Best/nFallVegPlantList.htm.





Remember, Learn and Have Fun!

David Rodriguez is County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Bexar County. For more information, call the Master Gardener 'Hotline' at (210) 467-6575 or visit our County Extension website at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu, click under Horticulture and Gardening.
Posted By: Jeff Schiller

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/11 02:01 PM

Are you guys that are planting for fall tomatoes now buying more starter plants? or how are you getting started?


I have 2 beautiful tomato plants - they're a little rolled up on the leaves - but they are huge. They've have bloomed all season long and continue to but they will not produce any tomatoes.
My other cherry tomatoe and romas are producing, still. Those 2 big plants are frustrating the carp out of me. I almost pulled them yesterday just so I didn't have to look at them anymore.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/11 02:06 PM

I bought my plants at a local nursery. However, they sold out and will not get more due to the fact that it takes approx. 70 days till harvest and that will be in September. That only leaves a couple of months to enjoy them until they are killed by a freeze.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/11 02:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Jeff Schiller
Are you guys that are planting for fall tomatoes now buying more starter plants? or how are you getting started?


I have 2 beautiful tomato plants - they're a little rolled up on the leaves - but they are huge. They've have bloomed all season long and continue to but they will not produce any tomatoes.
My other cherry tomatoe and romas are producing, still. Those 2 big plants are frustrating the carp out of me. I almost pulled them yesterday just so I didn't have to look at them anymore.
Leave them alone. It's too hot for tomatoes to set right now. They'll start producing in September just in time for a good harvest before the freeze.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/11 10:20 PM

I never have done fall tomatoes but I'm keeping mine alive just to see. My luck , it'll get cold this fall just as fast as it warmed up this spring. rolleyes

Only success in the corn patch this year is an 11' "mammoth" sunflower . I haven't watered it since early June but it's doing great. I might just go into the sunflower seed business next year . wink

Posted By: sbump26

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/11 11:27 PM

Can anybody recommend a shade tree that grows fairly fast in full sun that stays about 10-15 ft tall when mature? Need something to shade the west side of the house from the brutal sun beating on my circuit breaker box. Not a fan of "lattice with a vine" that has been suggested by the wife. I hate vines. An internet search came up with an Empress tree. Sounds good and grows fast, but never heard of it. Also grows straight. Looking for something like a mini live oak although leaves all year isn't a requirement.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/11 12:51 AM

Ornamental pear , redbud, catalpa for deciduous.

Cedar would require topping but they grow quickly.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/11 01:11 AM

Crepe Myrtle...Get the ones that are already 3' to 5' tall. Plant it and water it one hour a week every week. Some grow to 12', 15' and 20'. Drought resistant and hard to over water.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/29/11 12:44 AM

Wow. Didn't even think about crepe myrtle and I've got em all over the place. bang Some of the dwarf or mid-sized plum trees might do well. Do your research on any really fast growers . Some of them are pretty short-lived and others' roots can be a problem for water or drain lines , even house foundations. wink
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/11 03:24 AM

Well , yesterday I recieved my order of CHerokee Purple, cherry tomato, and the Standard's as well. I also got some Heirloom mix with the Dark Green , orange pineapple , and a few others mixed in. I am starting them under a growlight so they can be put out for fall with the ten or so I have prop-gated off the others , I also got a Strawberry Spinach..will be interesting to try...how is everyone else doing? Anyone with good news , despite the abcense of Rain?
Posted By: DHFisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/11 03:45 PM

I saw that it was time to plant fall tomatoes back in July but A)I couldn't find any that were less than 4 bucks and B) I didn't think it would be a good idea to plant in this heat.

So, I'm conducting a little experiment. I cut half of my tomato plants back to about 1.5 - 2 feet tall. Mostly red cherry, sweet 100 and early girls. In the few weeks since, they've gone mad. I've never seen as many blooms on these plants as I'm seeing right now.

I know that they most likely will not set so I'm going to cut back the other half of the tomatoes soon and hope they bloom when it's not so hot.

I also did this with a pepper plant and it seems to be doing pretty well. I started seeing new flowers this week.

Anyone ever done this? Any luck?
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/11 03:52 AM

I wondered if I should trim mine too, they are getting tall , and blooming , but as you said won't set til this heat backs off. I have rooted mine indoors so far when taking from another plant, and started seeds week before last in little greenhouse, will have to add new seeds, last year I got Tomatoe's well into fall , so I am hoping this year works out too...
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/11 06:03 PM

Well I just had to come tell everyone I have five tomatoes on apatio plant....there is hope....
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/11 06:13 PM

That's awesome! I have some tomato plants trying to survive, but this heat is very hard on them.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/04/11 07:35 PM

The Walmart here on I-35 had this very same Patio out for sale the last two days...if you can get one and put it in a pot on a porch , I bet you will get a bunch like I am , I bought two more last night....hoping they put out as well as the first one...very study plants too...about 3 buks.
Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/25/11 04:57 PM

Well, in the last two days I have gotten twenty five peppers in three varieties, and I set out fifteen Cherokee Purples to harden and about a dozen Heirloom Dark green and Pineapple tomatoes,......anyone else going to try for a fall crop?

Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/25/11 05:07 PM

I planted tomatoes, cabbage, collards, pole beans, bush beans and squash 2 weeks ago. Everything is doing great.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/25/11 05:25 PM

I have a boat load of pepper plants and a few tomato plants that survived the summer. They aren't producing, but most are 3' to 5' tall and they are now budding out again.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/26/11 11:18 PM

I don't think I'm gonna mess with it this fall other than the few container plants that survived and planting greens in large containers. I'll be moving my patio tomatoes and chilis inside come late October . Got a feeling it's gonna get cold early this year.

This summer was a BEACH and the near future doesn't look very promising. I'll still plant next spring but I need to do some work on the drip-irrigation system and figure out some kind of shading for the big garden.


Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/27/11 04:13 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I have a boat load of pepper plants and a few tomato plants that survived the summer. They aren't producing, but most are 3' to 5' tall and they are now budding out again.


me too. The gypsy peppers, cubanelles and italian sweets have survived the summer, and my laziness of not weeding them, and are covered up with fruit, so much that two main beams on the italian pepper split and broke from too many peppers on it.

Tomatoes are pretty much shot, but I've got a watermelon plant still going nuts.

Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/01/11 11:22 AM

Today I am harvesting Zuccini, Okra ,and Anahiem , Banana , Mexi Bells and an Eggplant. I too have one Tomato that make it thru , all strung out, but covered in blooms, so if I can spare the room I am going to leave it and see if it puts out as well as it did before the heatwave. I can't wait to see my Cherokee's start makin.

Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/25/11 04:27 AM

Does anybody have anything going out there for fall right now...I lost all my armenian cukes to some little black bug that doesent care about pesticide too much , but put out 15 tomatoes from seed , purple , pineapple and a solid dark green, hoping I get enough before the first freeze, to put some up ...hope you all are having luck.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/25/11 11:26 AM

I'm getting some great peppers and have some tomatoes showing up. I also have okra growing and producing. However, I didn't replant anything...it all either survived the summer or has popped up on it's own. I have had a few volunteer pepper plants this year which was a surprise.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/25/11 03:28 PM

Pleasant surprise as the cool weather and a little rain have made their way her. I had planted 3 broccoli plants earlier this year that have struggled. The one that actually started to produce a crown was overtaken my some type of caterpillar. Thought the plants were done and they only rec'd watering every 4-5 days when I watered my yard. Oddly enough, 2 of the plants survived the summer and both have new crowns on them now and they are really starting to grow, lol. I guess we might get something off of them this year afterall.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/25/11 09:30 PM

Got a butt-load of pequins and serranos , the habs are finally blooming rolleyes as well as the patio tomatoes. I don't think there's time for either one to set fruit so I'm gonna bring them inside and keep 'em alive until next year.

I'll probably sow some turnip greens shortly and set out onions whenever they're available.


Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/07/11 11:50 PM

I thought I'd ask here while the Mrs & I read up on the subject (again).

Suggestions please...

I've failed at growing vegetables 5 years in a row now. I'd like to get away from raised garden beds/boxes (my hens occupy the area now anyway) so I have a fresh start. I'd like to move away from the raised garden beds unless yall pros feel differently. I have 1100sq ft or so to work with. The rows could be 50' x 3 rows. I don't even know how to garden really.

I figure the first step is turning the ground (tell me if I'm wrong). I've seen used tillers from $75 to $1000 on craigslist. What manufacture makes the best for the money out there? I've used a small joker tiller and they were a beating.

If it would help, I can take pictures of the area. Its 50'x25' + or -.

I'd appreciate suggestions and help.

Thanks

Mark (the discouraged guy that has sucks at growing vegetables)

Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/07/11 11:58 PM

You have the best resource (barnyard) available to ya for growing a garden. Till that chicken poop in the ground during the winter and you'll have enough to sell at the local farmers market.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/08/11 12:09 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
I thought I'd ask here while the Mrs & I read up on the subject (again).

Suggestions please...

I've failed at growing vegetables 5 years in a row now. I'd like to get away from raised garden beds/boxes (my hens occupy the area now anyway) so I have a fresh start. I'd like to move away from the raised garden beds unless yall pros feel differently. I have 1100sq ft or so to work with. The rows could be 50' x 3 rows. I don't even know how to garden really.

I figure the first step is turning the ground (tell me if I'm wrong). I've seen used tillers from $75 to $1000 on craigslist. What manufacture makes the best for the money out there? I've used a small joker tiller and they were a beating.

If it would help, I can take pictures of the area. Its 50'x25' + or -.

I'd appreciate suggestions and help.

Thanks

Mark (the discouraged guy that has sucks at growing vegetables)
CM, the first thing you need to do is mark off the area you want your garden. Now, some people will say to use Round-up, or some other grass killer, but I would say not to. I would either use black plastic bags held down with bricks or something to kill the grass or leave it be. Then, you'll need to till that soil. I have a Craftsman 17" dual rear tine tiller with the 6.5 hp engine. It was purchased new in 2006 for $650. The Craftsman products used to a be a beast, but not sure about the last 5 years. When you're tilling the ground, you're going to want to go as deep as you can and use the reverse till feature. This turns the tines in reverse while you're walking forward. If you do get a Craftsman, the handle can be raised if need be (I figured out how to do this after leaning over so much it killed my back).

Once that's done, you need to get the soil tested. You can send it to A&M http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/ I would try and get some sandy loam soil, some horse ****, or that chicken **** and till it in to the ground. This would be a good time to add some red worms or night crawlers as well.

While you're waiting for planting season, determine what you want to plant and see what will grow in your area and soil type. Then, after you get your rows plotted and planted (remember to leave room to get the tiller in after the plants or planted (36"-42" between rows). Collect as many leaves as you can this year so that you can cover the rows in late spring to control weeds and hold in the moisture.

That should get you going...Remember water can be your friend and/or your enemy. So use it wisely. Most plants will do well with .5"-1" water per week.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/08/11 12:18 AM

You've got a nice size garden plot there. I've been experimenting with container gardens ( never tried raised beds) but nothing beats a good wide-open in-the-ground site (IMO).

Test your soil with a kit or by taking a sample to your local extension agent or master gardener.

Chicken poop is fertilizer par excellance but you can overdo it and burn your plants with too much nitrogen. Try burying all your fish carcasses in the area you're going to plant.

Tillers are great ( got a 6.5 hp Craftsman) but you don't need to till really deep unless you're amending the soil. Use them on the cultivation setting ( 1 to 2" deep) during the growing season so you won't disturb the micro-flora / fauna that help maintain a healthy garden environment.

Look up "Mother Earth News" for excellent advice on small-scale gardening . It's kinda hippyish but they know their stuff.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/08/11 12:44 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
You've got a nice size garden plot there. I've been experimenting with container gardens ( never tried raised beds) but nothing beats a good wide-open in-the-ground site (IMO).

Test your soil with a kit or by taking a sample to your local extension agent or master gardener.

Chicken poop is fertilizer par excellance but you can overdo it and burn your plants with too much nitrogen. Try burying all your fish carcasses in the area you're going to plant.

Tillers are great ( got a 6.5 hp Craftsman) but you don't need to till really deep unless you're amending the soil. Use them on the cultivation setting ( 1 to 2" deep) during the growing season so you won't disturb the micro-flora / fauna that help maintain a healthy garden environment.

Look up "Mother Earth News" for excellent advice on small-scale gardening . It's kinda hippyish but they know their stuff.
The only reason I'm going to disagree with you about the not tilling deep is those tap roots can go FAR (I've had some over 4' long on tomato and pepper plants). With the drought we've had, that dirt is hard and needs to be broken up. Otherwise, I'd agree that he could go a bit more shallow.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/08/11 12:47 AM

Great info so far and I'm very thankful. Let me sort through the above posts and reply with thoughts and questions.

Thanks again.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/08/11 01:53 AM

Well yeah , as far as amending ( adding stuff to ) the soil goes but I wouldn't try to till deeply around established plantings . There's a lot of delicate feeder roots near the surface. wink

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/08/11 01:57 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Well yeah , as far as amending ( adding stuff to ) the soil goes but I wouldn't try to till deeply around established plantings . There's a lot of delicate feeder roots near the surface. wink
I would hope he wouldn't have many established plants near this area, unless it's trees and those taproots tend to go straight down, or at least within a foot of the outer trunk.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/09/11 06:49 PM

I decided to do a 10x40' section. I can add to it if needed.

So I guess my first step is to kill the grass or weeds in my case. Do yall think cardboard will work?

I'll start to fence it in soon. I was only planning on using 36" tall fence material because I have a lot left over.



Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/09/11 09:14 PM

You can spray the grass and weeds with 9% vinegar and a touch of soap in a pump up sprayer. That's the quickest/cheapest way I know of killing it.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/09/11 10:59 PM

I'm sure that'll work Derek but I'd like to stay away from spraying anything.

How harsh is it on the soil or clay in my case?

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/09/11 11:04 PM

The vinegar starts breaking down right after it is sprayed and leaves zero lasting effects to your soil.

Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/10/11 03:14 AM

Just get it tilled soon. Going to be onion planting time before long. If you can get some mulch or compost till it in.

Looking at all those trees I was wondering, will your garden get plenty of sunlight?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/10/11 04:23 AM

Originally Posted By: slim 285
Just get it tilled soon. Going to be onion planting time before long. If you can get some mulch or compost till it in.

Looking at all those trees I was wondering, will your garden get plenty of sunlight?
He doesn't have anywhere near the amount of trees I do and mine gets plenty of sunlight. Shade actually helps in the summers we get around here.

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/10/11 04:27 AM

my raised beds have done well. In your case, you're gonna have to till it up pretty soo, and get some poop and dyno dirt there. If you don't buy a tiller, and decide to rent one, let me know, and I'll split the cost and till mine with it.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/10/11 04:32 AM

If it wasn't so far, I'd drag my tractor up there and till it for him...However, the gas would kill me. If I were up there, I'd probably be willing to pay some crazy dude with a small 4 foot box tiller to turn the land the first time.

Posted By: dontdoit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/19/11 11:35 PM

Pickled Green Tomatoe Relish;

Leaving Monday for 3 weeks in Arizona so I didn't want to loose anything to a frost....spent the day doing this....



Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/20/11 03:32 PM

That looks good! Well done sir.

Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/11 03:29 AM

Nice work don't
Got a bunch stll forming here plan on o similar green tomato canning before first frost peppers eggplant still kicking butt

Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/27/11 10:44 PM

Just got through with the first batch of chow chow and relish
Had more than a 5 gallon bucket of green tomato and 3 gallons of bell and jalapeo peppers

Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/19/11 03:11 AM

We still got onions(60). That is the only thing left from last years garden. Have enough to last till we can get fresh ones if they don't all sprout out.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/13/12 03:27 PM

I'm starting to see onion sets for sale at the nurseries.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/12 12:42 AM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I'm starting to see onion sets for sale at the nurseries.
I don't think I'm going to plant onions this year...My garden does not produce very many large onions.

Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/12 02:25 AM

I got purple onions to put out, some for smaller and some to let grow larger, also have yellow tomatoes and banana peppers in the kitchen , and hope to start broccoli soon and some cabbage, quite ambitous for classes starting next week , but I am determined.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/12 04:13 AM

For those of you that don't see a large number of honey bees on your plants order some Mason Bees. Easy to set up and a great pollinator for little money. Now is the time to order. They sell out fast. I am linking one site but there are others. Just google it.

http://www.masonbeehomes.com/index.php

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/12 04:19 PM

Tested my soil today....

pH 7.0
nitrogen low
phosphorus low
potassium high

I was going to till up the garden today but I guess I'll wait until buy all the carp to correct my levels. I'm off to a good start though.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/12 04:32 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Tested my soil today....

pH 7.0
nitrogen low
phosphorus low
potassium high

I was going to till up the garden today but I guess I'll wait until buy all the carp to correct my levels. I'm off to a good start though.
Yes you are...Chicken poop and/or horse manure will help that nitrogen level.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/12 11:48 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I'm starting to see onion sets for sale at the nurseries.
I don't think I'm going to plant onions this year...My garden does not produce very many large onions.


Onions are heavy feeders and you have to pull the dirt away from the bulbs as they grow . The upper half of the bulb should be completely exposed by the time they start to flower.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/12 11:54 PM

I planted three bunches of onions yesterday. White, red and 10-15-Y yellows. There were about 250-275 in the three bunches combined.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/12 11:57 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
For those of you that don't see a large number of honey bees on your plants order some Mason Bees. Easy to set up and a great pollinator for little money. Now is the time to order. They sell out fast. I am linking one site but there are others. Just google it.

http://www.masonbeehomes.com/index.php


Think I'm gonna try 'em this year . ( Caveat : watch any exposed wood on your house for signs of tunneling.)

I have a friend who kept his (European) hives over here for years . My fruit and veggie production was outstanding and the free honey was great.

The problem began when he started collecting wild colonies to put in the boxes. After being chased into the house several times I had to tell him to move them.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/12 12:20 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I'm starting to see onion sets for sale at the nurseries.
I don't think I'm going to plant onions this year...My garden does not produce very many large onions.


Onions are heavy feeders and you have to pull the dirt away from the bulbs as they grow . The upper half of the bulb should be completely exposed by the time they start to flower.
I know that...they do great at my other house, just not here. I'm not sure what it is. I get good sized melons, cukes and everything else, but not onions. I think part of the problem is how quickly the yard drains and there's not a dang thing I can do about that. The house is on a limestone cliff/ridge off Lake Whitney and we have excellent drainage. It could rain 6 inches in 3 hours and I won't have standing water anywhere, but a low spot on one of my sidewalks...and in my bird bath.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/12 12:23 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Derek
For those of you that don't see a large number of honey bees on your plants order some Mason Bees. Easy to set up and a great pollinator for little money. Now is the time to order. They sell out fast. I am linking one site but there are others. Just google it.

http://www.masonbeehomes.com/index.php


The problem began when he started collecting wild colonies to put in the boxes. After being chased into the house several times I had to tell him to move them. [/color]


Almost all of my bees are wild caught. If I get a nasty hive I kill the queen and buy a new one. Been lucky so far. I've Only have had to buy a new queen a couple times.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/12 11:26 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
]I know that...they do great at my other house, just not here. I'm not sure what it is. I get good sized melons, cukes and everything else, but not onions. I think part of the problem is how quickly the yard drains and there's not a dang thing I can do about that. The house is on a limestone cliff/ridge off Lake Whitney and we have excellent drainage. It could rain 6 inches in 3 hours and I won't have standing water anywhere, but a low spot on one of my sidewalks...and in my bird bath.


Might be able to fix it but it'd probably be more trouble than it's worth. wink

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/12 11:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek


Almost all of my bees are wild caught. If I get a nasty hive I kill the queen and buy a new one. Been lucky so far. I've Only have had to buy a new queen a couple times.


Should have suggested that to him , I guess . I don't know if the last ones he brought were "africanized" but they certainly were aggressive. I got tagged in the same spot at the top of my left ear three times in a row and I was easily 200' from the hive.

It was an interesting experience . I came home for lunch one day to find a large swarm on a tree at my front gate. I just relaxed , walked right through 'em and they never bothered me. (For real Jedi moment. rolfmao )

I completely understand why y'all do what y'all do but my ears just can't take it. wink


Posted By: mrbelvetron

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/12 04:54 PM

Hi all. My wife and I just got interested in square foot gardening and I've been reading through the thread. We have the materials and a space laid out, and I'm on the way to get the compost/topsoil today. Wish us luck and I'll keep siphoning off the experience here on the thread.

Thanks to everyone who has posted questions and answers.

Posted By: Jeff Schiller

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/12 12:27 AM

How do you test your soil and what should the levels be?

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/12 02:18 PM

Originally Posted By: Jeff Schiller
How do you test your soil and what should the levels be?


They have home kits you can get a Depot or Lowes.

For a better analysis Texas A&M has a lab you can send soil to.
http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/webpages/forms.html

A guy I know here uses Texas Plant and Soil.
http://www.texasplantandsoillab.com/contact.asp

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/12 03:05 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: Jeff Schiller
How do you test your soil and what should the levels be?


They have home kits you can get a Depot or Lowes.

For a better analysis Texas A&M has a lab you can send soil to.
http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/webpages/forms.html

A guy I know here uses Texas Plant and Soil.
http://www.texasplantandsoillab.com/contact.asp


Yeah, the home kits don't seem to work as well. As to what you want your soil results to be depends upon what you want to grow.

Posted By: Jeff Schiller

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/12 05:08 PM

Veggies and melons maninly.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/12 10:37 PM

Pruned fruit trees and blackberries two weeks ago. Planted collards , cabbage , lettuce, spinach and onions in large dark-colored planters yesterday. Hopefully they'll all get good roots established before any February (ice storm) suprises hit.

Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/12 07:16 PM

There is a New Plant Hardiness Zone map available now for you gardener's and landscapers interested.

Per Neil Sperry

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/12 10:58 PM

Thanks , Rip.

I always go one zone up for cold hardiness and one down for heat tolerance. If this summer is like last year I may go down 2.
wink

Posted By: Jiging Ken

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/12 02:00 PM

Where can i buy bulk compost for my raised bead. i live in garland.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/12 02:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Ranger-1
Where can i buy bulk compost for my raised bead. i live in garland.


Living Earth Technolgy. Locations in Dallas, Plano and Rockwall.

Posted By: Jiging Ken

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/12 03:27 PM

Thanks Skeeter22 2 yards around 70$ . good price.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/12 03:48 PM

You can also get it for free at Lindsey's Tree Service on the northeast corner of Plano Road and Northwest Highway, but you have to load it yourself.

Posted By: Grove Rat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/12 04:13 PM

Here is some info for Mulch and Compost from the city of Mesquite. I dont live in Mesquite but I'm thinking about getting some compost from here. $10.00 does not seem too bad.



http://www.cityofmesquite.com/solidwaste/compost_facility.php

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/12 04:49 PM

Soil Technology of Texas in Caddo Mills is another good place. Great owner.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/12 04:50 PM

My large Redbud Tree is now in full bloom. I'm not happy about this. I still think we could get bit hard in the *** later this winter/early spring.

Posted By: Jiging Ken

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/12 09:07 PM

Just wondering do they have a loader at the Mesquite facility.

Posted By: Grove Rat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/12 02:53 PM

Ranger,

They have a loader in mesquite. I went yesterday, was in and out in less than 10min. They lady said that 2 dumps from the loader would fill the truck bed all they way. I have an F250 and I dont think 2 scoops would have fit. 1 scoop = $10.00. I'm not a compost guru but I will go back for sure.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/12 04:51 PM

With the recent warm weather the lettuce has really started growing.




All of our perennials have started budding and the strawberries have blooms! This is way early and I'm not ready

Posted By: Jiging Ken

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/12 08:28 PM

Thanks Grove Rat.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/12 11:17 PM

lookin' good. thumb

Posted By: Pope1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/12 06:03 PM

Hey guys. I have started a garden at my school and we need to till some compost we have made over the winter into the garden. Does anyone in the Arlington area have a tiller they wouldn't mind loaning me for a few hours?

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/12 11:52 PM

Wish I could help yall Pope1. I will ask around though. TFFer woundedbear may have one. I'll ask.

I've yet tilled my 400sq' plot. I've been wanting to but time is in short supply for me these days. I need to get started asap.

I planted a majestic peach tree and a moonglow pear tree yesterday. $20 per at tractor supply. Good deal really plus these tree look more established or stronger and 7'+ tall. Hope it isn't too early to plant them.

Posted By: Jeff Schiller

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/12 11:57 PM

How big of a hole do you have to dig to put a 7' tree in? I need some treeage in my back yard.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 12:50 AM

Spent the last 2 evenings with my 5 yr in the garden, we got a lot done




Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 12:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Jeff Schiller
How big of a hole do you have to dig to put a 7' tree in? I need some treeage in my back yard.
It actually depends more on the root ball the the height. Three times the size of the container is the minimum the circumference of the hole should be. The depth should be pretty much equal (definitely not less) than the container.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 12:54 AM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
Spent the last 2 evenings with my 5 yr in the garden, we got a lot done


Looks like a good time.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 12:56 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Wish I could help yall Pope1. I will ask around though. TFFer woundedbear may have one. I'll ask.

I've yet tilled my 400sq' plot. I've been wanting to but time is in short supply for me these days. I need to get started asap.

I planted a majestic peach tree and a moonglow pear tree yesterday. $20 per at tractor supply. Good deal really plus these tree look more established or stronger and 7'+ tall. Hope it isn't too early to plant them.
I understand completely. I've been planning on getting mine done and things keep on popping up. I do have it pretty much prepped to be tilled at least. I spent the day getting the weeds out of the flowerbeds and running errands. I think I'll have time on Thursday, Friday or Saturday to get the garden done...depending on when/if my nephew has a track meet.

Posted By: Pope1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 01:04 AM

Thanks chickenman. Let me know. I have 400sq ft myself and turn in with a hoe. My garden at the school is 900sq ft. I may turn them loose with hoes, but like you said, time is a problem. We need to get this done before spring break.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 02:11 AM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
Spent the last 2 evenings with my 5 yr in the garden, we got a lot done




Damon, she is getting cuter every day!

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 01:57 PM


Damon, she is getting cuter every day! [/quote]


All she does is eat while I work, she can put away some brocc!

Thanks Thomas

Posted By: Roddy69r

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 07:21 PM

Looking to buy a pecan tree,any suggestions where I can get one.

Posted By: Roller22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 07:38 PM


http://www.tree-land.com/treeland_directions_maps.asp

Best place around for trees. You will not find a better deal or guarentee.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 10:58 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Hope it isn't too early to plant them.


Definitely not too early. Water deep and often for the first couple years.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 11:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Roddy 69r
Looking to buy a pecan tree,any suggestions where I can get one.


I think you need two for pollination but if there's any within a mile you should be ok. Don't plant near the house or power lines . Pecans will drop a limb in a heartbeat. wink

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 11:05 PM

There are many types of pecan trees. Might want to check which ones work best in your area.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/12 11:47 PM

I keep hearing about needing to plant 2 of each kind of fruit tree so bees will 'cross pollinate(?)'. Any truth to this?




Pope1 - Did GNo reach out to you about the tiller? If not, shoot me a PM and I'll get yall connected. He said it wasn't an issue. Hope it works out.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/12 01:10 AM

CM, I don't know much about fruit trees, however, this is what I've seen at the properties I've bought with fruit trees. The two houses with pecan trees have three trees. One property has two that are the same and one different. The other property has three trees of the same variety. The peach/plum/fig/pear trees are all singles...and they all produce fruit. So I have no idea if there's any truth to it or not. I know they say the same thing about corn and I've proven that theory wrong several times.


Oh and a neighbor lady has one big ol' pecan tree and no other fruit trees and it produces like crazy.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/12 02:44 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
I keep hearing about needing to plant 2 of each kind of fruit tree so bees will 'cross pollinate(?)'. Any truth to this?


If a fruit or nut tree isn't labelled " self-pollinating" it's a good idea to plant a different variety for that. Once again : check with your neighbors to see what varieties they have. thumb

Posted By: Pope1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/12 02:50 PM

Big thanks to chickenman and woundedbear for assisting my kids with our endeavor. You guys really pulled through.

Posted By: Roddy69r

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/12 03:16 PM

Thanks for the information!

also looking for a used small tiller for my 8x8 garden?

Posted By: woundedbear

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/12 08:21 PM

Roddy contact me and I'll let you use George's tiller when Pope1 is done with it. You will have to pick it up and drop it off at my home.

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/12 04:42 PM

I've decided to try my hand at gardening this year. I went to HD the other day and ordered some 6X6 cedar posts and plan on building a 4X4 raised garden. I'm planning on growing a couple of different tomatoes, a couple of jalepeno and banana pepper plants, some green onions, squash, zuccini, and maybe green beans.

My question: Green beans, do they need some sort of climbing structure? If so, what should I use for them as well as my tomatoes?

For the peppers, is it better to plant seeds or buy plants?

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/12 04:58 PM

Don't think you can get all of that in a 4X4 raised bed. They sell tomatoe cages at HD. The green beans will depend on which type of seeds that you buy. Most require no support. For the peppers, it just depends how soon you wnt to harvest them. Seeds will be slower than planting established plants. Hope this helps.

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/12 06:38 PM

Thanks Skeeter22, I'm going to build 2 4X4 beds.

Posted By: Nikki M

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/12 10:03 PM

Its a gorgeous day outside so I finally got into my garden! I planted everything (save 3 packs of seeds) and put multch down

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/12 10:15 PM

Got the tomatoes (8 plants), bell peppers (green and red) (4 plants), jalapenos, cilantro and rosemary planted last Sunday. Plan on putting the cucumber seeds, green beans and okra in next week, depending on how wet it gets with the coming rain. Would like to get it all in beforehand but time isn't working out, lol. Plan on having about 20-25 bean and 20-25 okra plants again. Oh, depending on the type of green bean you choose, you may or may not need something for them to climb on. I normally get the variety that grows in a bush form so I don't have to mess with the trellace (sp).

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/12 11:36 PM

Bought my tomatoes , herbs (plant basil in amongst your tomatoes : helps the flavor and discourages certain insects) , and cuke / okra/ squash seeds. The watermelons on the fence should re-seed and the full-grown petins and habaneros are still in the house. They're starting to flower again but I don't know about moving them outside yet. Easter's still pretty far away.
Got a nice little Mexican chili to try this year . Round , dime-sized and hot as fire. flame

Since my pasture has become home to my neighbor's dogs and chickens ( not to mention the armadillos and coons ) I'm going to close off about 600 sq. feet of my back yard and plant all the corn, squash , etc. back there. It's a tight fit but I've been watching a neighbor's garden for the last few years that's probably only 10 ' x 20 ' max. It's always loaded with corn/squash/beans . Everything's so close together that he doesn't spend much time weeding. I'm sure it'll need plenty of water , fertilizer and a good pair of snake boots but I think I can pull it off.


Posted By: Roddy69r

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/12 02:06 PM

I appreciate the offer woundedbear,I have already borrowed a tiller and I am wanting to buy a used one.the one I borrowed was a little big and had a hard time tilling the dirt,because it is in a raised garden box.
anybody want to sell a used tiller?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/12 03:52 PM

Echo bought a Chinese company a year or two back and they make a small roto tiller similar to Echo's for about $250. I got one for my mom. It's warranty is very similar to Echo and is backed by them. I'll see if I can get you the name. This would be perfect for a raised bed. Any of the small cultivators would work, but Echo and Mantis are the two best ones from what I've read.

Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/12 03:59 PM

Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196


My question: Green beans, do they need some sort of climbing structure? If so, what should I use for them as well as my tomatoes?

For the peppers, is it better to plant seeds or buy plants?


Green beans come in climbing varieties and bush varieties. It's just a matter of which bean you like the taste of. Or what you have room for. I grow the bush kind cause my toddler daughter likes to help me pick them.

As far as structures for them to climb if you get that variety - I think just a simple wooden trellis works best. For the tomatoes you can either stake them or buy a tomato cage. If you buy an indeterminate variety of tomato it's going to get too tall for your cage - mine get 7 or 8 feet tall pretty easily. I just stake mine.

On the peppers you can do either but it's a little late to be trying to start seeds. Normally you start peppers from seed indoors in late Jan or early Feb. They take a while to germinate. A heating pad would help them germinate faster but at this point it's going to be easier for you to buy them.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/12 05:20 PM

I would like to recommend all of y'all do yourselves a favor and buy one of these:

http://www.lehmans.com/store/USA_Made___...H5#AMH5AMH6AMH7

For years, I have used my mom's late father's hoe. It's between 50 and 60 years old. Due to it's increasing age, I decided to find a new one a few years back. However, it was very, very hard to find one with the right length handle and angle of blade for my back. I finally found one. I think a fellow TFFer led me to the website, but I'm not sure (if it was, thank you).

This thing is AWESOME! I've been using it for over a year and am going to be buying two more, along with the furrowing hoe. My mom loves it, and I need one at the other house, thus the need for two new ones.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/12 03:32 PM

Maybe I will have some peaches after all. I thought that last freeze was gonna kill all the blooms, but low and behold, the tree is covered up with tiny peaches about the size of a pea.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/12 12:53 AM

I still haven't tilled. Too damn busy. I'm afraid that I'm too late but I'm doing it anyway. Last year didn't go so good either. The year before that wasn't 'great'. I have the 'garden' and not enough time...

Its very very discouraging.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/12 12:58 AM

Chickenman, it's not too late to till. I've tilled and planted in April and had a good garden before. I've also tilled in January, planted in March, had the floods of 2004 and had to redo the whole dang thing...I also had okra, cucumbers and squash grow all over the yard, thanks to the odd landings of the seeds from flood.

Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/12 01:03 AM

I'm going to get some peppers this weekend! farmer

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/12 12:54 PM

Got my plants last night and they'll be going in the ground tonight after work. I had to buy my green beans in seeds since they were out of plants. I read on the back of the packet but it doesn't say how many seeds need to go in each hole, anyone have a suggestion on that one??? If it matters, they are the bush type, not the pole type.























Figured I'd leave the pole type to LSS...

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/12 01:05 PM

rolfmao When I have tried to grow beans, I plant them like I do peas, just drop one every six to eight inches. I have had some success with beans, but usually the weather or pests get to them before I can harvest them.

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/12 10:29 PM

Try Roma II bush beans. They are great, and easy to grow.

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/12 02:58 AM



My first attempt at gardening! 2 tamatoes in each box, 2 jalapeo, 2 sweet banana peppers, 2 zucchini, squash, green beans and green onions.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/12 03:06 AM

Looks good. You're going to want cages, or some sort of support, for the pepper plants...

Posted By: Nikki M

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/12 08:58 PM

Looks good!

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/12 10:57 PM

Here's mine for this year,



Beefsteak, Super Sweet Cherry, Red Cherry, Climbing Trip L, Celebrity, Pink Brandywine, Big Red, German Johnson and Homestead tomatoes.

Cayenne, Jalapeno, Serrano and Banana peppers

Red, Yellow and Green bell peppers.

Yellow crookneck squash and Danvers 126 carrots.

I have a few small plots around the place. I have cucumbers, more squash, too many pole beans (98), sweet corn, sunflowers, dill, brussel sprouts, okra and a artichoke plant.

I put four yards of mushroom compost in the garden, I needed to build it up a little.





I did everything from seed except the artichoke plant, it was a gift, and Banana peppers.




Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/12 11:36 PM

Looking good...I guess I'm not as late getting mine in as I thought. I had to drive to two different towns just to get 24 plants...I still have a few hundred more to get.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/12 11:43 PM

LSS I put the plants in on the 15th, I'm farther south then you if I remember right.

What plants did you get?



Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/12 12:13 AM

So far, I've picked up some Early Girls and Beefsteak tomatoes, and Cubanelle, Pimento, and Sweet Banana peppers. I also spent around $55.00 for flowerbed plants.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/12 12:42 AM

I have ten beefsteak plants. I have a total of 28 tomato plants. Went a little overboard this year.

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/12 01:52 PM

I only put in 24 tomato plants this year. They are already setting a few tomatoes. My potatoes are up, and my onions are bulbing. I've bought my last onions for the year. All my seeds are not yet up. I gave up about a third of my garden to my neighbor.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/12 02:28 PM

Looks like I might have to start over with my tomatoes. I only planted them 2 weeks ago but the dang aphids look like they must have came home with us. Started noticing the lower leaves were turning yellowish about 1 week ago, turned the leaf over and noticed the tell-tale black dots. I tires using the organic method, Dawn dishwashing liquid in a bottle of water (soap mixture) which is what my step-Dad always used. Didn't seem to help to I switched over to Sevin Dust 2 days laters. That stayed on a couple of days till all the rain. Plants still look bad and I can't say that the Sevin Dust is working. Might have to racthet it up one more time to Kelthane (sp) to see if I can save them. Other than that, the bell peppers, jalapenos look great! I have 34 cucumber plants already popping up and after 6 days, noticed over 20 plants each of peas, greens and okra. Might be more popping up in the next few days now that the sun is back out. Looking forward to a summer of yummy vegetables!

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/12 09:00 PM

I generally put a hand full of crushed limestone under my tomatoes before I put them in the ground, to prevent blossom end rot. I completely forgot to do it this year. A neighbor told me to put epsom salts around each plant and water it in. I got some today. I'll start with it tomrrow. I'll keep you informed about the results.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/12 11:59 PM

I hope to plant tomorrow....



Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/12 01:44 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
I hope to plant tomorrow....

Looks good...I'm planting tomorrow as well. I finally got the garden tilled and threw some fertilizer in to counter the carbon from the multitude of leaves. I've been surprised at how few places had the four and six packs available. I did find quite a few at a Farmer's Market in Arlington on Cooper. I stopped by while waiting for my nephew to run his second race. Nice place and reasonably priced.

Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/12 10:03 AM

Will be planting when I get back from fishing later on today.Got the soil ready yesterday. Hopefully the chances for a freeze are over.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/12 12:58 AM

Okay, we were able to get the majority of the garden planted today. I am still waiting on my supplier to get in a few varieties of peppers and some cherry tomatoes...Other than that, we planted several varieties of peppers and tomatoes, watermelons, yellow squash and zucchini squash, three varieties of cucumbers and some eggplants.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/12 01:50 AM

Dang cutworms got two of my pepper plants today...bang We did get in another 20 some odd plants today...almost done planting...almost.

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/12 11:38 AM

My plants have been in the ground 2 weeks today, I've got some seeds that have sprouted. So far so good... I do think I'm going to have to dig up 2 of my tomato plants though, they're not looking all that good. I think they were too big for the size box I built.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/12 01:49 AM

The blackberries are going crazy this year, this is just one side of the fence......obviously!




Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/12 02:32 PM

Damon, how much honey are you getting from your bee hive?

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/12 03:04 PM

My daughter wanted us to plant a blackberry plant this year so we did. At this time, it's just a "stick" sticking up out of the ground, no sign of sprouting yet. I hope it eventually takes off and starts growing. Love me some fresh blackberries. We had a monster boisenberry bush about the size of the one above when I was a kid. We ate those things fresh, right off the vine all summer. Mom would make preserves and cobblers with them too. Good times!

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/12 04:01 PM

It takes a couple years for bb to mature and really start producing.

Skeeter I've got a hive at the house and one on the other side of the lake and I usually get 4 gallons out of those two.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/12 03:08 PM

Got back from fishing Mega Bass at Fork and harvested these, I've learned you have to get them a little bit early before the doodle bugs do


Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/12 06:56 PM

I am finally ready to plant our lakeside patch, allready got the eggplants in, seedlings are ready for tomatoes, squash, zuchinni, bell and jalapeno and okra
We are harvesting lettuce, spinach and cauliflour

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/12 07:02 PM

Counted my little plants over the weekend. Cukes = 35 plants up, all about 3"-4" tall, Okra = 13 plants (probably end up resseding since only about 1/2 have popped up), green beans = 20 plants (same thing with resseding). Bell peppers look really good and started to make buds already. Jalapenos have buds and a couple of blooms. Tomatoes still look horrible but some new growth coming out the top of the 8 plants so maybe they will make it afterall. 26 garlic plants up.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/12 09:36 PM

Try soaking your okra seeds for 24 hours before planting.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/12 12:28 AM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
It takes a couple years for bb to mature and really start producing.

Skeeter I've got a hive at the house and one on the other side of the lake and I usually get 4 gallons out of those two.


thumb

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/12 09:50 PM

I just saw a few marble size tomatoes on my vines, or whatever you call the stalk.

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/12 02:13 PM

has anyone ever tried planting garlic? Is it too late to plant them now?

What about cilantro?

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/12 02:44 PM

Plant garlic in the fall.

Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/12 02:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
has anyone ever tried planting garlic? Is it too late to plant them now?

What about cilantro?
It's ok to plant cilantro, I really like cilantro but it goes to seed fast.

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/12 04:12 PM

The edges of my garden are full of cilantro. It keeps reseeding itself. It'll go to seed in the late spring or summer, but it will be lush all through the winter. The blooms are great for attracting bees. I'll take a picture of it, and post it the next time I'm in the mood.

Edit: Here you go;



This in the cilantro in bloom next to my onions;



What the heck. Here are my purple onions;



I love home grown tomatoes. Here you go;



Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/12 06:59 PM

I planted some garlic about 4 weeks ago (during sprink break). So far it looks okay, the bulbs I planted apparently germinated and most now have growth about 6" tall. Ist time to try it so not sure what to expect.

Dang Bill, I wish my cilantro would do that. Seems like I have to start over every year as it never does come back like that. Of course, I don't have a garden that looks like that either, lol.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/12 02:47 AM

I lay my tomatoe plants on their sides when planting in order to increase the root structure. Anybody do this with pepper plants ?
I've got several with long stems and am wondering if this would help them . (?)


Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/12 07:56 PM

My garden's looking good...





Ordered another stick of cedar and going to build in in between these 2 boxes then plant some garlic and cilantro

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/12 01:08 AM

So far so good




Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/12 01:12 AM

Looking great, guys.

Mine is doing well, but no pictures. My aunt's plants are HUGE. I told her I was very upset with her about that...it's not fair. grin

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/12 02:08 PM

Think I'm going to break out the first round of Miracle Gro this coming weekend. My green beans, snap peas and okra have finally decided to emerge and I have them anywhere from 1" tall to about 8" tall now. Didn't count "exact" numbers but around 25-30 of each plant have emerged. Bell peppers and jalapenos have many blooms and some small growth. I placed the trellaces areound the cucumbers last Friday as they are getting about 10" tall now and beginning to vine and climb. Tomatoes are so-so, got a few nice looking plants and 2-3 that are struggling.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/12 02:55 PM

Bill is that a creek? pond? Nice looking place!



Potatoes growing vertical on the right and Cucumbers on the left



brought this cactus home from my hunting lease a year ago and they just put these out

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/12 11:51 PM

Here are some pictures from this year's garden. It was a little late getting in, but I have some veggies growing.










Little Yellow Zucchini:


Yellow Straight Neck Squash:


Tomatoes:




Some cucumber plants:


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/12 04:53 PM

Hey guys and gals, just wanted to remind y'all to get a head start on the squash bugs. They are out in full force this year. I have been killing between 8-20 every day for the last three days. You need to kill the adults (large black/gray/brown) and their eggs. Their eggs will be on the leaves of the plants (usually). They are brown and can be on either side of the leaf, although they are usually on the underside. The eggs can be grouped together, or rarely, spaced apart. They are most likely on the higher leaves, but sometimes on the bottom, although almost never on the leaves that lay flat on the ground. You need to cut the section with the eggs out of the leaf, or remove the whole leaf. Otherwise, they will destroy your plants. There can be more than one leaf with eggs, so just because you find one, don't stop looking.

I like to take the leaf sections and put them in a Ziploc bag and fill it with scolding hot water to ensure their death. Then I through it away. As for the adults, I just pick them off the leaf, put them in my hand and then take them to the sidewalk and introduce them to the heel of my boot. If you can take care of the first and second generations, you won't have to worry about a third.


Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/12 09:47 PM

I got in some Cherokee Purples, a chocolate cherry, a lemon boy, a rutgers, a black sea man, multiple heirlooms and have peas and cukes going to so far. Several Banana peppers doing well and trying to start some eggplant now.. I got behind in my garden duties but most of my plants have maters, so I guess thats ok...

Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/12 10:09 PM

Great looking garden LSS thumb

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/12 03:46 AM

Originally Posted By: Kev
Great looking garden LSS thumb
Thank you.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/12 01:15 PM

LSS that garden is huge! My backyard isn't that big smile

Good job!

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/12 01:56 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Here are some pictures from this year's garden. It was a little late getting in, but I have some veggies growing.










Little Yellow Zucchini:


Yellow Straight Neck Squash:


Tomatoes:




Some cucumber plants:





Looks great, LSS. Maybe the deer will give you a break this year.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/12 06:57 PM

So it begins, first harvest for me this year.



Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/12 09:13 PM

LonestarSon and I grow straight neck squash. Do you prefer the crooked neck ones, or just plant them out of habit?

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/12 09:45 PM

I have so many crookneck seeds so that's what I plant. Do you start seeds or buy plants?

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/12 12:42 AM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
I have so many crookneck seeds so that's what I plant. Do you start seeds or buy plants?


I was just trying to bump up your picture, which is great. I plant seeds. I always used crookneck until a few years ago, when I discovered Straightneck. They teste the same, but the straight ones are easier to slice for grilling.

We'll be throwing both over the fence in a few weeks.

Try putting some of them in your spaghetti sauce.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/12 01:17 AM

I always grew both until a year or two ago...I still grew some last year, but I did not plant them. grin

I usually plant seeds, but this year, with everything going on with my family, I did not have the time to find the seeds, till the land and plant as early as needed. I, therefore, purchased very small plants. Apparently we ended up with one of the pan squashes (not sure which one yet, the baby squash is too small to identify).

I like both, but the crook tend not to be as appetizing to some people as some tend to get bumpy and look funky.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/12 01:40 AM

I always have seeds left over from the year before so I just use those, anything that doesn't get ate or put up goes to the pigs or the birds. What straight neck do y'all prefer?

Those are Kentucky Wonder green beans in case you are wondering. grin

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/12 01:22 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
I always have seeds left over from the year before so I just use those, anything that doesn't get ate or put up goes to the pigs or the birds. What straight neck do y'all prefer?

Those are Kentucky Wonder green beans in case you are wondering. grin


I grew up on a cotton farm in Arkansas. We always grew a vegetable garden for our table, and a little for the market.

I never knew there was anything except crook necked yellow squash, until a few years ago. I always buy about $0.50 worth at the feed store. I saw the straight neck, and tried them. I prefer the shape.

I eat everything, but never cared much for squash when I was young. My momma always put them in a pot and boiled them until they teased about the same was they were spelled. Same with green beans, boiled fresh green beans until they tasted like they came out of a can. I mostly stir fry both now. I like the Roma ll bush bean. It's a bigger and flat green bean. I get about 2 pickings off them and then pull them up.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/12 01:11 PM



My first harvest of 2012. Vegetables reaped on April 28, 2012: 8 yellow squash, 2 sweet banana peppers, and one lonely zucchini squash.

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/12 07:51 PM

Tomatoes will start turning next week.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/12 09:16 PM

Started picking blackberries this morning




Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/12 10:23 PM

Nice berries. I do believe I live in a micro-climate. My berries just finished blooming.

Peaches are red and weighing down the branches but the plums are still tiny. Got my first red tomato today ( Patio) and the Early Girls, Beefsteak , Better Boys are all in full bloom. The okra and corn are about 6". I've mulched everything heavily since the south wind has picked up. Hope it's not gonna be another summer like last year. scared

AdvTX: don't remember if I asked you earlier but where did you get the plans for your chicken coop ? There's one just like it on the west end of Bob Sandlin. I'd like to build a larger version ( 10-20 hens and a rooster) if possible.


Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/12 11:27 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
Started picking blackberries this morning


Those berries are huge.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/12 02:29 PM

We have 12 hens, our coop is 12'x5' and 7' tall we didn't have any real plans a life long friend and I designed and built it. The hens have access to a 50' run on the north side of our house so it's always in the shade. Let me know if you would like any pics

Look for my daughter and I in the June D Mag they're doing an article on Dallas coops

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/12 06:50 PM

Those berry's are nice. I love your coop. I got 27 RIR chicks and a garter snake got ten of them one night last week. I was pissed. The coons killed my flock last summer. I shot a coon a day for three weeks.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/12 06:51 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
We have 12 hens, our coop is 12'x5' and 7' tall we didn't have any real plans a life long friend and I designed and built it. The hens have access to a 50' run on the north side of our house so it's always in the shade. Let me know if you would like any pics

Look for my daughter and I in the June D Mag they're doing an article on Dallas coops


I've seen the run on another thread ( keeps 'em out of the garden, right ? ) . Sorry, "June D Mag " ?

Thinking about a version for guineas . No run needed as they won't scratch up the garden but I need to keep them in the yard. I raised a dozen last year only to lose them to coyotes. Silly things would jump the fence then couldn't figure out how to get back into the yard.
rolleyes

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/12 07:08 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Those berry's are nice. I love your coop. I got 27 RIR chicks and a garter snake got ten of them one night last week. I was pissed. The coons killed my flock last summer. I shot a coon a day for three weeks.


Did the coons take just the head and upper breast or eat the whole bird ? I had these kind of attacks a few years back and my Dad swore it was a mink . Last summer I lost my entire flock of Cochins , RIRs and Games . I was working 14 hour days and the damage was done before I noticed a den dug out behind the barn.

My chicken-wire coop was attached to the tin barn and something dug into the barn then made an entrance into the chicken's area. I'm thinking a fox or bobcat as all I found were feathers. I won't be keeping any more until I can build a secure house for them.
thumb

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/12 07:10 PM

And btw, coon is excellent BBQ ( just cut the head and hands off). grin

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/12 09:29 PM

The first time they got them in the run and killed 12 of them. Feathers, feet and body parts everywhere. The next time they killed 10 of them I penned in the coop. Same scenario with blood on the walls and ceiling. They pushed the run door in and still clawed their way out.

I put tin in about a foot deep around the run. Then reenforced the front and back doors. The snake got in through a gap in the front door. I put moth balls around the coop and doubled it at the doors. I'm going to get some sulfur from the feed store.

I used to have the skunks eat the heads off all the birds I have. Until I got the chocolate lab, he's a skunk killing machine. He caught over twenty of them last year.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/12 09:36 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: AdvTX
We have 12 hens, our coop is 12'x5' and 7' tall we didn't have any real plans a life long friend and I designed and built it. The hens have access to a 50' run on the north side of our house so it's always in the shade. Let me know if you would like any pics

Look for my daughter and I in the June D Mag they're doing an article on Dallas coops


I've seen the run on another thread ( keeps 'em out of the garden, right ? ) . Sorry, "June D Mag " ?

Thinking about a version for guineas . No run needed as they won't scratch up the garden but I need to keep them in the yard. I raised a dozen last year only to lose them to coyotes. Silly things would jump the fence then couldn't figure out how to get back into the yard.
rolleyes






I think Damon's issue was protecting the hens from hawks.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/12 01:23 AM

One morning I was watering and looked in the coop and it looked like someone had a sacrifice with feathers everywhere I walked in and about the time I got all the way in and the door closed I heard a loud hiss and hit the deck and looked up to see a huge opossum staring at me from the ceiling(lets just say he then had a bad day) and Toto was replaced without the daughter noticing. another time I heard all the chickens going crazy and ran out back to find a red tail ripping all the feathers out of Casper but she was saved, before we built the coop we lost one to a fox. It's crazy farming in the city!

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/12 10:32 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
The first time they got them in the run and killed 12 of them. Feathers, feet and body parts everywhere. The next time they killed 10 of them I penned in the coop. Same scenario with blood on the walls and ceiling. They pushed the run door in and still clawed their way out.

Yeah, coons are little bandits. They're far different from the Disney characters. I suspect they've picked a few locks here.

I put tin in about a foot deep around the run. Then reenforced the front and back doors. The snake got in through a gap in the front door. I put moth balls around the coop and doubled it at the doors. I'm going to get some sulfur from the feed store.

I was raising some young birds in rabbit cages in the carport one year. Had a 5' ratsnake get his head through the mesh and grab a youg pullet. I don't know what he thought he was going to do with her since he could only get about 6" of his body through there. She survived.

I used to have the skunks eat the heads off all the birds I have. Until I got the chocolate lab, he's a skunk killing machine. He caught over twenty of them last year.

Mothballs are good for skunks. How many times has your Lab been sprayed ? I had a Husky that was a varmit-killing machine but he only got hold of a skunk one time. wink


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/12 10:38 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22

I think Damon's issue was protecting the hens from hawks.


I may be talking about a different set-up or using the wrong terminology. I was thinking he had a tunnel made of chicken wire so the chickens could get out into a grassy area but not enter the garden.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/12 10:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman

Mothballs are good for skunks. How many times has your Lab been sprayed ? I had a Husky that was a varmit-killing machine but he only got hold of a skunk one time. wink



I've lost count way more then ten, I buy hydrogen peroxide by the case.

Mix a quart of HP, a half a cup or so of baking soda and some liquid dish washing liquid in a bucket. Lather the dog with the mixture let him/her sit for ten minutes or so then rinse with water. They are good to go after that.

Keep up with the rabies shots for your dogs and you should be good to go. if you haven't the vet will give the dog a shot the same day then another a week later then another three weeks after the second shot.


offtopic





Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/12 12:03 AM

Hey Payne, I had my first green beans for dinner awhile ago. Try this. Boil them for 8 minutes, strain, then stir fry them in butter, and add limon juice. Do enough for several days. They reheat fine. Try squash fritters. I posted a thread about them on the cooking forum.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/12 12:44 AM

"Keep up with the rabies shots for your dogs and you should be good to go."

Absolutely ( as well as the tick/flea meds and Parvo shots ) ! Never heard of the HP / baking soda thing but it certainly sounds cheaper than V-8.

Nice squash.
cheers

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/12 08:38 PM

It looks like carp and it's small. I do add about 2 plants a week. We didn't grow anything from seed this year.

I'm terrible at gardening but I'm trying.



Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/12 08:40 PM

It was just a thought/idea when I started.



Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/12 10:11 PM

Looks good to me. thumb I believe it's better to start out smaller . A really large garden can overwhelm a beginner.

I have some neighbors that use 4 small plots and rotate the crops every year. It's a lot more fun to hoe a 20' row than a 100'.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/12 10:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Looks good to me. thumb I believe it's better to start out smaller . A really large garden can overwhelm a beginner.

I have some neighbors that use 4 small plots and rotate the crops every year. It's a lot more fun to hoe a 20' row than a 100'.
And it ain't that much fun hoeing either. grin

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/12 10:16 PM

Chickenman, it looks good...As you find the items that grow the best, and the things that interest you, you'll increase the size of the garden...just don't get too big.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/12 10:23 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
And it ain't that much fun hoeing either. grin


I find it very theraputic , at least until July. wink

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/12 01:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
And it ain't that much fun hoeing either. grin


I find it very theraputic , at least until July. wink
I find it back breaking...not to mention the hips. bang

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/12 01:09 AM

Harvested May 3, 2012:



Six yellow squash, two yellow zucchini and two green zucchini.

Harvested May 5, 2012:



Two Sweet Banana Peppers, two Carmen Peppers, six Cubanelle Peppers, ten Fooled You jalapeno Peppers and one green zucchini.

Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/12 12:17 PM

I've got a great mushroom garden this year, I only planted 4 tomato plants this year, 3 celebrity, and 1 cherry , a couple pepper plants that are in pots, the peppers are growing alot right now and are full of blooms,

I have alot of mushrooms popping up everyday, a couple this morning that would make a portobello look small.

Are the mushrooms hurting anything? Or does it mean the soil is rich?

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/12 06:44 PM

I would think it would be a sign of good soil .
Have any idea what kind they are ? I'm not sure if they're ok in the garden but as long as you're not eating them it should be alright.

The spores probably came in with your mulch
.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/12 07:30 PM

Originally Posted By: Kev
I've got a great mushroom garden this year, I only planted 4 tomato plants this year, 3 celebrity, and 1 cherry , a couple pepper plants that are in pots, the peppers are growing alot right now and are full of blooms,

I have alot of mushrooms popping up everyday, a couple this morning that would make a portobello look small.

Are the mushrooms hurting anything? Or does it mean the soil is rich?
Generally, it means there is a lot of decaying material...and possibly too much water. No, they shouldn't hurt anything, except, possibly, any small animals that might eat them. I would dig them up and toss them.

Posted By: Roddy69r

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/12 01:23 PM

Any ideas on how to build some type of branch supports for my peach trees. branches are hanging down almost to the ground!
Thanks.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/12 02:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Roddy 69r
Any ideas on how to build some type of branch supports for my peach trees. branches are hanging down almost to the ground!
Thanks.


I was having the same problem, so I went to Academy and bought some adjustable tent poles, attached them to the branches with cable ties, and raised them up.

Posted By: Roddy69r

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/12 05:01 PM

Thanks for the tip Skeeter 22

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/12 06:22 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
And it ain't that much fun hoeing either. grin


I find it very theraputic , at least until July. wink
I find it back breaking...not to mention the hips. bang



I hate hoeing also that's why I put down the fabric.



The first bells for the year, plus some banana, cayenne and jalapeno peppers I harvested this morning.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/12 09:45 PM

Can you freeze peaches and use them to make jelly and preserves later ? Mine ripened early and I really don't have time right now.

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/12 04:04 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Can you freeze peaches and use them to make jelly and preserves later ? Mine ripened early and I really don't have time right now.


Yes, slice them and freeze them up!

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 12:33 AM



05/08/12: Six cucumbers; four tomatoes; two eggplants; seven yellow squash; two yellow zucchini; one green zucchini; one pan squash.


I had to pull the tomatoes early because of the pill bugs. Hopefully, the rest of the crop will be okay. I'm trying beer before going with Sevin Dust. I hate using poisons.

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 12:40 PM

How does drinking beer get rid of pill bugs?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 01:23 PM

Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
How does drinking beer get rid of pill bugs?
You don't drink it, you put it in bowls or pie pans and leave it over night. Thus far, I only have about 10 dead bugs.

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 02:10 PM

Why on earth would you waste good beer like that?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 02:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Why on earth would you waste good beer like that?
Because a family friend said it would work. You know I don't drink. It was Miller Lite...is that good beer? If it is, you can come get some out of the pie tins. There might be some bug larvae, and/or carcasses, in some of them.

Posted By: Grove Rat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 02:26 PM

What causes the lower leaves on my tomatoe plant to turn yellow?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 02:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Grove Rat
What causes the lower leaves on my tomatoe plant to turn yellow?
Too much water, too little water, bugs, lack of nitrogen or calcium, etc. Are they curling or just turning yellow?

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 02:36 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Why on earth would you waste good beer like that?
Because a family friend said it would work. You know I don't drink. It was Miller Lite...is that good beer? If it is, you can come get some out of the pie tins. There might be some bug larvae, and/or carcasses, in some of them.


you're good then. It's good to know Miller Lite is good for something!!

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 02:38 PM

Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Why on earth would you waste good beer like that?
Because a family friend said it would work. You know I don't drink. It was Miller Lite...is that good beer? If it is, you can come get some out of the pie tins. There might be some bug larvae, and/or carcasses, in some of them.


you're good then. It's good to know Miller Lite is good for something!!
rolfmao

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 05:50 PM

My garden is loaded with lady bugs this year. Just killed my first horn worm.



Today's harvest, first tomatoes for the year. Super sweet cherry.

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/12 09:57 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
My garden is loaded with lady bugs this year. Just killed my first horn worm.



Today's harvest, first tomatoes for the year. Super sweet cherry.


About the same with me. I just picked my first half dozen celeberties, and found a hornworm while doing so.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/12 05:08 PM

Pic of the garden before the rain. I'm definitely going to put in more mushroom compost in the fall.



Posted By: Roddy69r

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/12 12:23 PM

How or what to use to get rid of the horn worm from the tomatoe plants?

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/12 01:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Roddy 69r
How or what to use to get rid of the horn worm from the tomatoe plants?


Two fingers and a foot.

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/12 02:43 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Originally Posted By: Roddy 69r
How or what to use to get rid of the horn worm from the tomatoe plants?


Two fingers and a foot.


Or Thuricide. Google it!

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/12 04:15 PM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Originally Posted By: Roddy 69r
How or what to use to get rid of the horn worm from the tomatoe plants?


Two fingers and a foot.


Or Thuricide. Google it!


or dipel dust

Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/12 11:48 AM

Question for ya jalapeno growers....what kind of bug/worm is crazy enough to bore into one? I found several yesterday with holes in them.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/12 06:32 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Question for ya jalapeno growers....what kind of bug/worm is crazy enough to bore into one? I found several yesterday with holes in them.


Probably a pepper weevil but it could be several different kinds of insects.

Have you seen any of these?



Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/12 12:04 AM

Rollie Pollies/Doodle Bugs/Pill Bugs...whatever name you call them, they are a menace. They have apparently morphed into something that is not only attacking decaying matter.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/12 02:13 AM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Originally Posted By: bill oxner
Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Originally Posted By: Roddy 69r
How or what to use to get rid of the horn worm from the tomatoe plants?


Two fingers and a foot.


Or Thuricide. Google it!


or dipel dust


Bt (Bacillis Thuringiensis) works great too

Posted By: texomaspecial

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/12 02:17 AM

I bought 3 jalapeno plants and a 40 in by 10in planter. The jalapenos were about 8 to 10 inch plants. I followed the directions and planted. The leaves are turning pale/silver. The stems are turning black. What could be the cause.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/12 05:32 PM

Been trying to figure out how to put up a trellis for the blackberries and finally put in the best I could come up with it's on both sides of fence





Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/12 09:28 PM

Originally Posted By: texomaspecial
I bought 3 jalapeno plants and a 40 in by 10in planter. The jalapenos were about 8 to 10 inch plants. I followed the directions and planted. The leaves are turning pale/silver. The stems are turning black. What could be the cause.


Could you post a picture ?

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/12 09:33 PM

Works for me . Are those thornless ? I remember looking like a pincushion every summer at both grandfathers' farms.

When do you prune yours ?


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/12 09:43 PM

Is it too hot for turnip greens now ? I've had trouble getting them over an inch high this year .

I had a nice crop growing in some planters around the end of March but they just shriveled up . Those in the garden did the same a week ago. I don't think it's the seeds because they germinate fine and I've used this variety for years.

I do have cotton-tails around but they've never bothered them in the past. Besides , the planters were too tall for anything short of a pole-vaulting rabbit.


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/12 12:08 AM

Eat your hearts out, boys. Fresh Habaneros. wink


The date on the pic is wrong. Freakin' camera.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/12 02:38 PM

The closest one in the pic is thorn less and it doesn't do squat just a couple small berries I put it in just to see what it would do and I'll let the other ones take over and weed the thorn less out. After all the berries are gone I prune back all the canes that had berries. Every spring/summer they put out new big canes and once they get about 4' tall I cut them which will get them to produce more lateral shoots.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/12 10:30 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
The closest one in the pic is thorn less and it doesn't do squat just a couple small berries I put it in just to see what it would do and I'll let the other ones take over and weed the thorn less out. After all the berries are gone I prune back all the canes that had berries. Every spring/summer they put out new big canes and once they get about 4' tall I cut them which will get them to produce more lateral shoots.


So you're "topping" the canes before they set fruit or waiting until after the harvest ?
I'm suprised your thornless didn't do well. I planted 4 3 years ago and the 2nd year was great. Last year , not so much. Maybe thorned and thornless don't cross-pollinate as well ?


Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/12 12:38 AM

I'm topping the new canes that come up from the ground each spring that won't have fruit until the following year. After all the berries are gone early summer I cut each little shoot back that had berries on it, when I'm done there isn't any sign that it had berries. This year has been exceptionally good!

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/12 04:27 PM

Today's harvest



My tomatoes are so close, I have at least 500 on the vine but they aren't maturing fast enough for me. I want to start canning.

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/12 07:51 PM

I may put up some salsa tomorrow. I've given away around a dozen tomatoes. They do seem to slow down just before they ripen. Try boiling those green beans for 8 minutes, then stir fry them in butter, and add lemon juice.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/12 03:48 PM










Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/12 05:35 PM

Here you go. My jalapenos are really hot this year.



Posted By: Corey C. Metroplex Insurance

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/12 08:29 PM

I am not getting anything like you guys from my crops. I have crook neck squash, zukes, bell peppers and jalapeno and one cherry mater plant and one Mr. Stripey tomato plant.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/12 08:33 PM

My squash production has really been severely affected by the dang rollie pollies. I have thrown away at least 30 dang squash that were ruined by them...not to mention the bloom damages. I have the squash bugs eliminated, and apparently the rollie pollies decided that meant they could move in. bang

Posted By: Corey C. Metroplex Insurance

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/12 08:34 PM



Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/12 09:48 PM

Guess I shouldn't have waited on Easter this year. I may not get too many tomatoes. The gourds , corn , melons and chilis are doing well though.

I've got plenty of habs and pequins ( kept them in the house this winter) and it looks like I'll have a decent crop of cayenne , thai , jalapenos and those dime-sized Mexican peppers. My nephew and I are in a contest to see who can raise jolakia bhut (ghost) chilis. He's ground-planting in Hot Springs and I'm using containers.


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/12 09:53 PM

Anybody ever grow squash on a fence ? I've done watermelon , cantalope , gourds and cukes.

Posted By: MattBU

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 01:24 PM

After going through this thread for the past month or two I finally got around to trying my hand at this as well. I finished my raised bed last night. At the very least it was an interesting learning experience. It didn't quite turn out like I had hoped, but I guess it will do for my first time trying anything like this. I somehow ended up 3 extra stones, wasn't able to stagger the stones because of poor planning, and ended up being more expensive than I originally thought. Here are some pictures to show how it turned out.


tomatoes, jalapenos, red bells, strawberries, okra and a squash plant


I probably planted too much stuff in here, but I guess we'll see.


Here are my original pots that started it all. A few herbs, green beans, small tomatoes and some peppers.


What I've gotten out of the pots so far. The peppers are poblano.

Anyways, it's been a fun little project that I finally had the time to finished. I'm sure it will all burn up by the end of July!

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 01:31 PM

Looks good Matt.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 01:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Anybody ever grow squash on a fence ? I've done watermelon , cantalope , gourds and cukes.


I've tried on a cattle panel. Works pretty good if you can keep the birds/animals away from them.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 02:16 PM

I added 2 squash and 1 zucchini.

progress....



Posted By: Lannie Robertson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 03:19 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Anybody ever grow squash on a fence ? I've done watermelon , cantalope , gourds and cukes.


I've tried on a cattle panel. Works pretty good if you can keep the birds/animals away from them.


My mom and dad used to have squash climbing.Make a scare crow to keep the birds out.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 04:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Lannie Robertson
Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Anybody ever grow squash on a fence ? I've done watermelon , cantalope , gourds and cukes.


I've tried on a cattle panel. Works pretty good if you can keep the birds/animals away from them.


My mom and dad used to have squash climbing.Make a scare crow to keep the birds out.


I have a couple of plastic owls and a 12 gauge, although that subject came up yesterday. I'll see if I can get to that project soon.

Todays harvest.





Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 04:57 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
My squash production has really been severely affected by the dang rollie pollies. I have thrown away at least 30 dang squash that were ruined by them...not to mention the bloom damages. I have the squash bugs eliminated, and apparently the rollie pollies decided that meant they could move in. bang


What did you do to get rid of the squash bugs?

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 09:51 PM

Shoot, that looks good, Matt. thumb It ain't gonna rot and you can always shade it .

I sectioned off part of the back yard this year for a garden and thinking about doing raised beds in there with 8' posts and cedar planks. I'm going to leave the posts tall so they'll provide a framework for shading / netting / drip irrigation.


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 09:59 PM

When the harvest is finished be sure and let the chickens in there. They'll eat any bugs left as well as cultivate and fertilize for next year. wink

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 10:03 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
My squash production has really been severely affected by the dang rollie pollies. I have thrown away at least 30 dang squash that were ruined by them...not to mention the bloom damages. I have the squash bugs eliminated, and apparently the rollie pollies decided that meant they could move in. bang


Do you mulch heavily around the squash ? Rollies tend to congregate in there .

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/12 10:17 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Anybody ever grow squash on a fence ? I've done watermelon , cantalope , gourds and cukes.


I've tried on a cattle panel. Works pretty good if you can keep the birds/animals away from them.


I've never had a problem with anything eating my squash or anything grown on the fence but I was having fits with a virus that makes yellow crook-neck all green and bumpy. I switched to buying an organic variety and I've been mutant-free for a couple of years now.

Btw, Payne, I've got around 600' of chain-link . It may not be the best looking fence but it's great for anything that vines. cheers


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/12 01:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
My squash production has really been severely affected by the dang rollie pollies. I have thrown away at least 30 dang squash that were ruined by them...not to mention the bloom damages. I have the squash bugs eliminated, and apparently the rollie pollies decided that meant they could move in. bang


Do you mulch heavily around the squash ? Rollies tend to congregate in there .
No.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/12 01:11 AM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
My squash production has really been severely affected by the dang rollie pollies. I have thrown away at least 30 dang squash that were ruined by them...not to mention the bloom damages. I have the squash bugs eliminated, and apparently the rollie pollies decided that meant they could move in. bang


What did you do to get rid of the squash bugs?
As soon as I water, I look for the mature bugs to pop out. I then grab them, take them to the rock steps and introduce my boot to their body/head. I also go over my plants, by that I mean look under their leaves, for little brown eggs. These will be in a group. I then rip that part of the leaf out and put them in a ziplock bag and smash them before tossing them. I HATE squash bugs. If you can get the first two generations, there won't be a third, or forth, or so on...Takes several weeks, but it will help in the upcoming years.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/12 03:19 PM

Today's harvest...



Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/12 03:54 PM

Looks as if you have the makings of a good marinated salad, or squash fritters. Are your cucumbers sweet this year. Mine were bitter last year, but fine this year.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/12 05:22 PM

Yep. My cucumbers are usually very sweet and this year is no exception...thus far.

Posted By: craigo

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/12 07:04 PM

I've got an awesome looking cucumber vine growing. Problem is I just picked 1 great looking cucumber and the others aren't pollinating. There are NO male blooms anywhere on the plant. I went down every single flower this morning... 28 blooms, all female. What's up?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/12 09:04 PM

I am not sure. I've had that happen with squash before...except they were all male and no females. I have found that allowing cucumber plants to go along the ground instead of climbing increases production.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/12 01:59 PM

Cukes are looking pretty good so far. I canned 2 qts of pickles last Friday and have about another qt hanging on the vine almost ready for picking. As mentioned above, I am loaded with blooms too. Some seem to be setting, others, not so much. I have mine climbing. I also have a lot of green bean plants, probably 30 plants loaded with blooms and some small (1" long) beans hanging on them. Everything is looking okay right now if the tomatoes will set. The plants are huge with only 15-20 blooms in all right now (4 plants). Bell peppers have blooms as does jalapenos. I've already picked some jalapenos and they were good, not too hot really.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/12 02:15 PM

My cucumber plants have little dried spots polka dotted on the leafs, anyone know what causes this?

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/12 02:54 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
My cucumber plants have little dried spots polka dotted on the leafs, anyone know what causes this?


http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/publications/cucurbitproblemsolver/leaf/

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/12 02:57 PM

Still waiting on the tomatoes to ripen, cherrys are starting to produced daily. My cukes got ate by the peacocks. May have to get another frezzer for the squash: }




Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/12 06:22 PM

Make squash fritters and freeze them.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/12 10:27 PM

Payne : you got peacocks ? Some friends of my parents kept them for years . Beautiful birds but all their cars' side mirrors were pecked out. rolfmao

Is it safe to put gopher poison in the garden ? I lost one tomato and one habanero plant this week.
realmad

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/12 10:31 PM

You can also air-dry thinly sliced squash. After soaking the dried ones in water for a while , they're good for casserole and stew / soup.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 12:15 AM

I have 9 peafowl, 7 India blue and 2 white. I'll post a pic when I'm on a computer. I have a food saver and have been frezzing them. The compost I put in has made production outstanding.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 12:17 AM

I wouldn't put any poison in my garden , I'd rather lose a plant.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 01:42 AM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
I have 9 peafowl, 7 India blue and 2 white. I'll post a pic when I'm on a computer. I have a food saver and have been frezzing them. The compost I put in has made production outstanding.


Wow. You must have a big freezer for all those peafowl. Sorry, couldn't resist. rolfmao

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 01:48 AM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
I wouldn't put any poison in my garden , I'd rather lose a plant.


Agreed . I don't like to use any chemicals but I was kind of PO about the habanero. I've never had pocket gophers destroy anything other than a miniature rose .

Guess I'll put a blind up and sit out there with the 12 gauge.
thumb

Posted By: Roddy69r

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 01:08 PM

Will peaches ripen if they are picked green,the birds are having a field Day!!!

Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 01:36 PM

My squash plants are loaded this year but alot of them are turning a dark orange as they mature. Anybody know why and are they any good to eat like that? Thanks for any info

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 01:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Payne : you got peacocks ?









This is when they were a month old



Here they are a minute ago





Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 01:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Roddy 69r
Will peaches ripen if they are picked green,the birds are having a field Day!!!


They won't ripen any more off the tree. If you got a dog tie him to the tree : )

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 01:55 PM

Originally Posted By: DJB
My squash plants are loaded this year but alot of them are turning a dark orange as they mature. Anybody know why and are they any good to eat like that? Thanks for any info


You might be over watering them. I haven't ate any of my orange squash, I don't like the looks of them so I feed them to the animals around here.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 09:16 PM

Cooooool ! Do you coop them up at night ? The coyotes around here would have a field day. Do you have to keep them in a barn during the winter ?

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/12 09:19 PM

Originally Posted By: Roddy 69r
Will peaches ripen if they are picked green,the birds are having a field Day!!!


Hang a couple of old cds in the tree or get some bird netting.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 01:47 PM

They are free range. They sleep in the trees, haven't lost one yet.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 02:26 PM

My daughter(Zo) and I got chosen to be in D magazine this month for an article about Backyard Chickens
http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/D_Magazine/2012/June/Backyard_Chickens.aspx

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 02:39 PM

Very cool, Damon.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 02:45 PM

Sad I know...



What is wrong with this tomato? The one next to it looks A+.



Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 02:46 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
My daughter(Zo) and I got chosen to be in D magazine this month for an article about Backyard Chickens
http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/D_Magazine/2012/June/Backyard_Chickens.aspx


Thats awesome right there.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 03:13 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Sad I know...



What is wrong with this tomato? The one next to it looks A+.

What's wrong with the one you're caressing? Looks fine. The one that is funky, and to the right of the tomato (as I see it on my screen) is possibly a merged tomato...or just a genetic flaw. If that clump is one tomato, and it's a hybrid, it's a genetic flaw...

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 03:25 PM

The one on the right is the one I was talking about. The rest look pretty awesome.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 03:26 PM

AdvTX your coop is amazing, love your whole setup.


Todays



Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 03:59 PM

Payne you're getting some amazing harvest. A friend recently gave me some of those little plums and they're awesome, it's also cool to see the grapes.

Thank y'all for the compliments it's been fun putting it all together and now I need more space!

Zo is starting to sell eggs in the hood.

Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 07:55 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
AdvTX your coop is amazing, love your whole setup.


Todays

Nice haul! thumb

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 10:26 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF
They are free range. They sleep in the trees, haven't lost one yet.


Figured they were a bit big for a hawk or owl ( unlike my former guineas ) . So they do ok in the cold ?

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/12 10:29 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
The one on the right is the one I was talking about. The rest look pretty awesome.


Don't feel bad . I had some last year that were almost pornographic. rolfmao

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/12 08:12 PM

You're harvest is pretty awesome Payne. I'll be there one day I hope. Lord knows I have a lot of work to do to get there though.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/12 11:19 PM

Friday's Harvest...



Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/12 12:14 AM

I only plant slicer size tomatoes. I like for one slice to cover my whole sandwich.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/12 12:26 AM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
I only plant slicer size tomatoes. I like for one slice to cover my whole sandwich.
My mom, sisters and neighbors love the cherries. I don't even plant them, I have about 15 volunteer cherry and plum sized tomato plants.

Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/12 04:31 AM

Had squash patties tonight with fresh sand bass... Yummy!

Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/12 12:12 PM

Originally Posted By: kodys'papa
Had squash patties tonight with fresh sand bass... Yummy!


I've made them 3 times, and changed my recipe each time. It could still use some tweeking. I used squash, microwaved potatoes, onions, flour, meal, eggs, and baking powder in the food chopper. How did you make yours?

Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/12 02:06 AM

Today's harvest....





Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/12 01:22 PM

Squash patties
3cups raw grated squash
1 egg beaten
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp oil
2 tbsp sweet or hot pepper
1 cup flour
3/4 cup sweet milk
1 tsp sugar
1 medium onion chopped

Mix all well, should be fairly thick, dip by spoon into hot grease and fry until golden brown

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/12 02:27 PM

Speaking of making pickles, let's talk brine solutiuons for dill pickles. I can usually only find 5% vinegar in local stores but my Mom manages to find 9% vinegar in her area (lives in the country so the store there caters to the local farmers who do more canning/pickling). The recipe my Grandpa passed down calls for using the 9% vinegar in a 3:1 ration (water to vinegar respectively). If your only able to find the 5% vinegar in your area, what ratio are you using? 2:1? 1:1? I've still got enough of the 9% to get by for a while but will probably run out before the cukes stop making so I might have to alter the recipe for the lower concentrated vinegar. Comments? Ideas?

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/12 02:48 PM

this is our 6th year to have Rudbeckia(black eyed susans) we planted 1 package of seeds back then and these are the ones that we allowed to stay this year. If anyone has a field or a large area they would want some wildflowers I would recommend them and if you live in Dallas you can come get all the seeds you want in 2 months.

The reason for the post is we haven't ever seen 1 like this 1

We're going to plant these and see what happens

Posted By: me and the boys

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/12 05:34 PM

here is a tomato question,
i have 6 very healthy looking tomato plants, only one is producing, why?

it keeps on kicking out nice size tomatoes but all are green and none have ripened yet why?
also how do i treat my cantalope and watermelons to get them growing?

thanks in advance

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/12 05:38 PM

As to the tomatoes, each variety ripens at a different time. I would need to know which variety. As to why one is producing, spank the other ones...this week. Most varieties have to have daytime temps below 90 in order to have the fruit set. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until this fall to have a good crop.

With the watermelons, do you mean the plants or the fruit? If they aren't setting fruit, then you can get a fine paint brush and pollinate the flowers yourself. You would rub the brush on the male flower (without a baby watermelon or cantaloupe) and rub it into the female flower... If you mean the plants, they need water, lots of water, sandy soil and fertilizer.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/12 06:11 PM

Yup, the high daytime temps are keeping a lot of tomatoes from setting, mine too. Lots of blooms but that's it. I shake them every day but still nothing. Hopefully the lower night and day temps this week will get some to set. If not, I'll just try to keep them alive till Fall. I seem to always have much better tomatoes in the Fall anyway and they will go good for 2-3 months.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/12 06:14 PM

Oh, I grew Early Girls this year. Been doing Romas with good luck the past few years till about mid-June and great in the Fall but decided to change varieties and see what would happen. So far, it looks like I should have stuck with the Romas, lol. Is there any tomatoe variety that will continue to produce well throughout the summer?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/12 06:20 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Oh, I grew Early Girls this year. Been doing Romas with good luck the past few years till about mid-June and great in the Fall but decided to change varieties and see what would happen. So far, it looks like I should have stuck with the Romas, lol. Is there any tomatoe variety that will continue to produce well throughout the summer?
Yes, the Heatwave...it's another hybrid variety.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/12 06:45 PM

Thanks. I'll get some of those seeds later in the Fall when I get ready to start my seed garden in the house. Reading up on those, they seem to be really heat and pest resistant while supplying a lot of fruit. Might as well try 'em!

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/12 02:41 PM

I think the squash and Methley plums are about done. I already pulled two plants and started okra. The Bruce and Santa Rosa plums are starting to set.

The tomatoes are kicking in, should be a big month.

Today's



Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/12 02:44 PM

So, you are just now planting okra? By seeds or did you already make starter plants that you are transplanting? I've never tried to start okra this late in the season. My okras for the most part are knee high or so and already producing. They are loaded with 1-2 in pods so I will be picking a lot in the next few days.

By the way, I guess the tomatoes liked the cooler evenings and days this week, they are finally setting some fruit.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/12 02:48 PM

I just planted more okra where the onions had been. Did the same thing last year and had fresh okra all the way until the first freeze in November.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/12 03:26 PM

I have two planted somewhere else, I planted seeds from where I pulled the squash up.

Posted By: dbzell

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/12 09:52 PM

This grew from some seed that fell from my bird feeder. Looks like something I've seen in a garden somewhere but I can't decide what it is. Anyone???



Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/12 02:56 PM

Looks like collards to me but I'd get a professiona opinion before eating it. wink

Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/12 04:48 PM

After last years heat and my little garden did not do very well, my plants are doing great this year.

I only have 3 celebrity plants..



I planted 1 husky cherry tomato..



Here's my cucumber plant..



And when I bought this plant I thought it was a jalapeno, well it's not, it has a more round shaped pepper, anyone have a idea of what kind it is? Are they hot?



Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/12 05:53 PM

Originally Posted By: dbzell
This grew from some seed that fell from my bird feeder. Looks like something I've seen in a garden somewhere but I can't decide what it is. Anyone???



Keep watching it. It could be broccoli. Look down into the middle, and see what's in there. If there's not a bud starting soon, it's collards.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/12 07:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Kev
After last years heat and my little garden did not do very well, my plants are doing great this year.

I only have 3 celebrity plants..



I planted 1 husky cherry tomato..



Here's my cucumber plant..



And when I bought this plant I thought it was a jalapeno, well it's not, it has a more round shaped pepper, anyone have a idea of what kind it is? Are they hot?

It's most likely a Cherry Pepper...it could be sweet and mild, or hot and spicy...It could be a Pimento, but the ends are usually more pointed.

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/12 11:18 PM

don't feel bad Kev. For the second year in a row, I've bought what was labeled as one type of pepper, and is something totally different. Last year it was anaheims that turned out to be cubanelles and this year it's two serrano plants that are some variation of jalepeno.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/12 11:25 PM

I bought several zucchini plants since I was late getting the garden in...At least one has turned out to be a spaghetti squash and not zucchini.

Posted By: Corey C. Metroplex Insurance

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/12 06:57 PM

My grape tomatoes are slow to ripen, got good fruit set for about 3 weeks, but not blushing. Squash and zucchini are all small, bell peppers are blooming and can see the tiny development of peppers but they aren't growing. Jalapeos are producing but only couple a week. I am all organic, any ideas on what nute I might be missing? I firmly believe I am watering correctly, any help is appreciated. I also have a Mr. Stripey tomato plant, it is blooming but not setting, I spank em daily.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/12 07:49 PM

My guess is gypsum, but it could be nitrogen...I'm leaning towards gypsum, however. You'd want pure gypsum.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/12 10:30 PM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
don't feel bad Kev. For the second year in a row, I've bought what was labeled as one type of pepper, and is something totally different. Last year it was anaheims that turned out to be cubanelles and this year it's two serrano plants that are some variation of jalepeno.


Fyi: oregano tea is good for bronchitis. It brings the mucus up . Even better with hot chilis in it.
wink

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/12 01:20 AM

Is it too late to plant more squash? The 2 that I planted on 5/6 are doing okay. My strawberry plants died so I have 2 spots/openings available.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/12 01:28 AM

Probably...for spring. Plant again around the 17th of July for fall.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/12 01:30 AM

You may be able to get a Patty Pan type squash or Zucchini to thrive now...

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/12 01:31 AM

And if you are unfamiliar with the Patty Pan squashes, they are good when you hollow them out and stuff them and bake like a bell pepper.

Posted By: Corey C. Metroplex Insurance

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/12 08:54 PM

Tomatoes finally started blushing

Posted By: me and the boys

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/12 01:08 AM

yea my tomatoes finally started producing as wrll, It may have been the shaken they took...

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/12 09:38 PM

Here's a cardoon plant flower, first one I've ever seen I got this at Redenta's on the 50% off shelf and had no idea what it was.


This is my brussell sprout palm


This rain should help!

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/12 01:45 AM

Hey Damon, are those foxes still hanging around your hood?

Posted By: Tony from Oak Point

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/12 02:57 AM

Years ago I tasted a wild plum growing on a tree a few miles down the road and it was surprisingly good. That day I grabbed a few pits... now I have a couple of trees in my yard that produce wild plums rather well. They look a lot like cherry tomatoes and are something like a cross between a plum and a cherry.

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 01:16 AM

this weeks' haul. next cucumbers will be pulled when they are much smaller for pickling.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 01:18 AM

Awesome!

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 01:23 AM

first time to try mole` peppers. They are supposed to be hot, but really aren't at all. Should have bought a few poblano plants though. Cubanelles and anaheims are just as good i guess though.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 01:36 AM

I grew some HOT Tabasco Peppers the last couple of years. They are very prolific, but can be a pain in the rear to pick since they are so small.

It was funny, my mom and I both went through the garden on Tuesday and picked it clean, except some stuff that would take 3 or 4 days to mature. On Thursday, after the rain, I came to check on the houses...I went into the garden and I had two cucumbers over 15 inches long. I also had a zucchini squash was about 24 inches long and 10 inches around. HUGE! My watermelons even doubled and tripled in size and weight. Truly awesome!!

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 01:45 AM

I have a black diamond watermelon plant that's about 12' long now, covered in buds, but ZERO stinking melons on it.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 01:47 AM

Hmmm...I had that for a couple of weeks on mine and then all the sudden, there they were. Is it getting enough water? Watermelons take a TON of water.

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 01:53 AM

plenty of water, and I don't think it's a pollenation problem as the bees have finally found my garden and there in full force. I wish my garden was bigger, but for a total of 72sf, and two five gallon buckets, I get a pretty good haul.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 02:04 AM

hmmm I don't know what to tell you, then.

At least you're growing something. I swear, I don't understand how people can go to a grocery store and purchase 'fresh' produce without having tried something right out of the garden. It amazes me the difference in flavors...store bought tomatoes have no flavor, but dang if they aren't awesome out of the garden...same with cucumbers, egg plants, most peppers, etc.

I only have a garden the size I do because I grow food for my sisters, some older relatives and my neighbors. Otherwise, it'd be a lot smaller.

Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 02:25 AM

nothing like garden fresh tomatoes peppers and squash for me.

Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 01:44 PM

I've got about 10 tomatoes on right now, if all the flowers set fruit I'm going to be in tomatoes up to my ears.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/12 05:25 PM

Had a little help today






Posted By: dbzell

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/12 08:30 PM

I bought what I thought was some regular jalapenos from W-mart this year but they are so hot no one can eat them. I'm talking it's like the devil himself is inside each and every one. We like really hot food but these things are ridiculous! Glad I only bought 4 plants...

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/12 11:36 PM

My huskies loved to pick the watermelons off the fence. grin

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/12 11:40 PM

Originally Posted By: dbzell
I bought what I thought was some regular jalapenos from W-mart this year but they are so hot no one can eat them. I'm talking it's like the devil himself is inside each and every one. We like really hot food but these things are ridiculous! Glad I only bought 4 plants...


I got hold of some of those at Brookshire's . They were about 5" long and would set your butt on fire. I think they're from New Mexico.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/12 12:58 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I grew some HOT Tabasco Peppers the last couple of years. They are very prolific, but can be a pain in the rear to pick since they are so small.



Try pickin' these bad boys ( pequins) .


I cook fresh ones inside corn muffins or homemade biscuits . Nice little suprise in the middle. grin They're really good pickled as well
.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/12 01:00 AM

Originally Posted By: Tony from Oak Point
Years ago I tasted a wild plum growing on a tree a few miles down the road and it was surprisingly good. That day I grabbed a few pits... now I have a couple of trees in my yard that produce wild plums rather well. They look a lot like cherry tomatoes and are something like a cross between a plum and a cherry.


Are they yellow ?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/12 02:50 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I grew some HOT Tabasco Peppers the last couple of years. They are very prolific, but can be a pain in the rear to pick since they are so small.



Try pickin' these bad boys ( pequins) .


I cook fresh ones inside corn muffins or homemade biscuits . Nice little suprise in the middle. grin They're really good pickled as well
.
I've grown them...no thanks.

Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/12 06:27 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I grew some HOT Tabasco Peppers the last couple of years. They are very prolific, but can be a pain in the rear to pick since they are so small.



Try pickin' these bad boys ( pequins) .


I cook fresh ones inside corn muffins or homemade biscuits . Nice little suprise in the middle. grin They're really good pickled as well
.
I had one of those potted inside the house next to a window and it put on peppers year round for about 7 years or so.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/12 08:44 PM

I've got 2 planted in the ground and so far they come back every year. Just this morning I watched a mockingbird hop around in one and eat several of them. They're great in marinades, soups and stir-fry.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/12 02:48 PM

Been picking them in the great outdoors for years. They grow wild in a lot of areas of south Texas, especially where I deer hunted for 20+ yrs. We would pick and use them while there and also bring a jar full back home. Also found about an acre of them growing near my Mom's house east of Temple. Wild turkeys love em! I like to put them on a foil lines cookie sheet and dry them out in the oven (low temps). Put them back into a jar and use them while cooking. Crumble up one or two in your scrambled eggs or taquito, mmmm.

Posted By: curvytxfish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/12 06:27 PM

Need some input fella's, I have beautiful tomato plants with tons of blooms, and then the stem to the bloom turns yellow and falls off. I have never had this problem before, please give me some ideas how to fix it...and Thank You in advance.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/12 01:41 AM

I need some help too please.

What can I spray on my tomatoes to keep bugs off that's not a chemical? Soapy water?

Why do the bugs attack beefmasters vs cherry or romas?

Thanks yall.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/12 02:43 AM

Depends on the types of bugs...a mixture of Dawn soap and water works fairly well...

Beer works for doodle bugs, but you have to put it in jars/pans/tins have to be right at the plant to get them.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/12 02:44 AM

Originally Posted By: curvytxfish
Need some input fella's, I have beautiful tomato plants with tons of blooms, and then the stem to the bloom turns yellow and falls off. I have never had this problem before, please give me some ideas how to fix it...and Thank You in advance.
Sounds like it's lacking a nutrient...probably gypsum.

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/12 02:21 PM

We had a very bad hail storm in E dallas, ripped the garden up bad and broke branches off several of my favorite little trees. It looks like fall outside except all the leaves are green. We have a old sunroom add on and it put 12 holes in the skylights(plastic)

NO FUN

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/12 02:39 PM

Dang, that sounds horrible...I'm very sorry y'all are going through that.

Posted By: EN591

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/12 01:07 AM

Have any of you tried a plastic owl to keep birds out of the garden? I have some birds who keep picking at my red tomatoes and someone suggested an owl as a deterrent. Just wondered if that was good advice.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/12 01:33 AM

Originally Posted By: EN591
Have any of you tried a plastic owl to keep birds out of the garden? I have some birds who keep picking at my red tomatoes and someone suggested an owl as a deterrent. Just wondered if that was good advice.


Never tried the owls but a rubber snake can work wonders.
thumb

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/12 02:03 AM

Originally Posted By: EN591
Have any of you tried a plastic owl to keep birds out of the garden?


I have a couple hanging near the garden, they may or may not work. I think they do, I have minimal loss in the garden but the fruit trees are a different story.



Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/12 02:14 AM

Had a good time on Friday.











Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/12 02:38 AM

nice work payne...

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/12 12:56 PM

Has anyone ever frozen fresh green beans? I freeze fresh shelled peas every year but have never tried it with beans. Yes? No? Suggestions?

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/12 01:43 PM

Sure. When my green beans are producing well I bring them in the house, wash and dry them. Then put them into freezer bags. They will last a while like that but it's definitely not the same as canning as far as shelf life is concerned. Got a couple of quart bags of them sitting in the freezer right now.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/12 02:26 PM

Blanche them first, then freeze them...If you don't have a vacuum sealer, just stick a straw in the bag and suck out the air as you're zipping it shut.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/12 02:51 PM

Happy to say that I canned my 8th qt of dill pickles last night! Kids are happy. Tomatoes finally setting too. Really nice bell peppers on all plants, almost baseball sized. Okar plants are taking off and producing well now. Jalapenos are weird. I picked a few off of 2 plants the other day. At one with dinner and it was bland, boring, no heat. At one last night from the same plant and it was perfect, hot but not too hot, just perfect as a side with my roasted chicken.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/12 12:19 AM

scott01 and LSS, thanks for the suggestions.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/12 07:46 PM

Finally a good harvest. The zucchini is about 12".



Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/12 08:48 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Finally a good harvest. The zucchini is about 12".

Awesome man! thumb

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/12 10:11 PM

My fig tree is starting to produce some A+ pingpong ball size figs.

The last fig jam I made sucked pretty bad.

How do yall can/process figs? We're just eating them at is right now.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/12 10:14 PM

Originally Posted By: PayneTHF





Thats an awesome picture. Your property is very nice Payne.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/12 12:53 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
My fig tree is starting to produce some A+ pingpong ball size figs.

The last fig jam I made sucked pretty bad.

How do yall can/process figs? We're just eating them at is right now.


Fig ( like pear ) preserves are made by boiling them in a heavy sugar syrup then sealing them in a hot water bath. I don't have much experience since I can't keep a fig tree alive for the life of me.

Get a "Ball's Blue Book of Canning" or do a Google. There's a lot of good sites out there.
thumb

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/12 02:11 AM

Thank you sir. I'll forward this to MrsChicken.

Keep fig preserve ideas coming please.

Thanks yall.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/12 02:27 AM

Chickenman, the harvest looks good...you on the other hand...Nah, I'll be nice. grin

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/12 03:45 PM

Anyone else have ideas for fig preserves?

We did screwed it up last year.

It might be best just to eat them as is.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/12 04:31 PM

CM, I don't have all my recipe books here...I took them to the other place for Christmas. I did find this recipe on AllRecipes.com (one of my favorite recipe sites)...


Clicky

If you PM me next week, I have to run back to Joshua to get some parts for one of the boats...I can get the cookbooks then...but you'll need to remind me.

Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/12 08:35 PM

could you dehydrate them?

Posted By: I-35 North

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/12 11:06 PM

What would cause my tomato plants to become yellow and dead looking on the bottom but healthy lush green on top? The blooms are plentiful on the top half and still producing tomatoes. I'm picking tomtoes daily.

Appreciate any insight!

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/12 11:20 PM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
could you dehydrate them?


Yes. I've dehydrated everything from Angus steaks to watermelons.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 02:10 AM

Originally Posted By: I-35 North
What would cause my tomato plants to become yellow and dead looking on the bottom but healthy lush green on top? The blooms are plentiful on the top half and still producing tomatoes. I'm picking tomtoes daily.

Appreciate any insight!
Could be too much water, not enough, a disease, etc...Most likely, it's the heat and not enough water. My main goal would be to keep the plants alive through the summer, because they will bounce back. For whatever reason, the fall harvest is always better for me when it comes to tomatoes...

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 01:38 PM

Same here LSS. I kept mine alive through last summer's heat and they started producing again in September. I'm picking tomatoes every day right now but the 100+ temps forecasted will shut them down for a while,

Posted By: Kev

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 02:10 PM

I've been waiting for 2 of my celebrities to turn red, went to pick them this morning, and something wanted them more than me. bang

Posted By: I-35 North

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 03:05 PM

Thanks for the tips

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 04:53 PM

Originally Posted By: Kev
I've been waiting for 2 of my celebrities to turn red, went to pick them this morning, and something wanted them more than me. bang


I had that problem when my neighbor decided to let his game chickens go free range ( mockingbirds like red as well) . You might try bird netting or hanging old cds with string around the perimiter. Really depends on what's eating them . The chickens weren't impressed with the cds.

Other than that , you might just need to pick 'em before they get red and set them on the windowsill to ripen.


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 05:01 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
My main goal would be to keep the plants alive through the summer, because they will bounce back. For whatever reason, the fall harvest is always better for me when it comes to tomatoes...


Will Early Girls and Better Boys make in the fall ? I've only got one of each and they haven't done squat.

Anybody having grasshopper probs ? I'm seeing the large yellow ones around 2" already. Looks like there'll be plenty of bait this summer.


Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 05:14 PM

Hoppers are gonna be a problem this year. Google dirt doctor and you can find organic controls that won't poison your garden.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 09:32 PM

Hoppers have been a plentiful this year. They prefer our sunflowers over the tomato plants for some reason though.

LSS - we found a recipe today that we're gonna stick with smile Thank you though.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 10:25 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Hoppers are gonna be a problem this year. Google dirt doctor and you can find organic controls that won't poison your garden.


I leave several patches of grass in the pasture to grow long ( learned that little trick a long time ago ) and try to encourage as many insect-eating bird species as possible to nest near the gardens / yard . I also try to keep a decent population of frogs , lizards and praying mantis around .

The hoppers don't bother much other than the four o'clocks and I like to catch whatever the birds leave for fish bait.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 10:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
My main goal would be to keep the plants alive through the summer, because they will bounce back. For whatever reason, the fall harvest is always better for me when it comes to tomatoes...


Will Early Girls and Better Boys make in the fall ? I've only got one of each and they haven't done squat.

Anybody having grasshopper probs ? I'm seeing the large yellow ones around 2" already. Looks like there'll be plenty of bait this summer.
My Early Girls did last year...I don't remember if I had Better Boys are not last year. I have some this year.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/12 10:32 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Hoppers have been a plentiful this year. They prefer our sunflowers over the tomato plants for some reason though.


Now that you mention it, some of the smaller varieties of sunflower I planted have been getting chewed on. I usually plant the "Russian Mammoths" (early) and never had a problem except for the giant mutant squash bugs that live on them.

I have no idea what's up with that . The squash bugs don't seem to be damaging the sunflowers ( or my catalpa tree ) but there's a ton of 'em on those two particular plants.


Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/12 10:57 PM

MrsChicken made some fig preserves today. Solid B- to A- but the jury is still out. Not bad and its damn sure better than my attempts. Figs are still coming in strong too.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/12 01:20 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
MrsChicken made some fig preserves today. Solid B- to A- but the jury is still out. Not bad and its damn sure better than my attempts. Figs are still coming in strong too.


Add a dash of cinnamon to each jar and let 'em set for 2-6 months ( just like salsa ).

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/12 04:12 PM

woke up this morning to water and had 5! big racoons and a trail of torn up corn.....How am I going to get rid of these dudes?

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/12 04:26 PM

.22 cal works

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/12 05:05 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
woke up this morning to water and had 5! big racoons and a trail of torn up corn.....How am I going to get rid of these dudes?


They are easy to trap

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/12 05:20 PM

you mean with 1 of those live trap rectangle cages?

I need to get them to WRL

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/12 05:34 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
you mean with 1 of those live trap rectangle cages?

I need to get them to WRL



Yes. Havahart traps.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/12 05:36 PM

Also, you can check with your local animal control center and most will have live traps to let you borrow. I know in Bedford they have them and I have used them before.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/12 01:15 PM

I lost all my chickens to coons last summer. I trapped and shot a coon everyday for three weeks. I used a havahart and dry dog food for bait. They're pretty easy to trap.

Posted By: TXST-JAKE

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/12 12:18 AM

This may have already been posted here, and I apologize if it has. How do you get your jalepenoes to get hot? Every jalepeno I have gotten from then garden have looked great, but are mild as a bell pepper. The habeneros are like what a normal jalepeno is. I love spicy food, and am on the low carb diet, so peppers are a must for a sandwich. It's kinda disapointing. How do you get them to be hot?

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/12 12:34 AM

Don't buy the "tam" jalapenos . They're genetically altered to be less hot than the originals. I've found that hot peppers need hotter temperatures to get the "bite". My habaneros aren't all that hot until the last of July or early August.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/12 12:46 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Don't buy the "tam" jalapenos . They're genetically altered to be less hot than the originals. I've found that hot peppers need hotter temperatures to get the "bite". My habaneros aren't all that hot until the last of July or early August.
Yes, this is correct...also, allowing a couple of days with less watering before picking will help some...It seems some peppers just aren't as hot the last few years. Now, I have some dang hot peppers this year, but that's not usually the case. The Mucho Nacho Jalapenos tend to get hotter for me than the regular Jalapenos. Also, when you get peppers from a known hot Jalapeno variety, if you have striations on them, they are usually hotter.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/12 12:47 AM

Also, there is a variety called Fooled Ya (or some variation of that spelling) and they are not hot at all. They look, smell and taste like Jalapenos, but they do not have any heat. We grow them for a lot of my family members that like fried Jalapenos, but not the heat.

Posted By: TXST-JAKE

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/12 04:34 PM

Oh okay. I will check out the seeds I'm planting. And will water them less as they turn dark green. Thanks guys.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/12 10:08 PM

I'll have to post pics of the "diamante" ( diamond) Mexican chilis I grew this year. They look like Thai "dragons" but the plant is about 4' and they rival habaneros for the kick.

I read that A&M was working on a no-heat habanero.

Blasphemy !
sarcastic

Posted By: dbzell

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/26/12 11:29 PM

What are these weeds that constantly come back all over everywhere? Is there any way to kill it for good or is it blowing in? Gets in flower beds, pots anywhere there is soil. If you let it go it eventually grows outward into a huge circle weed.





Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/12 09:40 PM

That bottom picture had me thinking it was Chamberbitter, but that top one is different. Pulling it by the root will work...I've actually had very good luck with Scott's Weed and Feed, but in the purple and white bag...

Posted By: dbzell

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/12 09:44 PM

It is two different but similar weeds. They are easy to pull by the root. I am just curious how they keep coming back. Seeds in the wind I guess.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/12 09:50 PM

Are you getting the tap root? There are some weeds, nutsedge comes to mind...If you don't get the whole root, that's a problem. If it is Commonbitter, then there will be little nut like things on the underside of the leaves...those are the seeds and that's how it's spreading.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/12 09:51 PM

Any pre-emergent for broad leaf weeds should take care of it. They are usually more active in the heat of summer, so you can do the pre-emergent in the spring.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/12 10:19 PM

A propane torch works pretty well. thumb

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/12 10:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
A propane torch works pretty well. thumb
I keep meaning to order one and then, when I'm on the site, forget. bang

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/12 10:38 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: Siberman
A propane torch works pretty well. thumb
I keep meaning to order one and then, when I'm on the site, forget. bang


I like the heck outta mine. It uses the small green canisters and is roughly the size of a (walking) cane. Great for weeding , starting the fireplace , etc .

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/12 10:51 PM

Cool! thumb

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/19/12 02:00 PM

Anybody else having their tomato plants regenerate? Mine have started to green up and have almost fully recovered. I sure hope they do well for a fall crop.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/19/12 09:00 PM

The Celebrities I bought as a six-pack are doing a lot better than any of the one-gallon Beefsteak , Early Girl , etc. Of course , they did have the advantage of being planted over sand bass and I've been blessed as far as rain goes this year.

Haven't had any flowers lately but the plants are doing quite well.


Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/24/12 02:34 AM

My maters have greened up to and are looking like new.

Anybody wanna recommend a good bean/vine to start on a fence for fall-early winter pickings??

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/24/12 03:12 AM

I wish I knew, RDL. I have never had good luck with beans. Snow Peas do well for me in the spring, and should be okay for the fall.

Posted By: Gonzz

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/01/12 11:18 PM

Where can I buy the wide green beans in dfw? Just like they serve at spring creek BBQ.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/02/12 02:07 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I wish I knew, RDL. I have never had good luck with beans. Snow Peas do well for me in the spring, and should be okay for the fall.


Try Roma 2 bush beans. You can plant them this week.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/03/12 02:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Gonzz
Where can I buy the wide green beans in dfw? Just like they serve at spring creek BBQ.
Wide green beans? I'm thinking you might be talking about Italian Green beans...Not sure where you can buy them fresh, but you can get canned ones at most grocery stores.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/03/12 02:17 PM

If you're talking about the plants, I haven't seen any seeds or plants for those at the gardening centers...then again, I don't plant beans, because I haven't had good luck...wrong type of soil.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/03/12 02:40 PM

I planted Blue Lake green beans and purple hull peas several weeks ago. Both are doing well. All of the tomato plants have greened up and are blooming. All of the pepper plants have blooms except the ghost peppers. The fall crop of lettuce, collard and mustard greens have broken through the soil. My okra is about six foot tall and doing great. Can't wait for some cooler weather. Sure could stand some rain.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/12 04:07 PM

Okra has gone wild the past few weeks, now about 4t tall, some taller. Picking about 1/2 gallon bag full every day. Tomatoes look great, they survived summer okay, new growth popping up too. But, also some dead looking limbs/leaves. Blooms all over the tomatoes, hopefully this cooler weather will get them to set again. If so, I'll be loaded up this Fall. Also replanted a bunch of cukes. Have about 30 plants up now, about 6"-8" tall. Hope to can a bunch more pickles. Bell peppers are loaded with blooms too and about 10 nice sized peppers on them now. Some as little as marbles up to almost fist-sized. Things are looking good!
Posted By: Denton Pond Jumper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/11/12 12:12 PM

Well I just found this thread and all can see I am going to enjoy it.
I moved to Denton Tx about a year and a half ago from Denver.
I have enjoyed the planting of the garden hear but the heat seems to take it out.
I read that one can plant NOW is it true?. I would love to try. I plan on tilling the garden this week with some good old Chicken stuff from the chicken pen. My Pickles did good this year and my Tomatoes did to but the grass hoppers got to them and them tomato worms to I am sure .
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/11/12 03:09 PM

There are some things you could plant, like peas and maybe some of the leafy vegetables. As far north as you are, however, I'd probably wait on everything else.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/20/12 04:42 PM

Man, my bell peppers have gone absolutely crazy. I only have 4 plants but one of them has 11 peppers on it! The other 3 plants have 4-5 each. Loving it. However, my tomatoe plants, despite surviving the summer and putting on new growth, just don't want to set blooms. There are blooms on them but none have set yet since the cooler weather rolled in. I've tried shaking them but nothing yet. I'll let them roll along and see what happens. Replanted cuke sees a couple of weeks ago and they are already 1 ft tall and starting to vine, climb, so I see pickles on the horizon again. Also, okra continue to do well. I've picked a bunch in the past months, a few gallon bags full in the freezer not counting what we have eaten! I have about 25 plants or so and most are 3'-4' tall and look great so hopefully they will continue to produce till the 1st frost. Lastly, my jalapenos look great, tall (about 2 1/2'-3') but they are aren't really setting a lot either. Lots of blooms and only a few jalapenos growing. Sure would like to see them do something (dang grasshoppers ate a bunch of leaves but they are fine now). Gonna have to try a different jalapeno seed next year, these have been disappointing. Plants have grown tall, green, leafy but not a lot of peppers to speak of and the ones that did grow were not even close to hot. Looks like maybe serranos next year for me.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/20/12 10:20 PM

Somewhen on this thread wink I had a big pretty serrano plant but it never even bloomed. I think the enemy is infiltrating our chili supply. ninja

My japs were ok this year ( although a bit small) but the small thais , pequins and habs almost set the place on fire. flame

If you can find a "diamante" (diamond chili from Mexico : about 1" and pyramid-shaped) give 'em a try. They're a little slow to get going but they're close to habs as far as heat index .

Think I'm going to try Ghost chilis next year .
Posted By: Roddy69r

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/21/12 01:54 PM

Siberman
Where can you find Ghost chile peppers seeds or plants?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/21/12 02:06 PM

I bought ghost pepper plants at Home Depot back in the spring.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/21/12 02:28 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Man, my bell peppers have gone absolutely crazy. I only have 4 plants but one of them has 11 peppers on it! The other 3 plants have 4-5 each. Loving it. However, my tomatoe plants, despite surviving the summer and putting on new growth, just don't want to set blooms. There are blooms on them but none have set yet since the cooler weather rolled in. I've tried shaking them but nothing yet. I'll let them roll along and see what happens. Replanted cuke sees a couple of weeks ago and they are already 1 ft tall and starting to vine, climb, so I see pickles on the horizon again. Also, okra continue to do well. I've picked a bunch in the past months, a few gallon bags full in the freezer not counting what we have eaten! I have about 25 plants or so and most are 3'-4' tall and look great so hopefully they will continue to produce till the 1st frost. Lastly, my jalapenos look great, tall (about 2 1/2'-3') but they are aren't really setting a lot either. Lots of blooms and only a few jalapenos growing. Sure would like to see them do something (dang grasshoppers ate a bunch of leaves but they are fine now). Gonna have to try a different jalapeno seed next year, these have been disappointing. Plants have grown tall, green, leafy but not a lot of peppers to speak of and the ones that did grow were not even close to hot. Looks like maybe serranos next year for me.
Keep on shaking them...it's the fluctuating temps from very hot to cool. They'll set.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/21/12 10:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Roddy 69r
Siberman
Where can you find Ghost chile peppers seeds or plants?


I found them but I lost the addy . Do a Google for "jolakia bhut" plants . There are several vendors in the US.
I had a friend send me some dried ones a few years ago but I never could get the seeds to germinate. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do with a good crop of them . Everybody around here's scared of 'em. bolt One fresh jolakia would probably make a gallon of good hot salsa. I can't imagine eating one ( and I can chew up some habs) .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/21/12 10:06 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Keep on shaking them...it's the fluctuating temps from very hot to cool. They'll set.


Mine haven't even flowered yet but I still have blooms on all the chilis.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/02/12 08:06 PM



Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kohlrabi and a few Tomatoes. Still have Okra, Jalapeno and Cayenne producing.



Planted 26 roses also, took the cuttings last February.
Posted By: Roddy69r

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/12 02:24 PM

PayneTHF
How do you get your rosecuttings to root?
does that work on other types of trees?
Posted By: ez_4_u00

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/12 08:46 PM

Guys I have a earth way garden seeder for sale with all the plates never used. $60
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/12 08:58 PM

Roddy,

When they are dormant in the winter. You prune rose bushes then take a cutting below a node, about six inches. Take the cutting and dip it in a root hormone. I put the cutting in a clear solo cup and keep them warm and moist through the winter. I put three cuttings per cup.

When they are bigger I transplant them into bigger pots with rose soil. Keep them in the sun and watered through the summer. I wait until it cools down in the fall. Then I plant them in the ground with a slow release fertilizer after a good rain.


You can do it to many trees, flowers and plants, google propagating.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/04/12 12:25 AM

Tons of peppers, and tomatoes are fruiting out again. I hope the first frost holds out long enough to get some good ones.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/04/12 12:59 AM

You and me both, JD.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/04/12 07:21 PM

My okra is seven feet tall right now and about three inches in diameter at the base. It's gonna be like digging a tree out when we get a freeze.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/12 10:34 AM

Yep. That's how mine used to get when I had it at the other house. I had some that were almost 10 feet tall...and yes, it's like digging up a tree.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/18/12 07:31 PM

I seeded some kale and swiss chard yesterday, makes for great salad fixings in the winter.
Posted By: Dan90210 ☮

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/20/12 10:01 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
I seeded some kale and swiss chard yesterday, makes for great salad fixings in the winter.


Hey thats cool. I am sure its on this thread someplace but what else is good to plant now if I want something to eat from the garden this winter??

I just cleared my ladies "flower beds" today (over run weed boxes that she dropped potted flowers into in May then walked away from lol) bless her heart

I need some tips on what to try out. They are pretty small have two 5x10 areas to work with
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/20/12 11:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Dan702
Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
I seeded some kale and swiss chard yesterday, makes for great salad fixings in the winter.


Hey thats cool. I am sure its on this thread someplace but what else is good to plant now if I want something to eat from the garden this winter??

I just cleared my ladies "flower beds" today (over run weed boxes that she dropped potted flowers into in May then walked away from lol) bless her heart

I need some tips on what to try out. They are pretty small have two 5x10 areas to work with


Turnip greens ,radish , kale , maybe some fast-growing lettuce or cabbage . It really depends on how soon winter hits . We haven't had a real winter for a few years but you never know . Be prepared with some covering just in case we have a streak of 20 degree weather.
Posted By: Dan90210 ☮

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/20/12 11:48 PM

Sorry I am rookie.. Start these from seed or?? Where Can I find these? I was Home Depot today and they had nothing like that.

I apprecaite the help.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/12 01:17 AM

Originally Posted By: Dan702
Sorry I am rookie.. Start these from seed or?? Where Can I find these? I was Home Depot today and they had nothing like that.

I apprecaite the help.


Marshal Grain in Grapevine has all kinds of seed. Bulk scoops, packaged....love that place.
Posted By: BHR

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/12 02:17 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Tons of peppers, and tomatoes are fruiting out again. I hope the first frost holds out long enough to get some good ones.



True, glad I kept my pepper and tomatoe plants going.....
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/12 02:38 AM

Jalapenos, eggplant and bell pepper like crazy in my small patch...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/01/12 11:42 PM

Here's a good source of heirloom seeds . They have a nice variety of chilis ( including ghosts) .

Baker Creek
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/12 05:30 PM

Here's the tomatoes I planted in my upper garden last spring - photo taken about 3-4 weeks after planting.



My plants made it through the summer heat and are still producing. I'm sure they are going to get killed by the cold nighttime weather soon, but I am still harvesting right now. These two photos are from today.



Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/12 06:17 PM

very nice crop

hope they make it through tonight...
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/12 06:43 PM

I'm covering up my plants tonight.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/12 10:13 PM

You better get to picking today JP. If it freezes out there tonight, it will be mush come morning. Nice looking garden by the way.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/12 10:40 PM

I picked everything I could today.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/12 11:09 PM

I forgot to pick before I left the lake house...oh well, I had harvested most everything a couple of weeks ago...

Looks good, JP.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/14/12 02:59 PM

I might have dodged the bullet. I covered my garden and it appears there is very minor burning on just a few plants.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/18/12 06:06 PM

Still no freeze here and eggplant bushes are going crazy...
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/29/12 04:28 PM

Does anyone know of the cold tolarance a tomatoe plant can handle in a green house and still produce?? I have blooms and dug up 2 plants from this year, potted them and put them in the greenhouse to see how they do. This my 1st try with them inside. The reason I ask is, I will let the inside temp of the green house get down to around 38-40 during the winter at night. During the daytime, temps can get up to 80 in there depending on sunlight and outside temps. I keep a small electic heater in there on a timer with thermostat, and have a wirless thermometer to monitor temps next to my recliner. smile

The Jalapenos seem to be doing great in there. Hard to see the tomatoes for they are tucked in some taller stuff.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/29/12 06:42 PM

Not sure, but my outdoor tomatoes, jalapenos and bell peppers are still doing fine. Growing a tad slow, as I would expect with the cool temps but still had 26 tomaotes on the vine this morning with 3 plants. Actually, I still have some okra producing but it has slowed way down since Thanksgiving. Probably a good thing since we already put 6 gallons bags full in the freezer not counting what we've eaten, lol.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/12 12:32 AM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Does anyone know of the cold tolarance a tomatoe plant can handle in a green house and still produce?? I have blooms and dug up 2 plants from this year, potted them and put them in the greenhouse to see how they do. This my 1st try with them inside. The reason I ask is, I will let the inside temp of the green house get down to around 38-40 during the winter at night. During the daytime, temps can get up to 80 in there depending on sunlight and outside temps. I keep a small electic heater in there on a timer with thermostat, and have a wirless thermometer to monitor temps next to my recliner. smile

The Jalapenos seem to be doing great in there. Hard to see the tomatoes for they are tucked in some taller stuff.


Jalapenos are more cold-hardy than most peppers but I've got pequins and thais in pots (sitting on a deck by a small pond) that are still surviving . My tomatoes and gourds got bit this past weekend.
I'd probably raise the night temps up to 50ish. High 30s / low 40s might be pushing it .
Posted By: Allen Ehlers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/12 02:02 AM

I just ordered six Brazos blackberry and six Rosborough blackberry plants. Any body have any experience growing blackberries in DFW? Thanks
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/12 03:25 AM

Originally Posted By: Allen Ehlers
I just ordered six Brazos blackberry and six Rosborough blackberry plants. Any body have any experience growing blackberries in DFW? Thanks


Can't think of his name but he's on this thread somewhere. He's got a niiiice garden and has laying hens as well. You might want to search my posts as I asked him about pruning blackberries.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/12 03:47 AM

Found him . Look for AdvTX. thumb
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/11/12 03:09 PM

Whelp, the maters decided they prefer warmer temps than what I offered in the greenhouse. I suspect the shock from being dug up, potted and transferred inside upset them. They had lots of blooms and new shoots at the beginning. Sunday, I checked on them and it was apparent it was time to trim them back to the new shoots. With that, I should have a good start on some tomatoe plants come spring.

The jalapenos are still producing and still look great.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/12 12:12 AM

Never too early to start. wink

I'm cutting a few small trees this winter to make space for more Martin houses. This will give about 200' of chain-link fence around 12 hours of sun during summer. I've grown cantelopes and small watermelons on the fence for years but this year I want to try a small pumpkin ( about 5 lbs. )


On the back fence I'll be growing cukes and thinking about training summer squash .

Pumpkins are a squash , right ? Think there'll be any probs with cross-pollination ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/12 12:18 AM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Whelp, the maters decided they prefer warmer temps than what I offered in the greenhouse. I suspect the shock from being dug up, potted and transferred inside upset them. They had lots of blooms and new shoots at the beginning. Sunday, I checked on them and it was apparent it was time to trim them back to the new shoots. With that, I should have a good start on some tomatoe plants come spring.

The jalapenos are still producing and still look great.


You might try the "patio" tomatoe that does well in a pot if you want to move them . If your greenhouse is big enough and has vents you could always plant the larger varieties directly in its soil and see how they do .
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/12 06:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Never too early to start. wink

I'm cutting a few small trees this winter to make space for more Martin houses. This will give about 200' of chain-link fence around 12 hours of sun during summer. I've grown cantelopes and small watermelons on the fence for years but this year I want to try a small pumpkin ( about 5 lbs. )


On the back fence I'll be growing cukes and thinking about training summer squash .

Pumpkins are a squash , right ? Think there'll be any probs with cross-pollination ?
Can be...I ended up with a Spaghetti Squash/Zucchini hybrid that way...turned out pretty darn good.
Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/12 10:04 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Here's a good source of heirloom seeds . They have a nice variety of chilis ( including ghosts) .

Baker Creek


Ordered some seeds today. We will see what happens.
Posted By: BHR

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/14/12 03:25 AM

Originally Posted By: BHR
Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
Tons of peppers, and tomatoes are fruiting out again. I hope the first frost holds out long enough to get some good ones.



True, glad I kept my pepper and tomatoe plants going.....


Update:

The tomatoes didn't make the freeze, but htat's OK, we picked tomatoes from early June until the Noveber, great year.

We had 4 kinds of peppers, planted them in March. Picked the last of them on Saturday morning. Anaheims, Pablanos, Jalapenos, and Sante Fe Giants. I picked well over a hundred peppers Saturday in anticipation of the freeze. We made Sante Fe Pork Green Chile over the weekend with the roasted peppers.

Can't wait till February when we start the seeds indoors

BHR
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/15/12 12:20 AM

Originally Posted By: Trickster
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Here's a good source of heirloom seeds . They have a nice variety of chilis ( including ghosts) .

Baker Creek


Ordered some seeds today. We will see what happens.


From what I've read , they'll need a long growing season . You'll probably want a heat source under the seed trays ( a "heat mat" sold for plants or an "under the tank" mat for keeping reptiles in aquariums ). I've had pretty good luck putting my starter trays on bricks in an aquarium , adding just enough water to reach the bottom of the trays and putting an aquarium heater in the water.

Not sure how big the plant grows but you might try potting it so you can move it indoors during cooler weather. I know my habs don't usually take off until temps reach the 80's . I've got a large hab plant in a 3 gallon pot inside right now and it's covered with fresh chilis. Keep it watered and misted frequently as central heat will dry a plant up really quick .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/15/12 12:28 AM

Thais , pequins and cayennes all got bit by the freeze this last week . I didn't have room as I moved the habs and diamantes inside. No biggie, they'll re-seed.

As soon as they're all dry I'm going to put 'em in the coffee grinder and have satan's chili powder. grin
Posted By: COFF

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/02/13 04:02 PM

Okay, so I am planning on planting some herbs in the back yard this spring. I want to start them inside and then move them out after the threat of frost is over.

Is it too early to start the seeds now?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/03/13 12:51 AM

Originally Posted By: COFF
Okay, so I am planning on planting some herbs in the back yard this spring. I want to start them inside and then move them out after the threat of frost is over.

Is it too early to start the seeds now?


Not really . Most garden herbs are quite tolerant of being root-bound . What size pot are you starting them in ? If you're germinating in the small peat disks it might be a good idea to get some larger pots ( say , 2-4" ) and transplant them when they get too crowded .

Just keep them warm and give them plenty of light and they should be fine.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/03/13 12:56 AM

If you're growing mints : keep them in a large planter or plant them where you're sure you want them. They spread quite fast .
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/03/13 01:15 AM

Anyone else loaded with Lady Bugs? I have a boat load of 'em at the lake. Odd.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/03/13 02:19 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Anyone else loaded with Lady Bugs? I have a boat load of 'em at the lake. Odd.


Sure they're not asian ladybugs ? They'll nest in your house over the winter and make a mess.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/03/13 03:51 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Anyone else loaded with Lady Bugs? I have a boat load of 'em at the lake. Odd.


Sure they're not asian ladybugs ? They'll nest in your house over the winter and make a mess.
No. I had those when we first bought the house. mad I HATE those!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/13 12:32 AM

Haven't had a lot the last couple of years but for several I was covered up in them . They're looking for a winter place and they're attracted to each others' scent.

When they start gathering , get a large receptacle with a small hole in it ( I use a cast-iron kettle) , fill it with dry leaves / grass / mulch and then collect a few handfulls of the beetles and put 'em in there. This should attract most of them and keep them out of the attic . Keep the container in a sheltered location.

When it warms up , look for any plants with aphids ( roses , some species of oak , I've even sacrificed a row of turnip greens as a " trap" crop ) and set the container there . The beetles will emerge and hopefully lay eggs near the food source. Voila ! Instant bio-control.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/13 03:05 PM

Has anyone set in seed taters or onions yet? Marshall grain has a butt load of them available now.

I've never had any luck with potatoes, would love to grow some sweet taters.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/13 11:34 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Has anyone set in seed taters or onions yet? Marshall grain has a butt load of them available now.

I've never had any luck with potatoes, would love to grow some sweet taters.


I'm setting out onions and planting turnips tomorrow. I'm going to use black plastic weed barrier for the onions as my onion beds usually require a weed-eater before they're ready to harvest. wink

I think it's still early for taters . Dig a shallow trench , plant 'em then keep hilling the soil up around them as they grow. Don't cover the leaves of the plants . This will make more roots grow and they'll produce more tubers.

I've seen those "tater bags" they sell at Lowe's and that's not a bad idea but you need to keep them out of hot sun.

If you have several old tires you can put the first one flat on the ground and fill it with soil , manure and compost along with your seed taters . As the plants grow keep adding soil, etc. and tires . When the plants start to wilt in warm weather you just remove the tires and harvest .

Don't try to grow them in constantly wet soil . They'll rot in a heartbeat and the fire ants will take over.

Never tried sweet potatoes , sorry.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/15/13 02:31 PM

I used to love planting onions, and would plant around 500...however, they take up so much space, and yield only one return, I've since stopped. If I had the right soil, I'd love to plant some taters. I am going to start some seeds indoors in the next couple of weeks. Probably start with squash and melons. I would love to do peppers and tomatoes, but the last two times have been failures, so...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/13 12:03 AM

I didn't plant the onions and greens 'cause I saw this cold front coming. Both can handle a freeze as mature plants but I didn't want to take the risk with sets / seeds .

From my experience , tomatoes and chilis need bottom heat and a LOT of light when starting from seed . I have a 24" double flourescent that adjusts from 2" to 18" high. I lower it to within 1" of the starterss and raise it as they grow. You can also use a brooder lamp ( used for chicks) with a spiral compact-flourescent bulb. If you have a south-facing window that'll work but you have to keep turning the seedlings so they don't grow lopsided.

Bottom heat is the key , though. Helps the roots grow strong. There's quite a few devices for sale but my favorite method is :

Get a smallish ( 10 to 50 gallons) aquarium.

Add about 4" of water .

Put bricks , rocks , whatever to set the seed trays on so they don't get waterlogged .

Add an adjustable submersible aquarium heater to the water . You'll have to play with the settings to get your ideal temperature and watch the water level but you can compensate for weather changes / humidity levels.

The hotter chilis really appreciate a higher temperature . I know my habaneros don't usually take off until daytime temps are in the lower 90's.
Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/20/13 10:18 PM

Onions are in the ground. We planted 5 bunchs of 1015's 2 bunch's of white ,2 bunch's of purple and 1 bunch of Vidalia's. I think there is close to 650 total. We will be eating onions come the middle of March.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/13 11:01 PM

I am truly concerned...there is a doe that hangs out during the spring in a pasture on FM 927 west. I have only seen her after the last freeze of the winter. This is how I know when it's time to plant my garden. Yesterday evening, I was driving back from Hico and there she was, grazing with the cows. I normally only see her in the mornings/early afternoons when I see her, but this was almost dark. I have weeds that shouldn't be coming up until spring, popping up. One of my cactus plants has come out of dormancy. I want to plant, but it's WAY too early, at least according to the calendar.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/13 11:29 PM

I was thinking about planting a row of tomato plants this weekend.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 12:13 AM

Too early, JP. IMO
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 12:15 AM

Originally Posted By: J.P. Greeson
I was thinking about planting a row of tomato plants this weekend.
I'm there with you, but none of the nurseries have those plants yet...at least not around here. I have had only so-so luck doing those from seeds. I will go ahead and start my squash and watermelon plants in cups and keep them on the porch, however. That way, when spring hits, they'll be good to go.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 12:17 AM

I hope you have plenty of covers . You been outside today ? OMG
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 12:37 AM

Yes...been cool, but not freezing. grin I have over 200 1 gallon milk jugs in my storage closet for such an event.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 12:46 AM

(re: the doe) I don't know , LSS . I try to have all the greens planted early and wait for the martins to show up before I plant any vines . They're a bit early this year (already in Houston / Austin) soooooooo, maybe ? Hard to figure nowadays . I waited on Easter two years ago and it was 90 degrees by mid-April.


Planted lettuce Monday. Onions, turnips, and collards this weekend. I'll start sweet corn about mid-February assuming the weather cooperates and I've run all the dang starlings off by then . ( Starlings like to pluck new corn and use it in their nests.)

Easter's March 31st. I'll probably direct-seed squash and melons the first week of March . I might put out tomatoes and chilis but I generally wait until after Easter.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 01:14 AM

Yeah. I'll be waiting because there isn't anything at the nurseries. I just find it odd that the doe was out and about. She's never out this early...I wait for her appearance with the cows before I plant. It's just been such an odd winter. However, my gut tells me we're going to have a late freeze...I live in two houses in two different counties, so I'm not sure if both will experience it, or what. One of the watermelon varieties I grow takes 100+ days before they are ready. I like to have them ready for July 4th, so, I have to get them growing by mid-March at the latest.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 04:08 AM

I'm in Richardson and this will be my first attempt at a garden. Built a 12x16ft raised bed this winter. Now have onions planed and yesterday planted tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant seeds indoors. I'm not sure the indoor seed thing is the way to go, but my 7yr old daughter is enjoying it. If they don't look like they'll turn out, there's always the nursery plants in March that will be fine. Keeping a detailed journal so hopefully I'll get better at it each year. Definitely will follow this thread to get tips and advice.

Good Gardening...gjarman
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 04:30 AM

Keep those seeds wet...and keep the bottom of the container warm.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 03:50 PM

Got everything in shape for planting the last two weekends. Here's the upper garden with onions planted. Also worked on my cucumber trellis. Will start on the tomato supports this weekend.





Lower garden prepped with onions planted.

Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 04:07 PM

Farmers' Almanac

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/gardening/

February 12th-13th Plant Peppers, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, And Other Aboveground Crops In Southern Florida, California, And Texas. Extra Good For Cucumbers, Peas, Cantaloupes, And Other Vine Crops. Set Strawberry Plants.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 04:21 PM

JP,

Above indicates Feb 12-13 is a good time for peppers, tomatoes and the like. Is the almanac refering to seeds or transplants?

Seems very early for transplants.

Thanks...Greg
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 04:51 PM

They are probably referring to South Texas, but I'm going to put transplants in the ground if I can find them.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 04:57 PM

I think I'd wait till March for this area on the tomatoes JP.

Much different climate up here in North Texas compared to the coastal areas, even that of Texas. 2cents

March 2013
1st-2nd Excellent Time For Planting Root Crops That Can Be Planted Now And For Starting Seedbeds. Good Days For Transplanting.
3rd-5th Poor Planting Days.
6th-7th Any Root Crops That Can Be Planted Now Will Do Well.
8th-10th A Barren Period, Best Suited For Killing Pests. Do Plowing And Cultivating.
11th-12th Good Days For Planting Aboveground Crops
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 05:16 PM

I think I am going to try one row of tomatoes and maybe some cucumbers. If it freezes, I can cover them.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 05:22 PM

Originally Posted By: gjarman
I'm in Richardson and this will be my first attempt at a garden. Built a 12x16ft raised bed this winter. Now have onions planed and yesterday planted tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant seeds indoors. I'm not sure the indoor seed thing is the way to go, but my 7yr old daughter is enjoying it. If they don't look like they'll turn out, there's always the nursery plants in March that will be fine. Keeping a detailed journal so hopefully I'll get better at it each year. Definitely will follow this thread to get tips and advice.

Good Gardening...gjarman



Since you have a daughter interested in it. Plant some dill somewhere in your garden. It attracts the Black Swallowtail Butterfly. They lay their eggs on the dill. You can get a butterfly cage at wallmart for $15.00 my daughters love getting the caterpillars and watching them turn into Butterflies.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...tte#Post7677311
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 08:21 PM

Derek,

Great idea, My daughter likes that kind of stuff also.

I will do that.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/13 11:45 PM

Make sure to plant extra. Once you put them in the cage you have to feed them fresh dill every day until they turn into a chrysalis. And they can eat a lot in a day. She'll love it.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/01/13 12:54 AM

Dude . That signature is creepin' me out ! eeks
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/01/13 01:01 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Make sure to plant extra. Once you put them in the cage you have to feed them fresh dill every day until they turn into a chrysalis. And they can eat a lot in a day. She'll love it.


Rue attracts the yellow swallowtails but you don't want to handle it ( can cause a rash) .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/01/13 01:51 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Derek
Make sure to plant extra. Once you put them in the cage you have to feed them fresh dill every day until they turn into a chrysalis. And they can eat a lot in a day. She'll love it.


Rue attracts the yellow swallowtails but you don't want to handle it ( can cause a rash) .


Rue can cause a rash? I'm going to plant some. Like the Yellow's. I ain't scared of no rash.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/01/13 01:59 AM

If you want a really cool caterpillar. Plant some Passion Flower vine. The Fritillary caterpillar is awesome. But I like the Passion Flower better so the cats gotta go.
Posted By: moocowmoo

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/01/13 10:16 PM

Here's a toughy. I've got a covered north facing patio. What can I put out there? I've had some sanseveria that thrive in the summer out there. I bring them in during the winter. But what else?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/13 01:46 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek

Rue can cause a rash? I'm going to plant some. Like the Yellow's. I ain't scared of no rash.


Some people are more sensitive than others. Wash your hands before you give yourself a good scratch. wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/13 01:54 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek
If you want a really cool caterpillar. Plant some Passion Flower vine. The Fritillary caterpillar is awesome. But I like the Passion Flower better so the cats gotta go.


We have those growing wild down here. I was clearing fence with my Dad once and we found one with fruit . He called it a "maypop" and ate it with gusto . Looked like a sac full of maggots to me. sick Purty flowers , though.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/13 02:00 AM

Originally Posted By: moocowmoo
Here's a toughy. I've got a covered north facing patio. What can I put out there? I've had some sanseveria that thrive in the summer out there. I bring them in during the winter. But what else?


Ficus , rubber trees , cast iron / snake/mother-in-law tongue plants , ferns , etc. do well in northern exposure . Is it really deep shade there ?
Posted By: moocowmoo

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/13 06:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: moocowmoo
Here's a toughy. I've got a covered north facing patio. What can I put out there? I've had some sanseveria that thrive in the summer out there. I bring them in during the winter. But what else?


Ficus , rubber trees , cast iron / snake/mother-in-law tongue plants , ferns , etc. do well in northern exposure . Is it really deep shade there ?
Deep shade. As in roof over head.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/13 09:58 PM

Just finished planting 300 onions. Time for a beer.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/13 01:19 AM

Originally Posted By: moocowmoo
Deep shade. As in roof over head.


All those ( as well as Impatiens and Begonias ) should do well but you'll have to put them in a south-facing window during the winter .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/13 04:55 PM

Got the onions , collards , radish and turnips planted yesterday . Picked up some bok-choy , arugula and chard this morning from Lowe's . Gonna put them in planters as they're a bit too expensive for cottontail food.

I'd like to announce that spring is officially here. Got my first mass assault by fire ants yesterday . wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/13 05:07 PM

Originally Posted By: moocowmoo
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: moocowmoo
Here's a toughy. I've got a covered north facing patio. What can I put out there? I've had some sanseveria that thrive in the summer out there. I bring them in during the winter. But what else?


Ficus , rubber trees , cast iron / snake/mother-in-law tongue plants , ferns , etc. do well in northern exposure . Is it really deep shade there ?
Deep shade. As in roof over head.


Got any water or light-colored concrete / paving stones nearby ? You could be getting more light than you think through reflection . If you really want to get into it you could always get or borrow a lux meter ( used for measuring light intensity in aquariums ) .

Don't use the African Impatiens or the dark-leafed Begonias . They need more light . wink
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/13 05:24 PM

I'm planting a Brown Turkey variety fig on the southwest side of the house today. It's a 6 footer in a 5 gallon bucket I found at Home depot on the discount cart for $8.

Also, I just made a trip to WalMart and Home Depot. Both just got shipments of tomatoe plants in. banana I picked up 4 patio and 2 husky tomatoe plants, all of them are looking very healthy.

Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/13 12:18 AM

Garden planted so far. 650 onions, 36 lettuce,18 cabbage,9 broccoli and 9 cauliflower. Now we need some rain!!!!
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/13 03:15 AM

x2 on the rain.
Posted By: Jerrybign

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/13 12:44 PM

I found this site that has some of the coolest ideas on gardening. I've been turning the dirt for about 40 years and have NEVER thought of some of these really cool ideas. Gonna try some of them this year!

http://pinterest.com/beingblessed/vegtable-gradens-great-ideas/
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/13 02:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Jerrybign
I found this site that has some of the coolest ideas on gardening. I've been turning the dirt for about 40 years and have NEVER thought of some of these really cool ideas. Gonna try some of them this year!

http://pinterest.com/beingblessed/vegtable-gradens-great-ideas/


Pretty cool stuff!

From your link. This is the coolest. I've never seen this before.

http://pinterest.com/pin/216806169533478934/
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/13 02:57 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: Jerrybign
I found this site that has some of the coolest ideas on gardening. I've been turning the dirt for about 40 years and have NEVER thought of some of these really cool ideas. Gonna try some of them this year!

http://pinterest.com/beingblessed/vegtable-gradens-great-ideas/


Pretty cool stuff!

From your link. This is the coolest. I've never seen this before.

http://pinterest.com/pin/216806169533478934/
Did you see where it was originally linked from? You could probably build it. Well, a normal person could, you...? Well, maybe you can get Toon to help ya. grin

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?266848-Made-plywood-part-for-jar-comb-honey
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/13 03:11 PM

I'm on it. I'm going to do it.

Toon wants to BBQ my bees.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/13 03:33 PM

I think that's just Toon trying to lure YOU into the pit. grin Um, BBQ'd beekeeper. food
Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/13 01:28 AM

I plant tomatoes around a buried five gallon bucket with holes around the bottom .For deep root watering.I usally put five plants around one bucket and in the heat of summer only water ever three days. I usally plant 35 tomatoe plants and last year was a bad year and still produced close to 300 lbs . Put a lid on the bucket and drill a few holes for over flow. Drill a 1"1/2 in the middle to stick a piece of 1"1'4 pvc that is about 5' long to water thru. I use 6"x6" concrete wire for a cage that is cut 10' long .That will make 3' wide cage. I plant the buckets 6' apart. So my tomatoes take up a space that is 3' wide x 42' long. And most years my plants are close to 6' to 8' tall come frost.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/07/13 02:00 AM

Originally Posted By: slim 285
I plant tomatoes around a buried five gallon bucket with holes around the bottom .For deep root watering.I usally put five plants around one bucket and in the heat of summer only water ever three days. I usally plant 35 tomatoe plants and last year was a bad year and still produced close to 300 lbs . Put a lid on the bucket and drill a few holes for over flow. Drill a 1"1/2 in the middle to stick a piece of 1"1'4 pvc that is about 5' long to water thru. I use 6"x6" concrete wire for a cage that is cut 10' long .That will make 3' wide cage. I plant the buckets 6' apart. So my tomatoes take up a space that is 3' wide x 42' long. And most years my plants are close to 6' to 8' tall come frost.


So , you're putting 5 plants per cage with the bucket in the middle , right ?
Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/07/13 02:47 AM

Yes ,plant them about 9" away from the bucket
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: slim 285
I plant tomatoes around a buried five gallon bucket with holes around the bottom .For deep root watering.I usally put five plants around one bucket and in the heat of summer only water ever three days. I usally plant 35 tomatoe plants and last year was a bad year and still produced close to 300 lbs . Put a lid on the bucket and drill a few holes for over flow. Drill a 1"1/2 in the middle to stick a piece of 1"1'4 pvc that is about 5' long to water thru. I use 6"x6" concrete wire for a cage that is cut 10' long .That will make 3' wide cage. I plant the buckets 6' apart. So my tomatoes take up a space that is 3' wide x 42' long. And most years my plants are close to 6' to 8' tall come frost.


So , you're putting 5 plants per cage with the bucket in the middle , right ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/07/13 11:49 PM

My cages are about 2' across so I think I'll try 3 plants per cage. I was gonna use 1-gallon milk jugs but I like the bucket idea .

Any problems with disease since the plants are so close together ? Fertilizer ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/13 05:13 PM

Anyone ever use the red plastic weed barrier on tomatoes ? It allegedly helps the 'maters . Just wondering if the sales talk is legit .

Picked up 3 "Early Girls" at Wal-Mart this morning . I'm gonna go ahead and plant them (against better judgement) . $3+ for 3" pots. Think I'll start seeds next year . eeks
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/13 08:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Picked up 3 "Early Girls" at Wal-Mart this morning . I'm gonna go ahead and plant them (against better judgement) . $3+ for 3" pots.


Walmart here this morning had probably 10 different varieties of Tomatoes in stock. I was kinds suprised. I didn't think they would have them for another week or two.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/13 10:18 PM

Hickory creek had a lot of tomatoes and milfs today.

I built two cedar raised beds, and repaired two more. Next weekend it's dirt work and get stuff in the ground.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/13 10:18 PM

I like the five gallon watering idea though. Going to give it a shot.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/13 12:20 AM

Originally Posted By: JDavis7873
I like the five gallon watering idea though. Going to give it a shot.
I am thinking about doing it as well...although will probably have to go with one gallon jugs, as 5 gallons would be too deep and hard for me to dig (limestone isn't that easy to dig through).

I can't believe tomatoes are already out. I guess I need to buy some. I can keep them inside for a month, or so, until I can plant 'em. Meridian Ace didn't have any. I need to call the place in Whitney to see if they have 'em yet.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/13 06:51 PM

Are you able to find any of the heat tolerant tomatoes at the store? I've tried Early Girls, Romas and a couple of other varieties the past 3 yrs with minimal success. Bushes got big but very few fruit setting despite rigorous shaking of te plants to assist with setting. Seems to me the high daytime and nighttime temps are the problem. Did manage to keep them alive all summer and they did "okay" in the Fall. I have them planted where they do not get sun after about 2 pm in the summer and I water about every 3 days. Thx
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/13 08:06 PM

That's the way it's been for me for 4 years. Spring and Fall only, Summer is just about keeping them alive. I think If I put a shade over them, they might do better though.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/13 02:21 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
...although will probably have to go with one gallon jugs, as 5 gallons would be too deep and hard for me to dig (limestone isn't that easy to dig through).


Wuss. grin
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/13 02:30 AM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Are you able to find any of the heat tolerant tomatoes at the store? I've tried Early Girls, Romas and a couple of other varieties the past 3 yrs with minimal success. Bushes got big but very few fruit setting despite rigorous shaking of te plants to assist with setting. Seems to me the high daytime and nighttime temps are the problem. Did manage to keep them alive all summer and they did "okay" in the Fall. I have them planted where they do not get sun after about 2 pm in the summer and I water about every 3 days. Thx


I've been looking for the "Heatwaves" since I first heard about them . You have to visit the local stores every day since they sell out so quickly ( kinda like finding 22 LR shells) .

The last couple years have been brutal. That's why I'm planting Early Girls in February this year . Hopefully I'll get a good crop before they fry on the vine.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/13 05:45 PM

Here are some Heatwave II.

http://www.burpee.com/Vegetables/tomatoe...l?cid=CSEAmazon

Also, if your school has an Ag Dept. Check with them. Typically they have a lot of good vegetable plants for sale that the kids start from seed. Here I think its $2.00 for a flat of 6.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/13 06:46 PM

There's a new Heat tolerant varitey called "4th of July" out this year per the lady at Marshall Grain. She said these and the Heatwaves should be in around 2 weeks from now.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/13 12:52 AM

I keep a couple hives at a guys house that is a certified organic farmer/gardener. His garden is probably 2-3 acres. I was out there after work today and asked him about tomatos. He said he only plants Celebrity. Said that what he's had the best luck with. And he plants 400+ every year.
Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/13 01:03 AM

Celebrity are good for a one time and done crop . They are determinate or some say they are semi-determinate. I like to plant interdeterminate varieties which will grow and produce all the way till frost. We are not really into canning.
Posted By: Snagalager

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/13 03:23 AM

Off the tomatoes subject but.
Do yall have a schedule you go by on applying pre-emergent and fertilizer to your lawns. Gotta get the yard bake in shape. I already see a bunch of weeds coming in.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/13 03:14 PM

If the weeds are already there, then it's too late for thse pre-emergents. That should have been put in 2 months ago. You'll have to treat the weeds now with some other form of weed killer. But, as weeds go, not all sprout now, you can use pre-emergents for the others.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/13 12:32 AM

Originally Posted By: scott01
If the weeds are already there, then it's too late for thse pre-emergents. That should have been put in 2 months ago. You'll have to treat the weeds now with some other form of weed killer. But, as weeds go, not all sprout now, you can use pre-emergents for the others.


If it's grass/ sand burrs , go ahead and apply the pre-emergent. My grand daddy always grew bluebonnets in the yard so he wouldn't mow until they went to seed. Needless to say my yard was a sand burr jungle . Took me three years applying pre-emergents and walking around the front yard with a spray bottle of Round-Up but I finally got 'em all .

Btw, Lowe's has Celebrities now. thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/13 10:03 PM

How long to turnip seeds remain viable ? I bought a quarter pound in 2011 . They did great that year . Last year was a bust but I blame that on location .
This year they haven't sprouted after around three weeks. I've kept them in a dry cool place . Bought some more today just in case . ( Non-GMO , btw . )
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/13 10:18 PM

If you have any of the old seeds left, pour some out onto a paper towel and fold it in half. Lightly wet the paper towel and place it inside of a ziplock bad. Dont seal it. Place the bag on top of your refrigerator. You should know in a week or so if the seeds are still good if the seeds are sprouting.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/13 11:44 PM

Thanks, skeeter. Didn't think about that.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/13 11:54 PM

Strung 3 strands of electric fence around my 150' x 50' plot today and hooked it up to a 10 mile charger . I think the coons and neighbor's dogs will leave my garden alone this year. wink
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/13 12:08 AM

Originally Posted By: slim 285
I plant tomatoes around a buried five gallon bucket with holes around the bottom .For deep root watering.I usally put five plants around one bucket and in the heat of summer only water ever three days. I usally plant 35 tomatoe plants and last year was a bad year and still produced close to 300 lbs . Put a lid on the bucket and drill a few holes for over flow. Drill a 1"1/2 in the middle to stick a piece of 1"1'4 pvc that is about 5' long to water thru. I use 6"x6" concrete wire for a cage that is cut 10' long .That will make 3' wide cage. I plant the buckets 6' apart. So my tomatoes take up a space that is 3' wide x 42' long. And most years my plants are close to 6' to 8' tall come frost.


wopics
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/13 12:09 AM

What all do you have out in the garden now?

Me, I just have onions and Roamine Lettuce I planted too early and are frost bit. Got to start over on them.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/13 01:54 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
What all do you have out in the garden now?

Me, I just have onions and Roamine Lettuce I planted too early and are frost bit. Got to start over on them.


Onions , Buttercrunch lettuce , radishes , collards and Bok-choi ( Chinese cabbage) . Turnips haven't sprouted yet but I have tomatoes and chilis in the house.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/13 01:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: txfour
What all do you have out in the garden now?

Me, I just have onions and Roamine Lettuce I planted too early and are frost bit. Got to start over on them.


Onions , Buttercrunch lettuce , radishes , collards and Bok-choi ( Chinese cabbage) . Turnips haven't sprouted yet but I have tomatoes and chilis in the house.


Has the freeze not gotten your lettuce and cabbage?

When is everyone planning on putting out your maters? Was debating getting seeds and starting my own plants, just didnt know if I had time.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/13 05:34 PM

We have a bunch of lettuce and greens growing now...
Freeze has not been bad enough to hurt em here...yet
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/13 05:36 PM

Originally Posted By: kodys'papa
We have a bunch of lettuce and greens growing now...
Freeze has not been bad enough to hurt em here...yet


We had a freeze at 24, then 28, then 30...three days in a row. I may have one plant that made it.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/13 10:43 PM

Glad I decided to listen to you guys and hold off on the maters. This week probably would have got them.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/13 10:53 PM

A freeze is in the forecast for the weekend.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/13 11:26 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour


Has the freeze not gotten your lettuce and cabbage?


My lettuce turned a reddish color but it's not wilted or rubbery ( not much experience with lettuce ) . All the other greens and onions are fine . They're not growing very quickly but it's still February.


When is everyone planning on putting out your maters? Was debating getting seeds and starting my own plants, just didnt know if I had time.


Go for it . I'm gonna wait a few weeks on the 'maters . Even then I'm prepared for a late frost. I might plant corn and squash this week but I'm not sure . My cukes haven't come up so I might be rushing things a bit.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/01/13 05:21 PM

Anybody else in North Texas have blooming fruit trees already? Mine are starting to bloom and I am fearful of another freeze.
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/01/13 08:05 PM

My peach buds are cracking now but they haven't completely opened yet. I can see pink from here though so it's gonna happen in the next day or so.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/01/13 10:15 PM

My peach trees are in full bloom, and look really good. I guess I'm in for disappointment with a freeze coming....

On the other hand, my tomatoes, eggplants, broccoli, and peppers that I planted from seed inside are looking really good, and should be in good shape to plant outside in 2 weeks or so, pending a favorable weather forecast.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/01/13 10:52 PM

My ornamental pears are starting to bloom but no action from the plums or peaches yet . Spring needs to come on . I've got Early Girls that are close to a foot tall in the house.

Tilled in some peat and cow manure today then planted more turnip greens as well as Candy Cane corn .

Y'all stay warm this weekend. thumb
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/01/13 10:54 PM

Looking at accuweather, this weekend is looking like our last freeze. Anyone else brave enough to put out the maters Sunday? I think I am going to give it a whirl.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/01/13 11:30 PM

Just be prepared . You never know in Texas.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/01/13 11:30 PM

Yes sir! I have the milk jugs ready.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/13 12:00 AM

Siberman,

When did you plant your seeds to have 1 foot tomatoe plants? I planted mine Feb 2nd, and they're about 4-5 inches tall. Next year, I think I'll start about 10 days earlier.

Thanks...Greg
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/13 03:05 PM

Originally Posted By: gjarman
Siberman,

When did you plant your seeds to have 1 foot tomatoe plants? I planted mine Feb 2nd, and they're about 4-5 inches tall. Next year, I think I'll start about 10 days earlier.

Thanks...Greg


Bought the plants . wink I don't usually start maters or herbs from seed . Need the space for peppers.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/13 06:39 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Looking at accuweather, this weekend is looking like our last freeze. Anyone else brave enough to put out the maters Sunday? I think I am going to give it a whirl.


http://www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/gardening

March 2013
1st-2nd Excellent Time For Planting Root Crops That Can Be Planted Now And For Starting Seedbeds. Good Days For Transplanting.
3rd-5th Poor Planting Days.
6th-7th Any Root Crops That Can Be Planted Now Will Do Well.
8th-10th A Barren Period, Best Suited For Killing Pests. Do Plowing And Cultivating.
11th-12th Good Days For Planting Aboveground Crops. Fine For Vine Crops. Set Strawberry Plants.
13th-15th Cultivate And Spray, Do General Farm Work, But No Planting.
16th-17th Favorable For Planting Crops Bearing Yield Above The Ground.
18th-19th Seeds Planted Now Tend To Rot In The Ground.
20th-22nd Best Planting Days For Aboveground Crops, Especially Peas, Beans, Cucumbers And Squash Where Climate Is Suitable. Plant Seedbeds And Flower Gardens.
23rd-26th A Most Barren Period, Best For Killing Plant Pests Or Doing Chores Around The Farm.
27th-28th Favorable Days For Planting Root Crops, Fine For Sowing Hay, Fodder Crops, And Grains. Plant Flowers.
29th-30th Excellent Time For Planting Root Crops That Can Be Planted Now And For Starting Seedbeds. Good Days For Transplanting.
31st Poor Planting Day.
Posted By: Jimbo

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/13 08:38 PM

I moved my garden this year and I'm going to go by that almanac.

Last year was a disaster. Don't know what happened since previous years were great.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/13 10:27 PM

My grandmother swore by the Farmers Almanac and had crop failure many times.
Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/13 11:56 PM

Here is A&M vegatable planting schedule
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/earthkind/ekgarden14.html
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/13 12:34 AM

Silly Aggies grin...looks like I am on schedule according to their planting guide. May have been a bit late on the carrots.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/13 01:34 AM

I do wonder why they don't recommend planting garlic cloves. I planted some around Feb 14 and the plants are up and look really good. Maybe they won't form additional cloves this year?
Posted By: Seymour Bass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/13 03:32 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Originally Posted By: slim 285
I plant tomatoes around a buried five gallon bucket with holes around the bottom .For deep root watering.I usally put five plants around one bucket and in the heat of summer only water ever three days. I usally plant 35 tomatoe plants and last year was a bad year and still produced close to 300 lbs . Put a lid on the bucket and drill a few holes for over flow. Drill a 1"1/2 in the middle to stick a piece of 1"1'4 pvc that is about 5' long to water thru. I use 6"x6" concrete wire for a cage that is cut 10' long .That will make 3' wide cage. I plant the buckets 6' apart. So my tomatoes take up a space that is 3' wide x 42' long. And most years my plants are close to 6' to 8' tall come frost.


wopics


This will water 10 tomato plants hassle free during the summer peak. 50 gallon barrel chopped and buried about 1 1/2 feet.


Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/13 02:53 AM

I went out on a limb today. Planted green beans, squash and ghord seeds today, in anticipation of rain this weekend.

My maters are doing good in the green house, along with last years jalapeno's.

Fingers crossed, no-mo freezes. I saw on the news yesterday, the average last freeze for the metromess is March 16th. The latest on record was mid April. eeks
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/13 04:31 AM

I'm planting tomorrow or saturday early. a few years back we had snow on Easter
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/13 01:00 AM

That's really good but I like slim's idea about putting a lid on the bucket and watering through a pipe . That should keep leaves, bugs and animals from getting in there and clogging up the holes . I've got one of those barrels so I might try burying it about 2' deep and watering through the 3" opening on top. Maybe put a screen over it ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/13 01:15 AM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
I went out on a limb today. Planted green beans, squash and ghord seeds today, in anticipation of rain this weekend.

Should be ok as it takes a while for those to germinate . I've planted gourds in January .


My maters are doing good in the green house, along with last years jalapeno's.

I'm waiting another week . We're supposed to get close to freezing on Tuesday . I'm starting some habs and serranos inside tomorrow . Plenty of time as they don't really take off until it's warmer. ( The hotter the pepper, the hotter the temperature it likes, IME). You might do ok with the jalapenos as long as it doesn't freeze .

Fingers crossed, no-mo freezes. I saw on the news yesterday, the average last freeze for the metromess is March 16th. The latest on record was mid April. eeks
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/13 01:25 AM

Question for the 'mater experts : I know you should take a tall plant and plant it sideways so more roots will grow from the stems but can you bury the entire plant really deep and get the same results ?

I've got some Early Girls that are close to 18" tall right now. Can I just cut the bottom leaves and bury the whole 4" peat pot around 8 to 12" deep ?
Posted By: Jerrybign

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/13 02:10 PM

That is exactly how I grow my 'maters, Siberman. Think I'm gonna try the buried bucket method as well this year. Only use a 5 gallon bucket and three plants.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/13 04:40 PM

Originally Posted By: Jerrybign
That is exactly how I grow my 'maters, Siberman. Think I'm gonna try the buried bucket method as well this year. Only use a 5 gallon bucket and three plants.


Should I cut the lower branches off as well as the leaves or will they send out roots also ?
Posted By: tomnt

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/13 09:39 PM

Taters in last week and planted Saturday in anticipation of rain today. Good call...cabbage, onions, peppers, greens and sunflowers.all got watered in today.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/13 02:05 PM

A gardener in South Central LA

http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerilla_gardener_in_south_central_la.html
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/13 05:04 PM

I think I will give this a shot this year.


Posted By: Jerrybign

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/13 05:10 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX



What an inspiring video!!!! Come on folks...its only 11 minutes and I will guarantee you will be a fan of Mr. Finley! thumb thumb
Posted By: tomnt

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/13 05:47 PM

Hey guys...new to the garden thread, I haven't been planting too much the last couple of years. But this year it's gonna happen, I broke up 3/4 acre and am excited about getting going again.

taters in the 4th.

Watching for rain on the 10th so I busted butt Saturday the 9th and put out my onions, greens, cabbage, radishes, peppers. They got a good soaking the next day. Hopefully by Easter the rest can go in.

Pictures posted soon. thumb
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/13 07:26 PM

Started planting tomatoes

Here's a video of the ultimate homesteaders

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCmTJkZy0rM
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/13 07:36 PM

Cool find, Damon.
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/13 06:57 PM

Look how great my tomato plants are doing. sarcastic nannyboo
even have squash food

Not really there from last year rolfmao
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/13 07:48 PM

I bought a couple of Fourth of July tomatoes today. I've never planted them before. It says I should have tomatoes in 45 days. Anybody else ever planted them?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/13 10:32 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I bought a couple of Fourth of July tomatoes today. I've never planted them before. It says I should have tomatoes in 45 days. Anybody else ever planted them?


No but I'm lookin' for 'em. Supposed to be heat tolerant . They're new so it'll probably be 5 years before they show up in Mt. Podunk.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/13 10:56 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I bought a couple of Fourth of July tomatoes today. I've never planted them before. It says I should have tomatoes in 45 days. Anybody else ever planted them?



Where did you find them?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/13 11:03 PM

Roach Feed Store in Garland. But I read it wrong, it's 49 days not 45. Damn my old man eyes! I bought a couple of Heatwave II tomato plants at Rohdes in Garland. The tag said they will produce in 100 degree weather. We'll see.
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/13 11:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I bought a couple of Fourth of July tomatoes today. I've never planted them before. It says I should have tomatoes in 45 days. Anybody else ever planted them?


No but I'm lookin' for 'em. Supposed to be heat tolerant . They're new so it'll probably be 5 years before they show up in Mt. Podunk.


Heat isn't my problem its grasshoppers
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/13 10:04 PM

Originally Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress


Heat isn't my problem its grasshoppers


Try any of these :

1) Put a bird feeder in the middle of your garden with only sunflower seed ( so you don't get weeds) .
2) Get a bluebird house.
3) Buy a few guinea fowl . They'll walk down the garden rows and eat all the bugs without damaging the plants like chickens do while scratching .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/13 10:29 PM

I planted another bunch of onion sets around the 'mater bed today as well as "sweet" and "boxwood" basil in the bed. Basil helps tomatoes' flavor and growth . Still putting off planting the 'maters cuz I'm kinda nervous about an early Easter.

Sowed " Peaches and Cream " early hybrid corn with yellow crookneck / straight neck squash and "Kentucky Wonder " pole beans . Gonna plant the pumpkins on the back fence next weekend .

I planted three small varieties of watermelon on the east fence by the garden. Just in case y'all don't know , I grow all my melons on chain-link fence and support the fruit with hammocks made from old pantyhose. If y'all have any extra please send 'em to me. grin

I found some nice habanero and cayenne chilis ( 8") today at Wally World. Might be a bit early but I went ahead and planted them along with jalapenos.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/13 11:21 PM

Bought a 50' "pocket hose " this weekend . I'm impressed. After turning on the water , it filled up really well and did the job. It has a control on the end so you can stop the flow to attach sprinklers / wands / etc. Got dirty ( it's fabric ) but when I turned off the water it shrunk up better than me in a cold shower. rolfmao
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/13 11:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress


Heat isn't my problem its grasshoppers


Try any of these :

1) Put a bird feeder in the middle of your garden with only sunflower seed ( so you don't get weeds) .
2) Get a bluebird house.
3) Buy a few guinea fowl . They'll walk down the garden rows and eat all the bugs without damaging the plants like chickens do while scratching .

1. Haven't tried that but going to.
2. Can't no tree close to put said bird house.
3. No few reasons too noisy, my yard has no fence, I live on a busy county road.
But have found they don't like okra.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/13 12:57 AM

2) Don't put a bluebird house on a tree . A utility pole , fence post or T-post out in the open works better.

3) Guineas get run over a lot. wink
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/13 02:10 PM

Couldn't help it. It was just too pretty this weekend. I put out tomatoes, zucchini, and a bunch of tender tropicals this weekend. Jasmine is already in bloom, mandevilla, couple daturas, asparagus ferns, a sago palm, basil, and some castor beans up front. Going to put out the maypops and more daturas next weekend. And I need more trellises for things to climb.

Bouquet from this morning, gracing my office with the most potent jasmine and old rose scent.

Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/13 08:55 PM

I need some help here. I want to plant something that comes out of each hole in this rim. But...I dont want to completely obscure the rim either. I want it to be visible.

Ideas?

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/13 09:15 PM

The lug nut holes too?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/13 09:32 PM

Sorry, no. Only the large holes.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/13 09:37 PM

Are you wanting flowers or vegetables?
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/13 09:39 PM

How tall do you want it too? Are we talking about some short little thing like some petunias growing out of it? Or some sprawling thing like lantanas? Or tall like some purple millet grass or even some really big stuff like castor beans.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/13 12:02 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
I need some help here. I want to plant something that comes out of each hole in this rim. But...I dont want to completely obscure the rim either. I want it to be visible.

Ideas?


Assuming it's in full sun , that's gonna get hot . I'd suggest portulaca ( rose moss) or maybe some small cacti . If you're putting it in a more shaded location succulents like hen and chicks , aloes , etc. would work as well as herbs . If you put it in real shade I'd try begonias or impatiens.
That would look good in the middle of a rock garden surrounded by maguey , napoli and yucca.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/13 03:41 PM

Thanks for the ideas. I have googled your recommendation but have not decided yet what to do. I'm thinking maybe the purple millet in the center and then some sort of plants around the outside holes.

I can tell you this though, that wheel and tire is one heavy mother!
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/13 03:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: txfour
I need some help here. I want to plant something that comes out of each hole in this rim. But...I dont want to completely obscure the rim either. I want it to be visible.

Ideas?


Assuming it's in full sun , that's gonna get hot . I'd suggest portulaca ( rose moss) or maybe some small cacti . If you're putting it in a more shaded location succulents like hen and chicks , aloes , etc. would work as well as herbs . If you put it in real shade I'd try begonias or impatiens.
That would look good in the middle of a rock garden surrounded by maguey , napoli and yucca.


This man knows what he's talking about. And some low growing succulents like hen and chicks or things like that would look really cool around it. I saw a whole bunch outside at Home Depot on Saturday and considered picking them up but I have no idea where they'd go in the yard.

That's a really great idea and would look very cool.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/13 05:20 PM

I did get the garden tilled again yesterday, weeded some flower beds, made my trellis for the snow peas, put a bluebird house in the garden, built a bird feeder, recycled an old fence and made some tomato cages and started some cuke seed germinating in a paper towel.

Tomorrow thru Friday shows to be good planting days for above ground crops. So, I will pant the cukes, squash, beans and another variety of peas along with some more maters and peppers.

I planted carrots on March 1. Still no sign of sprouts. I know they can take up to 21 days or so, but really thought they would be up by now. Should I scrap that row and re-plant?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/13 05:23 PM

Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: txfour
I need some help here. I want to plant something that comes out of each hole in this rim. But...I dont want to completely obscure the rim either. I want it to be visible.

Ideas?


Assuming it's in full sun , that's gonna get hot . I'd suggest portulaca ( rose moss) or maybe some small cacti . If you're putting it in a more shaded location succulents like hen and chicks , aloes , etc. would work as well as herbs . If you put it in real shade I'd try begonias or impatiens.
That would look good in the middle of a rock garden surrounded by maguey , napoli and yucca.


This man knows what he's talking about. And some low growing succulents like hen and chicks or things like that would look really cool around it. I saw a whole bunch outside at Home Depot on Saturday and considered picking them up but I have no idea where they'd go in the yard.

That's a really great idea and would look very cool.


I think that is what I am going to go with. My wife had a hen and chicks plant she loved....but one of the dogs demolished it. I will plant this one for her.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/13 01:03 AM

Originally Posted By: Kattelyn


This man knows what he's talking about. And some low growing succulents like hen and chicks or things like that would look really cool around it. I saw a whole bunch outside at Home Depot on Saturday and considered picking them up but I have no idea where they'd go in the yard.

That's a really great idea and would look very cool.


I started a succulent display in a large round shallow planter ( maybe 2' wide x 8" deep and keep it in partial shade. Saw an idea about making a large wreath out of chicken wire , packing it with spanghum moss then planting small succulents in there . They'll eventually grow to cover the wire and moss .

I've got one of those dish type planters full of peat and spanghum with pitcher plants and venus flytraps . Get the non-tropicals and you can just leave it outside during the winter ( they go dormant) .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/13 01:17 AM

Pitcher plant flowers.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/13 01:28 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour


Tomorrow thru Friday shows to be good planting days for above ground crops. So, I will pant the cukes, squash, beans and another variety of peas along with some more maters and peppers.

Good. I need to get the maters planted as they're starting to lean.

I planted carrots on March 1. Still no sign of sprouts. I know they can take up to 21 days or so, but really thought they would be up by now. Should I scrap that row and re-plant?

I never grew carrots but I'd give 'em another week at least . I planted turnip greens in February and they're just now starting to take off.

Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/13 01:39 AM

Woohoo!! Maters have blooms!
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/13 01:58 PM

Here is a horse trough I found out in the country and turned it into a planter this past weekend with some succulents, cacti and sedum.



Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/13 02:16 PM

Nice!
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/13 03:29 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
Here is a horse trough I found out in the country and turned it into a planter this past weekend with some succulents, cacti and sedum.





Dammit, I have 3 old wheelbarrows the wife wants to set out in the yard and plant something in.

Please don't let her see this stuff.... bang

That does look nice though.

1 squash seed has sprouted, along with about 20 or so green bean seeds.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 09:28 PM

So far this year....

Cantaloupes
Redskin bell peppers
Yella bell peppers
Garden style peppers (new to me)
Japs
Yella straight neck squash
Zucchini of some kind
Basils
More mints

Maters:
4th of July (I've heard great things about these)
Beefmasters
Celebrity
Mountain pride
Beefsteak
Cherry

That should keep us busy enough. Hope it all turns out well.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 09:29 PM

You've already planted all of that chickenman?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 09:32 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
So far this year....

Cantaloupes
Redskin bell peppers
Yella bell peppers
Garden style peppers (new to me)
Japs
Yella straight neck squash
Zucchini of some kind
Basils
More mints

Maters:
4th of July (I've heard great things about these)
Beefmasters
Celebrity
Mountain pride
Beefsteak
Cherry

That should keep us busy enough. Hope it all turns out well.


No onions?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 09:38 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
You've already planted all of that chickenman?


Today and tomorrow.

No onions. I bought some but got lazy.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 09:48 PM

The only way that I plant mint is in a container. It gets out of control quickly.
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 10:01 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
The only way that I plant mint is in a container. It gets out of control quickly.


I can attest to this. The previous owners of my first house had planted spearmint. By the time I bought the house, it had escaped and took over most of the back yard.

On the plus side, I never ran out of spearmint, and mowing the back yard smelled like heaven. smile
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 10:22 PM

I still need to get more mater plants and get some more beans and stuff out. Haven't even started thinking about melons yet.

I can't find the heat wave or 4th of July tomatoes anywhere withing 20 miles. Guess I will just have to stick with the wal-mart varieties.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 10:24 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Originally Posted By: AdvTX
Here is a horse trough I found out in the country and turned it into a planter this past weekend with some succulents, cacti and sedum.





Dammit, I have 3 old wheelbarrows the wife wants to set out in the yard and plant something in.

Please don't let her see this stuff.... bang

That does look nice though.

1 squash seed has sprouted, along with about 20 or so green bean seeds.
I have two old wheelbarrows that I found at a house we bought a few years back...used them for planting sweet potato plants. It turned out pretty good, but be sure to have them wheelbarrows get some shade, or water like you never thought possible.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 10:26 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
I still need to get more mater plants and get some more beans and stuff out. Haven't even started thinking about melons yet.

I can't find the heat wave or 4th of July tomatoes anywhere withing 20 miles. Guess I will just have to stick with the wal-mart varieties.
They won't be out for a couple of weeks...or shouldn't be. Nurseries should be getting the second round of plants now and then the third. The hotter tomato plants are usually in the late second round, first part of the third. They require a shorter growing period and don't mind the heat, thus the reason they hit later.
Posted By: playoholic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 11:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Jerrybign


Good stuff right here. Our church has a community garden and I hope we can have this kind of impact.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 11:40 PM

AdvTx : nice. thumb

I was going to plant my 'maters this weekend but it looks like we've got a string of lows in the 30's coming .

Y'all get your covers ready .
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 11:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
AdvTx : nice. thumb

I was going to plant my 'maters this weekend but it looks like we've got a string of lows in the 30's coming .

Y'all get your covers ready .


Yes, I am very concerned with the next several days. Especially since I am traveling and can't be here to tend to things. bang


Tonight 21
A strong t-storm this evening
Lo 56
Hist. Avg.
71 Lo 46

22
Mostly cloudy and cooler
63 Lo 47
Hist. Avg.
71 Lo 46

23
Warmer with clouds and sun
75 Lo 36
Hist. Avg.
72 Lo 46
24
Sunny, breezy and cooler
56 Lo 34
Hist. Avg.
72 Lo 46

25
Mostly sunny and cool
55 Lo 34
Hist. Avg.
72 Lo 47




Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/13 11:46 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon

I have two old wheelbarrows that I found at a house we bought a few years back...used them for planting sweet potato plants. It turned out pretty good, but be sure to have them wheelbarrows get some shade, or water like you never thought possible.


I've got an old toilet I could use since I never could find that "Boy of Brussels" fountain I wanted to use with it. rolfmao
Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/13 06:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
The only way that I plant mint is in a container. It gets out of control quickly.


I can attest to this. The previous owners of my first house had planted spearmint. By the time I bought the house, it had escaped and took over most of the back yard.

On the plus side, I never ran out of spearmint, and mowing the back yard smelled like heaven. smile

It laughs at roundup also. I planted some in a side bed about 14 years ago. It took over everywhere. I have spent the last decade trying to kill it off.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/13 11:29 PM

There is a freeze warning for Dallas tonight. Just a heads up for the north Texas folks.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/13 12:00 AM

Got what i could put up...early plants will have to make it or die...
Posted By: papamark

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/13 10:26 AM

Freeze warning in effect until 8 am CDT this morning...
Lake Wind Advisory in effect from 10 am this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening...
Freeze warning in effect from midnight tonight to 8 am CDT Tuesday...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/13 01:15 AM

Both basils died as well as a bell pepper. Everything else looks ok but my peach trees are in full bloom.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/13 01:20 AM

I don't have enough covers to protect the peaches and the plums. I'll bet the folks in Parker County are in emergency mode. Hope it will work out for them.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/13 01:43 AM

I cut a gallon milk jug in half and covered my 2 squash sprouts. blush
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/13 12:18 PM

No freeze here in Grapevine. It only got down to 34 degrees. banana
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/13 12:26 PM

Reading 25 outside. I really hope I wrapped things well enough. Wrapped the trees, covered all the plants. Hopefully!
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/13 12:53 PM

Have not ventured down to the garden today... Did not freeze yesterday...
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/13 01:22 PM

Had some light frost here in the metromess. My gauge showed it only got down to 35. I had all of my garden covered but the peach and plum trees were not.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/13 05:21 PM

Will they come back lol?



That one was 2'tall and had two tiny maters on it. I covered everything on Sunday evening. I was the last one home Monday AM and uncovered them before heading to the airport. It was still 28 here but I had no other choice. I guess I should have just left them covered all day. But the last time I did that, hey died from that.

It also got a whole row of green beans. All I have left alive now is onions, cabbage and snow peas. So, off to buy more mater plants.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/13 11:51 PM

According to who you ask , we had a low anywhere from 30 down to 25 on Monday . The basils and early corn got bit . I lost one jalapeno but the bell pepper seems to be hanging on . The watermelons and the mixed corn / bean / squash bed haven't sprouted yet so I'm hoping they'll be ok .

The plums were already setting fruit and the peaches were in full bloom . We'll see how that goes. rolleyes

I'm gonna go ahead and plant 'maters this weekend. Freakin' Early Girls are almost 2' and starting to look like melon vines.

Praise the Lord , though, the onions and greens are fine . banana
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/13 03:08 AM

I planted 115 plants today...59 tomato and 56 pepper plants. I still have squash, zucchini, eggplants, cucumbers and melons to plant...and more plants to buy. It is a lot easier to plant when you've lost over 100 pounds. Who'd have thought?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/13 01:05 PM

100 pounds? That is a serious diet you have been on. Congrats!
Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/13 07:21 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I planted 115 plants today...59 tomato and 56 pepper plants. I still have squash, zucchini, eggplants, cucumbers and melons to plant...and more plants to buy. It is a lot easier to plant when you've lost over 100 pounds. Who'd have thought?

56 pepper plants? Are you planning on going into the pepper spray business?
Posted By: tomnt

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/13 09:34 PM

I lost 18 pepper plants... crying....I will replant!!!!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/13 11:40 PM

We're supposed to hit lows in the mid 30s early part of next week. Crud.

I'm gonna break out the "wall of water" protectors and plant my 'maters this weekend.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/13 11:47 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
It is a lot easier to plant when you've lost over 100 pounds. Who'd have thought?


Congrats ! I lost 50 several years back and it was amazing.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/13 11:58 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
We're supposed to hit lows in the mid 30s early part of next week. Crud.

I'm gonna break out the "wall of water" protectors and plant my 'maters this weekend.


What weather source are you using? I see a 38 on Monday, 39 on Tuesday and a 38 again on Wednesday. I hope this is it. I just today bought more tomato plants.

What is this "wallof water"?
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 02:20 AM

Lost 24 maters earlier this week even with a plastic pot over them. Replanted today.
Posted By: tomnt

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 01:04 PM

Originally Posted By: ReelBusy
Lost 24 maters earlier this week even with a plastic pot over them. Replanted today.


Lost 18 pepper plants...gonna wait another week or so to replant.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 01:20 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour


What weather source are you using? I see a 38 on Monday, 39 on Tuesday and a 38 again on Wednesday. I hope this is it. I just today bought more tomato plants.

I use Wunderground and NOAA Looks like I was wrong or they changed it. Now I see a couple of lows in the upper 30s early next week .

What is this "wallof water"?


You know those popsicle tubes you buy to put in the freezer ? Wall-o-waters are a big circle of 18-24" tubes open at one end. You fill the tubes with water and they form a teepee around your plant. The water absorbs heat during the day and releases it during the night.

I've had peppers survive sleet with 'em but I just keep them for emergencies now. If you leave them out too long fire ants are attracted to the warmth and start building inside the tent.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 03:03 PM

Thanks, y'all. I planted another 86 plants yesterday, primarily squash, eggplants and cucumbers...I also planted another 13 peppers and 7 tomatoes. I have 201 plants in the ground and more on the way.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 04:15 PM

Are you planting at Whitney or your house?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 04:26 PM

Just Whitney...water is too expensive in Joshua...and the lakehouse is home. Joshua is just a house.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 04:37 PM

Hopefully the deer will leave your garden alone this year.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 05:58 PM

Ready to plant!

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 06:04 PM

That's exactly what I did with mine. Took about three days to get them turned 90 degrees.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 06:14 PM

Mine have been out for exactly 24 hours. Have to get them out today. The farmers almanac is calling for a few bad planting days in a row and I wont be here next week. It's now or never.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 06:16 PM

I do have one that has not turned at all. Still straight as a board. Hasn't turned at all. I'm guessing it will be a dud this year. We will see.
Posted By: rich777

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 06:33 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Ready to plant!



Educate me, why do you do this? I haven't seen this before.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 06:36 PM

You see the green stalk that is now nearly at a 90? Well, I will dig a trench and plant them just as they lay on the table. That stalk now becomes part of the root system. Makes the plants really hardy.

I will see if I can find a youtube that explains it mre scientifically.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 06:40 PM

Page 224 on this thread.
Posted By: rich777

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 06:41 PM

Thanks, that makes sense. Going to give it a try. I lost my other plants in the frost, time to start over.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/13 11:16 PM

No idea why I never thought of laying the young plants on their sides so they'd grow up at 90 degrees ; must be my "old-timers" kicking in . Going out to plant the 'maters now.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/13 06:01 PM

Never heard of doing the side planting thing.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/13 08:59 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Never heard of doing the side planting thing.


I've been doing that the past few years . The length of stem underground sprouts roots so it helps the plant grow stronger / faster. You have to be careful not the break the stems . Laying them on their sides while they're still in the pots is a great idea. thumb

Yesterday I tried sinking the Early Girls a foot deep since they were about 2' already .

I lost the Candy-Cane corn last weekend but the Peaches and Cream started sprouting yesterday . Hope the cukes, melons and squash make it.

1.75" rain this morning with some small hail . Time to break out the hoe. wink
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/13 06:31 PM

Well, I went out and did some hoeing in the garden at lunch. Wasn't really any to be done, but wanted to check on things. I have planted somethings lately that haven't come up and am concerned

Carrots - Planted 3-1-2013, nothing out of the ground.
Cucumbers - Planted 3/20/13 - notta
Squash/Zuke - Planted 3/19/2013 - nuttin

Green beans were planted 3/6/2013 and came up 3/29/2013.

I think I better start over on carrots, cukes, zukes and squash.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/13 12:02 AM

I've planted cukes twice now and nothing. The "Kentucky Wonder" pole beans are coming up with the corn but the squash hasn't popped up yet.

Anybody have an almanac ? I need to get the pumpkins and cantalopes planted.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/13 01:26 AM

I put 20 wheelbarrow loads worth of Live Oak leaves out to mulch the rows yesterday and another 45 loads today. I'm tired...and I'm still not done! bang
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/13 04:48 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I've planted cukes twice now and nothing. The "Kentucky Wonder" pole beans are coming up with the corn but the squash hasn't popped up yet.

Anybody have an almanac ? I need to get the pumpkins and cantalopes planted.


http://www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/gardening/

April 2013
2nd-4th Favorable Days For Planting Beets, Carrots, Turnips, Radishes, Onions, And Other Root Crops.
5th-6th Excellent Time To Kill Weeds, Briars, Poison Ivy, And Other Plant Pests.
7th-9th Favorable Days For Planting Root Crops, Extra Good For Vine Crops. Set Strawberry Plants. Good Days For Transplanting.
10th-11th Poor Planting Day. Break Ground Or Cultivate.
12th-13th Favorable For Planting Beans, Corn, Cotton, Tomatoes, Peppers, And Other Aboveground Crops.
14th-16th Poor Days For Planting, Seeds Tend To Rot In The Ground.
17th-18th Plant Tomatoes, Beans, Peppers, Corn, Cotton, And Other Aboveground Crops On These Most Fruitful Days. Plant Seedbeds. Start Flower Gardens.
19th-22nd Grub Out Weeds, Briars, And Other Plant Pests.
23rd-24th Plant Corn, Melons, Squash, Tomatoes, And Other Aboveground Crops. A Favorable Time For Sowing Grains, Hay And Fodder Crops. Plant Flowers.
25th-26th Good Days For Planting Beets, Carrots, Radishes, Turnips, Peanuts, And Other Root Crops. Also Good For Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Kale, Celery, And Other Leafy Vegetables. Start Seedbeds. Good Days For Transplanting.
27th-29th Barren Days. Do No Planting.
30th Favorable Day For Planting Beets, Carrots, Turnips, Radishes, Onions, And Other Root Crops.

May 2013
1st Plant Late Beets, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, And Other Root Crops.
2nd-3rd Kill Plant Pests On These Barren Days.
4th-6th Favorable Time For Planting Late Root Crops. Also Good For Vine Crops That Can Be Planted Now. Set Strawberry Plants. Good Days For Transplanting.
7th-8th Poor Planting, Fine For Cultivating Or Spraying.
9th-11th Favorable For Planting Beans, Corn, Cotton, Tomatoes, Peppers, And Other Aboveground Crops.
12th-13th Any Seed Planted Now Will Tend To Rot.
14th-15th Most Favorable For Planting Corn, Cotton, Okra, Beans, Peppers, Eggplant, And Other Aboveground Crops. Plant Seedbeds And Flower Gardens.
16th-19th A Barren Period. Good For Killing Plant Pests, Cultivating, Or Taking A Short Vacation.
20th-21st Excellent Time For Planting Corn, Beans, Peppers, And Other Aboveground Crops. Favorable For Sowing Hay, Fodder Crops, And Grains. Plant Flowers.
22nd-24th Excellent For Planting Aboveground Crops, Starting Seedbeds And Planting Leafy Vegetables.
25th-26th Do No Planting.
27th-28th Plant Late Beets, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, And Other Root Crops.
29th-31st Kill Plant Pests On These Barren Days.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/13 10:25 PM

cheers
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/13 12:04 PM

Well, looks like I am going to lose another batch of tomatoes, green beans and probably squash. Sitting right at 32 with a good frost.

Didn't realize it was supose to get this cold. If I lose these, I am not re-planting until the mesquites have bloomed for a week.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/13 12:18 PM

Where are you located?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/13 12:32 PM

Around Jacksboro. Now, we are at 30.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/13 12:32 PM

Wunderground map is showing lots of frost and some freeze potential to the west, northwest and southwest of the metromess.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/13 12:50 PM

I went outside and there is some frost on my neighbor's roof, but my plants look okay. Not sure of the temperature, yet. I am waiting on the digital thermometer I took from the guest house to get an accurate reading.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/13 01:12 PM

It is 40.3 outside right now, so it was probably around 38 at it's lowest...I am sorry y'all got hit with a late frost/freeze. I am grateful it was just my neighbor's roof that had frost on it.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/13 09:26 PM

I didn't lose anything but it got pretty cool here for a few days. Cheer up ! It'll be 100+ before you know it . grin
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/13 11:16 PM

My dill plants are rockin

Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/13 11:23 PM

Thought I lost my maters by the way they looked when I left this morning (had frost on the grass) but this afternoon they look pretty good. A few leaves burned but they'll be fine.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/13 05:37 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
So far this year....

Cantaloupes
Redskin bell peppers
Yella bell peppers
Garden style peppers (new to me)
Japs
Yella straight neck squash
Zucchini of some kind
Basils
More mints

Maters:
4th of July (I've heard great things about these)
Beefmasters
Celebrity
Mountain pride
Beefsteak
Cherry

That should keep us busy enough. Hope it all turns out well.


I lost a yellow bell pepper and added a jalapeo. I need to pull some grass for sure.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/13 05:54 PM

My scarecrow from 2012 is still entertaining grin

Posted By: jeffnsa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 11:28 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Originally Posted By: chickenman
So far this year....

Cantaloupes
Redskin bell peppers
Yella bell peppers
Garden style peppers (new to me)
Japs
Yella straight neck squash
Zucchini of some kind
Basils
More mints

Maters:
4th of July (I've heard great things about these)
Beefmasters
Celebrity
Mountain pride
Beefsteak
Cherry

That should keep us busy enough. Hope it all turns out well.


I lost a yellow bell pepper and added a jalapeo. I need to pull some grass for sure.




I don't need to pull grass, I just let the horse into the garden area. She will not eat anything that doesn't resemble grass at all, except corn plants. It's great to watch her pull grass from between the plants without disturbing them and deposits fertilizer in the process.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 03:49 PM

I've been pulling dill plants like weeds and giving them away to neighbors.


That last good rain woke the lettuce and peas up


Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 06:20 PM

Awesome as usual, AdvTX!
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 07:25 PM

Thanks man, what's funny is peeps in the hood call me Chicken Man!

I need a scarecrow, I'm thinking a cowboy with a cap gun so I can pull the string and make it shoot to scare off the squirrels. If someone would take dead squirrels and eat them I'll fill their freezer.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:11 PM

Great pic of the anole.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:16 PM

Well somehow everything survived the frost/freeze on Friday. I have no idea how, but it did and I am happy, happy, happy.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:17 PM

AdvTx - How many chickens can yor house/run hold comfortably? I have 13 baby chicks and need to get to building something.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:26 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX

I need a scarecrow, I'm thinking a cowboy....


If you want a male or female mannequin head similar to mine send me a PM and I'll ship one to you.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:32 PM

I have looked for Juliette tomatoes for a month and finally given up. I planted Romas instead.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:33 PM

I still ain't found the 4th of July maters or the heatwaves.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:39 PM

I found some 4th of July tomatoes at a feed store in Garland a few weeks ago.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:40 PM

Outhere in podunk 'Merica, I guess we dont get any of those. Every nursery/store I axe about them look at me like I have 5 heads and 12 eyes.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:52 PM

I had to drive to Haltom City to get the Fooled You peppers today. I have been looking for weeks and my mom had a customer tell her about this place. She called and they had four pallets this morning. They had one pallet when I got there and I bought 8 plants. I think I will have 117 pepper plants in the ground when I plant these, but I need to count again to be certain.

I had never heard of the Juliette's before this year. If I had known you wanted some, I would have picked 'em up in Whitney for you and met you in Dallas.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:54 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Outhere in podunk 'Merica, I guess we dont get any of those. Every nursery/store I axe about them look at me like I have 5 heads and 12 eyes.
Put a bag over your head before you ask. grin bolt
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:55 PM

Thanks Chickenman

Txfour we have 13 now and wouldn't go above 15, from the back of the coop though the tunnel to the front of my house is maybe 70' so they have some running room and I let them in the little bit of grass we have when I'm out gardening.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 08:57 PM

Adv - thanks for the info. Do you have any plans or more pics of your build?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:00 PM

Txfour, you need to take a walk through AdvTX's back yard. It is very cool.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:01 PM

Would like to some day. He lives about 80 miles east of me though. I don't get over in them parts very often.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:08 PM

Thanks skeeter I need come check out your garden sometime.

I really don't have any plans it was a thought that a good friend of mine helped me put into reality we didn't have anything really planned out but I do have some old pics of the build I'll see if I still have them.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:19 PM

How are your berries doing this year?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:21 PM

Since we are talking chickens, how man y nesting boxes are need for say 15 chickens. Surely you dont need a box per chicken.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:25 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
How are your berries doing this year?


That sounds like a very personal question BTW.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:29 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
How are your berries doing this year?


That sounds like a very personal question BTW.


Ha ha. He knows what I am talking about. The berries are growing in his back fence.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:37 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
I still ain't found the 4th of July maters or the heatwaves.


How many do ya want? Ever come to Denton?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:38 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Since we are talking chickens, how man y nesting boxes are need for say 15 chickens. Surely you dont need a box per chicken.


I'd say 1 box per 4 hens.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:39 PM

chickenman, I ain't never had them, so hard to say but I would guess just a couple of each this first year to try. I am going to keep trying around here for a bit longer and see if I can find them.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:42 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Originally Posted By: txfour
Since we are talking chickens, how man y nesting boxes are need for say 15 chickens. Surely you dont need a box per chicken.


I'd say 1 box per 4 hens.


preciate it.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:43 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Great pic of the anole.


That is cool. Can't say I've every seen one on the wild in the DFW area.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 09:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Great pic of the anole.


That is cool. Can't say I've every seen one on the wild in the DFW area.


My yard is full of them and geckos. I never use pesticides and garden organically.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 11:35 PM

I've got Cubanell , Tabasco , Mini-bell , Jalapeno , Red / Yellow Cayenne , Diamante and Habanero peppers in the ground as well as Celebrity , Early Girl and "Black Cherry" maters.

Planted pumpkins , cantaloupe and more cukes yesterday. The corn and pole beans are about 2" and the yellow squash is finally sprouting.

Bok-choy ( Chinese cabbage ) is ready to harvest and the turnip greens are close .

When do y'all plant Okra ?

Caveat : y'all be careful when growing plants you're not familiar with. I had poke weed growing in with my Chard and almost messed up this evening. eeks
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 11:41 PM

I planted okra yesterday.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 11:41 PM

I'd be planting okra now...I'm not growing it this year, however. It grows so fast and I end up missing a mess of okra because I'm not able to be at the lake constantly.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 11:46 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Great pic of the anole.


That is cool. Can't say I've every seen one on the wild in the DFW area.


My yard is full of them and geckos. I never use pesticides and garden organically.


My yard was pretty dry until I built the pond and flowerbeds . I transplanted a few anoles and they've really taken off. This past fall I saw my first wild gecko ( about 2" with the black and white striped tail) . I'm 52 and never saw a gecko other than in pet stores.
The added humidity from a water feature in the yard and a drip irrigation system in the flowerbeds really helps . Now if I could just get some toads back.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 11:49 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I planted okra yesterday.


Really. Do you direct-seed or start 'em inside ? Do you soak the seeds before planting ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 11:51 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I'd be planting okra now...I'm not growing it this year, however. It grows so fast and I end up missing a mess of okra because I'm not able to be at the lake constantly.


Tell me about it . I'll have it in the yard and still end up with 12" pods. wink
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/13 11:58 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I planted okra yesterday.


Really. Do you direct-seed or start 'em inside ? Do you soak the seeds before planting ?


I just sowed the seeds that were left over in a dried pod from last year.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/13 12:15 AM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I planted okra yesterday.


Really. Do you direct-seed or start 'em inside ? Do you soak the seeds before planting ?


I just sowed the seeds that were left over in a dried pod from last year.


That's what I do . Glad Monsanto hasn't cornered the Okra market.....yet. I do soak the seeds before planting , though.
Posted By: Seymour Bass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/13 12:42 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Adv - thanks for the info. Do you have any plans or more pics of your build?


Here is a good site for raising chickens and self sufficient homesteading info.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/13 01:13 AM

We're in the process of planting cucumbers, corn and okra. We have a huge log in the flower bed that has natural holes in it and a few weeks ago I figured out that if I turn the hose on mist they(anoles) all come out and get a drink it's pretty cool I'll try to get a video.

We have 4 nesting boxes but they usually use 2.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/13 02:18 PM

Nice work AdvTX! You have combined sustainable living and landscape design to create a work of art.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/13 02:22 PM

Originally Posted By: J.P. Greeson
Nice work AdvTX! You have combined sustainable living and landscape design to create a work of art.


His backyard is awesome. I gotta give him some props.

http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/D_Magazine/2012/June/Backyard_Chickens.aspx
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/13 03:42 PM

We had a very small garden, but this(project) all started soon after my wife told me she was pregnant. I had been fishing tournaments for a decade and chose to put that on hold and figured I would be spending more time at home. Six years later our daughter now sells eggs and herbs to neighbors and friends. Thank y'all very much and if anyone would like to stop by I'll send you home with fresh eggs, bring the kids and they can feed the chickens and gather the eggs our backyard is always open to visitors.

Few old pics


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/13 11:51 PM

[quote=AdvTX]I've been pulling dill plants like weeds and giving them away to neighbors.


What is that bush to the right of the dill ? Some kind of fern ?
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/13 01:18 PM

That is a Cardoon plant or Artichoke Thistle the bottom stalks are harvested like celery it will soon have huge purple blooms that I'll post pics of.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/13 09:19 PM

Beautiful set up you have there ADVTX. Will it get cold enough to harm the young veggies? They say a low of 41 tonight here in Grapevine.

BTW, Happy Birthay!
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 12:07 AM

Well, I have a freeze warning text on my phone for tonight. Planning for 30 tonight. I think I am ready. Will maybe lose a row of green beans.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 12:25 AM

That looks good. I bet you could get a cheap plastic drop cloth and drape it over the beans. Hold the plastic down with bricks or rocks and the ground temp will keep it warm enough in there to save them.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 12:34 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek
That looks good. I bet you could get a cheap plastic drop cloth and drape it over the beans. Hold the plastic down with bricks or rocks and the ground temp will keep it warm enough in there to save them.


I dont know how to keep the plastic from touching the plants. The old timer farmers say if the plant touches the cover at all, you may as well have not covered it at all. It will still kill it. Maybe it wont get that low. If it does, at least it was only a row of beans.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 12:36 AM

BTW Derek, how you like how 3 of those plant covers are Keystone boxes grin cheers
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 12:41 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
BTW Derek, how you like how 3 of those plant covers are Keystone boxes grin cheers


genius!
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 12:59 AM

I need to drink more so I don't have to use those gigantor syrup tubs.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 01:00 AM

Is that wheat on the other side of your fence?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 01:05 AM

No fence there. It's oats. I figure I will lose the whole crop. They have already headed out.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 12:42 PM

All that work for nothing I suppose. My thermo shows the lowest it got was 36.
Posted By: AlabamaJack

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 12:46 PM

anyone need/want some extremely hot peppers seeds...I have a bunch of superhots including Trinidad Scorpion and 7 Pod/Pot...
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 12:57 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
All that work for nothing I suppose. My thermo shows the lowest it got was 36.
Better safe than sorry, kiddo.
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 01:12 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
All that work for nothing I suppose. My thermo shows the lowest it got was 36.


Same here I covered a lot of my plants never did freeze here thank god.
Already have 60 feet of beans two inches tall happy didn't lose them banana
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 06:03 PM

Thanks for the Juliette tomatoes, LSS. Hope you enjoy the canned jalapenos.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 07:40 PM

I was wondering what those were...rolfmao Man, I was thinking sweet Pimentos and one bite later, I knew that was wrong! rolfmao They are quite good. Thank you for them, although it was not necessary. I am enjoying them right now!
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 09:30 PM

I've almost eaten half a jar...eeks
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 11:43 PM

Half of the jar? OMG scared
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/13 11:44 PM

rolfmao They are GREAT!
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/13 08:54 PM

I have 4 store bought onions in my kitchen. Looks as if they will last;



I'm not buying anymore tomatoes until these suckers get ripe;



The potatoes are about golf ball size. Home fries with green onions are next for me.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/13 11:36 PM

3 rows of okra , 4 rows of black-eyes , planted eggplant , more habs and hybrid cayennes as well as another two rows of turnip greens today . Also put out some heirloom Beefsteak maters. I've about given up on finding the Heatwaves.

Gonna put out all the sweet peppers next week.

The pequins and Thais ( in planters) are coming up . I put a Tabasco in a 10 gallon today and thinking it will do well as I've grown Serranos in that size.

Some suggestions for container growing:

1) Clay pots "breathe" so they keep the plants' roots cooler but they also dry out more quickly. Plastic pots hold water better but will get too hot in summer sun.

2) If you go with plastic try some of the large tubs with two rope handles. Makes it a lot easier to move them around from sun to shade.

3) Save all your gallon milk / water jugs. You can put them ( cap on) in the bottom of your large planters and save a lot of potting soil by the space they take up . You can also do the "mater trick" by poking holes in them and burying them up to the neck. Et Voila ! You have a self-watering planter for 1/2 the price. wink
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/13 12:28 PM

Fireants, fireants, fireants. I got fireant. The have mowed down a whole row of beans. Didnt really want to use poison in my garden, but i gotta do something quick. Whats my options.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/13 01:38 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Fireants, fireants, fireants. I got fireant. The have mowed down a whole row of beans. Didnt really want to use poison in my garden, but i gotta do something quick. Whats my options.


Drenching the mounds with orange oil works really well. Look online for some recipes, but it's bascily a few ounces of orange oil, some soap and water. Pour on the mound. I've used it for years and it kills them. Most garden centers and even a lot of grocery stores carry orange oil now days.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/13 02:30 PM

As long as the mounds aren't near the plants, you can pour boiling water on to the mound...it'll take care of 'em.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/13 05:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Drenching the mounds with orange oil works really well.


X2 I started off using Howard Garrett's (Dirt Doctor) Anti-Fuego but now just mix my own. Adding liquid molasses seems to help but just orange oil is very effective.

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/Mound-Drench-Mix_vq3198.htm
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/13 11:38 PM

Here's a decent look at my full garden. I only have 5 rows this year. Seven if you count the doubles on my onions and peppers. The cucumbers and squash are on the ends. The clumps you see, are clumps of cilentro which ahs gone to seed. There's a few new ones ready to use.

Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/13 04:18 PM

nice looking garden Bill! I'm having issues with my cucumbers, seems they are struggling a bit. got a little yellow around the leaves...time to google
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/13 05:52 PM

Originally Posted By: TreeBass
nice looking garden Bill! I'm having issues with my cucumbers, seems they are struggling a bit. got a little yellow around the leaves...time to google
Man, mine, too. I've lost two plants...never had a problem with any of them doing that, except some lemon cucumber plants...those were doodle bugs, but I'm not seeing those this time.
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/13 06:31 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: TreeBass
nice looking garden Bill! I'm having issues with my cucumbers, seems they are struggling a bit. got a little yellow around the leaves...time to google
Man, mine, too. I've lost two plants...never had a problem with any of them doing that, except some lemon cucumber plants...those were doodle bugs, but I'm not seeing those this time.


Same here but I'm not going to panic might still be too cold for them I planted some couple days go see how they look like when they come up.
Also to much water might do it.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/13 11:42 PM


Nice , Bill. Really like the drip irrigation on the maters. I've used it for years in the flower / veggie gardens and it's a real water saver. thumb

87 yesterday and 88 today ! Cold front coming. NOAA's saying a low of 39 Thursday night while Wunderground says 32 . I really don't want to re-plant this year.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/13 12:11 AM

I am showing 40 degrees here for a low on Thursday. Crazy weather.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/13 04:50 AM

The doodle bugs will eat up your strawberries I put about 100 in a jar tonight for the chickens.


Saw lots of Ladybug larva this evening


Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/13 11:56 AM

I have never had luck with strawberries. Seems like just as they start to turn red the friggen birds and bugs get them.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/13 05:27 PM

Originally Posted By: imgonefishing
I have never had luck with strawberries. Seems like just as they start to turn red the friggen birds and bugs get them.


same here, mostly birds, so I gave up.
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/13 06:41 PM

I saw a youtube by a guy who says the birds poke your fruit because they are thirsty. He says to put a bowl of water nearby and they ill leave your fruit alone. He does this for tomatoes.

No idea if it works.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/13 07:06 PM

Ladybugs you say? Wow, I had no idea, but hope it's true. I pulled the last of my winter kale crop last week and it was covered in those. I had no idea they were ladybugs and came close to nuking them.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/13 07:23 PM

He is correct RDL. I've been catching them and putting them on my dill plants.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/13 11:07 PM

Ladybug larvae eat more aphids than the adults. Some species of ants protect aphids because the aphids excrete a sugary substance that the ants ingest.

I don't know if there's any scientific evidence of this behavior in fire ants but from watching my garden over the years I'm convinced that they've taken up the practice.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/13 09:19 PM

I can grub out a mess of these red potatoes anytime;



My tomatoes are showing up in clumps, and a few peppers are sticking.
Posted By: DallasCrappieMan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 01:19 AM

How do you guys think these cool temps tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday will affect our gardens? I have some cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers out. I think the peppers and tomatoes will be fine, but worried about my cucumbers. Like you guys mentioned, I have also had issues with my cucumbers. Should I lay some burlap over them to protect them?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 01:25 AM

I don't know...I would probably put something as far north as you are. You can cut the bottoms off an empty milk jug, take off the top and leave them on the plants until sun up.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 01:26 AM

I covered mine up this afternoon. Gonna be out of town for a couple of days and don't want to take a chance.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 02:00 AM

I covered all my maters and peppers earlier. Cant believe we are still being threatened with freze and frost.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 03:17 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
. Cant believe we are still being threatened with freze and frost.


Me either, guess ill cover everything tomorrow
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 01:43 PM

I had frost on my truck this morning.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 01:45 PM

There was frost on my neighbor's roof, but that's normal for some odd reason. It got down to 37.3 here this morning.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 01:57 PM

LSS, Joshua or Whitney?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 02:04 PM

We defintely had a frost here in SE Jack County. Temp was down to 33.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 02:27 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
LSS, Joshua or Whitney?
Whitney area.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 03:23 PM

LSS, That's a sure sign your neighbor has an adequate amount of attic insulation. The other homes that did not have frost, are a sign they need more.

Heat rises. smile
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 03:24 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
LSS, That's a sure sign your neighbor has an adequate amount of attic insulation. The other homes that did not have frost, are a sign they need more.

Heat rises. smile
hmmm I can't tell on ours, as it's a white shingle roof (his is brown)...and my other neighbor's house has a metal roof...My roof has a much more steeper pitch, but I wouldn't be surprised if it could use a bit more insulation, though.
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/13 06:28 PM

I seen frost on old whitey's cover this morning as I took it off looked at the garden didn't see any maybe the cold air got under the boat cover just happy I didn't lose my garden. I hope we are done with cold weather now.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/13 08:12 PM

I didn't lose anything so I went ahead and planted all the sweet peppers / eggplant / Roma tomatoes and more squash yesterday .

I built beds for the greens , peppers and maters using black plastic bordered with old firewood sticks . I have some 10+ year old pressure-treated timbers but I don't know if they still contain arsenic compounds . Better safe than dead. wink

Put a thick layer of hardwood mulch around all the chilis today but I'm gonna wait a week on the maters. The black plastic really works well at keeping the soil warm and I want to see how the weather's gonna do.

Melons / 'lopes / pumpkins / black-eyes are up .

Cut the bok-choy ( Chinese Cabbage) . They don't head up so it's like a large leathery lettuce. Anybody have any cooking suggestions ( other than stir-fry ) ? They're not that good raw. frown The turnip greens , on the other hand , are excellent this year .
Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/13 03:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Cut the bok-choy ( Chinese Cabbage) . They don't head up so it's like a large leathery lettuce. Anybody have any cooking suggestions ( other than stir-fry ) ? They're not that good raw.

Kimchi?
I was stationed in Korea for 4 years so I enjoy it. You can find spice packets at Asian food stores.
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/13 03:07 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Cut the bok-choy ( Chinese Cabbage) . They don't head up so it's like a large leathery lettuce. Anybody have any cooking suggestions ( other than stir-fry ) ? They're not that good raw. frown The turnip greens , on the other hand , are excellent this year .


I tend to treat it kinda like cabbage. I know you said no stir fry but fry up a slice of minced bacon and some onion in a pan until the bacon is crispy and the onions are good and carmelized. Add some of that bok choy and stir fry just til wilted.

Soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds are all good in it too. Just don't boil it. And don't overcook it. This is a leafy green that prefers stir frying as its method of cooking.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/13 12:04 AM

Originally Posted By: imgonefishing

Kimchi?
I was stationed in Korea for 4 years so I enjoy it. You can find spice packets at Asian food stores.


Isn't that fermented kinda like sauerkraut ? No probs with fermentation , mind you . Not gonna eat those eggs with feathered chicks in them , though. sick
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/13 12:15 AM

[quote=Kattelyn]
I tend to treat it kinda like cabbage. I know you said no stir fry but fry up a slice of minced bacon and some onion in a pan until the bacon is crispy and the onions are good and carmelized. Add some of that bok choy and stir fry just til wilted.

Oh , no. No problem with stir-fry . I inherited my Mom's cholesterol levels so I can fry a pound of bacon in a gallon of lard with no ill effects. rolfmao

Soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds are all good in it too. Just don't boil it. And don't overcook it. This is a leafy green that prefers stir frying as its method of cooking.

I tend to avoid the salt in Soy sauce though. Gotta watch the BP . I'm not on meds but the rest of the family ( over 40 ) is. I really like grilling slices of "head" cabbage with olive oil and a little lemon pepper . Maybe I could try wrapping the bok-choy in foil ?
Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/13 02:18 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: imgonefishing

Kimchi?
I was stationed in Korea for 4 years so I enjoy it. You can find spice packets at Asian food stores.


Isn't that fermented kinda like sauerkraut ? No probs with fermentation , mind you . Not gonna eat those eggs with feathered chicks in them , though. sick

Yes but with red pepper in it.
This is the normal common cabbage style


Technically kimchi is the style of preparing the food. All of these are "Kimchi" but the pic above is what most people think of.


Cucumber Kimchi is the bomb.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/13 12:42 PM

Well I planted 4 rows of corn, 2 rows of black eyed peas, 2 rows of green beans, water melon, cantaloup and cucumber. I hope to high heaven we are done with freakin freezes and frost. I will not plant again this year.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/13 07:58 PM

Here's one of my buddies who is on the same post every day the sun is out.

Posted By: fishernoob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/13 05:51 AM

Anyone know of any plant/seed exchanges in Corpus Christi? I have looked and have found no information.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/13 10:41 PM

Originally Posted By: J.P. Greeson
Here's one of my buddies who is on the same post every day the sun is out.



I started transplanting anoles here several years ago and I have a decent population now . I have blue-tailed skinks as well and found a gecko in the yard last fall. I think keeping the rodent ( therefore snake) population down has helped establish the lizards.
Haven't seen a "post lizard ' ( looks like a tiny brown iguana ) or a toad for years . Must be the dang fire ants.
Posted By: jeffnsa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/13 12:03 PM

My garden is gone. My horse knocked the fence down to get to the green grass and once the fence was down the chickens came in and ate every thing toa nub. I have 2 tomato plants and 4 pumpkin plants survive out of 6 4x4 boxes.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/13 12:59 PM

Sounds like it's time for a chicken fry. I am truly sorry, because I know how hard it is to keep a garden going and to have it taken out in such a horrible manner. It is not too late for somethings, but DANG! Yep, time to fry up the chickens and make some glue.
Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/13 01:51 PM

Last year I planted some onions but none produced, this year, 2 of the ones I planted last season started growing so I planted a few more and all of them seem to be doing well. How do I know when they're ready to be harvested? 2 of them have what looks like a flower begining to bloom.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/13 02:22 PM

Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Last year I planted some onions but none produced, this year, 2 of the ones I planted last season started growing so I planted a few more and all of them seem to be doing well. How do I know when they're ready to be harvested? 2 of them have what looks like a flower begining to bloom.


This guy is great and yes, it's that simple.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k59RcSGJOeo
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/13 10:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Last year I planted some onions but none produced, this year, 2 of the ones I planted last season started growing so I planted a few more and all of them seem to be doing well. How do I know when they're ready to be harvested? 2 of them have what looks like a flower begining to bloom.


I just cut the flowers off if I'm not ready to use them . If you want bigger onions be sure to pull the dirt away from the bulb as they grow.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/13 11:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I have blue-tailed skinks

Those are everywhere out here.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/13 02:15 AM

Originally Posted By: J.P. Greeson
Originally Posted By: Siberman
I have blue-tailed skinks

Those are everywhere out here.


I'm trying to place Scroggins.....Franklin County ?
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/13 04:37 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: J.P. Greeson
Originally Posted By: Siberman
I have blue-tailed skinks

Those are everywhere out here.


I'm trying to place Scroggins.....Franklin County ?


yep
Posted By: EightandChange

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/13 03:59 PM

My potatoes have begun to bloom. In a few months I'll have some new potatoes. I hope to produce around 200 pounds. My question for y'all is how will I store all theses potatoes for the winter?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/13 05:03 PM

Posted By: DallasCrappieMan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/13 05:22 PM

Looks like another blast of cold air coming in Thursday. Supposed to dip down to 38. This whole Spring has consisted of covering and uncovering my garden to protect it from the cold. And I have had to replant some vegatables. I'm getting tired of cold fronts.....hoping this is the last one so our gardens can take off. I have some pepper plants that are the same size they were 3 weeks ago, no growth at all. Wonder if the past cold fronts have stunted their growth? Should I just start fresh again?
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/13 05:42 PM

Originally Posted By: DallasCrappieMan
Looks like another blast of cold air coming in Thursday. Supposed to dip down to 38. This whole Spring has consisted of covering and uncovering my garden to protect it from the cold. And I have had to replant some vegatables. I'm getting tired of cold fronts.....hoping this is the last one so our gardens can take off. I have some pepper plants that are the same size they were 3 weeks ago, no growth at all. Wonder if the past cold fronts have stunted their growth? Should I just start fresh again?


Try put epson salt around your pepper's.
Here's the problem you're going to have if you start over now never make it heat well burn it up but who knows with this weather it's crazy.
My garden looking good have blooms on everything with few peppers and tomatoes.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/13 05:54 PM

I hope that forecast is wrong. My garden is looking great so far.
Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/13 07:58 PM

Originally Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress
Originally Posted By: DallasCrappieMan
Looks like another blast of cold air coming in Thursday. Supposed to dip down to 38. This whole Spring has consisted of covering and uncovering my garden to protect it from the cold. And I have had to replant some vegatables. I'm getting tired of cold fronts.....hoping this is the last one so our gardens can take off. I have some pepper plants that are the same size they were 3 weeks ago, no growth at all. Wonder if the past cold fronts have stunted their growth? Should I just start fresh again?


Try put epson salt around your pepper's.
Here's the problem you're going to have if you start over now never make it heat well burn it up but who knows with this weather it's crazy.
My garden looking good have blooms on everything with few peppers and tomatoes.


how much epson salt?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/13 08:19 PM

Frost. For those concerned about another frost. I learned something the other day from the old farmer FIL. He informed me it ain't the frost that kills the plants, it is the sun hitting the frost that burns them. I never knew this. He's farmed his whole life and has been pretty successful being how it's been his only job. He says as long as you wash the frost off the plants before the sun hits em, your fine.

Just a PSA for those who didn't know. Also, frost can occur at 38F (which I did know).
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/13 08:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Originally Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress
Originally Posted By: DallasCrappieMan
Looks like another blast of cold air coming in Thursday. Supposed to dip down to 38. This whole Spring has consisted of covering and uncovering my garden to protect it from the cold. And I have had to replant some vegatables. I'm getting tired of cold fronts.....hoping this is the last one so our gardens can take off. I have some pepper plants that are the same size they were 3 weeks ago, no growth at all. Wonder if the past cold fronts have stunted their growth? Should I just start fresh again?


Try put epson salt around your pepper's.
Here's the problem you're going to have if you start over now never make it heat well burn it up but who knows with this weather it's crazy.
My garden looking good have blooms on everything with few peppers and tomatoes.


how much epson salt?


Howard Garrett was talking about it Sunday. He said about a tablespoon per plant. Believe he said soft rock phosphate and/or zeolite could be used too.
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/13 09:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Originally Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress
Originally Posted By: DallasCrappieMan
Looks like another blast of cold air coming in Thursday. Supposed to dip down to 38. This whole Spring has consisted of covering and uncovering my garden to protect it from the cold. And I have had to replant some vegatables. I'm getting tired of cold fronts.....hoping this is the last one so our gardens can take off. I have some pepper plants that are the same size they were 3 weeks ago, no growth at all. Wonder if the past cold fronts have stunted their growth? Should I just start fresh again?


Try put epson salt around your pepper's.
Here's the problem you're going to have if you start over now never make it heat well burn it up but who knows with this weather it's crazy.
My garden looking good have blooms on everything with few peppers and tomatoes.


how much epson salt?


Howard Garrett was talking about it Sunday. He said about a tablespoon per plant. Believe he said soft rock phosphate and/or zeolite could be used too.


Who's Howard Garrett?
Tobacco juice on them keeps the bugs from eating the leafs.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/13 09:17 PM

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/

He has a radio show on Sunday mornings.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/13 01:57 PM

I always sprinkle Epsom salt around the veggies once they get established. This year I worked in some slow release Azomite into the garden/landscaping and have noticed a big difference.

Updated garden pic for Derek
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/13 02:14 PM

Very nice! I bet the bees love your place.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/13 02:20 PM

Do any/all of you do something extra to get your tomatoe and pepper blooms to set fruit. IE. Thump the bloom, spray ebsom salt on them, buy some kind of spray....

I've got lots of blooms, but don't know if they're going to set yet. I hope I don't find out too late...

Thanks...Greg
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/13 02:39 PM

If you have time, take a soft paint brush and go bloom to bloom. It really helps.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/13 02:48 PM

That sounds easy given my garden is not big. I'll do that.

Thanks!
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/13 05:41 PM

Avdtx that looks good is that a koi pond there in the middle left?

Gjarman try miracle grow for tomatoes it's pink/red color and also try plant some wild flowers close by for bees hummingbird feeder to.

I noticed today lady bugs are all over my potato plants.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/13 10:21 PM

Originally Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Who's Howard Garrett?
Tobacco juice on them keeps the bugs from eating the leafs.


I'm not sure about the juice but I'd be careful with tobacco use around the garden . I know tobacco mosaic virus can be spread to maters so I wash my hands really well before working with them .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/13 10:37 PM

Originally Posted By: gjarman
That sounds easy given my garden is not big. I'll do that.

Thanks!


LSS suggests "spanking" ( lightly tapping the stems ) to release the pollen . I've used that and the paint brush technique and they both work. I have a habanero plant in a pot that I've been moving inside during the winter for several years. I used the brush on it and had fresh habs this January.

If you use poisons like Sevin make sure and not apply them near any flowers . It'll kill pollinating insects. If you see one of those big "hornworms" with a bunch of white cocoons on it's back , leave it alone . The cocoons contain the larvae of a parasitic wasp .
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 01:22 PM

fly_on that is a bubbling fountain we made out of 2k pounds of boulders.

Not sure which squash this volunteer is?


This is a cactus I got at the hunting lease a few years ago
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 02:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: gjarman
That sounds easy given my garden is not big. I'll do that.

Thanks!


If you use poisons like Sevin make sure and not apply them near any flowers . It'll kill pollinating insects. If you see one of those big "hornworms" with a bunch of white cocoons on it's back , leave it alone . The cocoons contain the larvae of a parasitic wasp .


I'd not thought about the effect of Sevin on the bees. Thanks for the remindar
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 06:00 PM

Advtx is that native rock kinda hard tell in the picture.
Can tell you spent a lot time on everything and it shows looks really good.
Is there a light in the fountain to light up at night?
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 08:40 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
fly_on that is a bubbling fountain we made out of 2k pounds of boulders.

Not sure which squash this volunteer is?


This is a cactus I got at the hunting lease a few years ago





The squash looks exactly like my zucchini blossoms.

The cactus is some kind of hedgehog cactus.. possibly Lace Hedgehog cactus
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 08:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
Originally Posted By: AdvTX
fly_on that is a bubbling fountain we made out of 2k pounds of boulders.

Not sure which squash this volunteer is?


This is a cactus I got at the hunting lease a few years ago





The squash looks exactly like my zucchini blossoms.

The cactus is some kind of hedgehog cactus.. possibly Lace Hedgehog cactus
Leaves are wrong for zucchini....looks more like a vine squash plant, like a spaghetti, or butternut.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 09:51 PM

Here is my weather outlook for tonight. I really have too much up and plants are too big to even really try to cover up at this point. I guess I am just going to chance it tonight. If the clouds will stick around and the wind stays up, that will give me the best shot.

Date 05/02 05/03
Hour (CDT) 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Temperature (F) 44 44 44 43 43 43 43 43 42 41 42 41 38 34 33 37 44 50 53 55 57 58 59 59
Dewpoint (F) 35 33 32 32 31 31 31 31 30 30 30 29 29 28 28 27 27 27 26 26 25 25 24 23
Heat Index (F)
Wind (mph) 25 26 28 26 25 23 22 17 17 18 20 20 20 18 17 16 15 15 16 17 22 24 23 22
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 11:12 PM

Can't you water like right before the freezing times or during and it helps create heat? I think the Florida Orange guys do this to save their crop sometimes.

I have no idea what I'm talking about. But there is something to it.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 11:21 PM

I am seriously thinking of trying it Derek. Not really any other options. Even with that, I cant protect all 4 rows of corn, 4 rows of black eyed peas, 4 rows green beans and pinto beans.

Just a crazy year.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 11:22 PM

I watered my garden. Then I covered it. I'm getting tired of these late cold fronts. I'm blaming all of this on Hops weather forecasts.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 11:23 PM

Quote:
Watering the soil (not the leaves or stems of the plants) will also help the soil retain heat and can help the plants roots and lower branches survive.


http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/protect-plants-in-freeze.htm
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/13 11:23 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I watered my garden. Then I covered it. I'm getting tired of these late cold fronts. I'm blaming all of this on Hops weather forecasts.


I blame Hop too.
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/13 12:58 PM

Had a little freeze here pepper plants not looking good but tomatoes made it.
At this point I'll trade cold for to much rain.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/13 01:00 PM

Fortunately, it was 41 this morning...and no colder. I was afraid with the clouds leaving around 10:00 p.m. that would not be the case...so grateful it did not get colder.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/13 01:00 PM

I made it! Per NOAA, it was supose to be the coldest around 5AM. I got up at 4 this morning so I could tend to things in the event it did freeze.

THe lowest it got here was 39.3. I did have a light frost, but got it washed off of everything before the sun came up.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/13 02:16 PM

Kattelyn I think you found the cactus, thank you

LSS I'm leaning towards spaghetti we will see

fly_on the rock yard told me it was from OK that was actually a fun project. I've been thinking about putting a light on it and you have now reminded me to actually do it because I mostly garden at night with headlamps.



Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/13 02:35 PM

Advtx should got Texas rock lol
When I lived out in west Texas had a fish pond put a water fountain in then got a light kit that was fiber optics cables in the day couldn't see the lights they changed colors.
I can't find pictures I have of it my understanding is my ex has let it go to waste.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/13 08:13 PM

Bought a variety of tomato called " Summer Set" at Lowe's today . Guess that's country for "Heatwave" . We'll see. wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/13 08:16 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I'm getting tired of these late cold fronts.


Tell me about it . I've caught one freakin' sand bass this year.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/13 08:21 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
Kattelyn I think you found the cactus, thank you

LSS I'm leaning towards spaghetti we will see

fly_on the rock yard told me it was from OK that was actually a fun project. I've been thinking about putting a light on it and you have now reminded me to actually do it because I mostly garden at night with headlamps.









Did you bore a hole through the top rock / what did you use ? I have a 1900 gallon bluegill ( formerly koi) pond with a waterfall made out of a stock tank with flagstones stacked in front of the outflow.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/13 02:21 PM

We rented the biggest drill Home Depot had and took turns for a couple hours.

Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/13 03:05 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
This is a cactus I got at the hunting lease a few years ago

There's a cactus that grows in south Texas, whose flower can be boiled for soaking the feets. You boil water with the bloom for a good long time. When the water cools enough to get your feet in, soak until it reaches room temperature - he said 2 or 3 hours, which is really longer than it takes to cool to RT. They say you will never have athletes foot again. I'll double check with Mr. Bill this week, but I think I have the story right.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/13 03:14 PM

A drunken cowboy had to figure that out.

This is a Easter Lily Cactus that bloomed this morning

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/13 03:16 PM

Nice pic, AdvTX.
Posted By: UTMallard

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/13 04:01 PM

I'm new to this thread and gardening in general. I'm planning to build a small garden in my backyard this week. Is it too late in the year to plant tomatoes? Any suggestions on your "top 5" things to plant in a small garden? I was thinking tomatoes, onions, some type of pepper, lettuce, and garlic. Any ideas or helpful hints for a newbie would be appreciated. Garden will most likely be 6x12ft. Thanks!
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/13 05:03 PM

Plant tomatoes around the fourth of July for a fall crop. You are a little late for a summer garden unless you buy established plants. JMO
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/13 05:11 PM

It is just now getting hot enough (soil temp) to do okra, melons, squash with good results. I planted carrots and 4 more rows of corn just yesterday. You can transplant any summer crop now as well as skeeter22 mentioned. You need to get on the ball though.
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/13 08:21 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
It is just now getting hot enough (soil temp) to do okra, melons, squash with good results. I planted carrots and 4 more rows of corn just yesterday. You can transplant any summer crop now as well as skeeter22 mentioned. You need to get on the ball though.


You would think but there could be another cold front. bolt
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/13 08:32 PM

Originally Posted By: UTMallard
I'm new to this thread and gardening in general. I'm planning to build a small garden in my backyard this week. Is it too late in the year to plant tomatoes? Any suggestions on your "top 5" things to plant in a small garden? I was thinking tomatoes, onions, some type of pepper, lettuce, and garlic. Any ideas or helpful hints for a newbie would be appreciated. Garden will most likely be 6x12ft. Thanks!


Tomatoes depending how big you buy them still can grow them before the heat gets bad same with peppers.
Lettuce, onions your to late buy three months sorry.
Garlic plant in the fall.
6x12 that's pretty small space be alright for tomatoes and peppers just don't mix the peppers get all hot are all mild.
You might could grow hill of cucumbers are some type of squash. don't delay if you're going to grow anything in the spring are your going have to wait tell fall.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/13 03:33 PM

This is my first year with sugar snap peas (snow peas). I have some pods on now. However, they are very thin, almost flat with tiny peas inside. How many days from here should I expect or these to plump up and be ready for harvest?

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/13 04:00 PM

They don't take long...about a week...depending on how often you water.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/13 04:18 PM

Thanks LSS. That bringsa whole new question. At this stage of production, how much should I be watering them? I have a soaker hose and have been doing about an hour per week.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/13 04:30 PM

I couldn't tell ya, on that one...I hand water when I'm still growing peas and I do 10 - 15 seconds per section at a good rate of water output...by the time the peas have burned up/stopped producing, I'm using a sprinkler, because it's too hot for me to be out there...and I am not watering my garden at 3:00 a.m. by hand. grin
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/13 04:32 PM

Your leaves would start browning and curling under if they were getting too little, or too much water. You are probably fine on what you are doing...seeing as most plants just need about .5 - 1" of water per week.
Posted By: Gone Shank'n

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/13 04:58 PM

<------- PC
Post 2500!!!

The garden I've been helping my parents with is really lacking this go round. One of the cold snaps really knocked us back quite a bit. Corn and carrots are going strong. Only 2 of the 12 japs made it, so we planted another dozen. Matters are doing fine, they were in a protected plot. Need to get some new squash and cucumbers going. They got a bunch of the seeds mixed up so I'm not quite sure what we have coming up in several of the rows.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/13 01:13 PM

We caught the garden robber last night and dropped him off on the other side of the lake.



Zo counted 41 passion flowers yesterday which is a record at this casa


Is it going to rain????
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/13 02:13 PM

Love Passion Flower. Planted one last year and it's growing like crazy this year. Not blooming yet though. Bees love it!
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/13 06:56 PM

I've got passion flowers growing inside in pots but haven't set them out yet due to all the late freezes. Think they'll be okay?
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/13 07:34 PM

If you have the one in the pic it's very cold hardy and doesn't even loose leaves during the winter. I've tried several other ones that don't do as well. This one http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/10997/
is one of our favorites and we replant it every year.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/13 11:20 PM

Originally Posted By: UTMallard
I'm new to this thread and gardening in general. I'm planning to build a small garden in my backyard this week. Is it too late in the year to plant tomatoes? Any suggestions on your "top 5" things to plant in a small garden? I was thinking tomatoes, onions, some type of pepper, lettuce, and garlic. Any ideas or helpful hints for a newbie would be appreciated. Garden will most likely be 6x12ft. Thanks!


There's still time to plant the hotter peppers like habaneros since they don't really take off until it gets hot outside. You might try some of the heat-resistant tomatoes like "heatwave" but I'd buy the biggest plants I could find.

You could do several okra in there but that would be about all you could plant.

Wait on the greens until fall or early spring.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/13 11:25 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX


Zo counted 41 passion flowers yesterday which is a record at this casa




Do you ever get fruit off the passion flowers ? We had them growing on the fence line and Dad loved 'em. He called them "maypops" .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/13 11:29 PM

Not to politicize the thread but what do y'all think about this ?

Seed registration
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/13 11:33 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
We rented the biggest drill Home Depot had and took turns for a couple hours.



Looks like fun. rolfmao Good job.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/13 01:39 PM

I usually don't see them until they turn orange but I went and looked this morning and there's 5 big ones

Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/13 01:53 AM

Looks like something kicked in, and my cucumbers are going nuts! I have several flowers blooming, so looks like they will be fine.

Gotta love all this rain water banana
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/13 09:19 PM

Originally Posted By: TreeBass
Looks like something kicked in, and my cucumbers are going nuts! I have several flowers blooming, so looks like they will be fine.

Gotta love all this rain water banana


Weird . I have 'maters blooming and even some small jalapenos but my cukes are only 2" tall. I don't know what happened this year . I put them in a good place ( three years since I planted them there ) but they just refuse to grow. noidea
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/13 02:36 PM

Today's harvest...7 Carmen and 3 Serrano peppers.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/13 03:06 PM

Very cool lss
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/13 04:06 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Today's harvest...7 Carmen and 3 Serrano peppers.


From the Whitney garden?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/13 07:29 PM

Yes.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/13 12:25 PM

Yesterdays harvest lol. Should have a lot more in the next week or so. Tons of blooms.

Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/13 12:54 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Yesterdays harvest lol. Should have a lot more in the next week or so. Tons of blooms.



I planted about a row (about 60 feet) not 1 pea plant came up.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/13 01:17 AM

Cookin' fresh collard greens with salt pork and yellow onions . wink I've got quarter-sized tomatoes now.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/13 09:57 PM

Originally Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress
Originally Posted By: txfour
Yesterdays harvest lol. Should have a lot more in the next week or so. Tons of blooms.



I planted about a row (about 60 feet) not 1 pea plant came up.


I have had that luck with alot of stuff this year. The late freezes and cool overnights really screwed up this growing season in my opinion. No rain isn't helping either. Here is how everything is looking so far.

The row of snow peas.


I have several of these squash/zuchini plants


Some of my tomatoes.


My onions.


My peppers.


Why does this pepper look so poor? Wind blown? Too much water? Too little water? Sweet banana by the way.


My corn, which is pathetic. I have 6 rows of this. Hopefully it will come along.


My black eyed peas and green beans. 3 rows of each.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/13 10:00 PM

How long has it been since the plants were watered or rained on? That ground really looks dry.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/13 10:48 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
How long has it been since the plants were watered or rained on? That ground really looks dry.
Yep. That pepper plant needs watering, but it may be too late.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/13 11:16 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
How long has it been since the plants were watered or rained on? That ground really looks dry.
Yep. That pepper plant needs watering, but it may be too late.


They were just watered on Thursday real heavy before I went camping. I will hit it again.

This is real sandy soil. It's probably needing more water than most of your guys soil.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/13 11:33 PM

This wind is drying the soil out very quickly and we need some rain.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/13 11:52 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
How long has it been since the plants were watered or rained on? That ground really looks dry.
Yep. That pepper plant needs watering, but it may be too late.


They were just watered on Thursday real heavy before I went camping. I will hit it again.

This is real sandy soil. It's probably needing more water than most of your guys soil.
I would look at getting some mulch before the next growing season...leaves work really well. My soil drains very, very quickly, but with the mulch, it holds the moisture in much better. Did you add any type of fertilizer to the soil before you planted? Or have a soil test to see what nutrients may be lacking?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/13 11:54 PM

Before you water again, put your finger in the soil and see how deep it goes before it's damp. If it's less than inch, you're okay on the water. If it's not, you're not. I'm thinking lack of water, but you could have rolly pollies, or another bug, sucking it dry.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/13 12:29 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
I would look at getting some mulch before the next growing season...leaves work really well. My soil drains very, very quickly, but with the mulch, it holds the moisture in much better. Did you add any type of fertilizer to the soil before you planted? Or have a soil test to see what nutrients may be lacking?


+1. I made 10' x 10' beds for my maters and chilis this year . I put down the black plastic to keep the dirt warm then added around 3" of mulch when the temps rose. I have yet to water these beds and everything's doing great. I have some hybrid cayennes with no mulch and they're lookin' pretty poor ( as well as the squash , corn and black-eyes ) .

Dang wind really sucks the water out of the ground. I'll make another mulched bed for squash next year but I just can't see how to do it for corn and peas .
Posted By: UTMallard

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/13 04:21 PM

Rookie question: I got my raised bed built (5x12x18'') and purchased the dirt from a landscaper who filled it up for me. He said it is a sandy loam mixed with compost and looks great/very fertile to me. I mixed in an organic bed prep and planted my vegetables last night. I stuck my finger in the soil to make sure I had watered it enough and it was really HOT. Checked temp with a thermometer and it was 128 degrees about an hour after I watered the bed. I assume this is from the compost breaking down. Is this too hot for the roots of the veggies? I couldnt believe how hot the soil was and wanted to get some of your thoughts...
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/13 04:29 PM

Sounds like the composting process is still going on. Compost bins get hot.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/13 04:33 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Sounds like the composting process is still going on. Compost bins get hot.
It is most assuredly the composting process...I have never had that problem, but I would think you might need to water a bit more often.
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/13 01:49 AM

Originally Posted By: UTMallard
Rookie question: I got my raised bed built (5x12x18'') and purchased the dirt from a landscaper who filled it up for me. He said it is a sandy loam mixed with compost and looks great/very fertile to me. I mixed in an organic bed prep and planted my vegetables last night. I stuck my finger in the soil to make sure I had watered it enough and it was really HOT. Checked temp with a thermometer and it was 128 degrees about an hour after I watered the bed. I assume this is from the compost breaking down. Is this too hot for the roots of the veggies? I couldnt believe how hot the soil was and wanted to get some of your thoughts...


Water water and more water where you don't have plant's rake it turn the dirt over.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/13 02:35 PM

Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/13 03:34 PM

^ did you wear waders?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/13 04:11 PM

Nah...our soil drains quickly.
Posted By: Gone Shank'n

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/13 11:03 PM

What else could be planted now? Or am I set with what I have for now?

Just replanted okra this past weekend.
Have corn, onions, japs, okra, tomatoes, squash, cauliflower, watermeloms, strawberry, tomatillo, and maybe some cucumbers.

I only have a couple of some of them that made it through the late cold fronts. Those late fronts hurt.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/13 11:08 PM

I'd wait until mid-to late July and plant for the fall...for the most part, you're pretty much out of luck on the rest of the spring crops.
Posted By: Gone Shank'n

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/13 11:12 PM

I guess that's fine. I probably have plenty for now.

What are some plants to start that early in July?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/13 11:13 PM

Mid to late July, you can start squash, tomatoes, peppers, etc. Just like the spring...
Posted By: Gone Shank'n

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/13 11:16 PM

Gotcha. Alright cool. It stinks working out there when its hot unlike tilling in February in a Carhartf. Lol
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/13 11:24 PM

Get up at 5:30 a.m. and bust your rear...then nap when it's hot outside. grin
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/13 12:30 AM

3.25" rain today. thumb
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/13 11:54 PM

Today's harvest: 5 yellow squash, 3 zucchini squash, 5 Carmen peppers.




This is a friendly reminder about a common pest that destroys vegetables and their plants...often called a 'squash bug'. I hate these little Dereks. grin



If you see them, be sure to check the leaves of your plants for their eggs:



The eggs will 98% of the time be on the veins of the leaf. They can be on the top, or bottom side. They can also be on the stalks of the leaf, or on the bloom stalks. You can either rip them from the leaf, or cut them out. An Exacto knife is great in these situations. I do not like to use pesticides, so I check my plants once a week. I went through last week and killed about 120 eggs and 60 adult bugs. Today, alone, I killed almost 80 bugs and about 150 eggs. It is a difficult task to get them all, but it's better than using poisons...at least to me.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/13 12:31 AM

Checked mine today and so far so good. But I realeased ladybugs and trichogramma wasps.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/13 04:02 PM


Today's harvest 2 Spanish Spice Peppers, 9 yellow squash, 11 Carmen Peppers, 19 Serrano Peppers.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/13 04:09 PM

Nice haul, LSS.
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/13 04:50 PM

Lss you just got rub it in don't you
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/13 05:48 PM

Originally Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress
Lss you just got rub it in don't you
Nah. I'm surprised I've been harvesting this early and this much...especially the peppers. That's been the biggest surprise.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 01:49 AM

It's that time!

Zo and our neighbor Levi


Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 01:17 PM

sweet pics. I've gotten two yellow squash so far, and way too many radishes! mama picked a bunch of sweet peas yesterday as well.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 02:49 PM

Well, I did not want to, but I had to. I used liquid Sevin on everything yesterday. Was gone for a couple days and came back to cabbage that is nearly eaten away, a gazillion gray bugs on my peas, squash bugs and something that is starting to eat on my tomatoes.

I really, really, wanted to do this all organic. Not because I am some tree hugger or anything like that, but I would prefer to do it all natural and not end up having to eat what I sprayed on these plants.

Now, how long before I can eat what I sprayed? I have about 100' of Alaskan Peas ready to harvest today. Do I have to throw them out? My label is missing from my Sevin bottle so I have no clue what the rules are here.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 03:22 PM

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/msds/S...0&%20Sp.pdf
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 03:56 PM

Thanks for the link. Dang, 3 days I have to wait. I am going to lose alot of production. Thinking back, I probably should not have sprayed them as the plants wont make it much longer with this hear anyways.
Posted By: nax

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 05:28 PM

This is our first year with a "real" garden (we've always just done half-barrels in the past) and I'm not sure if we have a problem going on or not.

I had tilled up the area 2 weekends and was going to do the rest of the prep work and planting on it this past weekend, but my wife got trigger happy and planted it while I was at work. When she planted, she didn't really make clean rows (heck, she didn't trench any rows at all!) nor did she heed caution in regards to planting depth. It was kind of an organized chaos free-for-all.

Anyway, this past weekend I got in there and trenched the rows as best I could. I also had to uncover some of the soil around each plant because I THINK they were planted too deep, with the exception of the tomatoes.

Long story short, the garden now looks a bit more official but I still have a few finishing touches to do. My worry is that all of the plants, except for the cabbage plants in the upper-left, are all kind of droopy/wilted. They haven't perked up since my wife took them out of their plastic containers. The 'maters are my ultimate concern as I believe the squash and cucumbers are starting to look better. I haven't noticed any change in the 'maters.

Does it look like I did anything incorrect or is there anything I can do to remedy the situation? Oh, and the watering system is done by irrigation from the canal. 1 minute watering at 8a and 8p. 3 minute watering at 12p and 4p. The ground pretty much stays saturated so I'm not sure if I could possibly be overwatering.


Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 05:59 PM

.5 inches of water per week is all the plants need until they start producing...
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 06:02 PM

I'm having to put down more water than that. This wind is killing me.
Posted By: AlabamaJack

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 06:04 PM

I have not taken time to read this whole thread and probably won't go back and read it...

but do any of you boys/gals use drip fertigation?
Posted By: nax

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 06:04 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
.5 inches of water per week is all the plants need until they start producing...


Do I need to worry about trying to keep the top moist or should I only be concerned with moisture levels down near the roots?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 06:07 PM

Roots are the most important...too much water can cause root rot.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 06:10 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I'm having to put down more water than that. This wind is killing me.
Your plants should also be quite a bit larger. We are in Texas, he is in Colorado. When we first start, .5 inch is more than enough. We have to adjust according to the plant and conditions.
Posted By: nax

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 06:11 PM

Thanks LSS. I'll cut off the irrigation system, let it dry up a little bit, and take care of watering manually. Hopefully they will start perking up.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 06:15 PM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
I'm having to put down more water than that. This wind is killing me.
Your plants should also be quite a bit larger. We are in Texas, he is in Colorado. When we first start, .5 inch is more than enough. We have to adjust according to the plant and conditions.


Yes they are. Some of my tomatoes are three feet tall. My zucchini was flopping around like elephant ears from all this dang wind.
Posted By: nax

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 06:24 PM

Yeah, it's a slow start here. We had a hard freeze less than a month ago. We have had maybe 3 days above 80 degrees. Today's high is only 66. HA! Next week should start the steady 80's, though.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 06:24 PM

rolfmao I know what you mean...the wind is bad today...and yesterday.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 11:15 PM

Originally Posted By: AlabamaJack
I have not taken time to read this whole thread and probably won't go back and read it...

but do any of you boys/gals use drip fertigation?


I'm not using drip irrigation this year but I've used it previously with good results. I suspended the main line over the plants then ran the smaller tubing with the dripper down and secured it at the plant base. That gave me room to hoe around the plants without a bunch of hoses in the way.

With all the hot wind the last few years I've switched to heavy mulch and gallon jugs ( with holes in the bottom ) buried near each plant. Same principle but you don't have to worry about the water drying before it reaches the roots.

I still use the drip in the flower beds. You can bury the main line under the mulch and run individual drippers to large plants like azaleas or hydrangeas . I use the mini soaker hoses around ferns . Make sure you get a pressure regulator with your drip system . Normal water pressure can blow the drippers off of their hoses.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/13 11:23 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
It's that time!

Zo and our neighbor Levi


Cute kiddos, niiiiiice berries ! Mine aren't even red yet. At least ( Lord willing) I'll have berries this year . Dang late freezes took out all the plums and peaches. rolleyes
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/13 01:33 AM

Heres ther million dollar question. Per Sevin's label, I have to wait 3 days to harvest my peas. Does that mean I need to pick and throw away all of the peas that are now hanging or that I can leave them but cant pick/eat for 3 days?
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/13 02:01 AM

I have always interpreted that to mean you have to wait three days before picking and washing them...I have not, however, ever used it on peas. I have used it on squash, tomatoes and peppers in the past, but I do not like to. I also try and pick everything before I put it out and do not get it on the vegetables.
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/13 02:04 AM

Anybody else having a problem with blossom drop? Plants are healthy but I'm losing my blossoms. Read it could be due to humidity or heat. Not sure whats happening.
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/13 01:25 AM

well i can sure kill a thread....
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/13 01:30 AM

rolfmao Sorry, what plants are they dropping on?
Posted By: DallasCrappieMan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/13 01:49 AM

I have them dropping on tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Same problem as Zipster.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/13 02:00 AM

It can be caused by a lot of things...Pests, temperature extremes and moisture stress are the most common.

If it were on squash, I'd suggest squash bugs and doodle bugs as the primary culprits. They still might be the cause, but with it affecting so many things, I would think probably the temperature and moisture stress.

Another cause can be a lack of pollination. Peppers and tomato plants both need to be spanked to pollinate...It shakes the pollen loose and helps the fruit set. Cucumbers can be pollinated using a small, fine paint brush.

If you have moist soil at least 1 inch down, you should be fine on moisture, unless it's too wet.

Squash bugs will affect tomato and pepper plants, but not as often. They come out generally within a few minutes after you have watered. This would be the easiest way to find out if they are the problems. Doodle bugs come out, usually, in the evenings and early mornings, or after a rain.
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/13 12:22 PM

Mine are dropping on Tomatoes. I've "spanked" them and i would think all this wind did as well. Moisture is fine, i'm thinking its temperature stress.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/13 02:43 AM

Some stuff I picked this evenin.

Taters Carrots Onions and Turnips


Mustard Greens


That pot was packed full. They sure do cook down to nothing.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/13 06:55 PM

I mowed the pasture today and it looks like a bumper crop of grasshoppers this year. Y'all get ready. wink
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/13 08:11 PM

Parker, do you have mustard greens and turnip greens in that pot? Hope you had some cornbread to go with them.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/13 12:45 PM

Nope just mustards in that pot. I did have a good mess of turnip greens earlier that I cooked separate. I guess that different color was the young tender vs the older leaves. A little while later they were all the same color in the pot. I did have cornbread with a side of purple hull and a fried pork chop. That was the last mustard picking. I crowded the plants too bad when I planted them. With all the rain we had and the abnormal temperature swings the pants bolted and powdery mildew hammered them pretty bad. I just shredded them and turned them under then planted cream peas over their grave.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/13 04:02 PM

I just cooked up a pot of collard greens and cornbread for an elderly neighbor. Gonna cook a pot of mustard greens for my family now.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/13 09:55 PM

Sweet. I made the first picking of green beans today. They're in a pot with some new taters. That'll go along with smoked ribs,fried crappie,coleslaw,ranch style beans, and home built by the wife tres leches cake.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/13 02:10 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Sweet. I made the first picking of green beans today. They're in a pot with some new taters. That'll go along with smoked ribs,fried crappie,coleslaw,ranch style beans, and home built by the wife tres leches cake.


Could have stopped at fresh green beans but ya had to keep rubbing it in...
Posted By: nax

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/13 02:55 PM

Update on my garden/tomato problem from the previous page:

Things never started getting better so we ended up pulling up ALL of the plants and tilling in some compost. We also bought some quality soil from the nursery to put the plants in. It's been 4 days now and all of the plants are doing great now. The plants that were sickly looking before have perked up and started to green up and put off new foliage. I think we have solved the problem and now we wait. 25 tomato plants should mean a good deal of tomatoes this year. smile
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/13 11:23 PM

Nax I'm not sure of what problem you had but one of mine just croaked from southern blight. It went from nice and pretty to dead as a wedge in one day. There is no cure just preventatives. You can look it up if you want to but you might wish you hadn't afterwards.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/13 11:28 PM

Here's pics of my garden.

Taters,onions,rutabaga,cream peas,turnips,pinto beans,green snap beans,cantaloupe,and corn in this pic


Second planting of cantaloupe and 3 varieties of squash. Black eye,purple hull,and zipper cream peas. Orange and red meat watermelons then 2 varieties of tomatoes. There's a row of pumpkin,cucumber, and giant sunflower per the kids in there too.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/13 11:34 PM

Good lookin' garden there, Parker .

I'm not posting any pics this year. My hoe's been lazy . blush
Posted By: Gone Shank'n

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/13 04:00 AM

For the record, if your ducks get into your garden, they will eat all forms of lettuce, brocolli, cabbage, okra, but won't touch the maters luckily. Or else it would be duck for dinner.

They got banished to the chicken coop. Think the chickens aren't too happy.

I harvested, 7 squash, 10 japs, and about 30 carrots this evening.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/13 04:04 PM

Parker now that is a garden that is probably bigger than my whole lot good job!

This mornings harvest made for some good cereal

Posted By: Kingfisher196

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/13 10:12 PM

Tomato question: Some of my tomatoes are rotten on the bottoms, any idea what might be causing this? I've got 4 plants and it's happening on all of them.
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/13 10:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Tomato question: Some of my tomatoes are rotten on the bottoms, any idea what might be causing this? I've got 4 plants and it's happening on all of them.


Calcium deficiency or not enough water.
Posted By: Tmckn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/13 01:59 AM

Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Tomato question: Some of my tomatoes are rotten on the bottoms, any idea what might be causing this? I've got 4 plants and it's happening on all of them.

Blossom end rot or B.e.r.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/13 07:48 PM

Anybody know anything about tree diseases ? I'm having a time getting a specialist out here and I'm not sure if I trust the local "tree removal " people.

I have a large pin oak my grandfather planted . It's about 4' across , approximately 50' tall and 25' from the house. A strip of bark ( 8" wide x 5' high) has detached itself from the north side . The exposed wood is a healthy " blond" color but about 20' up there's a branch with the bark splitting that's obviously dead. The rest of the tree looks fine .

What do y'all think ? I don't want to lose this tree for sentimental reasons as well as the fact that there's a good-sized shade garden ( azaleas / ferns / etc. )under it but I don't want to take the chance of it coming through my roof.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/13 08:07 PM

Lots of oaks at Cedar Creek are dying. Don't know if it is from disease or possibly from the lack of rain and high temps the last two years. I had a peach tree that bore a tremendous crop of peaches last year and then abruptly died. I have no clue what caused it.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/13 08:07 PM

Well , I'm about sick of collards and turnips but the Early Girls ( as well as the rest of the tomatoes) are coming on strong .

The "peaches and cream" hybrid early corn is maturing nicely ( love raw corn ) and I'm harvesting jalapeno , cayenne , serrano and cubanelle chilis. My habs , pequins and Thais are starting to flower now so I'm expecting an excellent year for salsa.

Found out something this year . I always planted my onions in open ground so I could remove the soil from around the bulbs and ensure proper growth . I always assumed it was the sunlight that spurred growth . This year I cut slits in the black plastic and planted onions there. They did really well and I have dozens in the 4-5" size .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/13 08:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Zipster
Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Tomato question: Some of my tomatoes are rotten on the bottoms, any idea what might be causing this? I've got 4 plants and it's happening on all of them.


Calcium deficiency or not enough water.


Would egg shells ( used them on roses ) or oyster shell ( for poultry ) help in the garden ?
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/13 02:15 AM

Heavy picking of green beans.


Canned beans and taters.
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/13 09:37 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Zipster
Originally Posted By: Kingfisher196
Tomato question: Some of my tomatoes are rotten on the bottoms, any idea what might be causing this? I've got 4 plants and it's happening on all of them.


Calcium deficiency or not enough water.


Would egg shells ( used them on roses ) or oyster shell ( for poultry ) help in the garden ?


Not sure Siberman. talk to your local feedstore or garden store for how to introduce calcium. I used epsom salt to help set my blooms and that worked really well. that is magnesium though. my bet is not enough consistent water. you'd be surprised.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/13 01:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Anybody know anything about tree diseases ? I'm having a time getting a specialist out here and I'm not sure if I trust the local "tree removal " people.

I have a large pin oak my grandfather planted . It's about 4' across , approximately 50' tall and 25' from the house. A strip of bark ( 8" wide x 5' high) has detached itself from the north side . The exposed wood is a healthy " blond" color but about 20' up there's a branch with the bark splitting that's obviously dead. The rest of the tree looks fine .

What do y'all think ? I don't want to lose this tree for sentimental reasons as well as the fact that there's a good-sized shade garden ( azaleas / ferns / etc. )under it but I don't want to take the chance of it coming through my roof.
http://www.ehow.com/how_8075131_fix-damaged-bark-oak-tree.html

I would try to save that tree...I've never done anything like that, but it makes sense. We have had a crazy spring.
Posted By: Robert Hunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/13 11:45 PM

Parker looks good. I am trying To fill the generation gap of the old ways I am only 33 but took a tiller to my backyard and tilled up my entire backyard got 174 jars of fresh stuff and out of it last year. This year looks like it should top that quite nicely. We plowe our garden with a tractor growing up so is small scale. I plante a bunch of sandbass under each tomatoe and they are going crazy. I am close to tcu and do every thing organic and Hand pick bugs with my headlamp at night so I get a pretty penny for left overs. I can't grow it fast enough lol. Here are a few pics from mine.
Posted By: nax

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/13 03:21 PM

Man, I took Texas gardens for granted! Ya'll are producing like crazy and here we are just barely starting to take off. Aside from my strawberries, I have only produced 1 banana pepper thus far. My 25 tomato plants are still less than 3 feet high and are just now starting to put out blossoms.

And along the lines of tomatoes, do you guys prune your heirlooms or just let them go? I was less than pleased with growth progress over the past two week so I decided to go and prune the lower "branches", the suckers, and any leaf that looked less than ideal. Within 24 hours all of the pruned plants had started a blossom or two. I think I might stick with doing this weekly to all but a couple plants and see how they compare over the summer.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/13 04:57 PM

Originally Posted By: robert hunter
Parker looks good. I am trying To fill the generation gap of the old ways I am only 33 but took a tiller to my backyard and tilled up my entire backyard got 174 jars of fresh stuff and out of it last year. This year looks like it should top that quite nicely. We plowe our garden with a tractor growing up so is small scale. I plante a bunch of sandbass under each tomatoe and they are going crazy. I am close to tcu and do every thing organic and Hand pick bugs with my headlamp at night so I get a pretty penny for left overs. I can't grow it fast enough lol. Here are a few pics from mine.


What did you say that tall flower on the right is called? You told me before but I forgot.
Posted By: Robert Hunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/13 09:27 PM

Foxglove the grow great from seed you can get at any garden center. The only problem with seed is they are biennial so no blooms till year two. The cultivar pictured is digitalis purpuria (spelling). The more I've been reading on them they do really well in the shade
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/13 10:34 PM

Good stuff , Robert. thumb What are the tall pink and white flowers . I have several of my grandmother's . I dug a few up to move them and was amazed at how big those bulbs are. I've got a couple of red/purple ones as well.

I read a site that claimed 'maters like to be planted in the same location every year . Does anybody do this ? I've always rotated mine .
Posted By: Robert Hunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/13 02:27 AM

They are a type of Lillie and yes the bulbs are huge lol. I keep the same crop planting for three years and then rotate. You just have to look at what nutrients each plant has a high intake of and try not to put a plant in its place that loved the same nutrients when you rotate.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/13 02:12 PM

Awesome Robert.

My garden is producing. Squash, 4th of july, and beefmasters mainly. I can grow some champion grass for sure crazy

Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/13 03:41 PM

Robert - Awesome looking garden!!! I'm happy to know that I'm not the only headlamp gardener.

I pulled the last of the Onions and replaced them with Okra



Posted By: Robert Hunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/13 10:32 PM

I am glad to know I'm not the only one with onions hanging from trees lol
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 12:24 AM

Y'all's onions don't rot like that ? I always hang mine in the barn or carport to keep the rain off.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 12:35 AM

Originally Posted By: robert hunter
I keep the same crop planting for three years and then rotate. You just have to look at what nutrients each plant has a high intake of and try not to put a plant in its place that loved the same nutrients when you rotate.


I try to keep from planting related plants ( cukes/ melons , squash/zucchini , chilis/ 'maters , etc ) in the same plot for more than 2 years . Seems to help keep the diseases down . I don't like to use chemicals other than the occasional dusting of Sevin.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 12:47 AM

Good lookin stuff yall. Check out Momma's new toy. eeks
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 01:31 AM

OMG! Call Homeland Security!
Posted By: lanman71

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 02:07 AM

Anyone ever grown asparagus around DFW? Wondering how it would do and with as much as we eat of it, it would be nice to grow it instead of buying it.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 02:41 AM

Asparagus does fine. You won't produce enough to really chow down on for the first few years though. It's a ton of work to keep an asparagus bed in good shape though.
Posted By: Gone Shank'n

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 06:17 AM

I have two gardens going, one out back, full sun. Another is under a netting, so they don't get direct mid day sunlight. We planted the maters in there thinking that it would help them stay warm (easier area to keep protected from the N wind) and help them keep going longer into the hot summer. Well the plants look great, but I haven't had a single tomato off of the 8 plants planted in there. Although one plant had a run in with mater catepillars and another battled the ducks, none have even acted like they are going to give up any maters. I'm about ready to yank them and throw some more okra in their place.

The only thing I can think of is, the garden is right next to some old pens and the soil is very rich from manure. Could this have anything to do with it? Lack of direct sun light? If the plants didn't look good, it would be one thing, but I'm lost on them...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 01:59 PM

Originally Posted By: lanman71
Anyone ever grown asparagus around DFW? Wondering how it would do and with as much as we eat of it, it would be nice to grow it instead of buying it.


One place where I have some bees the old lady has an asparagus plant that is probably 30 years old. Its huge. They say plant it somewhere like you would a tree cause its a long term investment and like Parker said you wont get a crop for at least a couple years.
Posted By: Robert Hunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 05:11 PM

My asparagus is on year three and is doing great.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 11:31 PM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Good lookin stuff yall. Check out Momma's new toy. eeks


Nice. My family skipped a generation of pressure cooking since my Mom was intimidated by the danger . I started with a small one and it don't get no better for cooking dried beans and stews .

I have a large one now and I'm reading up on it . I know people who can everything from green beans to fish.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 11:38 PM

Originally Posted By: lanman71
Anyone ever grown asparagus around DFW? Wondering how it would do and with as much as we eat of it, it would be nice to grow it instead of buying it.


I have a 4 year old plant that does..... ok. They need a lot of fertilizer . Be sure and let the last few spears alone so they'll grow tall and "feathery " . The tall foliage will collect solar energy for the next year's crop.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 11:39 PM

Don't let the NSA see this.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/13 11:53 PM

Originally Posted By: Gone Shank'n
I have two gardens going, one out back, full sun. Another is under a netting, so they don't get direct mid day sunlight. We planted the maters in there thinking that it would help them stay warm (easier area to keep protected from the N wind) and help them keep going longer into the hot summer. Well the plants look great, but I haven't had a single tomato off of the 8 plants planted in there. Although one plant had a run in with mater catepillars and another battled the ducks, none have even acted like they are going to give up any maters. I'm about ready to yank them and throw some more okra in their place.

The only thing I can think of is, the garden is right next to some old pens and the soil is very rich from manure. Could this have anything to do with it? Lack of direct sun light? If the plants didn't look good, it would be one thing, but I'm lost on them...


High Nitrogen levels will usually produce more foliage ( leaves) than flowers or fruit. Do a soil test. Tomatoes do better with 6-8 hours of full sun.
Posted By: Gone Shank'n

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/13 06:24 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Gone Shank'n
I have two gardens going, one out back, full sun. Another is under a netting, so they don't get direct mid day sunlight. We planted the maters in there thinking that it would help them stay warm (easier area to keep protected from the N wind) and help them keep going longer into the hot summer. Well the plants look great, but I haven't had a single tomato off of the 8 plants planted in there. Although one plant had a run in with mater catepillars and another battled the ducks, none have even acted like they are going to give up any maters. I'm about ready to yank them and throw some more okra in their place.

The only thing I can think of is, the garden is right next to some old pens and the soil is very rich from manure. Could this have anything to do with it? Lack of direct sun light? If the plants didn't look good, it would be one thing, but I'm lost on them...


High Nitrogen levels will usually produce more foliage ( leaves) than flowers or fruit. Do a soil test. Tomatoes do better with 6-8 hours of full sun.


Alright, thanks. We just thought we would try it. Worked well for lettuce, cabbage, and cauliflower, but the maters, not so much. Guess they will be back in the back in the fall.
Posted By: nax

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/13 03:40 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman

I have a large one now and I'm reading up on it . I know people who can everything from green beans to fish.


My mom is such a hardcore canner that she has canned bacon! Heck, she has even canned sugar... and don't bother asking her why because even she doesn't know. She has a bunker full of canned goods.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/13 12:00 AM

What's the secret to making "crunchy" pickled peppers / okra / etc. ? All my stuff ends up kinda soft .

No comments from the Bunker , please. grin
Posted By: AlabamaJack

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/13 12:18 AM

soaking in an iced brine solution overnight, using stay crisp (food grade calcium chloride) in your canning solution, and cold packing....



Heat kills crispness...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/13 12:20 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
What's the secret to making "crunchy" pickled peppers / okra / etc. ? All my stuff ends up kinda soft .

No comments from the Bunker , please. grin


I used to have a recipe that most the Czechs around here use, but lost it. They made their pickling mixute and pour it in the jars and then bake the jars for like an hour. They turn out perfect. I'll get the recipe first part of next week.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/13 04:14 AM

Fresh pinto beans

Shelled

Cooked with some smoked bacon

This is about 1/4 of the corn that needs to be picked and put up RIGHT NOW.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/13 09:47 PM

The corn looks great. A neighbor brought me 6 ears last week. They had stayed on the stalk too long. I threw them all away.

Everything in this dish came from my garden except the polish sausage.

Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/13 02:31 AM

Man that looks good. Wish Monsanto could make us a sausage bush. I really think they aren't trying hard enough. A bacon tree would be nice too.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/13 06:51 PM

I think I planted my corn too thick.


Posted By: Robert Hunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/13 09:01 PM

Haha I would say so. Your truck must have good hearing because it sure has a lot of ears.
Posted By: Robert Hunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/13 09:02 PM

Isn't that acorn squash in the milk crate? How does it taste
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/13 11:16 PM

That's what we call patty pan. It's pretty good. I like it best sliced thin,battered,and fried. It's is pretty close to fried green tomatoes.

We gave away a lot of that corn then put up 30 dozen ears in the freezer.
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/13 04:59 PM

And having another spring where I'm reminded of why I give up on gardening. I haven't gotten one tomato or zucchini yet.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/13 08:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Kattelyn
And having another spring where I'm reminded of why I give up on gardening. I haven't gotten one tomato or zucchini yet.
I am overloaded with tomatoes, but my squash has been pitiful. I'm not sure what caused it, but I had plants with almost exclusively male blooms this year. Very odd. The yellow squash did better, however. I still only ended up with about 20 squash off 36 plants. Sad.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/13 08:54 PM

My tomatoes are doing better this year than in the past few. I counted 35 tomatoes yesterday on only 4 bushes and some of those are almost fist sized. My cukes look great, with blooms everywhere, just no cukes to pickle yet. Seems almost like they aren't getting pollenated.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/13 11:30 PM

I've picked about 10 lbs. of Early Girls so far . The Celebrity , Roma and Cherry plants are loaded with green fruit as well as all the chilis ( except for the Tabasco ) .

I just picked my third yellow crookneck and they're already starting to get that "bumpy" look .bang Tennis ball size pumpkins , watermelons and cantalopes are evident but my cukes are only now starting to vine ( but they're covered with blooms) .

My thornless blackberries are finally turning black but they're almost bitter .

Strange year .
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/13 12:28 AM

My pumpkins are basketball size. My cukes had poor germination but are trying to hold their own. My squash is doing fair to good. I'm hearing of an seeing a lot of people with male blooms only. I have sunflowers about to bloom that are 8-10' tall. Even though the green beans are blooming again I think they're about done. The peas are waist high and just started blooming. The corn is toast. The watermelons are football sized. The first planting of cantaloupes just about stunted out. I planted a second row and they are doing real good with some softball sized fruits on a 6-10 lb variety. The okra is about 1.5" tall.
Posted By: Gone Shank'n

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/13 11:24 PM

Preserving Jalepenos?


I'm really starting to get japs going finally.

I want to jar candied japs.

What do I need to do to preserve them until I have enough to get them all jarred up?
Freeze? Whole/cuttup?
Put in a bowl of water in the fridge?


What about Okra, want to pickle them, just have them sitting in the fridge for now?
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/13 02:09 PM

I wouldn't suggest freezing them before pickling/canning, fresh is best. I pickle okra just like cukes but always have enough fresh ones. You can leave them in the fridge for 2-3 days but they will probably begin to wilt after that. Same goes for the jalapenos except their shelf life is a little longer in the fridge than okra. I've canned those too. I do slices as well as whole jalapenos, even throw in a few carrots for good measure. I stuff the jar, pour the brine in the jar, add just a little bit of olive oil (maybe a teaspoon), then put the lids on lightly. Place them in boiling water till bubbles begin to appear in the jar and the jalapenos change to more of an olive color, remove, secure the lid tightly and your done. Some folks pour boiling brine into the jars then secure the lid, either method will work.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/13 03:08 PM

I got a mater problem. I am making beautiful red tomatoes....that the bottoms are rotted out of. I mean every single tomatoe. What causes this?
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/13 03:20 PM

I'm having the same problem, but only on one plant. genetics? I don't know.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/13 03:32 PM

It's BER (blossom end rot). There is quite a bit of discussion about it a couple of pages back in this thread. You can also look it up online. Several causes, inconsistent watering, over-watering, nutrients, ph, etc. Almost too many variable to nail it down. I had 2 tomatoes with the same issue. Oddly enough, they were the first 2 to begin ripening this year. I counted almost 40 tomotoes on my plants yesterday with several beginning to turn yellow/orange (ripening) and none of them showed any signs of BER so maybe it's just the early ones. Good luck, I know it's frustrating.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/13 08:53 PM

I had problems with it until I started using limestone when I planted. Epsom salts will help. Sometimes you will get a good second crop, after you lose your first crop.

I think uneven watering is a myth. I have bitter cucumbers this year. I don't think anyone can tell me what causes bitter cucumbers on evenly watered cucumbers. Next year I plan to work in a sack of potting soil for one hill of cucumbers. That's all i can use.
Posted By: mrbelvetron

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/13 01:14 AM

My onions did well this year even though I had to pull most of them early because they got knocked down by some hellacious storms. My Romaine and Butterleaf lettuce also did well. Those are the only two crops I planted cause I only have a 5x5 raised bed and I filled it with the onions. Any suggestions on what I can plant now? I got some butternut squash seeds that I thought about but isn't their planting time over? Since we have such a long growing season would it be ok to plant some and see what happens or would it be a total waste of time?

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted By: Tmckn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/13 02:20 AM

Yes there is a fall crop you can plant.
Here are some fall planting dates for North Texas.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/publications/ncveglist.html
Posted By: tomnt

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/13 12:31 AM

Taters all dug two weeks ago. Now I find Colorado Potato Beetles on my Eggplants...eating the buds off right as they're blooming bang Sevin dust ain't working so I'm hand picking the little pests off. Ya'll know of an insecticide that will kill them?

I never saw them on the potato plants. hmmm
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/13 12:39 AM

Figured I'd throw up some pics of my corn. Been years since I tried growing corn, did well this year



Been a great year for squash so far, but going thru the first die out now.

Should have several tomatoes here soon. One plant has 15 maters on it!

Cucumbers are just getting kicked in, which is great since I've only picked about half a dozen so far. Love me some maters and cucumber salad!
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/13 02:46 AM

Dill pickles and pickled jalapenos

Fresh made salsa with onions tomatoes and peppers from the garden.
Posted By: JDavis7873

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/13 03:31 AM

I made 8 pints of salsa yesterday. I probably have enough stuff for another 10-12, not counting stuff that's been frozen. I may just throw it out though. Most of it's been there since Nov of last year.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/13 01:49 AM

Here are some tomatoes I harvested on the 20th. I've had a great tomato harvest this year.

Posted By: Gone Shank'n

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/13 05:06 AM

First watermelon showed up this weekend.
Okra is coming on strong.
Japs are doing great! I feel like this is the best set of japs we've ever had. Each plant has about 20+ on it and we are picking constantly.

Dang tomato plants never grew tomatoes... Great big huge plants now, never a single tomato. oh well, they won't be in that garden this fall.
Posted By: Robert Hunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/13 08:11 PM

I found the picture of the Lilly bulb that was talked about a few pages back. I canned 33 jars of pickles,fresh rotel,and stew tomatoes for deer stew this winter yesterday. I have been miss timed of peppers and tomatoe harvest going to have to wait a bit to can salsa. I wish my habanero would hurry up and turn orange.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/13 09:58 PM

Mine is going to see Jesus tomorrow. I made my last batch of chow-chow today.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/13 12:39 AM

Originally Posted By: Gone Shank'n
.
Japs are doing great! I feel like this is the best set of japs we've ever had. Each plant has about 20+ on it and we are picking constantly.


Me too. I think I bought 'em at Wal-Mart . BIG japs ( 6 x 2") with just enough heat. They're great for armadillo eggs.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/13 12:52 AM

Can't see your pics. I canned a couple quarts of pureed tomatoes yesterday . Bought all the supplies for pickling today .

NEVER underestimate the power of a green habanero. eeks Taste wise, I like my peppers fully ripe ( red / yellow / orange ) but you just can't beat the fire from almost-ripe chilis (IMHO) .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/13 12:54 AM

Nice caladiums. You don't do a fall garden ?
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/13 03:47 PM

I plan to grow a small garden in the fall. There hundreds of little tomato plants growing on the south side of my house where I throw out some of my scraps. I may rescue a couple of those.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/13 01:14 AM

Been getting this many tomatoes every 2 or 3 days.

Burpee Better Boy
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/13 01:21 AM

Nice haul. How many plants you got ?
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/13 01:29 AM

I don't even know. About 75' on 30" spacings. I guess that would be around 30 plants.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/13 06:37 PM

Orange meat watermelon

Pink eye purple hull peas.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/13 01:49 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Dill pickles and pickled jalapenos

Fresh made salsa with onions tomatoes and peppers from the garden.


care to share your salsa recipe?
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/13 01:49 AM

Picked a few yesterday

Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/13 01:50 AM

Trying our first canning



any advice or recipes would be great
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/13 03:05 AM

Originally Posted By: TreeBass


care to share your salsa recipe?


My wife just snagged this off the internet. It's OK. You know how many variances there can be with salsa. I figure it would take a lot of effort to tune it to exactly the way you like it.

I hope your pickles turn out better than mine. Mine were nasty soft. Ugh. Overwhelming pickle taste though.

http://kitchenaddiction.blogspot.com/2009/08/canning-salsa.html
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/13 02:47 PM

Originally Posted By: TreeBass
Trying our first canning....

any advice or recipes would be great


When you pour the vinegar into the jars be sure and get all the air bubbles out before sealing the lids. Helps with the preservation .

Make sure you have a rack on the bottom of your hot water bath or pressure cooker . This keeps the jars from contacting the bottom of the pot and getting too hot ( possible breakage) . If you don't have a rack to fit use something stainless . I recently used my table knives as a rack in the bottom of my stew pot.

Some people recommend putting all the spices in a small cheesecloth bag then removing it before you pour the vinegar into the jars . I put my spices ( garlic , dill, etc. ) in the jars with the produce . I like really strong flavors , though . Let your jars sit unopened for a few months ( especially salsa) for maximum taste.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/13 03:21 PM

Thanks guys, going to start working p a good salsa recipe and try canning it.

Seems we had 3 jars yesterday that did not seal properly. This could get fun
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/13 08:49 PM

Use sea salt . Regular table salt can make the vinegar cloudy.

Experiment with different herbs when making salsa . I've used several varieties of sage , basil and mint . I chop up a small bowl to see how the combo works . Use moderation though , as their taste will grow stronger with time .
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/13 12:25 AM

This is all you need. Add tomato paste at the end, and put it in a hot bath for 30 minutes.

Posted By: nax

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/13 04:50 PM

Dang, all these harvests are making my mouth water! I'm ready for my garden to start producing already! It's close, though. I don't have any updated pictures of my plots, but I'll certainly post some when I start to harvest.

Our tomatoes out here just started putting on fruit a few weeks ago. We have 67 'maters on as of this morning. We seem to count 6-12 new 'maters a day, so we may be in over our heads. Most of our 32 'mater plants are brandywine heirlooms or beefsteaks, so they are still green and growing. Hopefully in a week or so we will start getting reds and our harvest will begin.

The squash and cucumbers started putting out flowers and rapidly growing a few weeks back as well. Still no fruit producing, but hopefully soon! I've got 8 squash and 4 cucumbers.

I have 6 cabbage plants that keep growing, but still no heads on them. I'm doubting that I get a summer harvest from them.

Strawberries are growing like weeds, but I won't get a harvest from them until fall.

Peppers are producing steadily, though my jalapenos are slow.

My mint and stevia have turned out to be weeds! I can't harvest the stuff fast enough.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/13 06:54 PM

Seems my cukes grew beautiful vines, tons of blooms but only a small amount of cukes so far. Now the vines are starting to wilt like they are almost done, sigh. Tomatoes still going going good as are the jalapenos. Bell peppers have a few on them but they seem to always do better once it gets hot anyways so I'm holding out hope for more. Not my best year gardening that's for sure. Brother has had a crazy good garden this year. In all, they put up 40+ qt jars of tomatoes juice and fresh tomatoes, ate plenty of others. He is going to just let them go now since he has way more than he needs. Same goes for his squash and canataloupes. He sent 2 this weekend when my Mom came to see us. They were really good. Said he picked 9 more canataloupes and they were in the sink. Got tired of picking squash too. It's too bad I live so far away, lol. Sad part is he can't seem to find anyone to give them to since everyone down that way had a bumper garden crop this year.
Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/13 07:27 AM

I am starting to get bummed. My tomato and pepper plants are huge good looking plants. 4'-5' tomato plants, and not a 1 of them has set any fruit.
Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/13 07:33 AM

Originally Posted By: nax

My mint ... have turned out to be weeds! I can't harvest the stuff fast enough.

Welcome to the jungle. I planted some mint 15 years ago in a bed on the front side of the fence next to the gate. I have spent the last 13 years trying to kill it off. round up weadeat it to the ground and still. The [censored] is sprouting up in that bed and up to 100' away from it. My next door neighbor has mint instead of grass on that side of his house. It does smell good when he mows. rolfmao
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/13 01:17 PM

Mint and oregano are best planted in containers where they can not spread.
Posted By: nax

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/13 02:36 PM

Yeah, I planted my mint in a half-barrel because I KNEW it was going to take over everything. We have the "strawberry" variant and use it for fresh tea and in water.

We keep a large water dispenser jug in the fridge with water, mint, lemon slices, and strawberries. It kind of promotes the kids and my wife to drink more water. They complain that they don't like the "taste" (or lack of taste, I'm better guessing) of plain water, so the natural flavors make it more appealing to them. It's good stuff!

I think my 'maters have finally reached critical mass with fruit on the vine. I counted 98 'maters on the 32 plants last night. Still no red ones, but they're getting large. Hopefully in the next week or so they will start turning.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/13 02:49 PM

Nax, I was in Buena Vista last week and the tomatoes that I saw in a friend's garden only had blooms and no fruit. The short growing season sure limits what they can grow.
Posted By: Fish AKA Jerry

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/13 03:09 PM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
This is all you need. Add tomato paste at the end, and put it in a hot bath for 30 minutes.



I would add a few garlic cloves to that. Also, I like to smoke all the ingredients on a charcoal grill long enough for the tomatoes skins to start bubbling off.
Posted By: nax

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/13 03:25 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Nax, I was in Buena Vista last week and the tomatoes that I saw in a friend's garden only had blooms and no fruit. The short growing season sure limits what they can grow.


Oh yeah, especially over there! That's between Salida and Vail, right? I'm at least further west in the desert so I'm a little better off than they are. My tomatoes didn't really start growing until 3 or 4 weeks ago. They were just kind of status quo. We had a very late hard frost and then temps didn't come up until the middle of June.

There's not a lot of things I miss about Texas (sorry, but I'm a mountain boy), but the awesome garden potential is one of them!
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/13 03:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Fish AKA Jerry
Originally Posted By: bill oxner
This is all you need. Add tomato paste at the end, and put it in a hot bath for 30 minutes.



I would add a few garlic cloves to that. Also, I like to smoke all the ingredients on a charcoal grill long enough for the tomatoes skins to start bubbling off.



I also like cumin and fresh cilantro in my salsa.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/13 03:46 PM

Originally Posted By: nax
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Nax, I was in Buena Vista last week and the tomatoes that I saw in a friend's garden only had blooms and no fruit. The short growing season sure limits what they can grow.


Oh yeah, especially over there! That's between Salida and Vail, right? I'm at least further west in the desert so I'm a little better off than they are. My tomatoes didn't really start growing until 3 or 4 weeks ago. They were just kind of status quo. We had a very late hard frost and then temps didn't come up until the middle of June.

There's not a lot of things I miss about Texas (sorry, but I'm a mountain boy), but the awesome garden potential is one of them!


Yep, just north of Salida on the Arkansas River. Gotta have a high fence around your garden or the deer will eat everything.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/13 12:32 AM

Just a few from this evening:



Can't figure out why some of my cucumbers curl like they do.
Posted By: Fish AKA Jerry

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/13 01:53 AM

Water.. they curl more when thirsty. But I think they taste better too.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/13 06:22 PM

interesting since they get watered everyday along with the rest of the garden

thanks
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/13 06:43 PM

I had that problem last year. Thought it was a watering problem too but like you mentioned, I watered almost everday so they were starving for water. Seems as though the first batch or so was like that then they were fine. This year, my cukes have been non-existent. Only enough to make a couple of quarts, pretty disheartening. 1st year I can remember when I wasn't able to pickle at least 12-15 qts. Granted, I don't have many plants. They looked great and loaded with blooms, I guess the bees just didn't get their job done.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/13 10:27 PM

Originally Posted By: bill oxner
This is all you need. Add tomato paste at the end, and put it in a hot bath for 30 minutes.



Sorry , Bill . That's not salsa . That's hot spaghetti sauce. grin
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/13 10:50 PM

Out of ten squash plants ( yellow crookneck , straightneck , zucchini and patty pan ) I got 4 squash this year . The plants looked fine and flowered but just never produced . I'm going to try again for a fall crop.

I had to plant cukes 3 times due to the late frosts but by the time they started flowering they withered from the heat ( as well as the pumpkins ) . Definitely gonna start the vines inside next year.

Maters did really well . I have a "black cherry " tomato that looks like a small Roma and it's prolific as heck . I've been making sun-dried with them as well as pickling / canning. I have about 25 lbs of Early Girl and Celebrity in the freezer waiting on my chilis to catch up so I can make salsa .

Just now starting to get decent yields of tabasco , diamante , thai , pequin and hab chilis. It's definitely been hot enough but way too dry.

How long does jelly last ? I cleaned out my pantry today and found several jars of plum and blackberry from 2010 . Think it's still good ?
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/13 02:20 PM

When is a good time to plant the zucchini for a Fall crop? I have seeds ready to go. I tried to make cukes in the Fall last year but about the time the vined nicely, the dang aphids got on them so bad and so quick, they wiped out my plants before I could get rid of them. Not sure I want to try Fall cukes again but zucchini would be good.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/13 03:25 PM

http://northtexasvegetablegardeners.com/forum/index.php?topic=249.0


Scroll down for planting dates
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/13 12:12 AM

Originally Posted By: scott01
When is a good time to plant the zucchini for a Fall crop? I have seeds ready to go. I tried to make cukes in the Fall last year but about the time the vined nicely, the dang aphids got on them so bad and so quick, they wiped out my plants before I could get rid of them. Not sure I want to try Fall cukes again but zucchini would be good.


Plant some turnip greens a few weeks before you plant the other stuff. Aphids will gather there and their predators ( like ladybugs ) will follow. Plant icicle radish with your squash plants to discourage squash bugs.
Posted By: Robert Hunter

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/18/13 10:07 PM

Well my super secret sweet and hot pickles are coming along nice. I made a suicide run to brokenbow to fly fish for trout Tuesday and was canning stuff fron noon to 3:30 am today. Now I'm dragging at work I got 30 jars of pickles 21 jars of fresh rotel for queso a bunch of stew tomatoes and basle pasta sauce. The pasta sauce is amazing. I am closing in on 150 jars of stuff not bad for a corner lot in the middle of Fort Worth lol.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/13 02:22 AM

When I close my eyes I see cantaloupes.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/13 12:50 AM

Finally a true orange meat melon.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/13 11:58 AM

Looks good parker
Posted By: LazyDaisy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/22/13 01:31 AM

Wow, who would of thought 10 years ago that there would be a gardening section in TFF? This is right up my alley, and I think I can make it relative to FISHING!
I am the owner of Lazy Daisy Greenhouse in Canton, Texas, I only say this because I am a all Organic Greenhouse We only grow plants that use fish emulsions and liquid seaweed for fertilizers.
Although we sell them bottled product, if my clients tell me they are fisherman/woman, my favorite thing is to teach them how to use fish and worms that they harvest with their own hands to fertilize, aerate, treat their lawns and gardens.

I would love to hear about everyone else's organic tricks and I would be happen to share all the knowledge I have in this area.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/22/13 01:28 PM

welcome
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/23/13 02:07 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: bill oxner
This is all you need. Add tomato paste at the end, and put it in a hot bath for 30 minutes.



Sorry , Bill . That's not salsa . That's hot spaghetti sauce. grin


Read the ingredients on any jar of store bought salsa. You'll see the same there, except they don't use tomatoes in their salsa. Just tomato puree. Cilantro loses it's flavor when it has been canned.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/13 01:43 AM

canning a fig/jalapeno jelly lately...lots of that in the cove here
The fig/jalapeno jelly mix is very good... We used one part jalapeno to 5 part fig and it has a nice kick... Going to add in local concord grapes to the mix tomorrow...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/13 11:48 PM

Just bit into the first habanero of the year .

MERCY ! flame
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/13 01:53 AM

Making habanero salsa tomorrow. Bringing the heat!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/29/13 11:12 PM

This was a tiny ( dime-sized ) hab off the three-year-old plant I keep indoors over the winter . Felt like I'd French kissed a wasp nest.

Hope all the habs in the garden are that hot but they haven't turned orange yet . More of a dark yellow .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/13 08:22 PM

Thinking about making raised beds out of cinder blocks ( 3' high x 3' wide x 9'+ long ) this winter . I'll line the interiors with fabric and fill 'em with tree trimmings , kitchen scraps , manure , garden soil , etc.

I plan on putting them on the east side of the house so they'll have some shade during the afternoon and using drip irrigation .

Any ideas / opinions ?
Posted By: Harte Nuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/13 08:26 PM

i prefer to keep compost bins seperate of beds...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/08/13 03:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Harte Nuss
i prefer to keep compost bins seperate of beds...


I don't plan on putting enough stuff in there to qualify it as a compost pile and I've always buried food / yard scraps around my garden with no harm .

You raise a valid point , though . Rotting material will increase the soil temperature and I'm sure the cinder blocks will absorb a lot of heat during the day . I'll probably need to cut down on the organic material or figure out some shading for these beds .
Posted By: General Jigs

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/08/13 11:33 PM

just planted my fall garden today. hopefully i get some good veggies before the end of the year.

peas, beans, cabbage, summer squash, winter squash, broccoli, zucchini, (spinach in a few weeks)
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/14/13 05:56 PM

First attempt at growing my own veggies. Cauliflower, brocoli, kholrabi, lettuce, and some cabbage.

Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/14/13 09:27 PM

Looks good! I pulled my vegetables Monday before the freeze...should have taken a picture. I pulled some really nice eggplants, peppers and tomatoes.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/13 12:24 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Looks good!

x2 , Frenzy . Hydroponics ?

I pulled my vegetables Monday before the freeze...should have taken a picture. I pulled some really nice eggplants, peppers and tomatoes.


Never did get any more tomatoes after the summer boom . Plenty of blooms but they just didn't have time to ripen . The potted peppers on the pond's deck survived the freeze but the main garden's a wasteland ( except for the collards ) .

I was seriously disappointed in my habaneros this year . I bought 10 plants at Lowe's and they made plenty of fruit but they weren't hot . The 4 year old potted habs could take the paint off a car . No idea what happened . I had 'em planted next to several varieties of sweet peppers but the cayennes , japs , serranos , etc. were still good and hot.

Please don't tell me they've engineered a "heatless " habanero. huh
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/13 01:25 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Looks good!

x2 , Frenzy . Hydroponics ?

I pulled my vegetables Monday before the freeze...should have taken a picture. I pulled some really nice eggplants, peppers and tomatoes.


Never did get any more tomatoes after the summer boom . Plenty of blooms but they just didn't have time to ripen . The potted peppers on the pond's deck survived the freeze but the main garden's a wasteland ( except for the collards ) .

I was seriously disappointed in my habaneros this year . I bought 10 plants at Lowe's and they made plenty of fruit but they weren't hot . The 4 year old potted habs could take the paint off a car . No idea what happened . I had 'em planted next to several varieties of sweet peppers but the cayennes , japs , serranos , etc. were still good and hot.

Please don't tell me they've engineered a "heatless " habanero. huh
Sometimes they just come out that way. I have heard it's due to too much watering before harvesting...and I've heard it's due to being planted too close to sweet peppers. I have no idea what causes it, other than it just happens.
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/13 02:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Looks good!

x2 , Frenzy . Hydroponics ?

I pulled my vegetables Monday before the freeze...should have taken a picture. I pulled some really nice eggplants, peppers and tomatoes.


Never did get any more tomatoes after the summer boom . Plenty of blooms but they just didn't have time to ripen . The potted peppers on the pond's deck survived the freeze but the main garden's a wasteland ( except for the collards ) .

I was seriously disappointed in my habaneros this year . I bought 10 plants at Lowe's and they made plenty of fruit but they weren't hot . The 4 year old potted habs could take the paint off a car . No idea what happened . I had 'em planted next to several varieties of sweet peppers but the cayennes , japs , serranos , etc. were still good and hot.

Please don't tell me they've engineered a "heatless " habanero. huh
Aquaponics. There's a 55gal fish tank with 6 goldfish that supply the fertilizer. There's a pond pump that brings the fish water into the beds and some bell siphons that drain the beds back into the fish tank.

It sounded kind of interesting to me, and it was a fun little project. I'll probably use the goldfish for bait and replace them in the spring with some bluegil or something edible.
Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/13 07:46 PM

Nice looking aquaponics system. I built one in May and it has done really well. The heat prevented my greenbeans and tomatoes from producing fruit but once the cooler temps started they really put on some fruit. I'm looking forward to next spring to try some new things. I have plastic over one growbed at the moment hopefully it will help extend the season a little longer.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/16/13 02:19 AM

Originally Posted By: Frenzy


x2 , Frenzy . Hydroponics ?
]Aquaponics. There's a 55gal fish tank with 6 goldfish that supply the fertilizer. There's a pond pump that brings the fish water into the beds and some bell siphons that drain the beds back into the fish tank.

It sounded kind of interesting to me, and it was a fun little project. I'll probably use the goldfish for bait and replace them in the spring with some bluegil or something edible.


I have a 1900 gallon ( formerly Koi ) pond that now hosts gambusia , shiners and sunfish . I drain it to water the flowers and veggies.
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/21/13 05:08 PM

when do you start your seeds inside for your spring garden
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/21/13 11:25 PM

Originally Posted By: 30ft jon boat
when do you start your seeds inside for your spring garden


Late January to early February depending on where you live.
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/13 01:00 AM

what kind of lights are you using
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/23/13 12:45 AM

Originally Posted By: 30ft jon boat
what kind of lights are you using


I've started sets in a south-facing window with no supplemental lighting . I've also used a small (dual 24" T12 fixture ) and even a 48" shop light . Keep your seedlings warm at the roots for success .

My reef tank crashed this past spring so I'll be using the 20 gallon tank with a 4 x 24 watt T-5 fixture this winter . As the light intensity is so much higher , I'll probably wait until late February / early March to start my seeds.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/21/14 07:31 PM

Waking the thread up here. Now's the time to be getting your beds ready.

My harvest today. blush 2 grape tomatoes from the green house. I normally
will let the temps fall at night in there, to no lower than around 38ish. The tomatoe plants
look kinda scrappy, but after a prunning in late Febuary, they'll start putting out again.



Lots of blooms on the 2 plants and some green, grape tomatoes in this pic. They need some fertilizer, the 2 plants are 4 years old this spring.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/21/14 07:44 PM

Good to see the gardening thread get going again. I will be starting my seeds inside the house within the next week or so. I plan to get tomatoes, bell peppers and jalapenos going for sure. I think I had a couple more I planned to start indoors too but can't remember what they were right now.

I'll wait till mid-March and put the cucumber, green beans, okra and cantaloupe seeds directly in the ground outside, they always pop up fast.
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/21/14 08:29 PM

These are from yesturday, should be ready soon. Can't wait for some warmer weather.


Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/21/14 10:08 PM

Looking good...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/14 01:00 AM

Chit ! I'm already behind.

Refresh my memory : are those greenhouse 'maters in the ground or in pots ?

I have fresh orange habaneros ( inside ) , collards in the garden , wild garlic and a pair of squirrels in the yard . Lord willing , I won't be starving this winter . rolfmao
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/14 01:07 AM

I tilled my garden and planted 300 onions over the weekend. I am still picking lettuce, mustard greens, collard greens and carrots.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/14 02:26 PM

They are potted mater plants Siberman. We have mucho squirrels around here to. argue
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/14 02:58 PM

We HAD a squirrel problem about 3 yrs ago. Seems like their numbers are dwindling each year, lol
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/14 12:40 AM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
They are potted mater plants Siberman. We have mucho squirrels around here to. argue


Never had squirrels mess with the garden but it's out in the open where the hawks keep watch . They put a serious dent in my Black Walnut and Peach crops , though .
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/14 12:47 AM

When yall gonna start your maters? I'm having to hold myself back.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/14 12:51 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
When yall gonna start your maters? I'm having to hold myself back.


I'm thinking late February . Easter is April 20th .
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/14 01:41 AM

Not sure how reliable this is, but here is a Frost link guide on the Old Farmers Almanac:

http://www.almanac.com/content/frost-chart-united-states/CA/Palo%20Alto
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/14 01:00 PM

RDL, my grandmother swore by and swore at the Farmers Almanac. Last year, we had frosts in the metromess into April. I had to go out and cover my plants much more often than the previous years. Ya never know what mother nature is gonna throw at you. This has been the coldest winter in quite some time IMO.
Posted By: Turf Dawg

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/14 08:08 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
RDL, my grandmother swore by and swore at the Farmers Almanac. Last year, we had frosts in the metromess into April. I had to go out and cover my plants much more often than the previous years. Ya never know what mother nature is gonna throw at you. This has been the coldest winter in quite some time IMO.


I am glad someones remembers how long it stayed cold last year. Around June I had several people wondering why their tender perennials were not doing good and when I would say something about the long winter they would say "I didn't think winter was too bad". They had already forgot about all the snow around last Christmas as well as the 13 days in April where it was 35 or lower in the mornings as well as the first 3 days of May when we had frost. Last winter seemed to last forever. I just hope we have a milder summer.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/14 03:55 AM

I've got my tomato and pepper seeds planted now and some of them are up. I started 2 weeks earlier this year, mainly because I was impatient. Late frosts last year killed many of my plants but I had extras. I think I'm early this year but I'll deal with it. Around Feb 1st is probably optiamal in North Texas IMO.

This will be my 2nd year with a garden, so hopefully I will be smarter and a little better.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/14 12:01 PM

gjarman, good luck if you plant tomatoes and peppers in early February. IMO, that is way too early for north Texas. This winter is showing no sign of letting up any time soon.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/14 01:25 PM

Skeeter22, I agree. Seeds indoors around Feb 1st. Plants outside in mid to late March.
Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/14 04:49 PM

I've started my peppers and tomatoes from seed in 6" pots this year Plan is to grow them indoors as long as possible and hopefully get in some good harvests prior to the 100+F of summer.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/14 08:03 PM

I planted potatoes, onions, and brocolli this last weekend. First time I've tried Potatoes. Last year was my first garden and the onions were a fail, and the brocolli was probably out to late so it wasn't great. Most of my tomato and pepper seeds are have come up inside. Plants are between 1 and 2 inches. I use the Jiffy indoor greenhouse I got a Lowes, which I had good luck with last year.

I'm sure I'm gonna learn alot more this year (like not fertilizing to much like I did last year).
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/14 01:42 AM

Originally Posted By: gjarman
I planted potatoes, onions, and brocolli this last weekend. First time I've tried Potatoes. Last year was my first garden and the onions were a fail, and the brocolli was probably out to late so it wasn't great. Most of my tomato and pepper seeds are have come up inside. Plants are between 1 and 2 inches. I use the Jiffy indoor greenhouse I got a Lowes, which I had good luck with last year.

I'm sure I'm gonna learn alot more this year (like not fertilizing to much like I did last year).


I quit planting my onions in rows last year and spread them out among the other plants . They seem to do better and I don't have the hassle of hoeing between 100-300 individual onions in rows .

Taters do well if you "hill" them . Plant them in rich soil and keep piling the dirt up around the plant stems as they grow . This encourages the plant to put out more roots . The more roots you get , the more tubers ( potatoes ) .
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/14 04:43 PM

Thanks for the advice on the potatoes. I'll do that when (or if) they come up.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/14 05:48 PM

I put some Red/new seed tators in the ground yesterday a neighbor brought over for the heck of it. They went into a compost area, where we throw old veggies, coffee grounds, egg shells and what not into.

Probably too early, but we'll see if they sprout and make.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/14 03:03 AM

Spring gardening seems like it just keeps getting further away.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/14 08:54 PM

I really enjoy this time of year. Lots to be done to my garden to get it ready. Its too damn cold though.

My garden usually sucks so I live vicariously through yalls.
Posted By: SteveHummert

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/07/14 03:21 AM

For you gardeners, I have some good compost going that you are welcome to if you want to drive to Grandview to pick it up. It has grass clippings, leaves, horse manure and ashes all mixed in and turned about once a month. Just have more than I need.

I can load with a tractor. PM me if interested. cowboy
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/07/14 02:47 PM

Nice offer there Steve. If you were a little closer, I'd take you up on that.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/14 07:15 PM

It has begun dunce

My problem is the GRASS. It comes in thick and eventually takes over. I sprayed vinegar last year. It helped but not much.

Thoughts on how to keep the grass out? Right now its down to dirt and grass roots.


before

after
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/14 07:18 PM

Add some orange oil to your vinegar. And spray the grass the hottest part of the day.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/14 10:09 PM

I am such a loser. I haven't even broken ground this year. AND I did not plow last fall either. It is just so dry that I have kind of lost interest. Watering every day last year was such a beating. I can't wait until mother nature smiles down on us again and provides some consistent non drought rainfall.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/14 10:10 PM

Does anyone keep chickens in their garden to control bugs/weeds?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/14 11:50 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Does anyone keep chickens in their garden to control bugs/weeds?


I have not. Heard they will eat the plants and vegetables.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/14 01:47 AM

Is that the chicken pen to the right ? I'd put the chickens in the garden and plant the garden in the chicken pen . Rotate every couple of years .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/14 01:53 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Does anyone keep chickens in their garden to control bugs/weeds?


It's not so much that they eat the plants ( although they love to peck ripe tomatoes ) but chickens scratch through the dirt looking for food and can do serious damage to plant roots .

Try guineas .
Posted By: imgonefishing

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/14 10:02 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
My problem is the GRASS. It comes in thick and eventually takes over. I sprayed vinegar last year. It helped but not much.

Thoughts on how to keep the grass out? Right now its down to dirt and grass roots.


Round up when it is warm and cover the area with black root block cloth when its cool to deprive it of light. or
...



Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/14 11:07 PM

I used Round Up for years but there's a lot of debate right now about certain chemicals being left in garden soil . You can put sheets of clear plastic down and the heat will kill all the roots / weed seeds / worms / beneficial nematodes and bacteria / etc . You'll have an essentially sterile plot of land that you'll need to inoculate with all the "good" bugs .

I think napalm leaves an oily residue . Might taste funny on turnip greens . wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/14 11:10 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
It has begun dunce

My problem is the GRASS. It comes in thick and eventually takes over. I sprayed vinegar last year. It helped but not much.

Thoughts on how to keep the grass out? Right now its down to dirt and grass roots.




What kind of grass ?
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/14 11:17 PM

Read up on MSMA weed killer. It's good for a lot grasses and broadleafs. As others said, it would be best to identify
what you have, before choosing how to control it. The black cloth stuff works pretty good, but I've seen stuff grow through it.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/14 01:08 AM

bermuda, crab, and st augustine. The crab is easy to pull. The bermuda aint.
Posted By: crowhorse67

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/14 01:44 AM

Burn it off then break it up
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/14 02:02 AM

MSMA works really well on Bahaia and San Augustine but I believe it's banned now . If you can find it , try 10% vinegar instead of the 5% from grocery stores . Bermuda sends out runners underneath the surface so you might need to kill all of it in the area or sink a 6-8" barrier around the garden .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/14 02:04 AM

Originally Posted By: crowhorse67
Burn it off then break it up


That too . Be sure and get all the roots .
Posted By: Turf Dawg

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/14 09:35 PM

Just so y'all know, Glyphosate [roundup] takes several treatments to kill the rhizomes on Bermuda. This works way better for controlling monocot [grassy weeds] in gardens and flower beds. Be sure to add surfactant and PLEASE follow the label for gardens. Over The Top Grass Killer
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/14 12:28 AM

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I plan to get after it as soon as it warms up some.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/14 04:00 AM

If you can get the grass in the middle killed out then you can stay after the edges with a tiller or put a barrier about 6" deep. Roundup on the edge keeps it under control, just watch spraying around tree root zones. I killed 3 of my maples just spraying light.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/14 12:40 PM

I don't spray where I grow my food.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/14 01:58 AM

I ordered my seed a week or so after the first of the year. I still hadn't got it yet so I emailed the company. No reply but 3 days later I got a box in from them. I opened it up only to find a bunch of stuff I sure didn't order. Now I've emailed them two more times telling them they mailed someone else's order. No reply. rolleyes

Not that I really need my seeds right now but. rolleyes
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/14 05:48 PM

Just finished planting the mater seeds and cutting up the taters.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/14 11:19 PM

Before



After



Manure time
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/14 11:49 PM

Bought cabbage , broccoli , spinach , collard and onion sets today along with a bunch of peat pots so I can get the corn , cukes , melons and okra started . I did buy a nice Early Girl tomato but I'm debating on whether to plant it yet .

I have a pequin pepper in the house that's flowering like crazy and the hab has ripe fruit on it . Thinking I'm going to plant all the chilies in pots this year as they seem to get hotter with age .
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/14 07:33 PM

Planted 10 of the old bullet proof roses yesterday. I'm hurting all over. Seems there's been a spate of teenagers coming up and knocking on people's windows at night. This just accelerates my plan of planting a bunch of huge old garden thorny beasts outside each window as a living intruder deterrent.

I'm not so much of a fan of the "flower on a stick" type of roses. I've had my eye on a bunch of the old garden roses for a long time and been wanting to recreate my rose gardens I had at my old place. Now I've got a good start with 17 different varieties in the ground at the moment.

My big requirements were:
#1 NO SPRAYING. I will not have a bush that needs constant chemical life support to look good.
#2 It must love our summers.
#3 Bloom factory.

Y'all are going to recognize a lot of these roses from your grandparents places. Only 2 roses on my list was bred after 1910. You'll notice most of these have the
Earthkind designation. I've been watching that program since it first started and have incorporated many of them into my gardens. I can't speak highly enough for the designation. Its a great idea.



Climbing Pinkie - for the arch above the front door. Polyantha. Earthkind. Bred 1952. If I let it, it would take over the front of the house. But planning on doing something similar to this with it.


Clotilde Soupert Polyantha. Bred 1889. 3 x 2-3. Powerfully fragrant. This one happened to be on clearance for $2.50 and while it wasn't on my original list, I couldn't pass it by.


Monsieur Tillier Tea. Bred 1891. Earthkind. Depending on who you ask, it can get anywhere from 4 - 10' high and 3 - 10' wide. In Texas its gonna get to the large end of the spectrum, and I'm counting on it. It has about 8' to spread into.


Already posted pics of this one but I'm in love. Out of all the roses I have, this is the one I'm most looking forward to seeing her bloom. Mrs Dudley Cross. Earthkind. Tea. 1907. Expected to get about 5 - 6' x 6' This rose is often seen around San Antonio's older districts and cemeteries and was officially named the San Antonio Rose


Lamarque. Old climbing rose. Tea-Noisette. Bred 1830. Going to be climbing the trellis on the fence. It should say something that a rose bred close to 200 years ago is still being sold today. This is among the bulletproof roses. And while it hasn't made it to the earthkind list, it should. Gorgeous creamy white 4" roses. Click the link for pics. There's a bunch.


Duchesse De Brabant Earthkind. Tea. Bred 1857. 6' x 4' Potently fragrant. It tolerates shade, sun, heat, drought, and just laughs and blooms more. This is the rose that Teddy Roosevelt often wore on his lapel.


Georgetown Tea Earthkind 6' x 6'. She gets tall and big. Found in Georgetown Texas. We really don't know much about its parentage. But blooms like crazy, powerfully scented, likes heat and sun and drought and keeps on blooming.


Mrs B R Cant Planted right outside my bedroom window. I'm looking forward to seeing her grow. Reports of her getting 10' x 10'. Extremely thorny. Earthkind rose. Tea bred in 1901. Often called one of the ultimate easy roses for people who don't know roses. Rose size 3" - 3.5" across.


Cramoisi Superior China. Bred anywhere between 1818 - 1832. This is the rose planted in front of the Admiral Nimitz Pacific War museum in Fredericksburg, Texas. Many people have fond memories of this rose growing in their grandmother's gardens. Its been loved for generations and that its still on the market today attests to its health and vigor.


And finally, I took a chance with a new rose, Star of the Republic bred in 2006 by the people at the Antique Rose Emporium They've been taking a bunch of the old hardy garden roses and found roses and crossing them to get their own varieties. This is reportedly the best of the best. Take a look at the pic and ... well... you can see why.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/14 12:20 AM

We have some roses growing wild on our place that resemble the first pink climbers. Small and light pink on long vines.

The place was a plant farm when my Grandfather's parents owned and worked it. They had quiet a few sharecropper houses scattered around. I'm pretty sure there used to be a house where these are growing now.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/14 12:55 AM

Dang , Katt ! I was gonna suggest nopali and maguey . rolfmao

I might have that Chinese "Superior" . Grandmom planted several around the house during the 60's . They're a light red in shade but are considerably darker in full sun .
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/14 02:56 PM

Siberman, it really wouldn't surprise me if you did. And yes, they are light red but get darker with sun exposure. Its one of those roses that you find all over Texas and the south. The cuttings from it root like nobody's business and when its on its own roots, it will happily sucker and produce thickets. So, one person in town having this rose meant all their friends had it, and then their friends had it, etc. It doesn't like cold so it won't grow too far outside of the south.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/14 04:21 PM

Planted seed for the following Saturday in indoor pots. 6 jalapeno, 15 tomato (1/2 Romo and 1/2 Celebrity), 6 bell pepper. Hopefully they will sprout within the week but I don't plan on replanting them outdoors until at least mid-March.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/14 03:35 AM

Originally Posted By: Kattelyn


Climbing Pinkie - for the arch above the front door. Polyantha. Earthkind. Bred 1952. If I let it, it would take over the front of the house. But planning on doing something similar to this with it.




I like those! May have to do something like that for mama! She trimmed her roses back a couple weeks ago, I'll have to take some pics once they start blooming. They are pretty much our front window protectors...and get hugh!

Transplanted several seedlings from the greenhouse trays, and planting more Jalepeno, cucumber and squash. I also have three emporis trees that need to go in the ground
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/14 01:03 PM

20 lbs of taters went in yesterday. More cold is coming so wish me luck.

Have tomatoes in the jiffy pellet greenhouse trays. All 216 of them are hatched out and 1.5-2" tall. eeks
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/24/14 03:43 PM

Same here, but I didn't go that overboard, lol. I'm going to have to prune back some of the tomatoe seedlings though, there are 2 in most pellets, all about 3" tall. Plan on keeping about 15-18 tomatoe plants in all. Jalapenos finally coming up but not sure what's up with the bell pepper seeds. Looks like they are finally starting to break ground in the pellets but they are way behind the others. Gonna have to get the 4" plastic plant trays out of the shed and fill them up with potting soil in preparation for re-planting.
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/24/14 04:04 PM

The same weekend the roses went in the ground, I started a bunch of seeds. Cucumbers and dahlias and marigold seeds and a few others already sprouted and are in pots. Tomatoes are about to be potted up. And I'm looking for a few more things to go in the ground to be interesting.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/24/14 09:01 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Same here, but I didn't go that overboard, lol. I'm going to have to prune back some of the tomatoe seedlings though, there are 2 in most pellets, all about 3" tall. Plan on keeping about 15-18 tomatoe plants in all. Jalapenos finally coming up but not sure what's up with the bell pepper seeds. Looks like they are finally starting to break ground in the pellets but they are way behind the others. Gonna have to get the 4" plastic plant trays out of the shed and fill them up with potting soil in preparation for re-planting.


I went overboard, daddy needs some salsa banana I'm having the same issues with my bell peppers too

Just planted three Royal Empress Trees in the back yard
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/14 12:37 AM

Pepper seeds prefer 90 degree soil for germination.

You can wrap a heating pad in plastic and tape it up water tight. Sit whatever you're propagating in on top of it to get them up. I think most of them are 10-14 days too.

I didn't go overboard on my tomatoes. I'll pick out around 1/3 to half of the cream of the crop and let my Dad sell the others at his nursery or let a friend plant them at the place he truck farms.

3/4 of them are going to be paste tomatoes and 1/4 will be big ole slicers. We use them for salsa stewing and spaghetti sauce.

Hurry up warm weather.
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/14 04:33 AM

For those things that like heat to germinate, I've taken to placing them in a moist paper towel in a ziplock baggie under the cable box.

its a constant source of heat. You're not using it for anything, and as long as its well sealed, you can leave it there as long as you want and plant when they start sprouting.
Posted By: Harte Nuss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/14 05:25 PM

Originally Posted By: Turf Dawg
Just so y'all know, Glyphosate [roundup] takes several treatments to kill the rhizomes on Bermuda. This works way better for controlling monocot [grassy weeds] in gardens and flower beds. Be sure to add surfactant and PLEASE follow the label for gardens. Over The Top Grass Killer


Bermuda is a monocot...did you mean rhizome/stolon vs bunch/tiller type of grasses?
Posted By: Turf Dawg

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/14 04:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Harte Nuss
Originally Posted By: Turf Dawg
Just so y'all know, Glyphosate [roundup] takes several treatments to kill the rhizomes on Bermuda. This works way better for controlling monocot [grassy weeds] in gardens and flower beds. Be sure to add surfactant and PLEASE follow the label for gardens. Over The Top Grass Killer


Bermuda is a monocot...did you mean rhizome/stolon vs bunch/tiller type of grasses?


After reading, I should have typed/worded that different. When I said "This" leading off the second sentence I was reffering to the product I was suggesting. I should have said "This stuff" and then put the link right afterwards. And yes, it will work on bunch and running grasses.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/14 05:47 PM

Progress....

I ended up spraying the grass roots with orange oil and 20% vinegar. Then I put down mesh stuff (multiple layers) and 2 yards of mulch. It's coming along.

I hope to plant in 3 weeks.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/14 11:26 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Progress....

I ended up spraying the grass roots with orange oil and 20% vinegar. Then I put down mesh stuff (multiple layers) and 2 yards of mulch. It's coming along.

I hope to plant in 3 weeks.


Scarecrow's a hottie . cheers
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/14 11:41 PM

Last year a dealt with some sorta of red and black insect around 1" that ate up my tomatoes. They were on my figs too.

If I recall correctly, theres a site that showed plants (herbs mostly I think) that you can plant between vegetable plants to ward off insects. Anyone know what I'm talking about?
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/14 01:01 AM

Marigolds are good in between your tomatoes. Also put out dietamatieous earth. Its organically crushed sea shell down to a fine powder. It will kill most bugs that have exoskeletons, the stuff gets in under their shell and cuts them like glass.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/14 01:29 AM

CM look up Neem Oil. Also there are some formulas for all the left over orange oil you have to use as a spray for insects.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/14 01:54 AM

Interesting. Thanks yall.
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/14 02:11 AM

Supposedly, planting things like radishes also helps to keep some pests away.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/14 02:31 AM

Sorry to hear of your fig problem man. Old bay seasoning and some boiling water oughta keep'm away.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/14 02:51 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Last year a dealt with some sorta of red and black insect around 1" that ate up my tomatoes. They were on my figs too.

If I recall correctly, theres a site that showed plants (herbs mostly I think) that you can plant between vegetable plants to ward off insects. Anyone know what I'm talking about?


Do a search on " companion planting " , C-Man . "Carrots Love Tomatoes" is a really good book if you can find it .
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/14 04:27 AM

Originally Posted By: Turf Dawg
Originally Posted By: Harte Nuss
Originally Posted By: Turf Dawg
Just so y'all know, Glyphosate [roundup] takes several treatments to kill the rhizomes on Bermuda. This works way better for controlling monocot [grassy weeds] in gardens and flower beds. Be sure to add surfactant and PLEASE follow the label for gardens. Over The Top Grass Killer


Bermuda is a monocot...did you mean rhizome/stolon vs bunch/tiller type of grasses?


After reading, I should have typed/worded that different. When I said "This" leading off the second sentence I was reffering to the product I was suggesting. I should have said "This stuff" and then put the link right afterwards. And yes, it will work on bunch and running grasses.


So this will kill the burmuda? And what the heck is this

It is very important to use a surfactant or spreader/sticker with this product to maximize its effectiveness.
Posted By: Turf Dawg

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/14 11:51 PM

Originally Posted By: TreeBass
Originally Posted By: Turf Dawg
Originally Posted By: Harte Nuss
Originally Posted By: Turf Dawg
Just so y'all know, Glyphosate [roundup] takes several treatments to kill the rhizomes on Bermuda. This works way better for controlling monocot [grassy weeds] in gardens and flower beds. Be sure to add surfactant and PLEASE follow the label for gardens. Over The Top Grass Killer


Bermuda is a monocot...did you mean rhizome/stolon vs bunch/tiller type of grasses?


After reading, I should have typed/worded that different. When I said "This" leading off the second sentence I was reffering to the product I was suggesting. I should have said "This stuff" and then put the link right afterwards. And yes, it will work on bunch and running grasses.


So this will kill the burmuda? And what the heck is this

It is very important to use a surfactant or spreader/sticker with this product to maximize its effectiveness.



"This" is Sethoxydim, or one of the common names "Over the Top Grass Killer" press here for info
Posted By: fish4bass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/14 06:02 PM

Looks like I'll be re-planting romaine, spinach, cabbage. That 16 degrees got it. Onions look iffy.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/14 08:04 PM

Got all my little plants replanted in 4" pots last Saturday. Just looking at them, I think I should have started the seeding process a few weeks earlier. The tomatoes are only about 3"-4" tall now and the various peppers are barely 1" tall. Looks like they won't be ready for the second replanting into the garden until around the 1st of April. Actually, that might not be a bad thing considering the late freezes we rec'd last year. I'll just continue to put them outside on the nice days then bring them back in if it looks to get cold at night. There are 24 plants in all.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/14 06:47 PM

Doubt we'll have many plums this year. My 1 tree bloomed out prior to the last cold blast and took a hit.
Posted By: jeffnsa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/14 12:02 AM

Everything I planted and was growing good untill this last freeze. I covered them with plastic and it helped but all the plants are in bad shape, hopefully they will recover.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/14 01:51 AM

Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Supposedly, planting things like radishes also helps to keep some pests away.


Plant radish around your squash plants to discourage squash bugs . Let the radishes go to seed .
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/14 04:08 AM

Freeze and sleet killed some of my onions.

Totally trashed all the greens from last fall. Wish I had picked them and put them away before the storm.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/14 04:42 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: LoneStarSon
Supposedly, planting things like radishes also helps to keep some pests away.


Plant radish around your squash plants to discourage squash bugs . Let the radishes go to seed .


I did not know that, thanks!

The freezes are another reason I started seeds this year. It's a first for me, and I'm having a blast! Of course mama isn't too happy I've taken over the kitchen storage area with trays of seedlings grin

Them suckers better start growing fast, I plan to start putting in the ground in April
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/14 12:51 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Freeze and sleet killed some of my onions.

Totally trashed all the greens from last fall. Wish I had picked them and put them away before the storm.


Onions grow back they'll be fine
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/14 03:09 PM

Milorganite for fertilizer.

Has anyone used this stuff? My neighbor's yard is on the Grapevine garden club tour. He was telling me about Milorganite and uses it exclusively throughout yard and flowers. It's almost as purty as the Botanical gardens in Fort Worth. I found 36-lb bags at Lowes for $12.97. Gonna spread some out this afternoon prior to rain this weekend. It's close to chicken poo, but processed treated remnants from human poo. farmer

Thoughts?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/14 04:57 PM

I don't think I'd be comfortable using human poop on veggies .
Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/14 10:08 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Milorganite for fertilizer.

Has anyone used this stuff? My neighbor's yard is on the Grapevine garden club tour. He was telling me about Milorganite and uses it exclusively throughout yard and flowers. It's almost as purty as the Botanical gardens in Fort Worth. I found 36-lb bags at Lowes for $12.97. Gonna spread some out this afternoon prior to rain this weekend. It's close to chicken poo, but processed treated remnants from human poo. farmer

Thoughts?

Be careful a little goes along way to much burn yard up.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/14 12:57 AM

Originally Posted By: fly_on_a_xpress

Be careful a little goes along way to much burn yard up.


It's not chemical fertilizer and will not burn.

By the way, I here by declare...Spring starts this Monday 03/17/14. No more freezes!

Let the planting begin! banana farmer
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/14 04:26 AM

Better wait until noon^
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/14 03:21 AM

Not much but I got beefsteak tomatoes in the ground and some other stuff. I hope to get 20 or so more in by Monday.

Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/14 02:13 PM

im glad im a slacker,had I planted everything last week like I wanted to.it would have been a total loss with all this hail
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/14 02:13 PM

2nd planting of taters are up. 1st ones rotted in the ground. Onions are about 12-16" tall and doing good. So far I've planted pinto beans,blue lake green beans,yellow wax beans,and dixie speckled butter peas all in 100' or so rows.
I transplanted the fall kale plants before I disced everything under.
Also have 3 rows of easy money bi-color sweet corn in the ground too.

My tomatoes started from seed turned into a total failure. I ended up getting 4 really nice 18 packs of Better Boy and La Roma II from a grower. I hope to have more paste/sauce type tomatoes than slicers this year for canning.

I'm about to go put in the maters,squash,okra,and cucumbers. That just leaves me with field peas,watermelons and cantaloupes to plant. They'll come later when it warms up more.

Time to dig out the irrigation equipment too. crazy
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/14 04:26 PM

I've never grown Kale but how difficult is it to transplant full-grown plants ?

You don't think it's too early for okra ?

Setting out the Early Girl and Celebrity tomatoes today as well as more onions , cayennes , squash and "Candy Cane" corn I started in peat pots . I'm waiting on the habaneros since this last cold front made me nervous .

Turnips , broccoli , etc. have been in the ground for about two weeks and they seem to be doing well . Peach and plum trees are looking good . Hope we don't have any late frosts .
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/14 11:54 PM

I know it's early for okra but I don't really care. Do or die okra it's all up to you. Since I ran out of room I planted the cucumbers with it. You never know what the weather will do anymore. I put in 66 tomato plants and 45 hills of squash today. With 90% chance of rain for tomorrow I decided not to water.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/14 12:30 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
I know it's early for okra but I don't really care. Do or die okra it's all up to you. Since I ran out of room I planted the cucumbers with it. You never know what the weather will do anymore. I put in 66 tomato plants and 45 hills of squash today. With 90% chance of rain for tomorrow I decided not to water.



Just asking your opinion , sorry . I won't bother you again. thumb
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/14 01:12 AM

Oh no bother. Didn't mean to sound rude if I did.

My Dad told me I was 6 weeks early planting it today. I use a push type seed planter with 100' rows. I was torn between not planting the okra at all or not planting any cucumbers since I have run out of room. I'm not a big fan of either. That's why I decided to just plant them both together. No way to do one now and one later so I just said screw it and let her rip.

Last year I think I waited too late for the okra and it didn't do well. All the old timers say you aren't supposed to plant it until it HOT.

They tell me the same thing about sweet potatoes. Mine burned up and looked like canon fuse in one day.

No offense Siberman, hope none taken.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/14 01:58 AM

Dude.... it just started hailing. frown
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/14 02:24 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker


No offense Siberman, hope none taken.


Sorry . Having a time with my 84-yr-old Mom right now. Lots of stress all around . My bad. blush
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/14 11:14 AM

Peppers, tomatoes, two squash varieties, eggplants are up and growing
Just planted cucumber and will plant okra later in the spring
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/14 02:49 PM

I have a small garden planted. 8 tomatoes plants Brandywine and Beefsteak, 4 squash, 4 cucumbers, 8 jalapenos. They had some Mucho Nacho jalapeno plants that are supposed to grow 4+" penos that I am trying, a bunch of dill and one celery plant that my 5 year old saw and couldn't pass up. Everything is growing really good.

Went and got a couple more dill plants yesterday and they had ladybugs, so my kids had to get a tub each. smile
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/14 07:51 PM

How do you guys get rid of fire ants in your garden? I like to use raised beds as well as containers for many of my plants but it seems like the ants get in them too. Not that they are destroying the plants but I hate it when I re-mix the soil and stir them up, then try to plant new plants or seeds. Anything out there safe to use other than the normal pesticides I would use on the rest of the lawn?
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/14 07:58 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
How do you guys get rid of fire ants in your garden? I like to use raised beds as well as containers for many of my plants but it seems like the ants get in them too. Not that they are destroying the plants but I hate it when I re-mix the soil and stir them up, then try to plant new plants or seeds. Anything out there safe to use other than the normal pesticides I would use on the rest of the lawn?


grin

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/14 10:28 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
How do you guys get rid of fire ants in your garden? I like to use raised beds as well as containers for many of my plants but it seems like the ants get in them too. Not that they are destroying the plants but I hate it when I re-mix the soil and stir them up, then try to plant new plants or seeds. Anything out there safe to use other than the normal pesticides I would use on the rest of the lawn?


I only use Seven in the garden but it's hit and miss. Amdro and other ant killers aren't safe from what I've read . I had fire ants in my tomato patch last year and I used Seven as well as disturbing the colony every chance I got . You could try boiling water or diatomaceous earth for gardens ( not the pool filter type ) or planting mint( Spearmint especially ) . If you go with mint keep it contained in pots . It'll spread rapidly and crowd out other plants .

Or you could always just pee on 'em . That works for the stings as well . wink
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/14 01:52 AM

Originally Posted By: scott01
How do you guys get rid of fire ants in your garden? I like to use raised beds as well as containers for many of my plants but it seems like the ants get in them too. Not that they are destroying the plants but I hate it when I re-mix the soil and stir them up, then try to plant new plants or seeds. Anything out there safe to use other than the normal pesticides I would use on the rest of the lawn?


Biodiversity is #1, See stuff like Dry Molasses, Orange oil treatments, ect.. It works.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/14 02:06 AM

I just run over them with the tractor.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/14 02:08 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: scott01
How do you guys get rid of fire ants in your garden? I like to use raised beds as well as containers for many of my plants but it seems like the ants get in them too. Not that they are destroying the plants but I hate it when I re-mix the soil and stir them up, then try to plant new plants or seeds. Anything out there safe to use other than the normal pesticides I would use on the rest of the lawn?


Biodiversity is #1, See stuff like Dry Molasses, Orange oil treatments, ect.. It works.



I'm doomed now. I agree with Derek. Who should I mail my man card to?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/14 11:06 PM

What's " Biodiversity " ?

I've also had some success with Aunt Jemima corn meal for fire ants that were trying to get in the house . I have no idea why it worked but it did .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/14 11:44 PM

Instead of typing it out I'll copy and paste. But in a nutshell it's different stages of life of soil and micro-organisms and what not. I would ditch the chemicals and the Seven for sure if I was you. You'll get better results.

What is soil biodiversity
Soil biodiversity refers to all organisms living in the soil. Depending on the size class
organisms may be divided into macro, meso and microfauna. Beyond that, bacteria, fungi,
protozoa and algae are grouped as microorganisms. Regarding the preferred living
environment, aboveground (e.g. foraging on top of the ground, or inside the litter/fine woody
debris layer) and belowground specialists can be distinguished.
Soil is one of the most diverse habitats on earth and contains the most diverse assemblages of
living organisms. Biological activity in soils is largely concentrated in the topsoil. The
biological components occupy a tiny fraction (<0.5%) of the total soil volume and make less
than 10% of the total soil organic matter. This living component consists of plant roots and
soil organisms. Soil microorganisms are responsible for a large part of biological activity (60-
80%) which is associated with processes regulating nutrient cycles and decomposition of
organic residues.
Earthworms often form a major part of the soil fauna biomass and can represent up to 50% of
the soil fauna biomass in some temperate grasslands, and up to 60% in some temperate
forests. High levels of biodiversity, particularly at the microbial scale accompany the huge
numbers of soil organisms. 104 bacterial species g-1 soil is not an extreme number. Next to
this, hundreds of other species are present.
The organisms interact in the soil in food webs, resulting in a flux of matter, nutrients and
energy through the biological component of the soil.


http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/soilbiodiversity/Downloadable_files/8.Breure.pdf
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/14 12:04 AM

Ah , ok . I thought it was some new garden additive . You did use bold type . grin
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/14 12:21 AM

I hope your dog bites you! grin
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/14 01:32 AM

My tomatoes were braving the 40 mph winds today like little bosses.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/14 01:51 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
My tomatoes were braving the 40 mph winds today like little bosses.


Mine are doing good to considering the 3 waves of hail and high winds. Some of that hail was egg size. I was pretty surprised that the plants made it.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/14 10:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
I hope your dog bites you! grin


Skye ( in the sig) never bit a human . I've been bitten twice by Chows ( one mine ) but both times were my fault . You really have to stay " tuned in " with a Chow . wink
Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/14 02:04 PM

My Potatoes rotted also. My tomatoes suck. Put in to early I guess. Going to replant. $$$$out the window.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/14 02:16 AM

Cut worms in the maters. 4 down out of 70. I hates me some cut worms.


Aphids too.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/14 12:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Cut worms in the maters. 4 down out of 70. I hates me some cut worms.


Aphids too.



Ladybugs will take care of the aphids.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/14 10:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Cut worms in the maters. 4 down out of 70. I hates me some cut worms.


Take the cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper and cut them into 3" sections . Slit them up the side so you can fit them around the plant stems . Bury the lower 1/2" or scoop dirt round it so nothing can get under it .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/14 12:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Cut worms in the maters. 4 down out of 70. I hates me some cut worms.


Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) Will work good for those.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/14 03:57 PM

Frost?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/14 04:14 PM

The report I heard was 36 on Tuesday morning. bang
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/14 05:18 PM

Been planting tomatoes for 30 years now and all of the old timers around here say don't plant tomatoes till April 9th. Just need wind, If it's 38 or below with no wind you'll get frost. I went to Harris Nursery in Tyler about 10 days ago and bought 200 tomatoe plants and 36 pepper plants, and saw the predicted cold front, so I've been holding out on planting them thank God! I'll bring em inside this evening, then set back out Wednesday, we've got two mornings in a row with a chance of Frost. Generally the second morning after a cold front has the lowest wind and the greater chance for frost so be prepaired and don't let your guard down.

Diatomaceous Earth is awesome for any kind of worms or aphids. It cuts them like glass. Miracle Grow is also a good bug repellant.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/14 10:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Frost?


Not supposed to drop below 33 . wink

Just got all my tender stuff moved back inside.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/14 10:37 PM

Originally Posted By: David Welcher
Miracle Grow is also a good bug repellant.

Really ? Does it work better at the base of the plant or sprayed on the leaves ?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/14 11:40 PM

32 around Denton tonight. The rest will be in the shop.

Posted By: moocowmoo

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/14 11:45 PM

Jeez. How many sheets do you have laying around?
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/14 12:06 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: David Welcher
Miracle Grow is also a good bug repellant.

Really ? Does it work better at the base of the plant or sprayed on the leaves ?
just pour it all over the top it runs down anyway to the roots
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/14 12:09 AM

Originally Posted By: moocowmoo
Jeez. How many sheets do you have laying around?


We have 17 children.

I found that pillow cases work best on those cages. I'll be buying every garage sale pillow case I find this year.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/14 12:11 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Parker
Frost?


Not supposed to drop below 33 . wink

Just got all my tender stuff moved back inside.
Frost will happen just below the dew point, sometimes it will happen in the upper 30's.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/14 12:20 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Originally Posted By: moocowmoo
Jeez. How many sheets do you have laying around?


We have 17 children.


You need a bigger garden .
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/14 01:47 AM

I think I'm gonna head out and turn the well water on mine a little later. Wish I had some row covers but I don't.

I built a set of disc hillers to cover the potatoes if this happened. I can't get in with the tractor to cover them because it's too wet. Doubt they would like being covered with mud clods anyway.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/14 01:09 PM

Heavy frost in Northeastern Weatherford:(
Got 150 peach trees and they were all producing this year. Looks like I'm gonna loose them all.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/14 10:10 PM

Dodged the bullet at the lake...
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/14 12:05 AM

I turned the well water on mine around 10:30 last night. It's doesn't need anymore water now. blush I have to wonder what the old timers would have thought. A freeze on April 15th with a blood red moon. They might have all thrown in the chips and stirred up a batch of purple koolaide.


If I hadn't it would have all been toast. Heavy frost on everything surrounding it. Everything is fine.

Originally Posted By: David Welcher
Heavy frost in Northeastern Weatherford:(
Got 150 peach trees and they were all producing this year. Looks like I'm gonna loose them all.


I hate to hear that.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/14 12:13 AM

The peaches are big enough I might be OK. Will have to wait and see.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/14 12:21 AM

Any one on hear know about drip irrigation? Im fixin to put out a bunch of tomatoes and wanted to try drip irrigation, the question is . How many taps should I put on a zone? I want to put a 1/4" drip line off of the 3/4" hose at each tomato.
PRV..........x.........x..........x.........x.........x...........x.............x...........x.............x...........x............x...........x
as in the sketch above I have my Pressure Relief Valve then the 3/4" hose to a bunch of the tomatoes representing the x's.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/14 01:17 AM

The "drippers " at the end of each 1/4" hose come in all sizes . You can get anything from small soaker hoses to those that will drip 5-10 gallons per hour . I've used drip in the past but I've come to appreciate deeper watering methods like sunken milk jugs or five gallon buckets .

If you water shallow, the roots grow shallow and the plant will dry out quicker.

I can see using a drip line with all the heads pouring into sunken reservoirs .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/14 10:28 PM

Sorry , didn't really answer your question . I'm a bit thick late in the evening . blush

I ran about 100' of the 3/4" pipe with drippers roughly 18" apart . You might want to try suspending the 3/4" and letting the drippers hang down . Keeps it all off the ground and it's a LOT easier to weed around the plants .
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/14 10:44 PM

We had frost here again this morning.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/14 05:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Sorry , didn't really answer your question . I'm a bit thick late in the evening . blush

I ran about 100' of the 3/4" pipe with drippers roughly 18" apart . You might want to try suspending the 3/4" and letting the drippers hang down . Keeps it all off the ground and it's a LOT easier to weed around the plants .

I bought a 4' wide x 220' roll of weed block and put it down, then put my tomato cages down, then run my drip irrigation line thru the cages at the lowest elevation of the cages, gonna put out the tomatoes starting this evening. Was thinking maybe putting two drippers at each tomato plant to get water deep down.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/14 11:12 PM

Originally Posted By: David Welcher
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Sorry , didn't really answer your question . I'm a bit thick late in the evening . blush

I ran about 100' of the 3/4" pipe with drippers roughly 18" apart . You might want to try suspending the 3/4" and letting the drippers hang down . Keeps it all off the ground and it's a LOT easier to weed around the plants .

I bought a 4' wide x 220' roll of weed block and put it down, then put my tomato cages down, then run my drip irrigation line thru the cages at the lowest elevation of the cages, gonna put out the tomatoes starting this evening. Was thinking maybe putting two drippers at each tomato plant to get water deep down.


2 per plant wouldn't be necessary since you can buy them in various flow rates but it's not a bad idea . You'll be watering two sides of the plant so it would decrease the amount of time you have the hose on .
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/14 11:26 PM

I'm going to tie my plants this year instead of using cages. A friend of mine farmed commercially last year and it worked very well for him. It's easier than it sounds.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/14 11:41 PM

Originally Posted By: Parker
I'm going to tie my plants this year instead of using cages. A friend of mine farmed commercially last year and it worked very well for him. It's easier than it sounds.


I like my hog wire cages . They provide excellent support for the side branches .
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/14 01:11 AM

I've always used concrete re-wire.

We have long rows. My row is about 100ft. Every 15-20 ft you drive a t post. When the plants grow to the height of needing support you run hay bailing twine outside the plants and crisscrossed at each post. You pull it tight from each end and tie it on the last post. When the plants grow higher you tie them again. and again. and again.

It really supports them well and isn't a big deal to remove after the vines have died out.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/14 01:13 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
I'm going to tie my plants this year instead of using cages. A friend of mine farmed commercially last year and it worked very well for him. It's easier than it sounds.
I have 145 cages and 200 plants, so Ill tie 55 of em like they did on Farm Kings if you saw that episode. They put a tall wooden stake down every other tomato, then run a few string lines around the stake then loop around the tomato, then around the next stake keeping it kind of tight., and so on and so on. It keeps the fruit off of the ground.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/14 01:32 AM

I haven't seen that show. I've heard people talking about it though. I'll have to look it up.

Another alternative to your drip line is drip tape. You would have put it under your plastic mulch and staggered off center. It has precut slits and uses the same low pressure.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/14 01:04 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
I haven't seen that show. I've heard people talking about it though. I'll have to look it up.
Pretty neat show, if you like growing your own veggies, but they do make it into a reality show with a little drama here and there. They plant 30,000 tomato plants and 70,000 pepper plants and acre's and acre's of corn, squash, cucumbers, carrots and sell em in their fruit stands and stores, 9 brothers and 1 sister, hard working farm boys out in a valley near Pittsburg, Pa.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/14 01:48 AM

Planting tomorrow.... scared
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/14 02:50 AM

Fishing tomorrow. loco_2
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/14 06:45 PM

So I have a tree that is producing leaves from the base, and not further up the limbs like the other two.

Should I trim those leaves, or leave em?

It's an emporis tree
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/14 06:52 PM

Oh, and just mixed in several bags of cotton burr and turkey poop compost. banana
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/14 08:10 PM

I've been spraying my garden every other week with a mixture of Garrett Juice, garlic pepper tea and orange oil. Plants are really looking good and no pest.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/14 10:14 PM





Tomatoes, heirlooms as well, jalepenos, squash, three types of cucumbers, bell peppers
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/14 02:47 AM

Looks good treebass.

Tomatoes are coming in.

Got white squash and regular squash to plant. Planting purple hull peas soon. Thats a first for me.

Denton got some great off-and-on showers this spring. Only watered a few times so far.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/14 11:31 PM

You can wait until later to plant those peas if you want. When it warms up they will catch up with the ones you plant now and all of them will come off at the same time.

I wait later to plant mine to avoid the cooler weather early spring bugs. Mainly aphids they like little pea plants and will cause harm to them.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/14 11:52 PM

My Tomatoes ain't messing around!

Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/14 12:58 AM

Must be that combination of Natural Light and Garrett Juice or is that Derek Juice? We are going from a freeze a week ago Monday to 90 degrees this Saturday. Is it me or are the Spring's just getting shorter and shorter.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/14 10:50 PM

Originally Posted By: David Welcher
Must be that combination of Natural Light and Garrett Juice or is that Derek Juice?


My Natty juice is working good. Squash bloom should open tomorrow.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/14 11:25 PM

Keep an eye out for those damned squash bugs!
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/14 02:34 AM

Whoa. Your squash is way ahead of mine.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/14 09:34 PM

Planted the cantaloupes and watermelons today.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/14 06:09 PM

Lost three cucumber plants, reseeded six more grin

Planted some radishes as well since I forgot to ...
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/14 11:05 PM

It rained well water on mine half the day. 50% chance it might do it again tomorrow.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/14 11:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: David Welcher
Must be that combination of Natural Light and Garrett Juice or is that Derek Juice?


My Natty juice is working good. Squash bloom should open tomorrow.

what do you put in your Natty Juice?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/14 02:33 AM

Natty!

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/14 02:38 AM

Originally Posted By: TreeBass
Planted some radishes as well since I forgot to ...


SOB! I forgot to plant radishes. Probably my favorite of all the vegetables. Tilling a row tomorrow. bang
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/14 11:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: TreeBass
Planted some radishes as well since I forgot to ...


SOB! I forgot to plant radishes. Probably my favorite of all the vegetables. Tilling a row tomorrow. bang


Don't do rows . Plant 'em in circles around your squash plants . They deter squash beetles , especially if you let a few go to seed . wink
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/14 02:14 AM

My squash died. I don't think I watered it enough. I'll replant.

4th of julys are coming in good.

Jalapeos haven't really grown. Odd.

beefsteaks


a cherry sort of tomato. I forgot the name.


cilantro is tall. I didn't this they would grow this tall.


looking good
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/14 11:53 AM

Derek, squash looks great!

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: TreeBass
Planted some radishes as well since I forgot to ...


SOB! I forgot to plant radishes. Probably my favorite of all the vegetables. Tilling a row tomorrow. bang


Don't do rows . Plant 'em in circles around your squash plants . They deter squash beetles , especially if you let a few go to seed . wink


didnt know that, I'll go plant some more

Chickenman, sorry to hear about the squash, but the maters looking good thumb
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/14 11:55 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman



cilantro is tall. I didn't this they would grow this tall.




never seen it that tall, be careful, that stuff will take over fast!!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/14 01:31 PM

That's looking good CM! I have two kind op Jalepeno plants. Standard, I don't remember the name and Mucho Nacho. Mucho Nacho is supposed to be a 4"+ large peno. They have been doing great. The standard peno plants have been in the ground a month and are just now starting to grow.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/14 01:03 AM

Well its official! Just walked all 150 peach trees and I got one tree that made it. That's just crazy. They say you get one good crop every 5 years, and I just got trumped two years in a row. Just leaves me more time to spend on my tomatoes. I planted 180 and 20 pepper plants. 4 rows of corn, one row of zucchini, one row of yellow crook neck, one row of acorn squash, and one row of cucumbers. Tomorrow it's suppose to be 95! Looks like i'm going to not have a good crop if this temp keeps up. Oh well there always a chance I'll get some okra and blackeyed peas. How the hell did Farmers make it back 100 years ago in this area? or better yet, how did the Indians make it back then?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/14 10:18 PM

Originally Posted By: David Welcher
Well its official! Just walked all 150 peach trees and I got one tree that made it. That's just crazy. They say you get one good crop every 5 years, and I just got trumped two years in a row. Just leaves me more time to spend on my tomatoes. I planted 180 and 20 pepper plants. 4 rows of corn, one row of zucchini, one row of yellow crook neck, one row of acorn squash, and one row of cucumbers. Tomorrow it's suppose to be 95! Looks like i'm going to not have a good crop if this temp keeps up. Oh well there always a chance I'll get some okra and blackeyed peas. How the hell did Farmers make it back 100 years ago in this area? or better yet, how did the Indians make it back then?


They planted seeds that were acclimated to the local environment . I've had peach and plum trees fail while the native varieties thrived . You might get smaller fruit and yields but it's worth it sometimes .

The same can be said for vegetables and other plants sold from seed catalogues . If the plant is a variety commonly grown in Canada it probably won't do well in Texas . Try the link for some suggestions .

Veggies for North Texas
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/14 11:12 PM

Here's my little rinky dink garden.





Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/14 02:47 PM

Sorry to hear that David, and I got upset over losing a couple cucumbers peep

Looks good Frenzy, seems like your maximizing your space thumb
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/14 03:36 PM

Talking tillers.

Unfortunately, I don't own one so I normally go to HD and rent one when needed. That gets a little old at times and not always convenient when I have the need for one (vegetable garden or flower gardens). Anyway, thought about going to pawn shops and find a used gas model but I know there are no warranties so that could be expensive in the long haul. Have always used gas models (big ones and even the smaller Mantis models). My concern with buying one is having it sit for months without being used then having difficulties starting and running properly, like many gas engines do. Was looking at the Lowes website and saw an electric Troy Built tiller with a 5 star rating and over 200 reviews, mostly stellar with an occasional bad one. They run $199 new. Thoughts? Anyone use electric and like it? I just didn't think electric would have enough power but most reviews say it's fine for soil that has been cultivated before. Obviously it might struggle on highly compacted soil.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/14 09:36 PM

I have a small garden and I use the tiller attachment that fits my Troy Bilt gas weeder. I've had it for years and it works great. It's heavy so it goes into the ground good. It really works well on cultivated but it will dig through bare soil pretty good too.
Posted By: jeff.m

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/14 09:53 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Talking tillers.

Unfortunately, I don't own one so I normally go to HD and rent one when needed. That gets a little old at times and not always convenient when I have the need for one (vegetable garden or flower gardens). Anyway, thought about going to pawn shops and find a used gas model but I know there are no warranties so that could be expensive in the long haul. Have always used gas models (big ones and even the smaller Mantis models). My concern with buying one is having it sit for months without being used then having difficulties starting and running properly, like many gas engines do. Was looking at the Lowes website and saw an electric Troy Built tiller with a 5 star rating and over 200 reviews, mostly stellar with an occasional bad one. They run $199 new. Thoughts? Anyone use electric and like it? I just didn't think electric would have enough power but most reviews say it's fine for soil that has been cultivated before. Obviously it might struggle on highly compacted soil.


I can tell you that I have a Mantis tiller and don't have a problem starting it after it sitting for months. I think the key to that is good maintenance, especially running the gas completely out of the carb when you know it's going to be sitting. And buying the right brand. For $199 I would look for a used Mantis on craigslist. They're made by Echo so parts are easy to get a hold of and they're pretty easy to work on.

And start using the premixed fuel that you can buy at the mower store or any big box store. The alcohol in the stuff you get from the gas station isn't good for the gaskets in the carbs of those 2 cycles.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/14 12:13 AM

Looks good to me , Frenzy . Still have the goldfish ?
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/14 12:20 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Looks good to me , Frenzy . Still have the goldfish ?

Actually all of them survived the winter....I was shocked. The tank iced so hard there was only about an inch of water at most on the bottom. Ya oughta take a look that the THF thread, East turned aquaponics into a full blown greenhouse operation.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/14 12:24 AM

(Personal opinion) : I don't think the electrics are going to be strong enough for anything other than stirring mulch . I like the Mantis for cultivation because it has a narrow ( 10" wide ? ) spread that allows you to get between rows easily .

Get a 7 HP Craftsman rear tine ( Sears ) if you want some serious tillage . thumb
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/14 02:36 AM

I like riding the tractor. It was built in Russia in 1985. I have no idea what any of the numbers on the gauges mean.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/14 12:09 AM

All the peas went in this morning.

Elite creams
Zipper creams
Quick pick purple hull
Sadandy creams

That finishes me out until something else gets turned under and replanted.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/14 12:30 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
All the peas went in this morning.

Elite creams
Zipper creams
Quick pick purple hull
Sadandy creams

That finishes me out until something else gets turned under and replanted.
what about Okra Parker? Man can't live without Okra in the south.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/14 02:07 AM

Already planted it and it's already up. I planted it way back with cucumbers mixed in.
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/14 11:26 PM

I've got some mushrooms popping up in my soil.....is that good or bad?
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/14 11:36 PM

I get them all the time. It doesn't really mean anything, they are natural fungi.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/14 01:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Frenzy
I've got some mushrooms popping up in my soil.....is that good or bad?


Only one way to find out. food
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/14 02:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: Frenzy
I've got some mushrooms popping up in my soil.....is that good or bad?


Only one way to find out. food

Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/14 09:55 PM

just got my maters planted...long story lots of excuses.. july 1 is the birthdate of said tomatoes 65 days although I read that tomatoes stop produceing flowers at 85 or so degrees... does anyone provide shade ie: a pop up awning or any other ideas to make the growing season longer
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/14 10:22 PM

Originally Posted By: 30ft jon boat
just got my maters planted...long story lots of excuses.. july 1 is the birthdate of said tomatoes 65 days although I read that tomatoes stop produceing flowers at 85 or so degrees... does anyone provide shade ie: a pop up awning or any other ideas to make the growing season longer


I've taken to planting the smaller varieties of peppers ( habs , thai , etc. ) in large pots to keep weeding and watering to a minimum . One of the advantages is that I can move them under the shade trees if it gets too hot for them .

Most of my garden gets full sun from sunrise to sunset so it's usually fried by the end of July . There are two places that start getting shade around 1400 and the mater plants seem to last longer although they still don't produce a lot . I've been trying the heat-resistant hybrids for the last couple of years . Might be your best bet .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/14 10:32 PM

Anybody ever put clear plastic over a plot in order to kill all the weeds ? I know the heat will also kill all the beneficial organisms in the soil ( effectively sterilizing it ) but I'm looking for a lazy way to eliminate nut grass without chemicals . Would it be safe to use this method near perrinneals like asparagus and blackberries ?
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/14 01:06 PM

My uncle who is 90 years old has been gardening for 75 years and he convinced me 20 years ago that Celebrity Tomatoes are the most heat tolerant and the blooms will set up to 90 to 92 degrees. Porters are also very heat tolerant and are indeterminate, meaning that if you keep watering them, they will produce again in the fall when the temps do drop back down in the fall. Tilling, weed block fabric, and plastic will work on your nut grass, and you'll be safe around your perennials. Plastic will kill it just mulch it as soon as you remove it.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/14 05:21 PM

I'm pretty sure I waited too long to plant my tomatoe seeds this year as the plants are just now reaching about 1' tall. First year to go the seed route, I normally buy the plants at the store in mid-March. Lesson learned on seed planting and timing. Anyway, they might not make squat early but I'll continue to water them and keep them alive. I usually can manage doing that and getting a really good Fall crop of tomatoes.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/14 08:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I'm looking for a lazy way to eliminate nut grass without chemicals


I haven't tried this, just passing a long what I have been listening to. The past few weeks on Howard Garretts garden show he has recommened mixing 1/2-1 cup of liquid molaases to a gallon of water to spray/drench on nut grass, it takes 2-3 applications but it will kill it. A couple callers tried it and it worked for them. I am sceptical as I am pretty sure nutgrass can make it though a nuclear war.

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/Nutgrass-Control-with-Molasses_vq3266.htm
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/14 11:19 PM

Originally Posted By: David Welcher
. Tilling, weed block fabric, and plastic will work on your nut grass, and you'll be safe around your perennials. Plastic will kill it just mulch it as soon as you remove it.


I've tried all the landscape fabrics including the heavy felt-like material . [censored] grows right through it . Think I'll try the molasses before frying everything .
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/14 01:30 AM

I got lucky and beat the rain. Got my corn side dressed and laid by. If I hadn't of got it done this evening not sure I could have ever got it. Going to be too wet for cultivation for awhile now.
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/14 11:19 PM

I got a few tomato's eaten by birds today. Should I do a scarecrow, maybe a fake owl, or netting?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/14 11:35 PM

I like my Gamo.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/14 12:10 AM

Originally Posted By: Frenzy
I got a few tomato's eaten by birds today. Should I do a scarecrow, maybe a fake owl, or netting?


Bird netting works really well but then you're going to have to deal with freeing protected species of birds from it . It'll also catch any snake that tries to go through it . I hang old CDs on the cages and the "flash" seems to discourage birds .
Posted By: BnT

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/14 01:57 AM

Who's harvesting some, and what all have you gotten so far?

We've had about 7 jalapenos. About to get our first maters and salad greens.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/14 03:28 PM

It's berry season!!!









*Derek the bee's are in overdrive....had some swarm and I got them boxed up!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/14 10:59 PM

Originally Posted By: BnT
Who's harvesting some, and what all have you gotten so far?

We've had about 7 jalapenos. About to get our first maters and salad greens.


Small onions , turnip and collard greens , a couple of cayennes and pequins out the wazoo . Looks like a good year for habs but they're all still small and green . Peaches are almost ready . loco_2
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/14 11:10 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
It's berry season!!!

My thornless canes are covered but it's gonna be a week or two before they're ready . I ate a cup or two of ripe dewberries off the fence row this afternoon . Love me some blackberries but I never can keep enough to make a cobbler . wink
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/14 11:10 PM

AdvTx, are your neighbors helping themselves to the berries along the alley side of the fence?
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/14 11:43 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
AdvTx, are your neighbors helping themselves to the berries along the alley side of the fence?


I would.... bolt
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/14 01:34 AM

Corn is pollinating now. Loaded with green tomatoes but no ripe ones yet. Few yellow squash. Few yellow wax beans. Few peppers. Plenty of onions and taters. Lots of pintos set but far from picking. Lots of green beans set but far from picking too. Cantaloupes and cucumbers haven't bloomed yet. Watermelons are just putting on second sets of leaves. All the pea varieties are coming along but slower than normal with the cool weather.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/14 01:23 PM

Only one neighbor behind us is "allowed" because we get daily use of their trampoline. The squirrels are the biggest thieves!
Posted By: Sunup

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/14 03:56 PM

I use old castnets found around the lakes and creeks. Works great.
Originally Posted By: Frenzy
I got a few tomato's eaten by birds today. Should I do a scarecrow, maybe a fake owl, or netting?
Posted By: Sunup

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/14 04:04 PM

My experience shade didn't help. Once the air temperature got hot enough production quit. Am interested about heat tolerant plants.
Originally Posted By: 30ft jon boat
just got my maters planted...long story lots of excuses.. july 1 is the birthdate of said tomatoes 65 days although I read that tomatoes stop produceing flowers at 85 or so degrees... does anyone provide shade ie: a pop up awning or any other ideas to make the growing season longer
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/14 01:22 AM

I planted the Burpee Heatwave II from seed several years ago. Very heat tolerant and very productive. I tried Solarfire from a different supplier the next year and they didn't do well at all. Both varieties had subsoil irrigation with fertilizer injected.

There is such a thing as having too many tomatoes.
Posted By: Sunup

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/14 01:58 AM

Gonna try some next year thanksthumb
Originally Posted By: Parker
I planted the Burpee Heatwave II from seed several years ago. Very heat tolerant and very productive. I tried Solarfire from a different supplier the next year and they didn't do well at all. Both varieties had subsoil irrigation with fertilizer injected.

There is such a thing as having too many tomatoes.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/14 12:01 PM

Do it. I'd recommend the Heatwave II to anybody. It made a nice medium sized tomato and had a fairly compact plant. I think they stopped producing fruit when I got overwhelmed with picking and I shut off the feed and water.

I chopped weeds yesterday until I couldn't see straight. This must be the Chinese year of the crab and the nut. Found a 1943 Mexican Nickel with the hoe too. No idea????
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/14 12:58 PM

Picked my first maters yesturday....birds didn't get em with the bobble head owl I bought!

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/14 01:44 PM

My Beefsteaks on the left are loaded with maters. Brandywines on the right are almost 6' tall and not one mater on them.



Picked about 20 jalapenos the other day this size and bigger. Mucho Nacho and Mammoth are the ones I planted. And they have some kick in these peppers.

Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/14 02:12 PM

Those are some BIG plants!
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/14 01:09 AM

I dug up about 200' of potatoes yesterday. They made about 4 bushels. Some of them were as big as baking potatoes. Pulled all the onions too. Most of them bolted. The best were about 3" across.

Been getting a few tomatoes,peppers,and squash. Picked about a half peck of green beans yesterday too.

Today I plowed up the onion and tater rows and replanted 2 varieties of creams and a row of purple hull peas.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/14 01:27 AM

Pulled onions up a few days ago. Gonna plant okra now.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/14 08:44 PM

Mowed the pasture this weekend . Looks like a bumper crop year for grasshoppers . eeks
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/14 03:53 AM

Anybody pickin corn yet?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/14 01:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Anybody pickin corn yet?


This is my first year growing corn. My 5yr old wanted me to grow some. I only have 5 plants, but they are going good. I have like 5-6 baby corn. I guess another couple weeks and they will be ready.

I finally had enough of my Brandywine maters not making fruit so I yanked them out. I looked for the Heatwave II, but couldn't find any. I found some Solar Fire that are supposed to be good for summer. We'll see,
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/14 04:05 PM

My tomatoes look great but not really setting blooms 9despite shaking them), some blloms just fell off. Squash plants looked great and have lots of blooms but the wind this morning caused about 1/2 of them to get layed over. Maybe they will pop back up..
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/14 12:36 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Anybody pickin corn yet?


Yeah . Picking those pencil-thin stalks with one ear each and putting them on the brush pile . I don't know what happened ( Candy-cane hybrid ) but I'm going with non-GMO next year .
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/14 12:49 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Parker
Anybody pickin corn yet?


Yeah . Picking those pencil-thin stalks with one ear each and putting them on the brush pile . I don't know what happened ( Candy-cane hybrid ) but I'm going with non-GMO next year .


Mine looks the same. Some of the ears are filled out fairly well. I planted easy money. It's a 72 days corn and I'm at 60 days right now. It tassled and started silking way early I thought. I'm having to talk myself out of picking it. Guess I'll let it keep going and see what happens.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/14 12:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek
Originally Posted By: Parker
Anybody pickin corn yet?


This is my first year growing corn. My 5yr old wanted me to grow some. I only have 5 plants, but they are going good. I have like 5-6 baby corn. I guess another couple weeks and they will be ready.

I finally had enough of my Brandywine maters not making fruit so I yanked them out. I looked for the Heatwave II, but couldn't find any. I found some Solar Fire that are supposed to be good for summer. We'll see,


I planted solarfire one year and they didn't do well at all compared to the heatwave II.

Some years some things just do really well due to the growing conditions. This year my potatoes did really well. They like long cool wet cloudy conditions. Nothing else does.

I hoping everything does drown now. Real wet here.
Posted By: Bine

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/14 01:25 AM

Bees, because TFF likes bees.


Posted By: Bine

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/14 01:27 AM

Hops, because hops is a bine.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/14 01:54 AM

Originally Posted By: Bine
Bees, because TFF likes bees.





thumb Looks like a Mason Bee.
Posted By: Bine

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/14 02:52 AM

Mason bees, huh? I just read up on them. Gonna make a bee house. The internet says they are the least likely to sting of all bees, and bees don't sting much anyway.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/14 03:00 PM

Mason Bees are great to have in the yard. They are great pollinators and they don't like to travel very far so they are perfect for gardens.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/14 03:01 AM

Garden got grass despite my best effort. I guess I could pull it grin



Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/14 12:22 AM

I planted most of my peppers in large pots full of Miracle-Gro soil this year . I have 3 habaneros . One is 5 years old . The other 2 have grown large but were attacked by aphids about a month back. I tried Sevin powder with little success so I gathered a few ladybugs and put them on the plants . 2 days later they were covered in ladybugs but today there may be 5 or so on each plant . I figured the ladybugs laid eggs but there's a ton of aphids on just these 2 plants .

Strange . All the pots are close (even touching ) .

I have a spray bottle of liquid Sevin ready but I hate using chemicals . What would y'all do ? I've already picked about 1/4 pound off the 5 year old , the 2 new habs are starting to set fruit and no other peppers are affected . Should I just let nature take its course ?
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/14 12:34 AM

Go buy some neem oil.

You could try spinosad but I think neem oil or orange oil works better for aphids.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/14 12:46 AM

Ladybugs for aphids.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/14 01:00 AM

Originally Posted By: Parker
Go buy some neem oil.

You could try spinosad but I think neem oil or orange oil works better for aphids.


Orange oil and Ladybugs is my go to. Spray orange oil 1-2oz per gallon of water, do a good foliar, top, bottom and in-between as you can get at dusk. Give it a day or two then release the Ladybugs. Do that at dusk/dark too.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/14 01:09 AM

5yrs old is a lot in one pot. I would try to get some new microbes in the soil. See Bio S.I. - Tractor Supply is now selling it, top dress with some fresh compost.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/14 09:37 PM

This is our 2nd year to have Juliet tomato plants and they seem to do very good here and if you can keep them alive they will produce again in the fall they get about 7'+


Started picking peppers and okra today
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/14 12:08 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek
5yrs old is a lot in one pot. I would try to get some new microbes in the soil. See Bio S.I. - Tractor Supply is now selling it, top dress with some fresh compost.


I take soil out ( being careful not to hit the roots ) and replenish it with compost/ garden soil yearly . The peppers from this plant will strip paint . rolfmao
Posted By: Jeff Schiller

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/14 05:54 PM

For aphids, my wife is using a mixture of Dawn dish washing soap (the blue) and water and putting that directly on the effected leaves. It's a slow process but that, combined with the ladybugs, are taking them out.
This is on our cucumber plants.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/14 06:28 PM

Originally Posted By: Jeff Schiller
For aphids, my wife is using a mixture of Dawn dish washing soap (the blue) and water and putting that directly on the effected leaves. It's a slow process but that, combined with the ladybugs, are taking them out.
This is on our cucumber plants.


That's what I do as well. I put it into one of those pump up sprayers so I can get good pressure. Spray/soak the under side of the leaves really well.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/14 11:53 PM

Just got done putting away the sweet corn. 3 100' rows made 552 ears. Shucked it ,blanched it,rolled it in cellophane, and put it in freezer bags. A friend clued me in on that last year. It's a lot of work but it keeps forever and stays fresh.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/14 03:37 PM

I'm really enjoy these 4th of July tomatoes.


Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/14 09:41 PM

Posted By: Bine

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/14 10:19 PM

How are y'all keeping the caterpillars out of the corn? We always fed the caterpillars as much as ourselves, and they stunted the corn.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/14 03:11 AM

Depends on what type of caterpillar but if you're talking about corn ear worms I sprayed 3 times with this. Trying to time it right is the key. The more even your corn comes off the better the results. It worked better than the liquid sevin I sprayed with last year and it's organic listed. Still had plenty of ear worm damage though. Just chop em off and feed them to the cows. If the worms are there early and clip all the silk off before pollination occurs you'll have a cob with a bunch of nothing on it.

Posted By: Bine

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/14 01:57 AM

Yep. Those smooth caterpillars that get in the ears. We've had to chop off big pieces, and have had ants get in after the caterpillar. That's a nasty mess.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/14 01:03 AM

Lost about 20 due to a rat or mouse I assume. Cheryl Crow needs to get to work on that.

3rd harvest this week. Its going to slow down which is good because the figs are getting ready pick. Peppers aren't coming in worth a [censored]. Squash got planted late but its coming along.

Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/14 01:13 AM

Shredded the corn rows and disced them in this afternoon. Planted back cantaloupes. I should be able to corner the cantaloupe market for a week or two in about 85 days.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/14 03:48 AM

Looks like lots of things being harvested! I've got peppers, squash, bell peppers, and picked my first pickling cucumbers today.

My tomatoes ain't doing nothing, no blooms or anything frown
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/14 08:00 PM

My cukes were LOADED with blooms. Saw bees doing their thing every morning. Got sick last week and didn't go out to see what was going on and the dang aphids have just about wiped out my cukes! grrr.. Picked a nice batch of green beans and zuccini squash though. Bell and jalapenos look great, lots almost ready for picking. Dang tomatoe blooms having a hard time setting, some just fell off. Then, had a couple that were about as big as golf balls that ended up with bottom rot, I assume from all the rain. Tough sledding so far but I'm not surprised since I started so late. Hope to keep the 18 tomatoe plants alive thru summer and get a good fall crop. That's usually the way it works for me anyway, lol.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/14 01:03 AM

I've had lots of blossom end rot. I tried putting in a bunch of lime when I planted. It didn't help. It only happened to the Roma II variety. The Better Boys were doing great at 6' tall until they got too much rain. Now they have green shoulders and are cracking. Things have dried up a bit and they have quit. A bunch of the Roma plants turned purple then wilted and died.

My pea vines are absolutely loaded with small peas and blossoms. Going to have a bumper crop.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/14 01:32 AM

Hybrid corn did terrible . Stalks were about 1/2" diameter , 4' high and made one 6" ear apiece at the bottom . I delayed planting maters and peppers in the garden until the first week of May . The Early Girls and Better Boys didn't do well but the Celebrities and hot weather hybrids are finally starting to make . I should have a nice green tomato fry for the 4th .

The chilies in planters are kicking butt . I've got Cubanelles , Japs , Serranos , Pequins , Gold and Red Cayennes and some Habs that'll give you an out-of-body experience cheers.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/14 02:00 AM

Wife just slid 7 quarts of spaghetti sauce into the pressure canner. That's a bunch of tomatoes cooked down.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/14 02:22 AM

And it's hot up in herruh.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/14 12:16 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Lost about 20 due to a rat or mouse I assume. Cheryl Crow needs to get to work on that.

3rd harvest this week. Its going to slow down which is good because the figs are getting ready pick. Peppers aren't coming in worth a [censored]. Squash got planted late but its coming along.




Probably wouldn't hurt to do a couple thousand curls of those tomatoes. Nice harvest. I have that same pool.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/14 12:19 AM

What kind of peppers did you plant? My Mammoth and Mucho Nacho jalapeno plants are doing great. Producing large and many peppers.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/14 11:43 PM

In the last 2 days we picked 288 lbs of purple hull peas and 396 cantaloupes at my buddies place.
I picked 34 lbs of peas off one row in about 30 minutes. I think there were 65 rows.
Apparently the migrant pea pickers have found the Colorado marijuana patch more profitable and aren't coming back. Not sure how my buddy is going to get his peas picked.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/17/14 07:57 PM


From yesterday
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/22/14 01:35 AM

Pulled this hollow onion out of the garden.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/26/14 02:22 PM



Yesterday's harvest... Figs, jalapeno, dill pickles, fig/jalapeno jelly, garden salsa...
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/26/14 04:55 PM

Yall are having a great year. Very cool.

Todays...
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/26/14 08:45 PM

Eggplant? wink
Posted By: jboy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/14 08:01 PM

I know this is gardening but I have alot of bird of paridis plant seeds this year if anyone wants some.. They are yellow BOP
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/14 09:07 PM

Would anyone know what this is growing on my grapevine? It's a mustang vine, they didn't make this year for some reason which was a 1st. Looks like a weird seed pod, I thought the seed(s) would be from the grape them selves. Maybe it turned into a hazelnut, for that's what it looks like to me. hmmm

Posted By: jboy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/14 09:27 PM

Looks like woody gall.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/29/14 12:33 AM

Not much to brag about this year but my tongue is numb . flame
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/29/14 01:07 AM

Looks like my second round of peas are going to make twice as many as the first. Running out of freezer space here.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/29/14 02:55 AM

Picking all kinds of cucumbers, to include a lot of pickle sized ones. Jalepenos are going crazy, and several jars have been canned of each. Chile pequins are kicking butt as well.

Tomatoes are about to be pulled, nothing but a few romas are fruiting, with the exception of a couple of the patio tomatoes that have a couple small tomatoes on them.

Bad year for us
Posted By: Stump jumper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/06/14 02:48 AM

How do know when watermelon is ready? I can tell with cantelopes because of color. I have never had much luck with watermelons until this year. I am thinking if I rotate and the stem comes off they are ready.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/08/14 03:43 PM




Today's harvest...
Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/12/14 12:01 AM

Fall tomatoes have had most blossoms fall of but they are just not starting to set. Hopefully is will cool of some soon but not to fast.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/12/14 01:45 AM

Originally Posted By: Trickster
Fall tomatoes have had most blossoms fall of but they are just not starting to set. Hopefully is will cool of some soon but not to fast.


I had to read that three times.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/12/14 02:00 AM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Would anyone know what this is growing on my grapevine? It's a mustang vine, they didn't make this year for some reason which was a 1st. Looks like a weird seed pod, I thought the seed(s) would be from the grape them selves. Maybe it turned into a hazelnut, for that's what it looks like to me. hmmm



Raising Arizona here again. Has anyone seen this before? Would really like to know what it is. hmmm






Posted By: moocowmoo

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/13/14 11:08 PM

Okay, so I have a buddy that just let me on a very small about 5x8 raised bed to the side of her backyard lawn. I know it's not much. I'm not looking to make her place look better. Neither is she. She just wanted me to enjoy a small patch to play with (you guys have dirty minds) since I've been in apartments for 5 years now. For that, I'm grateful.

It's full sun. I'll have to work the soil and add soil/compost on the nearly empty bed raised about a 1.5 to 2 feet above ground before I can do anything with it. Which nice because I can balance it from scratch to match what I'm planting. But other than that, what's my next move? I've forgotten just about all my plants since I didn't have any use to them during that time. I used to grow some great mixed use plots and beds about 7 years ago. I've become okay with indoor and full shade balcony container gardening. So I know how to maximize space. So I'm not too worried about the small size. Are there any ornamentals or vegetables that can planted or transplanted into full summer sun at this time of the year? I can match the soil to them. I'm afraid I might have to wait until mum and kale season.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/13/14 11:47 PM

Take a look on youtube for "square foot gardening". It's too late for tomatoes for this year but there are a ton of fall vegetables that can be planted now. Broccoli, cauliflower, most all greens and carrots are just some of the things that can be planted now.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/14/14 01:43 AM

Grapevine Gall ??

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Would anyone know what this is growing on my grapevine? It's a mustang vine, they didn't make this year for some reason which was a 1st. Looks like a weird seed pod, I thought the seed(s) would be from the grape them selves. Maybe it turned into a hazelnut, for that's what it looks like to me. hmmm



Raising Arizona here again. Has anyone seen this before? Would really like to know what it is. hmmm






Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/14 10:17 PM

Tilling the garden today. Getting ready for early planting.
Posted By: Parker

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/17/14 04:36 AM

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/14 07:53 PM

Rec'd my Heatwave II seeds in the mail last week and got my indoor seeds started Sunday afternoon (Dec 28th). Decided to do a little experiment on varieties so I started 6 Heatwave II's, 6 Arkansas Travelers and 3 Romas. We'll see which ones produce the best this year. Think I might also get some Celebrity seeds this week and add them to the experiment. Unfortunately, last year was a bust for my Celebrity and Romas, only made enough for a couple of jars of salsa despite having 8-10 nice big bushes, plenty of blooms but very few set. Some of the ones that did got bottom rot, grrrrrr.

Also started 4 bell pepper plants and 3 jalapeno plants. Would do more but it seems like I always make way too many bell peppers and can't eat them fast enough. They are okay frozen for some things but I prefer fresh ones for grilling or added to corn/black bean salads, jambalaya, etc. Same goes for jalapenos,lol. Nobody in the house eats them but me and I always seem to make way too many when I plant more than 3 bushes. I've canned them too but still can't eat them fast enough, lol. Anyway, that's all the starters for now. Green beans, cucumbers and squash get planted directly into the garden mid to late March.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/08/15 03:46 AM

Last of the garden, this freeze should finish it off.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/15 03:46 PM

Got my onions yesterday from a local nursery yesterday. They will go in the ground today after I do a little tilling.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/15 03:59 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Got my onions yesterday from a local nursery yesterday. They will go in the ground today after I do a little tilling.

planted mine on 12/8
here they r on 1/1
Dixondale Farms onions...Tx Legend (yellow)...Tx Early White
harvest in May...still eatin'm from last yrs harvest...gr8 onions
Posted By: moocowmoo

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/15 09:12 PM

Is that cabbage you've got going in the middle there? I expected a die off when it hit 17 here not too long ago, but my cauliflower pulled through. I just tilled it in. Too much to plan for. This has been a really mild winter.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/15 11:32 PM

Onions went in the ground today.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/15 11:55 PM

Originally Posted By: moocowmoo
Is that cabbage you've got going in the middle there? I expected a die off when it hit 17 here not too long ago, but my cauliflower pulled through. I just tilled it in. Too much to plan for. This has been a really mild winter.


broccoli...i have another raised bed with cabbage and cauliflower n it...duzn't freeze
got beets and carrots cumin' up for spring eatin'
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/27/15 08:54 PM

Can beets, carrots and radishes be planted now? Also what about peas? Thanks for any advise.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/15 02:39 PM

Peeked in the greenhouse the other day and found these:

Tomatoes are tuff to manage when cold. I'll let the greenhouse temps get to a low of around 40ish till the heater kicks on. Husky cherry tomatoe plant.



Jalapenos do good in there, pretty hardy.



I move the lime bush in there every year, it's 11 years old now and always produces during the winter months. The blooms smell awesome.


The rest is her shizzle. smile



The green house has paid for itself over the years, glad we put it up.


Come on spring!
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/15 03:56 PM

Nice greenhouse. Did you build it yourself ? From some sort of "kit"? What are the walls and roof made out of? Looks sort of like a corrugated plastic of some type.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/15 04:25 PM

No kit Scott Scott. Basically scratched out a square in the dirt and put it up. Here are a few other pics of it. The plastic corrugated stuff, I picked up from Lowes. It's not cheap. I had a leftover patio door used for the entry. If you build one, you'll need to vent it on warmer days. I have an indoor/outdoor wireless thermometer in it so I can keep an eye on the temp by my recliner.


Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/15 05:47 PM

Nice setup, RDL.
Posted By: mrbelvetron

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/15 07:20 PM

Awesome greenhouse and I get the 3000th reply!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/15 06:03 PM

farmers almanac sez time 2 plant above ground crops
so i put'm n wall-0-waters 2 protect from late frosts



Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/15 07:57 PM

lowes has tomato plants for sale..and its going to be 21 tues nite..i recon some people dont know winter in texas starts on valentines day
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/15 11:21 PM

Yep way too early for tomatoes. Frost blankets won't help at that temperature.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/15 01:50 AM


+ 1000 on the "Wall o' Waters " . I had habaneros survive 20 ish degree temps in them .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/15 12:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Ranger Z21
Yep way too early for tomatoes. Frost blankets won't help at that temperature.


"frost blankets" might not protect them, but these wall-o-waters will...i've had ice 2" thick in the top of the w/o/w and the plants were fine...want early veges, give it a try...that's called gardening

also, if you want onion information, check out this place...it's southwest of San Antonio
Texas Legend and Texas Early Whites (white 1015) are GREAT

http://www.dixondalefarms.com/
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/15 12:53 PM

Crapyetr, I ordered onions from Dixondale, hope they do well.

Turns out my local Higginbothams had the very same Dixondale onions I ordered. hammer
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/15 01:09 PM

Originally Posted By: Hancock
Crapyetr, I ordered onions from Dixondale, hope they do well.

Turns out my local Higginbothams had the very same Dixondale onions I ordered. hammer


i've ben orderin' them for years, then figured out it's alot cheaper to have my local feed store order them...they'll ship 1 box or 100...doesn't matter to them...if you know your feed store owner well enough, i bet he'd order you a case of 30 bunches...wholesale price is about $30...$1/bunch...my feed store sells them for $2.25...Dixondale is a great company...been dealing with them for decades...btw...the onions in the picture above were planted 12/8...
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/15 04:38 PM

Just started getting ready for the spring garden except we planted 6 bunches of onions a couple months ago.



Coopers Hawk


We put up a seine net on the side of the house to help out the pullets
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/15 09:37 PM

i want to grow watermelons.so i'm thinking of planting in a old wheat field that will be developed in about 2 yrs,its pretty far from civilization so i wont have to worry about thieves.i have a pond that i can use for water any tips or tricks.i've never grown melons before
Posted By: moocowmoo

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/15 10:26 PM

Today's the 14th. Last frost has traditionally been the fifteenth around here. Well, minus the late freezes the last couple of years. So what do you have going in the ground between now and April 1st?
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/15 11:15 PM



I had a solar dome on my garden since December.Took it apart a few days ago. I got a few moving blankets if it tries to freeze. Everything is happening for me.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/15 01:09 PM

Running a little behind.

I built up the edges of my smaller garden over the last few days. Added 2 high of landscaping timber on top of my railroad ties. When it was done, I sprinkled with Epson salt, then added a manure mix and some topsoil with mulch. The larger garden up in front of my shop is going to become the chicken coop area. I'll expand the smaller garden next year another 8' wide.



Got all the plants in the ground last night.



Keeping it simple. Just went with lots of tomatoes, green beans and a variety of peppers.









If you have never checked out Atwoods for your vegetables, I would highly suggest it. They have a great selection and a knowledgeable staff.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/15 12:00 PM

gr8 pictures...i've dun the same thing with 2 timbers...u've still got room 2 add soil next year...now u get 2 reap the benefits of labor/fun...!!!...

this was taken 3/28...need 2 update since the rains...gonna b a good gardenin' year
Posted By: TCK73

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/15 04:30 PM

I got my tomatoes and peppers in on April 4th, the onions were planted in Feb. The plants were 4 week old seedling I started.

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/15 11:49 PM

now that's a G A R D E N...good lookin' dirt
do u sell your veges???
looks like u have plenty
take another picture in a couple of weeks
everybody do that...!!!
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/15 12:00 AM

That is one big Garden. To much for me and the Better half.

Here is a picture of mine. There are about 15 tomatoes about the size of a Quarter, and many different small peppers, The Squash and zukes along with the cucumber have a bunch of Blossoms starting. I believe i got the drop on the Weather this year. And this rain is helping out.







Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/15 05:43 PM

Originally Posted By: TCK73
I got my tomatoes and peppers in on April 4th, the onions were planted in Feb. The plants were 4 week old seedling I started.



cheers
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/15 06:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Bruce's Guide Service
That is one big Garden. To much for me and the Better half.

Here is a picture of mine. There are about 15 tomatoes about the size of a Quarter, and many different small peppers, The Squash and zukes along with the cucumber have a bunch of Blossoms starting. I believe i got the drop on the Weather this year. And this rain is helping out.



I've planted cukes and cantaloupes on the fence and will be putting some Celebrity tomatoes and squash out shortly . Everything else ( Early Girls , herbs , peppers ) is in containers this year . I really think the hotter peppers do better in big pots . I have a habanero that's six this year and you can really tell the difference in the heat compared to the ones in the ground . It might just be the age of the plant but they're a lot hotter than the others . I'm trying Ghost peppers this year . If y'all don't hear from me you'll know I was successful . grin

I'm going to solarize several plots this summer . Anybody ever try this ? I don't want to use herbicides so this looks like a good option . Bermuda and bahaia grasses were killin' me last year .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/15 12:42 AM

First tomato of the year. This is from a Husky Cherry Red plant.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/15 12:44 AM

Siberman, what is solarizing?
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/15 01:17 AM

Here you go.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74145.html
Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/15 05:13 PM

Here's my little garden, still got a little work to do.



Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/15 12:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Frenzy
Here's my little garden, still got a little work to do.


Dude . Why do you have an artificial owl in the hydroponics ? Killer squirrels ? roflmao
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/15 12:46 AM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Siberman, what is solarizing?

What Bruce said . wink
Posted By: Ringer1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/15 11:34 PM

Anyone know a place in the Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland area that will deliver three yards of soil for my new vegetable garden in my backyard. I would need it hauled from the front yard or alley to the raised garden.

Any help is appreciated
Posted By: Moto-Moto

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/15 01:49 AM

I would have it delivered and dumped in the drive. Then post an ad on CL for some cheap labor.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/15 03:26 AM

Originally Posted By: Ringer1
Anyone know a place in the Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland area that will deliver three yards of soil for my new vegetable garden in my backyard. I would need it hauled from the front yard or alley to the raised garden.

Any help is appreciated



Living Earth Technology
Posted By: Ringer1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/15 11:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Moto-Moto
I would have it delivered and dumped in the drive. Then post an ad on CL for some cheap labor.


I would love to but the truck would never be able to dump the dirt in my driveway with the way my alley is set up. It really sucks!
Posted By: Ringer1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/15 11:55 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Originally Posted By: Ringer1
Anyone know a place in the Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland area that will deliver three yards of soil for my new vegetable garden in my backyard. I would need it hauled from the front yard or alley to the raised garden.

Any help is appreciated



Living Earth Technology


They deliver it to your driveway only.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/15 06:41 PM

Grab the family and come out to the East Dallas A Peep at the Coops Tour this Sunday May 3rd 11am - 5pm. Get your map and lunch from a food truck at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School 5828 East Mockingbird Lane all proceeds help our privately funded school garden. We will be the Coop on Concho Street. Thanks

http://www.apeepatthecoops.org/





Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/15 12:38 AM

Looks awesome as usual, Damon.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/15 02:39 AM

Thank you Thomas come by anytime and I will give you some city fresh eggs.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/15 02:28 PM

We started pulling all the volunteer onions


Posted By: JT Evans

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/15 11:23 PM

Had to show off the mini garden. We tried before to grow maters out of pots and it doesn't work. So this year we made a spot and put em in the ground like they should be. Growing up we had half the back yard plowed up every year and grew veggies. GrandDad had two acres and we would go help with the planting and harvesting.

First Crops:



Mater Row. Big Boy and Celebrity. Wifey put the 8 plants in there probably a little too close together






My Pole Beans ran out of pole! First time to grow these and I thought a 6 foot pole would be high enough. I'm going to have to figure out how to scab on an extra two feet on these I guess.



All this rain has really helped and I so wish I had two acres to put in a big garden. Cool stuff!
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/15 01:19 AM




Just started picking this week
Posted By: Ringer1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/15 04:39 PM

All of this rain is killing my garden. Anyone else having this problem?
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/15 05:26 PM

If it's set up to drain well then should not be an issue except for the tomato plants. When fruit sets it tends to split because of all the water. Mine is fine so far so we will see.
Posted By: Ringer1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/15 06:53 PM

This is a new raised garden I set up this year. I put a sheet of black plastic under the garden so it would hold moisture this summer. I thought I set it up where it would drain off the excess better than it is.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/15 01:24 AM

Originally Posted By: Ringer1
All of this rain is killing my garden. Anyone else having this problem?


Yeah . Definitely shoulda planted rice this year .
Posted By: TexasBlonde

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/15 06:41 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Ringer1
All of this rain is killing my garden. Anyone else having this problem?


Yeah . Definitely shoulda planted rice this year .


Yes, it loved the rain for a while, but is starting to go sickly yellow from too much water. Who knew we needed beds that are 4' tall this year?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/15 10:36 PM

Something is eating my Celebrity tomato plants . No flowers yet but 2 plants have completely disappeared . No signs of digging , chewing.... nothing . They're just gone . eeks Gophers maybe ?

Don't want to borrow trouble but has anyone seen any aphids this year ? My pepper plants usually get attacked but I haven't seen any signs of them or ladybugs either .
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/15 03:03 AM

Few pics from this past weekend in the garden



Eastern Leaf-Footed Bugs Mating









Bush Cricket

Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/15 04:26 PM

Great photos AdvTX!

What are the chicken breeds you keep?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/15 03:49 AM

Gorgeous pictures as usual AdvTX.

My garden is off to a slow start due to all the rain. I think that's why anyway.

Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/15 01:01 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Gorgeous pictures as usual AdvTX.

My garden is off to a slow start due to all the rain. I think that's why anyway.




Mines been pretty stunted this year as well.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/15 01:49 PM

Ate my first garden mater this morning.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/15 04:08 PM

I made pico from the garden yesterday. It was great. 4th of Julys are coming in good but slow. Some will turn in the next day or so. Kids and I will pick some tonight. Its been fun.
Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/15 07:20 PM





Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/15 08:05 PM




Picked this morning
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/15 11:20 PM

Thank y'all very much this spring helped a lot!

In the photo above starting with the closest

Spitzhauben(white)
Olive Egger(pale green)
Australorp(light brown)
Buff Orpington(brown/very gentle)
Delaware(light brown)

We have several others

Speckled Sussex(brown)(Sussex means they can sex them at chicks)
New Hampshire Red(brown/great layer)
Red Blue Laced Wyndotte(brown)(beautiful good birds)
Cockoo Maran(VERY DARK BROWN/the darkest)
Rhode Island Red(brown/great layers)
Golden Lakenvelder(white)
Iowa Blue(light brown)
Cream Legbar(pale blue)

1) There will always be a pecking order with a few on top
2) Chickens don't need any type of heating
3) They will eat anything and easily spoiled
4) Never introduce 1 bird to the flock I usually do 3 and put them on roost at night
5) We never refrigerate eggs
6) Broody means when a hen sits on eggs hoping they hatch(very hard to break once they start the easiest way is after 30 days put a chick under her)
7) Everyone wants eggs I sell to a few families for $5

Are the girls going to stay in the coop all the time or free range during the day?

This is by far our daughters favorite a Spitzhauben she named Koi






Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/15 02:30 AM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
Thank y'all very much this spring helped a lot!

In the photo above starting with the closest

Spitzhauben(white)
Olive Egger(pale green)
Australorp(light brown)
Buff Orpington(brown/very gentle)
Delaware(light brown)

We have several others

Speckled Sussex(brown)(Sussex means they can sex them at chicks)
New Hampshire Red(brown/great layer)
Red Blue Laced Wyndotte(brown)(beautiful good birds)
Cockoo Maran(VERY DARK BROWN/the darkest)
Rhode Island Red(brown/great layers)
Golden Lakenvelder(white)
Iowa Blue(light brown)
Cream Legbar(pale blue)

1) There will always be a pecking order with a few on top
2) Chickens don't need any type of heating
3) They will eat anything and easily spoiled
4) Never introduce 1 bird to the flock I usually do 3 and put them on roost at night
5) We never refrigerate eggs
6) Broody means when a hen sits on eggs hoping they hatch(very hard to break once they start the easiest way is after 30 days put a chick under her)
7) Everyone wants eggs I sell to a few families for $5

Are the girls going to stay in the coop all the time or free range during the day?

This is by far our daughters favorite a Spitzhauben she named Koi








Great pic! I see a beehive. peep
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/15 02:32 AM

Mixed bag to take to the office split tomorrow.

Posted By: Rob W.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/15 02:34 AM

food
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/15 05:02 AM

Derek that hive is rocking this year and thank you again for helping us on that big piece of the garden.

This is a cardoon bloom/artichoke thistle the bees love it

[img]http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm366/nomad0311/th_20150601_181144_zps7hglw30g.mp4[/img]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/15 12:08 PM



Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/15 03:01 AM

Very nice..crapyetr
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/15 02:34 PM

June 18th and haven't watered once this year! This may never happen again.



Posted By: Frenzy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/15 02:40 PM

My celebrity maters finally started going. Doubled in size since the May rains stopped.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/15 10:04 PM

Hey crapyetr, what causes the onions to be smaller this year? Mine were about the same size or smaller as yours.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/15 11:58 AM

my onions were not a large as usual either...they r usually baseball to softball size...i noticed there was alot of high winds that blew my tops over early...i blame it on that...and i might have used to much 21-0-0...i sprinkled it every 2 weeks...gonna do it every 3 weeks next year...hey, that's gardenin'...every year is different
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/15 02:27 PM

This has been the best garden for me in a couple of years. I already canned 13 qts of pickles, 7 qts of marinara sauce and finished up 10 pints of hot sauce last night. My zucchini have gone wild and we can't eat them fast enough, been that way for about a month now, lol. Tried to give some to the neighbors but apparently none of them eat zucchini. Tomato plants are still full of small to medium sized tomatoes so there will be more canning shortly as they ripen. Made some BIG jalapenos so I have been splitting them, stuffing and grilling for snacks but I guess all the rain has them mild as ever, almost like eating bell peppers. Maybe the next few batches will heat up a little as they get watered less. I'm pretty sure the cukes will be fading now as they are slowing down and it's getting hotter, but I still have enough for another qt or 2 on the vine right now. Green beans were doing well until the zucchini plants got so big they crowded them out so they have slowed way down. Dill plants provided enough for my pickling needs too. As soon as the cukes fade out, I plan to pull the vines and replant with okra. Will put in additional green beans for the fall as well as brussel sprouts and cabbage. All in all a great spring, early summer garden!
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/15 02:05 PM

This years cantaloupes are sweet!


Wheel Bug


Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/15 05:38 PM

i have a grapevine (probably mustang)
it will not bloom
i cut it to the ground last year hoping for results
any ideas ?
Posted By: I-35 North

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/15 11:11 PM

I've heard that you can prune/trim back an overgrown tomato plant and it'll start bearing fruit again. I've got a couple of real healthy plants that were putting out tomatoes right and left up till about 2 wks ago. The plants are huge and beautiful, but just a tomato or two on them now. Any tips?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/31/15 12:52 AM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
i have a grapevine (probably mustang)
it will not bloom
i cut it to the ground last year hoping for results
any ideas ?


I'm not sure but I think they flower / fruit on 2-year-old vine . Leave them alone then prune the ones that make fruit the next time .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/31/15 12:59 AM

I now have (1) 1/2" ghost pepper and about 12 blooms . These suckers take forever .
Posted By: grandpa75672

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/16/15 09:03 PM



Everything I plant dies so I decided to dig up a what looks like dead as a door nail prickly pear from a field next door and transplant it.
Just gonna wait and see what happens.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/16/15 11:40 PM

Originally Posted By: grandpa75672


Everything I plant dies so I decided to dig up a what looks like dead as a door nail prickly pear from a field next door and transplant it.
Just gonna wait and see what happens.


Clay pots need water more often because it evaporates through the walls . This keeps the plant's roots cooler and you can give it more sun .

Plastic pots don't allow evaporation through the sides so you don't have to water as much . They also get hotter than heck in full sun and this can kill your plants . If you use plastic make sure and move it where it'll get afternoon shade this time of year .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/17/15 12:11 AM

i tryd pot gardenin'...can't do it...build a raised bed and play n the dirt
Posted By: Dan90210 ☮

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/14/15 02:59 PM

Ok guys... what do yall plant this time of year?

I cleared out some beds this past weekend and want to plant something I can eat.

Its gonna get cold. What can I plant thats gonna be tasty and not die when it gets down to 25... Bcs we know thats coming.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/14/15 07:33 PM

Originally Posted By: D.A.Cooper
Ok guys... what do yall plant this time of year?

I cleared out some beds this past weekend and want to plant something I can eat.

Its gonna get cold. What can I plant thats gonna be tasty and not die when it gets down to 25... Bcs we know thats coming.


Onions , broccoli , brussell sprouts , cabbage and greens are pretty cold tolerant but if it stays below freezing for more than a few hours you should be prepared to cover them .
Posted By: Dan90210 ☮

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/17/15 07:49 PM

Thx Siberman

I'll look into those!!
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/11/15 11:22 PM

Oh neat! I had no idea this thread existed... Built some raised garden beds out of cedar fence posts. First time really gardening.

Garlic (spring-planting) came out small but fine, had some potato onions but gave up on them after a while (too small for my purposes), basil/summer savory grew aggressively, butternut squash was great but had a hell of a time boring out SVB grubs.

Biggest disappointment was our sweet potatoes - Had numerous and giant sweet potatoes but looks like grubs got to them. Bummer.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/15 01:17 AM

Originally Posted By: MulGogiHunter
Oh neat! I had no idea this thread existed... Built some raised garden beds out of cedar fence posts. First time really gardening.

Garlic (spring-planting) came out small but fine, had some potato onions but gave up on them after a while (too small for my purposes), basil/summer savory grew aggressively, butternut squash was great but had a hell of a time boring out SVB grubs.

Biggest disappointment was our sweet potatoes - Had numerous and giant sweet potatoes but looks like grubs got to them. Bummer.


From what I've been told , it's better to plant garlic in the fall . It'll die back in winter then produce larger bulbs over the next summer . I plant garlic and onion sets around roses to discourage insects .

Plant your potatoes and onions in February ( unless it's a polar winter year ) . Potatoes are like corn : you have to keep building the dirt up around the plants until they flower . Onions and their relatives ( garlic) need the soil pulled away from their bases before they flower . This helps the bulbs grow larger . You might want to research the difference between short day and long day onions as well .
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/15 01:27 AM

Earlier this year. Made some beds for about $20 each + with some scrap laying around. Used an old gazebo support to let the squash climb. Sugar babies planted directly in ground behind this stuff but you can't see it.

Nothing special but definitely learned a lot in the first year. Hopefully next year will be better.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/15 01:38 AM

Very nice John! Spacing out your crops for room is tough to figure out sometimes. Specially vine plants. Rotate your crops (don't plant the same thing in the same spot year after year) mix in some good compost. Looks good though. You're off to a great start.
Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/15 03:20 AM

Looks good. I have tomatoes growing like crazy but don't think they will ripen.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/15 03:48 AM

I grow vine crops on my chain-link fence . Heavy fruit like melons need to be supported by slings made of fabric ( like old pantyhose ) . Don't plant related crops ( melons / cukes or squash / pumpkins ) in the same place for at least 3 years .
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/15 09:16 PM

Thanks for the comments and tips, gents.

If anyone wants some basil seeds, I still have one plant that's full of them. Plants came from non GMO seed and my beds are organic. Doesn't mean disease free but they seemed perfectly fine. Maybe pot them. Just PM me if you want any and I'll send on my dime.

Should have saved my other seeds but they went to the compost pile. Some sprouted, so just turned them over.
Posted By: slim 285

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/15 03:12 AM

Originally Posted By: Trickster
Looks good. I have tomatoes growing like crazy but don't think they will ripen.

Get the tomatoes off the vine right before it freezes. Roll them individually in newspaper . Store them in the dark in the house. Bring and unwrap a few at a time. They will ripen sitting on the counter
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/15 03:29 AM

Originally Posted By: slim 285
Originally Posted By: Trickster
Looks good. I have tomatoes growing like crazy but don't think they will ripen.

Get the tomatoes off the vine right before it freezes. Roll them individually in newspaper . Store them in the dark in the house. Bring and unwrap a few at a time. They will ripen sitting on the counter


Let 'em stay on the vine then use them for green tomato sauce right before the first frost . thumb
Posted By: Frank I

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/15 12:44 PM

My gardening areas did poorly this year, either the dirt wasn't prepared right and/or to much rain. Is it to early to turn and till now if preparation for planting in 2016?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/15 12:48 PM

i'm fixin' 2 add compost 2 my garden spot and plant onions...Dixondale Farms has the best ever...Texas Legend...still eating last years crop...

if u have ne leaves/grass clippings, throw them n there b4 u till...give the worms sumthin' 2 chew on...then let it rest till ur ready next spring

tomatoes 10/20/2015


cabbage/broccoli 10/20/2015...fixin' 2 have broccoli ready 2 eat


purple hull peas after harvest...good for nitrogen n the soil...got 12 cups outta this small spot

Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/21/15 05:17 PM

You have a nice set up there, Crapyetr.

Thanks for posting.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/07/16 11:32 PM

Planted about 300 onions today after finishing up my final hunt of deer season.
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/16 04:49 AM

Speaking of onions... Not sure if it's too late but i have about 50 sets from dixondale if anyone wants them. It's from their short day sampler.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/16 07:16 PM

My plum trees are starting to bud. mad
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/16 03:21 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
My plum trees are starting to bud. mad

Most areas of North Texas have only had about 250 to 300 hours of chilling hours. - Temperatures below 40 degrees.
Most varieties of plums need at least 400 chillin hours during the winter so you may not get any plums anyway.
Ben a warm winter. My peach trees require 600 to 800 chillin hours so I am not expecting anything this year.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/29/16 05:21 PM

Originally Posted By: David Welcher
Originally Posted By: skeeter22
My plum trees are starting to bud. mad

Most areas of North Texas have only had about 250 to 300 hours of chilling hours. - Temperatures below 40 degrees.
Most varieties of plums need at least 400 chillin hours during the winter so you may not get any plums anyway.
Ben a warm winter. My peach trees require 600 to 800 chillin hours so I am not expecting anything this year.


Same is said for citrus trees, but my lime tree that was kept in the garage is full of blooms, lemon tree outside even has a few blooms through February. I'm very curious what happens.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/16 08:21 PM

settin' up the soaker hoses


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/16 08:46 PM

Lost 3 Celebrities ( ran out of Wall o' Waters wink ) . Romas and Cherries are blooming . Set out Cayennes , yellow squash and cukes this week . Waiting for mext week's deluge to end before putting out the potted chilies .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/16 09:56 PM

those wall o waters r gr8...i use them on ne plant i can find early and get a jump on the season...had some maters grow out the top and got burnd but the stalk was ok...good stuff...highly recommend'm
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/16 10:07 PM

So i thought i post were i am at now. Very small garden but in past has served us well.

Above picture was a week ago. We already ate some Spinach and the larger onions, The onions got set out in the forgot for awhile.

The back bags are grow bags, they are 15 gallon. i have 5 different kinds of potatoes in then. I have covered the tops once already today they were starting to poke there heads above the soil again. I will allow them to grow about 4 inches tall and cover one more time and than let them go.

The next two pictures are plants i dug out of trash that people were throwing away, I have no problem saving them


The last is a ficus tree i have grown from about inches tall. I put in in the plant shed every winter. When i bring it out it always sheds it leaves. It will stay beck here until it is fully covered in leaves.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/16 11:05 PM

excellent...good use of space...don't u just luv 2 go out there and pull a salad...u and my wife r the same...save every plant from year 2 year...she has a mum that we moved here from Crockett over 4 years ago...~~~

good job...send more piks next month...
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/16 12:20 AM

Crapyetr

You know your right. Sunday we had a spinach and onion omelet. From the garden Man was it good. It just amazing how different food taste from your own garden. I also have 9 1/2 barrels around the yard in spots that get sunny. The tomatoes have already put out blooms. But i hope they don't try to make they are still a little small. The bell peppers have two peppers on one plant. And the hot peppers have the start of blooms. I pulled some carrots last night. There baby carrots and they were wounder full in a lettuce tomatoes cucumber salad. I cant wait for the cuke and squash to make. I also planted pole beans down my drive way and put a little edging to keep me from mowing them down.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/16 11:05 PM

A little late to the party.


Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/16 11:12 PM

Your scare crow is not scary in the first photo, she's too cute. Second shot looks like a scare crow
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/16 11:31 PM

no ur not...had 2 cover my maters/peppers/cukes and they still got bit...lost beans/corns...it is just March
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/16 11:45 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
no ur not...had 2 cover my maters/peppers/cukes and they still got bit...lost beans/corns...it is just March


Lost the Thai Basil , several Cayennes , and anything sticking above the WoWs . I don't think the cukes are gonna make it either . The cayennes surprised me since they've survived colder temperatures . I have a young habanero ( big Momma's still in the house ) that I put in the truck bed over night . It's fine .

Warm weather needs to get here . I know I'll regret saying that by August but I've got watermelons and gourds ready to plant .
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/16 01:31 PM

I was concerned about a late freeze/frost so I held off planting my tomatoes during Spring Break. They are still in the house waiting to get into the garden. I have 17 plants I raised from seeds. They aren't very sturdy looking though, the stems are skinny, I think they are lacking enough sunlight but will get better once in the actual garden outside. As of now, most are about 10" tall. I did plant, cukes, squash, green beans and okra seeds last week, luckily none have sprouted yet so the frost didn't hurt anything. Plan on putting them in the garden this coming weekend.

Bruce, those buckets look like my backyards, lol. They make excellent planters for individual plants. I have one of those blue recycle buckets but my wife won't let me use that, she said it looks bad. lol I don't care so long as it holds dirt! My wife went a little crazy and bought one of those 50 gallon compost tumblers too, we started loading it last week. First time to make my own compost so we will see how that goes.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/16 01:38 PM

hey scott01, plant ur skinny tomato plants deep, up to the top leaves...all the stem n the ground will make roots...r lay stem horizonal under a couple of inches of dirt and the sun will warm it and it will root faster...i, 2, have blue bukits my wife duzn't like but they're still out there...for now...keep us posted on the 50 gal compost tumbler...i've thought about those but am using the blue bukits instead...!!!
Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/16 03:12 PM

All my tomatoes died with the last frost. I did not think it was going to be that cold or I would have covered them.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/16 04:19 PM

Tnaks for the advice crapyetr. Didn't think about planting them that deep, I didn't think you could plant them that deep without killing them. I do have 2-3 that are all crooked looking too. Ihad that happen last year and the portion that laid on the ground rooted so all was well. Think I'll give the ground a couple of days to dry out a little then I'll plant them in my garden on Sat or Sun.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/16 07:34 PM

Try this Scott for those long stem tomatoes. If you can talk like him, even better. grin

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/16 02:24 AM

I thought it was common knowledge to plant maters deep. Or transplant inside grown like the long ones on their side.

Adding Epsom Salt has insured almost a 100% fruit set for me on my tomatoes. I don't accurately measure it, hand/palm full per plant in the hole or trench and sprinkle it around the plant. I put it in my in line liquid fertilizer from time to time.
Posted By: jeffnsa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/16 02:09 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCbeALuAYsg
I watched a lot of this guys videos and he has great info on growing tomatoes and peppers.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/16 10:32 PM

Planted 19 pepper plants, 17 tomato plants, swiss chard, green beans, purple hull peas, crowder peas and carrots today. Onions have been in the ground since January.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/16 02:48 AM

Grass has taken over my garden for many years. I cant keep it out. Every spring I think of new ways to kill it off before I plant. I've tried it all from mulch to newspaper to felt to straw to hay to roundup to 10% vinegar to 20% vinegar. Leaves this time. A lot of leaves. I did scalp and spray (no cover though) before adding leaves.

Hoping for some relief.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/16 03:18 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Grass has taken over my garden for many years. I cant keep it out. Every spring I think of new ways to kill it off before I plant. I've tried it all from mulch to newspaper to felt to straw to hay to roundup to 10% vinegar to 20% vinegar. Leaves this time. A lot of leaves. I did scalp and spray (no cover though) before adding leaves.

Hoping for some relief.


If it's Bermuda or nut grass you're going to have to dig up the roots or solarize the entire plot .

Looks like you have your chickens to the right ? Try building a run between your plots . Let the chickens loose in one area ( they'll cultivate / fertilize the ground ) then confine them to the next space the following year . Rotate between garden and chicken yard .
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/16 03:40 AM

Chickens free range 1/3 acre area. To the right is there yard when I need to lock them up.
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/16 02:01 PM

After being gone last year, the kiddos didn't do a very good job of weeding. so I dug everything out of the raised bed, and brought in in new soil.

Planted tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, jalepenos, and bell peppers this past weekend. I'll get a pic or two this evening
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/16 06:49 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Chickens free range 1/3 acre area. To the right is there yard when I need to lock them up.
3oz./gal water for Round Up on Bermuda, probably have to spray 2-3times, same for nut grass, but you will have to spray and then spade it up and remove as many nodules as possible after it dries down for a while..
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/16 01:03 PM

Image kills nut grass...no need 2 dig up...good stuff

hey fmrmbmlm, thought u had the flu???
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/16 04:04 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
Image kills nut grass...no need 2 dig up...good stuff

hey fmrmbmlm, thought u had the flu???
I do, going on 5 days now. Wife started symptoms yesterday. First time in several years that I had it, doing a number on me.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/16 10:26 PM

Gonna try some containers this year.


Been indoors now for 65 days. Lights on 18 Dark Cycle 6.

Have an oscillating fan on them, trying to mimic this West Texas wind. Stems look pretty dang sturdy. Been feeding them fish fertilizer and foliar sprays of epsom salt.

Super hot peppers sunbathing rite now.
3 Trinidad Scorpion
3 7 Pot Bubblegum
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/16 12:41 AM

thumb

I've got pequins , Thais and habs ( 7 years old this summer ) in self-watering containers . If you use 'em be sure to fill the hole with moss , paper towel , whatever . All sorts of critters ( skeeters , black widows , etc. ) will get in there . I've also grown serranos in a 5 gallon bucket .

I have the red "pepper from heck " in a half whiskey barrel . Friend who gave it to me said it was a ghost . The peppers are about the size and shape of a hab but they turn a bright red and have a tail .

What's a "bubble gum " and what's the mix for an Epsom salt foliar spray ?
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/16 07:24 AM



I just been using 2 tbs to 1 quart of water.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/16 12:53 PM

yawl's brain is vacant...dang...a bite of those and u'll havta call the fire dept...xcellint job of raisin' the plants from seeds..b u tefull
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/16 10:13 PM


Magged out : those look serious . cheers


Originally Posted By: crapyetr
yawl's brain is vacant...dang...a bite of those and u'll havta call the fire dept...xcellint job of raisin' the plants from seeds..b u tefull


I must confess that the older I get the lower my heat tolerance grows . I can barely chew two habs with a bowl of beans anymore . grin
Posted By: TCK73

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/16 12:30 PM

I am finally ready to plant I believe. We had our last freeze last week hopefully. Sunday I weeded the onions and this Saturday, I will plow, till, and put the rest of the plants in.

This years onions. They are starting to bulb.

Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/16 04:15 PM

Dang that is a lot of onions.

Very cool
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/16 08:04 PM

I have a question.

Some of my healthier looking onion plants have bolted. Probably about 5-8% of all my onion plants. Looking around online, it seems that I should just dig them up and use em as green onions. Is that true?

Rather have an onion but if they're not going to bulb or store, I might as well use them.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/16 12:26 AM

Cut off the flower stalks then start pulling the dirt away from around the bulbs .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/16 12:32 PM

pull'm and give'm away...if u break off the stalk, water will get down 2 the onion bulb and rot it...i read it on this website where i get my feed store to order onions

www.dixondalefarms.com/
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/16 09:32 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll pull some, snip some and leave a few alone to gift the wife some super smelly flowers.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/16 12:11 AM

Originally Posted By: MulGogiHunter
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll pull some, snip some and leave a few alone to gift the wife some super smelly flowers.


I've never heard about the water running down the stalk and ruining the onion but crapyter knows his stuff so I won't argue . You might try putting a zip-lock bag over the flowerhead to stop pollination or bending the stalk in half ( after trimming ) and securing it with a zip tie or rubber band .

You could always just go to the local market where onions are really cheap right now .

I probably wouldn't give the wife a bouquet of onion flowers unless she really liked the aroma . wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/16 12:30 AM

Just so you know :

When plants produce flowers , they put all their energy into the end result ( fruit or seeds ) . If you want seeds for the next growing season , let the flowers mature and save the seed . If not : cut the flowers and allow the plant to use that energy for new growth .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/16 01:12 AM

thanks for the vote of confidence Siberman...i have gardened wrong so many times i'm bound to lern to do it right eventually...so i emailed Dixondale Farms about what "i think i read or heard on their U-Tube info" to be sure i'm right about onion bolting...i'll letcha know what i find out...i do know my onions are gr8 this year...they are tennis ball+ size today and still growing...pictures later

I've never heard about the water running down the stalk and ruining the onion but crapyter knows his stuff so I won't argue . You might try putting a zip-lock bag over the flowerhead to stop pollination or bending the stalk in half ( after trimming ) and securing it with a zip tie or rubber band .

You could always just go to the local market where onions are really cheap right now .

I probably wouldn't give the wife a bouquet of onion flowers unless she really liked the aroma . wink
[/quote]
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/16 01:16 AM

cheers
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/16 01:19 AM

i just found this on Dixondale's Onion Patch newsletter...www.dixondalefarms.com/apr10...doesn't say anything about about water getting to the bulb, but i hope that's in a later issue...

Dealing With Plants That Have Bolted
The development of flower stalks and seeds supersedes bulb development in onions and leeks, so the bulb simply isn't going to develop any further. You might as well pull it up and enjoy it while you can. You can't store bolted bulbs, either, because the seed stalk exits the top of the bulb, weakening it and leaving a place where infection can set in.

We hope this helps you with the bolting issue. Be careful with your planting date, onion type, soil and fertilizers, and pull and eat any onions or leeks as soon as they bolt.
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/16 05:21 PM

thumb
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/16 08:44 PM

MORE INFO ABOUT ONIONS THAN YOU WANT TO KNOW...
be sure u watch the video at the end...he talks about water getting to the bulb
c, i'm not crazy

*Onions and other commercially cultivated alliums are biennial plants, which
means that it usually takes them two growing seasons to go from seed to
seed. The first season is when we take it from a seed to a transplant. When
you plant the plant, it begins its second season. Given a certain set of
environmental conditions, onions can be tricked into believing they have
gone through two growing cycles during their first year. Instead of
finishing with a well-cured bulb, ready for the market, a seed stalk can
develop prematurely, causing onions to be unmarketable. While it is
impossible to control the weather, planting at the correct time for the
variety in question is the most important factor to limit premature bolting.
Over-fertilizing can also contribute to bolting - if onions are too
vigorous, too early in their development, bolting can result. Onions bolt
as a reaction to cold weather stress. Temperatures under 45F may cause the
onion to bolt when the plant has five or more leaves. Some onions are more
or less susceptible to bolting than others and the process is not completely
understood. Unfortunately once the onion does bolt, the quality of the onion
bulb deteriorates rapidly and it should be harvested and eaten as quickly as
possible.

**Because the onion is a biannual, it takes two years or season to go to
seed. However, this process can be altered by temperatures, transplanting
or both. An onion plant's first life begins in the seed beds. When
transplanted, the onion begins its second life. When the plant has five to
six leaves or more and experiences and experiences an extended period of
cooling temperatures, it can go dormant a second time. Once it attempts to
start a growing again (its third life) and the temperatures rises, the plant
believes that it is going to die, so it tries to reproduce and grows a
flower. Occasionally other factors, such as excessive stress, may cause
bolting, which explains why only a few plants may bolt in the entire field.
Should this happen the onion is perfectly edible, but the ring associated
with this leaf will rot, so it is best to eat the onion right away. Don't
bend or break the onion top; the leaf is hollow and is more than likely the
center of your onion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5y3IfR3kvo
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/16 03:53 AM

Current garden is doing great ..... including the grass that's growing in it bang



New spot got turned today. More work to be done. After this big rain, I plan to row, cover, plant, and fence.



Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/16 04:38 AM


You have no idea what grass is .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/16 03:22 PM

my mother used to say if it'll grow weeds, it'll grow a garden...r u gonna hava shade problem next 2 the fence...mine is like that and i do hava problem...well, it just duzn't grow as fast with the shade...patience/gardenin'...hum
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/16 06:23 PM

onions r startin' 2 git BIG...




and the other raised bed is startin' 2 grow...finally...taters r bout dun

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/16 08:58 PM

Old garden is doing good. Better than last year so fat.

2 gates added to the 2nd spot





Don't work




Does work

Posted By: Tom Groves

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/16 10:00 PM



I cranked my garden back up this year. So far so good.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/16 10:19 PM

Looks great Tom.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/16 05:31 PM

onion crop dun...many 14"-16" diameter...let the tops dry completely...cut'm off...put'm n knee-hi hose...hang n the garage...


Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/16 06:31 PM

Cabbage balls. They don't sell onions like that at the grocery store.

Looks great!
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 12:05 AM

Everything is in the ground. 71 plants in 2 gardens. Now I can focus on fishing more and dirt less. breakdance

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 12:13 AM

chickenman, lookin' good...does this cover breath???...is the soaker hose under it???...tell me how this works...a definite weed barrier...!!!...did u watch that TV show Farm Kings...
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 12:26 AM

I'm new to it. Thats about $50 in material which is crazy. 10x50' flowerbed week barrier is that it is. Advertised as "15 year" meaning 1 grin The plan is to fish more and hoe less to be honest. After tilling and killing and/or removing the grass, I think it would have been okay without the cover. Payne on the THF talked me into it. He is my current gardening mentor. I will run soaker hoses on it in a few weeks when the plants are established.

My 2016 list is stronger than any previous year. I wish I could have got more 4th of Julys but only found the three I bought.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 12:41 AM

Those mucho nachos are my favorite. I planted twelve.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 12:51 AM

Never had one. The name sold me.

I hope the fooled you are good. Those will be pickled. I like crisp and tame jalapenos 70% of the time.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 01:14 AM

I've made the mucho nacho jalapenos the past 2 years. Previoously, I wen twith regular jalapenos and although I made a LOT, they were alsways small, less than 3". I ate a bunch, canned a bunch and froze a bunch. The mucho nacho definitely got big, like 4'-5" long so they were great for splitting lengthwise, coreing, stuffing and grilling. My only complaint was they are so mild you can't hardly tell it's a jalapeno. frown Maybe it was because all the rain we had last year, not sure. I tried them again this year.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 01:14 AM

try a Porter tomato...Texas bred...non-acidic...lasts thru the summer...another crop n the fall...bout the size of a small egg...the burgundy okra r gr8...i used 2 grow them n Crockett...1 plant 5ft apart...grow like CHRISTmas trees...produce crazy...don't itch to pik r git tuff...beutiful plants...

make a note 2 post pictures every month...u dun gud
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 12:09 PM

I've grown the Mammoth jalapeno instead of the Mucho the last couple years. They are supposedly a little more mild than the Mucho, but I thought they had a good heat kick. Big plants and good yields for me the last 2 years.
Posted By: Tom Groves

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 06:19 PM

My wife had to go buy some fencing yesterday. It appears the rabbits like to eat the leaves off of the pepper plants and the beans.
22 cal. to the head would've been a lot cheaper,but I'm not there to babysit it. slinger
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 06:43 PM

u gotta plant enuf for u AND the rest of the critters n the naborhood...electric fence works 2...

Originally Posted By: Tom Groves


I cranked my garden back up this year. So far so good.
Posted By: Tom Groves

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 06:51 PM

I guess so. I've never had a problem with them until now. We've never planted pepper plants or beans, though.
Posted By: Tom Groves

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/16 11:11 PM



That'll learn'em. grin
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/16 03:36 AM

I don't mean to rain on your parade , Tom , but ( if that's the vinyl lattice sold at a certain big box store ) you'll need to start looking for something else in 3-5 years . It can get brittle with a lot of sun exposure . Just my experience .
Posted By: Tom Groves

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/16 01:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I don't mean to rain on your parade , Tom , but ( if that's the vinyl lattice sold at a certain big box store ) you'll need to start looking for something else in 3-5 years . It can get brittle with a lot of sun exposure . Just my experience .



It's treated wood.

We'll also store it during the winter months.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/16 05:21 PM

Tom,

Rabbits are like cats, rats, squirrels and such. If they can get their head through an opening, they can squeeze the rest through there too.
Might wanna invest in some cage wire. 2cents
Posted By: Tom Groves

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/16 08:22 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Tom,

Rabbits are like cats, rats, squirrels and such. If they can get their head through an opening, they can squeeze the rest through there too.
Might wanna invest in some cage wire. 2cents



bang

I didn't even think about that.

Hmmmm.... mamma isn't going to be happy about that.
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/16 11:50 PM

Finally starting to pay off!




Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/16 12:33 AM

That's looking great Jacob. What kind of cucumbers are those?
Posted By: Tom Groves

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/16 12:43 AM

You're going to make a ton of cucumbers. Literally.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/16 01:33 AM


Let's see if this works
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/16 01:36 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek
That's looking great Jacob. What kind of cucumbers are those?


These 16 are Barell Pickle hybrids, the other 41 plants are National pickling. Also experimented with some double yield seeds at the house.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/16 12:24 PM

now that's a nice set up and alot of planning...how r the raised beds waterd...???...soaker hoses???

Originally Posted By: trlrman

Let's see if this works
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/16 11:41 PM

Yes sir soakers .3ft wide 18 in. deep and 32ft long each one holds 6 yards of material. Did not listen to the only mesquite tree I have and had to replant about half hoping the other half would make a go .So far the frostbite stuff looks better than the replacement plants.
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 01:37 AM

I'm having a cutworm problem. Two plants have been taken totally down overnight. How can I get rid of them?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 01:52 AM

I would spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and put DE Diatomaceous earth around the plants. Not sure of which particular nematode controls cutworm, but I would look into spraying the beneficial nematode that does in the garden.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 01:57 AM

Originally Posted By: Jacob
I'm having a cutworm problem. Two plants have been taken totally down overnight. How can I get rid of them?


Take 4" of a toilet paper or paper towel roll , cut it down one side so you can fit it around the stem then bury it about 1" deep around the stem .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 02:00 AM

Looks good . What wood do you use ?
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 02:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek
I would spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and put DE Diatomaceous earth around the plants. Not sure of which particular nematode controls cutworm, but I would look into spraying the beneficial nematode that does in the garden.


Where can I buy these?
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 02:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Jacob
I'm having a cutworm problem. Two plants have been taken totally down overnight. How can I get rid of them?


Take 4" of a toilet paper or paper towel roll , cut it down one side so you can fit it around the stem then bury it about 1" deep around the stem .


Sounds good! Would plastic cups work?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 02:16 AM

Originally Posted By: Jacob
Originally Posted By: Derek
I would spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and put DE Diatomaceous earth around the plants. Not sure of which particular nematode controls cutworm, but I would look into spraying the beneficial nematode that does in the garden.


Where can I buy these?


Our Walmart did/does have DE. Call around to your local nursery's and see if they have Bt and nematodes. Nematodes are very specific killers and there are a few different types. You want to make sure you get the right ones. Amazon has all of these too.
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 02:25 AM

Originally Posted By: Jacob
I'm having a cutworm problem. Two plants have been taken totally down overnight. How can I get rid of them?
the simplest solution is like what siberman is saying. I always have cut worms but stopped having my plants cut down when I started using the skewer sticks or match stick stuck into the ground at the base , 2 per stem so the caterpillar cant get around the stem about 99 cents. For a extra large garden you would probably need to spray. You can usually find the cut worm in the ground right where the plant was cut.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 02:37 AM

Steinernema carpocapsae is the nematode you need. Collaring like SB and MM mention work too, but nematodes and Bt are specific killers. Nematodes will continue killing until they run out of host.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 02:41 AM

Originally Posted By: Jacob
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Jacob
I'm having a cutworm problem. Two plants have been taken totally down overnight. How can I get rid of them?


Take 4" of a toilet paper or paper towel roll , cut it down one side so you can fit it around the stem then bury it about 1" deep around the stem .


Sounds good! Would plastic cups work?


Probably and they'll last longer .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 02:46 AM

Originally Posted By: Metal Man
Originally Posted By: Jacob
I'm having a cutworm problem. Two plants have been taken totally down overnight. How can I get rid of them?
the simplest solution is like what siberman is saying. I always have cut worms but stopped having my plants cut down when I started using the skewer sticks or match stick stuck into the ground at the base , 2 per stem so the caterpillar cant get around the stem about 99 cents. For a extra large garden you would probably need to spray. You can usually find the cut worm in the ground right where the plant was cut.


Forgot about that . You can use matchsticks or bamboo skewers (sold in grocery stores) .
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 09:24 PM

Here's a tour of our little spot.

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 10:20 PM

gotcha sum sandy land there Jacob...do u raise watermelons/cantelope???...did u use the crapy guts for fertilizer???

here's my red tater crop...perty good for 5 seed taters...
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/16 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by Jacob
Here's a tour of our little spot.

lookin good
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 12:34 AM

No melons or cantaloupe. The guy right behind us used to do watermelons. He always had a TON!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 01:14 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Looks good . What wood do you use ? Douglas fir
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 02:15 AM

So, by the way, went to check the plant that we thought was killed by a cutworm. I got mad and started digging to see if I could kill it. Directly underneath the plant there was a tunnel from a mole I'm guessing, although it was about 4 inches under the surface. That tunnel went all the way to the other plant that had died. Looking at the stems, they still looked snipped off. So, is this a coincidence? Are the moles searching for cutworms to eat? Should I just kill them all?
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 02:21 AM

Originally Posted By: Jacob
So, by the way, went to check the plant that we thought was killed by a cutworm. I got mad and started digging to see if I could kill it. Directly underneath the plant there was a tunnel from a mole I'm guessing, although it was about 4 inches under the surface. That tunnel went all the way to the other plant that had died. Looking at the stems, they still looked snipped off. So, is this a coincidence? Are the moles searching for cutworms to eat? Should I just kill them all?
yikes , new one on me
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 11:59 AM

never had soil loose enuf for moles...but i'm guessin' the mole nibbled on the roots and kild it...???
Posted By: Lee in Texas

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 12:05 PM

Moles: speaking of those dang critters, we are inundated with them out here in sand for soil.
Dogs dig to get them so combined, they are a problem. Holes everywhere.
Any solutions for moles?
God Bless
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 02:23 PM

I'm thinking about hooking a water hose to the exhaust pipe of the 4 wheeler and sticking the other end in the tunnel.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 02:58 PM

Your plants will love it. LOL!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 03:46 PM

watch CaddyShack with Bill Murray...he'll show u how 2 take care of'm...
Posted By: Tom Groves

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 05:00 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Tom,

Rabbits are like cats, rats, squirrels and such. If they can get their head through an opening, they can squeeze the rest through there too.
Might wanna invest in some cage wire. 2cents



Well, sir you were correct. Those pesky rabbits crawled right through the fence. Wife put up chicken wire yesterday to solve that problem once and for all.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 05:14 PM

pesky wabbits...i never had a problem with them in Crockett...course, the coyotes probably had eaten'm all...there's a thought...gitya a pack of coyotes...!!!
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 06:23 PM

Maybe just luck but I have rabbits come thru the yard every now and then and they haven't touched the garden. With lettuces and carrots growing. I have a 4" tall barrier around the garden and I guess they have been to lazy to get over it. lol hope things stay the same.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 06:38 PM

Originally Posted By: Jacob
I'm thinking about hooking a water hose to the exhaust pipe of the 4 wheeler and sticking the other end in the tunnel.


My bet's on gophers . They don't always make a mound near where they feed . They make some gassers ( look like a big firecracker ) but you need to be really careful with them . They contain cyanide .

I used one of those solar noise makers one year in a rose bed . Seemed to work but it only lasted 2 years and you might need several in a plot that size .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/16 06:41 PM

Originally Posted By: Tom Groves
Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Tom,

Rabbits are like cats, rats, squirrels and such. If they can get their head through an opening, they can squeeze the rest through there too.
Might wanna invest in some cage wire. 2cents



Well, sir you were correct. Those pesky rabbits crawled right through the fence. Wife put up chicken wire yesterday to solve that problem once and for all.


Rabbits can dig under a fence as well . Keep an eye on that .
Posted By: Tom Groves

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/16 10:03 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Tom Groves
Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Tom,

Rabbits are like cats, rats, squirrels and such. If they can get their head through an opening, they can squeeze the rest through there too.
Might wanna invest in some cage wire. 2cents



Well, sir you were correct. Those pesky rabbits crawled right through the fence. Wife put up chicken wire yesterday to solve that problem once and for all.


Rabbits can dig under a fence as well . Keep an eye on that .



So far so good. I've sent my dog after them a couple of times over the past couple of days and haven't seen them anymore.
If they get in it again I'm breaking out the shotgun!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/16 10:37 PM

rabbit and garden veges...sounds good...
Posted By: Tom Groves

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/16 11:30 PM




Heres an updated pic. Things are looking really good. Tilled it yesterday and fertilized it today ahead of the rain tonight.
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/16 05:55 PM

So I have some cucumber plants in the back yard that aren't making fruit. They are about 6ft tall. Tons of flowers (male and female). There are bees on them everyday. I don't get it. The female flowers get bloomed out the. Just shrivel up.



Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/16 06:21 PM

What time are the bees showing up? Cucumbers don't produce a lot of pollen and or nectar, but bees do work them but would prefer something better. Studies I've read in the past say cucumbers are best pollinated in the morning that they are not as receptive to pollination in the afternoon. Good part is they don't require a lot of bee visits to get pollinated. I think it's like 1 bee per every 75-100 flowers. But if you're seeing more bees in the afternoon they are collecting more nectar than pollen. If that's the case bring in some more flowers/potted plants that bees like and try to get them more interested in coming around first thing in the morning.
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/16 09:25 PM

These are about 11:00am. I may go buy some daisies.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/16 09:49 PM

You might google and see what plants best attract bumble bees too. People are scared of them, but they are only real defensive of their home and foragers won't bother you. They are great pollinators too.

Quote:
Fertility of the plant, however, is greatest in the morning and declines as the day progresses.


http://www.pollinator.ca/bestpractices/cucumbers.html
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/16 10:00 PM

i had the same problem last year...this year i planted squash/peppers/beans closer to the cukes and have had a few...also planted marigolds...who knows...it's gardenin'...!!!~~~
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/16 01:12 AM

The tower garden is pretty cool. My hippie wife bought it.



New garden is coming along....slowly.



Need bigger cages for the squash blush

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/16 12:09 PM

take another pikshur of ur wife's in a month and compare it 2 urs all spread out...very nice...skwarsh cage will work...i use a small 1 just to hold the leafs up...peers u got 2 garden spots...lukin' gud
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/16 07:51 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
take another pikshur of ur wife's in a month and compare it 2 urs all spread out...very nice...skwarsh cage will work...i use a small 1 just to hold the leafs up...peers u got 2 garden spots...lukin' gud


Hukt on fonics?
Posted By: MrWood

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/16 10:58 PM

Found some little black bugs on the underside of some leaves on my plants today. I have a picture, just can't get it to post. They're tiny though. Any ideas how to get rid of them, or if I even need to?
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 12:19 AM

Originally Posted By: MrWood
Found some little black bugs on the underside of some leaves on my plants today. I have a picture, just can't get it to post. They're tiny though. Any ideas how to get rid of them, or if I even need to?
Would need a photo to identify. If they are doing damage try spraying them off with a blast of water from the hose.
Posted By: MrWood

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 12:44 AM

Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 12:53 AM

Looks like maybe the black bean aphid? The body shape look like aphid but I never seen black so I google and its the first thing that popped up.If so aphids are usually pretty easy if taken care early and quickly. If not they will multiply very fast. A blast of water will deter them and most will not make it back on the plant because ants and other insects will get the. There is also a organic simple homemade recipe you can google and make to spray.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 02:04 AM

I like to use orange oil. 1oz per gallon of water, or 1.5 teaspoons per quart sprayer. I like to spot spray, but if you have a heavy infestation like it looks like you do, I'll make up a gallon pump up sprayer and hose down everything. Making sure to get under the leaves. Don't spray during the heat of the day, morning dusk is best as it can burn the plants. Some recipes call for 2oz per gallon, but I find the 1oz per works good for me. I like to add Garrett Juice to my orange oil so the plants get a feeding and kill the bugs at the same time.

This is the orange oil I use. I get it at HEB for $15 a quart. It will last a long time. A lot of garden centers carry it too. I think Lowes does too.



Posted By: MrWood

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 03:43 AM

Thanks. I'll try the orange oil mix tomorrow night. I'm assuming night is just the same as morning? When I posted earlier I had only seen them on the artichoke plant, but after looking I found that they were making some headway on my tomatoes also. It's only a 4ft x 4ft grid garden, should I use the whole gallon of orange mix, or just use the 1qt recipe?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 04:14 AM

I'd go 1 gallon. Night and morning is the same. It's a non selective killer, that's why I use it sparingly, since it will kill the Beneficial's, i.e. Ladybugs..and others

But it works well. Make sure to get under the leafs good. That's where they hide. Spraying at night you can go stronger. 1.5-2 tops. But start at 1oz. 2oz per gallon is a great fire ant mound drench.
Posted By: MrWood

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 05:30 AM

I'll make sure and get under all the leaves well. Is the orange oil really just d-limonene though? Good friend runs a chemical plant thumb
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 12:58 PM

It is d-limonene.
Posted By: Tallgrass05

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 01:36 PM

Yes, you have aphids. You can also buy an "insecticidal soap" to spray on the aphids. No mammalian toxicity and easier on the good predatory insects. Check your garden center or places like Home Depot.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 05:22 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
The tower garden is pretty cool. My hippie wife bought it.




New garden is coming along....slowly.

Looks good . Mind lending me a couple of kids this summer ? wink


Need bigger cages for the squash blush

What kind of cages are you using for squash ? Are they for protection or climbing ? I've tried training yellows on the fence but they didn't cooperate .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/16 07:33 PM

i use the small tomato cages somebody threw away for squash...they don't climb like cucumbers...the cage just keeps the plant upright n the wind and off the ground
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/16 02:10 AM

I want to try this with the squash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2mGGEQw3b4
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/16 02:14 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
What kind of cages are you using for squash ? Are they for protection or climbing ? I've tried training yellows on the fence but they didn't cooperate .


Short plump ones. Used to climb some. Just to keep the base of the limbs off the ground.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/16 02:15 AM

Originally Posted By: Metal Man
I want to try this with the squash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2mGGEQw3b4


Pretty good idea.
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/16 02:21 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Originally Posted By: Metal Man
I want to try this with the squash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2mGGEQw3b4


Pretty good idea.
should help clean things up and making harvest a little easier. zucchinis that look like a small watermelon because I didnt see them and go so big are not so great to eat,lol.
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/16 02:32 PM

Anyone having problems with gophers, the victor traps work great. Took care of my troublemaker overnight.

Also wanted to share some progress on my backyard experiment. These are double yield cucumber plant on a 5 ft cage. They've outgrown the cage and are beginning to go over the sides. I am just now starting to see some cukes on it, but if it continues to produce, it's going to be on like donkey kong.





Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/16 02:39 PM

We have harvested and frozen about 1500 blackberries and made 3 cobblers so far this year.









Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/16 03:39 PM

That is awesome, Damon!
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/16 07:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Tallgrass05
Yes, you have aphids. You can also buy an "insecticidal soap" to spray on the aphids. No mammalian toxicity and easier on the good predatory insects. Check your garden center or places like Home Depot.


Just bought some Dr Bronner Castile Soap

Tbs of castile soap
Dash of ghost pepper powder
Quart of water in spray bottle

They Gone! Killed all them bastages on contact
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/16 07:53 PM

flame


Getting some Ghost Pepper Buds, plants are almost 120 days old farmer



Dang those pictures suck!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/16 08:14 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
We have harvested and froze about 1500 blackberries and made 3 cobblers so far this year.

Those are huge ! Mine are just now setting fruit .



Did you plant the passion flower or is it a volunteer ? Any tips ? I bought seeds from Amazon but the directions say it may take a year for germination .

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/16 08:20 PM

My seven year old hab is flowering but the new one hasn't yet .

Cayennes and pequins are loaded .

The ghost/reaper / whatever it is has been outside for a month but no flowers yet.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/16 08:37 PM

had 2 try the skwarsh stakin' thang...kept the old way for comparison...looks logical

Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/16 08:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman


The ghost/reaper / whatever it is has been outside for a month but no flowers yet.


When get some peppers on this bad boy. Snap some pictures.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/16 09:18 PM

We planted 1 5 gallon pot years ago and today there is 30+ flowers with bees in every one of them. Once established they are very cold hardy and have climbed 20' to the top of red tip photinia bushes.





Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 12:07 AM

Last one I saw was when my Dad and I were clearing fence line probably 40 years ago . Do you ever get any fruit ?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 12:32 AM

My Passion Flower is doing great. I planted seeds 4-5 years ago and it germinated and grew great, but didn't bloom until the 2nd year. It grows and blooms like crazy now. I get the Gulf fritillary cats big time and they will devour it. I'm sure I could Bt them, but I get a few months of blooms before they completely take it over and I let them complete their butterfly cycle.

This is a pic of a GF cat I got tonight.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 12:50 AM

thumb

Did you soak or scarify the seeds ?

What species of Milkweed attracts Monarchs ?

Btw , remember I posted about the Mason bees hatching ? That was a minor event . Last week they came out in swarms !
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 12:54 AM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
Originally Posted By: Siberman


The ghost/reaper / whatever it is has been outside for a month but no flowers yet.


When get some peppers on this bad boy. Snap some pictures.
cheers
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 01:17 AM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX




That is nice....
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 01:19 AM

I didn't soak my seeds. Just planted. I planted them close together and it's one or two that are doing well. I have a fat trunk base like AdvTX

Not sure on the species of Milkweed. We actually went looking for Monarch cats yesterday. Milkweed grows pretty well here. Checked a couple hundred plants and found zero. The migration report I read a month or so ago was good, but I haven't seen a single Monarch.
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 01:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
My seven year old hab is flowering but the new one hasn't yet .

Cayennes and pequins are loaded .

The ghost/reaper / whatever it is has been outside for a month but no flowers yet.
my hab is also a little behind on blooms as other peppers.I want to say I remember the habs doing better though in mid summer compared to others a couple years ago.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 03:24 AM

Originally Posted By: Metal Man
my hab is also a little behind on blooms as other peppers.I want to say I remember the habs doing better though in mid summer compared to others a couple years ago.


In my experience , the hotter peppers don't really do well until it gets pretty warm . My older hab and the pequin are kept inside so they get a jump start on the season ( still have peppers on them from last year ) . I planted the one habanero I could find this year in another 12" self-watering pot and plan on moving it inside this fall . The "whatever" pepper is about 3' tall and kept inside ( in a half whiskey barrel )as well . I'm pretty sure it'll take off in June when it warms up .

The cayennes really surprised me . They're a hybrid ( dragon cayenne ? ) I found at Lowe's . They're pretty hot but they're already loaded with fruit .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 03:29 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek


Not sure on the species of Milkweed. We actually went looking for Monarch cats yesterday. Milkweed grows pretty well here. Checked a couple hundred plants and found zero. The migration report I read a month or so ago was good, but I haven't seen a single Monarch.


It grows all over the place here but unfortunately gets mowed down every summer . I was thinking about a dedicated patch . I have a small plot of Rue that's home to the black swallowtails every year .
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 04:51 PM

Any tips for keeping cats out of the garden?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 05:01 PM

i've used oranges / grapefruits...citrus stuff...have CRS so don't remember if it workt
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 05:06 PM

Would orange oil work? I remember Derek telling me it works on aphids....

I still mean to buy some of that (I finally got my aphids under control, pulled up weak plants and left on the strong ones).
Posted By: jimmytimmy87

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 06:31 PM

Did anyone in North Texas receive hail damage last night? I haven't had a chance to look at my garden today.
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 07:19 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Any tips for keeping cats out of the garden?
I used a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce to keep my dog out of areas. It works. Just "sprinkle" it where you want to keep them away.
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 07:23 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Would orange oil work? I remember Derek telling me it works on aphids....

I still mean to buy some of that (I finally got my aphids under control, pulled up weak plants and left on the strong ones).
For aphids orange oil might be best like derek said. Really oil like cooking oil mixed with soap will work. Its the oil that gets them. Whats great about orange oil is that it also deters ants. Ants will move the aphids around the garden and herd them. So the orange oil will kill the aphids and also keep ants from moving the aphids(stragglers) from plant to plant.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 07:35 PM

My ants left the garden too. Kinda weird.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 07:36 PM

Originally Posted By: Metal Man
Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Any tips for keeping cats out of the garden?
I used a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce to keep my dog out of areas. It works. Just "sprinkle" it where you want to keep them away.


I hope this cat takes warning...I tried chunking her across the yard, but that doesn't teach her.

2 mornings in a row I have replanted my carrots and Brussels sprouts....patience is wearing thin!!
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 09:05 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: Metal Man
Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Any tips for keeping cats out of the garden?
I used a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce to keep my dog out of areas. It works. Just "sprinkle" it where you want to keep them away.


I hope this cat takes warning...I tried chunking her across the yard, but that doesn't teach her.

2 mornings in a row I have replanted my carrots and Brussels sprouts....patience is wearing thin!!
Get some habeneros put them in a blender and leave out in the sun for a day ,add water, then spray the area . I bet that would keep the cat away.lol Shoot it would keep everything away,lol
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/16 11:11 PM

biggest onion crop n 44 years




42 MONSTER onions
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/16 03:55 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
biggest onion crop n 44 years


Jealous. Looks great! thumb
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/16 10:39 PM

Originally Posted By: MulGogiHunter
Originally Posted By: crapyetr
biggest onion crop n 44 years


Jealous. Looks great! thumb
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/16 11:24 PM

Yes myself as well ! Lots of hamburger slices in that group .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/16 01:58 AM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Any tips for keeping cats out of the garden?


I've used black pepper to keep 'em out of houseplants . That habanero spray would probably work as well . You'll need to re-apply after a rain . Try planting cucumbers . According to You-tube they scare the heck outta cats . roflmao
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/16 02:07 PM

Yesterday evening we had a blackberry picking race it was 2 kids and I on one side of the fence against 5 robins and 2 mockingbirds on the other.



We pulled about 20% of the onions before the rains.

Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/16 02:02 PM



Two best looking Ghost Peppers chill
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/16 04:21 PM

dang it , the last two post are looking great....
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/16 10:30 PM

Dont forget to get out there and spank your plants,lol.
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/16 10:36 PM

I don't spank mine. I use a old worn out electric tooth brush. And about every other day use it on the new flowers. Has worked very well for me. The neighbor next door killed my bees. They sprayed there yard and fence line because they don't like the bees. MY whole hive is dying. They said they were African bees. I have just begun to start getting the honey combs filled. I did move my Queen to another friends hive that lost his earlier this year. So far things look good for him.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/16 11:08 PM

small garden at LBJ for bell peppers / maters / cucumbers ... onions planted 2 late, but i have plenty MONSTERS



hoodgard...naborHOOD GARDen at LBJ...corn if the coons don't beat me 2'm and maters that i'm eatin'...a few peppers and the purple hulls r just comin' up

Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/16 11:53 PM

Originally Posted By: Bruce's Guide Service
I don't spank mine. I use a old worn out electric tooth brush. And about every other day use it on the new flowers. Has worked very well for me. The neighbor next door killed my bees. They sprayed there yard and fence line because they don't like the bees. MY whole hive is dying. They said they were African bees. I have just begun to start getting the honey combs filled. I did move my Queen to another friends hive that lost his earlier this year. So far things look good for him.
man, that really freakin sucks about the bees.....
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/16 05:37 AM

Originally Posted By: Metal Man
Originally Posted By: Bruce's Guide Service
I don't spank mine. I use a old worn out electric tooth brush. And about every other day use it on the new flowers. Has worked very well for me. The neighbor next door killed my bees. They sprayed there yard and fence line because they don't like the bees. MY whole hive is dying. They said they were African bees. I have just begun to start getting the honey combs filled. I did move my Queen to another friends hive that lost his earlier this year. So far things look good for him.
man, that really freakin sucks about the bees.....


For real . Have a friend who kept hives here for years but he started moving wild colonies in . I got tired of being stung but I never did poison them . I miss the free honey but I keep mason bees now .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/16 05:43 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr


hoodgard...naborHOOD GARDen at LBJ...corn if the coons don't beat me 2'm


Try sprinkling red pepper on the silks as they turn brown .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/16 05:46 AM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out


Two best looking Ghost Peppers chill


Looking good . Do you move them inside in winter ?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/16 07:55 PM


Got almost this much Thursday and got home from the lake and had another basket full . My neighbors are gonna like the care package I leave on their porch!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/16 09:15 PM

what kind of "squash" is that on the left...how do u cook it???
i like 2 grow yellow Zuk myself...Zuk bread with honey...yumyum
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/16 11:36 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Magged Out


Two best looking Ghost Peppers chill


Looking good . Do you move them inside in winter ?


Never have grown anything, always end up dying.


If these make it thru July/August, plan is too overwinter the nicest plants.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/16 11:47 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
what kind of "squash" is that on the left...how do u cook it???
i like 2 grow yellow Zuk myself...Zuk bread with honey...yumyum
eight ball zuc. This is 1st time trying the golden zuc. Cook em like any other ,fry , boil ,bake ,ect. with the added option of stuffing with boudain, ,even dropped a egg in 1 after pre-nuking with garlic rosemary butter and a couple small onions inside ,pretty tasty. Wife stuffed a couple last nite with cheese,tomato,pepper,onion,and sausage that was great !
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/16 11:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Magged Out


Two best looking Ghost Peppers chill


Looking good . Do you move them inside in winter ?


Never have grown anything, always end up dying.


If these make it thru July/August, plan is too overwinter the nicest plants.


I put mine close to a south-facing double window . If you have central heat try to shield the entire plant from the registers . It'll suck the water right out of the leaves .
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 12:52 AM

Getting lots of cucumbers!

Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 12:56 AM

Originally Posted By: Jacob
Getting lots of cucumbers!

flehan
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 01:06 AM

Originally Posted By: Jacob
Getting lots of cucumbers!

Dang I would say so !!!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 12:15 PM

planting/watering a garden isn't the hard part...pikin'/cannin' is the WORK...that orta b enuf 2 pass around...PM me a jar...
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 04:45 PM

Got 28 jars from it!


That's 78 jars so far this year!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 07:11 PM

thumb
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 07:12 PM

clap
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 08:29 PM

If you see these in your garden get out the shotgun. The first image is the squash vine borer moth. It looks like a hug wasp when flying. It lays eggs and the base of squash. A caterpillar hatches in quickly enters the stem eating the plant from the inside and killing it.
The second photo is the cucumber beetle, attacks more then cucumbers, and carries a virus. The cucumber beetle looks similar to a lady bug but yellow in color. They multiply fast so take car of them as soon as possible. These are the two main bugs that ruin my parade.




Posted By: lanman71

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 09:21 PM

bump for txfour
Posted By: cocodrie

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 09:27 PM

Those are some cray cray looking bugs.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/16 09:34 PM

scared
Posted By: TFFOTLegend

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/16 02:00 AM

pc
Posted By: TFFOTLegend

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/16 02:02 AM

Jacob, hook me up with some pickles.
Posted By: AdvTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/16 02:24 PM

Dang Jacob, we never get any good cucumbers. What's the secret?
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/16 08:51 PM

Originally Posted By: AdvTX
Dang Jacob, we never get any good cucumbers. What's the secret?


I don't know. We have sandy soil. These were barrel pickle hybrid seeds. Kept them watered and fertilized for the first few weeks. Fertilized with Miracle grow water soluble fertilizer every 7 days. 1 tablespoon per gallon. They're in very full sun. I think that's the most important thing.
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/16 07:55 PM

Picked a few more today!

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/16 10:37 PM

dang son, when i move 2 eastx next year, i'm gonna let u grow the cukes...i'll handle everythang else...whew!!!~~~
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/16 01:29 PM

little windy last nite n g'twn...rekon the corn will stand up???

Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/16 04:33 PM

I would assume so . Corns pretty tough. I think the problem, (not a problem) was the loose great soil . When the wind blew the soil was so light it fell over. Loose soil is not a bad thing at all but a couple tall plants will fall right over. I might also try and get some kind of support to help out a little. Home depot sells some thin bamboo sticks for pretty cheap. Maybe try staking those in and around the corn.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/16 05:03 PM

yep, i was thinkin' puttin' a stake at each corner and put a rope around it...next year...oh well, this is my first attempt n a raised bed...grew corn out the n country n 2012 and am still eatin' the harvest...gardenin' is lernin' every year...somethin' different
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/16 02:30 AM

Sweet peppers and purple bells are coming in good. Cucumbers are blooming strong. Lots of good rain up here. Haven't hardly had to hand water.



Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/16 10:09 PM

Looking good c-man!
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/16 03:18 PM

Had only one bell pepper on one of 3 plants, about 3/4 grown, gone this morning.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/16 08:08 PM

Originally Posted By: fmrmbmlm
Had only one bell pepper on one of 3 plants, about 3/4 grown, gone this morning.


Yup . Yellow squash has been flowering about 6 weeks but I have yet to get a mature one . Fixin' to go wabbit hunting .
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/16 09:48 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: fmrmbmlm
Had only one bell pepper on one of 3 plants, about 3/4 grown, gone this morning.


Yup . Yellow squash has been flowering about 6 weeks but I have yet to get a mature one . Fixin' to go wabbit hunting .
Same here , just checked and I believe I have ONE coming in.
Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/16 02:16 AM

I got weeds. Bad.

Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/16 02:22 AM

scared
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/16 01:23 PM

this can refer to our life...let God control and He will lift us up day by day

DAY 1



DAY 2



DAY 3



DAY 4
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/16 04:31 PM

Very cool. That nitrogen rich rain water is making your grass grow quick too.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/16 01:27 AM

Leaf footed bugs are terrible at my place. Last year, I had them identified as assassin bugs but then they ate my tomatoes up. This year they die.

Figs are coming in stronger than ever. Cucumbers are too.

First pickings. Squash, zucchini, squash zucchini, and a purple bell.




Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/16 01:42 PM

For those that like to make dill pickles, what ratio of water, vinegar and canning salt do you use? My Grandma's recipe which I still use today calls for the following ratio:

3 qts water
1 qt vinegar (10%)
1 cup canning salt

Obviously you can't find 10% vinegar in most places but I am still able to find it in a couple of places out in the sticks where people are more into canning, gardening. Unfortunately, that like 150 miles from my house so I have my Mom pick me up a couple of gallons when they are open during the week and I pick it up from her when I visit. Haven't found any in the DFW are yet. I assume I could just use the normal 5% you get at most grocery stores and just double the amount used.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/16 02:28 PM

Most HEB's carry 9% vinegar.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/16 04:34 PM

Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/16 02:38 AM

Finally. Now the long drying process.

Posted By: Jacob

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/16 04:13 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
For those that like to make dill pickles, what ratio of water, vinegar and canning salt do you use? My Grandma's recipe which I still use today calls for the following ratio:

3 qts water
1 qt vinegar (10%)
1 cup canning salt

Obviously you can't find 10% vinegar in most places but I am still able to find it in a couple of places out in the sticks where people are more into canning, gardening. Unfortunately, that like 150 miles from my house so I have my Mom pick me up a couple of gallons when they are open during the week and I pick it up from her when I visit. Haven't found any in the DFW are yet. I assume I could just use the normal 5% you get at most grocery stores and just double the amount used.


3 qt vinegar 5%
4 qt water
1 cup canning salt
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/16 04:56 PM

Looking good folks, we are at the point of giving away cucumbers and squash. Jalapeos, bell peppers, and tomatoes remain steady.

Strawberries are a mystery. My son has his own planter with about 6-8 plants, but he's eating them right off the vine...lol I have yet to see one, but he lets me know he's loving them!
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/16 02:37 AM

Onions pulled and are drying along with the garlic. No monsters but good eater size. Thanks to crapyetr and Siberman for some helpful tips earlier this year.


Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/16 11:36 AM

hope ur not lettin' them cure n the sun...they'll scald...tie a bunch 2gether and hang'm n a tree outta the sun...they'll cure n 2-3 weeks...
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/16 02:48 PM

Nah just for pics. They're drying in my garage. I have a fan on them too.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/16 06:56 PM

my new way 2 store onions...alot easier than stuffin'm n panty hose



my 1st sweet BIG red bell pepper



day after the wind storm


a week later...standing str8 up...???...that's crazy
Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/16 02:13 AM

Something is eating my garden. Not the leaves but the veggies before they get ripe. I've lost a bell pepper, two Roma tomatoes, and a cucumber. I've had birds in the past but they just peck at it and leave. This thing is taking the whole thing and leaving without a trace. Animals I've seen around include squirrels, rabbits, possum and maybe a coon. Any idea what it is and how to stop it?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/16 03:45 PM

nabor???...put a hot wire about 6" above the ground...
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/16 10:16 PM

Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/16 02:25 PM

Originally Posted By: H.Town_paddler
Something is eating my garden. Not the leaves but the veggies before they get ripe. I've lost a bell pepper, two Roma tomatoes, and a cucumber. I've had birds in the past but they just peck at it and leave. This thing is taking the whole thing and leaving without a trace. Animals I've seen around include squirrels, rabbits, possum and maybe a coon. Any idea what it is and how to stop it?


I'd be tempted to put out a trail cam just for kicks.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/16 03:21 PM

Ghost Pepper plant is flowering up!


Getting some baby pods cyclop
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/16 07:51 PM

Originally Posted By: H.Town_paddler
Something is eating my garden. Not the leaves but the veggies before they get ripe. I've lost a bell pepper, two Roma tomatoes, and a cucumber. I've had birds in the past but they just peck at it and leave. This thing is taking the whole thing and leaving without a trace. Animals I've seen around include squirrels, rabbits, possum and maybe a coon. Any idea what it is and how to stop it?


All of the above . Hot wire will work but you'll need several strands to deter critters large enough to jump over the fence . Ground pepper ( the hotter the better ) works but be prepared to re-apply after a rain and wash the veggies before eating them .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/16 07:57 PM

Ok , I officially hate you now . wink

I've got several green habs but the mystery pepper has one flower on it . The hybrid cayennes are doin' great though . I've picked several over 8" ( still green ) and they've got a good bite .

I see the white wall behind your plants . Where are they sitting ( North/South/East/West exposure ) ?
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/16 08:27 PM

North Side. Get morning sun till about 11:30, then it gets shady till about 3.

They seem too like it there. Looking like they have a calcium deficiency
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/16 08:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
North Side. Get morning sun till about 11:30, then it gets shady till about 3.

They seem too like it there. Looking like they have a calcium deficiency


Put some egg shells ( or oyster shell if you have it ) in the soil . thumb

Works for roses , too .
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/16 09:03 PM

So far, so good for our garden, sorry no pics. Put up 11 qts of pickles so far and still loaded with blooms and small cukes. Tomatoes are just now setting. Green beans did fairly well but seem to be slowing down, had several meals and froze 2 gallons. Zuchini (sp) squash hasn't been too good though. Picked a couple but it seems all the rain has taken it's toll for now. Had to pick several off that wilted before they got over 4" long, maybe they will still make as they are loaded with blooms too. Okra is just now setting as well so we should start picking those in the next few days.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/16 11:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
North Side. Get morning sun till about 11:30, then it gets shady till about 3.


Wait , dude . I DO have one . Must have started over the winter . Pic's kinda fuzzy but you get the idea .

Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/16 05:18 AM

I'm jelly now frown
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/16 11:41 AM

we're makin' pepper jelly 2dy with my Serrano peppers...yawl r crazy eatin' those HOT peppers...how duz ur mouth stand the burn???
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/16 02:10 PM

leaving out the other end is what would concern me ! flame
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/16 04:10 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
we're makin' pepper jelly 2dy with my Serrano peppers...yawl r crazy eatin' those HOT peppers...how duz ur mouth stand the burn???


I'll eat habs but that one in the pic is way too hot for me . I use 'em for sauce and bug spray . grin
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/16 01:42 AM

I'd like to get more rain but its going well.



Going to make mroe pickles this weekend.



I think its time she makes her final trip to the rotisserie.



found a Cardinal chick in the garden. Theres a king snake in there too.

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/16 04:54 PM

my bread/butter pickle recipe...easy...tasty...keeps n the ice box...hope u can read it

Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/16 02:51 AM

Rain is good.

The garden has survived a frost and two hail storms.









Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/16 12:31 PM

that is beautiful...and the work begins...preparing the soil, planting a seed / plant, watering, weeding is the easy part...it's when God provides the fruit that we harvest is when the "work" starts...oh, but isn't it worth it~~~
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/16 03:43 PM

Looks great Killa.

A lot of impressive gardens in here.
Posted By: Humannpower

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/16 06:41 PM

I'm wanting to build a raised vegetable garden due to how badly my backyard floods when it rains and also because our soil is [censored] and was wondering how deep I should make it? I want to grow a variety of vegetables like potatoes, watermelons, cucumbers, radishes, and others and I want to make sure it's deep enough for the vegetables that grow underneath the soil.
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/16 10:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Humannpower
I'm wanting to build a raised vegetable garden due to how badly my backyard floods when it rains and also because our soil is [censored] and was wondering how deep I should make it? I want to grow a variety of vegetables like potatoes, watermelons, cucumbers, radishes, and others and I want to make sure it's deep enough for the vegetables that grow underneath the soil.
You will have to research how deep the roots of verities the plants you want grow to. I dont know about potatoes but I would assume 8-12" deep would be good for most.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/16 10:54 PM

agreed...8-12"...taters grow UP from the seed tater...mulch the bed deep with grass clippings and it will grow up thru it and the taters will b nice and clean in the grass clippings...but it takes 2 ft or so of clippings...they settle...okra is the only other deep root plant i can think of...8-12 will work for them also
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/16 02:05 PM

unless you are growing sweet taters from slips they grow down . Usually grow in the ground this year I built a extra bed just to try some in beds ,will let you know how it works out .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/16 02:30 PM

grew my red taters n a raised bed this year...planted 5 seed taters...harvested these...dug a hole 8-10" deep...seed tater n bottom...covered...also bought seed taters for fall at the same time...put n a paper sack to save...will post pikshur later...u won't believe what happens



taters cumin' up in the mounds to the left of the wall-o-water

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/16 02:59 PM

stik these n the ground...very carefully...n August and have taters n October...i hope

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/16 03:36 PM

Golly ! you may have record harvest off them !!!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/16 04:17 PM

if i can get them n the ground w/o breaking the stalks...i've dun this b4 and they r very tender...planting at this stage provides FAST production...will post in October the results
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/16 07:56 PM

Mounding the dirt up around red and russet potatoes will make them produce above ground level . I've seen them grown in a stack of old tires : plant them on the ground and keep adding soil/mulch/compost as the plants grow then stop when they start flowering . I don't recommend it due to all the chemicals in tires but it does work . The same principle should apply to raised beds .

Keep your taters out of the sun so they don't turn green .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/16 07:59 PM

thumb
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/16 11:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Humannpower
I'm wanting to build a raised vegetable garden due to how badly my backyard floods when it rains and also because our soil is [censored] and was wondering how deep I should make it? I want to grow a variety of vegetables like potatoes, watermelons, cucumbers, radishes, and others and I want to make sure it's deep enough for the vegetables that grow underneath the soil.
Use those feed tubs that have 200-250 lbs. feed in them. One tomato, 2 pepper, or 3 yellow squash do good in them, plus no bending. Drill a few drain holes in the bottom, set on top of landscape timbers or concrete blocks to keep off the ground. You just need to be diligent with watering.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/16 01:55 AM

My Mammoth Penos are doing great. I only have 3 plants, but they produce well.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/16 02:00 AM

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Rain is good.

The garden has survived a frost and two hail storms.







Looks great~ What verity of tomato is that? My Early Girl and Better Boy have done really good, but I would like a bigger slicing verity.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/16 11:35 AM

try Celebrity next year...any of the "Boys" should grow u a slicer...i'm stikin' with my Porters...they're indeterminate...produce till frost...taste gr8...less filling
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/16 10:44 PM

My tomatoes look good but nothing is ready to pick.

Red bird chick is doing well



Kids picking



The bounty



Hope to pickle these tomorrow

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/16 03:53 PM

remember this



pikt this 2dy



havin' this for dinner...well, 3 of'm...froze 6

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/16 05:11 PM

Thats pretty cool. I would love to grow corn.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/16 05:36 PM

this was G-90 corn...old seed i had from Crockett 4 years ago...planted 66 seeds on 4" centers in a rectangle...put the seed n the ground and c what happens!!!~~~
Posted By: Pilothawk

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/16 08:44 PM

My 'maters have leaves that are curling. Any idea as to what it might be and how I can fix it?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/16 08:51 PM

my guess is heat...what variety???...ck'm 1st thang n the mo'nin'
Posted By: Pilothawk

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/16 10:06 PM

Jet star and better boy.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/16 01:10 PM

ck out banana peels, orange peels for aphid killin'...

http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-...KEC2?li=BBnb7Kz
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/16 07:09 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
ck out banana peels, orange peels for aphid killin'...

http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-...KEC2?li=BBnb7Kz


Good Info Sir cheers
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/16 07:11 PM




Need too build me a shade tent, peppers Ain't liking this Brutal Heat frown
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/16 10:54 PM

Maybe the shadey side of the house ? It'S kicking my maters in the teeth also!
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/16 12:28 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Maybe the shadey side of the house ? It'S kicking my maters in the teeth also!


They are on the North Side. Get morning sun till about 11:30 then in the shade till about 3:30-4
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/16 02:10 PM


Yesterday's harvest
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/16 08:31 PM

One of the cons of planting in plastic containers . Plastic holds water but it doesn't evaporate so the roots get really hot . Clay pots let the water evaporate so the roots stay cooler ( but you have to water more frequently ) .

Put 'em on the east side of the house or under a small shade tree . You could also try wrapping the buckets with fabric and keeping it wet .
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/16 02:49 PM


Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/16 01:59 AM

cheers
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/16 11:54 AM

luv 2 grow red okrey...duzn't itch 2 pik...tender pods...butiful produktive plants...i plant them 5 ft apart and they grew like CHRISTmas trees...base was 6-8" diameter...had 2 saw them down...
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/16 07:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
One of the cons of planting in plastic containers . Plastic holds water but it doesn't evaporate so the roots get really hot . Clay pots let the water evaporate so the roots stay cooler ( but you have to water more frequently ) .

Put 'em on the east side of the house or under a small shade tree . You could also try wrapping the buckets with fabric and keeping it wet .


cheers
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/16 07:40 PM

Have this one that absolutely loves it's container.

Went in May 30



eek2

This Morning eeks at this rate, plant will be 6' tall by Fall
Posted By: TBassYates

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/16 09:10 PM

What is going on. I know I have a lot to learn about gardening and I will try to figure out how to put pictures on this site but my cucumbers are growing completely round and are yellow. I mean the look like grapefruits. I had someone tell me I am probably not watering them enough but a lot of them do not grow long and green like a cucumber should. Anybody have a clue by what I am explaining?
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/16 09:25 PM

What do the leaves look like?
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/16 10:42 PM

Derek, they are Typhoon tomatoes.

Just starting to turn, 2 or 3 weeks away from the mother load.

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/16 11:03 PM

bell pepper scare crow cat

Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/16 12:12 AM

Hey Tbass, you may have planted a lemon cucumber, they are exactly how you described yours, yellow and softball sized.
Posted By: TBassYates

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/16 01:40 PM

Originally Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID
Hey Tbass, you may have planted a lemon cucumber, they are exactly how you described yours, yellow and softball sized.


I think the wife planted about 4 different kinds of cucumber which is what she normally does. It would be great if they are lemon cucumbers and they are suppose to look like that and even better if they have a hint of lemon flavor. We picked a bunch this past weekend and we are going to do something with them the next couple of days.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/16 01:47 AM

Leaving for a couple days over the weekend. Thought we better pick em before the birds did ! 6 mater plants puts out a pretty good harvest . Squash and cucumbers have slowed but eggplant are picking up.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/16 03:54 AM

Nice trlrman cheers
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/16 05:01 PM

And finally got a bloom on a ghost plant !
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/16 09:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
Nice trlrman cheers
thank you !still lots of green ones just figured these would be ready before we got back.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/16 11:35 PM

You guys are knee deep in tomatoes. I am jealous.

The 4th of July tomatoes I bought ended up being Super Sweet 100s I think. Beefsteaks are coming along and the Rocky Tops are about ready. Looking forward to those.



Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/16 12:11 AM

My Tycoon tomatoes are still going crazy. The 4 of them seem to set about 10 new fruit per day. I counted over 40 blooms on them this evening. I only have 4 onions left because my stupid wife keeps picking them to eat them green.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/16 02:36 PM

How do you still have onions growing in this heat?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/16 06:40 PM

I'm officially giving up on cucumbers . I can't grow the dang things . I've tried every location but still can't get 'em more than a few inches high . They flower but that's it . Might as well plant freakin' begonias . bang
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/16 06:48 PM

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
My Tycoon tomatoes are still going crazy. The 4 of them seem to set about 10 new fruit per day. I counted over 40 blooms on them this evening. I only have 4 onions left because my stupid wife keeps picking them to eat them green.


Haven't seen "Tycoons" here . Did you buy plants or seeds (and where) ? My Romas are done , Cherries and Celebrities are still hanging on but I need a good 'mater now that the really hot chilies are stepping up production .
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/16 08:39 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
And finally got a bloom on a ghost plant !


Nice!




First ripe pepper got eaten bang bu something!
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/16 10:44 PM


They are just about done. Picked 80, 67, 20 and 22 in the last 8 days off of 24 Tycoons.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/16 11:24 PM

Looks like we over looked one ..... several times grin

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/16 11:27 PM

Cabron ! cheers I have only 3 Reapers . My pequins , habs and cayennes are doing great , though . Still waiting on the Tabascos to flower .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/16 11:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out

First ripe pepper got eaten bang bu something!


Since it's half-eaten , I'll say a squirrel . Look for the body .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/16 02:05 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Magged Out

First ripe pepper got eaten bang bu something!


Since it's half-eaten , I'll say a squirrel . Look for the body .
should be the 1 with the swollen back end and gut that is valcano looking ash ! Lol
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/16 02:10 AM

Holy cow chicken man !
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/16 02:14 AM

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

They are just about done. Picked 80, 67, 20 and 22 in the last 8 days off of 24 Tycoons.

yes sir mighty nice harvest !!
Posted By: CrappieHappy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/16 06:17 PM

thumb
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/16 04:09 PM

pepper jelly w/serranos...little bit warm but delicious with cream cheese...still hot so hasn't "jellyd" yet



salsa w/jalapenos for my wife...not many jalapenos...porter tomatoes that r non-acidic

Posted By: Bine

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/16 12:11 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman




How's that red okra eat? I want to grow weird stuff next year and red okra is on my list.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/16 01:36 AM

Originally Posted By: Bine
How's that red okra eat? I want to grow weird stuff next year and red okra is on my list.


If you pick it early enough, its great. If you wait too long it will be good enough for gumbo but thats it.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/16 01:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
My Tycoon tomatoes are still going crazy. The 4 of them seem to set about 10 new fruit per day. I counted over 40 blooms on them this evening. I only have 4 onions left because my stupid wife keeps picking them to eat them green.


Haven't seen "Tycoons" here . Did you buy plants or seeds (and where) ? My Romas are done , Cherries and Celebrities are still hanging on but I need a good 'mater now that the really hot chilies are stepping up production .


I don't know if they are a regional thing or not, but I bought them at Green Gate nursery here in Seguin. They were grown by Bonnie, so almost any nursery should be able to get them. I bought them in 6" pots. The Tycoons are one of the varieties that are highly recommended by plantanswers.com, since they will continue to set fruit throughout the hot summer, and if you can keep the spider mites off of them, they will continue to produce until frost. By the way, they are by far the tastiest full size tomato that I've ever eaten. Deep red colored meat, wonderful flavor.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/16 01:12 PM

http://www.reimerseeds.com/tycoon_tomato.aspx

http://texassuperstar.com/plants/tomato_tycoon/index.html
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/16 02:12 PM

Gonna try and find some Tycoons today. Never heard of them before. Thanks EC!
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/16 02:18 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Gonna try and find some Tycoons today. Never heard of them before. Thanks EC!


Let me know if you aren't able to find any. I work in Austin, and Brady isn't far from there. I could pick a few up for you and meet you in Cedar Park on 183 somewhere if you want to.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/16 02:20 PM

Thanks.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/16 06:59 PM

thumb
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/16 10:22 PM

Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/16 12:08 PM

Picked a few more.

Posted By: CrappieHappy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/16 12:34 PM

thumb
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/16 08:47 PM

Starting too ripen flame Got 1 Trinidad Scorpion that probably has 50 peppers on it eeks


Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/18/16 06:10 PM

tomato eggs...naa, Improved Porters...Texas variety...non-acidic...intermediate...tastes gr8

Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/16 12:24 AM

My cherry tomatoes plants are still blooming but not turning into anything. Tried shaking them everyday. I'm in Houston too hot should I just wait till fall?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/16 12:33 AM

patience...when it's this hot, the blooms won't set fruit...keep watering and waiting...they'll start again in September if they are an indeterminate variety
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/16 01:03 AM

Originally Posted By: H.Town_paddler
My cherry tomatoes plants are still blooming but not turning into anything. Tried shaking them everyday. I'm in Houston too hot should I just wait till fall?


Originally Posted By: crapyetr
patience...when it's this hot, the blooms won't set fruit...keep watering and waiting...they'll start again in September if they are an indeterminate variety


This^

My spring cucumber plants are looking great! Tons of blooms and no fruit set. I planted a new verity of cukes a few weeks ago for fall and they are growing great. I'm just watering and not fertilizing. Waiting for the cool down.

I am still producing a lot of jalapenos.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/16 02:13 AM

My Ghost plants are growing and STILL blooming but not 1 single pepper ? Did I just pick all ghey plants or what ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/16 12:27 PM

my jalapenos/serranos/bell peppers r producing rite thru the heat...made sum good serrano pepper jelly...waited till they turnd red and the pepper was sweet rather than hot...next batch, gonna mix green/red...cumon October
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/16 01:59 PM

yes sir the rest of the peppers are going nuts !Also put in some improved porters , tycoons (thanks crappiekilla)
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/16 08:53 PM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
Starting too ripen flame Got 1 Trinidad Scorpion that probably has 50 peppers on it eeks


Dang , son . You feeding them steroids ? I have 12 on the Reaper right now and I'm happy to get 'em . I've got around 50 off three habaneros .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/16 09:00 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
My Ghost plants are growing and STILL blooming but not 1 single pepper ? Did I just pick all ghey plants or what ?


The hottest peppers are usually grown in tropical environments with a long growing season . I keep my habs and reapers in the house over winter .
Posted By: AdanV

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/11/16 08:53 PM

Hey yall,

My lemon tree is sprouting up good.
I've planted the seeds in late March.
The stems are now about 1 ft high, and I'm gonna have to move to a bigger pot soon.
(Seeds were from lemons I got from HEB)


I've been told that PEACH seeds don't sprout until the fall.
When should I start planting them?
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/13/16 09:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Magged Out
Starting too ripen flame Got 1 Trinidad Scorpion that probably has 50 peppers on it eeks


Dang , son . You feeding them steroids ? I have 12 on the Reaper right now and I'm happy to get 'em . I've got around 50 off three habaneros .


Pretty Much

Started feeding them Fox Farms tiger bloom & big bloom. Soon as I started seeing flowers. Epsom salt foliar sprays at sunset every 7 days
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/26/16 12:53 PM

datgum mater worms...and this happend n just 1 nite...



fish bait???
Posted By: CrappieHappy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/26/16 03:34 PM

slinger
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/26/16 04:22 PM

Planted peas (zipper and lima) last Friday between rain storms, by Wednesday they were all 3-4" tall!! Crazy!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/27/16 02:27 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
datgum mater worms...and this happend n just 1 nite...



fish bait???




Damn! They hammered it. You need to apply Bt. Bacillus thuringiensis. Apply at dusk. Sunlight breaks it down pretty quickly. I apply it about once a month now, but about every 2 weeks in spring. It's worked great for me.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/27/16 02:48 PM

but it's so much fun slammin' the little bistrds on the rocks ... wonder if a catfish wood eat'm...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/27/16 04:23 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
... wonder if a catfish wood eat'm...


Yes . If you see any with little white cocoons on them , let 'em go . That's a small parasitic wasp .
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/31/16 09:58 PM

Dills Giant Atlantic Pumpkin has set some kins. Be ready just in time for Halloween, I hope!


Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/16 10:32 AM

started on a greenhouse this weekend .
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/16 01:23 PM

Does anyone plant their fall garden with dates similar to these? Can I really plant squash again?

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/fallgarden/falldirect.html
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/16 01:27 PM

We got our fall garden started on Friday. Arugula, Carrots, sweet onions, some kind of peas and beans that my wife picked out, cabbage, and broccoli. I'm picking up more compost today to amend the soils in the garden, and I'm finally getting my compost bin built.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/16 01:53 PM

Did you plant the onions by seed?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/16 02:09 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Did you plant the onions by seed?


No. Had some bulbs leftover in my outside fridge. Got 12 of them started. Probably going to get some more bulbs soon.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/16 02:20 PM

Cool. Where do you guys get your onion sets from this time of year? Are you planting fall squash as well?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/16 02:36 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Does anyone plant their fall garden with dates similar to these? Can I really plant squash again?

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/fallgarden/falldirect.html
hey thanks for that link !
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/06/16 02:39 PM

Some of those dates seem a little off. But I guess it depends on the variety of the plant you use. I planted cucumbers in mid July because it was a 60 day to harvest I believe. So if I planted Sept 1st right when they start to produce I would only have about 2 weeks before the avg 1st freeze.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/07/16 12:38 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Cool. Where do you guys get your onion sets from this time of year? Are you planting fall squash as well?


I get them from a local nursery. Sometimes Tractor Supply or Home Depot will have them, but I prefer the local guys. We do have butternut squash started. Planted the seeds less than a week ago, and the seedlings are already 8" tall. I'm going to have to put them in the garden sooner than I had planned on.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/07/16 11:09 PM

Dixondale Farms starts shipping onion slips the 1st Monday in November...i planted last Nov and got these...will do the same again this Nov/Dec
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/11/16 04:07 PM

time 2 plant cabbage/broccoli/cauliflower...volunteer Porter tomato on the middle right...bell peppers at the end...pink mexican petunias on the upper left...

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/11/16 09:33 PM


Checked on the sweet taters. Turning fork wide 3 ft across the bed & between plants ! And I was worried ? Lol
Posted By: deucer02

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/13/16 06:38 PM

Good looking poot roots!
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/17/16 06:38 PM



Did an OTT on my Dills Atlantic pumpkins. Sitting in the 45-47lb range bannana2



Never grown a Pumpkin before. Always been killed by the hail storms.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/18/16 02:44 AM

Looks great!
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/18/16 03:48 AM

Thank you Sir
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/18/16 11:38 AM

How big can those get ?
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/19/16 10:12 PM

Out here, maybe 100#


Got these seeds for a contest. Weigh off is October 15. Record rite now is 98 lbs.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/19/16 10:14 PM

Next year I'm going Hydroponics and growing a 400 pounder hide2
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/20/16 01:35 PM

I just ordered a 6 bucket dwc system yesterday LOLupdate on the greenhouse, ordered a storm door get it and vents and shelves .....should be good for winter both weeks !
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/24/16 01:04 AM

Nice cheers
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/24/16 01:04 AM




Little fall garden porn, tycoon tomatoes cuz I was jealous of shecrappiekillers plants , improved porters from crapyetr'S list and a ghost pepper that finally set some fruit cause Magged Out hooked me up !
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/24/16 03:51 PM

Ghost pepper plants looking good flame
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/24/16 04:51 PM

i hava volunteer Porter that is lookin' good...the ones i planted n the spring didn't produce...i think it was cuz i topt my garden with mulch instead of fresh compost...the mulch didn't cum from a good source...lernd my lesson...

i'm movin' 2 Nacog this fall/winter so i'll b startin' a new garden...4 beds...4x24 ft w/2ft spacing...gonna us 2x8's...8 inches of compost orta b enuf, dontcha thunk???...r ur's 3 - 2x4's???
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/24/16 10:27 PM

3- 2x6 or 2 -2x8 ,3ft wide and 32 ft long . I filled them to the top and it settled out at 16-18 in. deep.Thanks Magged Out flehan would not have know the right pruning and topping method had you not pointed me in the right direction !
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/02/16 02:45 PM

After getting tips from my elders, I got the garden turned and ready for a fall/winter garden.

Collards
Kale
Broccoli
Chard
Cabbage
Cauliflower
More to add....

I am limited to how much I can plant due to the winter sun. We'll see how it turns out.

Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/02/16 05:58 PM

12 days till weigh off, my boys still putting on a little weight.

Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/02/16 06:13 PM

Hey Magged Out, have your pumpkins had any issues with vine boring moths/worms? My pumpkins and squash don't last more than two months in my garden.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/02/16 06:36 PM

Originally Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID
Hey Magged Out, have your pumpkins had any issues with vine boring moths/worms? My pumpkins and squash don't last more than two months in my garden.


No Sir, just aphids and powdery mildew.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/02/16 08:00 PM

Originally Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID
Hey Magged Out, have your pumpkins had any issues with vine boring moths/worms? My pumpkins and squash don't last more than two months in my garden.


Those are likely squash vine borers. Just regularly apply BT to the plants and you won't have this issue anymore.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/09/16 04:36 PM



Well almost done ,even have auto vents . May not be commercial quality but not bad for a old fat guy with a skill saw and drill ,not a nail in it.Looking at shelving ideas and then running power.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/09/16 05:30 PM

That's awesome, trlr. I want a greenhouse badly. The problem is that I don't have any sun in my backyard. 1.5 acres of mature trees are preventing that.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/09/16 05:49 PM

Thank you sir. There will be a hackberry an pisselm coming down as well as a oak trimmed to get full sun
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/10/16 04:13 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman




nuts


Over wintering some chile's?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/10/16 06:43 PM

yes sir ! also getting next years garden started early without having to replant 4 times due to frostbite like last year.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/11/16 11:40 AM

wow...talk about 1st class...i can't weight 2 c it fula veges... flehan
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/12/16 02:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
12 days till weigh off, my boys still putting on a little weight.


2 days till weigh in ? what do you think ? new record ?
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/16 03:48 AM

Nah frown they both weigh 50#



I should have cut 1 off bang. Next Year!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/16 08:43 PM

looked bigger than that 2 me ?
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/16 09:13 PM

35 for the win
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/16/16 02:59 PM



Well here goes my 1st attempt at hydroponics 2 volunteer tomatoes, 3 pepper with 2 from seed and 1 a cutting from this orange pepper that was sold as a ghost but looks nothing like a ghost and a basil that is not in the pic.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/16/16 10:15 PM

What nutrients you usein?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/16/16 11:57 PM

Fox farms to start ,as I learn more might try the master blend later on. I did not know my well water was so high on the PH scale .
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/17/16 03:24 AM

Nice!

Been feeding my pepper's Fox Farms. Ima try a chocolate bhutlah in Coco coir next year. Then maybe hydroponics.

Have some masterblend there, that I got from kratky hydroponics that I haven't even used for pepper's. Fed my pumkin a little bit of it...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/17/16 04:16 AM

Dumb question :

You can "top-off" pepper plants to encourage fruit production ?

'Nuther dumb question :

You can clone pepper plants ?

Seriously did not know this .
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/17/16 02:52 PM

I might be able to add some. The sun is shining on a little more than I figured.

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/17/16 05:41 PM

yes sir on both accounts . Chickenman put some more out worst case they dont grow ,best case more GRUB !
Posted By: EightandChange

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/16 12:47 AM

I'm considering a cover crop for my garden this winter. Have any of y'all ever used one? I'm thinking of a nitrogen fixer, something that you can mow down in the spring and till in. What have y'all used? Any recommendations?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/16 03:44 AM

Originally Posted By: EightandChange
I'm considering a cover crop for my garden this winter. Have any of y'all ever used one? I'm thinking of a nitrogen fixer, something that you can mow down in the spring and till in. What have y'all used? Any recommendations?


I think any pea or bean plants would be good for that . Grand-daddy always turned over the white clover patches and those fields produced quite well .
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/16 01:29 PM

Clover would help a lot with the N
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/16 05:23 PM

Good picture of how much sun the garden will get this fall/winter. Not the best location. I did add 6 plants including cilantro.

Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/23/16 02:37 AM

My garden spot by the lake gets very little direct sun. Last year, we made a bumper crop of Brussel sprouts and cabbage over the winter, and all the lettuce , especially butter crunch, we could eat. Those work pretty good in shade. Put up three quarts of jalapeno -onion-carrot-garlic mix today from what is left of the summer garden
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/26/16 12:05 AM

Few more sweet spuds what do ya'll think too much water or not enough the big guys are splitting on me .
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/16 07:49 PM

Any idea what these black spots are on my greens?



How about this white stuff? Only 5 or 6 patches of it.

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/16 08:10 PM

i think the black patches are bug poo...by the looks of the leaves, something is nibbling...no idea about the white stuff...
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/08/16 07:34 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Few more sweet spuds what do ya'll think too much water or not enough the big guys are splitting on me.


Pretty sure it's because of too much water before harvest. Same thing happened to some of my butternuts last year. For butternut, at least, the outer skin hardens and can't handle the influx of a lot of water. I imagine something similar is happening here.

But nice harvest!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/08/16 10:46 PM

well crude all this rain is not good for the spuds then. thanks for the answer. that & the previous pic. is about 1/4 of my bed that i planted , guess I should have got the other 3/4 before the rain .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/16 08:08 PM

broccoli / cabbage / cauliflower / bell peppers (fixin' 2 pull'm up)

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/14/16 05:05 PM


Well all the rain did not hurt! Dug up about 70 % of the spuds and man there were a few whoppers!between the bucket and beer gives a pretty good size comparison.some of them even have that frankenstien vein thing going on . LOL
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/14/16 05:31 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
broccoli / cabbage / cauliflower / bell peppers (fixin' 2 pull'm up)


my bells are still putting on new peppers . I think I will wait till frost gets them , they might not get very big but some pepper is better than no pepper . set up a hydro rail in the greenhouse this weekend for lettuce ,boc choy and kale this winter.
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/16 03:58 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman

Well all the rain did not hurt! Dug up about 70 % of the spuds and man there were a few whoppers!between the bucket and beer gives a pretty good size comparison.some of them even have that frankenstien vein thing going on . LOL


Sweet. Just in time for Tday! Glad the rest of em didn't split.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/17/16 05:02 PM

planted Texas Legends 2dy...carrots between the onion rows



puld the bell peppers 2 plant cabbage/broccoli...perty gud crop

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/17/16 07:31 PM

heck of a pick for 2 plants !
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/17/16 08:24 PM

Planted one bunch onions and a six-pack of collards this week .

Moved all my habanero / reaper plants inside today . Expecting a frost by Sunday .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/18/16 07:09 PM



quick pickins this morning before work and moved some stuff in the greenhouse before the frost . Guess the shelves will come later .If I get lucky and no freeze then I will dig up some ghost plants and prepare to overwinter them monday when we get back home.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/19/16 12:11 AM

those small maters look like Porters...good pikin'...they'll ripen and eat...that is a nice greenhouse...send more pics after u get it all moved n...ur very talented
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/19/16 02:51 AM

Yes sir improved porters on your recommend the bigger un'S are the tycoons that SheCrappieKilla grew
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/20/16 01:32 AM

Anyone know when I need to bring my Myers Lemon and Key Lime trees inside? WE are going to be below freezing for a couple of hours tonight, so I am not worried about them tonight, just curious about future cold snaps.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/16 12:50 AM

Never grown citrus but I believe the frosts down in South Texas and Florida only affect the fruits . If you have a good sunny space indoors , I'd get 'em inside (better safe than sorry). We're about due for a cold winter .

I use a small dolly to move my pepper plants outside during warm spells . They seem to appreciate it .

Adjust your registers if in the house . Central heat will suck the water out of a plant's leaves pdq .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/16 03:53 PM

pikin' cabbage and broccoli now...sum gud chewin'...
Posted By: Poboy K.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/28/16 03:27 PM

I'm just working on getting ready for Spring, and maybe a small Fall planting!

Really excited to find 2.2 cubic ft. bales of peat moss on clearance at Wal-Mart for $2!!!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/02/17 07:21 PM


Pic from last week stuff starting to go nuts after putting in the lights.making tomatoes and ghost peppers by the dozens .
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/17 04:11 PM

When is it time to buy the onion starters and plant them in the DFW area? I looked at 2 places Monday but didn't find any onions available for planting, other than seeds. I started my seeds indoors yesterday for 3 varieties of tomatoes and bell peppers. Couldn't find any BIG jalapeno seeds, just the normal 3" variety. I like the bigger ones for stuffing and grilling.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/17 04:20 PM

Looked it up and it looks like sometime in February. First time to try onions.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/17 04:37 PM

Mammoth jalapenos have preformed the best for me the last few years. Big peppers and they produce a lot.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/17 04:56 PM

i plant my onions the first of November...Dixondale Farms...get ur feedstore to order from them...attached is the wholesale form...

i still have 4 Texas Legends that i harvested last May in the ice box


Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/17 11:46 PM

check the feed store. Dillard feed in weatherford has them
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/05/17 01:50 PM

what variety???...just wonderin'...how much did u pay...i pay $2.25...looks like the wholesale price is $1.00 - $1.25 depending on the # cases ordered
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/05/17 02:24 PM

i grabbed 2-10-15's and 2-vadalias and 2 burgandy ?(red) and a half pound of sugar snaps that I am already 5 days late sowing . the sets were 1.49 per. They had 4-5 different white and just the 1 red varietys
Posted By: Razzorduck

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/08/17 11:29 PM

My Dixondale order just shipped. Time to get one of my beds ready. At least it's warming up this week.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/09/17 01:42 AM

did u order directly from them???...they're kinda expensive ordering direct...here is the wholesale order form so ur feedstore, or whatever business, can order'm by the box...sure hope u got sum Texas Legend...they r the best...i put mine n the ground in November...got knockt bak a little with this 20 degree cold snap, but they'll recover

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/09/17 07:29 PM

onions took a hit with 17 degree weather, but i think they'll recover...they have b4 and it was colder longer...cages r 2 keep the dang dog from stompin' the onions


Posted By: MR. Float tube

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/17 01:02 AM

I need to replace a few fruit trees and I want to put some peach trees in. Does anyone know what would be a good type and where to get them that would do good in this old black dirt.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/17 02:53 AM

[quote=MR. Float tube]I need to replace a few fruit trees and I want to put some peach trees in. Does anyone know what would be a good type and where to get them that would do good in this old black dirt. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/publications/fruitlist.html
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/17 01:21 PM

the best peach i've ever had was a Bell of Georgia...it's a white peach and DELICIOUS

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=ch...%20peach%20tree
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/17 02:22 PM

harvesting onions @ Dixondale Farms

https://www.facebook.com/pg/DixondaleFarms/videos/

their website

http://www.dixondalefarms.com/
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/17 04:13 PM

Just put 150 onions in, 1015s and reds. May have to cover them a time or two before it warms up. Also started seedlings inside for tomatoes and peppers. Probably a bit early, but I like to put them in the ground as 1 gal plants.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/17 06:49 PM

17 degrees on 1/7/17



2 weeks later

Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/17 02:41 AM

Planted onion seeds first of November, they came up good, but didn't want to grow. Then two jack frost later they were toast. Will have to buy plants now two years in row. Usually plant in October but was too wet, last year didn't come up.
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/27/17 01:41 AM

I was terrible at math,Maybe someone can help.I built a 6ft x6ft x1ft deep raised bed.How many cubic feet of soil will it take to fill it.thanks I'm dazed and confused
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/27/17 02:45 AM

1.33 cubic yards

36- 1 cubic foot bags
18- 2 cubic foot bags
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/27/17 03:31 AM

Thnx MO
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/27/17 11:46 AM

DJB Fill to the top it will settle after a couple waterings.Here is my first hydro mater !more flavor than store bought but not as much as I expected maybe I pulled it too early ?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/17 02:33 PM





Flats of pepper seeds starting ,2 kinds of boc choy going ,been harvesting buttercrunch lettuce and starting Adrian lettuce . This hydroponics experiment is going awsum . The veggies grow way faster than in the garden.
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/17 07:13 PM

Finished my raised beds yesterday .Materials,soil and a couple of cases of beer,I realized today I have a $150 litter Box! Now how do I keep the cat Out? And shooting him is not an option.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/17 02:20 AM

Originally Posted By: DJB
Finished my raised beds yesterday .Materials,soil and a couple of cases of beer,I realized today I have a $150 litter Box! Now how do I keep the cat Out? And shooting him is not an option.
It is to me.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/17 07:09 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman




Flats of pepper seeds starting ,2 kinds of boc choy going ,been harvesting buttercrunch lettuce and starting Adrian lettuce . This hydroponics experiment is going awsum . The veggies grow way faster than in the garden.

Green House looking good trlrman
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/17 08:30 PM

Started the seeds today.

Pepper: Jalapeno
Pepper: Pablano / Ancho
Pepper: California Wonder Bell
Squash: Prolific Straightneck Summer Squash
Zucchini: Black Beauty Summer Squash
Sugar Snow Pea
Pea: Black Eyed Pea
Bean: Top Crop
Asparagus: Mary Washington Asparagus
Cantaloupe: Hearts of Gold
Watermelon: Sugar Baby
Tomato: Roma
Tomato: Large Red Cherry
Tomato: Beefsteak
Cucumber: Boston Pickling




Tiller carb ws shot. Wasn't able to clean it enough to keep the machine running. Installed the new carb this morning. Busted off and purred like a kitten on the first pull.

Saved $100 by making a furrower. It started with a shovel. Used scraps that I had laying around. Not bad.












Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/17 08:34 PM

what a talent...now till / plow a row and take a picture...that's nice thumb flehan
Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/17 01:36 AM

Carrots, beets, snow and sugar snap peas planted today in one of my 5x5 beds. Also planted a 72 pod transplant tray with a variety of lettuces. Forecast is looking too good to not get started early.

Hey DJB, try some bird netting over your bed to keep the cats out. A tree branch sticking up the center then staple the netting down along the perimeter works great.
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/17 02:00 AM

Thanks California. I planned on the net later on because the birds destroyed my tomatoes last year.I planted onions and cilantro yesterday and so far the cat has ignored it all.He's just a kitten so maybe he will leave it alone.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/17 02:41 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Started the seeds today.

Pepper: Jalapeno
Pepper: Pablano / Ancho
Pepper: California Wonder Bell
Squash: Prolific Straightneck Summer Squash
Zucchini: Black Beauty Summer Squash
Sugar Snow Pea
Pea: Black Eyed Pea
Bean: Top Crop Your welding is much improved
Asparagus: Mary Washington Asparagus
Cantaloupe: Hearts of Gold
Watermelon: Sugar Baby
Tomato: Roma
Tomato: Large Red Cherry
Tomato: Beefsteak
Cucumber: Boston Pickling




Tiller carb ws shot. Wasn't able to clean it enough to keep the machine running. Installed the new carb this morning. Busted off and purred like a kitten on the first pull.

Saved $100 by making a furrower. It started with a shovel. Used scraps that I had laying around. Not bad.













Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/17 04:04 PM

better picture of the pots. Hard to tell but thats 51 pots.

Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/17 04:14 PM

Need too hold your toes just a little longer on them welds hand


hide2
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/17 07:14 PM

good idea on the clear pots , lot's easier to tell moisture content .I have to go by weight on the red solo's .
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/17 04:06 PM

trlrman - Your setup looks great. What kind of nutes do you use on your peppers? I have some GH maxigrow laying around and planning on doing some Korean peppers, but in a lazy Kratky kinda way.

thx
john
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/17 09:44 PM

thanks, I am using master blend ,you might also look into peters brothers for the floating set up they have a 20-20-20 I use with soakers in the raised beds .
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/17 03:40 PM

Great, thank you for the suggestion. Will definitely check them out.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/17 04:56 PM

Lots of sprouts.


Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/17 07:39 PM

What is zucchine? bolt
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/17 08:54 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
What is zucchine? bolt


Thats an i damnit! dunce
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/17 08:39 PM

nice day to add a little to the beds.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/17 04:02 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Originally Posted By: scott01
What is zucchine? bolt


Thats an i damnit! dunce


Sorry, I couldn't resist! Anyway, I grow zucchini as well but I have not started my plants in containers. In fact, the only items I normally start in containers are various peppers and tomatoes. I normally sow squash, beans, cucumbers, etc seeds directly into the ground in mid-March. I suppose you're getting an earlier crop by starting them in containers.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/17 04:10 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Anyway, I grow zucchini as well but I have not started my plants in containers. In fact, the only items I normally start in containers are various peppers and tomatoes. I normally sow squash, beans, cucumbers, etc seeds directly into the ground in mid-March. I suppose you're getting an earlier crop by starting them in containers.


I was told to sow 6 weeks before I want to plant. I assume these plants will be smaller and less developed than the store bought plants. I'm okay with that as long as we don't get a late freeze or an early heat wave.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/17 04:26 PM

I don't buy the store bought plants either, that gets way too expensive. For $12-$15, you can buy a LOT of seeds and a variety of plants!
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/17 06:44 PM



Baby Ghost sprouted in 1 week eeks


Soaked them in a little bit of boiling water.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/17 08:24 PM

I have had yellow and jay's peach in dirt for 2 weeks and no dice yet ! did order 2 heat mats this morning though .
Posted By: Bine

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/07/17 03:27 AM

Nope. Not getting fooled again. Won't start indoors until March.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/07/17 03:32 PM

I started tomatoes and bell peppers indoors in mid-January. All of my tomatoes are about 5" tall now. I transfered them to slightly larger containers though. I won't transplant them outdoors until around Spring Break provided the weather is going fine. For the most part, they have been sitting in my greenhouse outside although I did pull them back in when the temps dropped below freezing since I don't have a good heat source there and that "greenhouse" isn't air tight.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/07/17 08:33 PM

Planted onions last night....I had them for a week...doh.

Got my taters ready to plant...V Day!
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/17 12:38 AM

Progress

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/17 01:24 AM

Looking good.!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/17 02:04 AM

Looking good CM

trlrman. What tomato verity do you grow?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/17 11:52 AM

Early girl,beefsteak and celebrities were on my 1st grow last year . The 2nd grow I did improved porters and tycoons and really enjoyed both. The 2 in the greenhouse are volunteer and I believe they are beefsteak
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/17 02:45 PM

Thanks. I haven't tried porters yet. Think I'll order some of those seeds today.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/17 08:24 PM

Crapyetr turned me on to those nice flavor and make tons of fruit
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/17 08:50 PM

I ordered some of those tycoons too. Those look really good.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/08/17 09:26 PM

be ready to tie/stake the tycoons up they load up so heavy w/fruit they sunk down in my cages made out of concrete wire .shecrappiekiller grew and posted some last year that is how I got onto them .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/17 05:01 AM

Lowe's has a new variety called "Candy" onions . Supposed to be a really large/ sweet onion - sold in six packs .?
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/17 05:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Lowe's has a new variety called "Candy" onions . Supposed to be a really large/ sweet onion - sold in six packs .?
Planted them for years, had a friend that had a large garden that grew onion plants on a small commercial base, and other veggies for farmer's markets. He died about 10 years ago, I now order seeds. They produce, keep, and taste good. Last year seeds didn't come up, this year 2 jack frost killed them.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/17 11:32 PM

Melon area is prepped and covered. I ran out of wood to finish the border.

The bricks/rocks in the back right is where I've found a speckled king snake for the last two years. I like to keep the rocks there in case it returns.



onions planted



These are from tilling the large garden. 12x50' area. Tiller drive belt broke but my son got large garden turned.

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/17 12:19 AM

i grow the Texas Legend onion, but Dixondale Farms also has a Candy and a Red Candy Apple...get your local feed store to order from this Texas grower...they are in Carrizo Springs, Texas...south and west of San Antonio

http://www.dixondalefarms.com/category/intermediate_day_onions

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Lowe's has a new variety called "Candy" onions . Supposed to be a really large/ sweet onion - sold in six packs .?
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/17 02:58 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
The bricks/rocks in the back right is where I've found a speckled king snake for the last two years. I like to keep the rocks there in case it returns.

I had one in my garden 2 years ago. They are awesome snakes.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/17 03:08 AM

I hope my chickens don't or haven't found it. The hens will destroy a small snake. Its cool to watch. They fight over snakes for 5 minutes until its gone.

The neighbors across the road found a king snake that was 20". That was three years ago.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/17 04:54 PM

Had to clean the first bird of my new flock yesterday. Our dog Scruff killed her. I've been working with him getting him used to the girls, but yesterday Elizabeth had them out and he doesn't see her as much of a disciplinarian. I guess his basic instincts took over. Of course, he had to kill the one who lays the largest egg. Could have been worse I guess. At least we have some fresh yard bird to enjoy.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/17 06:13 PM

He does have that chickens wing tied around his neck ? Couple weeks wearing it he won't even look at the chickens the same way .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/17 07:47 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
He does have that chickens wing tied around his neck ? Couple weeks wearing it he won't even look at the chickens the same way .


^^^^ this . It works . thumb
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/17 07:21 PM

OK. I've given up on plowing, tilling and weeding every year. Going to give raised beds a try.

So, once I have my beds built, what do I fill them with? You guys buying bags of potting soil for these or what? Looks like that could get expensive quick.
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/17 11:05 PM

I have a dirt and gravel place not too far from me. Topsoil is $15 a yard. I mix that with some organic like a manure mix.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/17 01:10 AM

I'm doing raised beds this year. I'm doing some small ones. Either 5x5x12" or 4x4x12" Filling mine with mostly native soil to about 8" and adding amendments. Compost, mulched leaves I've been saving, lava sand, greensand, dry molasses and soybean meal and/or whole ground corn meal. The bulk of that 4" makeup will be the compost.

With the amendments I listed the typical rate is about 10-20lbs per 1000sq feet. So one bag of each covers a lot of ground.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/17 02:35 AM

I must regretfully announce that my 8 year old habanero didn't survive this winter . Adios , baby . You were a good 'un . cry
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/17 01:15 PM

I built two 4' X 8' X 12". I used 2 X 12's. Wonder if a 2 X 10 or even a 2X8 would be deep enough. These 2X12's are youge.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/17 01:39 PM

when i move to Nacog this spring, i'm gonna use 2x8"s and build 3 - 24' beds...roots won't go that deep...then go to a garden center that sells bulk soil and get garden mix, IF i can find it...if you have access to mushroom compost, that is the BEST...Madisonville TX has it...but buying it bagged or other soil bagged gets expensive if you have a large raised bed
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/17 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
when i move to Nacog this spring, i'm gonna use 2x8"s and build 3 - 24' beds...roots won't go that deep...then go to a garden center that sells bulk soil and get garden mix, IF i can find it...if you have access to mushroom compost, that is the BEST...Madisonville TX has it...but buying it bagged or other soil bagged gets expensive if you have a large raised bed


That was kinda my theory. The roots wouldn't go that deep anyhow so 8" should be plenty I would think.

This is a neat design.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/17 02:30 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
IF i can find it...if you have access to mushroom compost, that is the BEST...Madisonville TX has it...but buying it bagged or other soil bagged gets expensive if you have a large raised bed


Our nursery sells the Madisonville compost. I love it. It's $6 a bag. I don't know how much is in a bag but it weighs like 100lbs. They also sell it buy the bobcat bucket load. But I don't know what it cost.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/17 02:51 PM

Living Earth in Ft. Worth has a vegetable mix they sell for 47.90 a yard which will cover about 28 sq. ft in a 12" deep bed.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/17 02:57 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
I must regretfully announce that my 8 year old habanero didn't survive this winter . Adios , baby . You were a good 'un . cry

angel2
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/17 05:06 PM

Anyone else having fruit trees pushing out leaves?? My 2 plums trees have, it's too darn early and I just know a freeze will come along and wipe out this years crop again. bang
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/17 07:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
Originally Posted By: Siberman
I must regretfully announce that my 8 year old habanero didn't survive this winter . Adios , baby . You were a good 'un . cry

angel2


I appreciate your condolences , my Scoville brutha . cheers The older she got , the stronger the flavor / heat was . She will be missed .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/17 02:15 AM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Anyone else having fruit trees pushing out leaves??

Have an elm leafing out and have seen a few Tulip trees and Bradford pears flowering . Dogwoods and Redbuds are still dormant here .

My 2 plums trees have, it's too darn early and I just know a freeze will come along and wipe out this years crop again. bang
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/17 03:02 AM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Anyone else having fruit trees pushing out leaves?? My 2 plums trees have, it's too darn early and I just know a freeze will come along and wipe out this years crop again. bang


My pear tree is. Had a heavy frost this morning. More freezes to come too I bet.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/17 04:09 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Anyone else having fruit trees pushing out leaves?? My 2 plums trees have, it's too darn early and I just know a freeze will come along and wipe out this years crop again. bang


Got blooms on my Myers Lemon Tree. My Lime Tree lost all it's leaves and they are popping out this week. Fig tree is popping leaves.

I failed to look yesterday to see if the 33 degree frost got it.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/17 01:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Anyone else having fruit trees pushing out leaves??

Have an elm leafing out and have seen a few Tulip trees and Bradford pears flowering . Dogwoods and Redbuds are still dormant here .

My 2 plums trees have, it's too darn early and I just know a freeze will come along and wipe out this years crop again. bang
plums in bloom ,apricot showing big buds
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/17 01:42 PM

check the mesquite trees...are the leafin' out yet...???...old westx sign of no mo frost
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/17 02:02 PM

The only 1 I have sits close to the garden ! Course I am hard headed and do not listen to it sometimes ,last year I replanted some stuff 4 times ?LOL
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/17 04:53 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
check the mesquite trees...are the leafin' out yet...???...old westx sign of no mo frost
The mature ones, youngsters get burned sometimes.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/17 07:53 PM

Mesquites ain't doing nothing yet!
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/17 08:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Anyone else having fruit trees pushing out leaves?? My 2 plums trees have, it's too darn early and I just know a freeze will come along and wipe out this years crop again. bang


Got blooms on my Myers Lemon Tree. My Lime Tree lost all it's leaves and they are popping out this week. Fig tree is popping leaves.

I failed to look yesterday to see if the 33 degree frost got it.


My lime tree is popping out leaves too.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/17 12:37 AM

Those buds on the apricot are blooming now . Going to be a interesting year sitting on the back deck at the lake house and just had to go get the OFF cause I am getting eat up !!!
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/17 10:15 PM

Nice day yesterday so I got out and tilled the garden. Planted ~100 onions, 1/2 yellow and 1/2 red. Just not ready to take the tomoatoes (18 plants) or bell peppers (6 plants) out of the greenhouse yet and plant in the garden. Despite the unseasonably warm weather, I just can't help but think we are still going to get some cold weather (below freezing) or at minimum more frosts so I don't want to risk it. Plants are still too small anyway but tomatoes are 5"-6" tall now so they are progressing nicely.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/17 02:36 AM

It thundered in February, hail, or jack frost in April.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/17 12:41 AM

Just an FYI, 2 cubic yards of the vegetable soil will fill 64 sq. ft. of raised beds 12" deep. And you will have nearly half a yard left.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/17 01:12 AM

Time for another 1/4 bed then ?I may have spoke too early on that, have you watered it in yet ? It will settle down .
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/17 04:28 AM

Everything is shaping up. Had to transfer the peas and beans to a different pot. I assume the same will be done for the melons. Asparagus even sprouted. Not holding my breath though. I hear its nearly impossible to grow from seed.


Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/17 01:54 PM

Got one bed planted yesterday. Man, you can fill one of these in a hurry. These beds are 4' X 8' X 12". This bed has 6 different lettuce plants, 2 brussell sprout plants and 4 bundles of onions. She's full.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/17 02:22 PM

How big were your onion bundles? I put out 2 buddles last weekend and it ended up being over 100 plants total!
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/17 03:35 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
How big were your onion bundles? I put out 2 buddles last weekend and it ended up being over 100 plants total!


Total of 165 onions. Two bundles of 1015Y, one bundle of red and one bundle of yellow. The yellows were big and so the set didn't have many onions in it. Maybe 25 or so.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/17 03:45 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
How big were your onion bundles? I put out 2 buddles last weekend and it ended up being over 100 plants total!
Bundles get smaller all the time, used to have close to 100 per, now 50-60 if plants are small.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/24/17 12:34 PM

Dixondale Farms is about 60+ per bundle...not based on size tho...later they pull'm, bigger they r
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/17 01:44 PM

Hope my mes

quite hurry's up running out of shelf space on started plants ! My hydro tomatoes are coming off at a good pace also .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/17 02:19 PM

W O W ... i bet it smells gud n there...u da man~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/17 10:16 PM

Some plants started to climb out of their cups so those got planted. Got an early start on peppers too. I put those in big pots since those have done better in posts for me. Planted a blueberry bush. She shall see.


Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/17 08:06 PM

Was surprised today to find 8 tomatoes on my sugary plants. I transplanted them 4 weeks ago and it looks like the gamble paid off. Very different down here in Houston compared to growing in Dallas.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/17 02:34 PM

OK, nothing is really taking off in my raised beds. I basically built the boxes, filled them with "veggie blend" from Living Earth and then planted.

A couple salad plants have died and nothing else appears to be doing well either. I thought the veggie mix had some fertilizer in it, which it does not after I called an confirmed. So, I bought liquid miracle grow and have been watering with that once per week.

What else can I use that may be better than the miracle grow?
Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/17 02:50 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
OK, nothing is really taking off in my raised beds. I basically built the boxes, filled them with "veggie blend" from Living Earth and then planted.

A couple salad plants have died and nothing else appears to be doing well either. I thought the veggie mix had some fertilizer in it, which it does not after I called an confirmed. So, I bought liquid miracle grow and have been watering with that once per week.

What else can I use that may be better than the miracle grow?

Adding a thin layer of composted cow manure seems to have helped my plants this year.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/17 03:17 PM

Originally Posted By: H.Town_paddler
Originally Posted By: txfour
OK, nothing is really taking off in my raised beds. I basically built the boxes, filled them with "veggie blend" from Living Earth and then planted.

A couple salad plants have died and nothing else appears to be doing well either. I thought the veggie mix had some fertilizer in it, which it does not after I called an confirmed. So, I bought liquid miracle grow and have been watering with that once per week.

What else can I use that may be better than the miracle grow?

Adding a thin layer of composted cow manure seems to have helped my plants this year.


Thought about that. I did the raised beds because I am tired of messing with weeds. I was concerend adding cow manure would introduce weed seeds.
Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/17 03:55 PM

Your raised beds may need a season of nitro fixers as the soil balances out. In my first raised bed, only thing that would grow was green beans and peas, both nitro fixing plants. The following season I had no issues growing anything. As a rule of thumb now, when I build a bed, I'll start it with a nitro fixing cover crop and then turn that in. Once the soil consumes all that biomass you'll notice a huge difference in the health of your plants. Purple hull peas are great too because they grow in bad soil and have a good tap root and a lot of foliage to mix into the soil.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/17 04:41 PM

Depends on what you planted but you'll need sunshine and warmer ground temps for seed germination.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/17 07:28 PM

TX4 is sounds like your mix is not finished composting/breaking down yet. A lot of the microbes will use up nitrogen during this process and not allow the plants to take it up. You can plant legumes like CalKid mentioned, but I would work in some Black Kow brand manure into the soil and use one of the Medina Products. Either the Hastagro or Soil Activator. But I would definitely do some things to increase the bioactivity in your soil.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/17 10:06 PM

Thanks for the tips. So is everything that I planted basically toast for this year?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/17 10:24 PM

work in that black kow and the hastagro and I think you will like the results your stuff should take off.
Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/17 10:39 PM

The miracle grow you applied should be fully available for the plants to absorb so if they don't respond in a couple weeks then I would move on. The veggie mix you bought is good stuff, already loaded with compost, it may need to breakdown a little more so the nutrients are available to the plants. If the lettuces don't work this spring, you can replant in mid September for a Thanksgiving harvest.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/17 10:53 PM

Thanks again guys. I am down in Houston now and will be driving back (through Ennis sick). I may try and stop and get some of that mushroom compost if you guys think it would be good. Where in Madisonville can i get it?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/17 01:05 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Thanks again guys. I am down in Houston now and will be driving back (through Ennis sick). I may try and stop and get some of that mushroom compost if you guys think it would be good. Where in Madisonville can i get it?


I posted the other day my local nursery was selling it for $6 per bag. We'll...That day I was there buying up some closeouts and just figured it was mushroom as that's what they have always had. Went to get compost Saturday morning and said they aren't selling the mushroom anymore they switched. mad The owner wasn't in so I didn't push the issue as to why. But I don't really like the compost I got. It seems to be more shredded wood chips/soil mix. I guess it will be ok, but I'll drive to Hatchie to get the shroom to the Greenery. But I digress.

Call the Greenery. 972-617-5459 in Hatchie. They probably have it and they are 5 minutes off the bypass. Or call the plant and see if they can give you the closest places on your route that has it 936-730-3600

The shroom is the shizzle.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/17 01:17 AM

Thanks Duruk.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/17 04:47 PM

Had a frost here in Grapevine this morning. How's everyone's stuff holding up?
I predict Chickenman lost out up in Denton, unless he covered up with milk jugs.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/17 06:12 PM

I still have all my tomatoes and bell peppers sitting in the greenhouse. No way I'm planting them in the ground yet, I'll wait a couple more weeks. Onions are in and doing fine though, lettuce good, garlic. cilantro and rosemary are fine. Saw a few sprigs of my dill coming up now. Rest of the garden (seeds) will go in about 2 weeks from now, depending on the weather.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/17 07:04 PM

my mesquite tree better hurry up or I will have to use a chainsaw to get stuff out of the greenhouse . Had frost in north parker county this morn also .
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/17 01:47 AM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Had a frost here in Grapevine this morning. How's everyone's stuff holding up?
I predict Chickenman lost out up in Denton, unless he covered up with milk jugs.


There was some front on the ground is a low area behind the house. Looking good here.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/17 03:25 AM

Started a couple Ghost in some Fox Farms Ocean Forest. Soil is too Hot or something and stunk like ammonia.

Lost 2 Primos crying

Scrapped the FF and switched the soil to Just Natural. They are looking good now flame

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/17 06:44 AM

Onions / collards / lettuce are doing well . Planting "Big Boy" ' maters tomorrow . Peppers still in the house until Easter .
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/17 03:23 PM

I think it was on this thread, someone was looking for mushroom compost. I just remembered that Landscaper's Pride has a really good mushroom compost. They are out of New Waverley, and they sell their products all over the state. Anywhere you find one of their products should be able to order in the mushroom compost.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/17 05:27 PM

this is all i have except for some volunteer Porter tomatoes i'm gonna try to move to Nacog...i'll work on my raised beds while my wife unpacks...



same crop froze 1/7/17

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/17 06:16 PM

I would say they barely pulled thru it . LOL
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/17 03:57 PM

Dang, when did you plant those onions?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/17 04:22 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Dang, when did you plant those onions?


1st week in November...Dixondale Farms starts shipping the 1st Monday in November...best onions ever...these are Texas Legend...

my bestest one last year...16 1/2 inch circumfrence...

Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/17 06:46 PM

Wow. Nice!
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/17 02:03 AM

10 Beefsteaks are in. 2 more of those to go. 50 or so plants to get planted. My boy needs a belt.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/17 02:57 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
Originally Posted By: txfour
Dang, when did you plant those onions?


1st week in November...Dixondale Farms starts shipping the 1st Monday in November...best onions ever...these are Texas Legend...

my bestest one last year...16 1/2 inch circumfrence...




I was hanging out at our nursery yesterday. I saw they had Dixondale Farm onions so I grabbed a bundle. Planting onions a little later than I would prefer but I couldn't pass them up for $1 a bundle.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/17 12:16 AM


Nice size beefsteak ? From the hydro. Found if I cut back on nutrients as a large amount of fruit start turning colors then the taste is almost as good as soil grown. Takes a couple weeks but gather those 20 -30 then start feeding again so the next batch puts on some size.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/17 12:40 AM

Damn! That looks great. What hydro system are you using?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/17 02:49 AM

Dwc deep water culture . ,5 gal bucket with air and fertilizer solution
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/17 12:24 AM

Plants are in except the asparagus. Still not sure what I am going to do with that.

I have 2 melons (at the back by Sheryl Crow) and a blueberry bush in this area. Peppers are in the pots. I sowed a bunch of morning glories this year. Planted them on the back back fence by the big tree. Still sowing more for other fenced areas.



Not pickling this year. Instead, I moved towards tomatoes. There are some herbs, squash, beans, peas, and more peppers in here but 20+ are tomatoes.



Pear tree put these out. Its the only 2 on the tree that I can tell.

Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/17 01:24 AM


Thought about that. I did the raised beds because I am tired of messing with weeds. I was concerend adding cow manure would introduce weed seeds. [/quote]

My raised beds have as many weeds as I had when I was planting straight in the ground. I put landscape cloth over the bed and that damn nut grass grows right thru it.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/17 01:49 AM

I hope you really like Morning Glories . I planted mine about 30 years ago . They re-seed very well .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/17 01:17 AM

Put some maters in today some were bought tycoons ,mountain pride ,and ? Whopper along with some of what I think are beefsteak that were started from suckers . Feels funny planting stuff that already has almost ripe fruit .

Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/17 07:53 PM

Busy weekend in the garden. Tomatoes, basil, oregano, purple hulls, green beans, watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, sunflowers, and zucchini in the ground. Ate the first of my lettuce Saturday and have a few strawberries about ready to pick. It's going to be a good year.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/17 12:57 AM

Planted "Mammoth" jalapenos , Thai ornamentals (edible) , Tobasco , and "Gold Dragon" ( shout out to Magged-Out : you really need to try these ) cayenne peppers today along with sweet Basil ( good for 'maters) and Greek Oregano .

Chocolate Mint ( really good with carnitas ) is doing well .

Habs and Reapers are still inside . I have a bad feeling about a late freeze .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/17 01:23 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Plants are in except the asparagus. Still not sure what I am going to do with that.



If I remember correctly , male asparagus plants make the edible spears . Add plenty of compost to keep them producing . Leave the late season growth ( looks like a large Dill plant) until it dies back in the winter . 2 or 3 plants should produce enough to satisfy the nutritional requirements of 2 people .

You might consider planting a few hundred . grin
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/17 01:55 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Planted "Mammoth" jalapenos ,


Those have been my favorite jalapenos the past couple/few years.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/17 02:19 AM

I'm a try growing the Farmers Market Jalapeo aka potato skin this year
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/17 02:21 AM




Ghost are growing slow, but they are healthy!
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/17 05:36 PM

I'm just not brave enought to transplant my bell peppers and tomatoes into the garden just yet! Still concerned about a late frost or freeze despite this early heat. Don't have enough bickets to cover everything up either! Think I'll give it 1 more week.
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/17 09:36 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
I still have all my tomatoes and bell peppers sitting in the greenhouse. No way I'm planting them in the ground yet, I'll wait a couple more weeks. Onions are in and doing fine though, lettuce good, garlic. cilantro and rosemary are fine. Saw a few sprigs of my dill coming up now. Rest of the garden (seeds) will go in about 2 weeks from now, depending on the weather.


What kind of garlic do you grow? I don't see too many mentions of it around here.

Made a new bed last year and planted half with CA softneck and the other half with Ajo Rojo. Will be interesting to see how the Ajo Rojo turns out.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/17 12:00 PM

I'm about to start some grapefruit seeds from my in laws tree. It is an old variety, I've heard it is called a Carrizo sweet variety (which is fitting, since they live in Carrizo Springs). Hoping to be able to get at least half of them to germinate, and hope to grow enough to give one to all my bro and sis in laws.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/17 03:07 PM

Originally Posted By: MulGogiHunter
Originally Posted By: scott01
I still have all my tomatoes and bell peppers sitting in the greenhouse. No way I'm planting them in the ground yet, I'll wait a couple more weeks. Onions are in and doing fine though, lettuce good, garlic. cilantro and rosemary are fine. Saw a few sprigs of my dill coming up now. Rest of the garden (seeds) will go in about 2 weeks from now, depending on the weather.


What kind of garlic do you grow? I don't see too many mentions of it around here.

Made a new bed last year and planted half with CA softneck and the other half with Ajo Rojo. Will be interesting to see how the Ajo Rojo turns out.


Honestly I'm not sure. I got it from my Mom and she said it is "mammoth garlic". It's been coming back year ater year where they once had their garden so she pulled some up and gave it to me. I planted the individual cloves and now the stalks are about 12"-15" tall.
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/17 06:30 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01

Honestly I'm not sure. I got it from my Mom and she said it is "mammoth garlic". It's been coming back year ater year where they once had their garden so she pulled some up and gave it to me. I planted the individual cloves and now the stalks are about 12"-15" tall.


Cool. Doesn't really matter as long it grows well and eats good. thumb
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/17 09:27 PM

Dangit! I planted about 15 pepper plants. japs, bell, bannana...and one of the dam dogs decided the raised bed was a play ground! Man I'm mad.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/17 09:40 PM

eek2 whip realmad
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/17 12:59 PM

Blooms on sugar snaps and squash, but my overwintered ghost are scaring me they look poor !
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/17 12:41 PM

So, this is my solution to the dog jumping in the planter boxes. I don't love it as it creats a bit of shade. Maybe it will help when it gets blazing hot.

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/17 03:54 PM

Great idea and looks nice also . thumb
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/17 02:07 PM

I hate cages. Because the area is so rocky, one or two of the legs hit a rock when installing. Its drives me crazy. To add cages takes a few hours believe it or not.

Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/17 05:12 PM

Dang chickenman, that's a LOT of cages, lol! Hope you found them on sale somewhere! But, I do need to come up with about 6-8 more myself, just hate buying them
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/17 07:46 PM

buy a 50' x 5' roll of hog wire and cut it up for cages...that's what i use for tomatoes...cut those in half for peppers
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/17 03:19 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
buy a 50' x 5' roll of hog wire and cut it up for cages...that's what i use for tomatoes...cut those in half for peppers


Where would I find that? The local box store home improvement stores don't carry it. I looked at Tractor Supply website but can't say I saw it there either (I know what hog wire fencing panels looks like, we've built plenty of traps, lol, but my cousin purchased the materials where he lives). All of the rolls I saw on that site had too small of a mesh.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/17 03:24 PM

You can get a roll of welded wire at Tractor Supply pretty cheap. I build my own cages from that.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/17 03:37 PM

Originally Posted By: scott01
Originally Posted By: crapyetr
buy a 50' x 5' roll of hog wire and cut it up for cages...that's what i use for tomatoes...cut those in half for peppers


Where would I find that? The local box store home improvement stores don't carry it. I looked at Tractor Supply website but can't say I saw it there either (I know what hog wire fencing panels looks like, we've built plenty of traps, lol, but my cousin purchased the materials where he lives). All of the rolls I saw on that site had too small of a mesh.
If you want a cage that will last forever, get the light 16 ft. x 5 ft. cattle panels, cut into three pieces. Takes some work to roll them, tie ends together with wire or nylon line.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/17 05:23 PM

i got my roll at McCoys...it may be called concrete wire, but i've used some "concrete wire" i found at a trash container and it was wayyyyyyyyyyy to stiff to make a cage...i use 11 squares per cage
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/17 09:20 PM

I got the cages for $1 each. Not bad.

16 x 5' fence is a pita to deal with. I've used it and still do for some climbing plants.

Tractor Supply has the 50 x 5' rolls for $60.

I strung wire across a row last year. 4 strands 40' long. It offered little help.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/17 10:41 PM

Where did you find cages for a dollar?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/17 12:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
Where did you find cages for a dollar?


Farm store in town. Plants are $1.25. Dennis does the math in his head, shouts a price, and you pay. I always leave thinking I got a deal. His chicken feed and some chemicals are a little high but thats about it.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/17 05:21 PM

WOW! That's a really good price for those cages.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/17 10:00 PM

If nothing else grows all season, I'm calling it a success. First year for raised beds. I have tried carrots for years and never had any luck. I planted a 5' row 12 days ago and they came up today! I'm pumped lol!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/17 01:08 AM

How have the other veggies done since your last report? The ones you were having an issue with.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/17 02:44 AM

I didn't get any shroom compost. Put down regular manure/compost. Lettuce has done great. Onions are still slow I think.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/17 10:09 PM

Another "new to me" effort for the yyear. Going to try no till. I've planted corn, squash, zukes, water melon, cantaloupe and okra. May be a total failure. We shall see.

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/17 01:43 AM

Some kind of fence or determent still to come ?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/17 01:46 AM

.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/17 12:43 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Some kind of fence or determent still to come ?


Not planned at the moment.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/17 03:55 PM

looks like nice deer country is why I ask .
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/17 05:15 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
looks like nice deer country is why I ask .


Gotcha. Yeah, we have about 7, give or take on the day, that come to the feeder down by the pond. They know the dogs and the dogs know them. The have never really gotten any closer than about 50' of the house. Usually they hang out in that clearing or at the pond and then retreat back to the woods for the night.
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/17 06:07 PM

Anybody had any luck growing pumpkins? After Halloween last year, I took the 3 porch pumpkins the warden had bought and
sat them next to a tree in the back yard. The squirrels had a field day with the seeds and now I have about 12 punkin plants
coming up. I know they take a lot of room (vines) and going to leave a few of them and see what happens. It's a fairly shaded area
where they are, so not sure how well they'll do considering our hot summers here. The area does get watered frequently and I threw some
Milorganite on them for a jump start.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/17 12:22 AM

I know Magged Out grew some nice punkin'S last year maybe he will check in and give some insite.
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/17 11:47 PM

after years of wondering where the bees were, they found me. I planted a but load of cilantro and let everything go to seed. Bees EVERYWHERE on the cilantro. Some ones honey will be flavored with cilantro this year,lol. Ive never had so many bees
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/17 03:44 PM

yep, I'm in the same boat. My cilantro grows year round. I let it go to seed and they dry up, drop and start over. When standing by the garden yesterday I noticed quite a few bees around my cilantro too. Should be a good asset once the cukes and beans start blooming!
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/17 12:17 AM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
Anybody had any luck growing pumpkins? After Halloween last year, I took the 3 porch pumpkins the warden had bought and
sat them next to a tree in the back yard. The squirrels had a field day with the seeds and now I have about 12 punkin plants
coming up. I know they take a lot of room (vines) and going to leave a few of them and see what happens. It's a fairly shaded area
where they are, so not sure how well they'll do considering our hot summers here. The area does get watered frequently and I threw some
Milorganite on them for a jump start.

eeks

I had one plant take over the back yard. Did a lot of trimming and buried alot of vine. They did good out here.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/17 03:08 PM



Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/17 03:48 PM

Anyone grow tomatillos in north Texas? I bought a 6 pack. Been buying them to make some salsa here lately.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/17 04:17 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Anyone grow tomatillos in north Texas? I bought a 6 pack. Been buying them to make some salsa here lately.


I did last year. Bush did great but it produced zero fruit. Odd I thought.
Posted By: Naggler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/17 05:18 AM

I live in Spicewood...just East of Austin. Scored a 6x2x2 water trough I aim to make a garden out of. Drilled holes for drainage, put a few inches of rock on the bottom, and am buying the good composty soil from our local nursery. But not too sure what I should plant this time of year. Would love peppers, maybe some type of squash, cukes, some herbs, any of these good to plant now? Recommendations?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/17 10:38 AM

I would think anything you listed would be fine .Lots of folks wait till Easter to plant avoiding any late frost.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/17 02:49 PM

So, this is my first year with onions. With the high winds, about 1/2 of my onions are laying on their side instead of standing up. Will those continue to grow or does that end their growth cycle? I thought I would just leave them to see what happens. granted, some of the stalks don't look damaged, still straight but the whole plant is leaning over while a few look like they make a 90 degree bend just above the bulb. I was looking at the pic above and it seems some of those on the left side of the pic are leaning over too. Thoughts?
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/17 05:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Metal Man
after years of wondering where the bees were, they found me. I planted a but load of cilantro and let everything go to seed. Bees EVERYWHERE on the cilantro. Some ones honey will be flavored with cilantro this year,lol. Ive never had so many bees


You will not have to replant that cilantro. We had plants that made it through the winter and the bees and butterflies love those blooms. They will reseed
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/17 11:28 PM

if the neck is bent, pull them and hang the in the shade to dry...they all won't fall over at the same time...you can tell if the neck is soft and "broken"...they won't stand up...they're done...ready to harvest

Originally Posted By: scott01
So, this is my first year with onions. With the high winds, about 1/2 of my onions are laying on their side instead of standing up. Will those continue to grow or does that end their growth cycle? I thought I would just leave them to see what happens. granted, some of the stalks don't look damaged, still straight but the whole plant is leaning over while a few look like they make a 90 degree bend just above the bulb. I was looking at the pic above and it seems some of those on the left side of the pic are leaning over too. Thoughts?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/17 01:26 AM

Originally Posted By: Naggler
I live in Spicewood...just East of Austin. Scored a 6x2x2 water trough I aim to make a garden out of. Drilled holes for drainage, put a few inches of rock on the bottom, and am buying the good composty soil from our local nursery. But not too sure what I should plant this time of year. Would love peppers, maybe some type of squash, cukes, some herbs, any of these good to plant now? Recommendations?


You can plant any of those now. Space is key though. Squash plants get big(wide), cukes need to climb or run, no real space issues for peppers. I would probably build another raised garden for herbs to handle all the ones you want and have it dedicated as an herb garden.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/17 01:30 AM

Originally Posted By: kodys'papa
Originally Posted By: Metal Man
after years of wondering where the bees were, they found me. I planted a but load of cilantro and let everything go to seed. Bees EVERYWHERE on the cilantro. Some ones honey will be flavored with cilantro this year,lol. Ive never had so many bees


You will not have to replant that cilantro. We had plants that made it through the winter and the bees and butterflies love those blooms. They will reseed


Same with dill. I use a large cattle feed bucket. I cut the seed heads and lay them back down in the soil and it comes back every year. My dill has to be at least 5yrs old coming back now.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/17 01:31 PM

You will have dill and cilantro popping up all over, lol. Wherever seeds end up (from wind or whatever) new ones will pop up. I sometimes find cilantro when I mow my grass well away from my garden, smells good when you cut it down, lol. My dill started out in about a 4'x4' area, now it pops up all over my garden so I just pull up new growth in areas I don't want it. But as mentioned, you probably won't have to do much (if any) reseeding for that in the coming years unless you really till that area and the seeds get buried too deep to come back up.
Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/17 12:40 AM

My tomatoes are doing better this year. Last year was my first try. Made my own compost and I think it's paying off. I have 72 tomatoes between 3 plants right now. Potatos and onions also look good. I'm a newb so is that an average for the tomatoes or better/lower than average? The plants are 1 early girl and 2 celebrities.

Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/17 12:44 AM


Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/17 02:58 PM

Looking great HTP. Make sure you have some extra cages that you can stack up for the Early Girl. Those plants get yuge.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/17 05:59 PM

72 tomatoes on 3 plants is a lot. If they all grow up you had better have some really good support for those branches. I have 16 tomato plants, lol. If they produce like that, I will be making a lot of salsa. As of now, I have blooms on some plants but only 5-6 small tomatoes.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/17 01:16 AM

Its times like this when I just have to water and watch it grow that I really enjoy. The recent 2" of rain helped.



Watermelon is doing well.



Cantaloupe, not so much.



One of three new Kiowa pecan trees is starting to put out leaves.

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/17 02:14 PM

I will do the 1st pickin of sugar snap peas this weekend most are 6 ft tall and loaded .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/17 02:25 PM

Chickenman are you getting your squash to trellis ?
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/17 01:04 AM

i have a sweet potato & a ginger root that are sprouting
do you plant the whole thing
or cut of pieces
?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/17 10:30 AM

Slips or chunks on the sweet potatoes. I am no help on the ginger .
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/17 03:48 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Chickenman are you getting your squash to trellis ?


HA! No sir. Its a young human guard. goal is to keep the young kids from stepping on my plants.

I found I can manipulate the leaves through the higher "holes" though. Makes for a taller plant over time.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/17 05:56 PM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
i have a sweet potato & a ginger root that are sprouting
do you plant the whole thing
or cut of pieces
?


If the Ginger has several sprouts on it you can divide it . Let the cut ends dry out for a few days before planting to discourage rot . Probably safer to plant the whole root . You can always take root cuttings after the plant is actively growing .
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/17 08:05 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: butch sanders
i have a sweet potato & a ginger root that are sprouting
do you plant the whole thing
or cut of pieces
?


If the Ginger has several sprouts on it you can divide it . Let the cut ends dry out for a few days before planting to discourage rot . Probably safer to plant the whole root . You can always take root cuttings after the plant is actively growing .


so it will spread out?
thanks
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/17 01:01 AM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: butch sanders
i have a sweet potato & a ginger root that are sprouting
do you plant the whole thing
or cut of pieces
?


If the Ginger has several sprouts on it you can divide it . Let the cut ends dry out for a few days before planting to discourage rot . Probably safer to plant the whole root . You can always take root cuttings after the plant is actively growing .


so it will spread out?
thanks




Ginger grows from rhizomes (sp?) like Iris . If conditions are favorable you should have a nice patch in a few years . Take your cuttings from the center of the group . This will encourage growth in the main planting while allowing the newer plants to mature .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/17 01:16 AM

Very good info !! Thanks !
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/17 02:47 AM



Little Ghost sun bathing coolio



Already topped them. Time for a haircut, growing like crazy!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/17 03:22 AM

I gave my habs and reapers a buzz cut last week but they're still inside waiting on this last cold front to pass . I have some "Golden Dragon" Cayennes about 4" long .
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/17 01:53 PM

What do you mean by "topping" them, haircut? Are you cutting the tops off the pepper plants or thinning the lower growth leaves? If so, why? Does it encourage a stronger stalk? Is that unique to habs or all peppers? I've grown jalapenos and serrano peppers for years and never did anything to them. Thx
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/17 02:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: butch sanders
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: butch sanders
i have a sweet potato & a ginger root that are sprouting
do you plant the whole thing
or cut of pieces
?


If the Ginger has several sprouts on it you can divide it . Let the cut ends dry out for a few days before planting to discourage rot . Probably safer to plant the whole root . You can always take root cuttings after the plant is actively growing .


so it will spread out?
thanks




Ginger grows from rhizomes (sp?) like Iris . If conditions are favorable you should have a nice patch in a few years . Take your cuttings from the center of the group . This will encourage growth in the main planting while allowing the newer plants to mature .


THANKS
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/17 01:16 AM

Originally Posted by scott01
What do you mean by "topping" them, haircut? Are you cutting the tops off the pepper plants or thinning the lower growth leaves? If so, why? Does it encourage a stronger stalk? Is that unique to habs or all peppers? I've grown jalapenos and serrano peppers for years and never did anything to them. Thx


Tried it last year on a Bhut Jolokia. Cut the top 2" off. Plant just exploded with growth. Turned into a Bush

Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/17 01:21 AM



Bhut before topping



45 days later eeks
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/17 01:28 AM



3 months later. Plant is just getting stupid. Ended up putting 4 bamboo sticks just too hold it up loco
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/17 01:41 PM

Do you do this for jalapenos also?
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/17 04:48 PM

That's interesting. I've never done it for any peppers but I think I will try it. My jalapeno plants are still small but when they get a little bigger I wil try this to see if they will bush out more. My bell peppers might be a little too big at this point since they are already 17" tall and have blooms.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/17 10:32 AM

Heck, cut one down just too see what it'll do!


Last year I only cut one down. Was my healthiest and most productive plant. This year they're all getting topped.

Originally Posted By: txfour
Do you do this for jalapenos also?


Will work on Pepper and Tomato plants
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/17 02:07 PM

lol, okay, I'll head out now and start cutting, lol! I have 4 bell pepper plants so if they make like normal, I will have too many peppers as usual. I think I'll cut the smallest one in the bunch and see what it does. I'll report back in a few weeks.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/17 06:00 PM

6 out of 8 new ghost and both habs got topped last weekend . My orange ghost that wintered in the greenhouse are putting on a few pods, the overwinter plants are starting to look great next time I'll do a better job to harden them.
Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/17 12:41 AM

Help! I posted all those pics of my tomato plants. First ones started ripening two days ago and tonight I noticed a bird got them. I have officially declared jihad on all birds and squirrels but as I don't have time to sit outside all day with my BB gun what else should I do? I'm thinking netting the whole thing? I need something quick like from HD I can do in the next day or two.
Posted By: MUD-DABBER

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/17 01:00 AM

I know it sounds a little bit crazy, but I utilize red christmas tree balls hung outside the tomato plants on the tomato cages. The christmas tree ornaments (red only) provide a false tomato for the birds (mainly mockingbirds and missippi kites)to peck on. It is never one hundred percent, but helps alot.

Mud-Dabber
Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/17 01:05 AM

Originally Posted By: MUD-DABBER
I know it sounds a little bit crazy, but I utilize red christmas tree balls hung outside the tomato plants on the tomato cages. The christmas tree ornaments (red only) provide a false tomato for the birds (mainly mockingbirds and missippi kites)to peck on. It is never one hundred percent, but helps alot.

Mud-Dabber

Good idea. I have about five of those pin wheel things stuck in the ground in the garden. Guess they didn't work today. I'll try the ornaments too!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/17 02:21 AM

Scarecrow ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/17 04:35 AM

Originally Posted By: MUD-DABBER
I know it sounds a little bit crazy, but I utilize red christmas tree balls hung outside the tomato plants on the tomato cages. The christmas tree ornaments (red only) provide a false tomato for the birds (mainly mockingbirds and missippi kites)to peck on. It is never one hundred percent, but helps alot.

Mud-Dabber


Good idea . cheers
I've strung up old cds so they can spin / flash in the wind .
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/17 01:46 PM

bird netting
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/17 02:56 PM

I've experienced the bird issue in the past too. Now, when the tomatoes start turning from a yellowish color to light pink, I pull them from the vines and set them inside the house by the window to finish ripening. I think netting would work fine but in my garden that would be a pain in the rear to always try to work around.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/17 03:36 PM

Netting makes me loose my gourd.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/17 12:14 PM


Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/17 12:34 PM

i'm ketchin' up...got my 4'x8"x32' beds built...just gotta git sum good stuff n'm...



Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/17 01:07 PM

Gardens looking good all ! Anyone get frost bit from this late freeze ? Low here was only 36 this morning but I don't have a garden to worry about this year .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/17 01:09 PM

YES SIR ! Won't be long now . I like your thinking more garden less lawn .
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/17 04:04 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
i'm ketchin' up...got my 4'x8"x32' beds built...just gotta git sum good stuff n'm...




Is that treated wood? That stuff will leach the chemicals into the soil. Cedar is best and will last a long time. Heck I have some regular untreated cheap wood that has lasted years. In a raised bed environment they don't deteriorate fast.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/17 05:10 PM



Apricots and today's dirt harvest.
Today's greenhouse harvest.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/17 01:34 PM

got in the truck this morning and the temp read 34 sure hope that was dew on top of the garden and not frost !
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/17 04:21 PM

Do you pick potatoes before the green plants die? Or just let the green plant die then dig potatoes out?

Last year I waited until the plant was dead. I heard they taste better digging them up now.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/17 06:21 PM

what kind of potato ? reds and yukons yes dig then leave them lay 5-7 days . last year my sweet potato plants never showed signs of dying dug them w/ plant still plenty alive and had some whoppers.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/17 12:46 PM

If plant is alive on top doesnt that mean the potato is getting bigger underground? That was my thinking.....bigger the better.

Reds and Yukons.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/17 02:42 PM

I agree live plant bigger potato ,the sweet potato must be different I could not have stood for them to get much bigger .
I may not have been clear with my reply to the other post I agree wait till plant dies on the reds and yukons

Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/17 03:06 PM

Thanks!
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/17 04:15 PM

Looks like a strong start, well the plants look good, not much fruit just yet.





Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/17 04:28 PM

very healthy tycoons ?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/17 04:37 PM

My tycoon is growing great. My improved porter is insanely big. Both setting fruit really well. I bought a Phoenix tomato plant a couple weeks ago. It's coming along nicely.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/17 05:25 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
very healthy tycoons ?


Yes sir.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/17 01:31 AM

After seeing your plants last year I grabbed some for the fall garden and was impressed with them. This year I could only find 2 at planting time where were you able to find so many ?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/17 01:50 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
After seeing your plants last year I grabbed some for the fall garden and was impressed with them. This year I could only find 2 at planting time where were you able to find so many ?


I know you're asking SCK. But I bought seed from following this thread since I've never seen the plant for sale. Our HEB started selling vegetable plants this year, so I went and checked them out. They had at least 50 Tycoons in the 4-6" range. That's where I bought the Phoenix I mentioned. Bought the Phoenix since I've never heard of it and it was a determinate. Been reading good things about it. Review to come later.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/17 02:04 AM

A buddy of mine has a nursery, he sells them wholesale and I am not sure who his retailers are. I would think you could find them at feed stores around the Allen, McKinney area, next year.

Pretty cool to see thousands of plants in a greenhouse and they all look the same.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/17 02:17 AM

Thanks ,guess I need to explore more options than my feed store and farmers market .
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/17 03:33 PM

Whatcha using for fertilizer?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/17 06:29 PM

I use a combo of Medina Hasta Gro and Garrett Juice Pro.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/17 06:46 PM

Cool, I wanted organic too. Do you buy in online or at the store?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/17 07:05 PM

HEB sells the Hasta Gro. I like the quart bottle because it has a built in measuring cup. My local nursery carries the Garrett Juice Pro.

Looks like there might be a couple stores in Longview that carry it.

https://www.dirtdoctor.com/find-a-store
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/17 09:33 PM

Squash in a few days.




Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/17 11:33 PM

This is my first year of doing some raised beds. I'm loving it so far.

This is my Improved Porter. The level is 2'. Total height right now is about 4 1/2' and have about 25 tomatoes on it with a lot of blooms. I should have used a much bigger cage.


This is a Tycoon. Have about 15 tomatoes on it. I like the determinate bushy size better.


Squash is doing good. It was weird. The female flowers were about 2 weeks ahead of the males, when it's typically the opposite so I have a few that didn't get pollinated and shriveled up. But I have lots of males now.



I am loaded down with Jalapenos. Verity is Mammoth. They have always done great for me.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/17 12:45 AM

Wow you guy'S make me question if what I am doing is wrong ? Been getting squash and zucchini for 2-3 weeks but don't have a jalapeo set yet my tycoons look poor against ya'lls pic'S setting
nice maters but not as healthy. Derek that impr. Porter will prolly be 10 to 12 ft long a MUCH bigger cage would be required check out building a A-frame and stringing it up .trimming lower branch'S after harvest you can coil the stem like a rope .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/17 12:50 AM


Sorry bout the pic let's try this 1
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/17 01:03 AM

A tablespoon of epsonsalt per foot of plant height every two weeks and a little 13, 13, 13 about every 3 weeks, that's all that I have done.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/17 01:25 AM

I was thinking of building a larger square hole cage like you have trlrman. I am thinking a round or square cage that I can zip tie to some T post. That porter is crazy. Why do you trim your bottom set of leaves off?

I didn't/forgot to mention that I use Epson salt earlier on my fertilizer like SKC. I use 1/4 cup per gallon every other Saturday with my regular mix. I do foliar spraying and soil drench. I bought a product on Amazon called Coco-Wet. It's a wetting agent that breaks the surface tension of water and supposed to help the foliar sprays stick better. I just got it a couple days ago and tested it buy using 1/2 gallon of milk and 1/2 gallon of water and sprayed my planted down. The Coco-Wet seems legit. The milk was clinging on and not just running off.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/17 01:53 AM

Plucking off suckers and trimming branch'S below the fruit allows the plants energy to go to producing fruit and keep on growing is the theory behind it on greenhouse forums. The 2 volunteer plants I dug up in nov. Right before the freeze have been producing all winter finally got tired of stringing and cut the top off . That also gave a boost in production as I also quit pulling suckers at the same time and they started producing so I am not sure how solid the theory is. This is my first year with the greenhouse and hydroponics and I am learning a ton . Looks like I still got plenty to learn in both soil and water !
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/17 03:29 PM

Amazing. I will not be taking pics of my plants to share. LOL!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/17 02:46 AM

BBT that's why we are all here and share the good as well as the bad to help each other learn . 1 of the few sub- forums that still work that way ! This is the 1st time I have tried this method with determinate ,it works great with indeterminate plants but we will see how.it turns out ? Right now I am happy with the size of the fruit just unsure about about the health.of the plant .
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/17 01:33 PM

I hear ya! I do learn lot here! I'm an organic grower, so Dereks tips have been great last couple years. My fall garden actually does better for some reason. Kale, Greens, Lettuce.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/17 03:45 PM

BBT, you don't want to see my onions, I never can get the to grow.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/17 09:08 PM

ok, yawl git outta the way...i'm fixin' 2 ketchup...got my raised beds loaded with a mushroom compost mix from Bailys Bark in Nacog...what a gr8 place...took my newest best friend 2 1/2 hours 2 load these babys...if you look n the far bak coner by the wheelbarrow, u'll c a thornless blackberry i moved from g'twn...i've got some Porter maters i'm gonna try 2 transplant...we'll c how that goes

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/17 09:23 PM

Coming along very nicely! Time to fill em up !!!!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/17 01:37 AM

Wish I would have took a pic of neighbors gift basket, couple of straight neck squash & brim full of golden and green zucchini . onions doing stellar prolly best group In last 4-5 years . Put the epson salts out keeping fingers crossed !The tycoon fruit I am experimenting with is 2-3 times the size as the other plants fruit.

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/17 01:42 AM



Check out the ghost peppers ! flame
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/17 01:24 AM

Picked my first squash. Garden is progressing. Started using soaker hoses vs the sprinkler.


Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/17 12:18 AM

What a difference a few days makes, fruit starting to set.



Cherry tomatoes
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/17 12:21 AM

Got to love grilling with garden veggies.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/17 01:20 AM

Y'alls gardens are coming along nicely and looking Good!

trlrman, what's that white stuff on the ground?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/17 01:55 AM

The epson salt before watering in
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/17 02:31 AM

thumb The Epson salt I buy in the garden centers doesn't seem to stand out like that in white color, seems to be more crystal clearish.
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/17 07:09 PM

What is the purpose of the Epsom salt? is it a nutrient for tomatoe plants? What about other plants like green beans, cukes, onions?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/17 07:28 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
thumb The Epson salt I buy in the garden centers doesn't seem to stand out like that in white color, seems to be more crystal clearish.
OMG !!! you are wearing gloves when handling the clear right ? It will make hair grow where the sun don't shine !
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/17 07:32 PM

scott yes sir it is magnesium sulfate and helps on peppers and tomatoes . also a laxative, loco I believe of course could just be me full of it ?
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/17 07:53 PM

cool thx. I'll go to the store and get some, don't think my wife would like for me to take the other container to the garden, lol. I've got 16 tomato plants and 8 pepper plants that will be getting a dose. Thx
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/17 08:53 PM

Bug ID?

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/17 09:05 PM

Squash vine bore.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/17 09:41 PM

That's what I was afraid of, never had them before. Will 7 dust kill them?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/17 11:43 PM

Surely. Seven will pretty much kill anything. But I'm not a big fan of seven and the other hard chemicals as I take the organic approach. It's not really the bug itself you need to worry about. It's the larva. Google image it's eggs and start looking for those and crush them and look for signs of borers. A week or 2 ago they were talking about it on Howard Garret's gardening show and he was talking about injecting the squash vines with Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) with good results. I've been using Bt for years (I haven't injected it into squash vines yet) but as a foliar spray for caterpillars and it works great. If you do use Bt it's best to spray it at dusk as caterpillars mostly feed at night and sunlight breaks down Bt pretty quickly.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/17 12:04 AM

Thanks man, always worried about them mockingbirds, now I got a new critter to contend with.
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/17 12:37 AM

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
That's what I was afraid of, never had them before. Will 7 dust kill them?
what derek said. The 7 will nuke the entire area, killing you pollinators also. Bt is a good start but you also need to inspect the stem close to the ground. I have never had a good squash crop in years. You can also plant late I think it doesnt line up with the SVB life cycle. You can try row covers. Try wrapping the stem at the base with tin foil . The larvae will overwinter in the ground so till up a couple inches will expose and kill the larvae. Again , I have not been able to keep up with them in years. Squash is so easy to grow but the SVB gets me every year. Spray the BT religiously. I had bumper crops the first coupe years and once the SVB found me I have been able to grow one. I follow the organic route though . I will not 7 dust the garden.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/17 01:48 AM

MM have you tried Beneficial Nematodes? I can't site the study(ies) at the moment, but I've read the Sc and/or the Sf do a great job of controlling the over wintered larva. I apply a combo of Sc,Sf,Hb at least once a year in early spring. I've been pleased with the results as I rarely find a grub worm and have zero fleas and whatnot.
Posted By: Metal Man

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/17 07:24 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
MM have you tried Beneficial Nematodes? I can't site the study(ies) at the moment, but I've read the Sc and/or the Sf do a great job of controlling the over wintered larva. I apply a combo of Sc,Sf,Hb at least once a year in early spring. I've been pleased with the results as I rarely find a grub worm and have zero fleas and whatnot.
I did try the nematodes for grubs and it seemed to work. The SVB was no in mind when I tried it though. I will try once again this year to grow the easiest crop (squash) again to see if I can pull it off.lol
These and the cucumber beetles are my main enemies. I can handle the cucumber beetles but the SVB get me every year.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/17 01:42 AM

I don't have no business around plants this year.


Everything I touch has Died. Death Touch noidea
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/17 02:19 AM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
I don't have no business around plants this year.


Everything I touch has Died. Death Touch noidea


Sorry to hear that . I moved the habs and reapers outside last weekend . One hab's leaves were "sweating" (looks like aphid poo but none were on the plant) . They seem to be doing well and I've got fruit set on the habs right now .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/17 02:25 PM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
I don't have no business around plants this year.


Everything I touch has Died. Death Touch noidea
pm your address to me should have some ripe before too long and I'll send you some ghost love.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/17 02:35 PM

http://www.naturescare.com/smg/goprod/na...ol/prod11050018

Has anyone tried this? I bought it on a whim yesterday..
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/17 03:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
http://www.naturescare.com/smg/goprod/na...ol/prod11050018

Has anyone tried this? I bought it on a whim yesterday..


I started using milk. I might sound crazy grin , but one of my kids likes milk and goes through about a quart a week and at a $1.50ish a half gallon, I've always just buy a new 1/2 gallon a week. So I started looking into ways to use what's left over. Ran across articles and post people using it as a fungicide, fertilizer and a soft bodied insecticide. This first link mentions that milk sprays in Australia have shown to be as effective as sulfur and synthetic chemicals in preventing powdery mildew on grapes. Which sulfur is the main ingredient in what you bought. Other link talks about it being a fertilizer there are some links you can click in that article. I don't us the molasses mentioned in that. I've been using milk sprays and putting it in my inline fertilizer for the past 6 weeks I guess. I have been very pleased from what I have seen so far.

https://www.growveg.com/guides/using-milk-to-prevent-powdery-mildew/
http://www.underwoodgardens.com/milk-molasses-magic-garden/
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/17 03:58 PM

Interesting. Never would have guessed.

I use molasses (agricultural kind) for a couple years now. I just water it in.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/17 12:19 AM

Now we're cooking with oil. Went the easiest route I guess and got a piece of 16' cow panel and bent it in half. If I plant inderminate tomatoes again I will plan ahead better.



She's a tad over 4'

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/17 01:00 AM

That should help tame the beast
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/17 02:59 PM


Real nice!
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/17 12:17 AM

Healthy soil!

Love seeing that green color.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/17 12:27 AM

Heat and I need to add a box.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/17 12:34 AM

That's some pretty good bearding. I've always used a SBB and like it. Using a telescoping lid you can crack the top to allow more ventilation. I really like the color of those bees, do you know which kind they are? Keep it up. thumb
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/17 01:19 AM

I call them Calm! I have had to get rid of hives in the past, new queen, didn't matter.

They will swarm soon, if you are needing to start a new hive.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/17 02:36 PM

Tomatoes - I've got three plants with tons of maters...but they wont ripen. WTH?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/17 12:15 AM

Patience young grasshopper
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/17 11:57 AM

Got tomatoes leaves soaking to mix with dish soap any body got other recipes for aphid decimation?
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/17 04:40 PM

Sugargloss Cherry tomatoes



Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/17 10:53 PM

Never mind the aphids are toast ! Read somewhere that the tomato leaves put out a toxin that killed the aphids and I do not know if it was that or the dawn but they are dead as a door nail. On another note keeping my fingers crossed but looks like a bumper crop of orange ghost peppers !!!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/17 02:53 PM

i'm ketchin' up...purple hulls / Roma II green beans on the left...cukes / squash / peppers / maters on the right




Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/17 05:46 PM

yes sir ! looking better .
Posted By: AdanV

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/17 08:52 PM

What's a good height to have for a raised garden?

I found this small crate at work that was going to be thrown out (about 4 ft x 2 ft x 1 ft)
Thinking of taking it home and making raised garden out of it, just need to line the inside with plastic so the wood wont rot away.

I was going to build one out of cedar, but lots of things happened and it's better not blow money away at this time.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/17 09:10 PM

that will work to get started
Posted By: AdanV

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/17 09:41 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
that will work to get started


Okay, thanks.

What's the minimum depth of soil I need to have it at?

I'm new at this, so I just want to plant herbs/vegetables that is somewhat simple.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/17 10:35 PM

built mine with 2 x 8's...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/17 03:00 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
built mine with 2 x 8's...


That's what mine are. I've really liked them this year.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/17 03:02 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Never mind the aphids are toast ! Read somewhere that the tomato leaves put out a toxin that killed the aphids and I do not know if it was that or the dawn but they are dead as a door nail. On another note keeping my fingers crossed but looks like a bumper crop of orange ghost peppers !!!



That's a lot of ghost peppers. flame Do you make salsa with those? You could make your own garlic pepper tea spray with those. thumb
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/17 11:52 PM

You bet , salsa ,dried and powdered for seasoning ,all ways have the gal'S at the bank wanting some for salsa. The orange have a citrus taste my reds however have a rip your throat out taste and deserve much respect. In India where I think the peppers originally came from they used the puree to put on fences and buildings to keep the elephants away is what I am told , it works I have yet to have a elephant in my garden LOL
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/17 02:23 AM

Interesting. Honestly I've never had a ghost pepper, granted I know the heat factor. But I've never had a salsa and whatnot with it mixed in. I'd like to buy a jar of your salsa with the orange mixed in if you'll ship it to me.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/17 10:21 AM

My salsa is nothing special . They start coming off and I 'll send you some to play with. 1 of my favorites is a fresh mango salsa to go with grilled fish or taco's. They work really well with the icebox salsa recipes let them sit overnight ,no canning involved.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/17 03:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Patience young grasshopper


They are still green!!!!! How much longer!!!!! I demand answers!!!!!!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/17 03:30 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Patience young grasshopper


They are still green!!!!! How much longer!!!!! I demand answers!!!!!!
determinate or indeterminate ?
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/17 03:36 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Originally Posted By: txfour
Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Patience young grasshopper


They are still green!!!!! How much longer!!!!! I demand answers!!!!!!
determinate or indeterminate ?


I'm determinate to eat these suckers!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/17 04:16 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
My salsa is nothing special . They start coming off and I 'll send you some to play with. 1 of my favorites is a fresh mango salsa to go with grilled fish or taco's. They work really well with the icebox salsa recipes let them sit overnight ,no canning involved.

thumb


Originally Posted By: txfour
Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Patience young grasshopper


They are still green!!!!! How much longer!!!!! I demand answers!!!!!!


Depends on the variety. My Porters are 65-75 days to maturity. I started them late March I think it was and I have an S load of green tomatoes, but won't be ready for a couple more more weeks now. Some maters are 90 days+
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/17 11:48 AM

hey Derek, how long u ben growin' Porters...???...i have grown 2 varietys...Improved and Dark Cherry...i luv'm...they last thru the summer till frost...i dug up a few volunteer plants n G'twn, put'm n a bucket for probably 3 weeks, put'm n the ground after i built my raised beds...got maters on the vine...tuff suckers
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/17 01:39 PM

This is my first year. I bought some Improved Porter seeds this year per your recommendation. The plant is insane. Took this pic this morning. I counted about half the plant and counted 20+ clusters and have a ton of blooms.


Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/17 03:45 PM

you are gonna need another panel !!!!LOL
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/17 12:07 AM

from yesterday....



Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/17 03:25 AM

First melon.

Posted By: grandpa75672

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/17 04:18 PM

One that size would sell for $3 or $4 at Brookshires.
All grocery prices are getting out of hand, meat and produce especially.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/17 03:03 AM


Not sure if it is the humidity or what but the zucchini and squash went nuts
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/17 12:18 PM

after staining the fence...i guess heavy fog caused the weird picture


Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/17 10:38 PM

More tomatoes than I can count.









Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/17 10:39 PM

what varieties...what county do u live n???
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/17 10:41 PM

Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/17 10:45 PM

Tycoons, Sachse, TX.

I am looking for bird netting, dam mockingbirds already setting on the fence everyday.

Any suggestions on where to buy?

Thanks in advance.
Posted By: 9094

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/17 11:01 PM

Ok need help.
My tomatoes are growing like weeds but very few blooms and NO tomatoes.
Any ideas to get them to fruit?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/17 11:25 PM

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=bird+netting

or HomeDepot

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Tycoons, Sachse, TX.

I am looking for bird netting, dam mockingbirds already setting on the fence everyday.

Any suggestions on where to buy?

Thanks in advance.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/17 12:47 AM

Originally Posted By: 9094
Ok need help.
My tomatoes are growing like weeds but very few blooms and NO tomatoes.
Any ideas to get them to fruit?


It could be a number of things. But lets try to narrow it down a bit. It sounds like a classic case of too much nitrogen fertilizer IMO. What fertilizer and how much/often are you using? What variety of tomatoes?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/17 12:50 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=bird+netting

or HomeDepot

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Tycoons, Sachse, TX.

I am looking for bird netting, dam mockingbirds already setting on the fence everyday.

Any suggestions on where to buy?

Thanks in advance.


Have you tried that netting and it works good? I too have to do something for the Mockingbirds. At least 4 are just sitting on the fence waiting.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/17 12:59 AM

I have tried everything but netting. I don't care if they eat a few, but peck a hole in everyone that is turning drives me nuts.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/17 01:24 AM

Sure enough I just went out and there were two just waiting. The other flew off right before the pic. bang



But it gave me a chance to chase the of and get this pic. You can see the MB poop on the plants so they've been hanging out all day at least. I'm standing on the back of the box and I'm right at 6'5. This Improved Porter is cray cray.

Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/17 01:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Originally Posted By: crapyetr
https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=bird+netting

or HomeDepot

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Tycoons, Sachse, TX.

I am looking for bird netting, dam mockingbirds already setting on the fence everyday.

Any suggestions on where to buy?

Thanks in advance.



Have you tried that netting and it works good? I too have to do something for the Mockingbirds. At least 4 are just sitting on the fence waiting.



I have, used it on some plum trees and in the garden. It works well, caught a couple of snakes in it.
Posted By: AdanV

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/17 06:25 PM

I stayed in this past weekend to get mines started.
Don't like going fishing during holiday weekends.

Went to Houston Garden centers, but both locations by my house were sold out of vegetables.

Luckily I was able to find a cherry tomato and some herbs at Ace Hardware (Sage & Basil)
Want to add potatoes and some peppers.

This location on the side of my house is the only location that gets 5-6 hours of direct sunlight.
Everywhere else, I would either not get enough sunlight, or I would have to rip out St Augustine.


Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/17 11:41 PM

Way to late for potatoes
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/17 11:49 PM


Okra plants are about a 1 foot tall, 3rd picking. Never seen them produce this early. I am already done with Cucumbers, can't give them away fast enough. Pick squash everyday, they don't last long.

I need the forecasted rain!!!

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/17 11:54 PM

Dang when you start your okra mine is barely 10 in. Tall
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/17 11:57 PM


As we type
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/17 02:18 AM

Nice hauls! @SheCrappieKilla do you not make pickles with all you cucumbers? I have 4 pickling type cucumber plants and have made 8 quarts so far. And have 3 slicer plants that I just eat and not make pickles with.

This is my first year growing okra. I just planted them 2 weeks ago. Got 3 Clemson plants and started 2 Longhorns by seed. I didn't have any room so I put them in planter buckets. Hope they do ok. I want to make some pickled okra. Do y'all top crop your okra?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/17 12:56 PM

okra pods grow on each new leaf sprout...i grow red okra that gets over 7 ft tall...i break off the lower leaves since they are on no use...top cropping would stop production
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/17 10:21 PM

I don't eat enough pickles to mess with putting them up. I grow them to give away to the neighbors and eat a few.

I do not crop the top of the okra plants. They put fruit on the top as they grow.

Did get a little rain today!!!
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/17 11:32 AM

Might try making these in a small batch

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t2coMqAOVu8
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/17 12:50 AM

Originally Posted By: Hancock
Might try making these in a small batch

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t2coMqAOVu8


I'm going to research that recipe some more and make a small batch too. I've never made sliced pickles, only whole dills. I've also have never made the "quick" per say type pickles like Jacob makes. My recipe is an old school where the pickles need to sit for a couple/few weeks before they are ready.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/17 01:11 AM

quick and easy ice box pickles with onions...really good...keeps much longer than it says...kinda hard to read...holler if you want me to type it

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/17 03:48 AM

I'll need that typed. Or a closer/clearer pic.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/17 12:20 PM

150% enlarged...any better ???

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/17 02:24 PM

Perfect. Thanks!
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/17 11:36 PM

Almost 5 inches of rain and I was digging ditches to let the water out of the garden this morning. My mulch floated up and clogged up the run off spot, I actually had squash under water and tomato plants flipped over due to the heavy fruit side of the plant. It's a well needed muddy mess now.

Anyways I picked a few while wadding in the mud.



I am thinking I have over well over 300 tomatoes this size.



Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/17 02:10 AM

SheCrappieKilla - Is that mockingbird still around?
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/17 02:49 AM

Yes sir,

I see them eating bugs and what not right now, so it's a good thing, but I know what they are waiting on, all 4 of them.

As soon as I see the tomatoes starting to turn, I will let Sharron (aka, scarecrow) out of the barn. It didn't work last year, but it will give them something to set on again this year.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/17 02:54 AM

Id hate you see any lost to birds. Since the scarecrow was a bust, consider some mesh/netting.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/17 10:30 PM

Chickenman, came home from the lake and went to pick the garden, only to find my ripe cherry tomatoes with holes in them!!!!

It is now war on the state bird.

I had to get Sharron out of the barn and get her flapping in the wind.

Going tomorrow to buy nets to cover all plants. Gerrr!

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/17 10:37 PM

Her hair looks great!
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/17 10:40 PM

Ha! Her hat!

Btw, Sharron is my sister. Inside joke!!!! Ha!
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/17 03:55 PM

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/17 04:21 PM

nice eggplant !! I can not seem to get any that size till the temp. goes up ?
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/17 01:14 AM

We get a month of spring, fall and winter with nine months of summer down here
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/17 05:26 PM


derek how big these mammoth get ? My oxen heart heirloom is over 6 ft tall with leaves bigger than my hand after this round of rain .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/17 07:06 PM

Mine get about 3 1/2' or so feet and branchy like a tree, not very bushy and produce a lot. I had to google the oxen heart. That's a cool looking tomato. Yours are looking great!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 12:34 AM

I touched this 1 trying to get a pic on the plant with my hand for size comparison and it came off so I guess we gonna check 1 out . I bought a stuffing gun to use on these so looking forward to a bigger gathering
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 12:35 AM

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 01:55 AM

Awesome! You should get plenty that size. thumb

In all the years I've been stuffing peppers I've never even have thought of gunning them. I am so dumb. Which gun did you get. I have to have one now. I cut the top off and stuff whole and use the thick cut of the bacon to cover the cut top. It's always worked well for me. One thing I did learn on my own a while back is to poke a hole in the pointy end with a tooth pick to push the air out and they stuff fuller and better. This might be standard practice, but I've never googled how to stuff peppers since I thought it's not rocket science lol.
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 02:24 AM

I built a nice wood fence for our garden this year because we have hogs bad

Anyway, the wife's been hell bent on using organic fertilizer.

I'd guess she has put it out 3-4 times this year on the garden

It still doesn't look good, lots of yellow

It's Miracle Grow we need right? I have been trying to get her to let me use it
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 02:37 AM

Originally Posted By: rrrandy!
I built a nice wood fence for our garden this year because we have hogs bad

Anyway, the wife's been hell bent on using organic fertilizer.

I'd guess she has put it out 3-4 times this year on the garden

It still doesn't look good, lots of yellow

It's Miracle Grow we need right? I have been trying to get her to let me use it


The good R is right! grin But. That's a very generic description of what you've used. I'm 90%+ "organic" on my lawn and garden and have been for years and love the results. I'm not an expert by any means, but I can help answer most of your questions, but will need more detail. I should bump my organic DIY thread.
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 02:44 AM

I will post a pic tomorrow

I kinda surprised her this year with all the lumber and then got all the seeds and while I was at the nursery I told the owner my wife was big time organic

So i bought some organic fertilizer, maybe a 5-10 lb bag of fertilizer w a rose on it. It may have been for rose bushes but he said it was good.

So I put it all together and she goes out there and sprinkles this on each row

After maybe 2 months I told her that stuff isn't working "but she can't stand the thought of miracle grow". So I just let it be

Well her dad put in a garden and it looks like y'alls. Real good but he uses miracle grow

We've pulled about 3 jalepenos

I know that was a long story
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 03:08 AM

"organic" gardening isn't just buying a fertilizer that is labeled organic and spreading it out. It's a whole process and honestly a PITA to start out with, but once you get your methods and techniques down it's a breeze somewhat, but still more labor and cost intensive than just off the shelving it for the most part. I'm dedicated and love reading about it and different methods and increasing/feeding microbes and feeding the soil and not the plants. You know, ruthless blood thirsty sh*t like that. I have nothing against Miracle Gro and the likes of, but that's just not my route.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 10:25 AM

Cabelas, looks like a small caulkin gun .nozzle is big enough I know the boudain and prolly the baby shrimp I like to mix in should be no problem.
PS; great idea on poking the hole in the end never thought of that .
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 11:58 AM

Ok, looking back I prob should have added some top soil and manure

Our ground is prob a 75 percent clay, 25 sand mix

We moved here in January and our last garden I made a raised bed which was prob 4x12 out of 2x12's

I filled that to the brim w top soil and mixed in manure and it did better
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 12:19 PM

I don't remember using any fertilizer looking back on our other 2 gardens

About 5 years ago i built another raised bed at our old house with top soil and manure and it was ok

Then the one last year at a different house i built a similar one using the same method

This is my first garden that I tilled the ground and didn't add anything but that organic fertilizer and water

It's my fault bang

For some reason I never thought about any of that

But I do have a pretty killer garden fence for next year
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 12:48 PM

rrrandy along about oct-nov start looking at home depot and lowes for the pallets of this years left over compost ,hummus ect they usually make a pretty good deal if they don't have to inventory and carry it over into the next year . then go ahead and till it in for next year. with that much clay it may take a couple years to get the soil like you want it ?
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 12:55 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
rrrandy along about oct-nov start looking at home depot and lowes for the pallets of this years left over compost ,hummus ect they usually make a pretty good deal if they don't have to inventory and carry it over into the next year . then go ahead and till it in for next year. with that much clay it may take a couple years to get the soil like you want it ?


Ok thanks. I have never thought about that. Appreciate it
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 02:22 PM

You can loosen/soften the clay soil pretty easily. In a one gallon sprayer fill it with water and add at least 3oz of baby shampoo stir it to mix it good but don't agitate it so hard that it gets sudsy. That mixture is enough to cover a 1000sq feet. Then do it again in 2 weeks.

Then buy up the products that trlrman mentioned. And in addition to I would buy and add these.

Lava Sand
Texas Green Sand
Alfalfa Meal
Dry Molasses
Expanded Shale
Sweet PDZ

The above come in 25-50 bags and are pretty cheap. They are rated to spread around 20lbs per 1000sq feet. I don't worry about measuring since you can't use to much. I just spread evenly and mix into the soil. This will give your soil a great jumpstart in increasing the microbes and bio activity.
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 02:35 PM

Ok the garden in a 16x16 this year

Is there a one stop shop to get all that Derek?

I've never heard of any of those things
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 02:49 PM

Where you living at now and I'll see who close to you has it.

Tractor Supply sells the PDZ.
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 03:20 PM

Paradise, Tx

Decatur and Bridgeport are near

I didn't know I'd like HD or Lowes had all that

Decatur has a tractor supply

Or do you get yours from a ma and pa type nursery?

We have a few of those too
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 03:52 PM

Looks like Decatur Garden Center can fix you up. Most if not all Nursery's are dealers for a brand called Good Natured and can order it for you. Good Natured sells everything I listed but the PDZ and the Alfalfa Meal. They do sell a product called Texas 2 Step which is an Alfalfa based fertilizer fortified with beneficial bacteria. Or you could just pick up a 40lb bag of Alfalfa pellets from Tractor Supply. The pellets absorb moisture and explode per say and turn into Alfalfa meal. Good Natured might sell to the public and you could pick it up from them in Ft Worth. You might call them and see.

http://www.goodnaturedforall.com/images/Our%20Products_web.jpg
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 03:54 PM

Dang man, that's cool

Thanks for all info. We buy at that Decatur nursery sometimes already

Appreciate it.
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 03:58 PM

But as far as trying to help it along this year what can I add to it?

The gardening section ain't bad at all
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 04:30 PM

I would throw out Alfalfa pellets now. I would spread out 10lbs over your area. Then take 4-5 cups of pellets and put them in a 5 gallon bucket and fill it with water and put the lid on. Let it sit for at least 2 days. Week would be better. Strain the alfalfa bits out and put the juice in a hose end or pump up sprayer and spray everything down real good. Any left over juice I would just drench the soil with it.

I would order some Garrett Juice Pro and Medina Hasta Grow and do an initial soil drench and do a foliar spraying of the plants every other week. I combine the 2 and split the difference. Ex. for foliar spray it says to use 2oz of liquid per gallon of water. So I use an Oz of Garrett Juice Pro and and Oz of the Medina.
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 04:41 PM

Ok, I will spread the word and will try and get some this weekend
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 09:47 PM

Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 09:48 PM

.
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/17 09:51 PM

Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/17 03:05 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
I use a combo of Medina Hasta Gro and Garrett Juice Pro.


Garret Juice Pro is sold at my local feed store. $10 for the 30 something ounce bottle. I notice it has molasses in it? I use agricultural molasses in a liquid form from time to time....got a gallon.

With that being said....if I was to try one of the 2 you listed, which one should I try?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/17 03:58 PM

I would probably go with the Garrett Juice since I like the added microbes and trace minerals. But since you already have the molasses you could buy a couple more ingredients and make your own Garrett Juice. He has his recipes listed on his site.

https://www.dirtdoctor.com/garden/Garrett-Juice_vq1927.htm
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/17 04:23 PM

Garrett Juice (ready to spray):

1 cup compost tea or liquid humate
1 ounce molasses
1 ounce apple cider vinegar
1 ounce liquid seaweed

I might try this. I have 2 of the 4 ingredients. I'm cheap like that!

How often to you apply this spray? Entire plant?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/17 04:43 PM

I spray the entire plant every other Saturday. I have an in line fertilizer for my water hose. I don't measure the amount, I just put some in the bowl thing and it dilutes as I water.

If you happen to have an old aquarium pump laying around you can make your own compost tea. Fresh compost tea is very good and beneficial.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/17 04:48 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;


If you happen to have an old aquarium pump laying around you can make your own compost tea. Fresh compost tea is very good and beneficial.


Can you explain? I mean, I could google it and waste hours reading....but you are more helpful.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/17 05:48 PM

Howard explains it in a nutshell. You can buy liquid compost, but if you make your own you will have a much higher level of beneficial bacteria, fungus, etc..

https://www.dirtdoctor.com/garden/Compost-Tea_vq394.htm

Basically I buy a bag of good fresh compost from the nursery for like $6. In a 5 gallon bucket I fill it half with compost then fill it up with water. Pour in some molasses and turn the pump on and let it run for 3 days. Strain the solids out and you're left with compost tea.

Here is a good step by step write up.
http://www.finegardening.com/brewing-compost-tea
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/17 06:24 PM

Awesome, sounds easy enough!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/17 10:27 PM

finally got my garden done...used a mix in the raised beds that is too loose and doesn't hold water...will have to add to it this fall...just glad to get to play in the dirt again...eatin' sum Porter maters tho...yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

west to east

east to west
Posted By: I-35 North

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/17 11:07 PM

All of my pepper plants have produced 1-3 peppers and then stopped. Jalapenos, bell, small lunch box peppers. They all still bloom and might get a little pod and that's it. A handful of the plants are green and healthy but haven't grown an inch. Yall think the growth stunt is caused from the plants producing a pepper while it was still small? What gives? What to do?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 12:06 AM

Originally Posted By: I-35 North
All of my pepper plants have produced 1-3 peppers and then stopped. Jalapenos, bell, small lunch box peppers. They all still bloom and might get a little pod and that's it. A handful of the plants are green and healthy but haven't grown an inch. Yall think the growth stunt is caused from the plants producing a pepper while it was still small? What gives? What to do?


I'm not a pepper pro but my jalapenos always do great. What fertilizer are you using? Are you using Epsom salt? Most peppers really don't need that much fertilizer, but when you do the P&K of the N-P-K should be the highest of the 3 and the P the highest if not even with the K. 5-10-10, 6-12-6 are a couple examples of the fertilizer numbers. If you're not using Epsom salt, start using it.

There are a couple pepper pro's here that should chime in.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 12:08 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
finally got my garden done...used a mix in the raised beds that is too loose and doesn't hold water...will have to add to it this fall...just glad to get to play in the dirt again...eatin' sum Porter maters tho...yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

west to east

east to west



That looks great! I've picked about 20 Porters and they have a great flavor. Damn Mockingbirds setup shop and took out 6 today. I bought some bird netting and going to put it out this weekend.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 12:30 AM

Squash bugs got me overnight! RIP!!!



Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 12:47 AM

How big is too big for zucchini?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 01:47 AM

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Squash bugs got me overnight! RIP!!!






Overnight? Wow! I don't think I've seen that before.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 01:52 AM

Originally Posted By: Hancock
How big is too big for zucchini?


Good question. I haven't grown zucchini in a couple years, but I always gave the massive ones to the wife. She would use a cheese grater and shred it up and make zucchini bread. It always tuned out great.
Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 01:54 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Originally Posted By: Hancock
How big is too big for zucchini?


Good question. I haven't grown zucchini in a couple years, but I always gave the massive ones to the wife.
I tried that and things went downhill.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 02:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Originally Posted By: Hancock
How big is too big for zucchini?


Good question. I haven't grown zucchini in a couple years, but I always gave the massive ones to the wife. She would use a cheese grater and shred it up and make zucchini bread. It always tuned out great.


We went about 3 days without cutting and now we have cord wood!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 02:38 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
finally got my garden done...used a mix in the raised beds that is too loose and doesn't hold water...will have to add to it this fall...just glad to get to play in the dirt again...eatin' sum Porter maters tho...yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

west to east

east to west

looking great the hard work is paying off !!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 02:54 AM

Originally Posted By: Trickster
Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Originally Posted By: Hancock
How big is too big for zucchini?


Good question. I haven't grown zucchini in a couple years, but I always gave the massive ones to the wife.
I tried that and things went downhill.


That's why I stopped growing it and grow Okra now.
Posted By: I-35 North

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 02:55 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Originally Posted By: I-35 North
All of my pepper plants have produced 1-3 peppers and then stopped. Jalapenos, bell, small lunch box peppers. They all still bloom and might get a little pod and that's it. A handful of the plants are green and healthy but haven't grown an inch. Yall think the growth stunt is caused from the plants producing a pepper while it was still small? What gives? What to do?


I'm not a pepper pro but my jalapenos always do great. What fertilizer are you using? Are you using Epsom salt? Most peppers really don't need that much fertilizer, but when you do the P&K of the N-P-K should be the highest of the 3 and the P the highest if not even with the K. 5-10-10, 6-12-6 are a couple examples of the fertilizer numbers. If you're not using Epsom salt, start using it.

There are a couple pepper pro's here that should chime in.


Thanks Derek. I put out my first epsom last week. I've never had this problem w/my peppers. That's why I had no idea what was causing it.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 03:28 AM

It could be a number of things I-35. Since you applied some Epsom salt to the ground I assume. I would mix up a foliar spray of it. 2 tablespoons per gallon. It dissolves easily in tap water. Add some of it with some higher P&K and I think you'll see good results.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/17 12:42 PM

might also mix some fish bone meal into the soil seems to help if I am dropping blooms or sitting stagnet . between that and foliar spray mine respond well.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/17 01:04 AM

Melons. Lots of them.
Pears are plentiful.
Figs are about to turn.
Squash and cucumber plants died. Weird.
Tomatoes have butt rot. Not happy about that.
Good times.





Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/17 03:04 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Melons. Lots of them.
Pears are plentiful.
Figs are about to turn.
Squash and cucumber plants died. Weird.
Tomatoes have butt rot. Not happy about that.
Good times. Figs eaten right off the tree, fig preserves, and pear pie or cobbler.







Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/17 12:33 PM

Black rot on tomatos is caused by inconsistent watering especially when they are setting fruit. The biggest cause is a total lack of calcium in the soil. Calcium is the main deal in the tomato developing. The best way to add calcium to the soil is when you see the first flowers add de icer to the soil. I know that sounds wierd but de icer is all calcium. It will stop the black rot and you will have a great crop. Pick when just starting to ripen otherwise you will be feeding the birds. Good luck.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/17 09:42 PM

Lemon cucumbers are making finally

Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/17 01:17 AM

I went ahead and put Miracle Grow out today.

I think I was too far behind to try organic this year

Will definitely change it up and do it differently next year
Posted By: skankysally

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/17 01:19 AM

Originally Posted By: Ranger Z21
Black rot on tomatos is caused by inconsistent watering especially when they are setting fruit. The biggest cause is a total lack of calcium in the soil. Calcium is the main deal in the tomato developing. The best way to add calcium to the soil is when you see the first flowers add de icer to the soil. I know that sounds wierd but de icer is all calcium. It will stop the black rot and you will have a great crop. Pick when just starting to ripen otherwise you will be feeding the birds. Good luck.


That's good to know, thanks.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/17 01:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Ranger Z21
Black rot on tomatos is caused by inconsistent watering especially when they are setting fruit. The biggest cause is a total lack of calcium in the soil. Calcium is the main deal in the tomato developing. The best way to add calcium to the soil is when you see the first flowers add de icer to the soil. I know that sounds wierd but de icer is all calcium. It will stop the black rot and you will have a great crop. Pick when just starting to ripen otherwise you will be feeding the birds. Good luck.


Added rich compost and alfalfa pellets yesterday. Need more calcium still I bet.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/17 10:43 PM


maters starting to come off and a zucchini that did'not know which bathroom to use ? Did a pretty thorough gathering Thursday night then headed for the LTSA tournament Friday after work. Boy did Fridays rain make everything go crazy!!! Derek pm me your address it won't be long and I'll fix you up .

Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/17 11:02 PM

Good lord Tlrlman, I am definitely jealous.

All that rain and I now have blossom rot. Added calcium today, it may be to late. I will be happy if I can save 1/2 of my crop.

I know why they call it farming now. I am sick.
Posted By: AdanV

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/17 04:32 PM

Good morning.
My cherry tomatoes have been sprouting (already counted about 8 of them as of yesterday).
Lettuce seems to be sprouting a new set of leaves. Basil and Sage have been providing.


However, I had some tiny mushrooms growing out around the tomatoe and herbs.
Should I be worried?

The soil I used was just Miracle-Gro Garden Soil.
I didn't add any compost or anything else.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/17 06:04 PM

no worries AdanV got them coming up all the time . knock em over and go on .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/17 06:17 PM

I had a ton of inky cap shrooms (I think that's what they were) popping up a while back so I started reading up some on them some. Pretty much everything I read said if you have shrooms popping up that is a good sign that your soil is breaking down w/ good fungi activity making nutrients more available to your plants. In other words if you see shrooms in your garden that is a good thing.
Posted By: AdanV

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/17 06:29 PM

Oh cool, thank yall.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 12:01 AM


Another basket of zucchini this morning and this basket this afternoon, along with a few more ghost peppers ,Derek get me a address pm'd you will like these orange one'S . I think Magged Out has these with his coffee of a morning ! flame
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 12:46 AM

That is awesome! You're killing it with those tomatoes. They look great!
Posted By: 9094

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 12:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Originally Posted By: 9094
Ok need help.
My tomatoes are growing like weeds but very few blooms and NO tomatoes.
Any ideas to get them to fruit?


It could be a number of things. But lets try to narrow it down a bit. It sounds like a classic case of too much nitrogen fertilizer IMO. What fertilizer and how much/often are you using? What variety of tomatoes?


Forgot I posted this. Very sandy soil.
I used Miracle Grow. Just once since they are growing like wild.
Now they are about 4 foot tall and so thick with foliage you can't see into them and only have 2 tomatoes on them. That is for 3 plants. And the ones on there are staying smallish and hard dark green.
Big boys, beef steak and early birds
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 01:16 AM

Look at master blend tomato fertilizer the ratios you see on it should help you out on what you're needing find something very close locally if you can and give it a try
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 01:23 AM

my secret is out !
Posted By: 9094

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 01:47 AM

Thanks
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 01:50 AM

This might sound long and difficult 9094, but it's actually pretty easy.

1st. Go get some lime. TSC sells it. A cup or so per plant will be good. Mix it into the soil, but you don't have to work it in too much.

2nd) Get some good quality fresh compost. Not from a box store, but from a nursery. Fresh bags of compost are heavy. 1 bag per plant would be plenty. Spread it up to the stalk thick and work your way back at about a 2' radius or so.

3rd) Apply a thick layer of mulch on top of that. I prefer cedar, but you can use any of them besides Cypress.

4th) Go to the feed store and get a bag of alfalfa pellets, or soy bean or cotton seed meal, I prefer the Alfalfa. Get a 5 gallon bucket or a 30 gallon trash can. Add 5 or so cups of alfalfa pellets per 5 gallons and then fill with water. Let that sit for 4-5 days or a week. Drench the soil with the solution once every few weeks. Add a 1/4 cup of Epson salt per gallon of drench solution prior to the drench. Spread the left over bits around the plants. I cut the Alfalfa mix a little for a foliar spray. I use 2 cups of the juice to a gallon of water and a palm full of Epsom salt. I typically foliar spray every other Saturday. Make sure you strain it well or it will clog the sprayers.

This is what I do in a nut shell(minus the lime). I'm a litter more intensive, but I think if you followed this as a general app your crop would increase and see better results.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 01:52 AM

I take all that back. I'm buying some of the trlrman shizzle. roflmao thumb

I knew your PK had to be high with those awesome crops you get, but had no idea it was that high. Sweet.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 02:08 AM

I use the same thing altered for the hydro in the greenhouse.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 01:56 PM

what is wrong with my plants...???...2 cukes look perty good...the other 2 just sit there...the purple hulls / Roma II green beans are doing the same...my "soil" is a mushroom compost blend...not very heavy...some of the seeds were perty old but they sprouted...
Posted By: 9094

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 09:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
This might sound long and difficult 9094, but it's actually pretty easy.

1st. Go get some lime. TSC sells it. A cup or so per plant will be good. Mix it into the soil, but you don't have to work it in too much.

2nd) Get some good quality fresh compost. Not from a box store, but from a nursery. Fresh bags of compost are heavy. 1 bag per plant would be plenty. Spread it up to the stalk thick and work your way back at about a 2' radius or so.

3rd) Apply a thick layer of mulch on top of that. I prefer cedar, but you can use any of them besides Cypress.

4th) Go to the feed store and get a bag of alfalfa pellets, or soy bean or cotton seed meal, I prefer the Alfalfa. Get a 5 gallon bucket or a 30 gallon trash can. Add 5 or so cups of alfalfa pellets per 5 gallons and then fill with water. Let that sit for 4-5 days or a week. Drench the soil with the solution once every few weeks. Add a 1/4 cup of Epson salt per gallon of drench solution prior to the drench. Spread the left over bits around the plants. I cut the Alfalfa mix a little for a foliar spray. I use 2 cups of the juice to a gallon of water and a palm full of Epsom salt. I typically foliar spray every other Saturday. Make sure you strain it well or it will clog the sprayers.

This is what I do in a nut shell(minus the lime). I'm a litter more intensive, but I think if you followed this as a general app your crop would increase and see better results.


Now i am confused. I went and bought 100 lbs of lime a dumptruck load of good compost, 20 bags of alphalfa, and cut down my red cedar tree and shred it up for my tomatoes. Then I read your next post and see you are changing your methods! I could have bought a 5.00 bag of fertilizer.
Jeez does anyone on here need 1000.00 bucks worth of stuff to grow tomatoes?

Just kidding Derek. You have not lead me wrong yet so I got some lime and compost and will be putting it on in the morning.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 09:40 PM

lol. I'm going to stick with my method. I like to tinker with different things and see what results I get.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 09:59 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
what is wrong with my plants...???...2 cukes look perty good...the other 2 just sit there...the purple hulls / Roma II green beans are doing the same...my "soil" is a mushroom compost blend...not very heavy...some of the seeds were perty old but they sprouted...


I know y'all are probably tired of me talking about alfalfa pellets. But it does contain triacontanol a power growth hormone. Google that word. thumb
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/17 10:32 PM

i raised redworms at one time n my life and fed them alfalfa pellets...never herd of using it n my soil 4 plants, but i'll gita bag next time i go 2 the feedstore...grassy Derek
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/17 01:38 AM


My maters may get out of hand if I ain't carefull ! Those are the heirloom that have grown a solid 2 ft since the rain last Friday in the background .
Posted By: 9094

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/17 02:02 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman

My maters may get out of hand if I ain't carefull ! Those are the heirloom that have grown a solid 2 ft since the rain last Friday in the background .


Holy cow!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/17 02:19 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman

My maters may get out of hand if I ain't carefull ! Those are the heirloom that have grown a solid 2 ft since the rain last Friday in the background .


eeks

How many tomato plants do you have?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/17 02:29 AM

12 , 4 determinate 2 tycoon ,2 mountain pride ,8 indeterminate 3 of which are oxen heart heirloom ,2 parks whoppers the other 3 are from the suckers I started from the greenhouse
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/17 03:11 AM

Nice! The indeterminate's are crazy. I only have one. Not sure I could keep up with 8. You have great spacing and room.

Do you have a mockingbird problem? They are wearing me out. I bought some netting, but not sure how to spread it out since the indeterminate doesn't know how to stop growing.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/17 12:44 PM

knock on wood !!! no bird problems as of yet.They may have seen what happen to the 2 squirrels I caught in the squash LOL
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/17 01:04 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Nice! The indeterminate's are crazy. I only have one. Not sure I could keep up with 8. You have great spacing and room.

Do you have a mockingbird problem? They are wearing me out. I bought some netting, but not sure how to spread it out since the indeterminate doesn't know how to stop growing.
I believe you can pinch off the growing points on each stem to stop them.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/17 12:06 AM

Originally Posted By: fmrmbmlm
Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
Nice! The indeterminate's are crazy. I only have one. Not sure I could keep up with 8. You have great spacing and room.

Do you have a mockingbird problem? They are wearing me out. I bought some netting, but not sure how to spread it out since the indeterminate doesn't know how to stop growing.
I believe you can pinch off the growing points on each stem to stop them.


Thanks. thumb I'm going to read up some more on it. I'll probably let this one go this year just to see how big it can get and still produce. I really like these Improved Porters. Smaller tomato, but has great flavor. I've been picking them at the sign of red and letting them ripe inside because of the MB's and bagging and freezing.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/17 12:49 AM

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/17 11:30 AM

they just keep on keepin' on...pinchin' off the top growth will help stop it, but y'ant gonna find them all...after diggin' up the volunteers in georgetown, dumpin'm n a bukit for a couple of months, then stikin'm n the ground, my porters r startin' 2 produce...tuff sukers

I believe you can pinch off the growing points on each stem to stop them. [/quote]

Thanks. thumb I'm going to read up some more on it. I'll probably let this one go this year just to see how big it can get and still produce. I really like these Improved Porters. Smaller tomato, but has great flavor. I've been picking them at the sign of red and letting them ripe inside because of the MB's and bagging and freezing. [/quote]
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/17 02:24 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
they just keep on keepin' on...pinchin' off the top growth will help stop it, but y'ant gonna find them all...after diggin' up the volunteers in georgetown, dumpin'm n a bukit for a couple of months, then stikin'm n the ground, my porters r startin' 2 produce...tuff sukers

I believe you can pinch off the growing points on each stem to stop them.


Thanks. thumb I'm going to read up some more on it. I'll probably let this one go this year just to see how big it can get and still produce. I really like these Improved Porters. Smaller tomato, but has great flavor. I've been picking them at the sign of red and letting them ripe inside because of the MB's and bagging and freezing. [/quote] [/quote]
They will keep producing once started, no matter how big they get. They are like the Eveready rabbit, they just keep on producing as long as they get water.
Posted By: AdanV

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/17 02:38 PM

I take it that I need to put in a bigger tomato cage?

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/17 04:15 PM

or string it up off the overhang on the house, but keep in mind that plant will get heavy so dont just use the soffet
Posted By: AdanV

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/17 04:36 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
or string it up off the overhang on the house, but keep in mind that plant will get heavy so dont just use the soffet


It's a 2-story house, so I'd rather not do that.

It's a cherry tomato.
With proper care, how big will it get?

I want to get a cage tall enough, since I'm pretty sure I'm going to do some damage when I take out the small and put the new one in.
Only want to do this once.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/17 05:24 PM

might get 8ft tall maybe more ? might look at a trellis or framing up a h-post and be able to string off of it . you already have some long branch's going .If you go with a bigger cage why not just leave that 1 so you don't do any damage ?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/17 02:33 AM

first batch down and Lord knows how many to go .tomarrow we will add a little heat to the next couple batches .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/17 01:17 AM


Well I guess if we don't put the kale on the table there is enough room for me and momma at the end of the table . That rain aka God's Miracle Grow set every thing off again !!!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/17 02:09 AM

Awesome harvest!
Posted By: AdanV

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/17 04:34 PM

What's wrong with my lemon tree?

Some of the leaves are shriveling up, but I water it well.
There's also some weird white substance on some of the leaves.

Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/17 11:10 PM

1st big picking, they are about to bust loose.

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/17 02:57 AM

Beautiful! !!!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/17 12:02 PM

i bought some cottonseed meal at the feed store yesterday and it didn't have a N/P/K noted...i have bought other sacks with it listed...does all cottonseed meal have the same N/P/K???...i use it in the bottom of the hole when i plant
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/17 01:18 PM

not 100% sure but I think meal is 7/3/2 most of the time ?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/17 01:30 PM

It might not be the exact NPK every time, but it would be so close that you wouldn't notice a difference. If I was to buy a small bag at a nursery it would probably have it listed. But buying 40/50lb bags from a feed store typically doesn't have NPK's listed since it's labeled for livestock feed and not fertilizer, but it's all the same. Just cheaper to buy from the feed store.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/17 06:48 PM

yep...much cheaper...thanks guys...got me sum alfalfa pellets 2...gonna doctor my gard b4 the hurricane sends downpours

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
It might not be the exact NPK every time, but it would be so close that you wouldn't notice a difference. If I was to buy a small bag at a nursery it would probably have it listed. But buying 40/50lb bags from a feed store typically doesn't have NPK's listed since it's labeled for livestock feed and not fertilizer, but it's all the same. Just cheaper to buy from the feed store.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/17 11:56 PM

A few more tonight.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/17 02:43 AM

Very nice! If I let mine get that red on the vine the Mockingbirds would hammer down on that. Love seeing the Okra. I have little baby okra about 1/4" long now. I'm excited.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/17 12:56 PM

Go to Walmart, 14x14 bird netting for $6.48.

This my first year with netting and now get dive bombed by our state bird, they are not happy with me. Have not lost a tomato since installed.

I did find a long legged looking stink bug on my plants last night, never seen this bug before, kind of looks like a squash bug????
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/17 01:55 PM

I bought some netting. I'm going to try and get it up this weekend.

The bug is probably a wheel/assassin bug. Those are beneficial.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/17 08:40 PM

You will be cussing that net before its all said and done.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/17 09:51 PM

Derek,

Bug ID? Good or bad?

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/17 09:58 PM

That is a leaf footed. Those are not good. Kill them until they are dead.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/17 10:05 PM

Oh snap, found it,

Leaf-footed bug. A fricking tomato sucker.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/17 10:47 PM

A Plumbers torch and a 6 pack of beer, I am having fun!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 01:22 AM


The stuffing gun will get a workout this weekend! DEREK you need any more mild 1'S ? the red ghosts are coming on and should be putting out some real heat pretry soon !
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 01:42 AM

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Derek,

Bug ID? Good or bad?



Will Seven Dust kill them. Been fighting them for weeks with natural methods without much luck.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 01:49 AM

I am sure it will but I am harvesting every day and don't won't to eat 7 dust.

They burn real good with the plumbers torch, can't hardly find one now.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 02:23 AM

Torch is awesome!

Oldrabbit what natural products have you tried? Have you tried Orange Oil?


trlrman I'm good lol! The mild ones are flame
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 02:44 AM

Tried soap water, diatomaceous earth but did not try orange oil.
I pulled everything that was even thinking of turning pink and knew we were going to get a good rain today with Cindy coming so it would be a several days till the next ones get ripe.

Derek, how do you apply the orange oil?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 03:26 AM

I spot spray since I'm not infested. You need some Orange Oil and Neem. I keep a quart spray bottle full of about a quart of water, 1 tablespoon of Orange Oil (Medina pure d-limonene is what I use) about $15 a quart and goes a long way. Neem is sold at all box stores. Go lighter on Neem. 1/2 tablespoon and a 1/4 teaspoon of mineral oil. Keep in the spray bottle and shake well when you need to spray.

Works awesome as a spot spray. When you do spray it's best to spray in the shade at dawn is best IMO and just try to hit just the bugs best you can, it's tough, but you'll get a good aim with practice. The spray mixture will burn leaves when sprayed in direct sunlight in this heat.
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 03:35 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#x1F41D;
I spot spray since I'm not infested. You need some Orange Oil and Neem. I keep a quart spray bottle full of about a quart of water, 1 tablespoon of Orange Oil (Medina pure d-limonene is what I use) about $15 a quart and goes a long way. Neem is sold at all box stores. Go lighter on Neem. 1/2 tablespoon and a 1/4 teaspoon of mineral oil. Keep in the spray bottle and shake well when you need to spray.

Works awesome as a spot spray. When you do spray it's best to spray in the shade at dawn is best IMO and just try to hit just the bugs best you can, it's tough, but you'll get a good aim with practice. The spray mixture will burn leaves when sprayed in direct sunlight in this heat.

Thanks, I will head to town in the morning to get some of both. I have evening shade, would that work?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 04:30 AM

Evening shade is when I typically do it. You can do it at anytime if you see a bug you're targeting. Just spot spray the bug and not hose down the whole plant and you'll be fine.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 09:37 PM

One plant, one picking.

325 cherrys

Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 11:16 PM

Today's picking.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 11:17 PM

Lordy! I call that a good day.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/17 11:27 PM

And I only saw 1 of them leaf foot bugs, the torch worked.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/17 03:55 AM

That is crazy. Well done.

Leaf footed bugs have been really screwing up my gardens and fig tree over the years. I have not seen one this year at all. Since I increased my flock, I think the chickens have them under control.

Find the juveniles. Kill them ALL.

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/17 11:18 AM

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Today's picking.


now I am jealous. Looking great !
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/17 06:21 PM

Today's picking, looks to be about the same as 2 days ago, picked 25 yesterday. Time to start canning.




Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/17 12:49 AM

That's enough for one day, my back is killing me.

Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/17 02:20 PM

Anyone have a hot sauce recipe they would like to share?
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/17 04:40 PM

Tomatoes, onion, garlic, lime juice, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder. Put in blender, blend to the consistency you like. So simple.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/17 09:34 PM

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Anyone have a hot sauce recipe they would like to share?


I don't. I've been freezing my maters and jalapeno's to make some salsa when I have some time. I printed off an El Fenix copy a few weeks ago, but haven't made any yet. I figured I would start with this with some cilantro added and adjust as needed.

http://www.mastercook.com/app/recipe/WebRecipeDetails?recipeId=2385469
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/17 12:52 AM

Might be the best 1 plant at 1 time gather on a tycoon as far as size for me ? still plenty on the plant we will see if it gets better. Biggest just over a pound .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/17 12:34 AM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Tomatoes, onion, garlic, lime juice, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder. Put in blender, blend to the consistency you like. So simple.


That's good but I don't use chili powder . If you're making it fresh , all those ingredients work well . If you're canning , reduce the amount of herbs and lime/lemon juice . The longer it sits , the stronger herbs such as cilantro/garlic/basil will taste .

Citrus juice will also reduce the heat of your peppers if left too long .
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/17 05:59 PM

I used one lime for a whole blender full(and the lime was sort of dry and not juicy). I for some reason like a lime squirt in my hot sauce at restaurants. Tangy taste buds I guess.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/17 05:59 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman

Citrus juice will also reduce the heat of your peppers if left too long .


I added 2-3 more maters to cool it down...wife said it was too hot. MEH!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/17 12:12 AM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: Siberman

Citrus juice will also reduce the heat of your peppers if left too long .


I added 2-3 more maters to cool it down...wife said it was too hot. MEH!


I made an excellent habanero/tomatillo/green 'mater sauce that would make your head sweat . I added too much lemon juice to the canning jars and several months later there was no heat whatsoever .

I have friends who cut the heat by drenching the peppers in lemon juice . She might try adding it to the salsa so you can still enjoy the burn . cheers
Posted By: I-35 North

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/17 12:19 AM

I've always had a garden and always bought plants or seeds. I want to harvest some tomato and pepper plant seeds and try growing them. I bought one of those Burpee just add water and seed to these little pod things. Do any of yall have some tips on doing this? Many thanks in advance!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/17 01:06 AM

Originally Posted By: I-35 North
I've always had a garden and always bought plants or seeds. I want to harvest some tomato and pepper plant seeds and try growing them. I bought one of those Burpee just add water and seed to these little pod things. Do any of yall have some tips on doing this? Many thanks in advance!



Try saving seeds from heirloom (non-hybrid) plants . Hybrids might or might not produce viable seeds . Even if the plant grows , you won't be sure about what kind of fruit it produces until they set . I've had good luck with the "organic" seeds sold at Walmart .
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/17 03:48 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: Siberman

Citrus juice will also reduce the heat of your peppers if left too long .


I added 2-3 more maters to cool it down...wife said it was too hot. MEH!


I made an excellent habanero/tomatillo/green 'mater sauce that would make your head sweat . I added too much lemon juice to the canning jars and several months later there was no heat whatsoever .

I have friends who cut the heat by drenching the peppers in lemon juice . She might try adding it to the salsa so you can still enjoy the burn . cheers


Good idea, thanks!
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/17 09:43 PM

From today.

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/17 10:31 PM

send me suma those egg seeds
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/17 11:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
That is a leaf footed. Those are not good. Kill them until they are dead.


really?
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/17 11:13 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
From today.



wow
that is fabulous
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/17 11:14 PM

when do you pick a Tobasco pepper
they are full grown & green
some are red
should i wait for red?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/17 11:46 PM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
when do you pick a Tobasco pepper
they are full grown & green
some are red
should i wait for red?


Personal preference . I like green/yellow for sauce and red for eating .
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/17 12:01 AM

Thank You Siber
I have a ton & tomatoes

OK
what about Basil
do you pick from the top or bottom?

i try from both ways
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/17 12:40 AM

Let me clarify . I use green tabascos in vinegar . For a tomato sauce , I use ripe peppers .

I pick the bigger basil leaves first .
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/17 12:40 AM

Nice harvest, Butch. I am making salsa every other day.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/17 02:40 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Let me clarify . I use green tabascos in vinegar . For a tomato sauce , I use ripe peppers .

I pick the bigger basil leaves first .


yes
i was going to put them in vinegar
do you crush them, or slice them?
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/17 05:12 PM

The Sad part is, I know it's about over.

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/17 05:22 PM

not if you grow Porters...they'll start producing again after the heat wave and go till frost...just won't be that big~~~those do look tasty...what variety are they???
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/17 10:13 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
Nice harvest, Butch. I am making salsa every other day.


thats Chickenmans harvest
beautiful isn't it
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/17 11:02 PM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Let me clarify . I use green tabascos in vinegar . For a tomato sauce , I use ripe peppers .

I pick the bigger basil leaves first .


yes
i was going to put them in vinegar
do you crush them, or slice them?


If you want that extra bite from seeds and pieces coming out of the bottle , chop 'em up .

I usually leave the smaller peppers like tabasco , thai and pequin whole . I cut larger ones like cayennes , japs and habs .

I sometimes add sage leaves , black peppercorns , garlic cloves ,mint , whatever to the jar before filling with heated vinegar . Try experimenting with your favorite herbs .

Keep in mind that the longer it ages , the stronger the herb flavor / heat from the chilies will be . I have some habanero vinegar that'll clean the rust off cast iron . wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/17 11:11 PM

No pics ( still learning Win 10) but my Big Boy 'maters did really well this year . Habaneros , Thais , Serranos , Mammoth Jalapenos , Golden Dragon Cayennes are all producing nicely but the dang Reapers are just now starting to set fruit .

The "Candy" onions are impressive (softball sized) but they're so mild that they don't really taste like an onion to me .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/17 12:01 AM



This weekends gather.squash and zucchinis slowing down. Red hab.S just starting to come off ,orange ghost by the hand full and red ghost starting to set fruit .
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/17 12:36 AM

Very nice Trlrman.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/17 12:39 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
not if you grow Porters...they'll start producing again after the heat wave and go till frost...just won't be that big~~~those do look tasty...what variety are they???


Tycoon, meaty and a great flavor.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/17 12:40 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
No pics ( still learning Win 10) but my Big Boy 'maters did really well this year . Habaneros , Thais , Serranos , Mammoth Jalapenos , Golden Dragon Cayennes are all producing nicely but the dang Reapers are just now starting to set fruit .

The "Candy" onions are impressive (softball sized) but they're so mild that they don't really taste like an onion to me .
May be too much water on those onions, Candy is my favorite.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/17 12:48 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: butch sanders
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Let me clarify . I use green tabascos in vinegar . For a tomato sauce , I use ripe peppers .

I pick the bigger basil leaves first .


yes
i was going to put them in vinegar
do you crush them, or slice them?


If you want that extra bite from seeds and pieces coming out of the bottle , chop 'em up .

I usually leave the smaller peppers like tabasco , thai and pequin whole . I cut larger ones like cayennes , japs and habs .

I sometimes add sage leaves , black peppercorns , garlic cloves ,mint , whatever to the jar before filling with heated vinegar . Try experimenting with your favorite herbs .

Keep in mind that the longer it ages , the stronger the herb flavor / heat from the chilies will be . I have some habanero vinegar that'll clean the rust off cast iron . wink


Thanks Friend
I was waiting on response
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/17 02:44 PM


Hot Sauce

This is what I started with and added peppers and whatever to taste while cooking.

4 onions
12 tomatoes
4 bell peppers
10 jalapeos or more to taste
1 cup vinegar
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
4 tbsp salt
4 tbsp sugar
4 tbsp chopped garlic
1 bundle of chopped cilantro
Cayanne pepper to taste

Chop all ingredients and bring to a boil and cook until liquid evaporates to the thickness desired

Can in jars.





Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/17 04:52 PM

never thought about adding bell peppers hmmm
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/17 09:55 PM

Chow Chow




Pickles

Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/17 11:35 PM

Looking good, Im still fighting the dang Leaf Footed bugs on my tomatoes.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/17 01:15 AM

nice
wow
all those are great
i added to much vinegar
but i got everything on the way
to make it right
thanks so much everyone
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/17 02:11 PM

Lots of color in the smoker this morning !
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/17 03:39 PM

Let's see them when they come off the smoker.

Looks great.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/17 09:05 PM

not near as impressive as going on . but going in the coffee grinder and will be almost a years worth of seasoning .
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/17 02:34 AM

Biggest so far.

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/17 02:49 AM

Almost choked up as I was pulling both tycoon plants Tuesday. My parks wonders still have prolly 20 to 30 but then it's all indeterminate plants. Seeing enough plants in 1 of the compost barrel fall plants will be no problem .
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/17 01:38 PM

Yep, it's almost over. It was a good spring, looks like those 24 Tycoon plants are going to average over 30 tomatoes per plant.

Best plant produced 51 tomatoes.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/17 04:04 PM

outstanding ! that's a bunch of great tasting maters !!
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/17 11:33 PM

First ripe sugar baby, we have about 40 or so on the vine.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/17 01:07 AM

Damn! That looks great!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/17 12:32 PM

all it needs is a pan of HOT biscuits and butter...i know, sounds nasty, but give it a try...de lish us
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/17 01:47 AM

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/17 02:03 AM

Those lopes look awesome CM!

I'm still picking Porters. It has slowed a lot, but I still have have a few Tycoons, Phoenix and a lot of Porters to pick. I'm loaded down with jalapeos. Tonight's quick pickings. (Sorry for the sideways pic)

Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/17 03:10 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Those lopes look awesome CM!

I'm still picking Porters. It has slowed a lot, but I still have have a few Tycoons, Phoenix and a lot of Porters to pick. I'm loaded down with jalapeos. Tonight's quick pickings. (Sorry for the sideways pic)




How many mater plants you all got? I have three and it's just the wife and I. I bet I pick 5 or so a day. We've been eating all we can and give the rest away.

For a family of 2.5, three mater plants, 3 pepper plants, two cucumber plants and 4 squash (Zuc and crook neck) have kept us loaded down with food. It's been an awesome year.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/17 03:16 AM

Originally Posted By: txfour


How many mater plants you all got? I have three and it's just the wife and I. I bet I pick 5 or so a day. We've been eating all we can and give the rest away.

For a family of 2.5, three mater plants, 3 pepper plants, two cucumber plants and 34 squash (Zuc and crook neck) have kept us loaded down with food. It's been an awesome year.


10 'maters , 3 cukes and 7 peppers for 2 people . I can or freeze any excess .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/17 11:57 AM

re: pikin' Porters~~~u'll pik'm till frost...after the heatwave of the summer, get ready...they'll start flowering again
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/17 02:04 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
How many mater plants you all got? I have three and it's just the wife and I. I bet I pick 5 or so a day. We've been eating all we can and give the rest away.

For a family of 2.5, three mater plants, 3 pepper plants, two cucumber plants and 4 squash (Zuc and crook neck) have kept us loaded down with food. It's been an awesome year.


I have almost exactly what you have. 3 Maters - Improved Porter, Tycoon and a Phoenix. 3 Mammoth Peppers, 4 squash and 4 cucumbers. And I just planted 5 okra plants a month or so ago. It's more than enough.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/17 10:54 PM

I was out of town last week and now all my maters have died. Time to start working on the fall garden.
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/17 02:15 AM

Planted my Okra April 22nd and still haven't got a pod. Plants look great, about knee high. I planted 1/2 Louisiana Velvet and 1/2 dried seeds from my last years crop. What can I put on them to help them start producing. These are in a 16ft. long 42 inch wide raised bed. It get about 6 hours of direct sunlight before it gets in the shade of a big Oak tree.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/17 11:43 PM

Originally Posted By: machinist
Planted my Okra April 22nd and still haven't got a pod. Plants look great, about knee high. I planted 1/2 Louisiana Velvet and 1/2 dried seeds from my last years crop. What can I put on them to help them start producing. These are in a 16ft. long 42 inch wide raised bed. It get about 6 hours of direct sunlight before it gets in the shade of a big Oak tree.


This is my first year growing Okra. I'm in a similar situation. I don't remember my exact plating date but it was early/mid May I believe. I'm also growing in containers as I ran out of garden space, that that might have something to do with it. I'm growing Clemson and Texas Longhorns and both look exactly the same. About 24-30" tall and no pods. I've been reading over the past few days that Okra really loves Phosphorus. It would be best to have mixed it in the soil prior to planting, but I didn't. So reading more up on Phosphorus most seem to breakdown very slowly to be available to the roots. Finally found Triple Super Phosphate which is 0-45-0 and 90% water soluble. So I ordered some and will have it tomorrow. I'm going to read some more about application rates and whatnot because that is a lot of Phosphorus lol. But it's worth a shot to me.

TSP
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/17 12:29 AM

Haven't grown okra in a few years but I believe it needs full sun all day long and plenty of water . Don't know about the phosphorous , Derek , but I'd say that containers should be used only for the smaller varieties .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/17 01:26 AM

I've read up some on people growing Okra in containers and doing really well. My growth is good and the plants look great. Just not getting any flowering/pods yet. I know my watering is slacking, but I have been improving that now. Those black containers bake and dry out a lot faster than I thought. And my containers don't have near the amendments in them as my raised beds do. So I'm pretty sure they are missing a nutrient or two.
Posted By: I-35 North

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/17 02:39 AM

I've always had a few rows of okra in the garden. Always produced more than I could eat, freeze and give away. And honestly I didn't do anything different to it than any other plant out there. I do know they love the heat and I always picked it at night so I could come in and take a shower. It will make you itch like crazy!
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/17 03:42 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Haven't grown okra in a few years but I believe it needs full sun all day long and plenty of water . Don't know about the phosphorous , Derek , but I'd say that containers should be used only for the smaller varieties .


I have 3 raised beds that I rotate whats in them each year. I have grown Okra in this bed before with the same amount of sunlight and it has always done great. Way more than my family and friends can use. I always end up with 25 or 30 gallon Ziploc bags in the freezer. I wonder if that MasterBlend stuff Trlrman is using will work on Okra.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/17 11:33 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I've read up some on people growing Okra in containers and doing really well. My growth is good and the plants look great. Just not getting any flowering/pods yet. I know my watering is slacking, but I have been improving that now. Those black containers bake and dry out a lot faster than I thought. And my containers don't have near the amendments in them as my raised beds do. So I'm pretty sure they are missing a nutrient or two.



paint your containers white so they reflect the sun, it will help a little with them drying out.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/17 03:06 PM

those are 10 ft tall t post on the right with some of the plants getting 12 ft tall but.....all I used on it was Peters triple 20 fert. You might see if you can find some fertilizer with similar ratios to the m blend locally to try before investing in a big bag ?maybe give some potash a try ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/17 08:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic



paint your containers white so they reflect the sun, it will help a little with them drying out.


^^^^ This or you can wrap 'em in foil for an authentic East Texas look . Don't laugh ; I've done it before . wink
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/17 12:42 AM

Is there anything you can plant this time of Year? I have plenty of peppers and okra growing but my tomatoes have burnt-out
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/17 02:23 AM

Fresh tomato plants for your fall garden ?
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/17 02:38 AM

ok
so i have 100's of Tobassco peppers
how do i save them

i made 1 batch of Tobassco with the early crop
it makes you sweat

can i freeze them
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/17 03:08 AM

Dehydrate , or put in the smoker till dry crush or run them thru coffee grinder to powder them ,you can also pickle them bread and butter style is 1 of my favorites . Just never been happy with the end product after freezing .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/17 12:29 PM

hereyago...when n doubt, ck Farmers Almanac

Originally Posted By: DJB
Is there anything you can plant this time of Year? I have plenty of peppers and okra growing but my tomatoes have burnt-out


https://farmersalmanac.com/home-garden/2017/07/17/5-summer-vegetables-to-grow/
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/21/17 12:20 AM

Would young tomatoes plants survive planting them in this heat? I still see plants for sale
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/26/17 10:31 PM

My peppers are weak as hell. My jalapenos are about like a weak banana pepper. What the heck?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/26/17 11:51 PM

Could be the variety. But most likely you're taking too good of care of them. Stress them out and they will produce more capsaicin. If you're watering often cut that back a lot and your peppers should get hotter.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/17 12:14 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Could be the variety. But most likely you're taking too good of care of them. Stress them out and they will produce more capsaicin. If you're watering often cut that back a lot and your peppers should get hotter.


Really, had no idea. I water the [censored] out of them because they are so small. Figured they needed more water.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/17 12:38 AM

That's definitely your problem then. My mammoths are more mild in the spring early summer with the rains. But with this heat and I water them about every 7-10 days or so they are much hotter.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/17 01:09 AM

After a few bad years I figured out black eye peas and jalapeos don't produce well in rich soil and the same watering other plants get
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/17 03:05 AM

Never grown BEP's, but my jalapenos have always done well in rich soil. I pretty much use the same blend. Compost, lava sand, Texas greensand, dry molasses, expanded shale, corn meal, alfalfa pellets etc.. and have had great results. I do foliar sprays and soil drenches of Garrett Juice and Hasta Gro every 2 weeks.

^that's actually a cheap blend of mix. If you avg 20lbs or go big at 30-40lbs per 1000sq feet you're still under $100(depending on your size) if you shop around and have your local feed store order your stuff. Good compost is probably the most expensive of the group.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/17 03:14 AM

Plant some japs in well drained soil that isn't rich. Mine are happy that way. Except for the deer munching the tops off anyway.

We do about everything you listed on other plants, shrubs and trees but Hasta Gro.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/01/17 08:05 PM

On October 15th, I should have fall corn ready. Got it planted last night.
Posted By: Kattelyn

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/17 06:39 PM

I didn't know where else to put this but I'm being amused with my green thumb. We had a particularly delicious jackfruit a while back so I saved a couple seeds from it and stuck them in the pot that my avocado tree is in... and then promptly forgot about it.

I was out there in the garden and there's weird sprouts I'm going "What the heck???" OH!!! Just amused. I probably won't keep them because they're BIG trees and not cold tolerant at all. But shows I can sprout just about anything.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/17 07:12 PM

i added alfalfa pellets and cottonseed meal to the mushroom compost garden mix and waa-laa, the Roma II's and topcrop purple hull peas took off

Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/17 08:01 PM

How much alfalfa do you add?

Why is alfalfa so good for the veggies?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/17 08:15 PM

How much alfalfa do you add? beats me...i just chunked some on the ground and watered it in...

Why is alfalfa so good for the veggies?~~~beats me, ask Derek...i've never used it before...obviously it works
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/17 08:31 PM

Can't believe I never saw this thread before. Love to garden and look forward to some great ideas from others. Do all my growing in concrete planters I made myself several years ago.
I am give out from all the tomatoes we have gotten this year!
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/17 09:00 PM

Here are my planters

And my tomatoes
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/02/17 11:45 PM

Nice . cheers

Welcome to the "thread that never dies" . wink
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/17 08:25 PM

Originally Posted By: txfour
How much alfalfa do you add?

Why is alfalfa so good for the veggies?


It has a N-P-K of 3-1-2 and has a plant growth hormone called Triacontanol in it. It's works very well. I use it as lawn fertilizer too. I use 15-20lbs per 1000 square feet. I buy 50lb bags of pellets at Tractor Supply for about $12
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/17 10:11 PM

Hippies would use Alfalfa Tea too water there plants freak
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/17 10:18 PM

Originally Posted By: Magged Out
Hippies would use Alfalfa Tea too water there plants freak


I make and use that too. grin
Posted By: Frank the Tank

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/17 01:58 PM

I bet you do Nancy
Posted By: aquaholic1822

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/07/17 07:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: Magged Out
Hippies would use Alfalfa Tea too water there plants freak


I make and use that too. grin


say what you will, but it works...

it also smells like rotting death
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/07/17 08:35 PM

You ever use fish emulsion ? sick

Don't get it on you .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/14/17 09:32 PM

finally getting stuff from my new raised beds n Nacog...got 4+ cups of pinkeye purple hull peas 2dy...had some cornbread/mac&cheese with'm...

the pink-shelled ones are topcrop ph's...easier to pick and shell...the dark ones are regular ph's...


Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/15/17 01:01 AM

Farmin'

A little too wet,but had to cultivate today. Gonna be gone for a week and the weeds woulda won. 10, 100' foot rows of fall corn.




Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/15/17 11:42 PM

why are my Roma II green beans flowering but not making beans???...it hasn't been that hot in Nacog~~~???~~~
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/16/17 11:02 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
You ever use fish emulsion ? sick

Don't get it on you .


sick


Wal Mart clearances out there stuff. Can find the big gallon bottles for like $4-5
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/16/17 06:31 PM

Originally Posted By: DJB
Would young tomatoes plants survive planting them in this heat? I still see plants for sale
The problem with planting tomatoes this time of year is that they just don't seem to ripen before our first frost. So you can plant them let them grow till just before first frost, then pick them and put them in a box under your bed or in a cool dark spot and let them ripen. Or just fry you up some fried green tomatoes or can you some green tomatoes.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/17 04:12 PM

So I picked up some BT to spray the fall corn with. The plants are only a couple weeks old and about 12" tall.

I wonder if I can spray the plants now or if they are too tender? It seems from my reading, the real threat is when the plant silk.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/22/17 02:05 AM

I don't know much about growing Corn itself, but they are never too tender for Bt sprays. Nothing is that I know of. Best is to spray at dusk/dark when caterpillars are going to be active feeding. Bt breaks down very quickly in sun light. Spray every 10-14 days or so. You'll be good.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/22/17 11:39 AM

excuse my ignorance...what is BT...sounds like i'll need it next year...does it work on tomato hornworms
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/22/17 12:17 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
excuse my ignorance...what is BT...sounds like i'll need it next year...does it work on tomato hornworms


It's Bacillus thuringiensis. A natuarally occurring pesticide found in soil. It works on any plant that is effected by worms.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis

Thanks for the reply as well Derek.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/22/17 07:12 PM

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/22/17 08:38 PM

thanks tx4...i've grown G-90 corn...what do u grow???
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/22/17 08:52 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
thanks tx4...i've grown G-90 corn...what do u grow???


I get my seed from Wilhites in Poolville, TX (just down the road). I've always done candy corn.

This is my first year with fall corn and am doing Bodacious.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/04/17 05:01 PM


Haven't posted in a while ,this mornings gather.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/05/17 08:54 PM

Good looking okra.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/08/17 12:42 PM

Originally Posted By: greenen
Good looking okra.


That's what she said!
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/13/17 04:03 PM

Of all things that failed this year, was my okra.

Update on my tomatillos....they made their pods and waiting and wondering if the fruit is forming inside. I guess time will tell.

I doubt I will grow these again......they are so cheap at the Mexican market.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/14/17 01:22 AM

This is my first year growing Okra. They've done really good. I'm growing them in garden buckets which sucks and I won't do again. The bottom holes are too big and the soil dries out really quickly. I did some research on okra prior to planting and high phosphorus(the middle NPK number) is best for them. So you need to go high in that number.

I'm growing 5 plants. 3 Clemson and 2 Texas Longhorns. I read up on cropping okra. So I cropped 2 Clemson and 1 TL. From what I read I would lose about 3 weeks of production. It's been about 6 really. Growing in buckets surely have something to do with the extra weeks. When I cropped them they looked basically like bare sticks. But they have come back like gangbusters. Short and really bushy and sprouting flowers like crazy now. They will out produce the ones I didn't crop easily even with the lost weeks. Next year I will start okra much earlier. These pics won't do a lot of justice, but I'll be a cropper from now on.



Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/14/17 01:56 AM

Not much on topping the okra would rather bend the plant over. About 10 to 12 ft tall so far .my habanero plants are putting on like crazy and fall tomatoes are setting fruit nicely .

Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/15/17 01:03 AM

I hated to do it..but had to spray the corn with Malathion. Bugs were insane.
Posted By: lconn4

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/15/17 01:42 AM

Originally Posted by txfour
I hated to do it..but had to spray the corn with Malathion. Bugs were insane.


My favorite insecticide! My dad use to buy several drums at a time and I got to mix in the water in a 500 gallon tank. thumb

[Linked Image]


Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/22/17 07:56 PM

planted 2nd round of broccoli/cabbage 2dy...1st batch looks perty good...mite make some Roma II green beans b4 frost

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/24/17 10:36 PM

Looking good sir !
Came back from a weekend at the lake and the peppers and maters looked to be in full swing.
Ghost ,habanero and fall tomatoes getting with it !
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/04/17 10:30 PM

Looking at starting a garden in the Spring . I have no clue on what I'm doing .
Looks like most you guys have raised beds , why not just plant on the flat dirt?

What kind of prep work do I need to do for the garden area? Has grass so I guess remove it, till it , then what?

Thanks
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/04/17 11:33 PM

You'll get lots of options and advice what to do. Pretty good group of gardeners in here. And we all do it a little to a lot different from each other so try different methods until you get the results you like and that you like doing. I use the more organic approach and have been for years and I like the results. So this is my way. I was an in ground grower until this year I made raised beds. I went raised really just to try it and I really like it. I did 4'x4'x 8" boxes. They have been easy to manage and I'm going to add a couple more.

Nothing wrong with in ground. I sprayed my area with 20% vinegar and orange oil to kill off the grass and then tilled it up. Added black kow manure, lava sand, greensand, feed store cornmeal, cottonseed meal or soybean meal, alfalfa pellets, dry molasses and compost, etc, lol. I did the exact same thing in my raised bed it just cost me a little more upfront to fill up the boxes than it would to just till it into the ground since I had to buy more soil and compost. But future maintenance will be about the same cost as in ground now.

I'm more into soil microbes and biodiversity in the soil. So if was you I would go ahead and till up the soil now and mix in at least some good compost at a minimum to go ahead and get the area breaking down, increasing microbes and earthworms to get ready for spring.

I'll stop here as it sounds a little overwhelming, but it's actually pretty easy.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/17 12:48 AM

Thank you very much , it does sound complicated, I do like the more natural approach as well . Il do some thinking in this and see if I want to go in the ground or in boxes , thanks
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/17 01:00 AM

This book is a source of great info to get you started. Don't get hung up on being strictly organic if it doesn't suit you. I still occasionally break out the Roundup or bug killer when something gets out of hand,

https://www.amazon.com/J-Howard-Garretts-Organic-Manual/dp/1565303059
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/17 01:14 AM


This evening'S pepper gather ! Brad the main thing have fun with it dirt or box ! Derek, your mammoth still going ? Between a couple plants prolly have 25 -30 stuffing size. The yellow peppers in the big basket are El Scorpanero that is 3/4 of the picking from 1 plant ,going to try cherry wood smoke on them . The person I got the seeds from say'S the powder is great we shall see ,I have been using them more as a flavoring (great in a salad).Okra is about done the plants got about 12-13 ft tall .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/17 01:26 AM

Originally Posted By: Hancock
This book is a source of great info to get you started. Don't get hung up on being strictly organic if it doesn't suit you. I still occasionally break out the Roundup or bug killer when something gets out of hand,

https://www.amazon.com/J-Howard-Garretts-Organic-Manual/dp/1565303059


This^ I'm not 100% organic, but pretty close. I don't use Roundup though. Hancock check out The Organic Manual-Third Edition. I believe it's Howards current book.

Bob Webster in San Antonio is a good too. Both have radio programs on the weekends I like to tune into.

Bob
http://www.ktsa.com/shows/bob-webster/

Howard
http://660amtheanswer.com/ < Sundays 8-11am
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/17 01:46 AM

Thanks guys , I will get the book asap . I'm sure il have a thousand more questions .

Derek when you said black cow manure , does that mean fresh? I have plenty of that a chicken poo lying around
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/17 01:56 AM

trlrman my Mammoths are killing it. They're about 4' tall or so. I let them go and haven't watered them in weeks. I just let them go. Had lots of penos go to red, I was being lazy. I probably had about the same amount as you that I let spoil per say. This was about 2 weeks ago.

I trimmed all the reds off and watered deep and they took off again. I'm covered up in blooms and small penos. This was prior to last nights 2" rain. Should be a good fall crop.

I took a couple pics, but since I did the new iphone update I'm getting the You can only upload jpg or png formats and not letting me post pics for some reason.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/17 02:01 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Thanks guys , I will get the book asap . I'm sure il have a thousand more questions .

Derek when you said black cow manure , does that mean fresh? I have plenty of that a chicken poo lying around


That's the brand. And it's cow with a K. Black Kow The box stores will have it in spring. They might have it now. Fresh cow and chicken poo is too fresh. If you have that you should look into starting a compost pile and making your own compost which would be awesome.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/17 03:42 AM

I live about 10 miles from the Black Kow place and get it in bulk, good stuff!
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/17 01:38 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Looking good sir !
Came back from a weekend at the lake and the peppers and maters looked to be in full swing.
Ghost ,habanero and fall tomatoes getting with it !


when did you plant those tomatoes?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/17 09:30 PM

very late july or 1st part of august Butch . I cheat i pull suckers off my existing plants and get them rooted . Sometimes they have almost ripe fruit when I put them in the ground.look back on page 145 at some I planted with large fruit on a 16" tall plant in march this year.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/06/17 12:14 PM

wow
genius
so a sucker, would be a nice healthy branch growing off of the stalk, or growing off ofanother branch?
i couldn't find the picture on 145 though
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/06/17 12:40 PM

sucker's grow between branch and main stem . down at the bottom of 145 ,3/19/17 @ 8:17 pm
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/06/17 03:02 PM

thanks
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/06/17 03:48 PM

this is the 4th set of plants to come from the mother plants. sounds kinda hillbilly huh ?
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/06/17 06:18 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
this is the 4th set of plants to come from the mother plants. sounds kinda hillbilly huh ?


yes
but nothing wrong with that
thats an amazing skill
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/06/17 11:40 PM

another basket of goodness.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/07/17 01:45 AM

what do you do with all that?
can?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/07/17 02:08 AM

Yes sir as well as dehydrate and powder,plus know lots of folks that enjoy fresh and can also.
Posted By: CALIFORNIA KID

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/15/17 01:31 PM

The past two years I've been growing purple hull peas in a 50 sqft raised bed for the sake of seeing how much dry weight I can produce. My crop this year was 1lb 10 oz and the quality was so so. I conducted an experiment right after those plants were done by planting Black Eye peas in the same bed on 7/29/17. I finished harvesting dry beans from those plants by the first week of October. I threshed the beans yesterday and had a finished weight of 2lbs 11oz with excellent quality. I am stoked that my experiment worked out, especially planting during the hottest part of the year. Plus, gaining a better understanding of how much land it truly takes to grow enough food to feed a family is sobering. I just wanted to share my success story. Love seeing all the pics of your harvests, keep them coming.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/17 05:52 PM

ONIONS...ship from Dixondale Farms on 11/13...Farmers Almanac says 1st planting date for onions is 12/4-5...that's 3 weeks~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/17 11:01 PM



Going to try a little hoop greenhouse over the peppers this year to free up space in the regular greenhouse
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/17 11:03 PM

What's going on with the phone trying to post pic.S ?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/17 09:10 PM


hoop house in the making
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/30/17 12:02 AM



Hoop house was a epic fail ? But did do candied peppers ,3 jalapeo &habanero and 1 ghost just for kicks
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/30/17 09:08 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman


Hoop house was a epic fail ? But did do candied peppers ,3 jalapeo &habanero and 1 ghost just for kicks


funny
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/04/17 05:40 PM

i planted cauliflower and garlic today...have cabbage / broccoli lookin' good...it'll be onion plantin' time Dec 4th
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/05/17 04:03 PM

Can you share where you get the Black Kow in bulk. I have been using the bags in my planters for several years with outstanding results. I am about to make a bunch more planters and bulk would be great!
TIA
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/05/17 05:43 PM




Pulled some suckers last week they are already rooting so put some in some dwc buckets
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/09/17 09:09 PM

Rain causing

some cracking in my larger fall tomatoes ! Having to pull sooner than I wanted to.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/17 01:13 AM

i planted broccoli in late Aug/early Sept...beautiful plants...no head...what happened...crapy soil???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/17 01:44 AM

You're only about 12 weeks in. I'd give them another 3-4 if the plants are looking good. Specially if you started them from seed.

On a side note. When do you plant your onions?
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/17 02:37 AM

Anyone do the green manure thing? I have a nice stand of rye grass in the garden right now. Tried hairy vetch once
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/17 05:02 AM

Red or white clover is better .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/17 01:06 PM

When do you plant your onions?

as soon as i can get them and on a day the Farmers Almanac says to plant them...Monday, 12/4, is when i was going to plant but the feed store doesn't have Texas Legends yet...Dixondale Farms has a 10/20/10 mix that i use at planting, then 21/0/0 every 3 weeks...
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/17 04:44 PM

24 days later and already blooming .
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/02/17 01:31 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
When do you plant your onions?

as soon as i can get them and on a day the Farmers Almanac says to plant them...Monday, 12/4, is when i was going to plant but the feed store doesn't have Texas Legends yet...Dixondale Farms has a 10/20/10 mix that i use at planting, then 21/0/0 every 3 weeks...
Got mine in the mail today, will plant Sunday.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/02/17 01:05 PM

Farmers Almanac
December 4th - 5th
Start seedbeds and flower gardens. Good days for transplanting. Most favorable days for planting beets, onions, turnips, and other root crops where climate allows.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/06/17 04:46 PM

just ordered a case of the texas legend from dixondale should ship on 12/11 . So anybody in the weatherford /west ft.worth area needs any you can come to weatherford and get them at case pricing . No way I can use 30 bunch's but I was not willing to pay half case price for what I needed.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/07/17 03:25 PM

sorry should have added that should put them at $3.00 a bunch maybe less vs the 11.00 off the website
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/11/17 03:16 PM

are you supposed to prune Lantana bushes?
freeze got mine
i have trimmed them & left them alone
wich is the proper procedure?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/11/17 03:56 PM

Prune them way back. Almost to the ground with just a few inches exposed.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/11/17 05:30 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Prune them way back. Almost to the ground with just a few inches exposed.


thanks
so really every perineal should be trimmed?
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/12/17 01:52 PM

Once it's been frozen and limbs are damaged, yes.

I have left the bigger strands of lantanas that didn't get frozen in the past.....but it just gets too leggy the next season for the spot I have them. You will see the ones that are still alive once you start cutting. For sure trim the dead stuff.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/12/17 10:04 PM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Prune them way back. Almost to the ground with just a few inches exposed.


thanks
so really every perineal should be trimmed?


Lantana and Butterfly bushes , yes .

Azaleas , Rhododendrons , Hollies , etc. only a light trim (if any) .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/14/17 09:06 PM

texas legends are in 2.70 per bunch picked up in weatherford .
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/15/17 01:53 PM

Should I stick with my soaker hoses or go with this on my new raised bed garden?

http://www.rainbird.com/homeowner/products/drip/GardenersDripKit.htm
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/15/17 03:33 PM

Use the drip
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/17/17 04:57 PM

soaker hose...i bought 2 of these...don't like emitters every so-many-inches apart

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0R6WLE/ref...la-307823565559
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/17/17 10:30 PM

Depends on what your planting and how many.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/17/17 10:33 PM


Put a little in the ground this morning .Couple more weeks and sugar snaps will go in.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/18/17 12:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Should I stick with my soaker hoses or go with this on my new raised bed garden?

http://www.rainbird.com/homeowner/products/drip/GardenersDripKit.htm





Soaker hoses are better than the old sprinklers because they keep the water down near the roots and away from the leaves of the plant . They also water every square inch of ground they rest on . If your plants are close together , no big deal but if you have standard garden rows there's a lot of water going to the weeds .

Drip systems rock . You can pinpoint each individual plant with drippers that are rated by gallons per hour . They're more expensive and take some time to set up but they're well worth it (IMO) .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/18/17 03:53 PM

Texas Legends i presume...how many bunches is that...???

my feed store isn't getting them in until this week...next plant day for onions is Jan 3rd...

do you side dress them with 21-0-0 every 3 weeks???

Originally Posted By: trlrman

Put a little in the ground this morning .Couple more weeks and sugar snaps will go in.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/18/17 04:09 PM

6 bunch's ,Yes I will be side dressing them .Even with a raised bed my back is still stiff this morning !LOL got 1 row close to the side so they will be my "eaters". If my math is right 768 Legend's in dirt.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/18/17 06:18 PM

6 bunches / 768 onions they put a few more than 60/bunch in your order...maybe i better not buy 9 bunches to plant~~~!!!~~~

are those 32 ft raised beds???
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/18/17 06:33 PM

yes sir 32ft , their were a lot of little bitty 1's but I figure they will grow too ! I guess getting a case I should have cherry picked the best 1's but I reckon I have extras if this cold coming in next week bites them before they get a good start.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/21/17 12:17 AM

mighta bought 2 many bunches of Texas Legends (9)...guess i'll plant a 4x8 section of my raised bed solid onions...i also have 2 - 32 ft raised beds in 8 ft sections that will have 3 rows...got it figured to use around 660 ... i'll plant the goodest ones 1st



Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/21/17 01:54 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Depends on what your planting and how many.


Raised bed, 10' long by 5' wide. One bed for now. This is a new bed, new yard, new everything. I wanna do it right this time.

I will be adding more rows later on. I will have two rows of plants in that 5 foot bed. I transplanted my asparagus in one side.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/21/17 02:07 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
mighta bought 2 many bunches of Texas Legends (9)...guess i'll plant a 4x8 section of my raised bed solid onions...i also have 2 - 32 ft raised beds in 8 ft sections that will have 3 rows...got it figured to use around 660 ... i'll plant the goodest ones 1st



Lynn if you are going to plant all them at 1 time double up on the aleve !
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/21/17 02:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: trlrman
Depends on what your planting and how many.


Raised bed, 10' long by 5' wide. One bed for now. This is a new bed, new yard, new everything. I wanna do it right this time.

I will be adding more rows later on. I will have two rows of plants in that 5 foot bed. I transplanted my asparagus in one side.
In that case a soaker if it had been 3 of 1 and 2 of another then I would say drip , with rows soakers are easy to pull for weeding and care.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/21/17 02:15 PM

yep, 800mg ibuprofen...i made this little contraption to assist in planting...it makes the holes and all i do is drop the onion in the hole then water it in...after multiple decades of gardening, i make it a easy on myself as i can

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/21/17 02:24 PM

and I thought I was uptown with my dowel rod w/4 in marks . I can see 1 of those in my near future !!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/21/17 02:35 PM

it's a 2 ft board with holes on 4 inch centers...i use it for beans/peas/etc...i'm just a little OCD
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/24/17 02:02 AM

just 1 - 32 ft row and 2 - 24 ft rows left


Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/28/17 01:27 AM

What pickling cucumber verity do y'all like? I used H-19 Little Leaf last year. They did ok but I'm looking for something else. I prefer the smaller cukes not the large slicers.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/28/17 02:07 AM

i've grown these for years...make an icebox pickle with my Texas Legend onions...keeps a long time and is a good mix of cukes/onions

http://www.burpee.com/vegetables/cucumbers/cucumber-sweeter-yet-hybrid-prod000705.html
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/29/17 04:07 PM

I prefer the drip lines. The soaker hoses I tried would clog up over time, might be minerals in the water here. I'd think drip lines would be way cheaper as well. I ran 1/2" irrigation tubing across the uphill end of all my rows, then connected the 1/4" drip tubing into that hose. Works pretty well.

You can even get some small valves that let you turn off the flow to specific drip lines if that row isn't planted.

Good luck!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/29/17 07:24 PM

do yawl mulch your onions???...i did since it's posta be under freezing for a couple of days...however, i have had them freeze back to the ground and thinking they were dead, i replanted over them...had a double crop...onions are tuffffffffffffff...gonna wait and plant the other 6 bunches Jan 7-11 according to Farmers Almanac
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/17 01:39 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
do yawl mulch your onions???...i did since it's posta be under freezing for a couple of days...however, i have had them freeze back to the ground and thinking they were dead, i replanted over them...had a double crop...onions are tuffffffffffffff...gonna wait and plant the other 6 bunches Jan 7-11 according to Farmers Almanac


What do you side dress with?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/17 02:11 AM

when i 1st plant the onions, i use the Dixondale Farms 10-20-10 fertilizer...only at planting...then 21-0-0 every 3 weeks until they start to bulb...check out their website directions below

http://www.dixondalefarms.com/onionguide
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/17 03:41 PM

well I read where if the onions are hydrated enough (the article said properly hydrated ?) they should be ok in the freezing weather so .... I am turning the soakers on when I get home and hope for the best.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/17 03:52 PM

correct...i watered mine also, but covered it with dang pine needles for the heck of it...they'll b ok...did u sell the rest of the box u bought???
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/17 07:43 PM

I have given away 5.bunch'S still have the rest good backup I guess
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/17 09:56 PM

let's see...30 bunches per box...6 planted...5 giveaways...19 left???...u better build a few more raised beds
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/31/17 03:45 AM

Might be able to put 9-10 bunch'S where my okra goes ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/31/17 01:24 PM

onions will be done by May...come behind them with okra...they like it HOT anyway...have u ever tried red/burgundy okra...the plant is beautiful and it doesn't itch when you pick it and it doesn't get tough...i plant ONE plant and space them 5 ft apart...they grow like trees...in the fall, i had to cut the base with a tree saw because it was 6-8 inches in diameter

my garden in Crockett about 10 yrs ago...my dog Dash...i sure miss him



close-up view

https://www.bonanza.com/listings/RED-OKR...CyABEgK9wPD_BwE
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/01/18 03:41 AM

thats beautiful
where are all the weeds?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/01/18 10:25 PM

Sugar snaps.are.in . Frozen beds are tuff to till ! I think there will be enough room for a couple more bunch's of onions in that bed .
Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/07/18 03:45 PM

I checked 2 places (feed stores and nurseries) in our area last week and asked about onions and they almost laughed me out of the store. They said they never get onions in until around the end of Jan to mid-Feb and if I could find and plant them now, they wouldn't make it. Anyway, I guess I'll have to wait. In the meantime, I did start out my tomato plants from seeds in the house 2 weeks ago and they are already up and about 3" tall. 11 Plants (12th one hasn't come up yet so I will probably drop a couple more seeds in there).
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/07/18 04:53 PM

ha...me and trlrman have'm n the ground in Dec...if i can get'm in November (the first shipping date for Dixondale Farms) i put'm n the ground...yes, they "mite" freeze back a little but the only time mine did, they came back from the root...those folks know nuthin' about onion gardenin', huh trlrman...???

planted 12/23/17



planted 11.27.15...this is the crop that i harvested the 16 1/2" circumference onion and about 50 that were over15"

Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/07/18 05:00 PM

Kind of depends on where you live doesn't it?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/07/18 05:06 PM

didn't matter to me...Texas is the only place i've lived...Dixondale Farms ships onions the 1st Monday in November...
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/07/18 11:19 PM

Mine are not near a perky as before the hard freeze but looks like we're good to go !
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/09/18 12:49 AM

I planted my onions the 2nd week of December, they are all about 8-10 tall now.

From what I know about growing onions, you should plant them 6 weeks or so before your last average frost, so I was definitely early by that measure, but oh well. Im only about 80 miles north of the winter garden, so I cant be too early.

My in laws live about 10 miles from the Dixondale office/ packing warehouse, and they have onions that already have golf ball sized bulbs
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/09/18 10:29 PM

My nursery said they will have onions in tomorrow or Thursday. I didn't ask but I assume they are Dixondale since that's what they carried last year. Now I got to get a couple beds built and ready. woot
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/09/18 11:24 PM

try some Texas Legends if you haven't before...tomorrow/Thursday are good plant days according to Farmers Almanac...i'm plantin'm
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/10/18 12:02 AM

I'll ask when I get them which DD's they are. Hopefully they are T/L's. This is my first year really trying to grow onions. Do you think a 6" raised bed is good enough for onions?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/10/18 12:21 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I'll ask when I get them which DD's they are. Hopefully they are T/L's. This is my first year really trying to grow onions. Do you think a 6" raised bed is good enough for onions?


That's plenty. Their roots are more spreading than deep. Just make sure that you have a barrier of some sort between the soil of the raised bed and the existing topsoil, as all of the nutrients and organic deliciousness will leach out of the bed soil.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/10/18 12:24 AM

fertilize them with 21-0-0 every 3 weeks until early March when they start to bulb...and water/water/water
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/10/18 12:31 AM

In lieu of 21-0-0, use that secret magic potion fertilizer that you and I use. Brand name is the same as the formerly empty lake just northwest of San antonio
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/10/18 09:44 PM

got the rest of my onions in today...around 650+/-

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/18 12:37 AM

Yes sir ! Looks like your flush with onions !What cha got between them and cabbage ? Or is that coliflower ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/18 01:40 PM

nothing between the rows on the right...yet...on the left, cabbage/broccoli/carrots...down at the end cauliflower...still not happy with the soil...adding cow-poo compost as i go...added 2 more soaker hoses to get a better water coverage...i luv gardenin' and playin' n the dirt
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/18 01:45 PM

http://www.dixondalefarms.com/onionguide

I went all in with 2 bundles of Legends. Is this the standard protocol for planting?

What I have done in the past didn't work out well....golf ball size and smaller isn't what I want. smile
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/18 02:12 PM

it's worked for me for the past decades +...watering and side dressing with 21-0-0 seems to be the key...however, i have added the initial fertilizing with Dixondale Farms 10-20-10 the past few years and it seems to give the onions a BIG boost in the beginning...only use it at planting...1/2 cup per 10 ft...we'll see what happens this year...every gardening year provides different result...


part of 2016 production...best year ever


Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/18 02:42 PM

21-0-0 and 10-20-10 are synthetic fertilizers. Feeding that to plants is like a human trying to live on a diet of nothing but snickers bars... provides an immediate boost of energy but provides nothing in the way of actual nutrients.

Dixondale recommends those fertilizer analyses of fertilizer because they are a commercial grower and they try to grow the largest onions possible with the lowest possible chemical costs. Nothing against Bruce, hes a friend of my in laws, but what he is doing isnt good for the environment, his soil, or the consumer.

Medina soil activator and hasta grow are much mo betta
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/18 11:41 PM

Soil samples sent to TAMU this week.

Got a tiller motor to replace next. Praying a predator will match the old Briggs motor. It should.

H19 cucumbers have been sowed. First year doing them. Derek sent me a bag last year. These were developed and released by the University of Arkansas in 1991. Plants produce fruit under stress and without pollinators, guaranteeing high yields. Parthenocarpic 3-4" fruit. We'll see.

I'll start the tomatoes in 3 weeks.

Hung a grow light from the aquaphonics garden to give them more light. May have to hang another on the middle shelf later and add a fan to that window.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/18 12:58 AM

I liked the H19. I made a bumper crop of pickles with them last year and only planted 3 plants. I sprayed them down with whatever milk was left over that the kids didn't drink about every other week. Around a ratio of 1/2 quart or so of milk to a gallon of water and once a month I would add 1/2 tablespoon of backing soda. Kept the powdery mildew in check.

I decided this year since I'm limited on space that I'm going to grow more peppers and no cucumbers. Tabasco and Cayenne seed I bought. I want to make some batches of "Louisiana" style sauces. Also bought some Shishito seeds. Never had one but they are supposed to be a good roasted eating pepper.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/18 01:37 PM

I don't see anyone talking about potatoes? I have enjoyed growing them the last 2 years. Easy enough. Got my taters ready and waiting to seed now. Yukon and Reds. I just mix them all up in the same bed.

I got a new plot now, so I need to build my tater bed in the next week. Times a tickin!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/18 01:56 PM

i used 2 plant mine in the dark of the moon in Feb, but they got frost nipped, so now i wait till March...fresh taters and green beans...YUM
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/18 07:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
I don't see anyone talking about potatoes? I have enjoyed growing them the last 2 years. Easy enough. Got my taters ready and waiting to seed now. Yukon and Reds. I just mix them all up in the same bed.

I got a new plot now, so I need to build my tater bed in the next week. Times a tickin!


I don't grow them but all the Czechs here do. They cut the potatoes then dip them in wood ash prior to planting. Something about it helps seal the cut and doesn't allow it to rot and or get disease or something. noidea But everyone of them I know that grows taters do it and always have great crops.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/18 08:31 PM

I dip mine (powder them) in Sulfer for that reason. Per the local feed stores suggestions.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/18 08:36 PM

i buy the smallest taters i can find and plant them whole...no cutting...no worries
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/18 03:41 PM

Are you guys that have onions in the ground covering them through these cold spells? Planting today and deciding to mulch or not.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/18 03:42 PM

i did when it was freezing cold during the day, but if it gets in the 40's, i don't...keep'm watered...dry freeze hurts...but mulching never hurts
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/18 04:59 PM

Hey crapyetr, is today a good planting day according to the almanac? It's more about having time and when the ground is not muddy for me, just curious.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/18 05:33 PM

Sunday 14th / Monday 15th for root crops...

mud don't hurt nuthin'...stik'm n the mud

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/gardening/#2018-01-14
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/15/18 12:11 AM

Got the onions planted, mostly Texas Legend with some Creole and Granex too.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/15/18 09:56 PM

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/18 12:17 AM

nice...what's happenin' at the end of the row...digging a trench to water???
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/18 12:37 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
nice...what's happenin' at the end of the row...digging a trench to water???


She was going by the Dixondale directions on putting fertilizer in a trench.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/18 01:17 AM

Nice work Hancock. Looks good.

Got 4 straightneck and 4 black beauties started. I'll do several more in 2 weeks.

Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/18 03:59 AM

Is that Black Beauty an heirloom variety?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/18 04:26 PM

I figure I'm going to start my seeds indoors Fed 3rd. That's 6 weeks before March 17th which is about the last avg freeze date. I'll probably get antsy and start them next week though. smile
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/18 04:39 PM

per Farmers Almanac

17th - 18th
A good time to kill plant pests or do plowing. Poor for planting

19th - 21st
Extra good for peppers, tomatoes, peas, and other vine crops. Fine for planting any aboveground crop where the climate permits.

22nd - 23rd
Barren days, do no planting.


24th - 25th
Fine for planting beans, peppers, cucumbers, melons, and other aboveground crops where climate is suitable.

26th - 27th
Poor days for planting, seeds tend to rot in ground.


28th - 29th
Plant seedbeds and flower gardens. Best planting days for aboveground crops, especially peas, beans, cucumbers, and squash where climate is suitable.

30th - 31st
A barren time.
Best for killing weeds, briars, poison ivy, and other plant pests. Clear wood lots and fencerows.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 12:29 AM

Mulched the heck out of the onions, we'll see how they handle 12 degrees.
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 01:54 AM

Just FYI, you can get Texas Legend onions at Dennis' feed store in Denton. Haven't been able to find them anywhere else and didn't want to pay the online price at Dixondales.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 02:39 AM

Originally Posted By: CaptainCrunch
Just FYI, you can get Texas Legend onions at Dennis' feed store in Denton. Haven't been able to find them anywhere else and didn't want to pay the online price at Dixondales.


Same on the online prices.I bought mine today. My nursery only had the DDF 1015Y's and Creole. So that's what I bought.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 03:41 PM

here is the wholesalers order form...take it to the feed store and if they order by Wednesday, they'll ship next week

Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 04:16 PM

Bunches go down to around $6 when you get 4
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 05:34 PM

So Derek, El Coyote, tell me your fertilizer potion since you guys are against the dixondale protocol.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 07:17 PM

Im not against the Dixondale protocol. Its just not the approach to gardening that I take. My beds are prepped with soil, compost, shredded grass/leaf clippings, cotton seed meal, soybean meal, lava sand, corn meal, Texas greensand and alfalfa pellets. I do an initial deep watering of Garrett Juice Pro, Medina Soil Activator, Fish Emulsion. I put a palm full of Epson salt in the hole when I plant. I have an inline fertilizer for deep watering, and I spray the plants down every other week with milk, Garrett juice pro and dissolved Epson salt. I might change things up here and there but that is the mainstay.

I dont cater to any one type of plant. I do the same thing to all of them. I am more or less looking at feeding the soil and the microbes and having a lot of biodiversity going on in the soil. Its the approach Ive used for years and always get great results.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 07:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I am more or less looking at feeding the soil and the microbes and having a lot of biodiversity going on in the soil.


Bingo! Looking at getting a barrel and keeping some compost tea going this year.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 08:08 PM

I make some alfalfa/corn meal teas. I bought a pretty big aquarium pump and supplies to make compost tea this year.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 08:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I make some alfalfa/corn meal teas. I bought a pretty big aquarium pump and supplies to make compost tea this year.


More info , please .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 08:32 PM

alfalfa/corn meal teas...HOW???...what proportion...???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/18 09:08 PM

It's very simple. I use a couple cups of alfalfa pellets and a couple cups of whole ground cornmeal. Get the cornmeal from the feed store it's much cheaper there. I just put the pellets in a 5gal bucket, but I put the corn meal in panty hose because it's so fine and makes it easier to strain later. Fill the bucket up with water and put a lid on. Let it sit about 7-10 days. Careful when you open the lid. The smell is powerful. I then get a real fine paint strainer and pour the tea through it into another bucket. I then use it as a ground drench to water and/or as spray.

Spread out the strained alfafa bits in the garden, flower beds etc.. It's basically alfalfa meal at that point.

I'm not a rose plant guy. But when I was reading up on Alfalfa teas in the past it seems lots of people use it on their roses with really good results.

The cornmeal is optional. I just like using it because it has antifungal properties.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/18 12:52 AM

hey Derek, what's the difference in melting the alfalfa pellets in a bucket of water and pouring the juice on the ground and just spreading the pellets on top of the ground and working it in the soil???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/18 01:32 AM

Pellets breakdown slowly. Once they kinda swell up and burst they are turning into Alfalfa meal and the breakdown process continues. But you have to be careful with mixing pellets into the soil. When they swell and burst turning into meal they put off a lot of heat and can burn tender non established roots. It's best used as a top dressing. I tend to stick to 10lbs per 1000sq feet ratio with pellets. Some things like corn meal, soybean, cotton meal more is better. But Alf less is better in the pellet/meal form.

The tea pretty much eliminates the hotness since it uses all it's energy per say in the bucket. Leaving all the good stuff in the water. Plus alf is naturally high in sugar and microbes, good fungi, etc love sugar so the liquid gives them a quick easy feeding.

A lot of people will add sugars, yeast and other stuff to teas mixes and add an aquarium pump to it to really get it active and rocking. The aerated teas is my main experiment planned for this year.

I don't grow weed but I tend to read the weed growers forums when I'm searching around for formulas and techniques. They use a similar approach that I do and those people know their soil and what to feed it and all that mess.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/18 12:40 AM

RIP lil' onions. crying
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/18 12:47 AM

Don't give up on them for at least a couple weeks they may surprise you. Just for grin'S I dropped 1 in my tube setup check out the root growth in a couple or 3 weeks !
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/18 12:53 AM



Ghost and habanero starters and tomatoes on the grow t5 lights work for me .
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/18 12:57 AM

Nice setup! Did you build that? Might have to try feeding the plants Shiner
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/18 01:18 AM

Originally Posted By: Hancock
RIP lil' onions. crying


i had some freeze back to the ground...thought they were gone...replanted...then had a double crop...just burned the tops back to ground level...

i haven't looked at mine yet
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/18 01:30 AM

The tops went white and kind of shriveled.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/18 03:35 AM

Looking at seeds. What varieties of tomatoes do best in Texas?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/18 01:26 PM

i buy Porter plants...they are a variety that came from Stephenville...non-acidic...will live thru the summer and produce until frost

other guys can give you more info of other varieties
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/18 02:19 PM

I did Improved Porters last year per crapyetr's recommendation and they did awesome. Great flavor too. I also did Tycoon and they did good too. This year I'm doing Improved Porter and Cherokee Purple.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/18 11:40 PM

b4 the freeze...planted the outside rows on 1/10

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
got the rest of my onions in today...around 650+/-




after the freeze...took off the pine needle mulch...they'd ben n the ground only 5 days...u can barely see the onions i planted but they're green and good 2 go...

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/18 12:06 AM

Worked a half yard of chicken [censored], topsoil, and compost into the gardens. I have more to add. eeks

Sowed more. About half done I think. Getting sprouts already too. breakdance




Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/18 02:46 AM

Onions went in the ground today.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 12:57 AM

I cant grow an onion to save my life. Its mind boggling.

I tilled once a few days ago smile Got 2 more tours to do.

TAMU said the soil results will come in on Friday or Monday. Hoping for Friday.

Sowed everything except peas and beans. Not sure when I'll do those.

Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 01:27 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Worked a half yard of chicken [censored], topsoil, and compost into the gardens. I have more to add. eeks

Sowed more. About half done I think. Getting sprouts already too. breakdance





Are those sweet pickles or dill??
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 01:39 AM

Cucumbers blush
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 02:58 AM

Got onions in the ground. Got tomato, squash, and pepper seeds started. One of the two grow tanks.


Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 01:40 PM

Are you using regular soil to start seeds?

Or Seed Starter soil?

Or some you made?

I have some leftovers from my bonsai sifting.....perlite, oil dry and organic material. Its the finer particles not used in bonsai. They say it's good seed starter or cutting starter.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 02:30 PM

I use the Jiffy seed starter mix 12qt bag. In a 5 gal bucket I put in a little Garrett Juice and fish emulsion. I add about 1/2 gallon of water then pour in the bag of Jiffy and mix. Then add water as needed to get it kinda muddy buy not runny type of mud. Those are 12oz. cups and 1 bag mixed up filled 16 or 17 cups.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 03:21 PM

what kind of "grow light" is best for starting seeds???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 04:02 PM

I used CFL 6500K Daylight. I don't remember if it's 60 or 100 watts, but I'll look tonight. When I was looking into lighting the light nerds talk about all types of technical stuff. Red waves, blues waves blah freaking blah. But the more I looked around the more recommendations I saw if starting seeds and moving the outdoors later was to go with CFL 6500K so that's what I went with last year. It worked great. It's like $3 per bulb and can be bought just about anywhere. I got mine at HEB.

I have my lights on a timer and they run 15 hours a days.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 04:52 PM

Dixondale sent me some tips on onions in freezing temps. I asked them how you determine to replant after a hard freeze.
Quote:

Let the weather warm up, to see where you are with the planting. You may want to make sure they are watered and may want to spray them with a fungicide to help the through this last cold spell.

Once the weather warms up and you have given the plants a few days to catch back up, pull a couple of the plants. You want to cut down the middle from top to bottom. Let the plant fall open, you are looking to see if you have a green leaf start. If you do have a green leaf start the plants should be fine. If the bulb is mushy then the plant has died.

Be sure when having a cold spell that you are able to water the onions in very well and put out and cover with mulching, straw, dead leaves. Anything to help the plants. I hope this helped somewhat.
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 07:09 PM

That's helpful. Mine have always come back, but never quite sure it was going to happen.
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 07:27 PM

These suckers have shot up like crazy. When do I transfer them to something else?

Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/18 08:17 PM

Now. You need to get them closer to the light to avoid them stretching like trey are
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/25/18 04:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Bruce's Guide Service
Now. You need to get them closer to the light to avoid them stretching like trey are


^This. Your lighting is not good. They are stretching/legging way too much.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/26/18 04:46 PM

Should all the spring and summer crops be started from seed now? I'm done with Bonnie Plants 2 years ago.

Squash, jalapenos, ect?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/26/18 05:21 PM

Yes. Longview's avg last frost date is March 17th. Which is 7 weeks from tomorrow. I'll look at the 7 day forecast on March 9th and see how it looks if not good I'll look again on the 16th. I'll either transplant on the 10th or 17th most likely.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/26/18 05:25 PM

don't fergit 2 ck the Farmers Almanac 2 c what days to plant

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/gardening/
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/26/18 05:41 PM

Thanks! Gonna go grab some seeds today and get them planted in the window (with extra lights of course).
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/27/18 10:57 PM

TUMA results aren't in yet still. Bummer.

Everything has been started. Early.

Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/27/18 11:11 PM

Is that your chicken watching chair outside?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/27/18 11:15 PM

Got all my seeds started today. Kicked the tortoises outside and converted their habitat into a grow house.


Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/18 01:13 PM

I am starting some new raised beds for veggies.....

What should I use to fill it? Native soil mixed with what? I hear so many options. Just curious what you use.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/18 01:48 PM

i'm a fan of FRESH mushroom compost...
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/18 04:02 PM

grow light question...

how long do you leave them on...my wife doesn't want me to leave them on at night...i disagree, but she's gonna win
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/18 05:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
I am starting some new raised beds for veggies.....

What should I use to fill it? Native soil mixed with what? I hear so many options. Just curious what you use.


I use a mixture of native, compost (mushroom if you can find it) and black kow manure.

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
grow light question...

how long do you leave them on...my wife doesn't want me to leave them on at night...i disagree, but she's gonna win


I run mine from 7a-9p.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/18 06:12 PM

thanks Derek...u and my wife win...
just watered my onions...all things considered, they look pertygud...
do u grow the Porter maters from seed or buy the plants???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/18 06:22 PM

A lot of recommendations I see on lights is 16 hours on and 8 hours of dark so you could easily run another couple hours if you wanted.

I plant my Porters from seed. I started them Tuesday night and 3 of the 4 have already germinated.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/18 06:38 PM

where'd you get the seeds???...i have a classmate of '68 that lives in Stephenville where they originated...hopefully he'll send me sumore
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/18 06:57 PM

Reimer Seeds

http://www.reimerseeds.com/porter-improved-tomato.aspx
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/18 01:27 PM

Thanks ya'll!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/18 06:40 PM

1 - 8 ft row pulled...3 to go later

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/18 02:04 AM

Those look great! Nice color too.
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 01:41 AM

What variety are those carrots?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 02:18 AM

Originally Posted By: CaptainCrunch
What variety are those carrots?


Burpee A#1 Hybrid
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 03:28 AM



Bunch of Baby Ghost, soaked in room temperature green tea for 24 hours. Fastest they've ever sprouted!
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 02:33 PM

What is the reasoning behind the green tea?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 02:46 PM

green tea like we drink or a homemade brew for plants???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 02:53 PM

I've only had one tabasco and one cayenne plant out of 6 sprout so far. 13 days today. But I didn't soak the seed. I put some seeds to soak yesterday and will replant tonight.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 02:55 PM

soak in what???...i've only soaked okra seed to soften...do you soak all seeds...???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 03:12 PM

I typically always soak mine in watered down Garrett Juice from 8-24 hours. This year I got in a rush and just sowed them direct in the dirt cups and mostly no issues. Everything has sprouted 100% except the hot peppers.

Green tea is a first for me hearing it used a soak. But I've seen people soak them in hydrogen Peroxide for 10 minutes to kill of any pathogens, people just soaking in water, etc. Lots of different formulas/methods.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 06:02 PM

Im having germination issues. Only 1 okra seed so far. All of my squash, gourds, watermelon, and tomatoes have popped, but only 1 okra. I have the sadz.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 06:35 PM

too early for okra...they like HOT weather...did u soak'm...???...tuff/hard seeds
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/18 07:03 PM

Nice carrots crapyetr.

Looks like I may need to transplant the black beauties. They were first to be started.

Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/18 12:32 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
too early for okra...they like HOT weather...did u soak'm...???...tuff/hard seeds


I know they like it hot. Down here south of I-10, we will be in the 90* range soon enough. I did soak them overnight prior to potting them. I'm just impatient and want to have okra as early as possible.
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/18 02:19 AM

Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
What is the reasoning behind the green tea?
Originally Posted By: crapyetr
green tea like we drink or a homemade brew for plants???


Too soften the shell



Yes Sir, tea for drinkin..
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/18 02:43 AM

Sweet or unsweetened ?
Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/18 02:52 AM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
I typically always soak mine in watered down Garrett Juice from 8-24 hours. This year I got in a rush and just sowed them direct in the dirt cups and mostly no issues. Everything has sprouted 100% except the hot peppers.

Green tea is a first for me hearing it used a soak. But I've seen people soak them in hydrogen Peroxide for 10 minutes to kill of any pathogens, people just soaking in water, etc. Lots of different formulas/methods.


I Lied!

[Linked Image]

Posted By: Magged Out

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/18 02:53 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Sweet or unsweetened ?


hammer I knew that was coming

Unsweet
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/18 11:24 AM

LOL, gomabseubnida!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/18 08:48 PM

round 2 of 4

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 01:57 AM

Hey guys , I got my 15x30 garden tilled down 10" or so a few weeks ago and now im going to get compost monday to till in again. How many yards would you recommend I get?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 02:32 AM

i go with 8 considering 6 inches of compost...15 x 30 x.5 = 225 / 27 cu ft per yard = 8
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 02:47 AM

Online compost calculators show mixing in 4" of compost would be 5 yards for 450sq feet to mix with native soil. 6" would be best.

Personally to that I would add

40lbs lava sand
40lbs Dry Molasses
40lbs of Greensand
40lbs of Horticulture corn meal
40lbs of Expanded Shale
Some Azomite would be a real nice added bonus.

Those are +/- depending on what size bag you can find local. All pretty cheap. And again this is just my method on amendments, but it will give you some pretty kick a** soil imo.

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 02:48 AM

Thanks guys , Derek can I find all the stuff above at a local feed store?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 03:04 AM

Maybe. They should have the corn meal and molasses. If it's an awesome feed store like Boyce Feed in Hachie they would pretty much have all of it. You'll have to make some calls.

Good Natured packages most of what I listed even though most of it is not listed on their site. Give them a call and they will tell you who your local dealer is.
www.goodnaturedforall.com

Garden Variety shows pretty much all their packages.
https://www.gardenvarietyorganics.com
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 03:07 AM

Thanks again
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 01:40 PM

Online compost calculators show mixing in 4" of compost would be 5 yards for 450sq feet to mix with native soil. 6" would be best.

hey, i was close...4"/5yds = 6"/?yds...= 7.5...round up to 8...
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 04:52 PM

Use this formula:

Square footage X depth (as a percentage of a foot... 6" = .5, 4" = .333, 3" = .25). Divide that by 27 and you have your cubic yardage.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 06:33 PM

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
Originally Posted By: crapyetr
too early for okra...they like HOT weather...did u soak'm...???...tuff/hard seeds


I know they like it hot. Down here south of I-10, we will be in the 90* range soon enough. I did soak them overnight prior to potting them. I'm just impatient and want to have okra as early as possible.


You can try using a knife or nail file to make a small nick in the shell but you're still gonna need to keep the sprouts warm way past Easter .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 07:02 PM

Planted yellow and red onions today as well as Chinese cabbage .

I'm kinda limited now as my garden is confined to the fenced in yard (dang hogs) so I grow everything in large pots or water troughs until I decide where to put the raised beds.

Starting Early Girls and peppers this weekend . Magged's got me beat but I'll catch up . My indoor Habs and Reapers are starting to bloom . cheers
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/18 08:38 PM

Now I understand why onions need space
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/18 05:29 PM

potato experiment in progress...planted 4 taters 2dy per Farmers Almanac instructions...then planting 4 on the 15th which is the dark of the moon...then 4 on 3/6 per FA...then 4 on 3/16 dark moon...remind me what i just told you so i can check production comparison at harvest time~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/18 05:37 PM

ok Derek, i'm sorta trying this...substituted cottonseed meal for whole ground cornmeal...hope that works...puttin' it on one row of onions every 10 days...water/meal/everything...i stir it everytime i walk by the buckit and yep, it duz stink

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
It's very simple. I use a couple cups of alfalfa pellets and a couple cups of whole ground cornmeal. Get the cornmeal from the feed store it's much cheaper there. I just put the pellets in a 5gal bucket, but I put the corn meal in panty hose because it's so fine and makes it easier to strain later. Fill the bucket up with water and put a lid on. Let it sit about 7-10 days. Careful when you open the lid. The smell is powerful. I then get a real fine paint strainer and pour the tea through it into another bucket. I then use it as a ground drench to water and/or as spray.

Spread out the strained alfafa bits in the garden, flower beds etc.. It's basically alfalfa meal at that point.

I'm not a rose plant guy. But when I was reading up on Alfalfa teas in the past it seems lots of people use it on their roses with really good results.

The cornmeal is optional. I just like using it because it has antifungal properties.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/18 03:27 PM

The cottonseed meal is a great source of nitrogen. It's a slow release nitrogen that will be available to the plants over a few months. Alfalfa is lower in nitrogen, but has trace minerals plus triaconatol a natural growth hormone.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/18 03:22 PM

Got 8 yards of compost loaded this morning at $26 a yard . Not bad
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/18 03:36 PM

Hey guys,

I'm building some raised beds this year, out of used pallets (box style).
I plan on using pallet wood for the bottoms also, with holes drilled for drainage.
Should I treat the wood with a preservative like Thompson's, to help prevent from rotting?
The boards are thicker than most pallets I see and appear to be oak.

What type of liner should I include if any?

Any pointers appreciated, 1st year going with raised beds due to limited growing/garden area.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/18 03:48 PM

how deep/tall are the sides???...i wouldn't use a bottom at all
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/18 03:57 PM

I'm thinking 4 boards up, about 16" high.

I need to add a bottom to them. The area is sloped and a lot of rain water runoff goes through there.
Will use bricks on the corners to keep them off the ground. So each bed will be totally enclosed, bottoms and sides.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/18 04:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Got 8 yards of compost loaded this morning at $26 a yard . Not bad


I had 187 yards delivered the other day. Paid $4,510.

But that was for Work, not for my garden. Well, a couple yards made it home to my garden. Most of it stayed on the jobsite.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/18 05:36 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
I'm thinking 4 boards up, about 16" high.

I need to add a bottom to them. The area is sloped and a lot of rain water runoff goes through there.
Will use bricks on the corners to keep them off the ground. So each bed will be totally enclosed, bottoms and sides.


The cheaper landscape fabric will work to keep the soil in the bed .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/18 04:05 PM

SO I got my compost tilled in yesterday . Do I go ahead and make rows now or wa it until it's closer to planting time? How much space do yall recommend between rows?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/18 04:09 PM

send us some pictures...spacing depends on what you plant
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/18 04:26 PM

I'm trying like always I can't get it to load
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/18 05:23 PM

I'll PM you my number. You can text them to me and I'll post them for you.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/18 05:32 PM

Thanks again Derek , my goal for the day is to drive the t-postal then go to tractor supply and get some no climb fencing
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/18 05:35 PM

Here is Brad's pic.




Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/18 05:58 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips

Should I treat the wood with a preservative like Thompson's, to help prevent from rotting?


Do you enjoy Thompson Water Seal in your food? If no, then the answer is no and also wonder what other chemicals those pallets have on them.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/18 09:05 PM

4'x 100' welded wire on sale at ts for$56
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/18 09:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: RipDaLips

Should I treat the wood with a preservative like Thompson's, to help prevent from rotting?


Do you enjoy Thompson Water Seal in your food? If no, then the answer is no and also wonder what other chemicals those pallets have on them.


Agreed with BBT on the water seal. The chemicals in it can leach into your soil and then your food. Same thing with pressure treated lumber. There are like 437 known carcinogens in that stuff. Pallets are typically made from hardwoods, and are usually untreated, except for those blue CHEP pallets. You should be good to go on the pallets. Just know that any wood surface that comes in contact with soil and H2O is going to rot, and fast.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 12:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
SO I got my compost tilled in yesterday . Do I go ahead and make rows now or wa it until it's closer to planting time? How much space do yall recommend between rows?


Do you have a list of what you're planting?

Something like Tomatoes will be determinate or indeterminate. In a nutshell meaning the determinate tomato bush will grow close to a specific size and be a "bushier" type plant. Indeterminate just keeps growing like a vine style. Some of the indeterminate ones can get crazy big. Each verity you see sold will tell you if they are determ or indeterm.

Then you have climbing plants like cucumbers, peas. You can go vertically and not worry as much about width space.

Squash is just bulky. Not sure what to call it. 3' spacing would be good.

Peppers grow like little trees. I could easily do 2' spacing rows and get a good crop.

Just a few examples. Not sure if there is a benefit of making rows now or later. I always did them when I planted. But with some spacing ideas you can go ahead and layout your garden and get a good idea of where you want to plant.

Also remember the sun and how it will rotate over your garden. You don't want to plant say indeterminate tomatoes where once they get big that they block the sun all day until later in the day, then shine on the shorter crops.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 01:00 AM

My first year I want to try the "easier" variety. I hope to put in tomatoes , cucumbers , okra , zucchini,squash , raddish. I think I have figured out from my reading , I should have been growing inside, under lights by now . I'm sure this year will be a disaster
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 01:26 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
My first year I want to try the "easier" variety. I hope to put in tomatoes , cucumbers , okra , zucchini,squash , raddish. I think I have figured out from my reading , I should have been growing inside, under lights by now . I'm sure this year will be a disaster


roflmao

You'll be fine! By no means at all do you have to start by starting seeds indoors. Buying plants and even sowing seeds direct into the ground are great. Squash and Zucchini germinate and grow fast. I started squash and radishes directly in the soil outside last year and got a bumper crop.

Your problem will be when to pick them. It's amazing how fast the fruit of squash, cucumbers, etc.. grow. You've got to check it daily and pick it. Day or two will make all the difference between perfect and not as good. You'll see.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 01:47 AM

Bumper crop? Means?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 02:07 AM

Meaning good. Produced a lot.

Trlrman, crapyetr, shecrappie, chickenman and others all have larger gardens and produce a ton. They will chime in with their methods and madness. Keep posting your questions and take it all in and use the approach you like best and that works for you.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 02:09 AM

I sure will , I'm just trying to grasp lingo at this point
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 11:10 AM

Brad-

If I had a garden like yours (I did once, and it was a pain to keep weeds out), I would invest in some weed barrier/ filter fabric quickly. Everywhere that you tilled and made nice pretty soil just woke up a bunch of dormant weed seeds. Get the weed barrier down in between the rows, otherwise youre gonna be pulling and/ or spraying weeds in all of your free time.
A company I used to work for had an agronomy department, and the VP of that department, Dr. Troutman, put it best... Mother Nature doesnt like bare spots, and she will fill them in
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 12:02 PM

I will look into that , thank you . Do you put it down and then put some of the dirt on top or maybe some mulch?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 01:00 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I will look into that , thank you . Do you put it down and then put some of the dirt on top or maybe some mulch?


Youre welcome.

No soil on top. Mulch would be fine, but no soil. The whole idea is to keep sunlight from enabling the young plants to grow, and if they do germinate, very few can penetrate the barrier (huisache and mesquite being obvious exceptions). If you get a thick enough weed barrier, then mulch is unnecessary, other than from a purely aesthetic aspect. But think about this- mulch and copperheads have similar coloration. Copperheads would really stand out against a black or dark gray background. I prefer bare weed barrier.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 01:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
My first year I want to try the "easier" variety. I hope to put in tomatoes , cucumbers , okra , zucchini,squash , raddish. I think I have figured out from my reading , I should have been growing inside, under lights by now . I'm sure this year will be a disaster


If you can start the seeds soon (this weekend), I think you'll be right on time. I'm ahead of schedule which just means I have to manage larger plants inside. Not ideal.

Plan to start around the 2nd or 3rd week of march. Be prepared to cover them all if we do get a frost.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 02:13 PM

Thanks again guys, where do you guys prefer to buy seed? I have a lowes, tractor supply , and a russel feed store near me .

So in my mind one seed makes one plant ? So I need to figure our how many plants per row and that gets my seed count?

I also need to figure out not only row spacing but space between each plant on each row
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 03:01 PM

Sow more than what you want per row some may not sprout . If you get 100% sprouting then just thin the weak one's out.Got a mesquite tree close by ? If so when your mesquite tree buds you are safe to plant in most case's . Mother nature will tell you lot's if you listen .
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 05:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Thanks again guys, where do you guys prefer to buy seed? I have a lowes, tractor supply , and a russel feed store near me .

So in my mind one seed makes one plant ? So I need to figure our how many plants per row and that gets my seed count?

I also need to figure out not only row spacing but space between each plant on each row


If I agree with anything Dr. Parsons says, it is is planting times. You could just wing it like we are doing, or follow a guide like this

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/earthkind/ekgarden14.html
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 06:06 PM

After learning here last week (after planting my seeds) about soaking pepper seeds...I realize my cayenne, bells, and jap seeds are not sprouting like the other plants. I better start soaking a batch tonight and get them sowed.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/14/18 06:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
After learning here last week (after planting my seeds) about soaking pepper seeds...I realize my cayenne, bells, and jap seeds are not sprouting like the other plants. I better start soaking a batch tonight and get them sowed.


I soaked and planted my second set of peppers 9 days ago I think it is. Only one of the 9 I planted has sprouted. These pepper seeds have been a PITA. If they don't sprout by the weekend I am going to do the paper towel method. Google/Youtube it. Seems pretty simple and appears to work pretty good.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 01:15 AM

Ok I lied. I got bored and started some seed using the paper towel method tonight. As they mention and I've read this a lot some pepper seeds could take a month to sprout put in soil and this should speed up the process. So the ones I have in the soil could and probably will still sprout. This is what I did. I put my on top of my DVR. It puts off a lot of heat.

Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 01:21 AM

Just transplanted my pickles and yellow crookneck squash into the new garden box. Gonna let all the others build up some more roots.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 02:19 AM

Where do you guys buy your seeds?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 02:30 AM

Depends on if I'm looking for a specific verity. Crapyetr put me onto Improved Porter Tomatoes last year and loved them, elcoyote, esq. put me onto White Scalloped Squash this year. Not verities you typically see in stores. I bought my peppers and porters from Reimer Seeds online. And the squash from Baker Creek online. I buy my dill and radish seeds from the feed store or local nursery or wherever.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 02:35 AM

Thanks
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 12:36 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Where do you guys buy your seeds?


Organic seeds are little harder to find. I think I found mine at Home Depot. I was too late to order some GMO Free seeds.....next year I will order them.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 01:06 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Where do you guys buy your seeds?


Organic seeds are little harder to find. I think I found mine at Home Depot. I was too late to order some GMO Free seeds.....next year I will order them.


You are aware that almost every seed you buy, including organic seeds, are in some way, genetically modified, right? The old farmers harvested seed from the best and strongest of their crop, ignoring the weaker, lower production plants, thereby modifying the genetic makeup of the seed that is now being sold and planted.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 08:01 PM

Got my seeds ordered from reimer last night , tomato , japs,squash,raddish,cucumbers . Have no idea what I bought because there's so many variety.

10 t post set today ( four beer job) , time to make rows in my 16x36 tilled area. Should I make my rows 16' or36'?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 08:43 PM

Pretty much every large garden I see around here have their rows running east to west. I think that would give your plants the most even sun coverage.

What are the names of the tomato, japs, squash and cucumbers that you ordered.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 09:02 PM

2 packs improved porter , 1 cherry roma toma,1 cherry belle raddish , 1 Ashley cucs,1 crookneck squash, 1 grande hot japs
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 09:28 PM

Both of your tomato plants are indeterminate, the big vine type. Just to give you an idea how big they can get. This is one improved porter from last year. I had to get a 16' cattle panel and bend it in half to support it. This wasn't done growing yet. It went through the top of the panel. I'm 6'5" and I couldn't reach the top when it was at it's peak.

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 09:37 PM

Wow! So, now that my rows will be 35' long( it runs east to west ) how much spacing between rows ?

When you guys are growing inside how many seeds per cup?
Is that amount the same as what you sow outdoors?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 10:06 PM

Assuming that you have prevailing winds from the southwest during most of the growing season, running the rows east to west would be the best. The reason being is that the tomatoes can cross pollinate, meaning the Porters will take on attributes of the cherry Romas, and vice versa. The east west rows will minimize that, but bees, butterflies, and even accidental contact from humans can cause the cross pollination. If at all possible, maintain a distance of at least 20' between different varieties of tomatoes.
I've never experienced cross pollination between different varieties of squash, melons, and gourds, and I've had them in pretty close proximity to each other (less than 10' separating varieties). I know that there are certain varieties the CAN cros pollinate, but I forget which ones will. To be safe, you may want to segregate them as well.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 10:07 PM

This is my first thought. You could plant the radishes anywhere. They don't take up any room at all. There is a book you can pick up on Amazon for cheap. It's called Carrots love Tomatoes. It talks about what plants like to be planted together. I don't have the book at work but I do remember radishes and cucumbers are BFF's. So you could plant the radishes in the same row as the cukes.

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 10:45 PM

i'm goin' with Derek on his drawing...i have 2 raised beds 4 x 32...how about those Porters...i've ben growin'm for years...planted more taters 2dy...transplanted seedlings of porters / cukes / squash...the grow lights yawl suggested work gr8...pikshurs later
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 10:50 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
There is a book you can pick up on Amazon for cheap. It's called Carrots love Tomatoes.


Shut your stupid face. That's a for realz book? Like for realz for realz?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 10:51 PM

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
There is a book you can pick up on Amazon for cheap. It's called Carrots love Tomatoes.


Shut your stupid face. That's a for realz book? Like for realz for realz?



grin It is. Siberman recommended a year or two ago. It's really good.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 10:52 PM

Ec ,thank you for the advice, so my tomato row shouldn't be mixed with others ? If that makes any sense at all . I guess I'm saying one row of tomato shouldn't be a mix of different kinds.
Derek I owe you a coulee mcrib at this point.
So my oit door , seed grown veggies, how many seeds per hole . My terminology sucks
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 10:59 PM

Derek check that book and see if radishes ward off squash bugs . all ways heard that and all ways planted radishes around the squash and zuccinni ...still got some bugs
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 11:06 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Ec ,thank you for the advice, so my tomato row shouldn't be mixed with others ? If that makes any sense at all . I guess I'm saying one row of tomato shouldn't be a mix of different kinds.
Derek I owe you a coulee mcrib at this point.
So my oit door , seed grown veggies, how many seeds per hole . My terminology sucks



No worries.

The rows can be "mixed", just keep them apart. Think of it like 2 siblings who keep fighting while you are trying to watch something awesome on tv, like curling or ice dancing or something. You send them each to their own room. Or in Derek's case, he makes them go work in the garden. Anyhoo, here's a crude sketch I did on Derek's fancy drawing. The green "I" is one variety of tomato, the red "2" are another variety of tomato. The blue in between is some other type of plant. Squash, or cucumber, whatever. Just keep as much space between the tomato varieties as you can. Or don't. It really doesn't matter. The Porters will be smaller and have a cherry tomato Tate, and the cherries will be larger and taste like a porter.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 11:08 PM

By the way, you have beautiful handwriting. Mine resembles what I think it would look like if a dog tried to imitate a doctors handwriting on a prescription.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/18 11:43 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Derek check that book and see if radishes ward off squash bugs . all ways heard that and all ways planted radishes around the squash and zuccinni ...still got some bugs


Says to plant 2 or 3 Icicle Radishes in each hill to help prevent insects on squash and cucumbers. Says Nasturtiums will repel squash bugs too.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 12:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: trlrman
Derek check that book and see if radishes ward off squash bugs . all ways heard that and all ways planted radishes around the squash and zuccinni ...still got some bugs


Says to plant 2 or 3 Icicle Radishes in each hill to help prevent insects on squash and cucumbers. Says Nasturtiums will repel squash bugs too.


Plant your radishes well before your squash and let them flower (without pulling them) . Not sure but I'm thinking the flowers attract some bug that controls squash beetles .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 01:32 AM

Thanks both of ya'll
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 03:38 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
When you guys are growing inside how many seeds per cup?
Is that amount the same as what you sow outdoors?


I do one or two seeds per cup. I start more than I'll plant. I keep and plant the best and strongest looking ones and give away the others to family/friends.

Outside sowing I typically put 2-3 seed per hole.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 03:45 AM

With the good rain coming this weekend. Get some 5 gallon buckets and collect it. I like to water my seedlings with saved rain water.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 01:41 PM

I hope we get some good rain out here haven't in awhile . Luckily I'm on well water or my garden would cost me more. I collect water in buckets off my shop gutters
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 01:44 PM

I'm about to complete my rain barrel catcher....I just need some type of strap to hold mesh screen down on top. Keep the junk out of the barrel.

I will put a garden faucet on it to water the garden.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 04:18 PM

I just received my soil sample back , of ouse I did this before I tilled in the compost , I have very low nitrogen and very high phosphorus. I don't know how much the compost changed this , should I add something in the soil?
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 06:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
I'm about to complete my rain barrel catcher....I just need some type of strap to hold mesh screen down on top. Keep the junk out of the barrel.

I will put a garden faucet on it to water the garden.
Good thing you don't live in Colorado, rain water belongs to the state.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 07:25 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I just received my soil sample back , of ouse I did this before I tilled in the compost , I have very low nitrogen and very high phosphorus. I don't know how much the compost changed this , should I add something in the soil?


I'm assuming it was an A&M test? Their test always seem to come back low in nitrogen and med to high in phosphorus. And unless they've changed they don't test for the organic matter available in the soil. So I wouldn't worry about it. The compost will get the soil microbes working. I would mix in some soybean meal since it has a lot of trace minerals and hose the garden down with something like Medina Plus.

http://medinaag.com/product/medina-plus/
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 08:26 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I just received my soil sample back , of ouse I did this before I tilled in the compost , I have very low nitrogen and very high phosphorus. I don't know how much the compost changed this , should I add something in the soil?


I'm assuming it was an A&M test? Their test always seem to come back low in nitrogen and med to high in phosphorus. And unless they've changed they don't test for the organic matter available in the soil. So I wouldn't worry about it. The compost will get the soil microbes working. I would mix in some soybean meal since it has a lot of trace minerals and hose the garden down with something like Medina Plus.

http://medinaag.com/product/medina-plus/


If you check the right boxes, you can get aTm to test for more stuff, heavy metals, organic matter, etc., but I believe that test is something like $60/ sample. when I have to take soil samples on a jobsite where we are incorporating compost or other nutrients into native soils, I run with the base test from aTm, unless the Geo engineers force us to do the full battery of tests. The base test will get you close enough to get the job done.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/18 09:15 PM

It was from unibest I bought it on amazon , shows high copper also , I check into those products
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/18 01:59 AM

Brad this is the way I roll. I'm not saying I'm right or saying I'm doing it better than someone that does it different than I do, by any means. I've never done a soil test. I'm not looking to add a ton of nitrogen or lower phos. I'm looking for a good biodiversity soil. Meaning it's active with microbes, earthworms etc.. As I've mentioned before I feed the microbes and soil. Which you've started by adding lots of compost. Personally I would add at least some or one of the meals, greensand, lava sand, dry molasses. All cheap and beneficial and adding trace minerals to your soil. This biodiversity will have the microbes balance out your soil and make your vegs able to take up the trace minerals that are typically bound up. It will also help beneficial fungus that will form relationships with your veg roots making even a larger root structure, which is nice. Ok, I'm done lol.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/18 12:01 PM

Again I appreciate it , I'm going to look for some of those other products this week
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/18 07:14 PM

on the right, cukes / zucc squash / porters

on the left, str8nek squash planted later and leftovers from bumping up to cups...

started them in eggs cartons but didn't like it...bumped to the 9oz cups are much better

Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/18 07:59 PM

Whooo boy. You better turn those lights off at night, or the sea is gonna come busting your door in one of these nights thinking youre growing the pot.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/18 03:28 PM

anybody use these wall-o-waters...i usually have tomatoes/peppers in them by now, thriving...but haven't this year...yet

Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/18 04:18 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
on the right, cukes / zucc squash / porters

on the left, str8nek squash planted later and leftovers from bumping up to cups...

started them in eggs cartons but didn't like it...bumped to the 9oz cups are much better



you been buying lights aat the same place. I have them on my Bonsai trees
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/18 01:22 PM

Another bonsai person? Cool....I'm diving in head first to this hobby. I started about 20 of them this winter. smile
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/18 01:25 PM

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Where do you guys buy your seeds?


Organic seeds are little harder to find. I think I found mine at Home Depot. I was too late to order some GMO Free seeds.....next year I will order them.


You are aware that almost every seed you buy, including organic seeds, are in some way, genetically modified, right? The old farmers harvested seed from the best and strongest of their crop, ignoring the weaker, lower production plants, thereby modifying the genetic makeup of the seed that is now being sold and planted.


That's not the genetic modified I am worried about. The stuff they are doing with GMO is scary. No thanks! Organic is just that.....grown naturally without fertilizer. I prefer neither one.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/18 12:21 AM

Moved my habaneros and reapers outside today . Just now started my tomatoes . February in Texas . rolleyes
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/18 12:42 AM

"Organic" refers to the way the plants are grown (with/without pesticides and chemical fertilizers).

G(enetically)M(odified)O(rganisms) are those that have had their genes altered in order to be more disease/insect resistant , produce more abundantly . etc.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/18 01:19 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
"Organic" refers to the way the plants are grown (with/without pesticides and chemical fertilizers).

G(enetically)M(odified)O(rganisms) are those that have had their genes altered in order to be more disease/insect resistant , produce more abundantly . etc.


Both are scary S%$@ in IMO. You look at the condition of American's the last 30 years and you start to wonder....where did we go wrong as a society. GMO is banned in many European countries...apparently they know more than we do.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/18 01:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Moved my habaneros and reapers outside today . Just now started my tomatoes . February in Texas . rolleyes


Bonnie plants are out at Lowes and HD, for a super cold winter....they sure got them out early. I don't and won't buy Bonnie plants BTW.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/18 01:25 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Moved my habaneros and reapers outside today . Just now started my tomatoes . February in Texas . rolleyes


Bonnie plants are out at Lowes and HD, for a super cold winter....they sure got them out early. I don't and won't buy Bonnie plants BTW.


They grow those in hot houses (heated greenhouses), so the super cold winter doesnt affect their growth. But they sure arent acclimated when there is a late cold snap.

Im not a fan of Bonnie either, but for reasons that are different than yours.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/18 01:29 PM

Yes, of course they grow them in greenhouses. smile LOL! They aren't Super Man of Nature.

I just thought it was early for them to have their store fronts full of them......but I did learn HD does not own the plants(all of them, not just Bonnie)....they are "leased"....until they are sold....so HD doesn't care if they live or die. It's not their dime.

That is why you don't find sales very often at HD.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/18 04:56 PM

I went to Lowes Friday night and they had a ton of Bonnie plants out. All dead, lol.
Posted By: aquaholic1822

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/18 05:30 PM

I worked at Lowes for 3 years in the garden center...Bonnie always delivered early
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/18 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Ok I lied. I got bored and started some seed using the paper towel method tonight. As they mention and I've read this a lot some pepper seeds could take a month to sprout put in soil and this should speed up the process. So the ones I have in the soil could and probably will still sprout. This is what I did. I put my on top of my DVR. It puts off a lot of heat.



This has worked great on my Cayenne seeds so far. 5 days in and had 4 that had sprouted as of yesterday and I transferred to soil. So far the Tabasco seeds haven't sprouted but should any day now I think.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 12:33 AM

Tomatoes finally starting to come ripe and huge blooms going nuts.


Along with pepper and tomatoes starts
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 12:37 AM

That is a very nice cluster of blooms! thumb
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 12:49 AM

you gotta be cheatin'...my porters are barely up...

what do your Texas Legends look like...???...mine are doing ok...but i like planting them in November instead of January...i will this November...got a feed store that will order them for me
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 12:52 AM

I pulled a couple of my onions yesterday, got about 4-5 leaves on each, just starting to form bulbs. Tasty!
Now if I could just remember which row is which variety of onion...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 01:07 AM

My Porter and Cherokee tomatoes are growing nicely. Planted seed 4 weeks ago yesterday. Hoping the long term forecast looks good in a couple weeks. Itching to plant.

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 02:07 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
you gotta be cheatin'...my porters are barely up...

what do your Texas Legends look like...???...mine are doing ok...but i like planting them in November instead of January...i will this November...got a feed store that will order them for me
That's in my greenhouse Lynn. My legends are covered in ice right now, we will see if they make it ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 02:11 AM

hey Derek, you've never used wall-o-waters before...???...stick those maters in the ground, cover'm with the W_O-W's and watch'm grow...take'm off when they start growing out the top and pull dirt up around the base...

i've had ice 2 inches thick in the top of the W-O-W and the maters just as warm as could be...and that goes for pepper plants too...i'm gonna put some in the ground this weekend withs W-O-W's...i've done it in January, IF i can get the plants
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 02:13 AM

when did you plant'm...???...i didn't get mine in November when i like to...will next season

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
I pulled a couple of my onions yesterday, got about 4-5 leaves on each, just starting to form bulbs. Tasty!
Now if I could just remember which row is which variety of onion...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 02:16 AM

I meant to look into some W-O-W's a year or so ago when you posted about. I completely forgot about it until the other day when mentioned it again. I'll look into it tonight or tomorrow. thumb
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 02:56 AM

This 3 for $20 the way to go?
https://www.amazon.com/Wallowater-Inc-W1...&dpSrc=srch
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 01:32 PM

that'll work...get red, it's supposed to be better for maters...

https://www.amazon.com/Wall-Water-3-Pack...CBM27137T24KTTX

i have green, white, and red...they are tough and keep forever...

put a 5 gal bucket upside down over the plant...set the wow around it...fill 2 opposite side tubes with water...then start around it...don't worry about fillin'm to the top yet...then grab the bucket as best you can and slide it up...watch the handle...it might hang...fill the tubes to the top now...the wow should fold like a teepee after all the tubes are full...you can reach inside and move the bottom of the wow if need be...the larger the base, the more closed the top will be...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 02:25 PM

Thanks! I'll order them today.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 04:13 PM

Got my seeds today , need a light . I don't have the option of some huge light hanging from the ceiling . Should I just get a couple desk lights or what?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 05:20 PM

I use CFL 6500K Daylight 100W. I don't know if those CFL blubs are getting phased out, they are getting harder to find, but you should be able to locate them at one of the box stores.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 05:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Got my seeds today , need a light . I don't have the option of some huge light hanging from the ceiling . Should I just get a couple desk lights or what?


I bought a plant bulb at Lowes or HD for about 6 bucks and put it in a clamp work light, set it with a couple junk fluorescent lights (under cabinet lights left over from desk) on the side with a timer. I spent $6 on bulb and $6 on timer.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 05:31 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
My Porter and Cherokee tomatoes are growing nicely. Planted seed 4 weeks ago yesterday. Hoping the long term forecast looks good in a couple weeks. Itching to plant.








4 weeks ago....impressive. Mine are about 2" long.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 05:32 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Tomatoes finally starting to come ripe and huge blooms going nuts.


Along with pepper and tomatoes starts


When I saw your greenhouse a couple months ago I really liked the design....but now people are telling me not to use wood cause it will rot so fast in that damp warm climate. Thoughts?

This will be my summer project!! I want a biggun!!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/18 09:47 PM

I used all treated wood and nothing is sitting directly on the ground. this is just my second winter with it, every thing is screwed together not a nail in it. I built it out of scrap lumber if something starts to go south I will unscrew it and replace it .
I have a good supply of scrap treated
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/18 02:30 AM

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/18 04:03 PM

I'm jealous , I'm going to lowes in the morning to buy a light , bulbs , soil, and some cups . I need to get my darn seeds started

When I put the seeds in the cups do I put holes in the bottom of the cup so they can drain?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/18 04:20 PM

Brad- I use the smallest drill bit I have to punch a tiny hole. It allows excess water to slowly drain out while not permitting any of the soil to fall out.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/18 04:34 PM

Awesome thanks
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/18 04:41 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
I used all treated wood and nothing is sitting directly on the ground. this is just my second winter with it, every thing is screwed together not a nail in it. I built it out of scrap lumber if something starts to go south I will unscrew it and replace it .
I have a good supply of scrap treated


Okay, I am jealous now...especially with wood prices now.....treated...good gawd.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/18 04:42 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman



What happens to the excess water?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/18 05:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: chickenman



What happens to the excess water?


None. Plastic cups. No holes.

Some get moved to bigger cups as they grow.

I cant over water so I water every 2 days but it works for me.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/18 01:31 PM

I lost several of my seedlings....I was growing in those lid style containers...I guess the leaves got to close to the plastic and got wet and ruined. Ugg.....now I am starting half over.

Apparently my neighbor who has a good garden every year just plants seeds straight to the ground.....so that might be my last option if my seeds fail.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/18 02:01 PM

I built (most of) my trellis for the climbing plants yesterday. I need a second set of hands to bend the paneling the way I want it, and Im going to add some decorative bracing on the corners today. Gonna use some twine to tie an X inside each panel so that the plants dont have to reach quite as far to grab the next panel. I need to go buy 1 more panel to finish it out, but the hard work is done.


Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/18 01:14 AM

That looks awesome , I put my seeds in cups today with the Jimmy and Garret juice derek recommended , guess we will see
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 12:38 AM

accuweather shows NO frost dates for Nacog...i'm gonna plant my stuff Monday/Tuesday w/o wall-o-waters but keep buckets on hand just in case

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/nacogdoches-tx/75964/march-weather/32978_pc?monyr=3/1/2018
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 02:42 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
accuweather shows NO frost dates for Nacog...i'm gonna plant my stuff Monday/Tuesday w/o wall-o-waters but keep buckets on hand just in case

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/nacogdoches-tx/75964/march-weather/32978_pc?monyr=3/1/2018


Got my WOW's in. thumb Plan on planting this weekend or early next week.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 01:21 PM

ok, i will 2...actually, the warmth from the wow's speeds up growth...Monday/Tuesday are transplant dates
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 05:05 PM

I planted my seeds 2 weeks ago Thursday in the pressed coir pots. I have them sitting in a south facing window under some cheap Chinese LED panels I got off ebay.
So far the broccoli was the first to pop and now have two variety's of tomato coming up. I am still waiting on my eggplant, peppers and watermelons to show up. I used a mix of the jiffy seed starting mix, some Texas green sand, garret juice and seaweed/fish emulsion, and I water them thoroughly once a week. I plan on putting them outside on about two more weeks. I just need things to dry out.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 07:06 PM

Nice.

After trying the wet paper towel method. Going forward I will only be using that method to start all my seeds. I sprayed the paper towel down with Garret Juice and fish emulsion so that would be the mixture the seed absorbs. Few days most of the seeds have a small root. Poke a small hole in the soil put root side down and cover. About 2 days later they sprout through the soil. Works unbelievably well.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 07:11 PM

ole Derek is a wealth of information...are you in Ennis???...that ant far from Nac...come plant my garden~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 07:27 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
ole Derek is a wealth of information...are you in Ennis???...that ant far from Nac...come plant my garden~~~!!!~~~


Unfortunately yes. I'll ask the kids if they want to plant yours. That's who I make plant mine. smile
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 07:43 PM

you woodn't happen to know Janis Bellman...i think that's her last name...she just lost her husband Steve
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 07:51 PM

That name doesn't sound familiar.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 08:48 PM

Do any of you guys have your cups under lights in your garage or inside the house?

I have mine in the garage

I also only have one clamp light with a 5000 Cfl light , I feel like some cups are getting great light and the others not much , should I add a second?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 09:37 PM

I'm inside. But it doesn't really matter depending on your temp. Do you know your garage temp? Above 70 is best. You can be below but your germination rates will be slower and not as good. If you're garage is on the cooler side. You can get a reptile heat mat at PetSmart for like $20.00 - but it's recommended you run a thermostat with them. So that can start to get pricey to put your cups on. Or add a regular type light bulb. Those put off pretty good heat. CFL bulbs don't put off much heat at all.

Yes I would add 2nd CFL.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 09:55 PM

I have mine in the garage in the window...it was cool in there for many weeks. I think that hurt me...garage stays cool.

BUT my seed container shows signs it was melting.....I guess it was too close and my plants suffered cause of the high heat or the moist lid touching them. I am thinking the heat now that I see my plastic semi melted.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 10:36 PM

Ok I'm gonna move my cups in , my garage is cold as the Temps outside . I just put them them put there and then looked back at pics on here and notice most are inside

Also, thank you for telling me that the fish emulsion smells like [censored] , iv washed my hands four times
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/18 10:49 PM

roflmao That stuff is horrible.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/18 04:36 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt


Also, thank you for telling me that the fish emulsion smells like [censored] , iv washed my hands four times


I used it on all my houseplants last year . bang House smelled like a cannery and I had a herd of cats staring though the windows .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/18 04:41 AM

WoWs work great but keep an eye out for fire ants . They love to build mounds in the warm/humid environment .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/18 06:21 PM

I have mold or fungus growing in my cups that I started three days ago , is this normal? I included fish emulsion, jiffy soil, garrett juice .

Thanks
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/18 07:09 PM

I've never had that happen. Do something along these lines.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/rid-mold-growing-seedling-flat-101855.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-...arting-soil.htm
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/18 01:21 AM

Well of course no other person has , ha

I scraped it off , so I guess we will see .

I added dry molasses and soy bean meal todayy to my dirt
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/18 01:26 AM

Atta boy!

I read up a little more on the mold/fungus this afternoon. I didn't read anything that concerned me. I think you'll be fine.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/18 01:44 AM

Ok , thanks , I also turned on a fan . Maybe I made my mix too wet
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/18 01:01 PM

Brad- did you punch tiny drain holes at the bottoms of the cups?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/18 01:56 PM

NO , I didn't think I would over water, should I?

Looked this a.m. and all the mold is back
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/18 03:41 PM

Yes. The tiny holes will allow excess water (which mold needs) to escape, and the soil wont erode out of the cups. Im talking like 1/64 drill bit holes.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/18 04:41 PM

Will do tnx
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/18 09:50 PM

When I go out to make my rows tommorow, how high and wide do yall like them? Do you pack them down at all?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/18 06:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
When I go out to make my rows tommorow, how high and wide do yall like them? Do you pack them down at all?


Row them north and south as opposed to east and west. All mine are east and west crazy Fail.

Since you are moving dirt from the area between rows, you're basically starting "level". Remove 3" from the soon to be valley and add that to the hills making them look like they're 6" tall.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/18 08:00 PM

Well [censored] iv got them running e to w
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/18 08:47 PM

I honestly don't believe it makes any difference which direction you go as long as you have the taller plants north any working your way down south to the shortest plants.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/18 09:14 PM

Ok well they're all done, when would you guys reccomended putting seed in the garden

My cups are still moldy , I took them outside yesterday , they looked good then, today not .

I put some tomato and pepper plants in the paper towel method so that if all my cup seeds die , I will have something
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/18 09:48 PM

Do north and south next year. That's the beauty of gardening is trying different methods and whatnot. Just remember what worked for you. Keep some notes in a spiral to reference back too.

Chickenman should know about planting seed outdoor dates since he's further up north. But I would think closer to Easter for y'all. Think y'all have a chance of a freeze tomorrow or Wednesday night?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/18 10:55 PM

Sounds good , I think if I end up with one vegtables from a plant I grew , I may scream of joy
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/18 12:48 AM

Can anybody suggest a good compact tomato plant with a decent size fruit. I've always planted Celebrities but they get so big they take over the bed. ,Maybe better Bush? THX
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/18 01:23 AM

Originally Posted By: DJB
Can anybody suggest a good compact tomato plant with a decent size fruit. I've always planted Celebrities but they get so big they take over the bed. ,Maybe better Bush? THX


BB will probably achieve what you're looking for. But check out the Tycoon and Phoenix too.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/18 02:13 AM

my nabor brought me a bunch of veges to plant...which is a good thing...BUT they were Bonnie Farms in peat pots (ppots)...so i took the plants out of the ppots, then planted them...i think ppots stunt the growth...the roots can't expand if the ppot gets a little dry...i could tell the roots were circling and i've kept the ppot wet...but i can't look a gift horse in the mouth, right???
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/18 02:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I honestly don't believe it makes any difference which direction you go as long as you have the taller plants north any working your way down south to the shortest plants.


My neighbor made a living growing stuff on many many acres, his in his backyard all run east to west. I took notice and did the same. smile
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/18 02:57 AM

I transplanted my asparagus from my old house here about 1-2 months ago, walked by today and saw I had 2 huge stalks thicker than my thumb, and nearly 2' tall(I was out of town 3 days). Guess they made the journey. It was a bear to dig them up, even in a raised bed. It was like bamboo roots.

These roots are about 5 years old.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/18 02:57 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
my nabor brought me a bunch of veges to plant...which is a good thing...BUT they were Bonnie Farms in peat pots (ppots)...so i took the plants out of the ppots, then planted them...i think ppots stunt the growth...the roots can't expand if the ppot gets a little dry...i could tell the roots were circling and i've kept the ppot wet...but i can't look a gift horse in the mouth, right???


I don't like the peat pots either. But I wouldn't pass up free. thumb My favorite jalapeno plant the past few years is Mammoth. But I can't find seeds. I bought some Bonnie ppot Mammoth from Walmart last week and removed the pot and planted them Sunday.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/18 03:51 PM

I also dug up my potato soil and rebuilt my bed at the new casa and got them planted. Little late, but it's been too wet the last few weeks. I'm just too cheap to start over from scratch, I had some good taters the last year! Digging up the dirt I found a dozen from dime size to fist size. They got planted too.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/18 07:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: DJB
Can anybody suggest a good compact tomato plant with a decent size fruit. I've always planted Celebrities but they get so big they take over the bed. ,Maybe better Bush? THX


BB will probably achieve what you're looking for. But check out the Tycoon and Phoenix too.
check out the mountain pride also.
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/18 02:00 AM

Thnx fellows
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/18 04:02 AM

I have always liked 4th of July tomatoes. Thick fruit like a roma. Smaller fruit size (4-6oz) but the plants are pretty compact.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 03:18 AM

Planting is looking pretty good. I got itchy and planted last Sunday. Covered last night and covering tonight just to be safe, but I don't really think I needed to. I didn't use the WOW because it's not forecasted to get that cold. Just covered them with a 5gal buckets and cardboard boxes and they did great last night. Looking at the long term for you northerners, Pete Delkus (Jacket On) shows a low of 40 in DFW on the 17th. Let that 10 day update a few more days and y'all might be good. Or you can transplant now if you have a good way to cover incase of a frost in the next couple weeks.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 12:42 PM

Yeah, weather man mentioned more cold weather coming...couple rounds of it at least(throughout the month of March). That's fine cause my seedlings need another week or so.

Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 12:45 PM

https://www.youtube.com/user/GapeysGrub/videos

I found her videos last night. Very helpful....and easy to listen too and watch. smile

I really am digging her 2 Solo cup method. Looks awesome.

I watched a half dozen of her videos last night.....jealous of her set up!! So nice!

I found these by looking up the paper towel method for my pepper seeds.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 12:48 PM

i'm like Derek, i planted everything Monday/Tuesday but covered it all with the grass clippings from scalping my yard...that's a 2fer...now i can remove it and have mulch around the plants...i used 1 wow for my little Porters but didn't with the ppot plants...the wow will give the mater warmth and it will grow faster...in theory
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 01:56 PM

I put all my seeds in cups on the 27th of Feb , iv been fighting mold the whole time . I peeled back some dirt on the seeds this morning and none of my seeds show any signs of life. I put some seeds doing the paper towel method three days ago and they don't either
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 02:01 PM

You might need a heat mat. They need to be warm
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 02:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I put all my seeds in cups on the 27th of Feb , iv been fighting mold the whole time . I peeled back some dirt on the seeds this morning and none of my seeds show any signs of life. I put some seeds doing the paper towel method three days ago and they don't either


The You Tube link I posted has several talks about the mold...she mentioned using a fan. She also uses Apple Cider Vinegar to catch the fungus gnats.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 02:47 PM

Probably a few more days out on the paper towel seeds. My cayenne and tabasco seed were pretty quick to germ. About 5 days. My tomato seeds have taken about 7 days. You can hold the bag up to a light to check and see if you see a root growing. That way you don't have to open the bag.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 02:49 PM

Yeah iv had my ceiling fan on for days now , I think I made my soil to rich of fish emulsion, water, and garret juice , but I have no idea . I also think I put my seeds in too deep in the soIL . I basically screwed it up .

At this point do you guys think I should just dump my cups and do the paper towel method ? I can go get more dirt once I feel the need to transfer them into cups?
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 02:50 PM

I started cayenne, japs, and bells yesterday in the paper towels. Left mine inside the house. Kiddo had a good time placing seeds and the bags on the shelf. She gets excited planting. smile I do too!
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 02:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Yeah iv had my ceiling fan on for days now , I think I made my soil to rich of fish emulsion, water, and garret juice , but I have no idea . I also think I put my seeds in too deep in the soIL . I basically screwed it up


You still have time. Based on the planting schedules.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 03:00 PM

i have a bud that used to grow thousands of Live Oak trees from seed...he used this mix in 4" cups...so i got a bag and use it to start my seeds...it works gr8...just added water...no high octane stuff

http://www.sungro.com/files/moreLit/4630Sun%20Gro%20SE%20Mix%20Single%202013%20-%20POD%202.pdf
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 03:04 PM

I think IL just dump my cups , I can't imagine having mold through out the cup for over a week is good . Do you guys do the paper towel method under lights like the cups?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 03:07 PM

I put my paper towel bags on my Dish receiver. It puts off pretty good heat.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 03:09 PM

Last question of the day , do you think the seeds that were in the cups are still good or should I start with new ones?
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 03:19 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I think IL just dump my cups , I can't imagine having mold through out the cup for over a week is good . Do you guys do the paper towel method under lights like the cups?


Watch a couple of those You Tube videos...she will answer your question to a T and will be the best 7 mins you can spend. Save time down the road. I was amazed how much she taught me...stuff I didn't even think of.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 03:20 PM



Here I will save you a couple mins by locating the proper video! thumb
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 03:25 PM

Okay, as most of you know, I don't like Amazon, but there are times I can't find things locally and get that spur of the moment purchase.

I picked this up this morning. I was going with T8 shop light like the videos I posted, but watching her comparison video I thought to myself...how much is LED?

To my surprise they were on sale today. Shop light was $15 plus cost of bulbs. I found this for $19.99 on sale today.....they say it's BRIGHT!! This plus the low cost of operating LED, I figure will save me in the long run!

https://www.amazon.com/Shengsite-Hydropo...=led+grow+light

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 03:29 PM

Bbt no image is shown on my end for the video, it says plugg in is not supported , whatever that means
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 03:55 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTtz45XuB74

I thought I was only one with the You Tube link issue with TFF showing up.

Just click the link above.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 04:09 PM

Thanks for the video , looks like I need a mat , I guess my lights won't work since she covering hers
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 04:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Thanks for the video , looks like I need a mat , I guess my lights won't work since she covering hers


Or use the DVD player like Derek, mine are inside on my stereo. (Not on). My house stays around 70, so I figure it should be fine.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 04:16 PM

I put all of my starter pots next to a window that faces west. That afternoon sun warms it up plenty no matter the temperature near the thermostat...
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 04:18 PM

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
I put all of my starter pots next to a window that faces west. That afternoon sun warms it up plenty no matter the temperature near the thermostat...


You got pepper seeds to sprout that way?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 04:38 PM

Yeah I really don't have any electronics , we're hillbillys

I put them in a box above my fridge
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 04:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
I put all of my starter pots next to a window that faces west. That afternoon sun warms it up plenty no matter the temperature near the thermostat...


You got pepper seeds to sprout that way?


I did. Peppers, tomatoes, okra, several different varieties of squash, and several fours plants
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 04:54 PM

I haven't had a pepper (3 kinds) plant break the surface of the dirt in over a month...even tried another batch of seeds a few weeks ago. Nada. Started paper towel method yesterday.

Squash, 2 kinds of maters, tomatillos and cucumbers started with ease.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 07:56 PM

It might get down to the high/mid 30s this weekend in DFW. I think I am going to wait to put my plants out till the first of April. How do you guys harden off your plants?
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 07:58 PM

Do yellow squash and gray zucchini need to be started inside as well?
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 08:26 PM

Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
Do yellow squash and gray zucchini need to be started inside as well?


My neighbor has a huge garden and he sows his seeds directly into the dirt outside. I hear he has always done it this way. My wife's grandfather (who's land I am growing on) always had plants going in greenhouses before season....

I think they secretly had a competition.

They both have/had excellent gardens. I am hoping to carry on this tradition, but mostly organic.

I am not sure it matters if you know what you are doing.

Hint - my neighbor was tilling up yesterday and planting garlic. I think he is waiting a bit too.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 08:38 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
Do yellow squash and gray zucchini need to be started inside as well?


My neighbor has a huge garden and he sows his seeds directly into the dirt outside. I hear he has always done it this way. My wife's grandfather (who's land I am growing on) always had plants going in greenhouses before season....


My boss has a large garden and starts everything by seed direct in his garden too. Except tomatoes and that's because I give him the extras that I start.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/18 08:40 PM

Some of us just like to play in the dirt before anyone else does! thumb
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/18 12:46 AM

Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
How do you guys harden off your plants?


I put 'em right in front of the tv with a good porn video . laugh

Sorry . wink

Take them outside on warmer days and put them in a shady location . Be prepared to move them back inside if the temps drop drastically at night .

I keep several spare aquariums on my front (south-facing) porch . The plants receive direct light during the am and pm but are shaded at high noon . The tanks also protect them from high winds . Some wind is good because it helps strengthen the stems but those strong warm south winds I get can dry a young plant out pdq .

As they get stronger (and it gets warmer) move them out a little further each day until they're in full sun .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/18 01:01 AM

Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
Do yellow squash and gray zucchini need to be started inside as well?


Lots of opinions on this :

1) Planting them outside is the natural way . The plants have more room to grow and you don't shock them by transplanting .

2) Starting them inside gives you a jump on the season . My tomatoes are ~4" high now . I probably couldn't get them to start outside before May .

Yellow squash do well either way but they seem to do better (IME) when planted in early spring .



Posted By: scott01

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/18 05:13 PM

I start my tomatoes every year by seed in the house. Once they get to about 4" tall I put them out in my greenhouse although that's just a plastic shelter so it can't handle below freezing temps. I'll transplant them into the garden in a couple of weeks from now. I've also started various peppers, jalapeos and bell peppers by seed the same way. I sow everything else directly into the garden, squash, cucumbers, beans, okra, whatever. I don't even plant okra till June, it makes all summer and Fall. I have even started peppers by seed directly into containers with good success so long as you wait and there's no chance of frost. My parents and grandparents were all raised on farms and they never had a greenhouse so everything was planted by seed directly into the garden, no store bought starters either. Their gardens covered at least 1/2 acre when I was a kid and always bountiful. They canned a lot though to have for the whole year plus we took home sacks full when we visited.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/18 09:14 PM




Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/18 10:05 PM

looks like work...Sharon doesn't look like she's feeling to good~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/18 10:09 PM

So just looking at your pics , using the straw for mulch , I see your black fabric . Will you just cut holes in the fabric when you put the seeds or plants in?

When are you going to put seed in the ground?
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/18 10:39 PM

I see Sheryl got a boonie, who's the one in yellow?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/18 11:28 PM

i thought her name was Sharon...straighten out the beauty confusion~~~???~~~
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/18 11:32 PM

Wanna bet?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/18 01:00 AM

well, they both start with a S...so we're tied
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/18 03:16 AM

Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
I see Sheryl got a boonie, who's the one in yellow?


Sheryl may make it to the burn pile this year. Shes seen better days. The lady in yellow is unnamed but will get a new dress this year.

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
So just looking at your pics , using the straw for mulch , I see your black fabric . Will you just cut holes in the fabric when you put the seeds or plants in?

When are you going to put seed in the ground?


Under some of that straw is cardboard too. Straw serves a weak attempt at mulch, helps hold some moisture, and reduces light to the ground for grass to grow through.

I put a "X" cut in the fabric for the transplants to go in.

All my plants start in the laundry room under some lights. I wont sow in the ground because I would screw it up. I should give it a stab one year.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/18 11:39 AM

I see , that's pretty good thinking . Have you started moving your plants out yet? You and I live in about the same region, I was thinking of putting some seed out this week but I was gonna wait until you guys started doing it ha
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/18 12:19 PM

coulda swore it was Sharon...must be another "scarey crow" out there sumwhere...ok Mr. M...u won...where do i email the $1,000 bill
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/18 12:26 PM

https://donate.fisherhouse.org/default.aspx?tsid=3147
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/18 01:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I see , that's pretty good thinking . Have you started moving your plants out yet? You and I live in about the same region, I was thinking of putting some seed out this week but I was gonna wait until you guys started doing it ha


I'm not sure what our ground temperature is but if I were you, I would get those seeds in the ground pretty quick. We still have a chance of Frost for the next few days but that won't impact seeds in the ground. Just make sure you're watering them plenty.

I put 14 plants in the ground yesterday. I hope to do a little every day starting Wednesday.
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/18 03:24 PM

Got red potatoes planted yesterday and got 1-1/4" of rain this morning. Going to be too wet to get back into it till later this week.
Cabbage and onions are growing well. Wish the rain would let up a little and come back in June and July.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/18 04:19 PM

Just harvested my first head of cabbage this morning.
My onions have between 4-5 leaves on each plant. Should be harvesting them pretty soon.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/18 05:19 PM

I planted a bell pepper plant yesterday and accidentally stepped on it and broke the stem about a 1/3rd of the way down. Should I re-plant another one or will the broken one grow back?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/18 10:42 PM

I sowed all my seeds today , had no idea wheat I was doing, even got confused on where I planted what . Disaster
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/18 11:18 PM

lol. It's going to get better Brad. I have faith in you. You will harvest some crops this year. thumb
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/18 02:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I sowed all my seeds today , had no idea wheat I was doing, even got confused on where I planted what . Disaster


Sounds like a bad trip out to the bar. roflmao
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/18 02:13 AM

Originally Posted By: BlueNitro
I planted a bell pepper plant yesterday and accidentally stepped on it and broke the stem about a 1/3rd of the way down. Should I re-plant another one or will the broken one grow back?


It will grow back but it will take time. If do not want to wait on it get a new one.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/18 03:18 AM

My first planting of onions froze and the second planting had about a 2% survival rate. The second shipment from Dixondale really sucked, they had very few roots on the sets. Should have asked for replacements. Oh well, there's always next year.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/18 12:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Hancock
My first planting of onions froze and the second planting had about a 2% survival rate. The second shipment from Dixondale really sucked, they had very few roots on the sets. Should have asked for replacements. Oh well, there's always next year.


My first 2 bunches got beat up by the snow and freezing temps......then the third set didn't really take either....as I waited too long to plant that bunch. I got a couple dozen left. I bet I had over 100 to start with.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/18 12:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Hancock
My first planting of onions froze and the second planting had about a 2% survival rate. The second shipment from Dixondale really sucked, they had very few roots on the sets. Should have asked for replacements. Oh well, there's always next year.


absolutely complain...i have...and they always make it right...go online and explain what happened...ask for credit next year...i have ordered from them for decades and even complained about onions i bought at the feed store...i planted about 650 and quite a few got burned perty bad with the 17 degree cold...i like to plant as soon as i can get them in November...got these in January...won't meet my standards like the 16" ones i grew a couple of years ago...but that's gardening...gotta luvit
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/18 01:07 PM

Where are You guys at that do your onions in November, and when do you order to get them in time?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/18 01:20 PM

Dixondale starts shipping the first week in November...
granted, they are a little small since it's the first cutting...i've done this in Crockett/Georgetown...will get my feedstore here in Nacog to order them this November

11.27.2015


3.16.2016...this crop produced over 50 - 16" onions...best i've ever grown...TEXAS LEGENDS
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/18 01:45 PM

My DD onions are looking good. They got hit by some cold temps but have bounced back well. Planted 1/21 and yesterdays pic.


Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/18 04:05 PM

coming along...planting green beans on the 24th/25th...that'll fill it up until onion harvest in May...then corn/purple hulls/okra


Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/18 11:29 PM

That's looking good crapy. When I pull my onions I might do Purple Hulls. Never grown them. Any specific variety you prefer? How tall of a trellis do you put in for them?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 12:06 AM

tell the feed store guy you want quickpick pinkeye purplehulls...the peas grow on the top of the bush plant which makes them real easy to pick...no trellis needed...usually get 2-3 pickin's per planting...

hereyago

https://www.gurneys.com/product/quickpick-pinkeye-purplehull-pea
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 12:21 AM

That's awesome. I didn't know they were a bushy lower plant. I'll definitely be planting those.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 01:30 AM

notice that they are "pinkeye" purple hulls...not "blackeyed peas"...real easy to pick since they turn purple when ready to pick and easy to shell...not to mention really good eatin' with cornbread~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 02:28 AM

Looks good. I like the way those beds look
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 12:33 PM

thanks...i've never had a raised bed...my garden in Crockett was out n a pasture like most of yawls...12 - 25 ft long rows...being 4 ft wide makes it easy to play in the dirt from both sides, reaching the center...
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 12:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
That's awesome. I didn't know they were a bushy lower plant. I'll definitely be planting those.


No one wants to pick peas with their butt up in the air. Trellis that bad boy!!

(I was watching You Tube and one ole boy made that statement....cracks me up.)

I am doing a 5' tall trellis x 30' long. Easy peasy! Pick peas waist high!

I am planting 3 varieties. Sugar Peas, Little Marvels and Purple Hull. My 30x10 bed is ready as of last night. Planting them today!

Hang trellis later this weekend!

Planted radishes, beets and carrots last night! I was "Rooting" it up till 8pm last night! (Loving the time change!)
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 12:35 PM

So jealous of those onions. I'd fill my yard if I could grow them like that! We eat lots of onions.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 12:58 PM

that's the great thing about Quick-Pick purple hulls...the pods are on top of the plant...easy pickin'...i never thought of a trellis but i guess that'll work too...hey Derek...try both and post pictures of the results...

this is the crop i had last summer 2017 on the right...green beans on the left

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 01:05 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
So jealous of those onions. I'd fill my yard if I could grow them like that! We eat lots of onions.


you can...i follow the Dixondale Farms instructions...go to their website for details

http://www.dixondalefarms.com/online_guides

i am, however, trying Derek's alfalfa/cottonseed meal mix on a row for comparison this year...pictures in May at harvest
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 01:35 PM

What I like about the Quick-Pick from reading about them is that they are a determinate, short non vining bush. I can plant those in my southeast box once I pull my onions and not worry about them shading out my tomatoes, squash, etc that will be still producing. I can plant a vining type in my northeast onion box. I'll look at some varieties today. I hate sugar/sweet peas, but my wife and one kid loves them, so I might bite the bullet and grow some of those with the trellis.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 01:39 PM

oh, Derek, you read???...there's my problem...i use the trial / error method...mostly error
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 01:45 PM

lol. I wouldn't read an actual book to save my life, but I love researching/reading about plants and vegetables.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 04:44 PM

Since my tomato seeds pooped the bed , ate by mold and fungus , I'm going to the local nursery for tomato plants. What kind would yall get?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 06:04 PM

Porter...Texas bred in Stephenville...ask Derek...~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 06:16 PM

Porters are great if you can find them. Our High School ag dept is actually growing and selling them this year.

Tycoon and Phoenix I grew last year and did very well. I'm growing a Red Deuce and a Cherokee Purple this year. Trlrman mentioned Mountain Pride.

You might not see any of the above at the Nursery besides the Cherokee. It kinda hit and miss what you'll see, Most likely you'll see Celebrity, Better Boy, Early Girl, Roma, Cherry.

Remember the Determinate is the shorty bushy type. Indeterminate is the vine type. Most of the time it says on the label.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 06:34 PM

I have been looking for those terms on labels , haven't seen it yet . U went and they had improved porter, 4th july, phoenix and many more , pretty suprised . I'm gonna buy some next week. I did buy some japs and bells , I just got done planting them
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 06:39 PM

And plant your tomatoes deep. Tomatoes are one of the plants that will form roots from it's stem being buried. Making it a stronger plant. Right where he is pointing is the depth I plant them to. Right where the plant starts to branch. A lot of times there are 2 smaller leaves below where it starts to branch, just like in this pic. Don't worry about those. Bury them.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 06:43 PM

Awesome , thanks , I planted my my japs and bells to the depth of right at the base of the stem . Is that ok? I put Epsom salt in each hole like you recommend
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 06:44 PM

Phoenix is determinate.
4th of July and Improved Porter are indeterminate. Both of those plants are similar. Both producing lots of smaller 4oz tomatoes. Of the 2 Crapy and myself would recommend the Improved Porter. But since you have a lot of room you should try both.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 06:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Awesome , thanks , I planted my my japs and bells to the depth of right at the base of the stem . Is that ok? I put Epsom salt in each hole like you recommend


That's perfect.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 06:53 PM

One last thing. Soak your pot before you plants. You want a well hydrated root ball. I make a weak mixture of Garrett Juice. Or you can use just water. Submerge the entire pot/root ball base. Let them soak for 30 minutes or so then plant. If you didn't do that to the japs and bells it ok. Just water them in really good.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 07:12 PM

OK thanks , I didnt do that but watered them in well, I will probably water them again later.

I did hose my rows down with Medina and garret juice 4 days ago
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 08:12 PM

tycoons maybe tough to find this year according to the gal at the feed store . on the indeterminate might also look at mortgage lifter . Had to pull these early due to cracking from too much rain .

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/18 10:33 PM

I was wondering about the Tycoons. HEB typically has 100+ Tycoon plants and they have 0 this year. Those mortgage lifter are insanely huge. I'd have to up my tomato cage game to support those.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 12:35 AM

1 down. Tired.

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 01:02 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I was wondering about the Tycoons. HEB typically has 100+ Tycoon plants and they have 0 this year. Those mortgage lifter are insanely huge. I'd have to up my tomato cage game to support those.
those are from the fall,I am going to give them a go as a spring/summer run and see what happens !
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 01:15 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
1 down. Tired.




Nice! What all did you plant?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 01:15 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I was wondering about the Tycoons. HEB typically has 100+ Tycoon plants and they have 0 this year. Those mortgage lifter are insanely huge. I'd have to up my tomato cage game to support those.
those are from the fall,I am going to give them a go as a spring/summer run and see what happens !


Looking forward to the updates.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 02:58 AM

Spent 1.5 hrs out there this afternoon. Got 30' of sugar peas and 30' of little marvel peas planted. Planted kale and purple top greens (older seeds, see if they sprout).

Making head way now.

Hoe in hand! banana
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 03:00 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
lol. I wouldn't read an actual book to save my life, but I love researching/reading about plants and vegetables.


You Tube is nice, no reading just kick back and learn!
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 03:15 AM

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/feedlot-panel-cattle-16-ft-l-x-50-in-h

Is there a better option for a trellis? I will be growing year round and figured might as well go metal instead of the nets.

https://www.amazon.com/HiHydro-Heavy-Dut...trellis+netting

Pros and Cons?
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 05:27 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
What I like about the Quick-Pick from reading about them is that they are a determinate, short non vining bush. I can plant those in my southeast box once I pull my onions and not worry about them shading out my tomatoes, squash, etc that will be still producing. I can plant a vining type in my northeast onion box. I'll look at some varieties today. I hate sugar/sweet peas, but my wife and one kid loves them, so I might bite the bullet and grow some of those with the trellis.


It is a little late to be putting in sugar snap peas, an excuse for you to use if you do not like them.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 11:46 AM

Is there a better option for a trellis? I will be growing year round and figured might as well go metal instead of the nets.

Pros and Cons?

i use something like this...there are a lot of options on sizes

https://www.homedepot.com/p/7-ft-x-50-ft-Concrete-Reinforcing-Mesh-WIMSH-67-50/202529157

cut at about 11 squares...44" around...cut the bottom ring off and stick it in the ground...
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 12:18 PM

I will go see if they sell 50' here locally and check the price to see if it's cheaper. Thanks!
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 12:48 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
Is there a better option for a trellis? I will be growing year round and figured might as well go metal instead of the nets.

Pros and Cons?

i use something like this...there are a lot of options on sizes

https://www.homedepot.com/p/7-ft-x-50-ft-Concrete-Reinforcing-Mesh-WIMSH-67-50/202529157

cut at about 11 squares...44" around...cut the bottom ring off and stick it in the ground...


That rebar mesh rusts out badly. Go to tractor supply or a lumber yard and buy some hog panel. Comes in 20 lengths. Thats what I use.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 01:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Dawson Hefner
Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
What I like about the Quick-Pick from reading about them is that they are a determinate, short non vining bush. I can plant those in my southeast box once I pull my onions and not worry about them shading out my tomatoes, squash, etc that will be still producing. I can plant a vining type in my northeast onion box. I'll look at some varieties today. I hate sugar/sweet peas, but my wife and one kid loves them, so I might bite the bullet and grow some of those with the trellis.


It is a little late to be putting in sugar snap peas, an excuse for you to use if you do not like them.


That's what I was reading last night. Pretty much no chance of them making it in the summer heat. So I ordered some cucumber seed instead. bannana2
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 01:50 PM

Read a good book last night called Texas organic vegetable gardening , learned some things
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 01:51 PM

That rebar mesh rusts out badly. Go to tractor supply or a lumber yard and buy some hog panel. Comes in 20 lengths. Thats what I use.

yes, it rusts...i'm still using what i bought in Odessa in 2001 tho...if you have the $$$, panels work...hard/impossible to make circular
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/18 02:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Read a good book last night called Texas organic vegetable gardening , learned some things



If you didn't know Howard does a radio show from 8-11 Sunday's on 660.

There is another radio show out of San Antonio that's good. Bob Webster. 5:30-9:00 on Saturday's. You can listen to it on Tune In or KTSA website.
www.ktsa.com/shows/bob-webster/
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/18 01:52 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
That rebar mesh rusts out badly. Go to tractor supply or a lumber yard and buy some hog panel. Comes in 20 lengths. Thats what I use.

yes, it rusts...i'm still using what i bought in Odessa in 2001 tho...if you have the $$$, panels work...hard/impossible to make circular


it does rust
i like the rust in my soil
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/18 10:17 PM

2nd garden is done. Peppers, tomatoes, pickling cucumbers, and the melons are in the back.

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/18 11:38 PM

Looks great , I goy my tomatoes in today .

Question of the day , my tomato plants I bought were taller and a darker green then the bell and japs I planted . Does the darker green mean they're an older plant?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/18 11:16 AM

Not necessarily. Different plants have stems of different shades of green. Likewise, tomatoes grow very rapidly, while it has been my experience that peppers grow more slowly. Best not to compare peppers to tomatoes, to squash, etc. compare individual plants of the same variety to each other.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/18 12:41 PM

Chickenman, what are your watering plans? Drip lines?

I'm planning on using the cloth on my raised beds.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/18 05:43 PM

does grub worm killer kill Earthworms ?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/18 06:33 PM

Today's question , how long should I be expecting to see if any life i's going to happen with the seeds I sewed?
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/18 07:13 PM

2 weeks
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 12:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Chickenman, what are your watering plans? Drip lines?


Probably PVC drip system. Never done one before but youtube has some cool videos. Hand watering right now frown
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 10:09 AM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
does grub worm killer kill Earthworms ?


There are many different grub killers. Some yes, some no. Whats the active ingredient in the one you are using?
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 12:25 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Today's question , how long should I be expecting to see if any life i's going to happen with the seeds I sewed?


Where do you live in the state? Seems a bit early to sow directly....but it depends on what you planted too.

My planting dates really kick off the 17th of this month and the 24th...per my local guide.

It also depends on the rain you get....and ground warmth. Supposed to get cooler this week.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 12:27 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Chickenman, what are your watering plans? Drip lines?


Probably PVC drip system. Never done one before but youtube has some cool videos. Hand watering right now frown


Have you done a price comparison to the Rain Bird systems to PVC?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 01:04 PM

I live by Decatur , okra, squash, cucs,radish. I have been watering daily . I just didn't know when I should expect to see something
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 01:13 PM

found this on Guideposts and thought i'd share...appropriate, don'tcha think~~~???~~~

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 01:59 PM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Have you done a price comparison to the Rain Bird systems to PVC?


I haven't. Never heard of Rain Bird. I'll look into it though. Thanks for the tip!
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 02:45 PM

http://www.rainbird.com/landscape/products/Drip-Irrigation.htm

I bought the starter kit with my 5 dollar off coupon at ACE. I will need extra parts, but this will get me started....I think. I watched a video or two on You Tube....looks way to easy.

My neighbor uses PVC with holes drilled in.....but how do you know how much you are watering?

Rain Bird is rated by the GPH.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 02:46 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
found this on Guideposts and thought i'd share...appropriate, don'tcha think~~~???~~~




Loving it and the time change...I say outside till the Skeeters run me off at dark. Come in dirty and smelling like dirt. So much to do, so little time!
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 03:09 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-hnU-pejcI&feature=youtu.be

Check out this video. We do about a $100,000 a year in repairs on existing drip.
There is no difference between the cheapest and the best. Just saying
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 03:25 PM

Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 03:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Bruce's Guide Service

There is no difference between the cheapest and the best. Just saying


I disagree with this. I install several hundred miles worth of drip every year, most of it is specified by the architect on gpm, emitter spacing, and brand. I have far fewer warranty calls on the RainBird XFS and XFD than I do on all the others. So far fewer, that I installed the XFD at my house. Granted, rats, mice, etc. can and will chew through any drip tubing regardless of brand, so if those are an issue, youre gonna have a problem.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/18 08:31 PM

Radish and turnips have sprouted.

(Inside ) Carolina Reaper peppers have sprouted and Early Girl tomatoes are ~ 6" . Trying to start the borgs and jolakias from Magged Out . Waiting on Easter to put everything outside .
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/18 12:44 AM

6 peas and 3 cucumber plants have died. Gave a bunch away. Not sure what store bought plants to put on those spots. Dill for sure.

Sheryl Crow was put out to pasture today.

Introducing Betsy Ross.

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/18 12:48 AM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
Rain Bird is rated by the GPH.


I can do both gardens with a regulator in PVC for $85. I'm going that route.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/18 01:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I live by Decatur , okra, squash, cucs,radish. I have been watering daily . I just didn't know when I should expect to see something


Backoff on the watering so much. IMO. Unless it's just a mist on the topsoil. I have a feeling you're soaking them daily. Starting today I wouldn't water again for a week, if so.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/18 01:47 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
6 peas and 3 cucumber plants have died. Gave a bunch away. Not sure what store bought plants to put on those spots. Dill for sure.

Sheryl Crow was put out to pasture today.

Introducing Betsy Ross.



Greatness! roflmao Plant Radishes and Turnips in the dead holes. Or replant the OG plant seeds. Still early.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/18 08:08 PM

Question of the day , I have 4 rows , the two in the middle are all seeds , the outer two plants . Some of my plants are looking poor . I'm hand watering every two day's , the third day is my work day so no water . Should I keep my seed rows moist but slow down on my plants?
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/18 10:06 PM

Cman sow the cuke seeds they'll germinate in less then a week.


Brad stick your index finger up to the first knuckle in the dirt, if it's dry water.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/18 02:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
Cman sow the cuke seeds they'll germinate in less then a week.


Thats what I am thinking. Wish I knew what did my peas in though. Was looking forward to them.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/18 12:20 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
Cman sow the cuke seeds they'll germinate in less then a week.


Thats what I am thinking. Wish I knew what did my peas in though. Was looking forward to them.


When I grew peas in the past, I just dropped another seed in when a plant died. Then you get some peas longer through the season.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/18 12:22 PM

Update on my beds - Purple Tops, Kale, Radish, Potatoes, and one carrot has sprouted (noticed them all yesterday!). I planted all those seeds last week. Beets are still slow to rise. Peas have not shown their heads yet, but I got 30' of net trellis waiting on them! smile
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/18 03:14 PM

Mild frost in m y neck overnight frown I saw 37 at 6am. Not sure how or if it impacted the plants. Bummer.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/18 04:54 PM

We were under the blanket of Pine Tree and Oak pollen. LOL
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/18 10:55 PM

Not one of my seeds shows any life
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/18 12:04 AM

I'd give it through the weekend. Y'all have had some really chilly nights the last few nights up north. Big warm up starts tomorrow and the overnight lows staying in the upper 50's to mid 60's.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/18 01:38 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Not one of my seeds shows any life


Its coming....
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/18 10:09 AM

My peas were poking their heads out yesterday! Excitement!
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/18 12:00 PM

Ive got fruit set on my cucumbers and yellow squash. White scallopear squash has buds forming blooms. Derek cussed at me on snap and basically threatened to burn my garden to the ground. Jealousy doesnt look good on you, derek.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/18 01:35 PM

Where are you at with all that stuff already blooming?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/18 02:50 PM

Farmers Almanac March 24th - 25th

Excellent for sowing seedbeds and flower gardens. Best planting days for aboveground crops, especially peas, beans, cucumbers, and squash where climate permits.

Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/18 06:07 PM

Originally Posted By: Dawson Hefner
Where are you at with all that stuff already blooming?


Seguin. 2.5 miles south of I-10.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/18 07:33 PM

Crook-neck squash , turnips , onions, and collards are doing well .

I really want to move the 'maters and peppers outside this weekend but Easter's still 8 days away . Not gonna chance it .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/18 10:31 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Crook-neck squash , turnips , onions, and collards are doing well .

I really want to move the 'maters and peppers outside this weekend but Easter's still 8 days away . Not gonna chance it .
yes sir my mesquite nor my pecans show any buddin I am waiting also thumb
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 12:04 AM

All the mesquites around here are fully leafed out. Mountain Laurels dropped their blooms about a week ago. Spring is almost over.
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 01:05 AM

Against my better judgement..And drinking a lot today...Which made my back feel better,I planted everything I had. Well see....
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 01:39 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Not one of my seeds shows any life


Its coming....


Update? Should be showing life now.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 02:11 AM

I got nothing through the dirt , all my plants that I put in have droopy leaves that are japs and bell pepper, they have been in the grouND two weeks . My tomato plants that I put in a week ago have yellowing leaves . I don't know what's going on . I don't know if the constant hard winds have hurt them or what . I just NE I would have seen some of my seeds coming up today
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 11:20 AM

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
Originally Posted By: Dawson Hefner
Where are you at with all that stuff already blooming?


Seguin. 2.5 miles south of I-10.

That explains it.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 11:24 AM

Brad, how much have you watered, how deep did you plant, and what did you plant. Some transplant shock on sets normal. If it's really windy and warm when you plant that can be hard on them.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 11:39 AM

I watered pretty heavy the first week , I have backed down on that , now I'm just watering more the seededrows.I planted seed at depth the packages said, all plants besides tomatoes I planted to the base of the pot dirt, tomato plants deeper
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 12:02 PM

The strong south winds can put a beating on my garden. I always wrap my tomato cages in plastic for a few weeks. It's too dark yet to get a pic of mine, but I wrap mine just like in this link. I only wrap up to around 15-18 high on the cage. Once they reach the top of the plastic they are strong enough to have enough cage support to handle the wind.

www.lillepunkin.com/2015/06/helpful-garden-hack-wrapping-cages-in.html

About the bottom 4" of my tomato plants have yellower leaves. Those are the leaves from where I originally planted and I think they got a little transplant shock. All the new growth is good and dark green.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 12:20 PM

I was watching a video of cucumber planting and the first 2 leaves that pop out are the nutrients....basically the umbilical cord for the plants. Those leaves die off once the other leaves start to develop and produce their own nutriments. They said you want 3-4 regular leaves before planting. Mine have 2-3 and couple are working on the 4th. I figure other veggies do the same with their first leaves.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 12:21 PM

Dogwood is full bloom (bass are spawning) and the pecan over it....not a leaf yet. Azelas are just starting to pop! Spring just got here in North East Texas!
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 02:17 PM

Azaleas blooming here, Texas gold columbine is about to pop. Have a blossom on a tomato
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 02:55 PM


Before


After

All before church today. We had a full afternoon and I was itching to complete my project. Rain Bird Emitter hoses going on the valves.

Not sure why pic isn't showing up. First time posting from cell. Oh well. I will post later.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/18 05:22 PM

Its possible you may have had seeds rot from excess moisture and cool temps. It's also possible they may still grow. Beans benefit a lot from a good overnight soak before planting. Somethings can take a long time to sprout like peppers.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/18 02:34 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I watered pretty heavy the first week , I have backed down on that , now I'm just watering more the seededrows.I planted seed at depth the packages said, all plants besides tomatoes I planted to the base of the pot dirt, tomato plants deeper


With the wind blowing the way it has, you will probably have to hand water daily. It doesn't take a lot. A quart maybe per plant slowly so not to move the soil too much.

If you don't see anything in several more days, consider repleting. Its not like its too late.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/18 11:13 AM

Yeah that will be my next option , I kept the seeds moist as much as I could but it seemed like every time I put my finger in the soil it was dry
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/18 12:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Yeah that will be my next option , I kept the seeds moist as much as I could but it seemed like every time I put my finger in the soil it was dry


Sandy soil?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/18 12:48 AM

Here is the update on mine with showing some transplant shock/stress examples for Brad and others.

I took the gamble and planted a little sooner.

Here are a couple of my tomatoes (Porter Improved). In the ground March 4th. Hit a couple cold nights. Along with that and not getting them acclimated to the sun. They were about 12" tall plants when I planted them. About 4" out of the ground once planted. You can see the stress on the bottom leaves. That started immediately and they looked liked chit for a week or so. But after a few weeks and warmer temps they have exploded. (the wrapping acts like a little greenhouse and helps a lot imo.)





Next is Cayenne. It struggled hard. It was a good healthy plant when I planted it. But peppers are slower to grow, specially with those cooler nights we had a few weeks ago. So I wrapped it like the tomato and just left it for two weeks. It bounced back great. Only the lower leaves are from the transplanting shock and cold. The rest is all new growth.


Last is the Tabasco. This is my favorite. It was a good looking plant, though not near as good looking or as the Cayenne when planted. I planted this tabasco on the 17th. It looked completely dead on the 18. Couple days later it started to show some life and has bounced back nicely with new growth. This will probably end up being my favorite plant this year.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/18 01:30 AM

Derek,iv pretry much followed all your advice ,my cups were ate of mold, not one plant to show, my seeds won't grow in the ground . I go and buy plant and then you say "oh yeah you gotta wrap those ". I'm kidding here because it's sad
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/18 02:15 AM

Chatting with my gardening neighbor over the fence about pitiful looking peach trees. He said if you got one thing wrong you got a dozen things wrong. Ain't that the truth Brad? LOL.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/18 02:25 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Derek,iv pretry much followed all your advice ,my cups were ate of mold, not one plant to show, my seeds won't grow in the ground . I go and buy plant and then you say "oh yeah you gotta wrap those ". I'm kidding here because it's sad


Your results are sad. And I'm not sure why yet. I didn't say you gotta wrap them. I posted tips and experiences that work for me. I don't typically wrap my peppers, but did this year since I planted early. I've always wrapped my tomatoes, but I bet less than 50% of the garden posters here do. I honestly don't know why you're not getting seed germ, plant growth, etc... at this point. From my mission statement once we get you dialed in, I think you'll do great. I do and stand by what I say. It's the way I roll. But I read and listen and open to changes while researching at the same time. Sorry if you feel like I have failed you.

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Brad this is the way I roll. I'm not saying I'm right or saying I'm doing it better than someone that does it different than I do, by any means. I've never done a soil test. I'm not looking to add a ton of nitrogen or lower phos. I'm looking for a good biodiversity soil. Meaning it's active with microbes, earthworms etc.. As I've mentioned before I feed the microbes and soil. Which you've started by adding lots of compost. Personally I would add at least some or one of the meals, greensand, lava sand, dry molasses. All cheap and beneficial and adding trace minerals to your soil. This biodiversity will have the microbes balance out your soil and make your vegs able to take up the trace minerals that are typically bound up. It will also help beneficial fungus that will form relationships with your veg roots making even a larger root structure, which is nice. Ok, I'm done lol.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/18 12:53 PM

I'm wondering if I should go toss a cucumber and squash plant in the ground to see how it handles all this rain. I got a few that are ready for planting. BUT this might be too much of a hard rain....beat em down. I better wait....ugg. More rain next week too!

Side note - all my water lines are down (where things are planted at currently, still have 2 above ground beds and 2-30' rows of open beds to plant) and buried underground with valves on each zone.....I'm ready for the dry season now! I need to post some pics. I did a combo of pvc to the planting areas then Rain Bird drip system on each row. It sure looks legit.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/18 01:54 PM

I'm just messing with ya , yall have been nothing but helpful
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/18 02:32 PM

Let's see what this rain does for you Brad .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/18 03:53 PM

Yeah I'm intrested to see how my plants respond , I think it will tell me if I'm over or under watering . IL look at my seeds too and see if I need to replant
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/18 02:01 PM

Brad what kind of soil do you have? Loam, clay, sand a mixture?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/18 02:51 PM

I'd say kind of a sandy mix with a little clay , I mixed in a bunch of compost in it
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/18 11:05 AM

I placed a couple squash and one cucumber out to see what happens. I had a couple small plants that were busting out of the small pots. I swear my squash has only a few leaves and has flower buds forming....should I pinch those off? Most all my squash is getting them.

I might add the rest of the plants this afternoon or tomorrow. I got a handful that are ready....last few days they have spent outside in the rain, wind, and sun.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/18 12:38 PM

my squash did the same thing...flowering...but i put in some squash seed and they are already up...the transplants were just sitting there...this is my 1st time to raise squash inside and transplant...didn't like the results...squash plants from seed in the garden works best for me...i put in my tomato plants and the 6" rain Wednesday pounded them...dummy me...i knew to cover them but didn't...cucumber plants are looking good...taters are blooming...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/18 03:00 PM

My Porters are growing like crazy. First is from last Monday, 2nd pic is from this morning.




I forgot the name of this mushroom. I have a lot of them popping up in the garden. It's a good sign of a healthy active soil.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/18 04:06 PM

just took my wow off my leggy porter on the bottom right...your's make mine look sick, but i'll ketchup...the maters on the bottom left are some BIG variety i've never grown...but the price was right...free from a nabor...no comments on my trellis pls...my wife has said enuf



onions don't look right...guess cause i planted them late (January)...taters on the left lookin' good...cukes on the bottom left startin' to kik n gear



Roma II and Contender beans startin' to pop up...Zucc and str8nek popped...
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/18 04:25 PM

All these pics make me sad
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/18 04:29 PM

u gotta start somewhere...i was n the 4th grade...if my math's right, that's 58 years ago...u can't imagine how many times i've done it wrong...problem is, i'm still doin' it wrong...~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 03:16 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
All these pics make me sad


Still no life showing?

Maybe you got some bad seeds. I've received some seeds in the past that never germinated/grew. I still get failures. Never sure why.

Consider sowing again. This time, hand water daily. Not a boat load but get it wetttttt.

If you need heirloom seeds that will grow, send me a PM. I can even mail them to ya.

Let get you growing!
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 03:17 AM

And the good news is, there is still plenty of warm days ahead of us hammer If you wanted to plant early early you're only 15 days behind.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 12:10 PM

Brad look at the date on the seeds and make sure they are fresh!
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 12:45 PM

If you have a tractor supply close by, they have this years burpee seeds and a great selection.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 03:19 PM

I ordered some onion seeds a few years ago that were supposed to be for the year, out of at least 250 seeds not one came up.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 05:54 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman

If you need heirloom seeds that will grow, send me a PM. I can even mail them to ya.




What kind of heirloom seeds?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 06:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
Originally Posted By: chickenman

If you need heirloom seeds that will grow, send me a PM. I can even mail them to ya.




What kind of heirloom seeds?


Brand? I don't recall. I'll find them and report back.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 07:17 PM

If they're tomatoes I'm in.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 07:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
If they're tomatoes I'm in.


But I extended the offer to Mr Brad not Mr Majestic.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 08:01 PM

This is true, good luck Brad
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/18 08:56 PM

mesquite budded so peppers got planted. The 2 big un's are mammoth jalapeo that were started and put in hydroponic about 7 weeks ago we shall see how they transition? Total 4 ghost ,3 habanero ,and 4 mammoth .Tomatoes are up next !
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/18 12:27 AM

Well , I WAS gonna put 'maters , habaneros , thais and jolakias out tomorrow but now NOAA is predicting lows in the upper 30s later this week . realmad
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/18 12:37 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
If they're tomatoes I'm in.


But I extended the offer to Mr Brad not Mr Majestic.


Jokes.

If you're interested, they grow and I'm not married to them....

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/18 12:38 AM

progress....



Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/18 07:58 PM

Well we have everything except the squash, zucchini, and okra in the ground.
In the main bed we have hot and sweet peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, red onions, broccoli, and one tomatillo. The empty space is for the squash and zuccini


This bed has garlic and the two varieties of tomatoes that only gave me one seedling each, the san marzano and the marion.

Last but not least the cuke bed, these are the Boston pickling variety. I am still debating on what I should plant with them.


We moved into the house in November and this is our first time gardening. Thank God for Howard Garrett and his radio show.

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/18 09:49 PM

Chickenman, you're the man ! I just sowed in squash and cucumber in one row . I left the other row empty to see what happens .

I bought seeds in multiple places , so I don't think that's it. The ones in packages are fresh.

Question , my plants I put in of tomato and bell pepper look OK . All japs look bad , do they need less water?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/18 10:18 PM

Also , I haven't put any mulch or straw or anything on top of the soil yet , I was waiting on the seeded plants to come though the dirt , haha . I have tons of round bales of hay so it's at my disposal . I pUT my finger in the soil everyday , if it's dry I water . I don't water heavy at all . I don't know what else to do/try for a seed to "show life"
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/18 02:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Question , my plants I put in of tomato and bell pepper look OK . All japs look bad , do they need less water?


I don't know much about peppers except they may like summer better. I grow them okay. Small for some reason.

Sounds like you're watering right.

If you need the seeds, its no big deal to mail them. Just ask.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/18 02:23 AM

Supposed to be in the 40's this week......this isn't going to help the situation.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/18 04:17 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Also , I haven't put any mulch or straw or anything on top of the soil yet , I was waiting on the seeded plants to come though the dirt , haha . I have tons of round bales of hay so it's at my disposal . I pUT my finger in the soil everyday , if it's dry I water . I don't water heavy at all . I don't know what else to do/try for a seed to "show life"


You have to keep the top 1/2" of soil moist 24/7...you cant let it dry out. Moisture softens the seed case and allows it to germinate. Wet the soil 2 or 3 times a day if needed.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/18 01:56 PM

Chicken man , I think my tomatoes will be OK , I think . If something changes IL let you know . Thanks again
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/18 03:00 PM

This is my first attempt at a real garden (CARP I'm becoming an Old!) and looking for some advise. I planted 4 tomato plants (early girl, hybrid (2) and cherry), Red, Green and Mexican Bell Peppers, Mucho Japs, Banana Peppers. Zucchini, Watermelon, Cantaloupe and Strawberries. Here is a picture from 2 weeks ago.


The Zucchini sprouted the day after and is doing real well and the Cantaloupe started to sprout a few days ago but no sign of the Watermelons yet. I am having problems with my Strawberries - they are getting eaten by something and it's not me!!! What should I do? (I have thought about following Chickenman home and swiping his mannequin and putting on a sexy nurse outfit with a garter and thigh-highs on her.)

I would say all my plants have doubled in size and have many blooms on the tomatoes, bell peppers and strawberries from the rain and sun last week. Do I need to fertilize them yet (and with what) and should I start to think about a bug control program yet? What do you guys recommend?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/18 04:05 PM

Originally Posted By: BlueNitro
....

The Zucchini sprouted the day after and is doing real well and the Cantaloupe started to sprout a few days ago but no sign of the Watermelons yet. I am having problems with my Strawberries - they are getting eaten by something and it's not me!!! What should I do? (I have thought about following Chickenman home and swiping his mannequin and putting on a sexy nurse outfit with a garter and thigh-highs on her.)

Everything loves strawberries but since they're in pots I'd say birds (especially mockingbirds) . Make a frame out of sticks and drape bird netting over the plants .


I would say all my plants have doubled in size and have many blooms on the tomatoes, bell peppers and strawberries from the rain and sun last week. Do I need to fertilize them yet (and with what)

Looks like you're ok for now .

and should I start to think about a bug control program yet? What do you guys recommend?

Absolutely . I don't use any pesticides other than Sevin (and only if it's a major infestation) . I use beneficial insects . Did you have any ladybug swarms this year ? I grab every one I see and put 'em on the plants . Same goes for lacewings , praying mantis , etc. If there's food around they'll lay eggs .

If you have snails/slugs , set a small bowl of beer in the garden . They go in there and drown . cheers




Oh , and , welcome to oldfartdom . wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/18 04:10 PM

Think this has been posted but it's worth repeating:

If you find a hornworm on your pepper or tomato plants that has what appears to be grains of rice stuck to its back ; leave it alone . Those are the cocoons of a parasitic wasp .
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/18 04:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: BlueNitro
....

The Zucchini sprouted the day after and is doing real well and the Cantaloupe started to sprout a few days ago but no sign of the Watermelons yet. I am having problems with my Strawberries - they are getting eaten by something and it's not me!!! What should I do? (I have thought about following Chickenman home and swiping his mannequin and putting on a sexy nurse outfit with a garter and thigh-highs on her.)

Everything loves strawberries but since they're in pots I'd say birds (especially mockingbirds) . Make a frame out of sticks and drape bird netting over the plants .


I would say all my plants have doubled in size and have many blooms on the tomatoes, bell peppers and strawberries from the rain and sun last week. Do I need to fertilize them yet (and with what)

Looks like you're ok for now .

and should I start to think about a bug control program yet? What do you guys recommend?

Absolutely . I don't use any pesticides other than Sevin (and only if it's a major infestation) . I use beneficial insects . Did you have any ladybug swarms this year ? I grab every one I see and put 'em on the plants . Same goes for lacewings , praying mantis , etc. If there's food around they'll lay eggs .

If you have snails/slugs , set a small bowl of beer in the garden . They go in there and drown . cheers




Oh , and , welcome to oldfartdom . wink


Thank you for the info and the welcome to oldfartdom.

I will try the beer in the bowl but it probably won't work because the dog and me like beer.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/18 07:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: BlueNitro
....

The Zucchini sprouted the day after and is doing real well and the Cantaloupe started to sprout a few days ago but no sign of the Watermelons yet. I am having problems with my Strawberries - they are getting eaten by something and it's not me!!! What should I do? (I have thought about following Chickenman home and swiping his mannequin and putting on a sexy nurse outfit with a garter and thigh-highs on her.)

Everything loves strawberries but since they're in pots I'd say birds (especially mockingbirds) . Make a frame out of sticks and drape bird netting over the plants .


I would say all my plants have doubled in size and have many blooms on the tomatoes, bell peppers and strawberries from the rain and sun last week. Do I need to fertilize them yet (and with what)

Looks like you're ok for now .

and should I start to think about a bug control program yet? What do you guys recommend?

Absolutely . I don't use any pesticides other than Sevin (and only if it's a major infestation) . I use beneficial insects . Did you have any ladybug swarms this year ? I grab every one I see and put 'em on the plants . Same goes for lacewings , praying mantis , etc. If there's food around they'll lay eggs .

If you have snails/slugs , set a small bowl of beer in the garden . They go in there and drown . cheers




Oh , and , welcome to oldfartdom . wink


I got 12 Praying Mantis egg sacks off ebay last week for $13.95 delivered. That's a really good deal. Just waiting for them to hatch now. I also got 1500 ladybugs for $9.95 delivered off eaby.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/18 12:42 AM


Tomato 's starting to get consistent bout every 3-4 days worth.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/18 01:09 AM

One point as always trlrman. thumb What's the weird body ones with the kickers?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/18 03:40 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
One point as always trlrman. thumb What's the weird body ones with the kickers?


Those are the male tomatoes . grin
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/18 10:26 AM

Jimmy Durante's .Not sure but it may be due to my inconsistent water change's. Has not affected taste .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/18 01:46 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
One point as always trlrman. thumb What's the weird body ones with the kickers?


Those are the male tomatoes . grin



roflmao
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/18 01:59 PM

how about these boys???

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/18 02:51 PM

roflmao clap
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/18 06:10 PM

Gonna get a frost Friday night here in North Texas with some low temps in the 30's. You boys better cover up your veggies.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/18 10:39 PM

That's what I was about to ask,shows 35 on the phone . Are you guys gonna cover?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/18 12:18 AM

I may get my rear handed to me but my mesquite has put on even more leaves so no. Besides that I don't have 40 plus buckets ! Fingers crossed !!!
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/18 12:43 AM

So far ive been lucky. I went to home depot in Mt Pleasant yesterday and half the plants and vegatables were frost bitten. I may cover some if the forecast stays the same.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/18 12:48 AM

Our mesquites are full. Latest I saw was 37 which is the predicted low at DFW airport. Being 30 miles south I hope I'll be a few degrees higher and be good.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/18 01:10 AM

since there's no mesquites in the pineywoods, i got nuthin'...but i was raised in mesquite westx, 80 miles west of Wichita Falls so i'd go with them...
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/18 12:33 PM

They are showing ice n snow just across the border in SE OK.

This is a weird year so far!!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/18 05:38 PM

Supposed to get severe thunderstorms tonight then high 30s in the morning . Winter needs to die . Freakin' tomatoes are a foot tall .
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/18 06:51 PM

Update on my garden and a question. I put two owl statues but something still got a few strawberries so I think I'll put one of my game cameras out to see what it is and I guess I will need to cage them. Watermelons and cantaloupes have still not sprouted yet (open area) and one of them that did got ate by something.



Question? I am going to bring the potted plants in and was going to cover the rest with a tarp and maybe spread some sleeping bags on the tarp to try to keep some heat in there. Am I just spinning my wheels or do I need to wrap up all the plants? If I do nothing, will a light frost kill the plants or what?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/18 08:14 PM

Should've said this in the last post.

Move the strawberry pots away from that raised bed . A rodent or rabbit can easily reach the strawberries from there . Since you have other plants getting chewed , I'd say it's probably one of them rather than birds .

The owls are good but you need to get the ones with the "bobble-heads" or move them every few days . Varmits get used to scarecrows and they quickly lose their effectiveness .

Not sure where you're at but you probably won't need a heavy tarp . Put a bedsheet over your plants and remove it the next day .
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/18 09:20 PM

Grandma told me if you notice a frost, spray the plants off first thing that morning.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/18 02:02 AM

Harvested my first cucumbers this afternoon. Should have a bunch of yellow crookneck squash ready by this time Sunday.
Having to tear out and start over on my big tomatoes. I let my daughter pick out the Porters, and she got regular porters rather than the improved. I cant have indeterminate tomatoes in that area, they will shade out my smaller plants there.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/18 01:13 PM

yep it's cold this morning ,34 & misting as I left for work.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/18 01:56 PM

Showing mid 40's here. WF shows 27!!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/18 02:03 PM

My car showed 38 this morning. And we have a heavy mist.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/18 05:35 PM

Covered the tomatoes and peppers just in case. 33 here
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/18 12:09 AM

Just ventured down... Everything leaning left but just fine...
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/18 12:33 PM

It was 34 just east of Longview this morning, my 4Runner was covered in frost with a light covering on the grass. Covered up what I could and will go look after while, have potatoes, green beans, tomatoes and watermelon already up.
Some of my onions have bolted because of the temperature swings from the 30's to the 80's.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/18 01:11 PM

Wet grass on my toes was cold. Garden looks good for most part. Kale. Green, Onions, Beets, and Taters look awesome! Peas have almost reached the net trellis. Cukes and Squash look little yellow...but squash has flower buds. There is only a few leaves....should I pluck those blooms off?

Neighbor had a shop fan on his mater row. I haven't planted mine yet. I thought the fan was interesting.

One interesting thing....my lemon tree has bloomed like crazy, but it's not ending up in fruit. Lack of bees? I moved....so maybe no one around here has a lemon tree to cross pollinate? I only have one tree and usually get 20+ meyer lemons a year.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/18 01:15 PM

If the lemon isnt setting fruit, its likely because it isnt getting enough nutrients. Citrus trees are heavy feeders. They eat a lot. Im assuming you have it in a pot, and didnt transplant it from the ground when you moved?
Lemons do not require cross pollination. They are self-fruitful.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/18 02:25 AM

Maybe its time to repot it. My lime tree is busting out with blooms and fruit starting behind it. I didn't get limes last year....3rd year for this tree. All of citrus are in pots.

My cucumbers this evening, looked mighty bad...guess it got colder than I thought. I restarted them in 6 packs....hope I got time to get some seeds sprouted!
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/18 02:23 PM

Another cold front coming in Friday night, dropping temps again. Hopefully not near as severe as last week.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/18 04:01 PM

I covered my big bed Friday night 5x18' and through operator error I have squished my watermelons. I uncovered Saturday about midday and as of Sunday morning everything looked great. I threw down some dry molasses Sunday afternoon and came back Sunday evening to water it in and saw that my two cherry tomatoes have 80 of their leaves have curled but the blooms are still vibrant and about 25% of the celebrity leaves have curled. Every other tomato and pepper variety that I have seems to be unaffected, the red bell even put on another bloom. Whats really interesting is that I left my cucumbers uncovered and they are looking stronger than ever. This is mt first year trying a vegetable garden so if I get anything it will be more than I ever have before.
Posted By: COFF

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/18 11:08 PM

So I planted cucumbers inside from seed twice now. Transferred them outside when they were about 3" the first time, and they died.

Tried again and transferred at 6". Dead. They have plenty of water, so is it the cool weather? What am I doing wrong?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/18 12:48 AM

i'm a Farmers Almanac guy...i plant according to their calendar...what started me on them is i planted green beans and purple hulls...beautiful plants...not a bean or a pea...planted on a non-bearing day...so now, the first thing i do before transplanting or planting seeds is check the Farmers Almanac garden guide...
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/18 01:30 AM

Cold temps didn't take any. Another round is coming this weekend though.

Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/18 01:32 AM

I ran sprinklers here all night just in case last round. Will do again if I have too
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/18 02:36 AM

Originally Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan
My cucumbers this evening, looked mighty bad...guess it got colder than I thought. I restarted them in 6 packs....hope I got time to get some seeds sprouted!
Originally Posted By: COFF
So I planted cucumbers inside from seed twice now. Transferred them outside when they were about 3" the first time, and they died.

Tried again and transferred at 6". Dead. They have plenty of water, so is it the cool weather? What am I doing wrong?


Sow seed direct in the bed and you'll be good. It's not an impossible transplant, but it's up there in the PITA area, but a very easy veg to grow. Delicate root structure. It's one of the few if I bought/grew in a peat pot that I wouldn't cut the peat pot off.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/18 12:19 PM

I might have put mine too deep....rotting the stem. I brought the dirt of to the stems. frown

I will sow some directly today and see what happens. I got 30' of net trellis ready for them.....I need something to happen there....or I will toss some beans in there!
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/18 12:22 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
i'm a Farmers Almanac guy...i plant according to their calendar...what started me on them is i planted green beans and purple hulls...beautiful plants...not a bean or a pea...planted on a non-bearing day...so now, the first thing i do before transplanting or planting seeds is check the Farmers Almanac garden guide...


I wonder how accurate it is? What if it's raining on a planting day? LOL! Or freezing?

I was looking at it, but due to "so much to do" I just started doing what I have time for that afternoon!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/18 01:42 AM

Heck with the next cold front . My 'maters are over a foot tall and my peppers are flowering . Bought a roll of stretch-wrap today and I'm planting in the morning . thumb
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/18 02:40 PM

Cucumbers I transplanted...dead. I had one semi left and I dug down to the crown and noticed it was about 1"+ deep. I screwed up planting them that deep?

Got 2 new 6 packs started on seed right now, but plan on direct sowing also. Double my odds!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 12:33 AM

My vegs are coming along pretty good. I had a few leaves get some frost bite, but they are recovering well and over all they're all ok.

First year planting an onion bed and they are doing great. Tomatoes, cayenne, jalapeno all have blooms.





Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 01:08 AM

Lookin good !!!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 01:13 AM

when did you plant your onions...???...

i'm disappointed in my onions...i usually plant in November, but i couldn't get Tx Legends until January...so they are just now bulbing...i usually harvest mine the middle of May but it looks like much later and they sure won't be 16"ers...oh well, there's next year~~~!!!~~~

i've got blooms on my stuff also...Ennis and Nacog get the same weather i guess...u might be a little colder...i had no frost
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 01:43 AM

Planted onions 1/20. They are DD's 1015y.

I didn't see any frost and according to my car temp gauge it read 35 in a few area's while running around. But I have some leaves that have damage. But they are rebounding nicely though.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 02:03 AM

Well I am running way behind ! I had ice last Saturday a little made it thru it . On a positive note looks like my mesquite survived . LOLmay have to start trusting my pecan!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 02:23 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Well I am running way behind ! I had ice last Saturday a little made it thru it . On a positive note looks like my mesquite survived . LOLmay have to start trusting my pecan!


LOL. This is my Norm/Cliff talk. Old school beekeepers have told me many times "there are 5 species of Mesquite trees. The one(s) east of the trinity only bloom once and only for about a week and they suck." roflmao

I honestly don't know the difference in them, but west of the trinity they seem to bloom much longer.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 02:17 PM

So I am assuming the the edges of the leaves are from the last cold snap. Do I need to do anything with them?





So I am at the point that the watermelon and cantaloupe that I directly seeded are not going to come up in the open area. What would you guys recommend to plant here because I am tired of watering the barren area. First garden so I need something that is easy to grow.

TIA
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 03:42 PM

BlueNitro, okra is easy to grow.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 03:56 PM

Originally Posted By: BlueNitro
So I am assuming the the edges of the leaves are from the last cold snap. Do I need to do anything with them?

Nope . Even though they're damaged , they'll still help the plant grow .


So I am at the point that the watermelon and cantaloupe that I directly seeded are not going to come up in the open area. What would you guys recommend to plant here because I am tired of watering the barren area. First garden so I need something that is easy to grow.

Turnip greens and collards are easy . You might want to plant a few icicle radish near the squash .


TIA
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 04:09 PM

Thanks guys.

Is it too late to try some lettuce?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 05:18 PM

You might want to plant a few icicle radish near the squash .

IS IT ONLY ICICLE RADISHES THAT HELPS WITH SQUASH BUGS???...OR ANY RADISH???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 05:46 PM

My book specifically says to use Icicle.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 06:24 PM

The radish plants keep squash vine borers away? Or some other squash bug?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 06:33 PM

They help keep the squash bugs away.

https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1214&context=envstudtheses
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 06:37 PM

just installed a raised box it's 12x4. Going to plant some maters, cucumbers, but what else is easy to grow and will produce all summer.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 07:08 PM

Peppers will produce all summer.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 07:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Peppers will produce all summer.


And cherry tomatoes .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 07:17 PM

Originally Posted By: BlueNitro
Thanks guys.

Is it too late to try some lettuce?


Probably not too late if you use sets and are prepared to give 'em some shade later on .

You might want to try some collards .

Btw , I never direct-seed melons or okra before May . They like the heat . wink
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 08:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: BlueNitro
Thanks guys.

Is it too late to try some lettuce?


Probably not too late if you use sets and are prepared to give 'em some shade later on .

You might want to try some collards .

Btw , I never direct-seed melons or okra before May . They like the heat . wink


Thanks - the back of the seed pack said it was time in our zone so in they went. I may re-seed in May.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/18 08:40 PM

You can also plant nasturtiums for squash bugs. Marigolds help too.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/18 01:17 PM

I plant my lettuce (leaf style) in cat litter pans. It doesn't require a lot of dirt. Then you can move it into the shade when it gets hot. Very nice to have lettuce for burgers, wraps, ect.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/18 03:00 PM

I have planted my garden in the SqFt fashion. Since I have some pretty large spacing in between some of my tomato and peppers, especially the ones I started from seed, I was going to plant some leaf lettuce there. I have chosen Black Seeded Simpson and Salad Bowl Lettuce, because from my research they seem to be the more heat loving varieties. The plan is for them to get started while the tomatoes are still growing, and then by the time it's really hot hopefully the tomatoes will be large enough to give the lettuce some shade.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/18 04:13 PM

I googled the Black Seeded Simpson. Looks good. I ordered some of them and looking around these are supposed to be good heat varieties too. So I order some Baby oak leaf, Lollo Rossa, and Red Romaine.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/18 02:23 PM

Calling for 39 in the metroplex Sunday morning. Perfect timing just replanted . Would guess I should be around 30 in my little valley. Spring needs to sprang.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/18 05:57 PM

One channel said 38 and another 35. I'm afraid if the sky is clear and the wind dies down tonight it's going to get very close to freezing. I'm coving mine with trash bags. I looked at a few stores for hand heat warmers and found nothing. I got some back pain heat pads to put in with the plants. Probably won't work but at least I can say I tried.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/18 08:26 PM

Dang good idea on the hand warmers !
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/18 09:34 PM

What do you think about Christmas light's as a heat source ?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/18 09:42 PM

I bet that would work pretty good if you have some old style non led lights.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/18 09:30 AM

does cantaloupe need sandy soil like watermelon.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/18 10:31 AM

Every melon that I know of prefers sandy soil over clay. You did say that your garden was a raised bed, right? If so, you should be fine, as long as you have good composted soil, and it is well draining. For whatever reason, melon plants dont like to have wet feet. As much water as they store in their fruit, they dont do well when their roots stay wet.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/18 11:36 AM

I went down to my garden yesterday evening , about half of my bell pepper plants were broke off at the ground due to the winds
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/18 03:34 PM

Originally Posted By: RATZ
does cantaloupe need sandy soil like watermelon.
They do better in it but we have pretty good luck with watermelons and cantaloupe in eastern Williamson county black clay soil. Haven't planted any in a few years because rodents and varmints beat us to them.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/18 05:51 PM

this is my first garden. I've done a few peppers in planters before but I'm really pumped about this.
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/18 12:35 AM

It was 39 here last night and the hummingbirds showed up today. I put up my feeders and they're happy. Mother nature is funny. Hopefully my lil garden will make it one more night. I've been through 3 near frosts and two hailstorm since Easter.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/18 01:45 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I went down to my garden yesterday evening , about half of my bell pepper plants were broke off at the ground due to the winds


Your gardens butt is getting kicked this year! Still plenty of time. Drop some seeds in the there.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/18 01:04 PM

Went camping this weekend and left the garden uncovered, somehow it did not receive any new damage. All of my damage came a couple of weekends ago. I got my bush bean seed in the ground Thursday and am considering planing lettuce, squash, and zucchini seed today after work.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/18 01:30 PM

"considering planting lettuce, squash, and zucchini seed today after work."

good idea according to the Farmers Almanac

APRIL 2018
16th - 17th
Favorable for planting beans, corn, cotton, tomatoes, peppers, and other above ground crops.
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/18 03:03 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
"considering planting lettuce, squash, and zucchini seed today after work."

good idea according to the Farmers Almanac

APRIL 2018
16th - 17th
Favorable for planting beans, corn, cotton, tomatoes, peppers, and other above ground crops.


I held off this weekend after seeing the forecast and the Almanac. Cut down trees, put up new mailbox and post, build new tomatillo bed, laid 100 12"x12" pave stones to make a patio, and pick up sticks from the storm. I worked myself hard!

Ready to toss some seed this afternoon and transplant some pepper plants! Get this party started!! banana
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/18 04:21 PM

did the F/A say it was a good time 2 do all that "work"???...glad i missed that part
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/18 01:25 AM

Bass Bustin, are you the YouTube guy with the big bass on LoP ?
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/18 12:43 PM

Originally Posted By: DJB
Bass Bustin, are you the YouTube guy with the big bass on LoP ?


Yeah Mon! That's me.

That was back when I fished and had time to make videos. Where did my time go? Oh yes....I had a kid. smile
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/18 10:51 PM

Cool thats a BIG fish,
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/18 11:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I went down to my garden yesterday evening , about half of my bell pepper plants were broke off at the ground due to the winds




Could be gophers or cutworms .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/18 12:48 AM

Nah it was from the wind , went down there the morning after the hurricane , heck everyday has been one living on top of a hill .

I bought some tiny tomato cages a few weeks ago , I say tiny now because my plants are really growing and they don't fit past the first ring . Is concrete mesh still the best stuff to use to build your own?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/18 12:56 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt

I bought some tiny tomato cages a few weeks ago , I say tiny now because my plants are really growing and they don't fit past the first ring . Is concrete mesh still the best stuff to use to build your own?


I call it "hog wire" . Still have my Dad's 20+ year old cages .

Good stuff . thumb
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/18 01:17 AM

What's a good radius, 3 foot'
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/18 01:28 AM

10 to 11 squares is what works for me
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/18 03:00 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
10 to 11 squares is what works for me


Do you know how many size squares and rectangles the offer? LOL...I was shocked. I left dumbfounded.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/18 03:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
What's a good radius, 3 foot'



2-3' diameter will support most tomato plants .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/18 06:59 PM

My cages are about 5' tall . The wire is maybe 1/4" and the squares are 6" on each side . I've grown 'maters , cukes ,gourds and even melons in them .

When you make 'em , cut the bottom squares so you leave 6" spikes on the bottom . Helps to keep 'em from blowing over on those high wind days . thumb
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/18 07:04 PM

You can cut and bend cattle panels for cages too.

I give it a 8 out of 10 pain in the %@# though.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/18 07:14 PM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
You can cut and bend cattle panels for cages too.

I give it a 8 out of 10 pain in the %@# though.



Yup . wink

It's a lot easier to just mount them between two posts and train the plants .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/18 01:01 AM

IL look around Lowes tmrw to see what I can find.

Detailed update: tomato plants look about like a 6 of 10
My pepper plants haven't grown at all in the 3 weeks they have been in the ground.
Half my bell peppers are blown over , the others look bad too .
I planted some cucs and squash , I had a couple come up but the frost killed them .
I basically have two empty rows , I tried okra but never had one come up .
I water once or even twice a day and my rows are always dry if I give it the finger test .

All this is my brain storming and means nothing
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/18 01:49 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
IL look around Lowes tmrw to see what I can find.

Might want to try a local feed store , McCoy's or Tractor Supply .

Detailed update: tomato plants look about like a 6 of 10
My pepper plants haven't grown at all in the 3 weeks they have been in the ground.
Half my bell peppers are blown over , the others look bad too .
I planted some cucs and squash , I had a couple come up but the frost killed them .

Greens ( turnips/collards/onions/etc.)can take a freeze . IME , the plants that bear fruit above the ground prefer warmer temperatures . Yellow squash does better if you plant it early but peppers really like the heat . My habaneros don't start making until late June .


I basically have two empty rows , I tried okra but never had one come up .
I water once or even twice a day and my rows are always dry if I give it the finger test .

You need to add some organic material to help with water retention . Peat moss (adds nitrates)is good , sphagnum moss (the plant that decays and makes peat moss) is better at holding moisture but it's way more expensive . Try tilling up some oak leaves or adding a good compost to your beds .

Way too early for okra . Dig a 12" wide row and fill it with manure , compost or fish emulsion . Soak your seeds for 24 hours in May and then plant .

All this is my brain storming and means nothing
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/18 02:57 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
IL look around Lowes tmrw to see what I can find.

Detailed update: tomato plants look about like a 6 of 10
My pepper plants haven't grown at all in the 3 weeks they have been in the ground.
Half my bell peppers are blown over , the others look bad too .
I planted some cucs and squash , I had a couple come up but the frost killed them .
I basically have two empty rows , I tried okra but never had one come up .
I water once or even twice a day and my rows are always dry if I give it the finger test .

All this is my brain storming and means nothing


One a scale of 1-10, how would you rank your first year experience? Abnormal weather has been challenging for sure. Lots of peoples gardens are suffering.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/18 12:41 PM

I'd say a 5, I like doing it and learning, it's relaxing . I don't mind hard work at all but I think my expectations were way high
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/18 12:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I'd say a 5, I like doing it and learning, it's relaxing . I don't mind hard work at all but I think my expectations were way high


It's like going fishing and expecting to catch a 10lb bass every trip. Or killing a 12 pt buck every year.

It's fun too dream of lush fields of greens!! I sure do.....that's the best part.

I found years ago...I love the preparation of big things(I pick one thing and go ALL IN!)...often times its the preparation I love the most. The "big event" happens so fast...it often seems like a blur. Then you remember the fun you had in preparation. Can be said for all things in life! smile
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/18 09:44 PM

What's up with marigolds? I have resedded twice and have never had one come up
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/18 10:40 PM

sow them barely in the dirt, then firm the soil, keep them moist until they sprout(usually a week or two) then water like normal(at the base not on the leaves)
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/18 01:02 AM

The first of many Porters is born. happybday

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/18 01:55 AM

^ show off
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/18 02:07 AM

Can you imagine a 100 years ago when you had to grow crops to survive?
Posted By: Bass_Bustin_Texan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/18 02:38 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxcthuHEXUY



The end is the best!
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/18 03:49 AM

Should be a good year for peaches,my tree is loaded with dime-size fruit. Apparently the winter was cold enough and it got enough chilling hours. Didn't get a single peach off it last year because of the warm winter in 2016-17.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/18 05:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Snakeyes711
Should be a good year for peaches,my tree is loaded with dime-size fruit. Apparently the winter was cold enough and it got enough chilling hours. Didn't get a single peach off it last year because of the warm winter in 2016-17.


Be sure to knock off any peaches closer together than 6. The wood of the tree wont be able to support the weight when they begin to mature, and limbs will break. Also, the fruit that do survive wont be nearly as tasty, since the tree is expending less energy and nutrients per peach when it is loaded thick with peaches. It seems counterintuitive, but trust me. Thin the peaches out.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/18 12:01 AM

I need some onion tips. First year growing them. They are all growing pretty good. 1/3 are half a golf ball size, 1/3 golf ball size, 1/3 about double a golf ball. Not really concerned about the growth size. These are 1015y's. Here are my questions.

1. Do you move the soil away from the bulbs
2. In the past y'all have mentioned leaf or stalk count. I don't know the correct term and how many there should be per onion. I'll call them leaves. They avg 6-9.
3. When do you know when to pull them
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/18 12:55 AM

I move the soil ,I don't count leaves, I plant 4 inches apart so I start thinning out as I get hungry for 1 or the wife tells me she needs some .Every other one leaving the big un's . YMMV ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/18 01:11 AM

1. Do you move the soil away from the bulbs
the bulbs will crack should crack the soil

2. In the past y'all have mentioned leaf or stalk count. I don't know the correct term and how many there should be per onion. I'll call them leaves. They avg 6-9.
nothing to be concerned about

3. When do you know when to pull them
when the tops fall over...the stalk above the onion will collapse
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/18 01:21 AM

this is my garden in G'twn...4/17/2016...as you can see above the onion, the stalk is still firm...



i harvested these a month later 5/17/16...most were 15"-16" circumference...best i've ever grown...Texas Legends

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/18 01:31 AM

Thanks gents! I'm thinking mid May they should be good.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/18 01:59 AM

Today I watered the plants with fish emulsion, and garret juice . I then applied Pete moss to my rows . I also went to tractor supply, bought some 16' panels and made tomato cages . Those panels are a large gauge and building them will kick your [censored].
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/18 03:03 AM

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
Originally Posted By: Snakeyes711
Should be a good year for peaches,my tree is loaded with dime-size fruit. Apparently the winter was cold enough and it got enough chilling hours. Didn't get a single peach off it last year because of the warm winter in 2016-17.


Be sure to knock off any peaches closer together than 6. The wood of the tree wont be able to support the weight when they begin to mature, and limbs will break. Also, the fruit that do survive wont be nearly as tasty, since the tree is expending less energy and nutrients per peach when it is loaded thick with peaches. It seems counterintuitive, but trust me. Thin the peaches out.


Yeah I always thin the fruit pretty aggressively. The tree is about 6 years old,10 feet tall and big around as a man's arm. I figure I should get a least 25-30 peaches off it this year.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/18 10:39 PM


Look at the size of these ! Strawberries dipped in sour cream and rolled in brown sugar for desert tonight! That is a regular size wine bottle not a single serv. These are huge !
Posted By: Jon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/18 03:49 AM

Nice strawberries trlrman!!
Question for you or anyone - what kind of hay, straw, alfalfa, or whatever do you put down around your beds.
Same question for regular garden rows on the ground and the walkways around raised beds. This is first year to try and grow something and tired of walking in mud around the raised beds when they drain. Ours are 12 x 12 x 8 Long and the bottom is about a foot off the ground. They drain almost too well. Thanks!!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/18 11:55 AM

i put down landscape fabric to control weeds and covered it with pine bark NUGGETS...not mulch...the nuggets don't grow weeds as easily as mulch...easy to kick around if you see a weed
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/18 12:39 PM

This is my first year using straw. I got a $10 square bale from the feed store. One square bale was enough to cover the top of 4ea 4x4 beds with a pretty thick coverage and around the outside around the beds. So far I'm really liking it on the beds. It's helping retain moisture really well. It's doing a pretty good job as a weed blocker too. Some are still coming up through it, but its not that bad and easily manageable.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/18 01:52 PM

i've also used grass clippings if you bag the grass when u mow...worms luv that stuff...i use it around my plants to retain moisture
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/18 02:31 PM

Unless you know the source of the hay, I would be skeptical of using it; the hay farmer likely used synthetic fertilizer to grow it, and likely used harsh chemical herbicides to help the coastal/ alfalfa hay grow taller, faster, and cleaner. Those chemicals will still be inside the hay straw and can get into your garden soil.
I much prefer a composted/ composting Native hardwood mulch to hay. Provides nutrients to the soil as it continues breaking down, keeps the soil and roots cooler in the hot summer months, helps retain moisture, and inhibits weed growth.
Posted By: Jon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/18 02:17 AM

Thanks for the suggestions and tips guys! Theres a local hay farmer here that runs a feed and seed store with his wife. They seem like they would be honest about tellng how they grew their hay. Elcoyote. where would a person look for native hardwood mulch? Im in Big Spring - we have one nursery, but there is good sized nurseries in Midland and Odessa which is not too far. Were trying real hard to keep every thing natural and organic. Well see how that goes when the bugs start eating our stuff. And whether the dirt doctors concoctions really work for bugs but Im sure hoping they do. The local dump has free partially composted wood mulch but I dont know what all its made out of.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/18 02:35 AM

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
Unless you know the source of the hay, I would be skeptical of using it; the hay farmer likely used synthetic fertilizer to grow it, and likely used harsh chemical herbicides to help the coastal/ alfalfa hay grow taller, faster, and cleaner. Those chemicals will still be inside the hay straw and can get into your garden soil.
I much prefer a composted/ composting Native hardwood mulch to hay. Provides nutrients to the soil as it continues breaking down, keeps the soil and roots cooler in the hot summer months, helps retain moisture, and inhibits weed growth.


Disagree. Chances of soil contamination is slim to none with straw, but not zero. Many studies have shown that tree/bark mulch is not the best for veg gardens.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/18 11:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
Unless you know the source of the hay, I would be skeptical of using it; the hay farmer likely used synthetic fertilizer to grow it, and likely used harsh chemical herbicides to help the coastal/ alfalfa hay grow taller, faster, and cleaner. Those chemicals will still be inside the hay straw and can get into your garden soil.
I much prefer a composted/ composting Native hardwood mulch to hay. Provides nutrients to the soil as it continues breaking down, keeps the soil and roots cooler in the hot summer months, helps retain moisture, and inhibits weed growth.


Disagree. Chances of soil contamination is slim to none with straw, but not zero. Many studies have shown that tree/bark mulch is not the best for veg gardens.


Listen to Bob Webster this Saturday. I will call in around 0630. You'll see. Idiot.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/18 02:43 AM

Growth. Most of the cucumbers failed. Bummer.





Two out of five cantaloupes made it. Just need two anyway.



First watermelon to survive a transplant.



Volunteer tomato of some sort showed up.

Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/18 02:44 AM

You got some weed'n to do sir.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/18 01:03 PM

Originally Posted By: RipDaLips
You got some weed'n to do sir.


Yes sir.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/18 01:00 AM

Hey guys , my tomato plants are getting taller , they have a few flowers but I don't see a sign of an actual tomato anywhere . I mixed up a batch of garret juice, fish emulsion, and put hay down in my garden last week.

Anything else I should do besides wait?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/18 01:30 AM

Waiting is about all you can do now, beside making sure they're watered. Tomato blooms are self pollinating, and if they set fruit right all the blooms will make a tomato with time.

On a side note. I dusted out some marigold seed weeks ago. Some are just now finally up. Did your marigolds ever sprout?
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/18 02:36 PM




My marigolds and petunias are doing good.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/18 12:34 AM

I was going to say mine were blooming , your's look better ! clap
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/18 02:30 AM

No sir, haven't seen a sign of them
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/18 10:34 PM

got me a tiller to use in the raised bed...hope it doesn't eat my soaker hoses


Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/18 11:26 PM

Might take off 2 blades till you get the hang of it .It will eat the hoses before you can say golly !
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/18 11:46 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Might take off 2 blades till you get the hang of it .It will eat the hoses before you can say golly !


Thats a fact
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/18 12:54 AM

this whole gardening thing is new to me (raised bed 12x4). I have some better boy tomatoes that are about golf ball sized right now. About how long till they are ripe enough to pick? I also have a tomato plant (looks more like a bush, and has tons of blooms) that grows ping pong sized tomatoes and they are about that size now, but still green, should they be ready soon?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/18 11:32 AM

BEST I REMOVE THE SOAKER HOSES...will give it a try when i pull the rest of my onions out of that section to get ready for corn...

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
Originally Posted By: trlrman
Might take off 2 blades till you get the hang of it .It will eat the hoses before you can say golly !


Thats a fact
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/18 01:05 PM

Originally Posted By: RATZ
this whole gardening thing is new to me (raised bed 12x4). I have some better boy tomatoes that are about golf ball sized right now. About how long till they are ripe enough to pick? I also have a tomato plant (looks more like a bush, and has tons of blooms) that grows ping pong sized tomatoes and they are about that size now, but still green, should they be ready soon?


pick them when they are red
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/18 04:54 PM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
Originally Posted By: RATZ
this whole gardening thing is new to me (raised bed 12x4). I have some better boy tomatoes that are about golf ball sized right now. About how long till they are ripe enough to pick? I also have a tomato plant (looks more like a bush, and has tons of blooms) that grows ping pong sized tomatoes and they are about that size now, but still green, should they be ready soon?


pick them when they are red


LMAO. Solid plan.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/18 11:55 PM

couldn't stand it any longer...had to pull a tater plant...had these...drinkin' heavy celebratin'...15 more to pull

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 12:41 AM

Put my sweet potatoes in 2x2 boxes boxes this year going to keep the plant 3/4 covered with extra dirt and try pulling a 2x6 at a time to pick from the bottom while leaving the plant intact and building up . Will advise on progress .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 12:48 AM


Same idea as tires but the wife OK'ed this 1
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 01:55 AM

From a novice, why do people prefer raised beds over on the ground ?
Posted By: Bandit 200 XP

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 12:25 PM

We used a raised bed because our dirt is horrible.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 01:52 PM

Garden update and a few questions.




Seems to be doing well. I get about six strawberries every four days or so, have some tomatoes growing, peppers on all plants except one, jalapenos and banana peppers are starting to grow fruits and the zucchini has about ten blooms each. That is lettuce in the cat litter boxes (thanks for the tip) that was planted a couple of weeks ago.

Now for the questions.

This tomato plant (Early Hybrid) has a couple tomatoes on it but it has only grow half as tall as my three other tomato plants and doesn't have the green color (more yellowish) like the other plants. Is it because it is in the pot? Can I add anything to it to help it out?



I did move the pots to where they are in the pic because they were getting a lot of the afternoon shade. Once the lettuce is established and it warms up, I'll move them to the shadier area.

With the Green/Mexican Pepper plants, I got quite a few flowers/blooms but only a few went on to produce a pepper. Is this normal? Will more start flowering once this weather stabilizes a little?



What else do I need to do to the garden now to help produce more fruits/vegetables? I saw fish emulsion mentioned here, do I need to do this and how?

New gardener so appreciate any tips and info. Thank you in advance.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 02:25 PM

The soil in your pots could be low on nitrogen. The Alaska Fish Fertilizer is a good source of nitrogen. I would also use some Epsom Salt. 1/8 cup to a gallon of water. Tomato's and peppers love magnesium and the Epsom salt will supply that. It also helps the uptake of other nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 04:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
The soil in your pots could be low on nitrogen. The Alaska Fish Fertilizer is a good source of nitrogen. I would also use some Epsom Salt. 1/8 cup to a gallon of water. Tomato's and peppers love magnesium and the Epsom salt will supply that. It also helps the uptake of other nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.


Thanks Derek. Good info. thumb

Would you suggest a whole gallon of the Epsom/water mixture for each plant?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 09:16 PM

That would be fine. Do it every 2-3 weeks.
Posted By: Westside.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 10:28 PM

Anyone have success growing blueberries in north Tejas? The daughter and I planted the bulb thingy 3 weeks ago and nothing so far, no growth at all
Posted By: 1ShotNoKills

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 10:39 PM

Are scallop squash too heavy to grow upwards?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 10:48 PM

Originally Posted By: 1ShotNoKills
Are scallop squash too heavy to grow upwards?


I would advise against trying to train them to grow like a vine. The fruit gets pretty heavy.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 10:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Westside.
Anyone have success growing blueberries in north Tejas? The daughter and I planted the bulb thingy 3 weeks ago and nothing so far, no growth at all


Going to be very tough if at all possible to grow blueberries in your area. They need a very low PH soil like a 4 to grow and do well. Yours is probably around 7.
Posted By: Westside.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 11:00 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: Westside.
Anyone have success growing blueberries in north Tejas? The daughter and I planted the bulb thingy 3 weeks ago and nothing so far, no growth at all


Going to be very tough if at all possible to grow blueberries in your area. They need a very low PH soil like a 4 to grow and do well. Yours is probably around 7.


We did a pot the size of a whiskey barrel, half potting soil and half sphagnum, I bet we're screwed, hell I'd be happy just to see some green growth
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 11:15 PM

Growing in a large pot is a different story. I would fertilize using something along the link lines. I would also get a PH meter and test your soil regularly. Look up ways to lower your soil PH for blueberries and/or gardening. Growing them in a controlled substrate like you're doing is definitely doable.

https://www.dirtdoctor.com/garden/Blueberries_vq2300.htm
Posted By: Westside.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/18 11:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Growing in a large pot is a different story. I would fertilize using something along the link lines. I would also get a PH meter and test your soil regularly. Look up ways to lower your soil PH for blueberries and/or gardening. Growing them in a controlled substrate like you're doing is definitely doable.

https://www.dirtdoctor.com/garden/Blueberries_vq2300.htm




Thanks for the link, nattyz up cheers
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 02:42 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
The soil in your pots could be low on nitrogen. The Alaska Fish Fertilizer is a good source of nitrogen. I would also use some Epsom Salt. 1/8 cup to a gallon of water. Tomato's and peppers love magnesium and the Epsom salt will supply that. It also helps the uptake of other nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.


I forgot to include the M&M, milk and molasses. I save and use the weekly milk my kids don't drink and add a few tablespoons or so of unsulfured molasses to the 5gal mixture. I also use it in my inline feeder. 50/50 milk to water ratio is what I shoot for, but it probably ends up 70% water and 30% milk at best. I don't weigh and measure much. Just eyeball it. I use the KISS method. Keep It Simple Stupid. The milk, Epsom, fish, molasses is a good mix that my microbes seem to love. Not to mention the alfalfa tea that they love. farmer
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 02:57 AM

I got my row composted and fertilized yesterday.Soaked my okra seeds overnight and planted this morning. So of course we had a 2 inch gully washer this afternoon. Not good timing. Guess I'll wait and see.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 03:19 AM

In lieu of Epsom salt you could use egg shells.Save them,crush them up and add to the soil. Helps prevent blossom end rot.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 03:21 PM

After the rain yesterday I got the icicle radishes in the ground by my squash, zucchini, and melons. I also scattered some red carrot seeds that I got as a freebie from baker seeds. Hopefully all the rain today will not wash them away. I just about gave up on my garlic but the past week the growth has exploded. How often are you guys feeding your gardens? I have been giving them blood meal, Jobe's organic tomato fert, and dry molasses about once every other week but a coworker of mine, who is using miracle grow,feeds every Sunday.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 06:44 PM

I got the red carrot seeds as my freebie from Baker too, but I haven't planted them. My schedule is pretty much like yours. I mostly feed every other weekend.
Posted By: Trickster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 06:46 PM

I got stung by a bee watering my tomatoes the other night.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 07:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Snakeyes711
In lieu of Epsom salt you could use egg shells.Save them,crush them up and add to the soil. Helps prevent blossom end rot.


They're good for roses as well .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 07:12 PM

Lots of rolly polly in the garden , are they a good thing or bad?

Derek so you make your concatenation every two weeks and spray? Is it OK to get on the leaves as weel?

Still have tons of flowers on tomatoes but not one fruit yet
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 07:20 PM

Turnips , collards , onions and bok-choi (Chinese cabbage) are producing well . Early Girl 'maters , Ghost , Habanero , Reaper and Serrano peppers are thriving but no blooms yet .

Thai peppers and squash are flowering like mad . banana

Bought the squash seeds that are specifically bred for containers this year . I've had probs with squash "mutating" into things that look like the eggs in the "Alien" movie . We'll see how these go .

Direct seeding watermelons , cantalopes and bushel gourds this week . I have cukes growing as well . Think there will be any issues with cross-pollination ? I know gourds are in the squash family but they'll (hopefully) be far enough apart .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 07:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Lots of rolly polly in the garden , are they a good thing or bad?

Derek so you make your concatenation every two weeks and spray? Is it OK to get on the leaves as weel?

Still have tons of flowers on tomatoes but not one fruit yet


I do ground fertilizing every 2. I do a foliar spray about every 3-4 weeks. Add milk to your spray. Studies have shown it's good at preventing powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungus that likes to attack cucumbers and squash. When I do a foliar spray I do it first thing in the morning so they leaves will dry pretty quickly.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 07:39 PM




I'm really pleased with my garden so far. I was gone for 2 weeks to India and got back Friday to see that my tomato plans had at least doubled. I've tried onions several times before but they never had good growing bulbs, but this year, they're already bigger than a silver dollar and growing daily.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 07:42 PM

That looks great gjarman!
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 07:46 PM

Derek , so is the ground feed and the foliar feeding the same stuff? You just apply it to the ground every two weeks and then the the next time you're spraying everything? If that makes since .

Also, are the rollie pollie bugs OK in a garden?
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 07:52 PM

Thanks Derek. I've taken a lot of advice off of this thread over they years, including the alfalfa pellets this year. The last 2 years, all my neighbors bring me their pumpkins after Halloween and I bury them in the garden (probably 750/lbs/year). (The down side is I'm pulling baby pumpkins all spring:)) This is a great forum.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 08:00 PM

Gjarman, that's a good looking garden. I think mines too big or I didn't plant enough stuff , yours looks perfect
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 08:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Derek , so is the ground feed and the foliar feeding the same stuff? You just apply it to the ground every two weeks and then the the next time you're spraying everything? If that makes since .

Also, are the rollie pollie bugs OK in a garden?


That's right. My area is small enough that I can make up 5gal mixes and go around and water. I let my nephew borrow my easy flo for a while and I just got it back so I will start using it. It would really be handy for as big as your garden is. I have a lot of roly pollies too. I've never had a issue with them. I think they most eat decaying material.
https://www.dripdepot.com/item/ez-flo-fe...ASABEgJUOfD_BwE
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 08:08 PM

Thanks, I have only feed once but I had no clue what I was doing . I just mixed fish emulsion and garrett juice in the screw on your hose tanks, selected a ratio and let it rip all over .
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 08:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Gjarman, that's a good looking garden. I think mines too big or I didn't plant enough stuff , yours looks perfect


Thanks Brad. I've added cabbage, corn, and spinach for this year. I had no idea cabbage plants took up so much room, but it does make the garden look fuller, which is really nice. I'm still debating on whether to do phase III and expand the garden to it's theoretical max. It would add about another 1/2 in size.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 08:28 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Thanks, I have only feed once but I had no clue what I was doing . I just mixed fish emulsion and garrett juice in the screw on your hose tanks, selected a ratio and let it rip all over .


When I foliar spray I use a 1 gallon pump up sprayer. I measure out the recommend dose on the bottles and add some 1/8 cup Epson salt and a quart or 1/2 gallon of milk and top it off with water. I use a mist and spray down the plants real good. On top and underneath the leaves.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 08:29 PM

I will gradually learn how and when to grow that type of stuff . I just watched how to grow sweet potato . I have enough land,wood, hay, manure from all kinds of animals to do anything I just lack being creative and knowledge on gardening
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 08:31 PM

Derek, is that your same ratio for ground feeding?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 08:42 PM

It is when I do 5gal buckets. When I use the easy flow I just pour in like a cup each of garret juice, fish, milk, Epsom, some alfala tea if I have some made and the easy flo mixes it. I don't know what ratio it mixes to. It's probably in the instructions if I would ever bother to read them. But I just pour some in and get to watering.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/18 09:13 PM

So now that I have my "spring garden established" what do you guys start doing to prep for summer or fall ? Meaning what's next on your mind to grow in cups or sew.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/18 12:57 AM

I got 3-7/8" of rain the last two days. Just saw the forecast and it looks great for the next week! Sunny and upper 80's and not that windy. Y'alls gardens should see a great bump this week.

Brad I would let it dry out for a couple days then hit them with a foliar feed on Monday or Tuesday morning since you haven't fed much. I believe you straw mulched so your soil should hold moisture good. I won't water again until next weekend at best I bet.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/18 12:58 AM

Originally Posted By: Trickster
I got stung by a bee watering my tomatoes the other night.


Good
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/18 11:08 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
potato experiment in progress...planted 4 taters 2dy (Feb 10) per Farmers Almanac instructions...then planting 4 on Feb 15th which is the dark of the moon...then 4 on 3/6 per FA...then 4 on 3/16 dark moon...remind me what i just told you so i can check production comparison at harvest time~~~!!!~~~


i reminded myself...so here's the results...on the right is the Feb planting...on the left, March...could have waited longer on the March to pull but they were shading my peppers...the smaller ones will be good with fresh Roma II green beans...orta keep me n taters for awhile

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/18 11:23 PM

YES SIR ! Beautiful.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/18 01:37 AM

They look awesome, anyone plant sweet potatoes this spring?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/18 02:15 AM

Got them caged today.


Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/18 08:56 PM

Looks awesome , I like the bent panel for the cucumbers. I feed my plants yesterday as Derek suggested, just waiting
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/18 07:40 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Looks awesome , I like the bent panel for the cucumbers. I feed my plants yesterday as Derek suggested, just waiting


where did you get those panels from? I have tried Lowes, and to local nursery's
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/18 08:12 PM

Originally Posted By: RATZ
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Looks awesome , I like the bent panel for the cucumbers. I feed my plants yesterday as Derek suggested, just waiting


where did you get those panels from? I have tried Lowes, and to local nursery's


Try Tractor Supply .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/18 09:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: RATZ
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Looks awesome , I like the bent panel for the cucumbers. I feed my plants yesterday as Derek suggested, just waiting


where did you get those panels from? I have tried Lowes, and to local nursery's


Try Tractor Supply .


They will have them. I used a 16' cattle panel and bent it in half. They do have 4'x 8' panels that would work perfectly.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 01:36 AM

Another question , my tamato plants are tall and dark green , they look really healthy. I still do not show any signs of a tamato .

I get flower blooms and they come and go. When I water I water the whole plant meaning the ground and the whole plant. Is this harming the process?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 01:50 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Another question , my tamato plants are tall and dark green , they look really healthy. I still do not show any signs of a tamato .

I get flower blooms and they come and go. When I water I water the whole plant meaning the ground and the whole plant. Is this harming the process?


ALWAYS water at ground level . Wet leaves are a perfect environment for plant pathogens . You could also possibly be washing the pollen away from the blooms .

'Maters form after the bloom so it could be just a case of them being too small for you to see them .
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 01:51 AM

just water the roots, they feed the plant
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 02:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Another question , my tamato plants are tall and dark green , they look really healthy. I still do not show any signs of a tamato .

I get flower blooms and they come and go. When I water I water the whole plant meaning the ground and the whole plant. Is this harming the process?


ALWAYS water at ground level . Wet leaves are a perfect environment for plant pathogens . You could also possibly be washing the pollen away from the blooms .

'Maters form after the bloom so it could be just a case of them being too small for you to see them .
Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
just water the roots, they feed the plant


^ this. Unless you're doing a foliar application of fertilizer/pesticide/fungicide, etc.. keep the leaves as dry as possible.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 02:14 AM

Ok, so if I stop now will the tomatoes form or have I messed them up?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 02:15 AM

Year of the Porter again

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 02:52 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Ok, so if I stop now will the tomatoes form or have I messed them up?


It will significantly lower your chances of fungal diseases which will help a ton. Personally I would put on a foliar app of milk, potassium bicarbonate, actinovate, or a combo of them as a preventative/"cure".

I know most of y'all think I'm crazy to start with and this will solidify that. Get a cheap eclectic toothbrush. Hit just behind the flower with it or the cluster and your fruit set will be 10 fold better. Thank me later.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 04:48 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Ok, so if I stop now will the tomatoes form or have I messed them up?


You'll probably keep getting blossoms until mid-late june,depending on variety. After that most varieties will stop setting fruit till fall and cool temps return.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 10:21 AM

So basically if I don't have tomatoes forming yet I may not? That's a kick in bulls . My family is going to probably dis own me
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 12:58 PM

Give them time your OK. Shake your plants to get the pollen moving around .
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 02:19 PM

Does anyone on here keep bees? I am thinking about starting a hive this fall. Earlier this spring my holly bushes were so covered in bees that I was weary about driving the lawnmower too close. Now my three 6'x4' honeysuckles are in full bloom and not a single bee.I strategically planted my garden in between the honeysuckles and a large rose bush to be a stopping point for pollinators. Fortunately I cant leave things alone, so I have been shaking my blooming plants and they are producing but I would like mother nature to do it for me.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 02:42 PM

I've been a beekeeper about the last 10yrs or so. I haven't seen them work on honeysuckle very hard. The nectar is too deep in the flower and they can reach it for the most part. They can get a little pollen from them. They also don't work most rose verities since most don't produce nectar or pollen.

You could replace your honeysuckle with a trumpet vine. Honeybees and bumble bees will hammer down on that.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 08:32 PM

Or a Vitex (Chaste tree). Bees love them.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 09:34 PM

The best strategy is to have some plants blooming at all possible times so that it is not a feast or famine situation for the bees. Even in winter bees are attracted to blooms of the non-native Rosemary(Rosemarinus officinalis). Native plants blooming in the early spring include Mahonia trifoliolata (Agarita) and Cercis canadensis var. texensis (Texas redbud). A bit later come Tradescantia gigantea (Giant spiderwort) and Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana (Hinckley's golden columbine). Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet)(not a perennial) and Oenothera speciosa (Pink evening primrose) follow in April. Species holding their blossoms for some time in the summer include Wedelia texana (Zexmenia), Lantana urticoides (Texas lantana) and Eysenhardtia texana (Texas kidneywood). In the autumn Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed), Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic aster) and Solidago nemoralis (Gray goldenrod) will kick in. These are but a few of the many bee-friendly plants native to Texas


Im too sick to type much right now, so I copied that off the lady bird Johnson wildflower center website.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 09:52 PM

Originally Posted By: gjarman
Or a Vitex (Chaste tree). Bees love them.


I also have two of those in the area but they are not in bloom yet.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/18 10:00 PM

You kow you're sick when you can't type
Posted By: DallasCrappieMan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 01:15 AM

Hey guys. I have worms on my tomato plants and they are burrowing into my green tomatoes. Was thinking about using Bacillus thuringiensis to get rid of them. Has anyone ever used it and had good results? I prefer going the organic route rather than using something like Sevin dust. Open to any suggestions you guys may have. Thanks.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 01:47 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
You kow you're sick when you can't type


It hurts to open my eyes. Hard to type with my eyes closed
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 01:52 AM

Originally Posted By: DallasCrappieMan
Hey guys. I have worms on my tomato plants and they are burrowing into my green tomatoes. Was thinking about using Bacillus thuringiensis to get rid of them. Has anyone ever used it and had good results? I prefer going the organic route rather than using something like Sevin dust. Open to any suggestions you guys may have. Thanks.


i think Sevin Dust is mainly sulphur
& organic
I am often wrong though
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 01:53 AM

Bt works great! There a few varieties of Bt. I use the BTK eeks for the garden. BTI for standing water for mosquitos.

Spray it at dusk. Caterpillars feed at night and sunlight breaks down Bt pretty quickly. Using a wetting agent like Coco Wet or Yucca Extract will help it stick better and last a bit longer. Spray every 2 weeks and I think you'll be pleased with you results.

The one I use is Southern Ag Thuricide.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 01:53 AM

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
The best strategy is to have some plants blooming at all possible times so that it is not a feast or famine situation for the bees. Even in winter bees are attracted to blooms of the non-native Rosemary(Rosemarinus officinalis). Native plants blooming in the early spring include Mahonia trifoliolata (Agarita) and Cercis canadensis var. texensis (Texas redbud). A bit later come Tradescantia gigantea (Giant spiderwort) and Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana (Hinckley's golden columbine). Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet)(not a perennial) and Oenothera speciosa (Pink evening primrose) follow in April. Species holding their blossoms for some time in the summer include Wedelia texana (Zexmenia), Lantana urticoides (Texas lantana) and Eysenhardtia texana (Texas kidneywood). In the autumn Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed), Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic aster) and Solidago nemoralis (Gray goldenrod) will kick in. These are but a few of the many bee-friendly plants native to Texas


Im too sick to type much right now, so I copied that off the lady bird Johnson wildflower center website.


great advice
why are you sick?
hope you get better
eat some Lantana
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 02:00 AM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
Originally Posted By: DallasCrappieMan
Hey guys. I have worms on my tomato plants and they are burrowing into my green tomatoes. Was thinking about using Bacillus thuringiensis to get rid of them. Has anyone ever used it and had good results? I prefer going the organic route rather than using something like Sevin dust. Open to any suggestions you guys may have. Thanks.


i think Sevin Dust is mainly sulphur
& organic
I am often wrong though


Far from it. Active ingredient is carbaryl. Very toxic.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 12:34 PM

So if you guys just like to water the base of plants , what are you guys using to fertilize with ? My screw on hose tank sprays too messy to just keep at the base .
Posted By: DallasCrappieMan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 03:13 PM

Thanks for the help!
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 03:38 PM

So, what eats lettuce besides a bunny? I don't think I have one but something got half my lettuce night before last. I looked for bugs on the plants but didn't see any but I sprayed anyway. Will a tree rat eat it because we do have a few that I see every now and then?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 03:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
So if you guys just like to water the base of plants , what are you guys using to fertilize with ? My screw on hose tank sprays too messy to just keep at the base .
look into the ez flo . I use it and soaker hoses on a timer .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 04:33 PM

OK that's what Derek mentioned , if that's not available do you guys just mix it in some kind of bucket and pour on each plant?

I'm also wondering for just watering as well , obviously my sprinkler will get the leaves wet
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 06:41 PM

I am just winging it on the watering. We bought or house in April of last year to redo. The previous owner left a bunch of carp, most of it junk but some usable stuff. One of those things was a soaker hose, that they had customized by punching holes every foot give or take. So I am using that hose on my main bed 5x18 for the main watering. When I feed, I make a garret juice type mixture using different types of compost(cotton burr, black cow, and mushroom). Then I add some epsom salt and whole ground cornmeal, and if I'm feeling froggy Ill throw in some blood meal and molasses. I usually mix this up in a 5 gallon water jug and run an aquarium bubbler in it over night. Then I strain it through a wire mesh strainer if I am going to drench it or I run it through wire mesh and cheese cloth if I am going to foliar feed. When I feed I do it in the late evening and just pour it from a regular watering can to drench or spray it with a pump sprayer for foliar. I feel that with this mixture, even though I am getting on the leaves, that the cornmeal will help keep the fungal infections away and by doing it late in the day that the sun will not burn the leaves with water either. So far I am having pretty good luck with this method. When the pest show up all I will need to do is add the BT or insecticidal soap to my mix and boom feed and kill, I hope.

BTW I mentioned the I had Vitex bushes but I am not sure. These are what I though were Vitex.



Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 07:36 PM

gittin' ready 2 plant top pik purple hulls on the left side, 32 ft row where the taters were...and corn in the 4x8 box on the right where the onions were...i've never had a raised bed so i'm learning where to grow what...not as much room so next year, i'll grow each vege in a 4x8 box since the plants tend to invade space if planted in the 32 ft row method...



get to use this to till in black cow poo in the corn patch...reckon i better remove the soaker hoses...~~~!!~~~

Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/18 10:41 PM

That looks like a Vitex to me. Mine are about 12 feet tall and they will be in full bloom soon and will be all summer.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 12:41 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
gittin' ready 2 plant top pik purple hulls on the left side, 32 ft row where the taters were...and corn in the 4x8 box on the right where the onions were...i've never had a raised bed so i'm learning where to grow what...not as much room so next year, i'll grow each vege in a 4x8 box since the plants tend to invade space if planted in the 32 ft row method...



get to use this to till in black cow poo in the corn patch...reckon i better remove the soaker hoses...~~~!!~~~


talk to me about your onions ? After 4 times replanting the garden (mother nature stomped and slapped me this year ) how big did they get ? Did they mature or you just pull for the next crop ?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 12:49 AM




Got some nice 1's going but man I sure would like to replant the long bed !
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 01:23 AM

Kicking A trlrman!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 01:34 AM

Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
I am just winging it on the watering. We bought or house in April of last year to redo. The previous owner left a bunch of carp, most of it junk but some usable stuff. One of those things was a soaker hose, that they had customized by punching holes every foot give or take. So I am using that hose on my main bed 5x18 for the main watering. When I feed, I make a garret juice type mixture using different types of compost(cotton burr, black cow, and mushroom). Then I add some epsom salt and whole ground cornmeal, and if I'm feeling froggy Ill throw in some blood meal and molasses. I usually mix this up in a 5 gallon water jug and run an aquarium bubbler in it over night. Then I strain it through a wire mesh strainer if I am going to drench it or I run it through wire mesh and cheese cloth if I am going to foliar feed. When I feed I do it in the late evening and just pour it from a regular watering can to drench or spray it with a pump sprayer for foliar. I feel that with this mixture, even though I am getting on the leaves, that the cornmeal will help keep the fungal infections away and by doing it late in the day that the sun will not burn the leaves with water either. So far I am having pretty good luck with this method. When the pest show up all I will need to do is add the BT or insecticidal soap to my mix and boom feed and kill, I hope.


Good mix. thumb I would add in the liquid molasses every time you use aquarium bubbler. Those carbs is the microbe feed. It doesn't take much. Couple tablespoons of unsulfured grandma's grocery store works great.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 01:56 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
gittin' ready 2 plant top pik purple hulls on the left side, 32 ft row where the taters were...and corn in the 4x8 box on the right where the onions were...i've never had a raised bed so i'm learning where to grow what...not as much room so next year, i'll grow each vege in a 4x8 box since the plants tend to invade space if planted in the 32 ft row method...



get to use this to till in black cow poo in the corn patch...reckon i better remove the soaker hoses...~~~!!~~~




That's awesome!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 01:58 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman



Got some nice 1's going but man I sure would like to replant the long bed !


your's beat mine all to pieces...to late to replant...onions harvest in May...so just let the tops fall over, pull'm, hang'm, let'm dry...after moving to Nacog last April, i just didn't have time to get my beds ready AND i couldn't get my TX Legends in November...that WILL be corrected for next years crop...u dun gud
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 03:08 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
Originally Posted By: trlrman



Got some nice 1's going but man I sure would like to replant the long bed !


your's beat mine all to pieces...to late to replant...onions harvest in May...so just let the tops fall over, pull'm, hang'm, let'm dry...after moving to Nacog last April, i just didn't have time to get my beds ready AND i couldn't get my TX Legends in November...that WILL be corrected for next years crop...u dun gud
Planted 3 bunches of the Texas Legands Dec. 14, several freezes and jack frost killed some and most that were left looked as if they would die. Most are close to or as big as a softball and many are as big as a slow pitch soft ball, and they are still growing. They really taste good.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 09:57 AM

I only have a few in that softball size , most are baseball size. If they don't fall over next week they will have to dry in the dirt for a couple of weeks. I am not sure what I'll come back to ?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 01:13 PM

None of mine made it to baseball or softball size before falling over. Half of them got torn up by a Dillo and a possum (RIP to both), the other half made bulbs up to about twice golf ball size and fell over. I have a 2nd batch that I planted in February that are starting to make bulbs, those are in a raised planter where the critters cant get to them. We will see how they do
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 06:24 PM

I have a few small tomatoes , I know for you pros it's no biggie , but it's big here .

Going to get some bt like a few of you were talking about . I think some caterpillar are eating some leaves .

Derek can you go over how to apply the milk to the plants? Do you mix with water? Foliage spray?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 07:59 PM

plot where onions were since January



added 2 bags of Black Cow-poo and tilled it in...tiller works perty gud for that small area

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/18 08:02 PM

sad crop this year, but hey, they're onions...they'll eat...yawl whupt me this year

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/18 01:15 AM

Also , I went and looked at bt today, if it's a " safe" product why does it have so many warnings on it? I bought a brand that had bt and something with an L in it . Maybe the wrong stuff?
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/18 01:38 AM

Pulled up a couple dozen onions that I planted in January. All baseball size and planted purple hulls today, I'm still fighting blossom rot on my squash.. will treat again next week with calcium nitrate, They're looking better but it's been disappointing to loose a lot of young squash. Hopefully they 'll do better. The warmer weather is helping my peppers.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/18 11:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Derek can you go over how to apply the milk to the plants? Do you mix with water? Foliage spray?


I mostly do a 50/50 of milk and water. I use a gallon pump up sprayer and spray a fine mist on the top and bottom of the leaves the best I can.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/18 10:51 PM

Anyone spray their plants with coffee? I put my old grounds in my compost pile but my coffee I dump out has to be good for something. Maybe mix that with the milk?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/18 02:21 PM

Coffee grounds in the compost pile is fine. I wouldn't use liquid coffee as a spray in ground drench. It has a pretty low Ph. Like 4.5-5 I would be concerned about it lowering the soil Ph. It would probably be good to use if you live in E. TX to water Azaleas with.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/18 03:38 PM

So I might have a plant purchasing addiction. Yesterday we bought a yellow squash, a zucchini, and a honeydew. We have all of those seeds in the ground but were not getting the action we wanted so they are back ups.
Here are a couple side by sides.
April 1



May 11



I have small peppers and a few small tomatoes. The broccoli is growing like crazy but has not put on any heads yet, hopefully it will before it gets too hot.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/18 01:00 AM

Looks good twin


I want to plant 2 peach trees , is now a good time of year to buy and plant them?
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/15/18 08:20 PM

No do those in fall. Worse time of year too do it now. Put them in sep/October remove grass in 3' radius around them and them, apply fertilizer and then mulch heavily.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/18 04:52 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Looks good twin


I want to plant 2 peach trees , is now a good time of year to buy and plant them?


You can plant them anytime if they are in the 3/5 gallon plastic pots from Walmart,Lowes etc. The trick is to carefully remove them from the pots without disturbing the roots...DO NOT BREAK UP OR LOSE ANY SOIL FROM THAT ROOTBALL! You're trying to "fool" the tree into thinking it is still in the pot. Keep well watered and if possible provide some afternoon shade.If the soil you are planting them in is decent the roots will eventually straighten themselves out and be fine.
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/18 12:10 PM

DO NOT plant trees this time of the year. Follow the advise above and plant after first good cold front in the fall.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/18 12:53 PM

Originally Posted By: Ranger Z21
DO NOT plant trees this time of the year. Follow the advise above and plant after first good cold front in the fall.


You must be thinking of bare root,mail order trees.Sure it's best to wait until cool weather to plant those.But trees in containers can be planted any time of year,I've done it many times with no problems.Do you really think all the millions of trees sold this time of year are being held until cool weather returns?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/18 08:34 PM

I'm waiting thanks , I planted okra seed almost 2 weeks ago , nothing is up yet. Should I re sow?
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/18 09:28 PM

Originally Posted By: Snakeyes711
Originally Posted By: Ranger Z21
DO NOT plant trees this time of the year. Follow the advise above and plant after first good cold front in the fall.


You must be thinking of bare root,mail order trees.Sure it's best to wait until cool weather to plant those.But trees in containers can be planted any time of year,I've done it many times with no problems.Do you really think all the millions of trees sold this time of year are being held until cool weather returns?


Nope not thinking of bare root trees. I have been in the landscape business for almost 40 years so I do know a little. In this early heat which will only get worse they won't stand a chance. Plant away and watch them die.
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/18 09:58 PM

Are they fruit trees? I would guess not. Also this is an inexperienced homeowner and I am sure you know what your doing. Gator bags and irrigation I assume? Planting at correct depth and staking I assume? Knowing how much to water without drowning them. I just didn't want the guy to fail when fall will be a much easier time for him to succeed. That's all I was saying.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/18 10:08 PM

Originally Posted By: Ranger Z21
Originally Posted By: Snakeyes711
Originally Posted By: Ranger Z21
DO NOT plant trees this time of the year. Follow the advise above and plant after first good cold front in the fall.


You must be thinking of bare root,mail order trees.Sure it's best to wait until cool weather to plant those.But trees in containers can be planted any time of year,I've done it many times with no problems.Do you really think all the millions of trees sold this time of year are being held until cool weather returns?


Nope not thinking of bare root trees. I have been in the landscape business for almost 40 years so I do know a little. In this early heat which will only get worse they won't stand a chance. Plant away and watch them die.


So you're telling me every single fruit tree bought right now and put in the ground right now will die? That's silly. He also probably wont be able to find any fruit trees being sold in the fall.
Posted By: CenTx51

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 01:07 AM



Can someone please tell me what this bug is and if it is bad? The are on my okra and peppers but not my tomatoes. Also if they are bod how do I kill them?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 01:39 AM

Some type of ant. The ant it's self is probably no major concern, but they are BFF's with aphids. Aphids secrete a honeydew that ants harvest from them. So you could have an aphid issue.

This will help your ant and aphid issue if you have one.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 01:59 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
sad crop this year, but hey, they're onions...they'll eat...yawl whupt me this year




I pulled my onions a couple days ago. How long do you hang them for?
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 11:36 AM

Originally Posted By: Snakeyes711
Originally Posted By: Ranger Z21
Originally Posted By: Snakeyes711
Originally Posted By: Ranger Z21
DO NOT plant trees this time of the year. Follow the advise above and plant after first good cold front in the fall.


You must be thinking of bare root,mail order trees.Sure it's best to wait until cool weather to plant those.But trees in containers can be planted any time of year,I've done it many times with no problems.Do you really think all the millions of trees sold this time of year are being held until cool weather returns?


Nope not thinking of bare root trees. I have been in the landscape business for almost 40 years so I do know a little. In this early heat which will only get worse they won't stand a chance. Plant away and watch them die.


So you're telling me every single fruit tree bought right now and put in the ground right now will die? That's silly. He also probably wont be able to find any fruit trees being sold in the fall.


Nurseries sell them in the fall. A quick search of "when to plant fruit trees in texas" will yield numerous results affirming that fall and winter is the best time to plant fruit trees in from north texas on south. Much easier to establish. If you have succeeded planting this time of year you are the exception not the norm. I failed with all of my spring plantings in years past. I planted in fall last year and all mine look good now and are growing well. I need to re mulch and fertilize again come to think of it. We are having a bad year on early heat, this is not the year for an early summer planting to make it.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 11:43 AM

visually until the leaves dry out...then feel the neck of the onion...it should be dry...i cut off the leaves and roots and lay them out to dry more since where you cut off the leaves will still be moist...in a couple of days, you can store them in the garage ice box or put them in knee hi panty hose and hang in the store room
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 01:14 PM

Listen carefully to this man.He understands plant biology.

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 04:07 PM

So now we have the plant issue solved . Back to the okra , two weeks in the ground and nothing up yet , sow again?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 04:20 PM

just now getting warm enough for okra , might give them 1 more week to sprout ? I won't till my rows for at least a couple more weeks .
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 05:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
So now we have the plant issue solved . Back to the okra , two weeks in the ground and nothing up yet , sow again?


The seeds probably washed up during the last big rain.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 05:57 PM

I am planning on starting my okra and various other things in seed pots today. I have an area that gets great sun till 1-ish I hope to make it my nursery area.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 08:28 PM

Its warm enough to direct plant okra.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/18 08:48 PM

U think I'm gonna try again , I have an empty row , I'm thinking okra again and just bought some purple hull peas to sow
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 01:00 AM

Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
I am planning on starting my okra and various other things in seed pots today. I have an area that gets great sun till 1-ish I hope to make it my nursery area.
Originally Posted By: Dawson Hefner
Its warm enough to direct plant okra.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 01:01 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
U think I'm gonna try again , I have an empty row , I'm thinking okra again and just bought some purple hull peas to sow


Do you know how deep you planted the seeds last time?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 01:33 AM

Somebody remind me : what's the cure for blossom-end-rot on yellow squash ? bang
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 01:59 AM

Derek, if I had to guess I'd say 1/4 to 1/2 inch
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 02:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Somebody remind me : what's the cure for blossom-end-rot on yellow squash ? bang
calcium?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 02:45 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Somebody remind me : what's the cure for blossom-end-rot on yellow squash ? bang
calcium?


And depending on what fertilizer you're using I would lower the nitrogen some, if you're using a high one. Titus county your PH is probably pretty low (acidic) binding up the calcium. Do a soil PH test and if it's low, under 6 increase it to a 7-8ish and the nutrients will become more available. Adding a rock dust like Azomite should help a lot. It won't raise/lower the PH, but will have the micro nutrients quickly available to your plants. But at the end of the day squash and tomatoes like a higher alkaline ph.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 02:51 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Derek, if I had to guess I'd say 1/4 to 1/2 inch


That's about right. In this heat I would do it again at the same depth or shallower. Walk the rows at least once a day on the mist sitting where the soil gets wet, but doesn't disturb it. Side dress the rows with mulch to keep in the moisture.
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 03:36 AM

Siberman I'm battling blossom end rot on my yellow squash .Next row over my zucchini is thriving.Ive treated with calcium twice and it's helped but it's not gone away.Im going to treat one more week and then maybe pull them up.The guy at the feed store told me there wasn't enough lyme in the soil

Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 06:14 PM

I planted all my peach trees in February from root stock, I planted 50 back in 2005, 50 in 2006, 50 in 2007, and another 50 in 2008. Bought them from Freedom Tree Farms out of Tennessee. They came in a burlap sack. Make sure and pick you some varieties that need somewhere around 800 chilling hours, otherwise you get some that will bloom early then you loose them all when we have our late frosts like we always do here in North Texas. You can also choose you some peaches that produce fruit, in June, July, and August so you don't get 500 peaches at the same time.

Plant okra now, take some sand paper and rub the seeds just enough to scrape them just a little, soak in water for a few hours, then plant. Okra is really hard to germinate. I also keep my seeds in the freezer up until I get ready to plant them. I have some seeds from one of my late uncles that have the biggest most soft pods you have ever seen. Normally when okra gets longer than 8 inches they get tough, these are really great up to 12" and 14" long, so at the end of each season I save some more of the seeds and put some back for next year.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 06:51 PM

how much should I water my tomatoes? I have some that are producing a good amount of tomatoes, some have one or two, and some have none. They are different varieties, and I don't know if it's the amount of water I'm putting on them or something else. This gardening thing is all new to me.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/18 10:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: trlrman
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Somebody remind me : what's the cure for blossom-end-rot on yellow squash ? bang
calcium?


And depending on what fertilizer you're using I would lower the nitrogen some, if you're using a high one. Titus county your PH is probably pretty low (acidic) binding up the calcium. Do a soil PH test and if it's low, under 6 increase it to a 7-8ish and the nutrients will become more available. Adding a rock dust like Azomite should help a lot. It won't raise/lower the PH, but will have the micro nutrients quickly available to your plants. But at the end of the day squash and tomatoes like a higher alkaline ph.


Due to the hogs and other varmits here , I'm "container gardening" my squash with GMO (forgive me) seeds that are specifically bred for pots . Never had much luck in the ground . My 'maters are doing quite well in the same soil/pots .

Think it might be an insect problem ?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/18 12:30 AM

Doubt you have a insect problem. Being in containers there are only so many nutrients available for them. I think if you'll water them with 50/50 milk water mix (if you're a milk drinker, don't run out and buy a gallon) or make a slurry of pelletized lime and water. I think you'll see good results. And stay on a good steady watering program.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/18 12:39 AM

Originally Posted By: RATZ
how much should I water my tomatoes? I have some that are producing a good amount of tomatoes, some have one or two, and some have none. They are different varieties, and I don't know if it's the amount of water I'm putting on them or something else. This gardening thing is all new to me.


I have a thick layer of straw mulch and I water every 5-7 days on avg not including rain. I have a water meter probe that seem pretty good that I use, but I go with the true and tested method of sticking my finger all the way in the soil and pull it out and see where the moisture is at. I'm a heavy waterer when I do. I get the soil good and soaked.


I hate watering. I did it last night and it took me at least an hour. I ordered a soaker system a few days ago that I am going to try out. I'll post feedback later.
Posted By: Scagnetti

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/18 05:00 AM

Does anybody have a good source of VINE RIPENED tomatoes in the DFW area?

We are coming up on June, the ONLY month where tomatoes taste like tomatoes

Lemleys out of Canton has been a Dallas institution at the Farmers Market for years but theyve been MIA of late and Ive tried other vendors but its not good
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/18 06:10 PM

Roma II in the bowl...didn't get a good crop on one 8 ft row...taters shaded them out...learned to plant the row next to the edge of the raised bed for easier picking...got about 6 cups of Roma II's and 12 cups of contenders...both snapped real easy...orta be good with those red taters...will get another crop and pull'm up...replant in the fall


Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/18 12:04 AM

YUM what times dinner ?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/18 03:51 PM

Hey guys, in the middle of two of my tomato plants I'm getting yellowing , with some dead leaves . I cut back on my watering, feed as I should, and have been spraying with milk . Any ideas?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/18 04:21 PM

Possibly Early Blight. Mine have a little bit of it. Cut all those leaves off and put them in the trash, not it the compost pile. I trimmed up the bottom of my tomato plants the other day. I cut off anything that wasn't a main branch up to about 10" high to create more air flow through the plant.

I ordered some Serenade Disease Control to start spraying on them. Can't say if it works good since I haven't used it yet. Was going to today but it's raining. The reviews I've read are good.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/18 04:43 PM

Thanks derek
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/18 05:01 PM

Next question , I just checked my green tomatoes and they have brown all over the bottoms like they're rotten
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/18 06:18 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Next question , I just checked my green tomatoes and they have brown all over the bottoms like they're rotten


Blossom-end rot. The plant needs calcium.

Try an alfalfa horse feed with calcium. Works for me. Just apply a bunch at the base of the plant. Tractor Supply should have it. Make sure it has calcium though.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/18 07:07 PM

Thanks
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/18 08:14 PM

what is this growth ???

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/18 08:30 PM

ARe they soft like a button mushroom?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/18 08:32 PM

yep...
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 12:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Thanks


If you don't want to buy a sack, I have one. I've used 25% of it maybe. You're welcome to it.

Derek told me about this application. I cant take any credit.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 01:22 AM

Thanks chickenman, I watched a lot of videos on it today . A lot of people say it's from too much watering or not enough, to much heat or too little,add calcium , or lyme, gypsum. Like the rest of it I guess it's a mystery
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 06:07 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
what is this growth ???




That's southern blite, really bad for nightshades. Too much water and or not enough air flow.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 11:32 AM

Any idea what is wrong with my zucchini? They grew very fast and huge from the lil planter from lowes, then about 10 days go this started happening. And I know it's sideways. Used an iphone for the pix.


Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 01:38 PM

I had an infestation of the cabbage looper last week, hit the garden with a mix of water, BT, and orange oil. I will hit it again tonight to replace what the rain knocked off. So far it seems to be working.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 01:57 PM


1.starting to think what I want to plant in the fall, do you guys have a portion of your garden that you don't plant in the spring? Or do you wait until your spring stuff dies, tear it out and plant for fall?
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 04:14 PM

I have spaghetti squash, cabbage, and carrots that I plan on planting in late summer. I plant on putting them where my summer squash and melons currently are, but will have no issue filling the gaps once my pepper and tomatoes stop producing and I remove them.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 04:17 PM

RATZ
I looks like it could be some sort of blight or a powdery mildew issue. Hard to tell on the mildew from the picture. It also looks to be affecting the lettuce you have underneath.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 04:41 PM

had the same thing on a couple leaves spray'ed a broad spectrum herbacide yesterday .
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 09:43 PM

Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
RATZ
I looks like it could be some sort of blight or a powdery mildew issue. Hard to tell on the mildew from the picture. It also looks to be affecting the lettuce you have underneath.


What should I use to stop it?
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 10:36 PM

should this work? I just ordered it from amazon

Agra Quest (708510A) 73XOA/FGUS0002 Serenade Lawn Disease Control Label Ready to Spray with Hose End Sprayer, 32-Ounce
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/18 11:16 PM

So all you guys were growing seeds inside for your spring planting . Do you all do seeds indoor for the fall . I want to do raddish, spinach , broccoli, cabbage . Are these better direct sow or transplants?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 01:04 AM

Originally Posted By: RATZ
Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
RATZ
I looks like it could be some sort of blight or a powdery mildew issue. Hard to tell on the mildew from the picture. It also looks to be affecting the lettuce you have underneath.


What should I use to stop it?


Agree with 1With. Going to try and keep this simple. That doesn't look good Ratz. It's fixable, but you're going to need to do some work. You've got to cut every bit of that out. Cut it close to the main stalk and throw it in the trash. You're going to need and cut out at least 50%+ of that plant out it looks. Most of the younger new leaves should be ok.

Mulch around the plants.

Then start spraying all the new foliage. It's not a once a done spray. The key to milk, potassium bicarb, Serenade, etc.. is it's mostly a preventative and not a cure, but will help a lot to suppress it and keep it in check. You've got to get on a weekly or biweekly spray regimen of it (antifungal). Right now I would do weekly since you're infected.

Today was my first application of Serenade, so as I mentioned the other day I can't say how well it works. But it makes the area smell like a wet baby diapers. Ratz the concentrate Serenade is like $2 more than premix spray you bought. Get a 1 gallon pump up sprayer and the concentrate and mix your own and save some $
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 02:42 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
So all you guys were growing seeds inside for your spring planting . Do you all do seeds indoor for the fall . I want to do raddish, spinach , broccoli, cabbage . Are these better direct sow or transplants?


I would say sow in the ground. Transplanting can be iffy. Some plants don't transplant well. Cucumbers, for me, is one of those bang
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 12:00 PM

Thanks Derek, I just cut back all those limbs that looked rotted and trimmed up some maters that were near by. I'll spray when my stuff comes in from Amazon tomorrow. I'll try the milk thing this afternoon
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 12:19 PM

will the Serenade hurt the plants that seem to be fine. It's just those two zucchini plants that look effected. I was going to do them all if it can only help and does not harm.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 12:31 PM

I would say it would be safe and wise to spray your entire garden. I have been using whole ground corn meal for my fungal control, but have some of what I believe to be early blight that I removed from my celebrity tomatoes. I was going to get some Serenade but was reading the reviews and noticed another bio fungal product called Actinovate that seems to not only provide fungal support but also a symbiotic relationship with the plant itself. Since I am addicted to buying things off the internet I got both.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 02:49 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
what is this growth ???

it's got yellow/orange thick liquid in each "button"...should i be concerned...???...it's only in one 4x8 section


Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 03:04 PM

Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
I would say it would be safe and wise to spray your entire garden. I have been using whole ground corn meal for my fungal control, but have some of what I believe to be early blight that I removed from my celebrity tomatoes. I was going to get some Serenade but was reading the reviews and noticed another bio fungal product called Actinovate that seems to not only provide fungal support but also a symbiotic relationship with the plant itself. Since I am addicted to buying things off the internet I got both.


Actinovate is a great product, I use it a lot. It also works great on my St. Aug lawn to control grey leaf spot, brown patch, etc. You really need to use a sticker/spreader with it to get the best results. I'm using ThermX-70 Yucca Extract as my SS this year in my sprays. I've been very impressed with it. I talked to Bayer yesterday and they said no SS needed for the Serenade so I didn't use it.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 03:18 PM

Originally Posted By: RATZ
will the Serenade hurt the plants that seem to be fine. It's just those two zucchini plants that look effected. I was going to do them all if it can only help and does not harm.
Originally Posted By: RATZ
Thanks Derek, I just cut back all those limbs that looked rotted and trimmed up some maters that were near by. I'll spray when my stuff comes in from Amazon tomorrow. I'll try the milk thing this afternoon


Get on a weekly spraying program. And spray the whole garden. A lot of garden diseases are spread by wind.
Preventative is key.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 03:57 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
Originally Posted By: crapyetr
what is this growth ???

it's got yellow/orange thick liquid in each "button"...should i be concerned...???...it's only in one 4x8 section




I think that might be fungus gnat eggs
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 05:56 PM

Chickenman I stopped at the tractor supply in Roanoke and turned over multiple bags of feed but none of them mentioned calcium . So, I started looking around and found ground oyster shells , they have tons of calcium , plus it's food for my chickens . We will see
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 08:50 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
... So, I started looking around and found ground oyster shells , they have tons of calcium , plus it's food for my chickens . We will see


You'd probably have to grind the oyster shells into powder and mix with water so the calcium is readily available to your plants this year .

They help birds produce eggs with stronger shells so they're a good but be careful not to OD your chickens with them if your trying to breed . Too much calcium can make the shells harder for the chicks to break out .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 08:53 PM

I grinder them and soaked in water for a couple hours , the water was dingy with I'm hoping calcium , I applied it and the shells around the plants . If this doesn't work I bought chicken feed pellets with high calcium . I have no idea on what I'm doing so I'm just watching
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 09:25 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: RATZ
will the Serenade hurt the plants that seem to be fine. It's just those two zucchini plants that look effected. I was going to do them all if it can only help and does not harm.
Originally Posted By: RATZ
Thanks Derek, I just cut back all those limbs that looked rotted and trimmed up some maters that were near by. I'll spray when my stuff comes in from Amazon tomorrow. I'll try the milk thing this afternoon


Get on a weekly spraying program. And spray the whole garden. A lot of garden diseases are spread by wind.
Preventative is key.


should the Serenade be applied to both the top and bottom of the leaves or just the top?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 09:30 PM

Both sides
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 09:36 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Chickenman I stopped at the tractor supply in Roanoke and turned over multiple bags of feed but none of them mentioned calcium . So, I started looking around and found ground oyster shells , they have tons of calcium , plus it's food for my chickens . We will see


Started looking into this, this afternoon since you posted it. I've never heard of it and didn't know you feed it to chickens either, but it seems like a really good idea in the garden. They also have some trace minerals. Good slug and bug deterrent from what I've read. thumb

This site I found mentions make a oyster shell tea with apple cider vinegar.
https://growingorganic.com/soil-compost/oyster-shell/


Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/18 09:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Both sides


thanks I cut all the infected leaves out and sprayed. There are quite a few blossoms that were buried deep in all that foliage, and now they just look so much better and not to thinned out either.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 12:01 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Chickenman I stopped at the tractor supply in Roanoke and turned over multiple bags of feed but none of them mentioned calcium . So, I started looking around and found ground oyster shells , they have tons of calcium , plus it's food for my chickens . We will see


Dang. I never thought about shells. Good call!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 01:37 AM

Originally Posted By: chickenman
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Chickenman I stopped at the tractor supply in Roanoke and turned over multiple bags of feed but none of them mentioned calcium . So, I started looking around and found ground oyster shells , they have tons of calcium , plus it's food for my chickens . We will see


Dang. I never thought about shells. Good call!


The crushed oyster shell is really good for chickens (and native songbirds in smaller pieces) . Adds calcium and it also collects in their craws/gizzards and aids digestion . Just mix a handful in with their regular feed every week or so .

The vinegar/shell tea sounds good but (pay attention , Brad) make sure you water it down and DON'T put it directly on the plants . I'm sure the calcium from the shells' dissolving raises the acidity of the vinegar but better safe than sorry .

I use vinegar to kill weeds .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 01:39 AM

Hoping everything is still ok in a couple weeks see ya'll after vacation
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 03:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
The vinegar/shell tea sounds good but (pay attention , Brad) make sure you water it down and DON'T put it directly on the plants . I'm sure the calcium from the shells' dissolving raises the acidity of the vinegar but better safe than sorry .

I use vinegar to kill weeds .


Finished product of the tea would be 1:64 ACV vinegar/water. I'd use that as soil drench for a quick available calcium if I needed all day.

I use vinegar as a weed killer too. thumb
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 05:36 PM

I think the plants look healthy (been adding fish fertilizer and epsom salts every two-weeks) but am wondering why I am getting very few fruits to set and grow. I have been slightly shaking the tomato plants and even used the wife's personal electric agitator (her electric toothbrush like Derek suggested) on the flower heads to help loosen the pollen. Is there something else that I need to be doing or adding to the soil/watering?


Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 05:38 PM

I forgot to mention that it looks like a bunch of flowers are developing so I don't want to miss the boat before it gets too hot.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 06:59 PM

That's what is happening with mine , iv had one ripe tomato , the rest are still green . I get lots of flowers but they're gone quickly , I think it's the heat
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 07:08 PM

Looking good!

Fish fert is 5-1-1. You need to increase your K (Potassium) I would start using liquid molasses. It's a good source of potassium. It's also feed for the microbes in your soil, and it's a good to help any nutrients that are bound up in the soil more available to the plants. Unsulphured blackstrap molasses is best. Grandmas unsulphured molasses would be my 2nd choice. Just make sure it's unsulphured. Use 3-4 tablespoons per gallon of water, every time you water.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 07:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
That's what is happening with mine , iv had one ripe tomato , the rest are still green . I get lots of flowers but they're gone quickly , I think it's the heat


This humidity isn't helping either.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 08:41 PM

Derek I watch other people's stuff and they have had ripe tomatoes for awhile , is it just luck of the draw?

Also , there's a road here that has blackberries all over it , can I get some vines and plant them in anyway?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/18 09:13 PM

Depends on the variety. Some ripen faster than others. I have 3 different types and probably 300+ tomatoes on the vine right now and have zero ripe ones. And none have even started to ripe yet.

I haven't grown blackberries, but it's my understanding that they are pretty easy to grow. You should do some research on them and see which varieties are the best for TX.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/18 01:13 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
...

Also , there's a road here that has blackberries all over it , can I get some vines and plant them in anyway?



They'll grow but you have to train them onto a trellis /fence to attain a "bush" shape . Otherwise they'll spread all over . Do yourself a favor and buy the thornless varieties . Big berries and you won't need a blood donor after picking them .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/18 01:16 AM

Yeah the ones I picked today tore me up , I guess I was wondering if I could gather some of those vines and plant some how , probably not
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/18 01:19 AM

Derek , now that the heat has turned on , you mention you do a fertilizer root feeding every tword weeks then a foliage spray every two weeks . Does the root fertilizer count as your deep watering? I guess I'm confused on watering vs fertilizer . When to do what blah blah
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/18 01:49 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
...

Also , there's a road here that has blackberries all over it , can I get some vines and plant them in anyway?



They'll grow but you have to train them onto a trellis /fence to attain a "bush" shape . Otherwise they'll spread all over . Do yourself a favor and buy the thornless varieties . Big berries and you won't need a blood donor after picking them .
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Yeah the ones I picked today tore me up , I guess I was wondering if I could gather some of those vines and plant some how , probably not


Gotcha. I misread your prior post. I bet what you were picking was Dewberry(very similar to blackberry). It grows wild like crazy here. Very tasty berry. I don't know a lot about it, but it grows more horizontally than vertical here. I don't see it vining and climbing trees at all. You could probably easily dig some up and transplant it. I would put it in the back out of the way part of your property as it seems it can take over an area. If you want something in your garden or in the area I'd do as Siberman suggested and get a thornless and see if there is a good vining variety. That Dewberry is thorny as hell.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/18 02:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Derek , now that the heat has turned on , you mention you do a fertilizer root feeding every tword weeks then a foliage spray every two weeks . Does the root fertilizer count as your deep watering? I guess I'm confused on watering vs fertilizer . When to do what blah blah



I'm going to ramble a bit here so some of this might not make sense.

I root water about every 5-7 days. That just my standard deep soil watering. I got a 1" of rain Sunday and haven't watered since. I will probably Saturday morning. I pretty much fertilize every time I water using the EZ Flo. But I don't have an exact formula what I put in it. I just pour in some fish fert, garret juice, Epsom salt, lots of liquid molasses, milk, alfalfa tea if I have some made and just eyeball the amounts I pour into the gallon jug until I think it's good. It's probably about 1/2 cup each if I was to guess. Except the alfalfa tea. I'll use it to fill up the gallon hopper instead of just water. I'll soak the garden down really good. Damn near flood it. I want that water soaking deep into the soil so the roots will go deep in search of the water as the top of the soil dries out between watering.

Then there is the foliar app. I'm more consistent here. I use a gallon pump up sprayer. And I will kinda measure out what goes in it. 1\8-1/4 cup of Epsom, 3-4 tablespoons liquid molasses, 1/4 gallon of milk, cup of Alf tea, etc.. And I'll spray that about every other week or so. Maybe every 3 weeks because I get lazy.

Then there is foliar app 2.0. This is the fungal app. I'm even more consistent here. Added Serenade to the rotation this week. I do weekly fungal apps. Milk, then the next Serenade, then milk, the on the 4th week I use Actinovate.

Then there is foliar app 3.0 IPM (Insect Pest Management) This is not my strong suit. I honestly have very little insect/pest issues. I wonder if it's from not using harsh chemicals and the beneficials thrive and take care of it for me. But that's a discussion for another day. I did find a lot of squash bug eggs on my squash today. At least 5 leaves had 20+. Crushed them all so I got phase one of them done. Going to check every day now. Looking into Neem and Spinosad combo.

I used to combine my sprays, but now I do them on separate days. It's more of a PITA but I think it works better.

Sat. Fert
Sun. Fung
Mon. IPM

Enough rambling. I'm done.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/18 03:30 AM

You could dig up the wild blackberry plants and transplant to your yard but I would wait until the dead of winter to do it. Otherwise the transplant shock would probably be too much and the plant would not survive. Also dig up the primacanes,not the floracanes. Blackberries produce the berries on 2 year old wood(floracanes).After that the vine is basically dead and needs to be cut at the ground and trashed/burnt.But growing alongside them is the primacanes which will have berries next spring.Primacanes will appear light green,floracanes dark brown/black. I've picked and ate wild blackberries in 4 different states.They grow huge in the sandy soil along the Virginia coast!
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/18 12:19 PM

I have 8 tomato varieties, the determinate (celebrity and roma) have some fruit but nothing close to ripe. Out of the three types of cherry's I have (sweet100, sweet cherry, and black cherry) only they sweet100s have fruit and once again nothing ready. My other varieties are inter-determinate (Cherokee purple, green zebra,and Marianna's peace)and they are in various stages of bloom but no fruit yet. I think I might not get any from the Marianna's peace due to the fact that it is a beefsteak variety that gets to over a pound in size and I am not sure if the heat will hold off long enough.

I also have what I believe to be dewberries growing under my vitex plants. I originally thought they were blackberries but I tried to train them to a trellis and they did not appreciate the gesture but they have been growing like crazy along the ground. They are heavily armed and sometimes the spines break off in your fingers like a cactus. I have yet to get a fully formed berry but have eaten a few, two or three lobed berries.

My squash, zucchini, and watermelons got a late start and are still growing but the heat shouldn't be as bad with them.

What I am really surprised about are my peppers. Every single plant has fruit except for the habanero, both hot and sweet varieties.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/18 02:30 PM

Thank you guys , good info.

I'm trying to get my feedings down, looks like I need to increase my root feedings . I'm just mixing it in a bucket for now so I don't get it on the leaves, this sucks. I need that ez flo system .

My foliage spray I mix in a tank that screws to the hose.

I sprayed bt for the first time the other day because somethings eating my leaves. IL try doing that once a week.
My squash has flowers but no fruit , I tried to pollinate the female flower , I ended up breaking them off. That sucked.

Cucumbers growing well, no fruit
Planted mammoth sunflowers the other day
Planted okra again , nothing up yet
Planted purple hull peas, nothing up yet

Fighting grass in the garden big time, next year I will use fabric .

Looking in the future to do some fall planting
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/18 12:11 AM

how do you know when a cucumber is ready?
i picked my 1st one yesterday
taste good, but it was a little soft
i think in the past, i let them get too big
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/18 01:18 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
I sprayed bt for the first time the other day because somethings eating my leaves. IL try doing that once a week.
My squash has flowers but no fruit , I tried to pollinate the female flower , I ended up breaking them off. That sucked.


Make sure and spray the Bt at dusk(if you didn't). Cat's feed at night and sunlight breaks down Bt very quickly.

What manual pollination method did you use on your squash? I use a q-tip and do it right at sunup when all the flowers are open. I've only had to self pollinate once this year. It was right when they started blooming and I wasn't getting much bee activity since it was only a couple blooms. Now I have a ton of blooms and the bees are hammering down on them at first light and will work them for about an hour or two. Check at first light and see if you have bees working. If so then you don't have to worry about the self pollination.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/18 02:20 AM

Well , I took off a maLe flower and opened it up and rubbed it on the inside of the female , not a,wise choice I learned because I broke off the female ones . I will look for the bees .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/18 03:01 AM

Originally Posted By: butch sanders
how do you know when a cucumber is ready?
i picked my 1st one yesterday
taste good, but it was a little soft
i think in the past, i let them get too big


Depends on the variety. But I can't think of a vine picked cuke that was soft when I picked it. They will soften pretty quickly after picking if you refrigerator it. That air is very dry.
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/18 03:21 AM



Swallowtail munching away on dill. Cool little things.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/18 03:29 AM

Great pic. Those are huge already! I grow dill just for them. But I haven't seen any so far this year.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/18 12:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: butch sanders
how do you know when a cucumber is ready?
i picked my 1st one yesterday
taste good, but it was a little soft
i think in the past, i let them get too big


Depends on the variety. But I can't think of a vine picked cuke that was soft when I picked it. They will soften pretty quickly after picking if you refrigerator it. That air is very dry.


thats why it softened
sat on the counter overnight
Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/18 03:10 AM

I love stopping by here and reading all yalls posts. I've learned a lot. So far my celebrity tomatoe plants are pretty loaded. I have 4 plants all look good and my first tomatoe is just starting to turn red.
My onions actually did okay this year. Haven't pulled any up yet but they look a lot bigger than in the past. My jalapeos look just ok. I have some but they're long and skinny. My bell peppers suck per usual. Nothing at all. Same with my cucumber plant. I just planted 4 okra plants and so far they look ok. I planted them in a back flower bed because I ran out of room in the raised bed. I might try to move them if my onions are ready soon.

Question: I just use composted cow manure, a little home made compost, and some MG shake n feed. I just dump it all in my raised bed and turn it all into the soil about a week before I plant. Then I hit each plant every 4-6 weeks with a little more shake n feed. The tomatoes are always really good but I think I could be doing better on everything else. Suggestions?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/18 02:33 PM

Glad yalls okra is doing something good I can't even get to come up , iv sowed twice
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/18 04:09 PM

Question, one of my main branches coming out of the ground on a roma tomato plant has brown mixed in. Hard to explain but it's green but also has brown half way up it . This is the only plant that hasn't made any fruit. Is it just sick?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/18 05:29 PM

got the 2nd pickin' today...same amount...12 cups contender/6 cups roma II...might replant roma II's since they were shaded out by the taters...then plant both again this fall...



[/quote]
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/18 02:30 PM

Do you guys provide shade for your plants during this up coming heat wave , I'm not but just wanted to see what yall do
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/18 05:35 PM

My gardens have shade for 30-40% of the day. Never had a too much shade or a lack of shade problem. Not yet anyway. Seems like my peppers could use more sun.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/18 06:14 PM

I use large pots (whisky barrel size) for my 'maters , squash and peppers .

One of the things I like about container gardening is the mobility . Right now everything's getting medium shade from ~ 11 to 1300 and doing well . I use a dolly to move them around if need be .

Depending on your site and how summer goes ( I have a feeling this year is gonna be a "burner" ) it might not be a bad idea to invest in some shade cloth for the afternoon .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/18 06:22 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Great pic. Those are huge already! I grow dill just for them. But I haven't seen any so far this year.


Rue attracts them as well but it's toxic/allergenic .

Btw, Derek . The milk treatment kicked the squash blossom end rot in the a$$ . Thanks ! cheers
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/18 06:38 PM

Originally Posted By: H.Town_paddler
I love stopping by here and reading all yalls posts. I've learned a lot. So far my celebrity tomatoe plants are pretty loaded. I have 4 plants all look good and my first tomatoe is just starting to turn red.
My onions actually did okay this year. Haven't pulled any up yet but they look a lot bigger than in the past. My jalapeos look just ok. I have some but they're long and skinny. My bell peppers suck per usual. Nothing at all. Same with my cucumber plant. I just planted 4 okra plants and so far they look ok. I planted them in a back flower bed because I ran out of room in the raised bed. I might try to move them if my onions are ready soon.

Question: I just use composted cow manure, a little home made compost, and some MG shake n feed. I just dump it all in my raised bed and turn it all into the soil about a week before I plant. Then I hit each plant every 4-6 weeks with a little more shake n feed. The tomatoes are always really good but I think I could be doing better on everything else. Suggestions?



I su*k at growing cukes and sweet peppers but it sounds like your jalapenos just need more water . My experience is that the hotter the pepper : the hotter/wetter it needs to be for them to produce well . Thais, serranos and japs are making right now but the habaneros and ghosts haven't even bloomed yet .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 12:09 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Great pic. Those are huge already! I grow dill just for them. But I haven't seen any so far this year.


Rue attracts them as well but it's toxic/allergenic .

Btw, Derek . The milk treatment kicked the squash blossom end rot in the a$$ . Thanks ! cheers



thumb
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 01:19 PM

Found aphids under my leaves on plants , what do you guys use that has worked? I Google but theyre are tons of opinions
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 03:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Found aphids under my leaves on plants , what do you guys use that has worked? I Google but theyre are tons of opinions


Deploy ladybugs if you can. Order them online or call the farm stores in the area. There might be somebody on Craigslist too.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 03:43 PM

I let two containers out about two weeks ago
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 03:45 PM

you need to release them when they have a food source or they'll move on
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 03:55 PM

Meaning? They only eat bugs, so if there's no bugs they move?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 04:28 PM

onion harvest...small but edible...this is about 200...got 100 more still hangin'/dryin'...will put as many n the garage icebox as it'll hold then the others in knee-hi panty hoses




Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 04:46 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Meaning? They only eat bugs, so if there's no bugs they move?


Yes, you release them they go eat the bugs and lay eggs. If you got the ladybug food with your order and put it in your garden they would eat that and lay eggs then move on to another food source. I usually wait until I see some kind of infestation to release them.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 06:06 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
onion harvest...small but edible...this is about 200...got 100 more still hangin'/dryin'...will put as many n the garage icebox as it'll hold then the others in knee-hi panty hoses When we had more room in the old fridge we had, wrapped each in aluminum foil, kept forever.




Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 08:50 PM

aluminum foil---that's a new one for me...i put the 2017 crop in the vege drawer of the icebox and they kept till we ate them all...might havta try it just to prove your point~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 09:15 PM

So what's your guys plan with the heat ? I took yalls advice and I only water once a week very heavily . With this heat my plants are no longer " perky" the leaves all sag now and the aphids are going to town
IL get more lady bugs tomorrow, just worried about my watering schedule
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 09:20 PM



https://www.homedepot.com/p/Luster-Leaf-Rapitest-Digital-Moisture-Meter-1825/206203103?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CLocal%7CTax+Free+Holiday%7CTX+WaterSense%7c71700000036496123%7c58700004094683878%7c92700033632007304&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI45L-46qp2wIVDtbACh3vxQyUEAQYASABEgKgifD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKbBsYirqdsCFZEVYgodZLQA4w
best item you can use
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 09:40 PM

I use a moisture meter too. Mines mechanical, but I am going to get the one Bruce posted. I'm still on a 5-7 watering, but I do get more shade than your garden Brad, my more shade is not intentional, just they way it is from some trees I can do anything about. I would prefer another couple hours of sun. I metered this morning and my driest spots are around my squash. They get the most sun and I think the big leaves channel a lot if the rain water out of my raised bed.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 09:48 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Found aphids under my leaves on plants , what do you guys use that has worked? I Google but theyre are tons of opinions


I would start with the reapp of the Ladybugs like you're planning. See if they have Green Lacewings too. Mist your plants down with some water and release them at night if you didn't last time. Sometimes having some water on the leaves is a good. This is one of those times.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 09:51 PM

Thanks guys , IL do all of the above
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/18 11:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Found aphids under my leaves on plants , what do you guys use that has worked? I Google but theyre are tons of opinions


I would start with the reapp of the Ladybugs like you're planning. See if they have Green Lacewings too. Mist your plants down with some water and release them at night if you didn't last time. Sometimes having some water on the leaves is a good. This is one of those times.


I bought some mantis eggs today
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 12:33 AM

I buy Mantis eggs every year. My kids love to keep them inside until they hatch. And then seem them in the garden later. Not many make it, but I have 4-5 that I see in the garden almost daily that are about 1-1/2" long now. They are about 1/4" long then they hatch. And there are a ton that come out of the egg sack, 200+.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 04:04 PM

Well the lady bugs at the dang garden place were all dead
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 04:13 PM

amazon has them
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 05:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
amazon has them


Ladybugs? I've seen Mantis eggs but not ladybugs.

Calloways had bags of LBs for about $12, they were alive at the one on south cooper
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 06:22 PM

I don't see any listed for sale on Amazon or Ebay right now. Looks like everybody is out of stock right now. They do have Green Lacewing eggs though. Lacewing larva will hammer down on some Aphids. And the good part is the larva doesn't have wings so it hangs around the garden.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 09:10 PM

tip: allow your mantis eggs to hatch then transport them. I placed it in the fork of a tomato plant as directed and when I watered today didn't think about it and it washed away somewhere. $13 down the trash
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 09:16 PM

Well cap , that had to irritate you.

How the heck am I not able to get okra seeds to come up? Iv sowed twice, soaked in garret juice for hours . Out of that whole row I planted purple hull peas and okra , I only have one freaking plant coming up.

Wit beans do you soak them before you sow? Mine felt kinda mushy after I did and think that may have ruined them
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 09:31 PM

I planted Quick Pick purple hull peas about a week or so ago. The package says to plant them 1/2-1" deep. I used my fingers and made a shallow trench and put in the seeds and then lightly covered them up. I bet they planted 1/4-3/8" deep maybe. All but a couple have come up. I tried to water them a little bit every day the first 7 days. But I missed a couple days. When I watered them it was a very light watering. I didn't pre-soak the seeds. Very odd your okra seeds haven't come up yet.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 09:37 PM

Yeah the second time I even bought another package thinking it was bad seed , guess not

I looked at my tomatoes this morning and aphids are all over them too , since u can't get bugs I'm gonna try neem oil.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 09:49 PM

Do not spray the neem during the day in this heat. And a stronger mix is not better. Mix per label instructions. Spray at night or just before it. I would spray only 1-2 bushes and give it a day or 2 and see what your results are. If it killed the aphids and if you have and damage to the foliage from the neem. If you spray at night I think you'll be fine.

I like orange oil (d-limonene) but same deal. At night and no more then 1 to 1-1/2oz per gallon.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 10:29 PM

Will do , thanks for all of your advice . Just think, here in a couple months IL be picking your brain about the fall stuff . Yay


So can I just make a need oil , bt mix then?
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 10:37 PM

They must of sold out. Keep checking every few days, I usually get mine from Hirts Gardens on there.


Congrats Brad on being the 5000th reply to the thread.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 10:46 PM

The folks at Calloways put me on some Natria (insecticidal soap) to use to kill bugs. I'll let you know how it works.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/18 11:12 PM

So I tried water, dish soap, cayenne pepper mix yesterday and I don't have one aphid on my pepper plants , that's all I used it on so I'm gonna,do the whole garden tonight , IL update
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/18 01:34 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Will do , thanks for all of your advice . Just think, here in a couple months IL be picking your brain about the fall stuff . Yay


So can I just make a need oil , bt mix then?


No problems mixing the neem and bt together.

I've always just done a summer garden. I actually plan on doing a fall/winter garden this year so we will learn as we go this year on it.

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
So I tried water, dish soap, cayenne pepper mix yesterday and I don't have one aphid on my pepper plants , that's all I used it on so I'm gonna,do the whole garden tonight , IL update


Atta boy! thumb
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/18 11:55 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt


How the heck am I not able to get okra seeds to come up? Iv sowed twice, soaked in garret juice for hours . Out of that whole row I planted purple hull peas and okra , I only have one freaking plant coming up.

Wit beans do you soak them before you sow? Mine felt kinda mushy after I did and think that may have ruined them


The hill country red okra that I have tried has also not come up. I am going to give it one more try and roughen the outside with sand paper.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/18 12:12 PM

i've been growing this for years...soak a couple of nights and you can see the sprout...one plant 5 ft apart...that being said, i planted 6, 2 came up...

https://www.burpee.com/vegetables/okra/okra-burgundy-prod002016.html

Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 01:08 AM

2 squash and 2 tomatoes is all its produced so far.

Cantaloupe (in the back not shown) is taking off. I was worried because I transplanted it on the top of a slope that really has be watered/watched.

Watermelons and squash have been sown again.

1 of 12 h19 cucmbers is doing well. The rest died or are real small.

Able to grow champion weeds and grass again which was expected.




Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 02:11 AM

What are the tall plants growing behind the Chupacabra jaw bone?

Does the mannequin work for Mockingbirds or do they get used to it?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 03:11 AM

The taller two are cherries.

My ladies work hard. I'll have an occasional mockingbird work a plant. Not often. red birds will drink from the sprinkler sometimes. Thanks about it.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 10:46 AM

Chickenman, I got one tomato 4 bell pepper,3 Anaheim pepper, and 4 japs . I guess I'm a pepper farmer cuz nothing else is happening
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 01:16 PM

Well I am screwed on mockingbirds. Went to check the garden around 830 and there were two fledglings that my dogs scared up with their parents dive bombing them. There was another on top of the house singing its heart out and two chasing each other from tree to tree in the yard. That's right five adults and two fledglings, we couldn't believe our luck. On top of all that I saw where they're already pecking one of my still very green romas. Side note, mockingbirds are my favorite song bird and I could have sat and listened to that one singing away all evening.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 01:28 PM

Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
Well I am screwed on mockingbirds.


Scarecrow. Give it a try. Maybe the bobble head owl too.

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Chickenman, I got one tomato 4 bell pepper,3 Anaheim pepper, and 4 japs . I guess I'm a pepper farmer cuz nothing else is happening


Nice. Did the bells have any size to them? Mine never do. I need to change what I am doing to the peppers. Water them less was suggested.
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 02:31 PM

Have faith Chickenman
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 03:01 PM


Here's how my bird situation has worked so far , I put up a feeder and they eat that over my garden, I also gave them a water source . I probably have 25 cardinals, 5 mockingbirds, and the same 5 dove everyday . So far, I haven't had one bird problem


I picked my first couple bp , one was fist
size the others were smaller but tasted awesome. I was afraid the aphids were gonna ruin them so I took them off . My best size has came from the aneheim and japs
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 03:04 PM

Here's a question I built a trellis out of 2 cedar stays and some twine for my cucs , heck the vine is almost to the top already , I guess I need to build something larger , just put a cow panel and some t post? Also, my squash plants are freaking huge , do they need anything to climb or just on the ground?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 03:07 PM

IL send a pic if someone can send me their number, I ban ever get a pic to post on here . You can't laugh at my grass in between rows though . It has beat me , I mulched with hay and it grew threw it , I have a,small stihl tiller but the hay just clogs it
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 04:09 PM

anyone with experience with lady bugs know they best time of day to release them?
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 04:09 PM

I guess this is why we work so hard on our gardens. Nothing like putting on some zucchini, bell peppers and jalapenos on the grill with a good hunk of meat. I also made a nice salad with my lettuce and tomatoes. Even threw in a few strawberries (after the picture).




Now I just have to wait for my watermelons and cantaloupes so I can have a little dessert next time.

Thank you for all your help and advice.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 04:09 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Here's a question I built a trellis out of 2 cedar stays and some twine for my cucs , heck the vine is almost to the top already , I guess I need to build something larger , just put a cow panel and some t post? Also, my squash plants are freaking huge , do they need anything to climb or just on the ground?


You can train a squash on a trellis but it's really not necessary .
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 04:20 PM

Originally Posted By: RATZ
anyone with experience with lady bugs know they best time of day to release them?


At dusk, if you have the nectar put that out too they'll stick around longer
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 04:29 PM

BlueNitro , I just got through eating a deer steak from a deer I killed on the place this year with bell pepper and japs . I just need a couple more veggie varieties and IL be in business
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 04:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
IL send a pic if someone can send me their number, I ban ever get a pic to post on here . You can't laugh at my grass in between rows though . It has beat me , I mulched with hay and it grew threw it , I have a,small stihl tiller but the hay just clogs it


Here are Brads pics

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 04:35 PM

Thanks Derek , it doesn't look like that vine is very high but I guess it fell while watering, that grass looks great
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 04:50 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
BlueNitro , I just got through eating a deer steak from a deer I killed on the place this year with bell pepper and japs . I just need a couple more veggie varieties and IL be in business


Wow Brad, how hard do you have to throw and where do you need to hit the deer with the bell pepper/japs to be able to kill a deer? I assume that the bell pepper was used for the first shot (mass) and then you used the japs to make the finishing shots. I thought I was a good hunter because I just use a bow but you set the bar a lot higher. Kudos to you.

roflmao Just messing with you.

I don't know if it's the hard work or that you know what went into your food but it does taste so much better when you grow it yourself. Best of luck with your other veggies and your garden does look pretty good. Looks like you should have plenty of ammunition soon for this coming deer season. Happy hunting.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 04:58 PM

Originally Posted By: BlueNitro
Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
BlueNitro , I just got through eating a deer steak from a deer I killed on the place this year with bell pepper and japs . I just need a couple more veggie varieties and IL be in business


Wow Brad, how hard do you have to throw and where do you need to hit the deer with the bell pepper/japs to be able to kill a deer? I assume that the bell pepper was used for the first shot (mass) and then you used the japs to make the finishing shots. I thought I was a good hunter because I just use a bow but you set the bar a lot higher. Kudos to you.

roflmao Just messing with you.



I just spit my drink out roflmao
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 05:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
Originally Posted By: RATZ
anyone with experience with lady bugs know they best time of day to release them?


At dusk, if you have the nectar put that out too they'll stick around longer


I didn't buy the nectar which now I'm thinking I should have. Is there some homemade food I can make for them.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 05:13 PM

Yeah, you got me . That was funny ! I shold go back and read what I typed before I post , I just live on the egde
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 05:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Yeah, you got me . That was funny ! I shold go back and read what I typed before I post , I just live on the egde


thumb

You seem like a good sport. It just hit me odd when I first read it.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 05:32 PM

Believe me , I pretty much work at a frat house so it takes a lot to move this needle .
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 05:48 PM

Originally Posted By: RATZ
Originally Posted By: Mr. Majestic
Originally Posted By: RATZ
anyone with experience with lady bugs know they best time of day to release them?


At dusk, if you have the nectar put that out too they'll stick around longer


I didn't buy the nectar which now I'm thinking I should have. Is there some homemade food I can make for them.


soak some raisins in water for 5-10 minutes, cut them in half carefully put the cut raisins around where you release them. You can also put out some honey.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 06:11 PM

So what do we say about frogs in the garden ? I just opened the lid on a water source and got 5 1 inch long frogs to put in the garden
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 06:18 PM

They kill bugs, let em be jmo
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 06:47 PM

My thoughts were they will eat more bad bugs than good , I hope
Posted By: jackiekennedyfishingguide

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/18 11:02 PM

Needing help in diagnosing this tomato problem. The leaves start dying at the bottom and just work there way up. There is no insects/bugs on the dead leaves. I've been told it is a fungus in the soil and it very well may be. We have never had this problem before and been at it for over 40 years. Any advice is accepted.


Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:06 AM

just placed 1500 lady bugs out they are looking good had some dead, but out of 1500 I'd say 1100 were alive. I set up some bait stations with tongue depressors with a paste of yeast and sugar on them stuck in the ground and about 1c of raisins I soaked in water for about 10min then cut them in half, and sprinkled all over the garden.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:14 AM

Originally Posted By: jackiekennedyfishingguide
The leaves start dying at the bottom and just work there way up.


That's a classic sign of Blight. And that's what it looks like from your pics. You've probably had it in the past but it just wasn't as bad, it's very common if not the most common tomato disease/fungus. I have it, but just not that bad. You need to cut out the dead and the bad parts with the brown spots, best you can. Apps of actinovate and serenade would be what I use, but I go the more organic route. You can get a fungicide at Lowes. Just make sure it's labeled for Blights. Or go to McDade's. They should be able to help.
Posted By: jackiekennedyfishingguide

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:20 AM

Thanks Derek, I will go to work on this first thing in the morning. yes we had it a little last year but nothing like this. Is it in the ground?
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:26 AM

as Derek said cut out bad apply serenade and reapply weekly as needed. Make sure to shake the bottle.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:54 AM

Derek, I follow your milk spraying , still seeing some blight, cut it all out this morning . Should I get the fungus spray instead?
I picked three reddish tomatoes iv been watching tonight, all with blossom end rot . Uggggg
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:57 AM

It is in the soil Jackie. Or that is where it winters. Spread mostly by heavy rains or watering. Heavy rain/water drops will bounce off the soil picking some of the blight up and land on a leaf and boom, you've got it. That's why it starts on the lower leaves as that's what the water drops are able to hit. Doing a soil drench of actinovate and a heavy layer of mulch when you plant will help a lot. The rain will bounce off the uninfected mulch and not the soil and the actinovate will be fighting it underneath the mulch. But it's still not 100%, nothing is that I know of. Above is what I do and I do my best to do weekly antifungal sprays and it really helps keep it in check.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 02:03 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Derek, I follow your milk spraying , still seeing some blight, cut it all out this morning . Should I get the fungus spray instead?
I picked three reddish tomatoes iv been watching tonight, all with blossom end rot . Uggggg


Milk is for powdery mildew. Serenade/Acto for blight. Serenade/Acto will handle up on powdery mildew very well and you could just use that. But I won't ever pass up a chance to spray out old milk.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 02:21 AM

My patty pan squash is taking over.

Posted By: jackiekennedyfishingguide

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 09:42 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
It is in the soil Jackie. Or that is where it winters. Spread mostly by heavy rains or watering. Heavy rain/water drops will bounce off the soil picking some of the blight up and land on a leaf and boom, you've got it. That's why it starts on the lower leaves as that's what the water drops are able to hit. Doing a soil drench of actinovate and a heavy layer of mulch when you plant will help a lot. The rain will bounce off the uninfected mulch and not the soil and the actinovate will be fighting it underneath the mulch. But it's still not 100%, nothing is that I know of. Above is what I do and I do my best to do weekly antifungal sprays and it really helps keep it in check.


Thanks ever so much we will go to work on the advice you gave first thing this AM
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 12:05 PM

so are the Porters...i have one plant, 7 ft tall...have you pulled the onions and hung to dry???...mine are done and in the garage ice box

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
My patty pan squash is taking over.




Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:02 PM

Yup. Onions are pulled and hanging on the fence. I planted the Quick Picks in their place and they are growing nicely.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
My patty pan squash is taking over.






Wow, the garden looks great and your daughter is a cutie (Thank her Mom for us). My question is 'what is that black cylinder on the right side of the pic"? Is that where you stuffed Nick? If it is for compost, how quickly will a body breakdown in one of those? Does the average gardner really need to make their own compost?
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:30 PM

how long is normal for cucumbers to bloom before they produce fruit? Mine have been in bloom for a few weeks now with no fruit. Guess same question for zucchini. Again this is my first garden.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:41 PM

my raised garden is made with cinderblocks. Do y'all think there is enough soil in each of the cinderblock holes to plant say onions or beets?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 01:53 PM

My cucs ate the same ratz, saw my first squash yesterday, after I hand pollinated
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 02:21 PM

same problem here...i just pulled my first cuke the other day...plants look gr8 but no cukes...opting for a different variety shortly

Originally Posted By: RATZ
how long is normal for cucumbers to bloom before they produce fruit? Mine have been in bloom for a few weeks now with no fruit. Guess same question for zucchini. Again this is my first garden.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 02:23 PM

cinderblocks...i've tried that but they absorb heat...not enuf room for roots...but hey, it's gardenin'...give it a try...maybe flowers to ward off critters
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 02:31 PM

Originally Posted By: BlueNitro
Wow, the garden looks great and your daughter is a cutie (Thank her Mom for us). My question is 'what is that black cylinder on the right side of the pic"? Is that where you stuffed Nick? If it is for compost, how quickly will a body breakdown in one of those? Does the average gardner really need to make their own compost?


lol. I bought it just to tinker with. It actually works pretty good, but no you don't really need one.
Posted By: spazm09

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 02:58 PM

Just now discovered this gardening thread.

I've got a patio garden going. Doing indeterminate cherry tomatoes, some kind of hybrid determinate tomato and heatless jalapenos. (I'm a wuss when it comes to spicy food but I like stuffed jalapenos if they aren't too spicy)

So in an attempt to get bigger plants with a higher yield, I decided to plant the tomatoes together about 18"-24" apart in a big plastic tote box. I cut drainage holes in the bottom and am using the lid as the drip pan. Sometimes when I water, the drip pan gets full and I have it set up for the extra water to collect in a bucket underneath so it doesn't fall down to the patio below. The water is a brownish green color when it comes out. So finally, here is my question. Is there any reason I can't reuse that water?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 06:57 PM

Yes , you can use that water . I wouldn't brush my teeth with it grin but it's fine for your plants .

Welcome to "the gardening thread that never dies" . wink
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 07:09 PM

Hot south wind is kicking my (container garden's) butt . I'm watering every 3-4 days . Y'all keep an eye on the plant leaves . Wind will suck the water right out of a plant even if the soil is moist .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 07:11 PM

The habaneros are blooming ! banana
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 07:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
My patty pan squash is taking over.






cheers
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 09:54 PM

Burpee told me the best self-pollinating cucumber is Sweet Success; it is a parthenocarpic type so it does not need males. they are out of them but Parks Seed has'm...i ordered 2 pkts...will plant upon receipt...they also said Summer Dance would be second one not a true parthenocarpic but produces like crazy, and tolerate the heat stress
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 11:15 PM

First Mockingbird casualty today. bang

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/18 11:22 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
Burpee told me the best self-pollinating cucumber is Sweet Success; it is a parthenocarpic type so it does not need males. they are out of them but Parks Seed has'm...i ordered 2 pkts...will plant upon receipt...they also said Summer Dance would be second one not a true parthenocarpic but produces like crazy, and tolerate the heat stress


I grew H-19's last year. Parthenocarpic and supposed to do well under stress. They did great. Smaller cucumber. I sent some extra seeds to Chickenman that he planted this year and they're not doing very well.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/18 11:47 AM

anybody do this...???...thinking about it with my garden veges...

https://harvestright.com/
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/18 07:01 PM

That looks pretty neat.

Do cucumbers typically do well through summer? I'm all vines with some flowers, iv hand pollinated a few times but zer fruit out of 4 plants . I didn't know if heat was the deal. My squash plants look good though and I picked my first crooked neck
Posted By: spazm09

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/18 07:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Yes , you can use that water . I wouldn't brush my teeth with it grin but it's fine for your plants .

Welcome to "the gardening thread that never dies" . wink


Thanks for the welcome.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/18 01:53 PM

finally sum maters / cukes / add ranch dressin' and i'm ready 2 eat

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/18 12:34 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
finally sum maters / cukes / add ranch dressin' and i'm ready 2 eat





Nice! thumb
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/18 12:40 AM

Found the Squash Bug I've been looing for this afternoon. She's been in full laying mode for a while now. Been finding her eggs every morning and night. I'm sure she's not the only one, but she's the biggest I've seen so far. Daily inspections and crushing the eggs have really kept their population in check.


Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/18 01:02 AM

i can smell'm from here...nasty...

got 2 - 4x8 beds ready for more cukes / squash / purple hulls...orta b set until Aug/Sept for fall planting
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/18 04:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Found the Squash Bug I've been looing for this afternoon. She's been in full laying mode for a while now. Been finding her eggs every morning and night. I'm sure she's not the only one, but she's the biggest I've seen so far. Daily inspections and crushing the eggs have really kept their population in check.

The stem borer is my nemesis, get 1 -3 pickings before having to replant, 4 mi. away my brother doesn't have borers but the bugs.

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/18 11:20 PM

Originally Posted By: fmrmbmlm
The stem borer is my nemesis, get 1 -3 pickings before having to replant, 4 mi. away my brother doesn't have borers but the bugs.


Have you ever tried injecting your vines with Bt? I think Bob Webster started it and Howard Garrett picked up on it from him. I can't claim it works, but listening to their show people calling in claim it does. If I remember correctly they are injecting a pretty heavy mix of it. Like 1oz of Bt and a couple cups of water and injecting a tablespoon or so a little above the base or where the borers typically hang out. It's worth a try I guess.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/18 04:08 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: fmrmbmlm
The stem borer is my nemesis, get 1 -3 pickings before having to replant, 4 mi. away my brother doesn't have borers but the bugs.


Have you ever tried injecting your vines with Bt? I think Bob Webster started it and Howard Garrett picked up on it from him. I can't claim it works, but listening to their show people calling in claim it does. If I remember correctly they are injecting a pretty heavy mix of it. Like 1oz of Bt and a couple cups of water and injecting a tablespoon or so a little above the base or where the borers typically hang out. It's worth a try I guess.
Will definitely have to try this
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/18 12:34 AM

Just got back from 2 weeks gone ,looks like a zillion weeds to pull but all looks alive ! More to report later .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/18 12:43 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Just got back from 2 weeks gone ,looks like a zillion weeds to pull but all looks alive ! More to report later .


Been wondering where you've been. cheers
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/18 01:03 AM


Africa
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/18 01:17 AM

u better stik 2 gardenin'
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/18 01:23 AM

Originally Posted By: trlrman

Africa


Damn! We need full details on that trip. That's a dream trip of mine.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/18 10:03 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
u better stik 2 gardenin'
yes sir , old phone and night pics don't mix .will try to put up a couple more pics on the vacation thread in ot.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/18 11:50 AM

no, i meant gardening is safer
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/18 01:16 AM

After 2 weeks off I can tell you the weeds are pretty brutal ! I do have ghost, hab's reapers and fatalities on the plants and plenty of blooms, so far pulled 3 5 gallon buckets of onions and barley made a dent.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/18 02:09 AM

question from a nob. So I have tons of green tomatoes on my plants but no new blooms . How long will your tamato plants last? Meaning, looking at planting schedules it's pretty close to being time to plant tamato plants for fall . Does that mean the plants I have no are done and I need to rip these out and plant new ones or what?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/18 10:16 AM

Are they determinate or indeterminate? Either way let them ripen but if determinate then pull and Re plant. Indeterminate will produce till frost
.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/18 12:08 PM

what causes the bottom of tomato's to blow out
my brother, i think over watered his
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/18 02:02 PM

Anyone else notice a lack of bugs this year? We have a decent amount of dobbers and wasps building nests but the insects seem to be fewer in numbers this year.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/18 08:58 PM

Reading Eliot coleman " the organic grower" wow what a book . Has any one used green manure or under cover to help with weeds and used in the spring to till in the dirt?
Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/18 11:42 PM

Finally getting some consistency out of my celebrity plants. Picking about 5-7 a day right now. Salsa has been made and these are going for my MIL's tomato sauce. Somehow even with nighttime lows in the low 70s one of my plants is still blooming.

Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/18 02:09 AM

Those look great , I may be a horrible Gardner but I make up for it in my cooking skills . Iv made tons of different salsas , the best I make is when I smoke the tonatoes and onions then blend in my other untouched ingredients . Give it a try
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/18 11:40 AM

Here's the first picking of 2018, gonna be putting back a lot this year as I didn't get anything for the last two years.

Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/18 02:07 PM

Nice.Mine don't usually ripen till after the 4th of july.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/18 02:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Reading Eliot coleman " the organic grower" wow what a book . Has any one used green manure or under cover to help with weeds and used in the spring to till in the dirt?


Yes, used rye grass this year. It does help with winter and early spring weeds.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/18 01:19 AM

finally got some of my bigger matters to pick and man they were great
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/18 01:01 PM

horned worms / tomato worms on my bell peppers...???...pulled off 6 this morning...better go check the plants
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/18 07:04 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
horned worms / tomato worms on my bell peppers...???...pulled off 6 this morning...better go check the plants


Think I've posted this on here but if you find one with what looks like grains of white rice on its back ; leave it . Those are the cocoons of a parasitic wasp . They'll take care of your hornworm problem .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/18 09:43 PM

Been getting a lot of ripe tomatoes , I'm not getting new flowers and I'm cutting blight out everyday. I don't know how long these plants are gonna last

I have got 3 squash and 3 cucumbers, tons of jalapeo.

Grass hoppers are moving in and causing a lot of damage to my plants .

Question, I had plans to make a fall garden , Bermuda is horrible in my garden . If all my plants look like death come July, would you pull the plants, cover with plastic for a month to kill the grass? Then come back for my fall garden with the weed fabric?


Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/18 10:57 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Been getting a lot of ripe tomatoes , I'm not getting new flowers and I'm cutting blight out everyday. I don't know how long these plants are gonna last

I have got 3 squash and 3 cucumbers, tons of jalapeo.


My tomato's are in a few different stages.

Porters - Still growing and blooming and setting fruit - Still my favorite tomato plant

Cherokee Purple - Has slowed. This plant has sucked all year. Hasn't set a lot of fruit all year. I won't plant them again.

Red Duce - Has completely shut down. But it set 19 very large tomatos prior to shutdown. Wonder how good it would have done had the heat not set in so soon. I'll plant these again.

This is my last year planting 2 different indeterminates. It's a jungle for my smaller area. From now on it's a Porter and a couple determinates like the Red Duce.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/18 11:10 PM

i've picked 2 porters...have a cluster on the bush now ready to pick in the morning...i've picked a bunch of Goliath & Beefmaster...my nabor bought the plants so i put'm in the ground...doin' perty good...got a few+ cukes...planted new crop for fall that self-pollinate...corn / squash / zucchini / purple hulls / peppers all look really good...wind blew the corn over the other night but it's back upright now...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/18 11:23 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
i've picked 2 porters...have a cluster on the bush now ready to pick in the morning...


That's it?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/18 11:24 PM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt


Question, I had plans to make a fall garden , Bermuda is horrible in my garden . If all my plants look like death come July, would you pull the plants, cover with plastic for a month to kill the grass? Then come back for my fall garden with the weed fabric?




If you plan on using that same plot this fall ; you'd do better to pull all the Bermuda roots up by hand and then re-planting .

Bermuda is a good lawn grass (IMHO) but it's a beach in the garden . Solarization (using plastic) will kill it but it takes more than 30 days and you always have to keep an eye on encroaching growth around the garden perimeter .

Keep in mind that the heat under the plastic will sterilize the soil . You'll have to inoculate the plot with beneficial nematodes/bacteria/worms/etc. in order to have a healthy garden .

If you want to try it I'd suggest putting the plastic down now in another area . Take the plastic off next spring and till in some compost .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/18 11:26 PM

that's all that's red and ready 2 eat...got a big bush full...pictures 2morow

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: crapyetr
i've picked 2 porters...have a cluster on the bush now ready to pick in the morning...


That's it?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/18 11:32 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
that's all that's red and ready 2 eat...got a big bush full...pictures 2morow

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: crapyetr
i've picked 2 porters...have a cluster on the bush now ready to pick in the morning...


That's it?


thumb
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 01:18 AM

All three of my roma tomatoes only prodiced like 5 tomatoes but the all had blossom end rot , it's the only kind that did . My improved porter and celebrity produced the best. My roma and phoenix sucked.

I don't see how I could get all the roots up of the grass in a area this large , plus I have hay on top of it all . Im kinda stuck on what to do. Maybe skip the fall garden and just plant potato, onion , and garlic in old horse troughs? Cover the garden until next spring? It's gotta get out at some point
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 01:31 AM

What if I remove plants when they die, rake out hay, get the grass out the best I can . Then use the vinegar and water to kill the grass and come back with fabric ? I do not want to harm my soil though , I put too much into it
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 02:16 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
What if I remove plants when they die, rake out hay, get the grass out the best I can . Then use the vinegar and water to kill the grass and come back with fabric ? I do not want to harm my soil though , I put too much into it


I can't help you with the fabric as I don't use it and don't know a lot about it. But, question.

You mention Vinegar and water. Are you cutting your vinegar with water? If so, don't.

I use 9% vinegar. It's the strongest I can find for $2.50 a gallon. Other option is 20% at the nursery and they want $15+ a gallon. 9% works great. Add in some liquid soap as a surfactant and you have a pretty good killer. That said, it will kill broadleafs dead, but grass it will just knock them back. It won't kill the roots so you have to keep spraying the Bermuda, but it really helps keep it at bay. Vinegar is Acetic acid and breaks down very quickly so it won't hurt your soil. I keep it in a cheap spray bottle and do daily sprays or weekly as needed. It's worked well for me.

I would till in the hay. Yes, there is a chance your garden could be a hay field next year from the seed heads, but the seed heads have already dropped from using them as a mulch into the soil. I'll tackle that issue if it arises. Tilling it in will add much needed organic matter into the soil, which is a great thing.
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 02:43 AM

I have a couple of questions and you will probably think I am nuts but its just the way it is. First my wife had a bad stroke in July of last year. We spent 35 days in the hospital/rehab so I lost last years garden. I have 3 4'X16' raised beds. I usually split 1 bed with peppers and tomatoes, 1 with okra and 1 with just tomatoes. Anyway due to having to take care of my wife I didn't get my beds ready and ended up planting 10 tomato plants(4 Celebrity, 3 Phoenix Heat Set & 3 Homestead) and 4 pepper plants in a flower bed that is 24 inches wide between the concrete borders. It has the best dirt I have ever planted in plus I tilled in 4 bags of Organic gardening soil. Now here is the kicker and my question. I didn't get planted until June 1st. 6 of the tomato plants have buds ready to bloom and the peppers had several peppers on them when I planted them. They have a doubled in size since being planted. Do I have any chance of making a tomato crop or is it a waste of time. I live at the lake so I am watering with lake water. The plants were bought in early April and stayed in their cups until I planted them. Sorry this was so long.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 02:45 AM

Thanks derek , so basically once my spring plants can't make it anymore ,
Go ahead and till the grass and hay together and then plant my fall garden?

The book I have been reading really wants me toy try green manures. So I could do rye grass to fill in my garden

I have only done the vinegar, soap, water around my house , nor the garden . I use a propane torch on ,my fence lines
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 03:21 AM

Originally Posted By: machinist
I have a couple of questions and you will probably think I am nuts but its just the way it is. First my wife had a bad stroke in July of last year. We spent 35 days in the hospital/rehab so I lost last years garden. I have 3 4'X16' raised beds. I usually split 1 bed with peppers and tomatoes, 1 with okra and 1 with just tomatoes. Anyway due to having to take care of my wife I didn't get my beds ready and ended up planting 10 tomato plants(4 Celebrity, 3 Phoenix Heat Set & 3 Homestead) and 4 pepper plants in a flower bed that is 24 inches wide between the concrete borders. It has the best dirt I have ever planted in plus I tilled in 4 bags of Organic gardening soil. Now here is the kicker and my question. I didn't get planted until June 1st. 6 of the tomato plants have buds ready to bloom and the peppers had several peppers on them when I planted them. They have a doubled in size since being planted. Do I have any chance of making a tomato crop or is it a waste of time. I live at the lake so I am watering with lake water. The plants were bought in early April and stayed in their cups until I planted them. Sorry this was so long.


Sorry to hear about your wife. I wish y'all the best. Even though Celebrities are popular I've never grown them. I grew Phoenix last year and they were ok. Tycoon was better, but it's my understanding they've been discontinued. Never grown Homestead, but hear they are a good. There is no doubt you can get a crop this year and it won't be a waste of time. Just keep them watered, but not over watered and I think you'll be ok and get some tomatoes. Post progress updates.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 03:27 AM

Originally Posted By: Brad Hardt
Thanks derek , so basically once my spring plants can't make it anymore ,
Go ahead and till the grass and hay together and then plant my fall garden?

The book I have been reading really wants me toy try green manures. So I could do rye grass to fill in my garden

I have only done the vinegar, soap, water around my house , nor the garden . I use a propane torch on ,my fence lines


Nothing wrong with toying around. I'm interested in the results. Don't cut the vinegar with water. Torch the big patches of grass in the garden(if it won't burn the plants) and maintain with the vinegar.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 12:33 PM

I don't see how I could get all the roots up of the grass in a area this large

glyphosate (in Roundup) is not soil active...why not use it to kill the bermuda???
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 03:40 PM

Derek, thank you for the thoughts. After it got so late in the planting process, I could have probably planted a week or so earlier. I decided to wait until June 1st to honor my Grandson who turned 19 on that day. He is a Medic in the 3rd Infantry BN, 1st Combat Team, stationed at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. I planted what I did because I needed a diversion from our everyday life and my wife likes the salsa I make from my crop every year. Thanks again
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 04:00 PM

Porters are startin' to ripen...there's a bunch of clusters in there...



peppers / purple hulls (1st planting) and cucumber



squash / self pollinating cucumber / purple hulls (2nd planting) / corn



i'm dun planting until mid to late August
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/18 06:09 PM

Looking at tilling and planting okra next week look's like it finally got hot ! flame Hab's , fatali's ,ghost , and reaper's are loading up ! Transplanted 6 volunteer mammoths after finding out the big plants from the green house are ghost .Lynn you got it lookin good !
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/18 12:46 AM

Looks great crapyetr!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/18 01:09 AM

Looking for a good true heat summer tomato. Looking for a big slicer. Lowes had Bonnie - Solar Fire, Summer Set and Heatmaster. Haven't had a chance to research them. All were a big slicer and determinate which is what I want. Any other recommendations on a big tomato that will produce through the summer heat?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/18 01:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Looking for a good true heat summer tomato. Looking for a big slicer. Lowes had Bonnie - Solar Fire, Summer Set and Heatmaster. Haven't had a chance to research them. All were a big slicer and determinate which is what I want. Any other recommendations on a big tomato that will produce through the summer heat?


I have a couple of "Summer Sets" flowering/fruiting right now . They don't seem to wilt from the heat as quickly as the Early Girls and Celebrities . Time will tell .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/18 01:38 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
I don't see how I could get all the roots up of the grass in a area this large

glyphosate (in Roundup) is not soil active...why not use it to kill the bermuda???


Glyphosate is the subject of much debate concerning its carcinogenic (cancer causing) properties . The jury's still out but I'd be careful about using it in a food garden .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/18 02:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: crapyetr
I don't see how I could get all the roots up of the grass in a area this large

glyphosate (in Roundup) is not soil active...why not use it to kill the bermuda???


Glyphosate is the subject of much debate concerning its carcinogenic (cancer causing) properties . The jury's still out but I'd be careful about using it in a food garden.


Even Neil Sperry doesn't recommend Round Up any more. He'll recommend glyphosate if it's the only active ingredient, and still shies away from it for the most part. But I'm not sure how easy that is to find. Lot's of other ingredients in Round Up and the likes that are not good. It's showing up in soil and water test.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/18 11:25 AM

Derek, i'm growing Red Beefmaster that my nabors bought 4 me 2 grow...they're a little bigger than the Porters...says indeterminate...plant still looks good thru this heat



i sprayd gallions Roundup ona bindweed control project bak n the earlie 80's...ant e/affected me 2 much...cept 4 my spelin'
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/18 04:03 PM

hazards of gardening...

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/06/16/...-by-python.html
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/18 05:51 PM


Pulled the rest of the carrots this morning,
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/18 12:11 AM

nice carrots ... how do you store them ... my wife put ours in some kind of green bag she got on qvc ... still have some from January...

now, important stuff...i've had these critters on my purple hulls before...what are they and how do i get rid of them

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/18 02:19 PM

Looks like Aphids. Pretty simple control. You can just blast them off with some high pressure water using a pump up sprayer with good results. You can use products like Neem, insecticidal soaps, orange oil, the list goes on. That being said you need to be careful how you use a lot of these products in this heat. Any of the oil and/or soap products need to be used let it set for about 30 minutes then washed off. Do this early in the morning or evening and you wont burn your foliage.

This past Saturday morning I noticed a bunch of squash bug nymphs(never ending battle) I sprayed the plants down good with orange oil and a touch of soap mixture. Did this before the sun was on them. Washed the mixture off real good with water about 30 minutes later. Had dead nymphs everywhere and no foliage burn from the afternoon heat.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/18 12:38 AM

My Tycoon production is 1/2 of last years crop. Only 11 to 15 tomatoes per plant this year.

My soil was off, is my guess???

I hear the seed companies are discontinuing the Tycoon seed production.



Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/18 02:11 AM

My tycoons arent doing well either. Probably about half the production as well. I rotated the area they were planted in, and prepared the soil identical to last year. I dont know whats going on with them. They were the grand prize winner at the San Antonio rodeo a few years ago, and all the AM radio gardening shows were raving about them as recently as last year.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/18 06:49 PM

Brad , try the okra now . I sowed sunday afternoon and 70% was up this morning .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/18 10:47 PM

trlrman I think it's you that grows the giant tomatoes. What variety were those? I ordered some Big Zac Hybrid seed. They are supposed to avg 3lb maters with some hitting 4-6lbs. I am going to try them for a fall crop.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/18 01:51 AM

Will do trlrman, sounds like an experiment derek
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/18 02:35 AM

Prolly have 95% up this afternoon Brad . Derek those were mortgauge lifter tomatoes. Going to hope the fall tomatoes have a better crop than what I have so far this year.
Posted By: spazm09

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/18 02:59 AM

Has anyone done blackberries in a pot? Thinking about trying it out. I have access to wild plants I could attempt to transplant. Thoughts?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/18 01:38 PM

Trlrman, did you do anything special to the seeds like soaking them ? Or did you just poke and plant?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/18 04:21 PM

till the ground ,use hoe handle to make a line about 1/2 in. deep ,put seeds in ,cover,soaker hose for 45 min.'s to water in .
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/18 02:44 PM

Put up 16 quarts, have picked 224 so far. Plants are about dead and still have lots of fruit on them.





Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/18 03:15 PM

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/18 03:30 PM

here is his little brother

Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/18 04:21 PM

Ha!
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/18 10:30 PM

Nice tomatoes , I think I'm about to lose my whole garden to grasshoppers
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/18 12:33 PM

get some guineas and you won't have any grasshoppers.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/18 02:38 PM

I pulled a zucchini of the plant last night and when I cooked it, I discovered that the green skin was hard as plastic. The inside seemed okay so was wondering what caused this?
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/18 03:11 PM

Heat would be my guess.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/18 04:05 PM

put it n a grocery sack and microwave for a couple of minutes (or more) until it's soft...cut n half...put on a stick of butter...
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/18 04:06 PM

i read to spray tomatoes with soapy water to prevent hornworms...what does "soapy water" do to them or any insect???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/18 04:25 PM

I don't know that it will prevent them. But it will kill them. It's suffocates them. That said I wouldn't spray oils and or soaps and leave them on very long in this heat. I would spray the plants down with Bt at dusk. The hornworms will eat it when they feed at night and it will kill them. And you can leave it on the plants and it won't burn them. The Bt will only last about a day or so. It breaks down very quickly when exposed to sunlight.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/18 04:55 PM

It will run them off the plant. Control is the best plan as opposed to trying to eradicate them. The hummingbird moth they become is pretty cool and is a pollinator.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/18 05:04 PM

nevermind...i found some on Amazon...sounds like just what i need...

what is BT Derek...i don't use hardly any chemicals...actually, i'd rather pik the hornworms off and bust on the fence...then i get n truble with my wife for messin' up her fence...no win situation
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/18 06:27 PM

Bt isn't a chemical. It's actually a bacteria. Here is a good explanation of it.

https://www.planetnatural.com/bacillus-thuringiensis/
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/18 02:32 AM

Derek the tomato plants you bought for fall are they seed that you will start indoors or transplants?

I'm about to tear all my plants out cuz they look pathetic . I called the nursery in Decatur and said the only plant they're gething are some Celebrity . She did say she still has spring plants left in containers . Thoughts?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/18 02:56 AM

I went with seed starting inside. I went with Florida 91 which I started yesterday. Hoping they germ quickly and I can transplant them in a couple/few weeks. Per my research they are one of the best heat tomatoes. It's a big tomato and can supposedly handle this heat. They have a heat set hormone. We'll see.

I also bought Zac's big hybrid. It's supposed to produce 3lb avg and up to 6lb. I couldn't pass that up to try. I think they were produced in the upper east so they won't handle this heat. So I will start these late July indoors with a late August transplant timeline.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/18 03:09 AM

I hear a lot of people say Celebrity is a good tomato but lacks a lot of flavor. Not bragging but my MIL's neighbor grows Celebrity and other "box store" bought tomatoes and they aren't close to my flavor per the MIL/FIL and others.

My slicer was Red Duce. <-great tomato, great flavor compared to Celebrity, will plant again. Cherokee Purple <--meh, won't plant again. Ok flavor, but a PITA plant IMO. Improved Porter <---My fav.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/18 11:43 AM

Improved Porter <---My fav.

luv hearing that...mine r really producing now...made sum salsa ystrdy...yum...went 2 farmers mrkt and got some fresh tamales to boot

have u compared the regular Porter to the Improved Porter???
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/18 12:37 PM

Yeah I didn't like my celeberty or the Phoenix, all my small tomatoes tasted way better than the mid size . I didn't grow any large ones . Where did you get the seed?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/18 02:18 PM

I haven't tried the regular Porter. I make salsa with my Improved Porters too. Great flavor.

Brad I ordered my Florida 91's and Zac's from Tomato Growers. Never had them before so I don't know if they will be any good.

www.tomatogrowers.com/FLORIDA-91-VFF-HYBRID/productinfo/3992/

The Red Deuce was a plant I got at HEB this year. I will find some seeds online to order.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/18 05:59 PM

Tycoons have the best meat and flavor, that I have found.

Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/18 06:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I hear a lot of people say Celebrity is a good tomato but lacks a lot of flavor. Not bragging but my MIL's neighbor grows Celebrity and other "box store" bought tomatoes and they aren't close to my flavor per the MIL/FIL and others.

My slicer was Red Duce. <-great tomato, great flavor compared to Celebrity, will plant again. Cherokee Purple <--meh, won't plant again. Ok flavor, but a PITA plant IMO. Improved Porter <---My fav.
Planted a few heirloom tomatoes one year, Cherokee Purple made 4-5 fruits all year and tasted baaad. Had one German Johnson that made one really late and was bad tasting. Planted couple other varieties with same results but can't remember those. Talked to a few people that had same results as me.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/18 09:53 PM

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Tycoons have the best meat and flavor, that I have found.


I hope you are saving a bunch of seed from them . I like them also !If you save too many seed I would be happy to take some off your hands .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/18 02:24 AM

Reimer still has the seeds. But it's one of the few sites that I've seen still have them. Check their 1/8oz price. eeks

http://www.reimerseeds.com/tycoon_tomato.aspx
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/18 10:38 AM

Good find thanks ! I will be ordering some for next year , how many ounces do you need ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/18 11:14 AM

Derek / trlrman ... i have extra porter seeds ... pm your mail address
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/18 12:56 PM

My grower said the Tycoon was a hybrid and didn't know if seeds saved would have the same production????

I had a volunteer Tycoon come up this spring, it has only produced one tomato.
Posted By: SheCrappieKilla

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/18 01:08 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Tycoons have the best meat and flavor, that I have found.


I hope you are saving a bunch of seed from them . I like them also !If you save too many seed I would be happy to take some off your hands .


If you can't find some, let me know before spring and I will try to get extra plants next year when I pick mine up.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/18 01:50 PM

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
My grower said the Tycoon was a hybrid and didn't know if seeds saved would have the same production????

I had a volunteer Tycoon come up this spring, it has only produced one tomato.


That's correct. Tycoons like other hybrids are a cross of 2 specific plants. Your volunteer would not be a true tycoon unless that's all you grow. Most of the time the results of saving and replanting hybrid seed is not great.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/18 03:17 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
Derek / trlrman ... i have extra porter seeds ... pm your mail address
I still have some improved porter seed . thank you for the very kind offer !
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/18 03:18 PM

Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Originally Posted By: trlrman
Originally Posted By: SheCrappieKilla
Tycoons have the best meat and flavor, that I have found.


I hope you are saving a bunch of seed from them . I like them also !If you save too many seed I would be happy to take some off your hands .


If you can't find some, let me know before spring and I will try to get extra plants next year when I pick mine up.
thank you ! I may be taking you up on that offer !
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/18 03:27 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Originally Posted By: crapyetr
Derek / trlrman ... i have extra porter seeds ... pm your mail address
I still have some improved porter seed . thank you for the very kind offer !


THESE ARE "SUPPOSED TO BE" PORTER, NOT IMPROVED PORTER...as i understand it, the IP's grow in clusters, P's grow egg-shaped singles...i'll tellya next year
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/18 05:26 PM

in that case if you like I could try a couple in the greenhouse hydro grow this winter .
Posted By: grandpa75672

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/18 04:35 AM

Don't know if anyone would be interested but it surprised me.
I bought some black oil sunflower seeds to feed the birds.
I was just throwing it out on the ground. Had four sun flowers
grow up it seemed like over night. And that's my garden.
Posted By: Jon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/18 05:08 AM

What would you guys recommend for spider mites on tomato plants? Id like to keep it to organic if there is anything that would work.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/18 10:06 AM

Spinosad will kill them. It can be applied as a foliage spray, but those guys are good at hiding under the leaves, so you have to spray the entire plant. Spinosad will also kill spider mites systemically, so mix some in to a bucket of water, and pour around the root zone of each plant. The plant will uptake the spinosad and will kill the mites. Takes a bit longer that way, but much more effective of a kill.
Posted By: Jon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/18 01:54 PM

Thanks elcoyote.
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/18 05:09 PM

Ok all 10 of my tomato plants are loaded with blooms but none are setting any fruit.
Have any of you used the spray tomato set that the feed stores sell? If so does it work?
Some of these plants are high heat plants so I thought they would make but not so far.
Those pics of the Tycoons trlrman posted looked so good I bought some seed from Reimer last week. Hope to plant some in the fall and next spring.
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/18 05:50 PM

I've read that tomatoes won't set fruit when the daytime temps reach 90 degrees. Seems to be true in my garden.

I usually gather the last spring tomatoes about now and then cut the top half of the plants off. Then Fertilize and keep them watered. They'll usually put on new growth and produce again in the fall. Hope this helps.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/18 10:01 PM

Originally Posted By: machinist
Ok all 10 of my tomato plants are loaded with blooms but none are setting any fruit.
Have any of you used the spray tomato set that the feed stores sell? If so does it work?
Some of these plants are high heat plants so I thought they would make but not so far.
Those pics of the Tycoons trlrman posted looked so good I bought some seed from Reimer last week. Hope to plant some in the fall and next spring.
wish those were my tycoons those pic.s came from SCK .I think you will find they are a spring plant ?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/18 10:24 PM

Those of yall growing the purple hull peas... are you doing anything to fertilize them or encourage fruit growth? I know that they are nitrogen fixing plants, but do they need any amendments as they grow?
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/18 01:25 AM

Originally Posted By: elcoyote, esq.
Those of yall growing the purple hull peas... are you doing anything to fertilize them or encourage fruit growth? I know that they are nitrogen fixing plants, but do they need any amendments as they grow?


Rich fertile soil will get you nice foliage but few peas. They do well in well drained soil without much else
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/18 02:40 PM

I definitely have well draining soil. I didnt amend the soil where I have them planted this year, so I suppose I will just keep watering them.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/18 08:03 PM

I had to take out my cucumber plants because they died or got at by grasshoppers. Can I sew seed again now?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/18 08:13 PM

Should be fine. I seeded cukes like 3 or 4 weeks ago and they are doing great.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/18 09:13 PM

Sounds good, I guess none of the nursery around here believe in fall tomatoes . My jap and bell pepper plants still look nice and green but not making any fruit , will they last or should I pull those as well?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/18 09:22 PM

Keep your peppers. I don't know about the bell but I am assuming it's like the others. They might slow down a little now, but once we break this 100deg spell they will start producing again and will until it freezes.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/18 10:26 PM

Thanks Derek , I'm going to try and do tomato, garlic, cucumbers, and lots of radish for fall .

I was going to do seed for the tomato but I was late and after my cup fungus thing I was kind of leary. IL try again in spring
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/18 10:40 PM

This will be my first year really attempting a fall garden. I started tomato seed last week. They sprouted over the weekend. I figure I can transplant around the first week of August and start picking them around the start of or mid September. I just started some more squash seed this week. I'll see how the cukes hold up the next few weeks. Not sure what else I might do yet.

On the squash I planted White Scallop per elcoyote, esq. recommendation. It was a huge hit to everyone I gave it to. Plants produced a lot of squash too. I recommend giving it a try.
https://www.rareseeds.com/white-scallop-sq/
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/18 02:35 AM

Thanks Derek , iv ordered every seed you have recommended, haven't been let down yet
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/18 01:02 PM

Have y'all ever started tomato plants from cuttings? I watched this video yesterday and made a few. But I took the best looking cuttings from the middle and top of my Porter plants. I trimmed them just like he did. I planted them and have them in my grow tanks under lights for now. They actually look really good this morning. We'll see how it goes.

Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/18 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Have y'all ever started tomato plants from cuttings? I watched this video yesterday and made a few. But I took the best looking cuttings from the middle and top of my Porter plants. I trimmed them just like he did. I planted them and have them in my grow tanks under lights for now. They actually look really good this morning. We'll see how it goes.



I do it all the time. They used to call it cloning.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/18 02:54 PM

garden is filling up...hoping the coons don't get the corn when it's ready...self pollinating cukes lookin' good...some bumblebees found my old plant and started those producing a little...1st planting of purple hulls on the far right side fixin' 2 turn/produce



Porters...no need to start plants now if you plant a bunch in the spring...they'll last till winter...mine is just now loadin' up



red okra / black bamboo...had some nice okra plants outside the fence...nope...deer found'm

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/18 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Have y'all ever started tomato plants from cuttings? I watched this video yesterday and made a few. But I took the best looking cuttings from the middle and top of my Porter plants. I trimmed them just like he did. I planted them and have them in my grow tanks under lights for now. They actually look really good this morning. We'll see how it goes.

can't say much for them this year but better than half my mater plants are 3 yrs old .from the garden to greenhouse hydro then suckers rooted and back in the garden come spring.so maybe I should have said 3rd generation instead of 3 yrs old ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/05/18 11:39 PM

notice the corn is tasseling...but there are no ears on the stalks???...i planted around 5/10...was that too late to get a crop???

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/18 09:52 PM

I don't know anything about corn, but your garden looks really good.
Posted By: jackiekennedyfishingguide

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/18 01:38 PM

You are OK with the corn. I plant it at three different times to have Honey Select fresh corn all summer. I have some just now coming up.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/18 03:20 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
notice the corn is tasseling...but there are no ears on the stalks???...i planted around 5/10...was that too late to get a crop???



Does a weedeater knock that Zoysia grass back?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/18 04:34 PM

jackie kennedy...there is NO corn on the stalk...i assume my soil isn't right...1st year with raised bed...i'll replant shortly

hancock...roundup if needed...zoysia is real easy to weedeat...easier than bermuda
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/18 09:42 PM

Well, after the passing of my father in law a couple weeks ago, looks like we will be moving into his house on the ranch. My current house will become a rent house . Should I pick a new location over at the new house now and cover with plastic, in prep for Spring?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/18 11:52 PM


Ghost and habanero starting to come ripe,Derek you need more ghost for salsa or sandwiches?
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/18 11:57 PM

Ok I found some kind of a bug on my tomatoes. Does anyone know what it is and how to get rid of them. They are eating the leaves.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/18 02:01 AM

I don't know what that is. But a quick spray of pyrethrin will probably kill it. I'm not a big fan of highly toxic insecticides. That said, pyrethrin is a contact killer and not a systemic. Most of your pyrethrin's you can buy OTC have other toxins and petroleum carriers or stickers and that's not good. The one I bought it PyGanic and is a pure pyrethrin with a OMRI label. I plan on using it on adult Leaf Footers and adult Squash Bugs in a hand quart/pint trigger sprayer. But I haven't used it yet as my bug problem so far hasn't been that bad.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/18 12:09 AM

My cutting/cloning is working out really good. It's only been 1 1/2 weeks and have a ton of roots. Planting one tomorrow.

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/17/18 01:01 AM

Early Girls are still producing and the Summersets are just now making . I'm gonna move the 'maters next year because it's been a struggle to keep them alive this summer ( full sun all day ).

One bonus from the heat ; it kicks the peppers up a notch . The Mammoth japs are so-so but the Thai, serrano and Hab/Reaper cross are blistering . My Ghosts are amazing . They're a bit smaller than I expected but they'll give you visions . roflmao
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/17/18 03:05 AM

biggest radish I think I have ever grown that's a size 13 for comparison LOL !
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/18/18 03:11 PM

its predicted to be over 105 for the next week here at Lake Graham, how much should I water to keep my maters & peppers alive.
I was thinking about watering each morning and then maybe misting the plants in the afternoon. Any opinions.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/18/18 04:49 PM

Originally Posted By: machinist
its predicted to be over 105 for the next week here at Lake Graham, how much should I water to keep my maters & peppers alive.
I was thinking about watering each morning and then maybe misting the plants in the afternoon. Any opinions.


I'd water whenever you see the leaves start to droop (morning is better) . Don't mist . Water on the leaves is like a magnifying glass . Wet leaves are susceptible to fungal infections as well .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/18/18 05:17 PM

I have the timers on the soakers set for between midnight and 6 am. on the whole garden at 1 hour intervals every other day hoping some of the moisture can be used before evaporating .
Posted By: 1ShotNoKills

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/19/18 03:24 PM

I want to grow summer to fall leaf lettuce. Any suggestions?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/20/18 12:42 AM

Originally Posted By: 1ShotNoKills
I want to grow summer to fall leaf lettuce. Any suggestions?
might wait a bit I think it may be too hot ? I threw out a handful of spinach seed 3 weeks ago and only a couple came up ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/20/18 04:48 AM

Originally Posted By: 1ShotNoKills
I want to grow summer to fall leaf lettuce. Any suggestions?


Lettuce will bolt (go to seed) quickly in the heat . Growing tender greens in fall is all a matter of timing . They don't like it hot and a frost can kill them . You can grow lettuce inside as long as you have adequate lighting .

I've had better luck with collards and turnips . They're still producing so far .
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/20/18 05:10 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: 1ShotNoKills
I want to grow summer to fall leaf lettuce. Any suggestions?


Lettuce will bolt (go to seed) quickly in the heat . Growing tender greens in fall is all a matter of timing . They don't like it hot and a frost can kill them . You can grow lettuce inside as long as you have adequate lighting .

I've had better luck with collards and turnips . They're still producing so far .



Grow your lettuce year round...

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=led+grow+lights

Not sure why the stupid link won't work as a link, but you can always cut it and paste it in the browser thing.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/22/18 12:19 PM

We have had good luck in the fall/winter with broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, lettuce and cilantro...
Start planting seeds in late September
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/22/18 03:05 PM

10 / $10 + $3 shipping...perty gud...u havta highlight and go to ...

https://parkseed.com/web-specials/c/web-specials5/?utm_source=PS180722%20-%2010%20for%2010%20(1)&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=&spMailingID=35245592&spUserID=NzYyMDE4NDQ1NjY3S0&spJobID=1322222469&spReportId=MTMyMjIyMjQ2OQS2
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/25/18 07:08 PM

Garden update:
About a month ago I threw a big shade over most of the garden. It is only supposed to block 40% of the light but it keeps the temp under it about 10+/- degrees cooler around 2 PM. I have not killed any plants but have had issues. I have had broccoli planted since late march and have yet to harvest any. My hab plant has only grown about 3" since march and has not produced any flowers or fruit. My standard bell peppers seem to only grow to the mini bell size before they start to turn red and the flesh of the fruit is extremely thin. I have celebrity tomatoes still waiting to ripen and when they do the skin breaks allowing them to mold before they full ripen. My Cherokee purple just started putting on fruit about three weeks ago, it is smack dab under the shade so hopefully it will keep on producing. I have a sweet 100, a cherry, and a black cherry that are still producing. The Japanese eggplant is enjoying the heat and I have three eggplants growing, with more blooms showing up daily. I have a tomatillo plant that has grown and bloomed like crazy since early May but has yet to produce fruit. Other than plants growing well but not producing fruit my garden looks great and have not had major plant killing issues. I had to kill a bunch of green inch worms on the broccoli early on but BT plus orange oil cured that issue. I had mating squash bugs show up even though I have icicle radishes blooming all around, but insecticidal soap and orange oil cured that plus manually removing the eggs. Now I need to figure out why I am not getting any production. I know the heat will shut some things down but if I keep everything alive will production start back up after the heat subsides?
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/25/18 08:54 PM

Sounds like there might be something about the soil the roots don't like. Maybe too "clayey"?
Posted By: *** Gen. Guts ***

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/18 05:10 PM

Originally Posted By: 1WithTXFish
Garden update:
About a month ago I threw a big shade over most of the garden. It is only supposed to block 40% of the light but it keeps the temp under it about 10+/- degrees cooler around 2 PM. I have not killed any plants but have had issues. I have had broccoli planted since late march and have yet to harvest any. My hab plant has only grown about 3" since march and has not produced any flowers or fruit. My standard bell peppers seem to only grow to the mini bell size before they start to turn red and the flesh of the fruit is extremely thin. I have celebrity tomatoes still waiting to ripen and when they do the skin breaks allowing them to mold before they full ripen. My Cherokee purple just started putting on fruit about three weeks ago, it is smack dab under the shade so hopefully it will keep on producing. I have a sweet 100, a cherry, and a black cherry that are still producing. The Japanese eggplant is enjoying the heat and I have three eggplants growing, with more blooms showing up daily. I have a tomatillo plant that has grown and bloomed like crazy since early May but has yet to produce fruit. Other than plants growing well but not producing fruit my garden looks great and have not had major plant killing issues. I had to kill a bunch of green inch worms on the broccoli early on but BT plus orange oil cured that issue. I had mating squash bugs show up even though I have icicle radishes blooming all around, but insecticidal soap and orange oil cured that plus manually removing the eggs. Now I need to figure out why I am not getting any production. I know the heat will shut some things down but if I keep everything alive will production start back up after the heat subsides?


Maybe you need more water in this heat
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/18 02:28 PM

I think that water and correct feeding are most likely my issues. Everything is in a 5'x16'x10" raised bed and I have only been watering wed and sun for about an hour each time. I feed a whole 14lb bag of the Jobe tomato fertilizer through out the season and have just started on a bag of garden-tone and I usually feed the whole garden once every other week or so. Maybe I need a bloom and fruit specific blend because everything is green and growing but the flowers are just blooming then withering away. Speaking of fertilizer had anyone used the Texas tomato food? I saw it the other day and like that it is produced in Freeport. Ill bump the watering to mon, wed, sat and report back on the results.
Posted By: MUD-DABBER

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/18 02:32 PM

Until the outdoor temps get cooler, you will have very little luck in setting blooms on tomato plants. It is still to hot during the day and if it is over 90 for most of the night they will be lucky to set. You might verify by looking at temperatures for setting tomatoes on Google. Best of luck to you. Fertilizer will not help as much as lower temperatures, I am afraid.

Mud-Dabber
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/18 04:08 PM

In this heat not much is going to do much except peppers. I yanked out my spring tomatoes and squash and replanted with new tomato and squash plants. They have barely even grown in the last two weeks. I just keep them watered and alive until it starts to cool down some and then I expect them to take off.

My peppers are producing like crazy. Jalapeno, cayenne, tabasco, banana peppers. All the plants are loaded down with peppers. I have one tabasco plant that I planted in March. It has done nothing but grow the past couple months and has had zero blooms. Once the heat wave set in a few weeks ago it started blooming and setting peppers like crazy. My other tabasco plant has been blooming and producing since like late April and is still producing tons of peppers. Crazy how the same plants can act so different.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/18 04:11 PM

hey Derek, aren't you getting a load of porters???...i am with just 1 plant...

this new raised bed gardening is nothing like open ground gardening...next year will be a different story for my design...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/18 04:23 PM

I picked a ton. But in the heat they slowed way down and the leaf footers were starting to move in. So instead of babying it I yanked them. I cut off a good twig and cloned it. Planted the twig and let it grow inside to get a good root base. I replanted it about a week ago. Hoping to get a good fall crop of Porters.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/09/18 07:29 PM

i picked a couple dozen Porters today...fixin' to plant these cabbage / broccoli / lettuce next week and some squash / green beans ... musta missed a couple of cups planting seed...bad eye day

Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/18 01:54 PM

Can I finally post on this thread? Not your normal garden but hey for a guy that lives in a small efficiency apartment at least I can garden (though on a micro level). Planted these from seeds 19 days ago. They are growing like crazy. Took a good five days before they even sprouted, but once they started thier first true set of leaves they are just taking off! Soon Ill have fresh butter crunch lettuce that I grew in August in Texas!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/10/18 06:59 PM

cheers
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/11/18 02:08 AM

This is the growth from the pic I took last night till today. They are growing like crazy daily!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/11/18 02:19 AM

That looks great Urban. Can you explain more about that setup/growing system?
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/11/18 02:47 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
That looks great Urban. Can you explain more about that setup/growing system?

Honestly I would love to and will...just not tonight. The thing to appreciate about this is you can grow crops year round and the light I am using only burns at 30 watts...less than half a normal 60 watt incondesent build. But it can be easily scaled up while still being low cost energy wise.
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/13/18 03:13 PM

Ok, well this is going to be one long write-up. Slow day at work so perfect timing. To start, just a brief history, I do have experience with growing indoors using hydroponics. It was in the early 90s so it has been some time. I also enjoy regular gardening, however I live in a small apartment now and dont foresee me getting a regular yard again. I was going to set up a fish tank, but once I really thought about cost versus maintenance and such, I figured a mini garden would be a better choice for me. My setup is very small and inexpensive and as such definitely has its limitations. But it was cheap to set up (around $75) and if this is something I do want to pursue more, its easy to expand upon.

If you are reading this you probably already garden. Indoor hydroponic gardening is actually two separate things. First is the part of growing indoors under artificial lights. There is nothing wrong with growing indoors under lights with pots and soilmany do just that. Then there is the hydroponics aspect. It can easily been done outdoors and again many do that too. So hydroponics does not automatically mean indoor growing. My setup just happens to be both (hydroponics and indoor growing) because I did not want to mess with dirt and I like the controlled aspect of knowing the nutrients I am adding to the water (plus its much cleanerno knats and such).

So to grow any plant the main things needed are water, nutrients, temperature and light. Ill start with the water and nutrients. When growing plants with their roots submerged in the water you want a low ph of around 5.5-6.5. I havent tested my water but the nutrients I buy claim to adjust basically any water to around 6. Last time I tested mine (when I had aquariums) it was around 7.5. Again not sure because I havent tested my water for ph at my apartment. I figured my plants better adapt or find ones that will because I do not want to set up a reverse osmosis filter nor buy bottled water every time I change the water. But so far so good because my plants are currently thriving. Then the nutrientspretty simple actually. I let the scientist figure that part out for me and just buy premade hydroponic fertilizer. You cant use regular Miracle Grow or other fertilizers you find at big box stores because they lack the micro nutrients added to hydroponic mixtures. I use General Hydroponics Maxigro and Maxibloom a water soluble dry mix. The thing to remember with nutrients is to feed lightly when the plants are young and its always better to under feed than over feed.

So you have the water and nutrients, the temperature is set by what you keep the house at so nothing to cover thereso then is the lighting. This is were a lot of science comes in. And there is two main partsspectrum and intensity. There has been tons of university based research on how plants react and use light. True full spectrum is sunlight and very difficult to match artificially. Plants use more of the blue (left side of the spectrum) and red (right side of the spectrum) of light and reflect most of the green (middle of the spectrum) thats why most plants are green! Then on top of that, plants use more of the blue spectrum in their vegging stages and much more of the red in their bloom or flowering stages. So many modern grow LED lights you will see advertise as a full veg and bloom lights because they have a lot of blue and red LEDs (makes for a pinkish glow). Then many will add couple of individual LEDs in the UV and inferred parts of the spectrum in addition to some white ones to make them more full spectrumish.

Then there is the intensity of the light. I can get a full spectrum light, but if it is only say 10 watts and does not produce much intensity it wont grow a full sized plant. So more watts usually means more power, more cost and more energy usage. But it also means you can grow bigger and more light demanding plants. The best thing to measure the intensity of light that a plant actually uses is called PAR-Photosynthetic Active Radiation. As I understand it, it is like rain drops falling from the sky, but these are actually light photons. The higher the PAR the more photons hitting the leaves (like more rain). So light demanding plants like tomatoes or peppers need a lot of PAR whereas plants like lettuce may not need that much. This is where the math and science help. You can actually look up PAR numbers depending on the plant type. So if you have an idea of the plant you want to grow you can look up what is a recommended PAR to grow that plant. Then you can decide on the light you need knowing if it can produce that PAR or greater. As an example; tomatoes may need around 800 PAR whereas lettuce may only need around 300.

Man this is a lot of typingI hope Derek at least reads this! So last few thingsso PAR is an important number to know about your lights. There are PAR meters you can buy but they can be expensive. Many manufactures of lights will give you the PAR ratings of their lights as a chart. Thing to remember the PAR rating decrease dramatically the further away you move from the light source. So like my 45 watt LED (that actually runs at around 35 watts) has a PAR of 320 at 6 from the light but drops to 200 at 12 and 125 at 18. But again science and math can help me figure out exactly what my plants need. The next number to look at is DILand I cant remember what the full term is I only recall the acronym. But that is a number that calculates the daily needs of PAR for a plant. PAR is in millions per second so we have to do the math to know what light power we need, how far we should hang the lights from our plants (given that lights PAR rating) and how long we leave the lights on versus off to know we can grow a plant at its maximum.

My true life example. I knew I wanted to grow lettuce. I can look up DIL and it says it needs to be around 17 DIL. A tomato is more like 30-50. So my light produces 320 PAR at 6. There are 3600 seconds in an hour. To help convert it, it is divided by 1 million so I just use .0036. So I leave my lights on 16 hours a day and off 8. So I take the .0036 x 16 hours to get 0.0576. Then I multiply that by my PAR at 6 from the plants (which I have mine set at) which is 320 X 0.0576 equals 18.432 DIL. So the lettuce I am growing needs around 17 DIL and my system is setup at 18.432 which too me is perfect! So no guess work, I know exactly how far my light needs to be from my plants how many hours on per day and the PAR it runs at to know my plants are getting the DIL they need for maximum growth. Pretty simple right?

That was a lot of typing and there are literally thick books are research papers that discuss in much more detail than what I wrote above. In addition there are many types of hydroponic systems one can use (I use the deep water culture method) and the pros and cons of each one. I just wanted to give a somewhat introduction to indoor gardening in hopes to help explain what is involved to help you setup a system that works for what you want to grow. Lights can get expensive, but a better understanding of them and what the plant needs will help you make a better decision if and when you do decide to buy some lights to try indoor gardening.

Few last thingsindoor hydroponics is not a replacement of regular gardening. I just think of it is another aspect or expansion of the hobby. It can keep you growing year round and I think its a wonderful way to gets kids interested in growing their own food. I also think a setup like mine would be perfect for someone that is less able to grow a large or outdoor garden but still enjoys gardening. Also they say indoor hydroponics can produce 5 times the amount of produce per square foot versus regular gardening. Mainly very controlled growing to maximize growth rates, no loss to pests and you grow year round. So in reality my little 2x2 garden is the equivalent of a regular 10x10 garden.

If you have any questions just let me know!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/13/18 08:58 PM

That's by far the longest post I've actually read. I need to read it again. Excellent write up. I am going to look into getting into this.
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/14/18 12:33 AM

Just to add to this thread to help show the results as they develop. The first one I already posted and was taken the night of 8/10. This one was barley out of its seedling stage.

Here it is tonight 3 days later. Thick growth, nice dark green color and growing nicely. I hope to start harvesting leaves for sandwiches in about 10 more days.


Just wanted to add this pic. I rotate them every couple of days so I rotated this one early this morning. Im adding it now because basically that is the same plant from last night (no wait days then post saying it was from days ago). I just think this pic shows off better how much it has grown over the last 3 days. My little baby is growing so quickly...and man I cant wait to eat her!


Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/20/18 08:57 PM

Anyone know where you could buy onion sets in NE Texas ?Havent found anything locally and not much online ,that I would risk ordering. Thanx
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/20/18 09:12 PM

Dixondale Farms ships the 1st Monday in November

http://www.dixondalefarms.com/
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/20/18 11:04 PM

Thanx cr . I looked at their website.Would like to find some before November.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/18 12:07 AM

Doubt you'll find sets anywhere right now. You could always start seed indoors now though.
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/18 04:23 PM

Ive always planted some small bulbs from my spring garden.. this year they all got eaten....I've tried seeds before and don't have the patience.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/24/18 03:56 PM

I got a lot of info from this forum (first year gardener) but I ran across this site and it has a lot of good information.

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/brows...uide-for-texas/

Hope it helps.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/18 01:26 AM

Derek ever heard of this ?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/18 02:30 AM

I haven't. It doesn't look bad at all. I checked out their site and label for the product and don't see where the Beneficial bacteria and fungi is from. It's a good list of ingredients though. But pricey at $11 for 3lbs. But I don't buy packed fertilizer as an all in, all done for my program typically. You have a large garden, and with that list I think you would be better off (cheaper) buying the following or similar and using:

Texas Tee(similar to Trifecta) (use any leftover on the flowerbeds and lawn) $35ish for 40lbs

Epsom salt (it's listed on the Trifecta and cheap over the counter) $5 for 5lbs or close to it

Mykos Mycorrhizae (Buy from Mykos and not Amazon to get the freshest(non expired) and the best) <this must make contact with the roots. You just can't sprinkle it on the soil. Best added at planting seeds or transplanting. $25ish a LB, but not much is needed and will store and last a couple years.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/18 03:07 AM

Ok thanks thought I might give it a go in the reapers that will go in the greenhouse this year we will see how it does .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/18 01:31 PM

I think it will be a real good packaged product for a greenhouse. I like that it has azomite, alfalfa meal and Epsom salt in the mix.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/26/18 11:41 AM

Has anyone else here experienced a huge number of moths this year? They are all in my pantry, and if I don't keep every thing in a zip lock bag they get into flour, sugar and boxes of spaghetti. They even wiped out one of my 3 bee hives in my peach orchard.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/26/18 05:16 PM

Originally Posted By: David Welcher
Has anyone else here experienced a huge number of moths this year? They are all in my pantry, and if I don't keep every thing in a zip lock bag they get into flour, sugar and boxes of spaghetti. They even wiped out one of my 3 bee hives in my peach orchard.
Probably hatched from something in in your pantry.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/26/18 11:23 PM

Originally Posted By: David Welcher
Has anyone else here experienced a huge number of moths this year? They are all in my pantry, and if I don't keep every thing in a zip lock bag they get into flour, sugar and boxes of spaghetti. They even wiped out one of my 3 bee hives in my peach orchard.


I got an infestation of pantry/grain moths when I was raising cockatiels . Only way to keep 'em out of the food is an air-tight seal .

Try the "pantry pest" traps at any big box store . They're glue traps with a pheromone bait .

Or.....get some geckos . wink

I don't know if that's what actually killed your hive . They might just be there cleaning up the mess . I defer to Derek for all bee questions .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/03/18 05:53 PM

With cooler temps and rain chances all week I planted some seeds this morning. Did Broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, spinach and lettuces: baby oak leaf, lollo rossa, arugula, rouge d'hiver and mesclun salad mix. First time growing any of this so we shall see how it goes.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/03/18 07:35 PM

i am 2morow...according 2 the farmers almanac...broc/cabg/letus/carots/beeeets...got an inch n Nac 2dy
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/07/18 02:15 AM

Bug Sales has 1500 packs of lady bugs for sale on Amazon for $10.50 delivered non prime. That's a good deal for the fall garden. Google Lady Bug shelters for attracting/keeping/overwintering them after you release them.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/07/18 12:13 PM

E-Bay has'm 2...i'm gonna git sum next spring...hey Derek, u got ne xtra bees for my cukes???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/07/18 12:46 PM

I don't. There is a pretty good sized bee club in E. Texas. They typically have members that would like to set hives in different areas. One of them should be able to fix you up.

https://www.etba.info/
Posted By: mikereils5er

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/08/18 12:20 AM

Question: my lawn gets mushrooms growing in one specific area near my fence line after and during rain storms. Is there anything I should be doing to that area other than getting rid of them after it dries
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/08/18 12:37 AM

That area is probably holding more moisture and gets less light. They are nothing to worry about. They are breaking down organic matter and making the nutrients available to your lawn. Unless you have kids playing in the area I wouldn't worry about them. I like seeing them in my lawn/garden. Means you have good biodiversity and a active ecosystem going on in your soil.
Posted By: jwcromer

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/10/18 11:52 PM

had my soil tested,they recommend 0.5 lbs of fertilizer per 1000 sq ft,how can I spread such a small amount?also my ph is 7.8 needs to be 6.0 how can I lower it?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/11/18 02:03 AM

Vinegar ?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/14/18 11:03 AM

put the first couple in hydro 1 week ago. Amazing the difference in size in just a week. These are the porter seed Crapyetr sent me .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/22/18 12:29 AM

First year growing Tabasco's. These 2 plants are insane. My peno plants are loaded down and can't support the weight it seems.




Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/22/18 12:47 AM

Fantastic looking plants ! My mammoth plants did nothing close to that,my Ghost are swallowing them .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/22/18 01:01 AM

I've read and heard a lot of negative feed back on Mammoths this year. This is my 3rd or 4th year growing them and they have always done great. I had a couple extra that I put in not great soil pots and they're doing great too. Wonder if there was a not so great batch sold for a few weeks at the stores?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/22/18 01:11 AM

what n the world r u gonna do with all those tabascos???...i'm not much of a pepper-man...jalapenos is about it...i stik 2 onions & cukes & porters and didn't do a very good job this year...won't b long till November when onions slips will be shipped...i'm lookin' forward 2 next springs crop...gardening changes from year 2 year
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/22/18 01:38 AM

I have a couple cayenne's behind the Jalapeno plants you can't see. They have been producing like crazy. I've been saving them as they turn red. I plan on combining my tabascos and cayenne's and fermenting them for a few months and making my own type of Louisiana style hot sauce. I've made a few bottles of the Trappey's tabasco peppers in vinegar so far. It's been really good.

https://bouillie.us/2011/07/28/hot-pepper-vinegar/
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/22/18 02:49 AM


Jalapeo and ceyenne pheno that make good stuffed peppers to go with the mammoths
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/25/18 02:44 AM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I've read and heard a lot of negative feed back on Mammoths this year. This is my 3rd or 4th year growing them and they have always done great. I had a couple extra that I put in not great soil pots and they're doing great too. Wonder if there was a not so great batch sold for a few weeks at the stores?


I've grown Mammoths the last 2 years . They've grown and produced well (excellent for stuffing) but I was disappointed with their lack of heat . I might as well have planted bells .

Then again ; I'm a fire eater . flame
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/25/18 02:49 AM

Got some lettuce and collard sets yesterday . Hoping it doesn't freeze before the lettuce is ready .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/02/18 11:44 PM

Think I got more off the first fall gathering than the whole spring /summer with this many more comin off in a couple days .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/18 12:38 AM

i don't see any porters...mine are fixin' to take off~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/18 12:45 AM

No sir I managed to kill all but 1 that is in hydroponics. I do have more seeds in paper towels . I will be growing them in the greenhouse this winter. I need to quit sperimenting ! I need to get back to the basic's instead of learning whatt don't work . LOL
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/18 12:01 PM

" sperimentin' " IS gardenin'...every year, i do sumthin' different just 2 c if it works...

i throw porters that bugs eat on in another spot n the garden and they come up, so if/when u do get a crop, try that for seed
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/18 05:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I've read and heard a lot of negative feed back on Mammoths this year. This is my 3rd or 4th year growing them and they have always done great. I had a couple extra that I put in not great soil pots and they're doing great too. Wonder if there was a not so great batch sold for a few weeks at the stores?


I've grown Mammoths the last 2 years . They've grown and produced well (excellent for stuffing) but I was disappointed with their lack of heat . I might as well have planted bells .

Then again ; I'm a fire eater . flame


I picked about 50 mammoths yesterday and brought them to work. Everyone that ate one today said it's the hottest pepper they've ever had. Tears in their eyes. The ones I'm picking now were blooms a couple months ago. The heatwave stress and lack of water have made these super hot. The ones I picked prior to August had very little heat.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/18 10:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: Derek &#128029;
I've read and heard a lot of negative feed back on Mammoths this year. This is my 3rd or 4th year growing them and they have always done great. I had a couple extra that I put in not great soil pots and they're doing great too. Wonder if there was a not so great batch sold for a few weeks at the stores?


I've grown Mammoths the last 2 years . They've grown and produced well (excellent for stuffing) but I was disappointed with their lack of heat . I might as well have planted bells .

Then again ; I'm a fire eater . flame


I picked about 50 mammoths yesterday and brought them to work. Everyone that ate one today said it's the hottest pepper they've ever had. Tears in their eyes. The ones I'm picking now were blooms a couple months ago. The heatwave stress and lack of water have made these super hot. The ones I picked prior to August had very little heat.


My one mammoth experienced the same growing conditions as your plants did . It's growing right in the middle of the other peppers . So much for the old wives' tale about hot peppers making sweet peppers hotter . I must have gotten a "tam mammoth" . Dang aggies ! rolleyes
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/18 10:56 PM

Originally Posted By: trlrman
Think I got more off the first fall gathering than the whole spring /summer with this many more comin off in a couple days .


Nice cotton . Y'all grow that ?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/18 11:03 PM

Anybody grow loofas ? Mom's have been blooming for a couple of weeks while a friend ~4 miles away is already curing hers . Same planting time and growing conditions (although friend's yard has more shade) .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/04/18 12:49 AM

Originally Posted By: Siberman
Originally Posted By: trlrman
Think I got more off the first fall gathering than the whole spring /summer with this many more comin off in a couple days .


Nice cotton . Y'all grow that ?
no sir ,I never picked cotten but my mother did and my brother did and .........
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/18 01:56 AM

.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/05/18 01:58 AM

Tonite's pepper gather hab/reaper , hab & ghost ,only went down 1 side of the row !
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/07/18 09:02 PM

Is there a melon variety that does well in partial shade?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/08/18 12:27 AM



Getting the greenhouse ready and the other side of that row .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/08/18 01:33 AM

is that a Porter in the bucket on the left???
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/08/18 01:36 AM

Yes sir the only 1 I haven't killed . It will be going on the lower shelf in the near future . I know it will prolly be 12 - 15 ft long by spring .
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/08/18 03:36 PM

Hey trirman, what type of hydroponic system are you using? DWC or Kracky? Also what nutrients (brand) are you using?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/08/18 10:00 PM

DWC ,Going back to fox farms stuff ,last year made my own up and was not as happy as the year before using the fox farms .
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/09/18 02:52 PM

You guys should check out Texas Tomato Food. They are supposed to be for hydroponic systems but I started using it in my raised beds this fall and my plants have really taken off. So much more growth than the jobes and espoma products I was using. They are not organic but I feel it is more from a technicality because they use concentrated minerals which means its not natural. The best thing is that they are a Texan company.
https://www.theurbanfarm.com/tomatomagic.html
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/09/18 05:01 PM

Thanks trirman! I figured those were air lines running to you pots, just wanted to make sure. I know there are ebb and flow systems, airoponics, aquaponics, nutrient film and several other types of hydroponic systems, but I do like DWC the best (for now, I do want to do a small aquaponics setup). Kratky is even simpler, but I don't really like the water just sitting there stagnant. I have heard good things about Fox Farm, but never used them myself.

1WithTXFish, I did check out that site. Looks very interesting. I use the General Hydroponics stuff. The powered Maxigro and Maxibloom. I must say, so far I have had mixed results. Almost killed my first cop of lettuce by overfeeding them, even though I did about half of what they recommend. Once I corrected it, the plants just took off and I got some huge heads. I did feed them more concentrated doses of nutrients as they got more mature and they did fine. Then my next crop got tossed because they never really grew past the small seedling stage. Then I started some new ones and they seem to be fine (though I haven't really fed them yet). I also have a tomato plant going that it too seemed like I overfed it (even though I used a 1/4 of what they recommend), diluted it some and now it is growing like crazy. I guess that is why I'm looking at other brands of nutrients. It just seems the stuff I am using is so unpredictable. But I will also admit I live in the Hill Country and we have liquid rock for water. I haven't made the plunge (but I will soon) and buy me a PH and PPM tester. I think that should help with some of the problems I am having by understanding my water perimeters better. And I know I can buy bottled water (mine is a very small setup) but honestly I'm too lazy to buy and carry bottles of water around.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/09/18 05:24 PM

Get the testers ,makes a huge difference. Check out the lettuce and pac choy in the tube, you can get both to full maturity in about 32 days as compared to 60 in soil.
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/09/18 05:29 PM

Man trirman...that is flipping AWESOME!!!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/09/18 09:43 PM

Yes it is.
Posted By: DJB

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/10/18 12:12 AM

Trlrman, You have a green thumb ......Thats a compliment.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/10/18 07:09 PM

Thanks guy's . Here is last night pick off my Ghost bush's
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/11/18 11:23 PM

ONIONS...the 1st day of shipping from Dixondale Farms has change to the end of November...11/26...it used to be the 1st Monday in November...oh well, the slips will be a little bigger i guess

https://www.dixondalefarms.com/category/short_day_onions
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/14/18 12:35 AM

About those onions, do yall plant them when they show up? Have any issues with them going to bolt even if planted early?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/14/18 12:51 AM

bolting occurs next spring...earlier the planting, larger the onions...good thing is, they are still in the ground at Dixondale Farms...lots of information here...i've been growing their onions for years...try Texas Legend

https://www.dixondalefarms.com/online_guides
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/14/18 11:41 PM

what is it you put on the corn silks to kill the worms or prevent them???
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/15/18 01:01 AM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
what is it you put on the corn silks to kill the worms or prevent them???


Bt
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/18/18 07:39 PM

Whats going to die first? I looked the garden over the past few days and everything still looked good as of yesterday. We shall see if a dryer day has anything stressed or dying, after work. I have japs, habs, eggplant, bells, and tomatoes that were still producing before the temp dropped.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/19/18 12:00 AM

All of mine are looking great. They are loving the cooler temps. Penos, tabascos, cayennes, are producing like crazy and covered in new blooms. My fall tomatoes have grown a ton the past couple weeks and covered in blooms and setting fruit great. I planted cauliflower and brussels a few weeks ago and they have grown a foot the last couple weeks it looks. Bad part is I just sold my house and have about a week left. I'll pick what I can and then will be starting over from scratch.
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/19/18 11:28 AM

My lower garden got flooded by lake tawakoni
Jalapeno, bell, okra, Brussel sprouts, lettuce and broccoli are loving it although a few of my okra plants got bent over by high winds Saturday...
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/19/18 01:07 PM

Ghost losing leaves like crazy from too much water . Everything else is ok. Got a few in the tube last night . Also took a few cuttings off tomatoes to get rooting started .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/20/18 12:31 AM

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/18 04:18 PM

full load !
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/18 05:05 PM

keep the onions in the icebox and they won't start growin' like those are...and they don't rot...

so what is that thang...a dehydrater???...you're wayyyyyyyyyyy to up-ity for my gardenin' skills...that's really nice...show the finished product
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/18 05:31 PM

My cherry tomatoes have started setting fruit again with the cooler temps but they're acting weird. They are taking FOREVER to turn red. They're light and dark green striped and look like tiny watermelons.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/18 11:23 PM

Originally Posted By: crapyetr
keep the onions in the icebox and they won't start growin' like those are...and they don't rot...

so what is that thang...a dehydrater???...you're wayyyyyyyyyyy to up-ity for my gardenin' skills...that's really nice...show the finished product
yes sir dehydrator we do a lot of fruit and veggies along with meat and fish jerky. I wear out 2-3 cheap dehydrators every year so if this 1 last a few years I break even and no trays to rotate to get even drying. Kind of a set it and forget it deal .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/24/18 01:32 AM


5 gallons of dried pods . After the coffee grinder prolly be 3/4 a gallon of extremely hot powder . Enough seasoning for the family for a year. It is like brylcream ....little dab will do ya .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/24/18 01:39 AM

That's a great haul. You should look into fermenting some and making some sauces. I'm still learning about it. The Hot Pepper site has some good info.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/24/18 01:47 AM

Yes sir Magged Out turned me on to it a couple years ago ! Great info and tips got another 1/2 bushel on right now! Prolly another half to whole bushel yet to gather that's turned right now .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/25/18 05:56 PM

well, I ant givin' up gardenin' yet...3rd shot a corn this season and finally got a bite or two...Porters didn't do much this fall...but a little harvest from the garden is always gr8~~~!!!~~~

Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/08/18 02:10 AM

Tomato plant done went crazy! Bought some seeds called Patio Princess from Amazon (actually from some third party). They advertised it as a determinant growth dwarf tomato. At first it looked like it was...first below pic was taken on 10/23/18. Then I bought a PH and TDS meter to figure out some issues I was having with my lettuce. Tested stuff and made adjustments...the next pic is two weeks later. Determinate growth my rear! The thing went from about a foot tall to just under four feet tall in about two weeks! It was starting flowers at about a foot tall and at this point most of the flowers have dropped. Which is fine, I did not know nor want this plant to get this big! My light is only running at 35 watts and its way under powered to flower a tomato plant that got this big. I miss my lettuce and bought some Red Robin dwarf tomato seeds hoping they wont get so big. But trirman you werent kidding when you posted this to me...
Originally Posted By: trlrman
Get the testers ,makes a huge difference.





Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/08/18 01:56 PM

Holy Cow what growth rate !!! thumb clap food
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/11/18 03:16 PM

I've looked everywhere for these PVC fittings in the past. Thought you guys building cold frames and all might could use them.

https://www.greenhousemegastore.com/hardware-diy/pvc-fittings/
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/12/18 10:30 PM

Pulled all the peppers today before the freeze.

Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/19/18 04:03 PM

Dixondale Farms starts shipping onions next week, 11/26...i just ordered 5 bunches this year...4 Texas Legends and 1 Texas Early White...will plant around 300 in a 4x8 raised bed

https://www.dixondalefarms.com/category/short_day_onions
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/19/18 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Dixondale Farms starts shipping onions next week, 11/26...i just ordered 5 bunches this year...4 Texas Legends and 1 Texas Early White...will plant around 300 in a 4x8 raised bed

https://www.dixondalefarms.com/category/short_day_onions


I'm gonna wait until late Jan this round. Planted too early last season for this area, lost them all last year.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/18 02:07 PM

35 day's in hydro , nice lettuce and [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
I hope the colliflower stops growing and starts producing .
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/04/18 07:30 PM

Man that's a great looking crop trlrman! I'm working on some 30 day lettuce myself (from seed). But looks like it may be 40 until they are fully ready to harvest. But if I can pluck some leaves off and put them on a sandwich in 30 days, I'm calling it 30 day lettuce damit!
Posted By: spazm09

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/07/18 01:54 PM

So this gardening thread is very long, not going to read through 350+ pages...

Anyone ever grown an avocado tree from the pit? Is it worth doing in Texas? Any advice is welcome.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/07/18 02:40 PM

Never tried to, but I think you are always better off getting a potted on at a good nursery.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/09/18 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by spazm09
So this gardening thread is very long, not going to read through 350+ pages...

Anyone ever grown an avocado tree from the pit? Is it worth doing in Texas? Any advice is welcome.


You're unlikely to be successful, unless you're somewhere in the RGV. Freezes are too tough on them, even the more cold hardy Mexican varieties.
There's something about having to grow at least 3 avocado trees in order to get fruit production, due to the female flowers being open at different times and receptive to pollination. I don't remember the exact deal about that, but you need more than 1 tree. My mother in law had one in her backyard (they live about 20 miles from Mexico in the middle of the "winter garden" area of Texas, and her tree was 25+ feet tall and never produced fruit.
I've always wanted to plant a few of them, but there isn't enough sunlight on the south side of my house to grow any.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/09/18 07:33 PM

Just found a publication from Texas A&M. They take several pages to say what I said, but here it is anyway...

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/files/2015/04/avocados_2015.pdf
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/12/18 11:25 PM

added a 2x6 on top of the 2x8 to get more depth of soil...will add compost/top soil mix...

planted 4 rows of TX Legend and TX Early White onions on the 9th...will plant 3 more Legends in the middle on the 22nd

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/18 01:05 AM

Looks great! I'm going to get started on my raised beds soon. Found a place that carries mushroom compost about 15 miles away. banana
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/18 02:11 AM

hey Derek, make sure it's 100% mushroom compost...there's places here in Nac that say it is, but they mix it with other stuff...it'll be hot and heavy...not loose/flakey...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/18 02:58 PM

https://gwgwoodgroup.com/

I'll probably get a scoop of the mushroom and organic compost to mix together.

Mushroom $31.00 cubic yard
Organic Compost $26.00 cubic yard
Mulches $30.00 per cubic yard
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/18 03:16 PM

We have used mushroom compost for years but find it hard to find or expensive these days. My new raised beds will get filled with layers of straw, peat, composted manure and soil and then left to compost.

You can make your own too. https://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf/extension/factsheets/mushroom-soil
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/23/18 01:15 PM

put in the last 3 rows of TX Legends...fertilized the outside rows with 21.0.0...added 800 lbs of compost/topsoil mix to 5 - 4x8 beds...made a good 8" deep bed...gonna plant starter seeds perty quick for wall-o-water planting...gittyup

[Linked Image]
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/23/18 10:55 PM

I have about 800 onions in the ground right now, planted 3 o.c., will slowly harvest every other row for cooking green onions and just to munch on (wife and daughters favorite activity is frustrating me by pulling a couple to eat at random times). I have about 450 of the 1015Y, 150 of the Texas legend, and 100 each of yellow granex and Cajun red. Gonna have to let the taller box on the left side wait a couple of years before I plant onions there again, as I believe youre supposed to do a 3 year rotation on soil.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/23/18 10:56 PM

Oh, and no synthetic fertilizer for my onions. All Ive used since planting is Medina Hasta-Gro.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/25/18 03:13 PM

My pepper game is going to be strong this year.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Bine

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/26/18 02:26 AM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
My pepper game is going to be strong this year.
[Linked Image]


What's a good sweet pepper for stuffing? I like large sweet banana and poblano, but am looking for something else. Maybe Toro.
Posted By: Bine

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/26/18 02:28 AM

Originally Posted by elcoyote, esq.
I have about 800 onions in the ground right now, planted 3 o.c., will slowly harvest every other row for cooking green onions and just to munch on (wife and daughters favorite activity is frustrating me by pulling a couple to eat at random times). I have about 450 of the 1015Y, 150 of the Texas legend, and 100 each of yellow granex and Cajun red. Gonna have to let the taller box on the left side wait a couple of years before I plant onions there again, as I believe youre supposed to do a 3 year rotation on soil.

[Linked Image]


I did granex from seed this year. Grew them mostly indoors under a light from early October to just a few days ago. Meh. Not impressed. Starts are a better deal for me.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/26/18 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by Bine
What's a good sweet pepper for stuffing? I like large sweet banana and poblano, but am looking for something else. Maybe Toro.


Toro is a good choice. Atris and Aruba Sweet are a couple other good ones.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/27/18 04:13 PM

I gave up my winter garden but cilantro is the gift that keeps on giving. It just keeps on keeping on.

[Linked Image]

Planing on having tenderloin fajitas and nachos tonight.


[Linked Image]

A little cilantro and salsa gives me a done deal.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: kodys'papa

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/29/18 02:57 PM

Cilantro is great, does not need to be replanted. I have some plants 15 feet away from my grade . Great looking fajitas thumb
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/29/18 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by kodys'papa
Cilantro is great, does not need to be replanted. I have some plants 15 feet away from my grade . Great looking fajitas thumb


I now use it in most of my fish dishes rather than parsley. Here it is in trout meunire.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/01/19 12:39 AM

Any tips.on making coliflower head out ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/01/19 12:50 AM

as soon as you see a head forming, pull the bottom leaves up and wrap them around the head so the sun can't hit it...

[Linked Image]

i grew this one a few years ago...i like to plant them in middle / late August with broccoli / cabbage

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/03/19 08:35 PM

What tomatoes do y'all grow? I've been doing Porters with great success. But I am looking for a few determinates paste types, larger cherry or similar, but not the larger slicers. I was given some Chico III seeds that seem promising, I located some Viva Italia that look promising too. Looking for a few others.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/03/19 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman
Any tips.on making coliflower head out ?
I've just about gave up on cauliflower,broccoli and cabbage, used to be so easy to grow. Now the past 3 years have been disasters, just like my green beans, I've haven't planted them last 2 years. If you can't grow green beans you suck. Haven't made a crop the last 3 years I planted them.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/03/19 10:53 PM

try Roma II green beans...they don't get tough or stringy...i plant cauliflower/broccoli/cabbage in mid/late Aug and get perty good results...they don't freeze after they get eatin' size
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/03/19 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
try Roma II green beans...they don't get tough or stringy...i plant cauliflower/broccoli/cabbage in mid/late Aug and get perty good results...they don't freeze after they get eatin' size



I've had good luck with all the above. Well articulated.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/08/19 05:00 PM

got little heads now and wraped them up like you showed and even turned off the light over them . lets see how how they do !!!
Originally Posted by crapyetr
as soon as you see a head forming, pull the bottom leaves up and wrap them around the head so the sun can't hit it...

[Linked Image]

i grew this one a few years ago...i like to plant them in middle / late August with broccoli / cabbage

[Linked Image]

Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/08/19 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
try Roma II green beans...they don't get tough or stringy...i plant cauliflower/broccoli/cabbage in mid/late Aug and get perty good results...they don't freeze after they get eatin' size

I plant about the same time, this year tried again. Broccoli made small head about 21/2 in. across and a few florets, cabbage is just leaves, should have been making heads by now. They had a hard go with all the rain then cold, may need to change varieties. These are for containers and haven't proven themselves to me. Will try those Romas this year.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/21/19 07:14 PM

might've started a little early...planted right after CHRISTmas...gonna put some in the garden with wall-o-waters around them and bump the others in to bigger pots

[Linked Image]
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/21/19 07:52 PM

Overhauled the garden this round. Got tired of fighting nut grass. Laid down some typar fabric. Ran a test on it for a couple of months last year and nut grass didn't grow through it. We'll see. Still have a couple of raised beds to add.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/21/19 09:15 PM

wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy 2 fancy...won't grow a weed...~~~!!!~~~...the tin doesn't get 2 hot...no deer problems???
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/21/19 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy 2 fancy...won't grow a weed...~~~!!!~~~...the tin doesn't get 2 hot...no deer problems???


Wife has back problems, the deer won't have to bend down as far either. I've used the tin lining for a few years now and haven't had any issues. The dog has taken over the round one and sleeps in it. I'll add more soil before planting, these are layered with some alfalfa and have sunk.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 01:14 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
might've started a little early...planted right after CHRISTmas...gonna put some in the garden with wall-o-waters around them and bump the others in to bigger pots

[Linked Image] W
Where did you get the grow lights?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 02:21 AM

my wife said Amazon...they work pertygud...this is what she bought me but Amazon didn't have them anymore...might try the "Sold by:Oscar Sailsbury" folks

2 of Dual-lamp LED Grow Light Tankuy 10W Plant Lights Grow Lamp with Adjustable 360 Degree Gooseneck for Indoor Plants Hydroponics Greenhouse Gardening, Te
Sold by: Oscar Sailsbury
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 02:35 AM

Originally Posted by Hancock
Overhauled the garden this round. Got tired of fighting nut grass. Laid down some typar fabric. Ran a test on it for a couple of months last year and nut grass didn't grow through it. We'll see. Still have a couple of raised beds to add.

[Linked Image]


I like that. Looking really good!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 02:55 AM

Grow lights for dummies.. All you need is a 5500-6500k-2k-3000 lums led bulb and you're good from growing seed to transplant. Many cheap options out there for single bulbs to 4' tracks.

If you want to grow plants past transplants indoors then that's a different story.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 01:24 PM

i am a dummy...that's why i bought those...i have no idea what u just said...~~~5500-6500k-2k-3000 lums led bulb~~~...they weren't expensive...i save my $$$ for dirt
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 01:49 PM

he was giving a example for beginners .... not calling anybody a dummy . Put 16 bags of black kow on a couple beds this last weekend .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 01:56 PM

Derek knows i'm both...a beginner & a dummy...seems i never garden the same way every year, even tho i've been doin' it for over 50 years...u'd think i'd lern...~~~...how's the Porter maters???
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 02:02 PM

went to lower the vine on the last living porter and the string slipped breaking the vine mad had prolly a dozen maters on it with a few getting close to turning , lesson learned every thing is now double clipped !
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman
he was giving a example for beginners .... not calling anybody a dummy . .


lol. Yeah I wasn't calling you a dummy crapyter.. Here are a couple pics of a grow light setup I put in a couple weeks ago. Cost me about $60 getting the parts at an electrical supply company. We have a commercial account at work so I get pretty good pricing. But in the mean time I found these on Amazon. I have a set that will be delivered today. This is a good price for a set of 8 and should work well. It's basically the same thing I got at the supply house but these will be easier to setup and more lights for less money.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...sin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 02:46 PM

and u think my wife is gonna let me set this up in our sunroom...ant happenin'... smile...yawl r bigtime starters...i'm just gittin' a jump on seeds so i can plant'm n the wall-o-waters...keep sendin' pictures tho...i mite get an idea
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/19 04:14 PM

good find on the lights ! little bit of reflective on the outside edges and ALL the light will be useful
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/26/19 01:52 AM

Originally Posted by trlrman
good find on the lights ! little bit of reflective on the outside edges and ALL the light will be useful


These lights are legit. My pic a couple post up are 5500K I was using until these 6500K came in. Put them in last night. This is 4 bulbs.

[Linked Image]

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/27/19 11:37 PM

Looks like 7 to 10 degrees difference ?
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/19 12:34 AM

Anyone know something that could be put over raised beds that would be tall enough to protect tomato plants and such from deer. When we were in Texas we had a large garden and now here in Georgia I would like to start a few raised beds but we also have a ton of deer here so it would need covered but something that could be accessed fairly easy. I don't want to fence it as it just won't look well. We love the deer and feed them but they do help themselves to a flower and shrub once in awhile. I really miss my garden and would like to figure out how to have it and the deer both. Thanks for any suggestions.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/19 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman
Looks like 7 to 10 degrees difference ?


Just happened to be a warmer day and the sun heated up the garage a little more. The led's don't add much or any temp. My garage will stay pretty warm on cooler days as long as I don't open it much.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/19 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by Ranger Z21
Anyone know something that could be put over raised beds that would be tall enough to protect tomato plants and such from deer. When we were in Texas we had a large garden and now here in Georgia I would like to start a few raised beds but we also have a ton of deer here so it would need covered but something that could be accessed fairly easy. I don't want to fence it as it just won't look well. We love the deer and feed them but they do help themselves to a flower and shrub once in awhile. I really miss my garden and would like to figure out how to have it and the deer both. Thanks for any suggestions.


Never had a deer bother tomatoes, peppers, onions, squash or cucumbers. Just beans and melons.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/28/19 09:13 PM

when i lived in the country 8 miles west of Crockett, my garden was on the north side of the house in the pasture...i had dogs so i'd throw the poo around the garden and dog hair when my wife brushed/bathed them...only damage i ever had was they ate the tops of some carrots one time...
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/19 03:03 AM

Originally Posted by Hancock
Originally Posted by Ranger Z21
Anyone know something that could be put over raised beds that would be tall enough to protect tomato plants and such from deer. When we were in Texas we had a large garden and now here in Georgia I would like to start a few raised beds but we also have a ton of deer here so it would need covered but something that could be accessed fairly easy. I don't want to fence it as it just won't look well. We love the deer and feed them but they do help themselves to a flower and shrub once in awhile. I really miss my garden and would like to figure out how to have it and the deer both. Thanks for any suggestions.


Never had a deer bother tomatoes, peppers, onions, squash or cucumbers. Just beans and melons.

You have been lucky, I have had everything but onions stripped to the stems. I finally had to put up an 8' fence to keep them at bay.
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/19 12:48 PM

The neighbors here have tried and most gave up. They wished me luck but said the deer here will eat it all. I think I am going to put in a 4'x12' raised bed as a trial and see what happens. I feed them quality corn twice a day so you would think they would show a little respect and leave the garden alone LOL.
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/19 12:53 PM

[Linked Image]

Here are a couple of the perpetrators.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/01/19 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
outside rows planted first part of Dec...inside rows a couple of weeks later

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started plants inside right after CHRISTmas...figerd i'd put a few n the ground inside the wall-o-waters to see what happens

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Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/19 05:42 PM

Putting these tomato plants in the ground as soon as my garden is dry enough till.

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Posted By: GIG'EM AGGIES

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/19 06:05 PM

I would twice about putting them in your groin Bill. Might make you impotent. thumb
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/19 09:23 PM

Wave 1.

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Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/19 04:36 PM

My cilantro is starting to go to seed. More is scattered over my garden.

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Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/19 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Originally Posted by crapyetr
outside rows planted first part of Dec...inside rows a couple of weeks later

[Linked Image]

started plants inside right after CHRISTmas...figerd i'd put a few n the ground inside the wall-o-waters to see what happens

[Linked Image]

How did your plants outside do with this weather?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/19 09:50 PM

the onions are fine...the wall-o-waters were too, except one died from fire ants
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/19 10:30 PM

Porter tomato

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bell pepper

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jalapeno

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Texas Legend

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/19 10:35 PM

Looking good! thumb
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/19 12:55 AM

How's the Wall-o-water's holding up?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/19 01:05 AM

see pictures above...plants are growing in'm...ice last saturday didn't faze'm...gonna put out more next weekend (23rd-24th) and plant sum taters (21st-22nd)...
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/19 01:34 AM

Cut worms have cut off three of my six tomato plants. They prevailed against a light frost.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/19 02:15 AM

Need to be using Bt Bill.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/15/19 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
see pictures above...plants are growing in'm...ice last saturday didn't faze'm...gonna put out more next weekend (23rd-24th) and plant sum taters (21st-22nd)...


Thanks. I ordered some last night and interested to try them. I've got some baby Porters for them.
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/19 02:30 AM

Totally out of sequence here but here is an update on my counter top indoor micro garden. Tonights salad pickns that was eaten with dinner. I am amazed at how yummy fresh lettuce is when its picked straight from plant to plate. Before this I never really ate salads, but now I do!

[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/19 11:26 AM

Nice color and no nutrient burn!
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/19 02:00 PM

Great observation trirman! Before these plants I was getting tip burn. I would just cut it off when I ate them but I knew something was wrong. Reading up on it I realized there could be many things causing it. In my case one day I happen to stick my finger down in the center of the plant where the new growth is and it was so wet that there was actual puddled water. These plants never get watered from above. So I knew my problem was that my plants were not transpiring enough. I just grow on an unused section of my kitchen counter (no tent nor fan). I thought since it was in an open area they would breath fine. I was feeding them heavy and gave them a bunch of light in hopes of producing fast growth. So I looked around at some big box stores for a fan but never did find the one I was looking for. So with this crop I reduced the nutrients from around 900 ppm to around 700 and raised the lights (reducing intensity). And it seemed to do the trick! It didnt reduce plant growth rate and they look so much better now (no tip burn). Here is another pic of a leaf I harvested earlier this week for a sandwich. It was just so big and flawless I had to take a pic of it.

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/19 10:29 PM

Got 2 Porters in the ground today. Traveling for a week for work. Son's watching the seedlings outside and in the house. A prayer please for my maters.
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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/19 01:46 AM

Looks good greenen. I have a couple questions/observations. I see you built a fence blocked off raised bed, but you're at ground level with the plantings. What did you mix in your soil and did you till it in good and how deep? Your Porters are planted really close together. Those bad boys can grow like crazy. Love you're getting the early start and look forward to seeing your progress. Keep up the great work. thumb
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/19 02:08 AM

yup, what Derek said/observed...the thing about gardenin' over my past 5 decades is, learning from doing the wrong thing...which i do every year...you'd think i'd have gardenin' figered out by now...nope, every year i lern sumthin' new...that's why i luv gardenin' and fishin'...changes every year
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/19 05:01 PM

ONION HARVEST / STOREAGE...it's too early for this but you might save it somewhere...

this link takes you to Dixondale Farms onion newsletter.

https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?e=3978234312&u=ecc0e9db2b51bede2e5337187&id=9fd91e33b3

i used to put mine in knee-hi panty hose..

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/19 01:44 AM

The plantings are not at ground level as I dug the sod up and went below sod level six inches due to the poor clay underneath and built it up. Bagged garden soil with Black cow until my compost matures. Acknowledge they're close. Only have 2, 3 by 8 beds and will decide which porter does best there while trying the wall of water. Had 4 tomatoes and 4 peppers in other bed last year that produced well. Thanks for the feedback.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/19 04:17 AM

Originally Posted by greenen
The plantings are not at ground level as I dug the sod up and went below sod level six inches due to the poor clay underneath and built it up. Bagged garden soil with Black cow until my compost matures. Acknowledge they're close. Only have 2, 3 by 8 beds and will decide which porter does best there while trying the wall of water. Had 4 tomatoes and 4 peppers in other bed last year that produced well. Thanks for the feedback.


thumb cheers
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/19 11:07 PM

what can i plant next to my raised beds to draw bees/butterflys/etc., to help pollinate...i'm not a flower guy so be specific
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/19 12:47 AM

Lavender, Pink Cone Flower, Sage(pineapple and Mexican is what I'm growing), Catnip are easily found at local gardening centers. In the next couple weeks when garden centers have all their flowers outside on display, go mid morning on a warm day and you will see which flowers the bees are working and you can pick up some of those.

But a lot of what we grow in home gardens is wind pollinated and don't need bees and butterflies, like tomatoes and peppers. Cucumbers and squash will need pollinators.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/19 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
what can i plant next to my raised beds to draw bees/butterflys/etc., to help pollinate...i'm not a flower guy so be specific



Cilantro will bloom and bring bees.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/19 10:59 PM

21 taters planted Thursday...carrots above them planted last August...onions planted in December...will plant purple hulls / okra when these are harvested in May

scaredy-cat used in place of a scare-crow

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2 Porters on the right...corn will go in above the Porters where the scaredy-cat is...2 cukes on the left with 6 peppers above them...green beans will go between the peppers / taters where the carrots are

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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/19 01:42 AM

How do you keep carrots alive through August to get a crop of them? I've about gave up on growing my own, for a variety of reasons.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/19 02:09 AM

i plant the seed in mid-August, along with broccoli / cabbage / cauliflower plants so i can eat them in November/December...the carrots live thru the winter months and as u can see, they're ready to eat in early spring
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/19 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
i plant the seed in mid-August, along with broccoli / cabbage / cauliflower plants so i can eat them in November/December...the carrots live thru the winter months and as u can see, they're ready to eat in early spring


I did this for years and finally gave up on it. It worked fine but it was too much for one.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/19 12:56 AM

Wave 1 progress.

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Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/19 12:58 AM

Looking good C'man!
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/19 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by Hancock
Looking good C'man!


yes
thats dedication there
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/19 01:02 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
21 taters planted Thursday...carrots above them planted last August...onions planted in December...will plant purple hulls / okra when these are harvested in May

scaredy-cat used in place of a scare-crow

[Linked Image]

2 Porters on the right...corn will go in above the Porters where the scaredy-cat is...2 cukes on the left with 6 peppers above them...green beans will go between the peppers / taters where the carrots are

[Linked Image]


boy
that is beautiful
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/19 01:57 AM

Originally Posted by chickenman
Wave 1 progress.

[Linked Image]


Looking good! I can read some. What all you got going on there? What's your light setup?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/19 01:39 AM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Looking good! I can read some. What all you got going on there? What's your light setup?


Beefsteak
Cherry
Roma
Cali wonder
Japs
Poblano

Bulks are some incandescents from the Tower Garden.

Squash, zucchini, cucumbers, watermelon, and cantaloupe will get started in the ground. Will need to track down some 4th of Julys too.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/19 02:00 AM

Very nice CM! My seedlings are coming along nicely. In the front I have multiple varieties of Scotch Bonnets, Biker Billy Japs, Bolivian Rainbow. The back is all tomatoes. Chico III, Viva Italia, Juliet, Sun Peach and Baxter's Early. Top row is some Milkweed and some succulents I was given to see if I could grow.


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Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/19 03:26 PM

Three of these celebtries made it. I plan to cover them Monday and Tuesday nights.

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/19 05:30 PM

put Porter in the ground 2/11/19

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today 3/2/19...19 days growth

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Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/19 08:17 PM

Lot's of peach trees already blooming,hope this coming cold snap doesn't destroy the blossoms.
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/19 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Lot's of peach trees already blooming,hope this coming cold snap doesn't destroy the blossoms.

What you said, there is an orchard near me that has most of their trees in full bloom and we are supposed to be near 23* next week.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/19 10:08 PM

The price of local peaches will probably be sky high this summer. Nothing like local grown peaches.The ones coming out of California are usually hard as a rock and taste more like an un-ripe apple than they do a peach.
Posted By: Fish-ed

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/19 10:38 PM

I agree the local peaches are much better. I need to make a trip to Fredericksburg this summer and get some. How do you guys like those wall of waters? I've been looking and need to get some. Is there a difference between the green and red other than color?

Thanks
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/19 11:39 PM

i read somewhere longgggggggggggggg ago RED is better for tomatoes...i've been using the WOW's for decades...you can start any plant a month or more earlier in them and get a head start...look at the difference in the Porter plant in just 19 days...it will be growing out the top soon...just have to be careful when you remove it not to break the stalk and add dirt around it for support and extra root growth
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/19 02:11 PM

Peach trees need around 650 to 900 chilling hours. That's temps below 45 degrees. While we had a little over 1000 chillin hours this winter the warm days without any freezes for the last 30 days had most of my 150 peach trees in full bloom and those that were not - were at 95% bud swell. It was 20 degrees at my house when I left this morning. I'm sorry to say there will very little Parker county peaches this year. Pecans should be good this year as they need around the same chillin hours and they haven't budded yet.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/19 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
Peach trees need around 650 to 900 chilling hours. That's temps below 45 degrees. While we had a little over 1000 chillin hours this winter the warm days without any freezes for the last 30 days had most of my 150 peach trees in full bloom and those that were not - were at 95% bud swell. It was 20 degrees at my house when I left this morning. I'm sorry to say there will very little Parker county peaches this year. Pecans should be good this year as they need around the same chillin hours and they haven't budded yet.


Sorry to hear about your crop loss,mother nature can be a cruel mistress. I think my peach tree is a high chilling hour variety,it's buds haven't opened yet. Two years ago we had a warm winter and it didn't produce a single peach that year.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/19 01:11 AM

Hard freeze at bud swell can as they say nip it in the bud, meaning they don't have to be in bloom. You won't know till about 3 to 4 weeks after blooming. You will go up to the fruit that is about the size of a pea and touch them, if they fall off at the slightest touch, they've been bitten by Jack Frost.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/19 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by bill oxner
Three of these celebtries made it. I plan to cover them Monday and Tuesday nights.

[Linked Image]



I covered them last night and left the dripper on. I'm afraid to look this morning.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/05/19 03:20 PM

the water in the tubes of the W-O-W's were frozen but the plants were fine...gotta have the top of the W-O-W like a teepee so the cold air can't get to the plants...one year i had the top open 6-8 inches and the mater froze...word to the wise
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/06/19 01:31 AM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
Hard freeze at bud swell can as they say nip it in the bud, meaning they don't have to be in bloom. You won't know till about 3 to 4 weeks after blooming. You will go up to the fruit that is about the size of a pea and touch them, if they fall off at the slightest touch, they've been bitten by Jack Frost.


yeah
i am afraid ours were killed
in Arlington
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/19 03:46 PM

Two tomatoes survived. I'm going all in tomorrow.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/19 03:30 AM

Got in two passes in spot 2 tonight. Clover looked good. Took it forever.

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Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/19 11:39 PM

Done deal for me. I put mine all in. Even planted some seeds. May plant some watermelon seeds in my burn pile later.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/19 03:33 AM

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Posted By: DarrellSimpson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/19 03:05 PM

I have been removing the soil from my wifes raised garden beds and replacing the rotting wood . On the latest raised bed I found an unbelievable amount of white grubs . I normally treat her gardens with nematodes but I must have skipped this one last year ?
How do you Texas gardeners keep the grubs under control ? [Linked Image]
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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/19 03:29 PM

Chickens.
Posted By: DarrellSimpson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/19 06:13 PM

Dawson Hefner : I did feed them to the chickens but we have learned that the chickens will throw too much dirt out of the beds and they destroy all the plants you want to keep if we let them have access to the garden area .
Posted By: Mr. Majestic

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/19 07:08 PM

https://greenearthagandturf.com/products/beetle-grub-control/grub-gone/
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/19 05:08 PM

What's happening fellas, update on my garden :
Tried to grow some tycoon seeds, the dirt turned molded again and didn't get one single plant
Going out today to weed and get my rows made .
Do you guys trellis your cucumbers ?
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/19 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
What's happening fellas, update on my garden :
Tried to grow some tycoon seeds, the dirt turned molded again and didn't get one single plant
Going out today to weed and get my rows made .
Do you guys trellis your cucumbers ?



I use a tomato cage for my cucumbers. I stick three poles in there and make a teepee at the top.
Posted By: jackiekennedyfishingguide

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/19 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
What's happening fellas, update on my garden :
Tried to grow some tycoon seeds, the dirt turned molded again and didn't get one single plant
Going out today to weed and get my rows made .
Do you guys trellis your cucumbers ?


Yes, cattle panel work well for us, being able to gather on both sides.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/19 01:07 PM

Anyone have any seeds up yet?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/19 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
What's happening fellas, update on my garden :
Tried to grow some tycoon seeds, the dirt turned molded again and didn't get one single plant
Going out today to weed and get my rows made .
Do you guys trellis your cucumbers ?

don't feel alone on the tycoon seeds, tried 3 full packs and did not get 1 plant ? Jackie is right on the panel , works for lots of plants pea's, beans ,ect.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/19 04:37 PM

Thanks guys , luckily I have tons of cattle panels , guess il just bend them in half and make a triangle over them .

Last year I brought in alot of compost and such , haven't added anything this year, should I need to supplement my dirt this year? It only had one year of growing in it.
Posted By: Jamoke

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/19 05:38 PM

I have seeds up, all cold weather loving plants, icicle radishes, broccoli, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, My cabbages both napa and regular are growing, swiss chard is struggling but alive. Kale is doing great. Onions are doing well both sweet and red. Many other seeds are in but have not sprouted yet. My feed store sells bulk seeds by the scoop. pretty great price and they seem to be good quality. Many warm weather plants are inside under lights, and are doing pretty well also.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/19 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
Thanks guys , luckily I have tons of cattle panels , guess il just bend them in half and make a triangle over them .

Last year I brought in alot of compost and such , haven't added anything this year, should I need to supplement my dirt this year? It only had one year of growing in it.

why not drive 2 post and zip tie the panels long ways for several plants ?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/19 09:12 PM

That's sounds even better
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/19 10:30 PM

planted seeds in mid-August, harvest before spring planting of beans/corn

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Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/19 01:46 AM

[Linked Image]
Hope this works, this years starts are looking good .Well except the 3rd 1 LOL .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/19 02:09 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
planted seeds in mid-August, harvest before spring planting of beans/corn

[Linked Image]

Roast ,soup ,stew ,salad ,you making me hungry !! Fresh carrots R hard to beat for that crisp taste .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/19 03:50 AM

i don't see any Porters in all of those maters...???...i've got a couple of plants about to grow out of the top of the wall-o-water
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/19 07:37 AM

Nope killed ever 1 of em
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/19 09:50 AM

Those carrots look awesome
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/19 01:30 PM

easy to grow as radishes...just don't plant'm too thick
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/19 02:49 PM

I tried radishes last year , I think I put the seed out too late , only got one radish to eat ha
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/19 05:11 PM

besides Porters, what are other varieties of non-acidic, indeterminate tomatoes (Derek)
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/19 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman

why not drive 2 post and zip tie the panels long ways for several plants ?


^^^^^ this .It's a lot easier to harvest when you don't have to crawl under . I'd use wire , though . Zip ties will eventually break with sun exposure .


You can grow any vining plant on panels/chain-link fence . Support the larger melons with hammocks made from old pantyhose .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/19 06:14 PM

I have 2 indeterminates started. Juliet and Sun Peach. The rest are determinates. Chico III, Viva Italia, Baxter's Early Bush.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/19 06:23 PM

Looks as if my first plantings of cucumbers and squash will be ready for a picture by tomorrow. Saw one of each peeking through the ground.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/19 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
I have 2 indeterminates started. Juliet and Sun Peach.


but are they NON-ACIDIC...my wife is allergic...Porters are gr8...i was just looking for a larger variety
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/19 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
I have 2 indeterminates started. Juliet and Sun Peach.


but are they NON-ACIDIC...my wife is allergic...Porters are gr8...i was just looking for a larger variety


I think the Juliet would be the way to go. I don't see anything about it being acidic. The Sun Peach says to be less acidic than it's sister Sun Gold. Plus the Sun Peach is a cherry and the Juliet is more like a roma size. I'll look tonight and see if I have any Juliet seeds left. If I do I'll mail you some.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/19 02:10 AM

Sorry I don't have any seeds left over. I do have 2 extra plants growing if anyone is traveling between here and Nac soon. This is where I ordered my seeds from.

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/tomatoes/paste-tomatoes/juliet-f1-tomato-seed-707.html
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/19 01:12 PM

no worries...i hava nabor that has a big greenhouse ... he has a couple growin' in there i can steal ... i'll stick with the known good'un ... Porter ... thanks for the offer
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/19 05:52 PM


Only got down to 50 here last night. My squash and zucchini plants are up and I got a good stand. I moved the location to the other end of the garden to get away from the squash borers.

[Linked Image]

Some of my cilantro has gone to bloom. Can't wait for the honey bees to move in. I often wonder how the honey would taste.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/19 12:57 AM

Roma, cherry, and beefsteaks got planted. Then the weatherman said potential frost tonight. We'll see.

Got the two 50 foot rows covered.

Sheryl Crow got a makeover. Rodeo Clown is the theme the kids decided on.

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[Linked Image]
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/19 01:08 AM

thumb...perty cool...i likey
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/19 01:14 AM

What's on the other end of the garden C-man?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/19 02:11 AM

In the short farden, cantaloupe. It's currently got some beneficial clover growing.

In the long Garden, the whole fence will get blackberry bushes if I can get the damn seeds to take off.

The third spot will be watermelon. Been too wet to turn that area but we'll have to this week rain or shine.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/19 10:10 PM

when will plants like cucumbers, squash, and zucchini become available at stores like Lowes and Home depot? All they have now is maters and peppers.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/19 10:25 PM

My Walmart had those yesterday. But they had just received a fresh delivery. They didnt have them on Sunday.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/19 10:59 PM

MP Lowe's has cukes . Squash and melons should be here early April .
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/19 04:06 PM



Pruning or no pruning? I'm always torn. I caged my tomatoes this morning. I had to prune off some of those suckers, root sprouts or whatever you all them. What do you call them? Do you continue to prune them back try to cage them?
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/19 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by bill oxner


Pruning or no pruning? I'm always torn. I caged my tomatoes this morning. I had to prune off some of those suckers, root sprouts or whatever you all them. What do you call them? Do you continue to prune them back try to cage them?

[quote=bill oxner]



Never have pruned tomatoes , just trained them to stay inside the cages . I HAVE pruned peppers to encourage more flowers/fruit and (since they're related) it might be worth a try .

If you're just trying to get them in the cage , put it over the plant then gently pull the stems inside . No big deal if you break a few off .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/19 01:29 AM

I'm a pruner of the bottom feeders/suckers. I like to have about 12" from the soil base to the closest leaf. Though I've typically have grown indeterminates. This year I'm only growing determinates, but will still prune them up from the bottom. A lot of diseases are in the soil and will get on the plant from watering/rain splash back. Pruning them up a little helps prevent this. Plus it helps air circulation for the plant, which also helps disease control.. Early and continued applications of old milk and Serenade help fight off and control diseases.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/19 06:00 PM

Derek/Derek/Derek...how can you NOT grow Porters...
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/19 02:11 AM

Il be watching your progress Derek , I liked my indeterminate better last year so that's all im planting . I was ticked my tycoon seeds didnt work out
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/19 09:27 PM

time to pull the wall-0-water off

[Linked Image]

when i pulled it off, the plant was very top-heavy and fell over...no worries...i added dirt to the base for stability and trimmed up the bottom per Derek's instructions...time for epsom salt and patience

[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/19 11:09 PM

How much Epsom salts you adding to your water for the treatment? I did 2 Tbl per gallon of water last year but did not put the salt in the beds as I also read.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/19 11:55 PM

i read somewhere 1 tblspn per foot of height...i just mix it in the soil and water it in ... how often? ... when i think about it...little help Derek~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/19 01:24 PM

I put 2 tablespoons (1/8 cup) in the hole when I plant. 1/8 cup per gallon of water every 3-4 weeks and water around the plants. And 1 tablespoon per gallon of water when I foliar spray which is every couple weeks or so. If you mix it in the soil around the plant the 1 tablespoon per foot height is correct.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/19 02:23 PM

I'm still having trouble getting my cucumbers up.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/19 02:44 PM

I started my cukes in a seed germination dome. They germinated in 3-4 days. I put them under the lights for 2 weeks then they were ready yo be planted outside.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/19 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by bill oxner
I'm still having trouble getting my cucumbers up.


Try this
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2002/sep/12/research.science1
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/19 09:12 PM

i started this sweet slice cuke inside a wall-0-water from seed...seems cukes like warmth

[Linked Image]
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/19 12:19 AM

Miracles still happen. All seeds have now germinated. Expect tomatoes to set next week.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/19 04:41 PM

y'all have any ideas on how to stop a puppy from digging up my plants. I've tried putting some cyanne pepper around them
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/19 05:13 PM

Remote shock collar.
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/19 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Remote shock collar.

I'm was hoping someone would say a .22
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/19 03:15 PM

You can put a dripper hose at the base of your tomato plants if you are afraid of frost tonight. I'm wedding mine down even though a frost is not forecast south of I-10.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/19 12:49 AM

Coliflower heading,tomatoes setting ,and worked on setting up water [Linked Image]
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/19 02:00 AM

and i thought my beds look good...u put mine to shame...post a picture of the entire garden 4 our viewing pleasure

do u pull the leaves up around the head of the cauliflower???...pink???...how'd u get that???
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/19 02:11 AM

Purple called graffiti, yes sir pulling the leaves up even on the self blanching just like you said to do. Right now it looks like I am growing Homer buckets ! Lol
Posted By: JavelinJ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/19 12:22 PM

Who has planted corn? Think I might put in a couple of rows today.
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/19 12:48 PM

I need to get me some more big buckets as I was scrambling yesterday too find enough to cover my tomatoes and peppers. We had a heave frost this morning and it got down to 32* for about an hour. The green on the left is blackberries.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/19 12:54 PM

plantin' corn / roma II green beans / cukes / squash the 6th/7th per Farmers Almanac instructions

30* in Nacog this mornin'...coverd maters/peppers with thik cloth...posta b colder 2nite
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/19 01:49 PM

Looks as if I dodged a bullet. Light frost on the ground but tomato plants looked fine.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/19 01:57 PM



Going to make a drip system today in hopes I reduse disease in my tomatoes. I know I need a 25psi pressure reducer and back flow preventer, for my main line I'm thinking half inch, do you guys continue with half inch for what is lying on your beds or reduce down to 1/4? Also are yall using the stakes to keep the coil out of the pipe?
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/19 02:01 PM

I think mine is half inch. I don't have a pressure reducer. I just regulate by adjusting the faucet.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/19 05:09 PM

1/2 to 1/4 then a t with baby soaker ring is what I did, look 8 post up Brad . I had some of the button emitters but did'nt want the expense of regulator or check valve , these are hooked up to a 4 way timer on the faucet .YMMV not saying it is the right way just how I tried it this year ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/19 06:11 PM

little help...my wife wants a long skinny green bean to saute ... i grow Roma II's & Contender ... obviously i'm wrong ... what do i need to grow for her???
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/19 06:21 PM

Haricots Verts ?Stonysoil Seed Company
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/19 06:32 PM

grassy...Park Seeds have this...i thought u were cussin' at me~~~!!!~~~in French

https://parkseed.com/mascotte-french-filet-bean-seeds/p/52613-PK-P1/
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/19 06:37 PM

Stonysoil Seed Company
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/19 12:29 AM

Request answered starting with farthest away 4-mammoth, 9 bell 2 orange, 2red,2 yellow and 3 green . Next is 1 bed Legends and 1 1015's. Next is turnips, cillantro and asparagus, along with call if lower (white & purple ) and carrots . Next is squash and tomatoes then zucchini and tomatoes. I have okra seed sown and 1 bed left for Carolina Reaper crossed peppers (still in greenhouse ) [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
. The 4 stake beds far off are 4 eggplant.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/19 01:06 AM

Jubilee, Heart of Gold, and H 19 cucumbers (from Derek 2018) are sprouting. Gardens are looking good. Started the first wave of herbs and flowers.

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/19 01:21 AM

Loving the garden pics. Y'alls are looking great! My new 2019 beds are starting off nicely and better than I expected.


[Linked Image]
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Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/19 01:35 AM

Derek have you ever seen the old PBS show Square Foot Gardening with Mel Bartholomew? I use to love his show!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/19 01:40 AM

Dang Wainscoat beds ? That's uptown !
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/19 01:54 AM

well, now i know why ur such a good gardener...u live out n the stiks like i used to and sorta do now...i'm likin' Ford tractor and equipment scattered here and there...and it's all clean and maintained like the garden is...ur prolly 3/4 rednek...i'm 99% and growin'

Originally Posted by trlrman
Request answered starting with farthest away 4-mammoth, 9 bell 2 orange, 2red,2 yellow and 3 green . Next is 1 bed Legends and 1 1015's. Next is turnips, cillantro and asparagus, along with call if lower (white & purple ) and carrots . Next is squash and tomatoes then zucchini and tomatoes. I have okra seed sown and 1 bed left for Carolina Reaper crossed peppers (still in greenhouse ) [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
. The 4 stake beds far off are 4 eggplant.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/19 01:56 AM

ok, ur not showin' the whole picture...ur hidin' sum beds sumwhere...

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Loving the garden pics. Y'alls are looking great! My new 2019 beds are starting off nicely and better than I expected.


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/19 02:42 AM

I remember when Derek and chickenman helped me , those days are gone. Gardens look good !
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/19 10:56 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
I remember when Derek and chickenman helped me , those days are gone. Gardens look good !


What do you need help with? You're approaching professional level by now I assume!
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/19 03:05 PM

Ha , I wish , i still can't even grow seeds indoors . Nothing , i was just giving yall a hard time
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/19 03:25 PM

This the only sunny spot on our 2/3rd's acre that'll support a garden.

Cheap, down n dirty!

[Linked Image]
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/19 04:51 PM

Thoughts on using my wasted hay from the animals and starting a compost pile , the problem is that its fertilized . If it sits a year plus will the fertilizer be out of the hay?
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/19 07:35 PM

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/19 01:06 AM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
I remember when Derek and chickenman helped me , those days are gone. Gardens look good !


You cheated on me and went to Payne. And for that reason I'm out. grin
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/19 01:11 AM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
Thoughts on using my wasted hay from the animals and starting a compost pile , the problem is that its fertilized . If it sits a year plus will the fertilizer be out of the hay?


Should be fine. I put my extra/leftover hay last year in my composter and it broke down and turned into nice compost. I don't know if it was fertilized hay or not. Get a good pile going and mix in some sugars and greens and it should turn out nice.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/19 01:24 AM

Derek, he answers my questions ha . My two year old compost pile of just kitchen scraps, leaves, grass etc. Made for some nice stuff this year .
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/19 12:17 AM

Looking good Brad. I entertained drip irrigation but it was pricey. Tried soaker hoses too but good ones are high dollar and I would need 160'. The PVC drip idea seemed like the long term economical option but I never got around to building/buying any. Plus a PVC route would mean my gardens would have to be laid out identical every year.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/19 01:35 AM

Granted I don't use drip yet, because I've just been too lazy to do it, but you should be able to get a good drip system for $100 or less. Drip depot has a package. Gardeners Supply has a snip and drip system. You can buy just the connectors and your own water/soaker hose with the GS. I have the snip and drip connectors, but as I stated I'm too lazy to lay it out and connect them. One day....
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/19 02:45 PM

I'm having really bad luck with soaker hoses. Any decent ones yall have found that wont break the bank and actually work?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/19 03:23 PM

i've been using this for years...usually change them out every 2-3 years...depends on how nasty the water is and plugs up the weeping holes

https://www.amazon.com/Swan-Products-Miracle-Gro-MGSPAK38100CC-Fittings/dp/B00F0R6WLE

[Linked Image]
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/19 03:37 PM

Derek and cman , but yall dont water overhead majority of the time , so what are you using?
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/19 12:52 AM

My onions are going bonkers this year. All watered with a 1 RainBird drip valve and RainBird XFD dripline .6 GPH/ 18 o.c. Emitters.

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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/19 12:39 PM

How big is that bed with the set up before those onions got grown?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/19 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
Derek and cman , but yall dont water overhead majority of the time , so what are you using?


I use one of those watering wand things. It's like 3' long. I can walk around and water around the base and don't have to bend over.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/19 06:06 PM

Guys - my garden went in this weekend (Zucchini, Tomatoes, Bell/Mexi Peppers, Lettuce and Japs) thanks to Lowe's and Bonnie. My garden struggled last year due to watering issues so I ran a drip system to all my plants. Question is - how often between watering (days?) and how long do you leave the drip system on to make sure each plant gets sufficient watering?

I'll get some pics tonight if you think it will help.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/08/19 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by BlueNitro
Guys - my garden went in this weekend (Zucchini, Tomatoes, Bell/Mexi Peppers, Lettuce and Japs) thanks to Lowe's and Bonnie. My garden struggled last year due to watering issues so I ran a drip system to all my plants. Question is - how often between watering (days?) and how long do you leave the drip system on to make sure each plant gets sufficient watering?

I'll get some pics tonight if you think it will help.


Put your hand on the ground and place the tip of your index finger against the plant's stem . Notice where your finger joins your hand at the third knuckle . At that exact location , stick your index finger into the soil until the second (middle) joint is at ground level .

If that first part of your finger feels moist : you're ok . If it's dry : water .
If it's wet up to the second knuckle : wait a few days .

Seriously not BSing you . There's a lot of variables involved and you have to adjust to your particular climate and whatever plants you're growing .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/19 01:50 PM

I use a Rapitest 1825 digital moisture meter. I can measure the moisture down to about 8" or so. Takes the guessing game out of when to water. Kinda like a lawn, if you'll let it dry out a little between watering, the roots will go deep searching for water. They will create more roots to go look for what they want creating a larger, deeper root mass. More people have more issues with over watering their gardens than they do under watering. Not saying let them go full drought before you water. But right now cooler temps, and we're in about a every 7 day rain pattern you probably don't have to water at all. I've had my plants in the ground for about 4 weeks and I've only watered them twice.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/19 05:42 PM

Good info Derek and Siberman - appreciate it. thumb
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/19 02:38 PM

my wife ordered one 4 lb bag of organic Citrus-tone for citrus / fruit / nut trees...well, they shipped 12 - 4 lb bags...can i use this stuff in my vege garden 5-2-6 fertilizer with 2% calcium / 0.5% magnesium / 1% sulfur
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/19 03:26 PM

That will work fine. It's a mixture of feather meal, bone meal, alfalfa meal, manure, greensand and potash. It also has 3 different species of Bacillus which is a beneficial bacteria for the soil, which is nice.

You could add some bone meal to help bump up the middle number (phosphorus) of the 5-2-6. Since you're using mushroom compost your soil Ph is probably below 7. But it wouldn't hurt to get a cheap Ph meter or test kit. Bone meal won't do any good for soils above a 7 Ph.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/19 03:31 PM

how much do i use...the instructions are for trees...we're so glad to have you for help~~~!!!~~~
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/19 04:02 PM

All of those ingredients on their own are recommended to apply 10-20lbs per 1000sq feet. Let me know your length and width of your beds and I can breakdown that formula for your size.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/19 04:15 PM

4 x 32...i have 3 soaker hoses running the length 2 ft apart
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/19 04:35 PM

Half a bag per bed. You could apply that every 3-4 weeks. Also if you were to add some liquid molasses it would stimulate the soil microbes and they would breakdown all they stuff faster making it available to your plants quicker. Use Blackstrap Molasses 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. You can get it at any grocery store it's typically next to the pancake batter.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/19 11:10 PM

Well it's been a while since we had a couple of hard freezes and I really thought it was going to wipe out most of the peach crop, but it looks like I will have about a 70% yield. I lost both of my bee hives to moths, I really was not expecting but maybe a 10% yield, so I'm kind of pumped. PM me if you want some they are organic, no pesticides have ever touched them. The first batch will be ready come early June.
Posted By: AMIK

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/19 06:14 PM

If you want organic soil for your garden then have a look at our organic soil page GWG Organic Soil
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/19 11:38 PM

I only planted one row this year. Zucchini and yellow squash on the end away from my location last year. Zucchini is starting to set.

[Linked Image]

One of my bigger tomatoes.

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This is a clump of 8 tomatoes. A limb got in my way.

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Jalapeo ready to pick when I need it.

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Cucumbers are blooming. I'll put a teepee over the tomato cage later.

[Linked Image]

.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/19 01:32 AM

Looking good Bill! I was just about to ask everyone for an update. Here's mine. Tomatoes are setting nicely. Pepper pic doesn't look good but they are growing. Squash is looking great as are the cukes.

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Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/19 01:00 PM

[Linked Image]
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[Linked Image]
Might be picking squash and zucchini by mid to end of next week, lots of 3-4 inch on the plants. Everything is growing good.
Posted By: elcoyote, esq.

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/19 02:30 PM

Harvested most of my onions yesterday

[Linked Image]


Those were the ones that made it to the drying table. I have about 1/3 that many that didnt make the cut and are being eaten green, and another 40-500 still in the ground that havent fallen over or bolted yet.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/19 09:29 PM

i'm wayyyyyyyyyyy behind yawl...on the left, maters / corn / onions...on the right, cukes / peppers / roma II's / taters

[Linked Image]

from the other end...taters r doin' good...onions suk...lost my rabbit's foot...planted to thick i think...try something else next year

[Linked Image]
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/26/19 10:52 PM

We will all be throwing them over the fence next month. Neighbors will be locking their vehicles to keep us from putting squash in there.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/19 02:27 AM

Looks like your.doing just fine crapyetr !! Bill I think you may be right , the wife did use the last jar of squash from last year in preperation for this year!
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/19 06:34 PM

Derek what are your raised beds made out of? It looks decorative.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/19 07:19 PM

Some type of heavy duty plastic. I read a lot of Amazon reviews and reviews on other sites and it got really good reviews. They snap together in about 5 minutes. I wish they were 12" tall but they are 9", but I knew that before I bought them. Good thing is they come with connectors/brackets where you can stack them on top of each other. So If I decide I want deeper beds that won't be a problem. They seem to be a good product. No complaints so far.

https://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-600...;qid=1556478858&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/19 11:13 AM

Thanks. I will check them out.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/19 05:19 PM

thanks alot Derek...now my wife wants to add 3 of these to the end of my 2 - 4x32 ft beds...
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/19 07:36 PM

hey Derek, what soil did you put in it...???...would this potting mix work...???...i've mixed this with some top soil / cow poo and it looks/feels good

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sta-Green-64-Quart-Potting-Soil-Mix/3652027

here's another question...how do you compare cubic foot bags to quart bags...i.e., 2 cu ft to 64 qts
Posted By: Ranger Z21

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/19 08:26 PM

One cu ft is equal to about 30 quarts.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/29/19 08:46 PM

That soil should work good blended with the others you did. I use a blend of soil too. In no particular order this year I used compost I got at the local nursery. Then from Walmart I got some composted cow manure, black kow, miracle gro garden soil. I'll put some of each bag in with a sprinkle of vermiculite, perlite, lava sand, expanded shale. Mix it/till it together good then repeat the process until the box it full. It's a PITA initial process but once it's done it's done and next year I'll just have to blend in a little and it won't be that bad at all.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/19 08:37 PM



Originally Posted by bill oxner
Ta da. My first zucchini. I plan to stir fry it with a the jalapeo, an onion, salsa, and a couple of yellow squash that I will pick tomorrow. I have baby pickles on the vines and my first tomato is showing a little blush.

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/19 09:51 PM

Looks great Bill. Do you ever make zucchini bread with your extra or too large zucs?
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/19 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Looks great Bill. Do you ever make zucchini bread with your extra or too large zucs?


Had it given to me. Not a big fan. I mostly give all my squash away. My favorite way to use them is to freeze them in marinara. I call it marinara premivara.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/19 12:03 AM

I'm not a big fan either. But my wife and other family members love it. I should grow them some. I like the marinara premivara idea. thumb
Posted By: 1ShotNoKills

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/19 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
I'm not a big fan either. But my wife and other family members love it. I should grow them some. I like the marinara premivara idea. thumb



Get rid of the seeds and the thicker innards. Cut in little chunks. Fry with a little bacon, salt and pepper. Don't let liquid pool up.

Same with zucchini, yellow squash, patty pan
Posted By: cocodrie

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/19 09:54 PM

Zucchini and yellow squash, slice it up along with some red onion, mushrooms and red bell peppers. Mix together with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet then bake at 450 until it starts turning brown around the edges. Great stuff.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/19 12:32 AM

[Linked Image]
Works pretty good on the grill also.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/19 05:02 PM

i don't see any pollinators buzzin' around ... how can i pollinate these cukes...???

[Linked Image]

purple hull peas / corn is up pertygud

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Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/19 05:12 PM

Small paint brush
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/19 05:20 PM

and do what with it...i'm guessin' carefully brush the inside of the bloom???
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/19 05:27 PM

yes. do all of them ,, you will see the pollen . spread it around.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/19 05:59 PM

Also go check on your cucumbers every hour and see if you see any bees. Cukes will only have nectar available for a short window. like 10-noon or 1-3 for instance. The bees will learn this pattern and know when to show up. Last year bees would be in my garden at sun up and stay a couple hours and only worked the squash. They would be gone for a couple hours and show back up at about 11 and work on the cukes for a while.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/19 01:18 AM

Long garden is doing well. Dog got into it and screwed up all the fabric. Fuzzy picture. Fail.

[Linked Image]

Tomato garden coming along.

[Linked Image]

Jujube watermelon

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3 of 6 heart of gold cantaloupes

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Dereks H19 Little Leak cucumbers. I think 7 made it. 5 or 6 failed to grow.

[Linked Image]

White peach

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Figs growing

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/19 01:37 AM

My peach tree is loaded this year.I already knocked about 100 off trying to thin them. Probably still 100 on the tree. Three years ago when we had the warm winter it didn't produce a single peach. I think it's a high chill variety,maybe Ranger?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/19 08:46 PM

hey Derek, got my 3 new raised beds, but i'm not smart enuf 2 put'm 2gether...naa, nuthin' 2 it but what is the deal with those plastic rivits???...can't weight 2 play n the dirt...thanks for the idea...pikshurs after fulla dirt
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/07/19 09:08 PM

lol. I never figured out what those where for. There are holes they fit in. But they don't do anything. noidea
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/19 05:31 PM

Gardens are looking good!

Question , I put some marigolds out and now I have huge wholes in the leaves, same with some couple inch tall sunflowers, and my cucumbers . My tomatoes dont show any chewing , nor my pepper plants, or sqiash. I go out there everyday and dont see anything on my plants . Iv been spraying bt , what else can I try?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/19 06:39 PM

Are you spraying Bt at dusk?

You can dust everything with diatomaceous earth. This is the easiest way to do it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkrK8LvQPa8
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/19 08:33 PM

Yes I have been , i went and bought de today , il try that even if it dosent work it looks fun . I also have been noticing grubs, does de work on them as well? Was waiting as long as I can to spray neem since it kills good and bad insects. I also bought spinosad pellets
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/19 08:47 PM

DE won't work on them since they are below ground. Benefical Nematodes work will for them. Below is a reference for which nematodes work for which pest. The main nematode for grubs is Hb. You can call around to local nurseries. A lot more nurseries are starting to carry them now. Neem is fine to spray now. But once it starts to get 90 degrees and above I'd stop using it. It will cause some plant damage when used in higher temps.

https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/nematode-selection-chart
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/19 08:54 PM

I read about that and milky spores doing well for them, I called all around here and we dont have any, matter of fact they just had a ? Over their head, but we are out in the sticks. I tried all nursieres and they have one shelf for organic , both feed stores here laughed if they carried any non synthetic fertilizer or pesticides as trucks were lined up for a trailer of sythetics
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/19 09:05 PM

Milky spore is more designed to work on Japanese beetle grubs which we don't have many of. Some claim that it does work somewhat on the June grubs we have and some say it doesn't work at all on them. It takes a long time to work too.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/19 01:53 AM

Thanks for the info , so what do our grubs evolve into here?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/19 02:13 AM

June bugs. The chances you see actual damage from grubs isn't real common. People freak out when they dig and find a grub worm. Dig a 1-2sq foot spot in a few spots around the property. If you have a couple in that digging 1-2 per no biggie. If you have say 10+ then you have an issue.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/19 04:17 PM

Thanks Derek
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/19 04:30 PM

per Derek's instructions, i added these 3 - 4x4 beds to the end of my 2 - 4x32 beds...but i hava problem...

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

my wife's new puppy tromps thru them...Bernese Mountain Dog 100+ pounder in a few months...where can i get a short fence (2 ft tall+/-) to keep her (the dog) out of them

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/19 04:57 AM

You might as well start training her to stay away from the garden completely . It's only a matter of time before she gets in the taller beds .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/19 11:58 AM

yep, got sum 14" tall wire to get thru the puppy stage...maybe...

now for more important info...what do yawl use as an indicator when to pull taters...after bloom...?...when the tops start dying...?...when ur hungry...???
Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/19 12:32 PM

crapyetr youll need to spend time training that pup . Thats a breed Id love to have but its way too big for me or the wife to take care of . Its a beautiful dog ! When training just teach it the understanding of just no in a firm but gentle voice . If you use loud voices it just scares puppies mostly . Also a good technique is when using the no command just raise your hand in a calm gentle stop motion . When they learn no with the hand sign you can gradually just use hand sign without even speaking . Never use an object in hand cause the puppy might become afraid of objects and you when you pick up something . Its a natural instinct as you know for any dog to check out and dig places in their backyard . Be patient , that Burmese will be a puppy until its 2 yrs old .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/19 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
yep, got sum 14" tall wire to get thru the puppy stage...maybe...

now for more important info...what do yawl use as an indicator when to pull taters...after bloom...?...when the tops start dying...?...when ur hungry...???


When the tops die .
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/19 11:19 PM



I'm pretty well loaded on green tomatoes. Here are two of my six. I'll still be giving them away. I gave up making salsa and marinara.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/19 12:36 PM

Looking good Bill! What variety of tomatoes are your growing?
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/19 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Looking good Bill! What variety of tomatoes are your growing?



Celebtries.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/16/19 01:26 AM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Also go check on your cucumbers every hour and see if you see any bees. Cukes will only have nectar available for a short window. like 10-noon or 1-3 for instance. The bees will learn this pattern and know when to show up. Last year bees would be in my garden at sun up and stay a couple hours and only worked the squash. They would be gone for a couple hours and show back up at about 11 and work on the cukes for a while.


Talking to myself here. But been watching the cukes on the weekends. Bees are working them at 11am again. Not real heavy honey bee activity but they are there. Checking the garden tonight at 6pm and there was one lonely honey bee working surprisingly. Lots of solitary bees visiting throughout the day which is really nice to see. It seems to bee enough to get proper pollination. Growing Jackson Supreme F1 and H19. Started picking tonight.

[Linked Image]


.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/19 04:14 PM

my wife's idea...ordered this mailbox to keep my garden tools in so they wouldn't rust and i could find them...for some reason, it came as a 2-pack...what a deal

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gibraltar-...stic-Black-Post-Mount-Mailbox/1000199973
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/19 12:17 AM

There is always a little something wrong with your first tomatoes. I picked a couple of cat faced ones today. Great ones coming next week. I'm a full two weeks behind last year.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/19 02:03 AM

[Linked Image]
Gave a sack away and still had enough from this week's gathering to put some up for winter
Posted By: Pintail711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/19 12:54 AM

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Anyone know what this is? Its growing in my St. Augustine... I cant kill this [censored] at all.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/19 05:11 PM

3rd pullin'...ate a few with butter...yum...now waiting on Roma II green beans to ripen...full blooming right now

[Linked Image]
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/19 10:12 PM

Svb or 40 mph gust? [Linked Image]
Posted By: 1ShotNoKills

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/19 11:09 PM

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

First haul. Cooked 1 zucchini and 1 squash in bacon grease and added some fresh basil from the garden. Really good.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/19 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
Svb or 40 mph gust? [Linked Image]



Squash borers.
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/19 02:10 AM

Way to go 1Shot!!! Not sure if this is your first time to grow your own food. But based on your haul and cooking it Im assuming it is. If not, sorry, my bad. But if it is I congratulate you! Gardening and growing your own food can be extremely rewarding. I know a lot of guys say they can survive anything because they know how to hunt and fish, but gardening is another art in itself. As any grower on here can confirm its something that looks simple (plant seed in dirt, let plant grow and eat) but it can take a lifetime to learn and still never master. Plus food you grew will always taste better than anything you can buy! And fresher!
Posted By: 1ShotNoKills

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/19 03:00 AM

Originally Posted by Urban Fisher
Way to go 1Shot!!! Not sure if this is your first time to grow your own food. But based on your haul and cooking it Im assuming it is. If not, sorry, my bad. But if it is I congratulate you! Gardening and growing your own food can be extremely rewarding. I know a lot of guys say they can survive anything because they know how to hunt and fish, but gardening is another art in itself. As any grower on here can confirm its something that looks simple (plant seed in dirt, let plant grow and eat) but it can take a lifetime to learn and still never master. Plus food you grew will always taste better than anything you can buy! And fresher!



Just the first of this year. I've dabbled semi successfully over the years with a few veggies. Def gets better every year.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/19 01:03 AM

Any tips o n Box Car Willie ( determinate) or Cherokee Purple (indeterminate ) both kicking A. [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/19 02:27 AM

Interested on your Cherokee Purple progress. Grew one last year and it's by far the worst tomato plant I've ever tried to grow. Big beautiful plant with the biggest blooms I've ever seen. Looks like small sun flowers. But the blossom drop was insane. I only got a hand full of tomatoes to set and the flavor was meh. It's on my out list. I've never tried BCW's yet. Interested in that review.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/19 02:35 AM

The first Cherokee is starting to turn now and the size of my fist .the bcw is over 5 ft tall and setting fruit 1st time on both variety
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/19 01:56 PM

Finally.


[Linked Image]
Posted By: avid_basser

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/19 06:24 PM

YUMM! Those tomatoes look great
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/19 02:14 PM

Derek, my purples are doing the same, getting big with flowers but they drop before pollinating , I doubt I ever do heirloom again.

What are yalls favorite tomatoes to grow?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/19 03:15 PM

Improved Porter has always been a good. I'm really not into big slicers. I mostly grow smaller varieties for salsa and salads. This year I'm growing a Baxter's Early Bush it's a cherry type. It's doing great. My others are Chico III and Viva Italia. Both are roma types. Both are producing great. The Viva is out producing the Chico but not by much.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/19 03:33 PM

Glad your Roma are doing well , mine did terrible last year so I didnt grow any this year
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/19 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
Glad your Roma are doing well , mine did terrible last year so I didnt grow any this year


I don't understand growing any of the smaller tomatoes. I want one slice to cover my entire sandwich. I just had a buttermilk chicken sandwich from McDonalds . They had three little bitty slices of tomato on there. They kept falling out. You want less seeds and pulp for cooking, simply cut off the stem third, squeeze the tomato, and rake off the pulp.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/19 06:37 PM

So what do you like to grow Bill?
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/19 08:15 PM

Tomatoes will be in short supply here, about 3-4 weeks later planting and already in the 90's. At least 3 wks before get 1st tomato, hopefully peppers will come around,
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/19 09:20 PM

Anyone notice the increase in price of tomatoes and onions?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/24/19 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
Glad your Roma are doing well , mine did terrible last year so I didnt grow any this year


They are loaded. Here is one Viva and Chico.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/19 12:39 AM

Yes sir looking good !!!
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/19 08:11 PM

I'm now getting enough tomatoes ths are. Just gave four to a neighbor.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/19 11:16 PM

Got no red uns yet but healthy though. Jalapenos and salsa peppers producing finally after it warmed up a bit. Cucumbers finally took off but I'm way behind this year.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/19 05:42 PM

Grew a pair . [Linked Image]


[Linked Image]
Derek , spot on with the Cherokee not much there until you put some Jess Halls serendipity on it that seems to wake up the flavor some .
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/19 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman
Grew a pair . [Linked Image]


[Linked Image]
Derek , spot on with the Cherokee not much there until you put some Jess Halls serendipity on it that seems to wake up the flavor some .

Planted only heirlooms one year and they were almost total failure,3-4 off 8 plants, and tasted horrible.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/19 09:20 PM

Did you try the mortgage lifter? Been happy with it got 2 going from I think this will be 5th generation ( I pull suckers and get them going thru winter in the greenhouse then get starts going for the garden). Big and flavorful ! With plenty of.tomatoes.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/19 09:33 PM

Urban will like this, this is 2 suckers in 4 inch pots in my hydro tube that have been totally neglected that did not make the garden cut . [Linked Image]
It is getting really hot in there even with a fan going . There will be fried green tomatoes in the near future!
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/19 02:17 PM

This is what I shoot for. BLTs anyone?

[Linked Image]
Posted By: H.Town_paddler

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/19 04:26 PM

My cherry plants (sugary) are killing it. Hundreds on two plants. My celebrities are terrible this year. Probably 10 between 3 plants, and theyre not very big.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/19 03:15 PM

Bug question , I have these little hard bodied bugs that are on the stems , they move around the stem when they see your hand coming and they're fast , leaving a black almost soil looking residue behind . Mostly on my sunflowers and marigold, any idea what they are and what I can spray organic?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/19 04:32 PM

Not sure which bug that is but I've been spot spraying with Pyganic 1.4 with good results.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/19 04:57 PM

Yeah I really dont know how to describe them , they move away from your hand on the other side of the stem , odd. Iv been spraying bt, neem, and applying de . What's this stuff you speak of?
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/19 05:21 PM

My idea this year was to only use Diatomaceous earth. I use the shop vac to dust the undersides. Do it once about every three week seems to work. So Far. Just get you a good breathing respirator in case the wind shifts.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/19 07:39 PM

Derek, PM me your phone number again as my last phone is lying in the bottom of the trinity , il see if I can get a video when the rain stops
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/19 08:40 PM

made 3 qts of icebox B&B pickles

[Linked Image]

big ole Porters ... corn is startin' to tassel

[Linked Image]

Roma II green beans

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yielded this...26 cups in zip lock bags put in the freezer...will pull'm up @ 2nd picking

[Linked Image]
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/19 08:56 PM

I'm loaded with tomatoes.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I brought home a buttermilk chicken sandwich from McDonalds today. It had two little bitty slices of Roma tomatoes. I threw them in the garbage and added a slice that covered the entire sandwich. It's turkey, bacon clubs for the remainder of the week.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/19 01:37 AM

thornless blackberry...had a cobbler for supper tonite...added a few blueberrys...pertygud

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/19 01:47 AM

Garden looking great crapyetr!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/19 02:00 AM

I'm growing H19 and Jackson Supreme cucumbers. H19 are the little leaf ones and have been great producers over the past few years. Trying the JS out this year and so far even though they aren't as full and climbing as much as much as the H19 they are heavy bloomers and heavy setters. Made 5 quarts of whole pickles so far on my small patch. have picked many more quarts over the last couple days.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/19 02:17 AM

thanks Derek, i've grown sweet slice for years...good eatin' fresh and pickled...so r u missin' the Porters this year???...i know ur a fan of B.t., why?...i sprayed some this evening on my purple hulls and corn...i've got zucc squash / okra / contender beans n the raised beds u made me buy...they better produce or i want a refund
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/19 01:39 PM

I do miss the Porters. I'll probably get back on the Porter train next year. Always been a big fan of Bt. It's great for controlling caterpillars. There are a few different forms of Bt. The caterpillar one is called Btk. The mosquito dunks that everyone buys is also Bt. But it's Bti. Mind blowing stuff.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/19 01:45 PM

mine is Monterey B.t. ... what's the difference from those you mentioned???

i save some Porter whole maters from last year...froze'm...next week, i'm gonna stik on n the ground and see if it makes by fall...do we EVER garden the same from year to year???...nooooooooooooooo
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/19 02:02 PM

lol. I don't think I've ever don't a full garden the same 2yrs in a row. Below is a link that explains the different Bts. The one you have is the caterpillar one. Make sure when you spray it you do it at dusk. The sun breaks down Bt pretty quickly and cats typically do their damage at night so that's when the Bt is most effective.

https://www.planetnatural.com/bacillus-thuringiensis/
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/19 06:28 PM

I'd just about given up on my 'mater plants until the 'naders came through the other night . Looks like they've doubled in size (no chit) . Y'all think it might be some kind of electro-magnetic energy involved ?
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/19 08:50 PM

I'm now giving away tomatoes by the dozens.
Posted By: Cast

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/19 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by bill oxner
I'm now giving away tomatoes by the dozens.


Ship me a box.
Posted By: Cast

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/19 10:14 PM

Ill send 407 back to you.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/19 10:52 AM

[Linked Image]
This weeks
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/19 11:07 AM

this makes gardening worth it...beautiful canned veges...when i had my BIG garden, 12 - 25 ft double rows, i canned alot...but now downsized to 2 - 4x32 ft, my wife blanches everything and puts it in meal-sized zip-lock bags and freezes it...functional but i can't admire it like yours
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/19 11:52 PM

Everything is coming alone nicely.

Tomatoes here

[Linked Image]


Mixed veggies and stuff

[Linked Image]

Little leaf cucumbers

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Jubilee watermelon. Pretty excited about these.

[Linked Image]

1st squash of the year

[Linked Image]

Bird or rat/mouse got to my first red tomato despite the rodeo clown scarecrow.

[Linked Image]

Beefsteaks

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Figs are coming in strong

[Linked Image]

Pears may never do right. They tend to turn brown before they're ready to pick.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/19 12:25 AM

Looks great CMan.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/19 01:35 PM



I plan on wrapping a few of these in newspaper, put them in a brown paper bag, and place it inside of my dark pantry. I've done it in the past and they kept for over a month. They were not as good as vine ripened but better than store bough.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/05/19 03:06 PM

Jalapenos, scotch bonnets and a bolivan rainbow plant are taking off.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/19 03:58 AM

"bolivian rainbow" ?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/19 11:49 AM

[Linked Image]
Waiting on the blooms ,half Kentucky Wonder and half Blue Lake
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/19 11:55 AM

looks easier to pik than my roma II / contender bush beans...post a picture when you start pickin'm
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/19 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by Siberman
"bolivian rainbow" ?



I was given some seeds so I decided to grow it. Puts off a lot of peppers. They start out purple then change to yellow, orange and red. So there will be all stages of colors here pretty soon. Cool looking plant. Ate one of the peppers a week or so ago. Not that hot right now and the flavor was meh. Kinda like a jalapeno but not as flavorful and not that hot yet either. I'll try another when they turn red, but mostly just have it to look at.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/06/19 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman
[Linked Image]
Waiting on the blooms ,half Kentucky Wonder and half Blue Lake
My Blue Lakes aren't producing, bllooms galore, 4TH picking of Tenderette bush already.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/19 12:24 AM

Trying Biker Billy Jalapenos this year. If you've grown Mammoth or Mucho Nacho in the past and weren't impressed, I think this one if for you. It's supposed to be the size of a Mam or MN but hotter and more flavor. I just tried a small one to give it a try and it was exactly that. One of the hotter penos I've had and the flavor is great. All these are pretty young and can tell they will be a big pepper. This will probably be my go to peno now. You won't find plants so you'll have to order seeds if you want to grow them.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/19 01:11 AM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Trying Biker Billy Jalapenos this year. If you've grown Mammoth or Mucho Nacho in the past and weren't impressed, I think this one if for you. It's supposed to be the size of a Mam or MN but hotter and more flavor. I just tried a small one to give it a try and it was exactly that. One of the hotter penos I've had and the flavor is great. All these are pretty young and can tell they will be a big pepper. This will probably be my go to peno now. You won't find plants so you'll have to order seeds if you want to grow them.

[Linked Image]
I'll be Following this !
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/19 10:24 PM

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/19 10:41 PM

Looking good Brad !! Them cukes get down the other side your going to need plenty of jars .
Posted By: 1ShotNoKills

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/19 10:59 PM

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


Couple good hauls. Fried patty pan and onion in bacon grease is hard to beat.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/19 11:24 PM

Greatness.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/19 12:07 AM

My cucumbers are sucking , lots of flowers, I tried hand pollinating without too much success . I have only had one cucumber and it wasn't that good . Looks like I'm starting to get some kind of mildew , I dont think they're getting as much sun as last year , straight 8 variety
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/19 01:25 AM

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Having to use some 5 ft cages on a few bells and the tomatoes got a haircut today. Tomorrow the squash and zucchini get a haircut .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/19 01:40 AM

Looks good than, what tomatoes are those?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/19 11:56 AM

Big beef
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/19 01:36 PM

Looking good trlrman. How are you liking the Big Beef? I'm looking for a slicer to grow in the fall or next year and open to suggestions. You've mentioned Mortgage Lifter not long ago too.

I could throw a double ringer with those shoes right now with no warm up.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/19 02:16 PM

what do yawl know about adding the "GOOD" nematodes to the yard / garden...???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/19 04:06 PM

They work good if you have a specific pest you have a problem with if it's a pest that they will target. Downside is they don't work in our summer heat and they are not cheap.You need to apply them early spring or fall when temps are below 95. You could apply them now but only get a couple weeks use out of them. I would wait until the fall. They are not something you want to order off of Amazon. You want to go with a reputable company like Arbico.

https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/beneficial-nematodes-faqs

https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/nematode-selection-chart
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/19 04:28 PM

Just now getting some color on the big beef.Mortage lifter is a great heirloom and get big.]
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/19 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman
Just now getting some color on the big beef.Mortage lifter is a great heirloom and get big.]



I pick my tomatoes at first blush. Keeps them safe from stink bugs and varmints.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/19 01:32 PM

good advise bill , I found 2 huge big beefs half way eaten this morn. looks like I'm coon hunting tonite .
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/19 02:42 PM

Could it be a bird trlrman?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/19 09:57 PM

have to be a hawk or eagle, 1 was found half eaten on the far side of the garden
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/19 02:37 PM

Gotcha

Derek, your your spray has worked better than anything else for the hoppers , still there but not near as many .

All my cucumber plants have powder or downy mildew , gonna try serinade to correct it.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/19 06:35 PM

Possum was last nite's vandal, he is down back playing dead .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/19 09:26 PM

[Linked Image]
Squash aND zucchini pickles
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/19 09:33 PM

never herd of it...u must b a rednek...i put up sum icebox cuke pickles that r pertygud...what's your recipe???
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/19 11:04 PM

[Linked Image]
We get enough extra squash &zucchini have to do something with um. I love cucumbers but they don't like me,eat a little bit and belch for 2 days , so I go this route .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/19 11:07 PM

[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/15/19 11:54 PM

thanks///i'm gonna try this if i can get my dang skwash 2 produce...perty close to our recipe...we don't do the 2nd boil...and don't put n hot jars...put'm n plastic containers and keep'm n the ice box...it says "for 30 days"...i've kept them much-much longer, but eat'm b4 they spoil...
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/19 12:25 AM

We only have to do it every couple years . I finished off a jar at lunch labeled 2017 and still good .
Posted By: RATZ

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/19 12:46 AM

What type of bug is this and is it bad for my maters? Got tons of them. Didnt have them last year.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/19 01:53 AM

Stink bug. And yes they will eat plant leaves.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/19 01:12 PM

And spot up the tomatoes
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/19 02:49 PM

Pick them at first blush.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/19 04:18 PM

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
And 12 vac bags of roasters.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/19 04:52 PM

nutin' like fresh carrot taste...i grow mine in the fall/winter...pull'm early spring...keep'm n some green bag my wife found and they stay fresh till we eat'm all...

[Linked Image]
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/19 05:44 PM

Try carrot and raisin salad. Thank me later.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/19 02:17 AM

Dang, those carrots look great .

How aggressive are you guys on your pruning of indeterminate tomatoes? I'm having great success with basically just running one main stem , theyre almost as tall as I am and we have tons of tomatoes.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/19 12:32 PM

I just keep the underneath trimmed up so it can get some good airflow. Other than that, I let the indeterminates take off. They can get insane.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/19 12:37 PM

hey Derek, post that picture of you standing behind the Porters...was that last year???...my Porters look like that this year and they are really producing...fresh salsa coming up for dinner
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/19 01:14 PM

This was 2017. They were just as big last year.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/19 01:17 PM

don'tcha miss'm this year...???...i can't go without my Porters...being non-acidic, my wife loves the fresh salsa and hot sauce...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/19 01:44 PM

I do miss the Porters. It's a great tomato. I'm really enjoying my Roma's this year. Been great producers. Also a cherry mixed in. Saturday pick in the front and last night in the back.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/19 12:48 AM

Nice haul !
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/19 01:46 AM

i've had 2 crop failures...raised bed gardening is so different than gardening in the ground with lots of room...less means more in raised beds...i planted to many onions and corn per linear foot and width...so my next crop of onions will be one row, NOT multiple rows...corn will be one plant per linear foot, 2 rows wide in the 4 ft wide bed...any other failures i might incur from your personal failures in raised bed gardening would be appreciated by us all
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/19 12:56 PM

I have been using the sq ft method in my raised beds. I have found that peppers and eggplants can be planted 2 per sq ft, and tomatoes need at least a 1x2 ft space with staggered plantings to avoid blight and mold issues. While we do enjoy eating squash, the space they take up and the squash bug issues make me not want to grow it again. For next years tomatoes I am going to grow determinate paste/salsa types and inter determinate slicers.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/19 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by 1WithTXFish
While we do enjoy eating squash, the space they take up and the squash bug issues make me not want to grow it again. For next years tomatoes I am going to grow determinate paste/salsa types and inter determinate slicers.


Squash bugs are a PITA. Pyganic 1.4 works great for killing them. I keep a quart spray bottle of it mixed up and spot spray them. Adult bugs can be more resistant to insecticides so I try to manually kill the adult squash bugs as I see them.

For paste/salsa determinate tomatoes. I'm growing Viva Italia this year. I highly recommend them.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/19 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Siberman
"bolivian rainbow" ?



[Linked Image]
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/19 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted by Siberman
"bolivian rainbow" ?



[Linked Image]



thats beautiful
Posted By: Urban Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/19 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by butch sanders
Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Originally Posted by Siberman
"bolivian rainbow" ?



[Linked Image]



thats beautiful

I agree...that's flipping cool!
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/19 08:38 PM

thumb
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/19 09:52 PM

farmers almanac tomato problems / suggestions

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/common-tomato-plant-problems-28544
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/21/19 11:59 PM

Good link on the tomato problems. thumb The one issue it's doesn't mention is spider mites. Infected plants will look like they have a fungal disease. Cut a few leaves off and thump them on a white piece of paper. Use a magnifying glass. If stuff starts moving around on the white paper, you have spider mites.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/19 02:55 PM

[Linked Image]
Quick morning gather, the basket is from the neglected greenhouse plants. Looks like the peach reaper cross are more peach ghost than reaper .
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/19 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman
[Linked Image]
Quick morning gather, the basket is from the neglected greenhouse plants. Looks like the peach reaper cross are more peach ghost than reaper .



What's with the cotton? I grew up on a cotton farm in Arkansas.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/19 04:10 PM

Decor
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/19 04:39 PM

I'm planning a garden for next year. I used to grow a good one back in MS, we didn't have rabbits either. I've got quite a bit of space and and want to do it right from the start. My first thought is to get measurements and start pricing out supplies for closing it in or the rabbits will have their way. Whats the best way to keep them out? Fencing? or is there a trick?
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/19 03:15 AM

My fencing has 2 X 3 inch openings and the young rabbits had no problem getting through it. The final solution was a hot fence using a solar charger.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/19 04:04 PM

Trlrman, let's see a pic of your greenhouse
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/19 10:58 PM

I shut her down yesterday Brad . This heat was cooking what was left in there, I need to look at better ventilation. The last pic I posted had the tomatoes off the 2 cull's in the basket.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/19 12:07 AM

On a positive note zucchini chips in the dehydrator! ![Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/19 11:18 PM

This evening [Linked Image]
Some of the maters were on the ground or touching it after last nite storms
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/19 11:59 PM

I always store and show my tomatoes stem side down. That's the end that I cut off.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/19 12:07 AM

left & center Celebrity...right Porter

[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/19 12:56 AM

Still looking healthy Lynn ! I'll see if I can put the Purdy side up next time Bill ,just don't think it shows as much character?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/19 05:20 PM

what's yawls secret to growing corn...i grow G-90...in a 4 ft wide raised bed...i'm gonna try 2 rows with seeds 1 ft apart in one bed and 1/2 ft apart in another...seems i've been plant'm 2 close 2gether
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/19 07:08 PM

trlrman have you grown any Scotch Bonnets? I ate a half ripe one last night to try out. It was HOT and will only get hotter. But the flavor is incredible. Probably the best flavored pepper I've ever had. Give them a try if you haven't.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/19 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
trlrman have you grown any Scotch Bonnets? I ate a half ripe one last night to try out. It was HOT and will only get hotter. But the flavor is incredible. Probably the best flavored pepper I've ever had. Give them a try if you haven't.

IMHO the bonnet is the best pepper for ferment sauce because of the flavor .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/19 07:28 PM

I'll ferment some this year. thumb
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/19 02:43 AM

I would swap you some super (stupid )hot peppers for a bottle if your game ?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/19 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman
I would swap you some super (stupid )hot peppers for a bottle if your game ?


Deal!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/19 05:00 PM

gittin' ready for hot sauce ... 70 Porters / 3 Celebrity

[Linked Image]
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/19 08:00 PM

That should make you 8 pints. I used 30 celebtries when I made salsa, along with 30 jalapeos, onions, and tomato paste.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/19 08:30 PM

i hope 6 but i'll take 8...not to mention the juice left over that my wife uses in stuffed bell peppers...& they're on the plants turning red rat-now
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/26/19 10:48 PM

You guys win, my tomatoes are already slowing way down , also about to pull squash and reseed
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/19 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by trlrman
Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Trying Biker Billy Jalapenos this year. If you've grown Mammoth or Mucho Nacho in the past and weren't impressed, I think this one if for you. It's supposed to be the size of a Mam or MN but hotter and more flavor. I just tried a small one to give it a try and it was exactly that. One of the hotter penos I've had and the flavor is great. All these are pretty young and can tell they will be a big pepper. This will probably be my go to peno now. You won't find plants so you'll have to order seeds if you want to grow them.

[Linked Image]
I'll be Following this !


Not impressed so far. The first one I tested was hot and gone downhill from there. Production is great. I've tried 2 the last 2 weeks and they are bell pepper hot. Great flavor but just no heat right now. My Mammoths have 0 heat too. We have had an S-Load of rain here this spring and it's not helping to stress them. I've only hand watered my garden 3 times since March. We got a 1" of rain last night and 1/2" this evening. We'll see how they are late July as it looks like we might start to dry up soon. But I expected the BB's to hold more heat than they have so far not being stressed.

On a side note. I have one NuMex Orange Spice Jalapeno plant I grew this year. This is a good. Small plant and not real big peppers. But they packed a good punch. Tried a red one tonight. Flavor was jalapeno but with a sweet kick and pretty decent heat. Not bad at all. I didn't buy from the link. Just using it as a reference.
https://www.superhotchiles.com/product/numex-orange-spice-jalapeno-plants/


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/27/19 12:45 PM

I agree w/too wet !! Just ate a whole peach ghost with my brisket taco for breakfast and my lips are not burning .
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/19 12:29 AM

[Linked Image]
Nice little smattering of bell and mammoth.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/19 08:52 PM

another pikin' of Porters and a few Celebritys

[Linked Image]

cluster of Porters...sure perty...not for sure this is a Celebrity...seems a little large...on sale item at Lowes...u never know

[Linked Image]

pickt a few purple hulls...had a batch for dinner with mac&cheese/cornbread...blanched 3 cups for winter...
picked 4 cups of Contender green beans out of Derek's 4x4 raised bed he talked me n 2 buyin'...worth the effort
fixin' 2 plant 4x8 of Roma II and a 4x8 of Contender and a 4x8 of corn Tuesday...not so thick this time...still lernin' raised bed gardenin'

[Linked Image]
Posted By: 1ShotNoKills

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/19 12:27 PM

Blossom end rot is murdering all of my tomatoes that are not cherry sized.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/19 12:47 PM

try some epsom salt at next watering .
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/19 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by 1ShotNoKills
Blossom end rot is murdering all of my tomatoes that are not cherry sized.


There is still hope. Sometimes the middle crop will be fine. Put wood ash in the holes next year.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/19 11:51 AM

Derek, how long does B.t. stay on the plant...???...and why can't i send u a PM
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/19 02:07 PM

Stays real active 2-3 days and starts to taper off from there. Depending on conditions. I typically spray it every 10-14 days. I've been receiving PM's so you should be able to PM me.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/19 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman
[Linked Image]
Nice little smattering of bell and mammoth.


I'm going to get back to growing bell peppers next year. It's been a while. Tested a Mammoth last night and we're starting to get some heat.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/19 02:22 PM

This is my over wintered Mammoth. It's producing some huge peppers this year.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/19 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Stays real active 2-3 days and starts to taper off from there. Depending on conditions. I typically spray it every 10-14 days. I've been receiving PM's so you should be able to PM me.


i actually read the instructions and it says to spray again if it rains...send me a PM so i'll have you on my PM list...i'll have more questions and won't have to take up this space
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/19 02:03 AM

Ok, cheerokee purplle vrs boxcar Willie , no competition. Mamma say"s BCW hands down !!! Next year BCW gets a 15 ft cage,as has already grown 10 + ft . [Linked Image]
Whole lot better taste ! For a heirlom tomatoes think it would make a great canning or salsa tomatoes. A great Hamburger slicer tomatoes.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/03/19 12:13 PM

Good to know , iv only gotten about five Cherokees. They have a great taste with not much acid , il have to try the box next year
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/06/19 10:45 PM

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Mama working hard ,still have a batch of squash in the pressure cooker and she let me go grab some fish !!
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/19 12:07 AM

Found three sleepers among my second growth slicers.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/19 05:05 PM

This is what I'm talking about when I post about covering your entire sandwich.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/19 07:49 PM

hey Derek, missin' Porters this year???...i'm still pikin'


[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/19 08:30 PM

I do. My Romas are still doing very well though.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/19 09:31 PM

[Linked Image]
What are these?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/19 09:45 PM

Leaf Footed. In the Nymph stage. Sprays work well on them in the Nymph (young stage). I use Pyganic 1.4. You can get it on Amazon. Or any other pesticide spray that you like should work.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/19 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Leaf Footed. In the Nymph stage. Sprays work well on them in the Nymph (young stage). I use Pyganic 1.4. You can get it on Amazon. Or any other pesticide spray that you like should work.

Thanks
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/19 03:37 AM

This is what happens when you don't practice what your preach. I religiously foliar spray Bt, fertilizer, IPM, and whatnot every other weekend. Well I got laxed this year and or lazy really and didn't. I haven't sprayed in probably 6 weeks. Garden has been looking good and I just rolled with it. I decided to spray tonight just to get back into the swing of things. I always spray at dusk or night and noticed my cherry tomato plant got hammered. I immediately knew what it was. I finished spraying and came back to find him. Which I did. I didn't pick it off. Wanted to see if what I use works. He looked to have stopped feeding when I found him and crawling sporadically. I plan to find him dead in the morning. I'll admit when I screw up and I did bad. I will get back to my regular sprayings. I've been gardening a lot of years and this is my first ever HW. So mad at myself.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/19 01:11 AM

Soapy water works good on true bugs like those. Something to do with their lung setup it suffocates them.
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/19 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Dawson Hefner
Soapy water works good on true bugs like those. Something to do with their lung setup it suffocates them.

Which ones, leaf footed or the horn worm. I have only had 2 horn worms this year but the leaf footed are really bad. Have been for the last 3 years.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/23/19 02:14 PM

red bell peppers for fall/winter stuffed bell peppers to keep the belly warm

[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/24/19 12:45 PM

lookin HEALTHY !! the aphids have been giving me fits.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/04/19 03:55 PM

used my weedeater tiller attachment and prept the soil, added 4 cu ft of compost/garden soil, put up the wire panel that i'll cover with the white cloth to protect the broccoli / cabbage from the sun

[Linked Image]

Derek's 4ft raised beds make perfect spot for cucumbers...gonna move 4 of the one's on the far side to the covered bed (2) and to the one above (2) since all 6 seeds came up

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/19 12:46 PM

Looks really good crapyetr!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/06/19 02:20 PM

i have these little critters flying all over my green beans...i hope they are a "GOOD CRITTER"...what are they???

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/06/19 02:56 PM

Looks like a grass skipper butterfly. Not 100% about that though. I don't thank they are that big of a deal. But I would inspect the pea leaves every couple days for caterpillars just incase. Most caterpillars feed at night so a night inspection with a flashlight would be best.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/19 03:18 PM

How's everyone's garden looking this fine summer? My Scotch Bonnets are looking awesome, but dropping all their blooms. They hate temps over 95. They should start setting again in a couple weeks. Tabasco, cayenne, jalapenos are producing like crazy. My cherry tomato plant is still producing very well. I stated some clones from my Viva Italia plants. I trimmed back the mother Viva plants and they look good. Putting off new growth and I think they will produce a good fall crop so I gave away my clones. I've been really impressed with the Viva tomatoes.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/19 03:41 PM

My husky cherry red tomatoes stopped setting fruit about a month ago,they usually start again in late-September. My quinalt strawberries will hopefully produce a few more berries in the fall as well. Mandarin tree has about a dozen fruits on it. Blood orange tree didn't set any fruit this year.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/19 04:00 PM

Do you have your orange trees in a large pot and bring them indoors during winter? HEB had some trees for sale this year. I should have bought one.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/19 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Do you have your orange trees in a large pot and bring them indoors during winter? HEB had some trees for sale this year. I should have bought one.


Yep,big plastic tubs and bring them inside when temps below 28 degrees are forecast. Then right back outside when it warms above 32.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/19 06:47 PM

cukes on the far right...transferred cukes from that bed to the t-p bed and covered it so the transplant wouldn't burn up...they're doin' good...can't see them for the posts to keep the dog out...Porters on the left...cuke plant - cabbage / broccoli seeds under the covered bed...

[Linked Image]

cuke on the left...u can barely see the broc/cabbage stikin' their nose out...Roma II and Contender green beans at the end...need to pik'm

[Linked Image]

2 rows of corn spaced 1 ft apart seems to be making ears...hada heck of a crop of bell peppers / jalapenos...still pikin'm

[Linked Image]

Porters / Celebrity on the left...lost 1 Porter but the other has more room/sun now...slowed down but still have a few on the vine...orta start producing again when the heat is over

[Linked Image]

my wife's Meyer Lemon tree...i stay away from it

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/19 08:14 PM

You have a great looking setup crapy
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/21/19 08:57 PM

grassy Derek...decades of gardenin' and i still ant got it right...but i'm workin' on it...keeps the alls-hymers n ck
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/19 07:13 PM

Scarecrow idea for C'man

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/29/19 12:43 AM

Not a bad mixed bag of late summer picking tonight.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/29/19 01:15 AM

ur buttt will burn eatin' those...peppers will really start producing now that it's gonna cool off a little...
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/29/19 02:09 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
ur buttt will burn eatin' those...peppers will really start producing now that it's gonna cool off a little...
I sure hope so , made 2 kinds of reaper jelly last weekend and have some w/okra in the dehydrator rite now ! To clarify that is reapers and okra not okra jelly LOL !
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/29/19 02:20 AM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Not a bad mixed bag of late summer picking tonight.
[Linked Image]

Excellent !!!!
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/04/19 01:40 AM

Brocli, cabbage, coliflower, brussel sprouts &,turnips all-in ,put turnip seeds in Sunday and sprouts today! Never had anything germinate that quick that I recall ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/04/19 01:50 AM

i put broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower (3 different colors) seeds in Sunday also...Farmers Almanac said to~~~!!!~~~; however, i bought broccoli / red cabbage at Lowes today as a backup...i'm still getting red bell peppers, jalapenos, Porters / Celebrity maters...trying to get another batch of cukes b4 frost...orta have a dozen or so ears of corn this week or next
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/04/19 03:41 PM

pikt these this mo'nin'...last year, couldn't grow'm 4 nuthin'...mayb i figerd out raised bed soil~~~???~~~!!!

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/07/19 01:01 AM

pulled a bunch of corn this morning...i didn't plant enough in order to get a full ear of corn...but at least i got enough to eat...i remembered this about cooking raw corn in the husk...my question is, can i freeze the corn, in the husk right out of the garden, take it out of the freezer, let thaw, then cook it in the microwave...???...my wife says no, but i can't see why not...sure would save a lot of prep time to eat fresh corn on the cob~~~!!!~~~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ75-64Gm5w
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/07/19 01:10 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
pulled a bunch of corn this morning...i didn't plant enough in order to get a full ear of corn...but at least i got enough to eat...i remembered this about cooking raw corn in the husk...my question is, can i freeze the corn, in the husk right out of the garden, take it out of the freezer, let thaw, then cook it in the microwave...???...my wife says no, but i can't see why not...sure would save a lot of prep time to eat fresh corn on the cob~~~!!!~~~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ75-64Gm5w

Yes
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/18/19 09:57 PM

a wealth of info about onions...get your local feed store to buy from these folks...they are THE BEST...i grow the Texas Legend

https://www.dixondalefarms.com/nlpage
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/12/19 04:51 PM

test complete...i microwaved 2 ears of frozen corn for 8 minutes...i put them freezer right after picking a month or so ago...turned out perty good...granted, the kernels were a little soft, not crisp like my wife's blanched ears of corn, but the flavor was there...so if the wife complains about having to blanch them, straight to the freezer they go
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/12/19 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
test complete...i microwaved 2 ears of frozen corn for 8 minutes...i put them freezer right after picking a month or so ago...turned out perty good...granted, the kernels were a little soft, not crisp like my wife's blanched ears of corn, but the flavor was there...so if the wife complains about having to blanch them, straight to the freezer they go

8 minutes seems way too long, with fresh 3 min for 2 ears is plenty, you have to wait several minutes to pull shuck back or you get a nasty burn.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/26/19 10:58 PM

bumper crop of jalapenos and bell peppers...posta get in the 30's this week so i pulled everything...
workin' on broccoli / cabbage / cauliflower now

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/27/19 05:09 PM

maybe these hog/dog panels will keep Bailey from eating my broccoli / cabbage / cauliflower...i'll move one set of panels to the outside of the 2nd raised bed to enclose both beds next spring...i have 2 others to put across the ends...in theory, it'll work...we'll see what reality says...she's perty smart

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Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/27/19 08:06 PM

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Did the same, Carolina Reaper and Peach Ghost /Reaper cross . If I can get half of them to ripened gonna make a lot of Christmas Jelly!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/27/19 09:08 PM

dang son, if u give them 2 ur friends, u'll have new enemies~~~!!!~~~i used red jalapenos for pepper jelly and it was hot...i'm 1a those wusses
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/30/19 04:08 PM

https://texashotpeppers.net/

The above link is a new site. He used to just sell seeds via PM on a pepper site and started a website. He has a good selection of peppers. He also has a huge selection of tomato seed too. He doesn't have the tomato seeds up yet but will in the next couple weeks he said. I've bought from him a couple times and he was great to deal with and sends a couple extra packs of seeds of his choosing.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/31/19 02:11 AM

Derek ,you have a ferment going ?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/31/19 01:48 PM

I don't. Just been messing around with some cooked sauces. My pepper plants are rocking too. But probably got killed last night. Stupid early freeze.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/03/19 06:10 PM

revised fence to surround both beds...i've cleaned out the south bed, put more Lowes dirt combo in it, so it's ready for onions & next spring stuff...can't see it but the panels on the end will open as a gate so i can get to the center...just hope Bailey doesn't figure it out

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gonna put sum kinda butterfly / bee flowers in Derek's raised bed next spring to get better pollination

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/19 12:33 AM

Looks great Crapy! I have a couple Cherry Queen Autumn Sage plants in my flower beds. We moved in fall/winter last year. I've been watching them this year and the bees love this plant. Blooms good all year. I trimmed it back heavy mid spring and it exploded with more growth and blooms. It's probably 3x3x3 right now. It would bee a good one to put in one bed and do a colorful mix of annuals in the other. My mom grows cone flower and some type of lavender type plant and they love those.

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Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/19/19 02:16 AM

Brussel sprouts come g on ,broccoli heading ,cabbage making, and the greenhouse up and running. [Linked Image]
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/19/19 12:37 PM

u-da-man...what a set-up...my broccoli / cabbage / cauliflower PLANTS look great but not heading...yet...i'm impatient...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/04/19 12:06 AM

Free Seeds. I have a collection of seed I've collected of the past couple years. Most of these are hot peppers. The first two are hot peppers for the most part and the ziplock/sandwich bags are bush/trees. Some of peppers I'm not sure what they are. You should be able to zoom in and see the names and google them.

I will supply as many seed as I can, but will be keeping some for myself. I'm low on some, so first come first serve.
Please try and keep your selection(s) down to something that you will actually grow. So I will have more to give out.
I can't guarantee germination, but these are good seeds so you should be able to germ, though hot peppers can be difficult to germ sometimes. We can talk about germination tips and tricks. .

I will send these out in a plain envelope regular stamp mail to keep my cost down, so no tracking will be provided, but will PM the day they are shipped so you can be expecting them within a few days from then.

Please PM me your address if there is something you want.

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Posted By: 1ShotNoKills

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/04/19 03:21 AM

Derek is awesome
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/04/19 03:42 AM

Originally Posted by 1ShotNoKills
Derek is awesome


Just paying it forward. Not looking to make a profit on something I mostly got for free.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/04/19 12:47 PM

thank the Lord that he doesn't charge for advise...a wealth of knowledge...some good / some bad...i had to say that for ya, bud cheers
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/04/19 10:31 PM

my wife's lemon tree just might make a lemon or two...

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/19 01:55 PM

time to plant Dixondale Farms Texas Legends

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/18/19 01:22 AM

Just ordered some Texas Legends and Creole Red. I'm a small scale onion grower compared to you and only ordered 3 bunches. They gave me free shipping which is nice. Earliest ship date they had was week of Jan 6. I'm paying a bit more than waiting for my local to have onions, and then it's mostly only 1015y available. I'm excited to try the Legends.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/18/19 02:22 AM

hey, i've down sized my onion growing from previous years...raised bed gardening doesn't allow it...onions directly purchased from Dixondale Farms are expensive, that's why i start bugging the feed store in November to order at least one box of Legends...and get this...the feed store had 2 boxes of 1015's, a box of reds and granex on the rack...no Legends...i grabbed a few of each for my vet and asked when the Legends would be available...he said "i've been holding that box in the back so you could have 1st pick"...i about fainted...what a nice guy...Boles Feed Store / Nacog...Justin Lee/owner...check it out on Facebook if you do that stuff...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/21/19 01:14 AM

Do any of yall grow garlic? A couple google searches says I might be late planting now, best Oct-Nov? Any particular variety and tips you have would be appreciated.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/22/19 05:45 PM

I break the cloves apart and plant around the edges of my raised beds and let them go. Most produce.
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/26/19 06:21 AM

I have a bed of garlic every year (California Early and Ajo Rojo) but have always planted mine around the 3rd week of Oct, so can't give advice on late planting. If you have the space, I'd experiment with a head of garlic but wouldn't go "all out". Gut feeling is that you'd get smaller bulbs. CA Early (softneck) is a pretty easy and dependable garlic to grow but that's probably the same garlic you get at the store.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/26/19 10:53 PM

Yeah I planned this too late. Most places are sold out of garlic.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/19 04:21 PM

i have multiple heads of broccoli gettin' close to bloom...how do i store'm...freeze'm for cooking later???...do i havta blanche'm???
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/19 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
i have multiple heads of broccoli gettin' close to bloom...how do i store'm...freeze'm for cooking later???...do i havta blanche'm???


I have tried many ways,, blanch and flash freeze,, but i would just plan on eating fresh broccoli for a few days. Harvest one every other day
.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/19 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Yeah I planned this too late. Most places are sold out of garlic.

Several years ago read you could plant the ones from the grocery store, they made big heads but the cloves were so thin they were useless. Might try planting a head's worth to see what happens.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/19 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by fmrmbmlm
Originally Posted by Derek &#128029;
Yeah I planned this too late. Most places are sold out of garlic.

Several years ago read you could plant the ones from the grocery store, they made big heads but the cloves were so thin they were useless. Might try planting a head's worth to see what happens.


thumb It's worth a shot. My onions come in next week and I will buy some at the store to plant along the edges. It's a $2.00 experiment, so why not.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/02/20 02:04 AM

Lets get the 2020 garden year started. What's everyone plan on growing this year? Here is my list so far with varieties and simple review if I've grown it.

Spinach:
Wife wants me to grow some. Going with Space and Bloomsdale. Never grown it before.

Onions:
Texas Legend and Red Creole - First year growing both.

Tomatoes:
Viva Italian - Great producer and flavor
San Marzano Nano - First year growing them
San Marzano (regular) - First year growing them
I'm a sauce tomato guy and not a slicer.

Cucumbers:
Jackson Supreme - Excellent producer, great for pickling

Squash:
White Scallop. Probably my favorite squash.
I'll probably add a crooked neck and zucchini, but nothing particular

Peppers:
Scotch Bonnet - Haven't picked a variety yet. They all did really good last year. Probably go MOA, WHP or Beth Boyd. Only growing 1-2 plants this year.

Jalapeno - Goliath: First year growing
Jalapeno - Zapotec - First year growing
Jalapeno - I'll do a mammoth or mucho nacho but haven't decided yet.

Butch T - eeks Got some free seeds so why not

Serrano - Hot Rod F1 - First time growing

Bell Pepper - King Arthur - First time gowing

That's pretty much it. I'm pretty sure I'll have some extra space so I'll add something. As you can see I'm growing a lot for the first time. Which is pretty typical for me. I try different varieties a lot.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/02/20 03:05 AM

raised bed north / bin #...1.red bell / jalapeno peppers...2.str8 nek/zucchini squash...3.sweet slice cucumbers...4.red potatoes...then cream peas

south / bin#...1.porter/celebrity maters...2.& 3.contender/roma II green beans/purple hulls...4.g-90 corn

TX legend onions (planted Dec 12th) / carrots along the side of south bins

i froze a BUNCH of red jalapenos to make pepper jelly all year long and froze red bell peppers to make fajitas / stuffed bell peppers all year...froze many bags of green beans / purple hulls to last till next harvest...i've got a bunch of heads of broccoli / cabbage doin' good...hoping for colored cauliflower, but coming along very slow
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/02/20 03:30 AM

Better get some cold weather soon or we aint gonna have no peaches this year. Unless you have a low-chill hour variety,which I don't. Mine needs a cold winter to produce well.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/08/20 12:57 AM

I typically use the paper towel method for germing hot pepper seeds. I'm using coffee filters this year. Same method. Spray a filter down with some water. Not soaking wet, just moist. Lay the seeds out. Cover with another damp filter. Put in a plastic bag and place in an area that is 85-90 degrees. On top of my dvr in an enclosed tv stand is 90 degrees is where mine are.

But here is the secret. Soak the seeds overnight in Potassium Nitrate. Link is below. It makes a quart and will last a long time. The made up mix doesn't spoil. Mix it in a quart jar and use what you need and put up in a cabinet to use next year. I've had excellent results using it to germ pepper seeds.

Soaked my seeds Friday night and put them in the filters Saturday morning. Half of my pepper varieties have roots. Which is really good for 3 days. Here is a couple pics of one of them. I'll make a soil tray and pick the off with tweezers and plant about 1/8" deep or so. Keep them warm and in a couple days a plant will sprout.

https://pepperhead.com/shop/seed-germination-accelerator/


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Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/20 02:53 AM


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Been picking broccoli, cabbage,kale,and brussel sprouts from outside and kale and lettuce from inside .The tomato plants are starting to load up, this is a first attempt at determinent in t [Linked Image]
I' he greenhouse, so far looking really promiseing.The overwinter reapers are putting on new growth. [Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/20 04:28 AM

Looking great! Which determinate tomato are you trying out? Last year I grew Chico III and Viva. Pretty true determinates and I was pretty impressed with the results.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/20 08:01 PM

bush early girl and bush beefsteak
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/20 02:55 AM

Starting some peppers for a friend. eeks Hope they all germ.
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/20 12:32 PM

started these 1/9...will move to garden inside wall-o-waters 2/13...left to right...cukes / jalapenos (barely up) / Porters

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/20 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
started these 1/9...will move to garden inside wall-o-waters 2/13...left to right...cukes / jalapenos (barely up) / Porters

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What's a good rule of thumb for the date with the wall o waters?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/20 05:45 PM

no rule of thumb...i get the seeds up and put the plants in the W-O-W as soon as they get true leaves and roots established...most of the time, the maters are growing out the top when i take'm off and freezes are over
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/20 06:34 PM

Ok, thanks. I've got some tomato seedlings about ready now. You harden them off any prior to putting in the WOW or just plant them straight in?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/20 07:15 PM

this time of year with the cool / cold weather, i won't...the W O W makes it perty warm in there...make sure the W O W makes a tee-pee perty tight at the top...cold weather for a long period has frozen mine before after i opened up the top, but i've seen the tubes frozen half way down with the top tight and no damage...it's perty amazing
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/23/20 07:41 PM

Thank you sir.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/20 01:02 AM

greenen. I have a 3 pack of WOW that i'm not using. If you can use and want them PM me your address and I'll ship them to you.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/20 12:41 PM

Derek thanks for the great gesture and I appreciate it but I bought some last year and used them based on y'all using them and I'm good to go but I truly appreciate the offer.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/25/20 11:29 PM

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[Linked Image]coliflower in the tube and amending beds .English pea's , more cabbage planted today,more brussel sprouts and broccoli going in tommorow [Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/20 01:08 AM

Crapy my TX Legends are looking good. Planted on Jan 4th and today pics. I did buy some Ammonium Sulfate per your and their recs and applied some 2 weeks ago and will reapply soon. I planted grocery garlic on the outside edges and it's coming up good. Not expecting a lot out of the garlic as discussed earlier but I'll update the results.

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Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/20 07:39 PM

looking great for only 3 weeks growth !!
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/20 06:43 PM

Well , I was off-line for about a year (needed a break) . Just got back and headed to the bunker .

Think I'll stay here for a while . eeks

This week I'll be planting red and white onion sets , Buttercrunch lettuce , Bok Choi , Collards , Turnips , Radishes, etc .
(Plant radish around your squash-they deter squash borers.)

Probably won't be growing the mega-hot peppers this year since I'm getting older and losing my heat tolerance .Guess I'll have to settle for a couple of habaneros .

Hope y'all have a good garden this year . cheers
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/30/20 08:23 PM

Already have 3 berries growing on strawberry plants. Doing Chandler variety this year,was disappointed with Quinalts last year. Mandarins finally getting sweet,been too tart till now.They were fully orange in early December but just now sweet enough to eat.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/01/20 02:01 PM

Dear Derek,

Thanks

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Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/01/20 04:22 PM

First 100 or so have been sown. Some are for friends/family. 50 or so more to go.

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Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/20 12:15 AM

Sadly, my peach trees in Richardson started blossoming today. No peaches this year:(
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/20 12:20 AM

Siberman,

Does planting Radishes around squash work to keep the squash bugs at bay?
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/20 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by gjarman
Sadly, my peach trees in Richardson started blossoming today. No peaches this year:(

Yeah you should probably replace it with a high-chill hour variety. The buds aren't even swelling on my P-tree yet,much less blooming.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/20 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Originally Posted by gjarman
Sadly, my peach trees in Richardson started blossoming today. No peaches this year:(

Yeah you should probably replace it with a high-chill hour variety. The buds aren't even swelling on my P-tree yet,much less blooming.

You're right. This happens almost every year.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/20 01:03 AM

Originally Posted by gjarman
Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Originally Posted by gjarman
Sadly, my peach trees in Richardson started blossoming today. No peaches this year:(

Yeah you should probably replace it with a high-chill hour variety. The buds aren't even swelling on my P-tree yet,much less blooming.

You're right. This happens almost every year.

You probably bought a variety that was created(for lack of a better word) for warmer climates,,Florida,SoCal,Rio Grand valley,etc.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/20 01:04 AM

Originally Posted by gjarman
Siberman,

Does planting Radishes around squash work to keep the squash bugs at bay?


In my experience , yes. Leave a few radish around your squash and let them go to seed .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/20 02:18 PM

Nice start Chickenman. Looking good. thumb
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/20 09:49 PM

How far do yall space your onion sets in the raised beds?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/20 09:54 PM

I did the 2" method as I plan on pulling some early. Per Dixondale. I eyeballed it so I know my spacing isn't exactly 2" some probably 3".

Dixiondale planting guide:
Quote
If you want the onions to grow to maturity, space them 4" apart. If you prefer to harvest some earlier as green onions, space them 2" apart and pull every other onion during the growing season, leaving the rest to grow to maturity.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/20 09:56 PM

4 inches ... i built this gizmo for my G'twn garden so i can plant any seed on 4" spaces...i use it for peas / beans / corn / etc

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/20 09:59 PM

hey Derek, quit stealin' my thunder~~~!!!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/20 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
hey Derek, quit stealin' my thunder~~~!!!


roflmao I forgot to look if you were on. I knew you would be on it. Your post is much better with gizmo.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/20 10:49 PM

wanna go in partners on Shark Tank and we'll git richer~~~!!!...it does work really good for onion slips and any seed...not that i'm OCD...
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/20 10:53 PM

ok, i've added Bernese Mountain Dog wire, aka chicken wire, around the base of the hog panels to keep the turdhound from stickin' her head thru the wire squares and eatin' my veges...transplantin' maters/cukes/jalapenos and plantin' taters / carrots in a couple of weeks...gittyup

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/20 12:27 AM

Maters and peppers on the mat. [Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/20 12:50 AM

Nice! I like details. What varieties, did you start from seed, soil mix, ferts? Stuff like that.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/20 04:27 AM

Wow im behind
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/20 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Nice! I like details. What varieties, did you start from seed, soil mix, ferts? Stuff like that.



Ordered Burpee Bushsteak Hybrid, Celebrity Hybrid and Roma VF seeds this year to try some more compact plants. From seed, seed starting mix from Lowes. Started with 1/2 strength food as they developed first set of true leaves. Got a Bushsteak and Roma in the wall of waters for 2 weeks now.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/20 02:17 PM

I'm going heavy on Roma/Plum shaped this year. Viva Italia, Chico III. Grew those last year and really liked them. Adding San Marzano Nano and another plain San Marzano that is supposed to be a determinate variety, but doesn't have any special hybrid name.

What peppers are you growing?
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/05/20 02:56 PM

Jalapenos and a "hot salsa" one. I'll probably do a serrano later.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/20 02:22 AM

Had a small graduation ceremony tonight. Some peppers got to go from starter pots to big boy pots. They grow so fast. crying grin
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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/20 02:43 AM

flehan
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/20 03:58 AM

greenen or others. If y'all happen to be passing through ETown and want a plant, Here is what I'm currently growing and available. Super hots haven't graduated to bigger pots yet. Probably 2 weeks on those.

Bell Pepper
Goliath Jalapeno
Zapotec Jalapeno
Tabasco
Hot Rod Serrano
Red Naga
Reaper
BocxPrimo
Bahamian Beast Peach
Butch T
White Lightning
And only 1 Beth Boyd Scotch Bonnet available.

All have been inoculated (per say) with mycorrhizal and beneficial bacteria.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/20 01:39 PM

mine go from starters under the grow light to wall-o-waters n the garden...take a picture of the whole room you have the set-up in...bet it takes a lot of space
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/20 01:59 PM

Thanks Derek!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/20 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
mine go from starters under the grow light to wall-o-waters n the garden...take a picture of the whole room you have the set-up in...bet it takes a lot of space


It's setup in the garage. I know a guy that does Walmart shelving change outs. He gave me a 4' piece 4 tier shelving. So it doesn't take up much space. I have two rack of lights on it and can hold about 100 plants on the two racks combined. Good thing is the garage has two windows and is in full sun so it heats up nicely even on cold days, making for great growing conditions.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/20 12:13 AM

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A few brussel sprouts and a coliflower that's about 10 inches across.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/20 01:36 AM

do you pull the leaves over the plant???...or is it grown inside??? ... shore perty ... mine fizzled so my wife is gonna roast'm n the air fryer...
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/20 02:58 AM

Greenhouse in the hydroponics tube ,this is the second 1 . FirSt 1 was around 12 inches across and excellent table fare.. So right at 90 days old .
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/20 02:00 PM

[Linked Image][Linked Image]Pics from this morning. Mostly different varieties of Roma’s with some Jalapeños and Tomatillos mixed in.

Attached picture FC804155-55EB-428B-9A18-32B6A3B0E6F5.jpeg
Attached picture CD7B15D0-E58F-4614-AD83-456D47EABE99.jpeg
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/20 07:12 PM

W-0-W's up...red-Porters/green-cukes/white-jalapenos...will add Celebrity maters / bell peppers later...put in carrots / taters on 2/13

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/16/20 09:44 PM

Looks really good
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/20 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by gjarman
[Linked Image][Linked Image]Pics from this morning. Mostly different varieties of Roma’s with some Jalapeños and Tomatillos mixed in.


Awesome! That's a nice spread.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/20 05:10 PM

Thanks Derek. I've gleaned some really good advice here. I've been adding Alfalfa pellets to my garden in addition to composted manure, and I fertilize with Ammonium Sulfate. My Tomatoes were incredible last year. This year, I built a cold frame so I can keep the seedlings in the garden instead of moving them in and out of the house. That's been really nice. My staple Tomatoes are from Burpee: Big Mamma Roma, Little Mama Roma, standard Roma, Summer Girl. This year I've added a Seedless variety, and a Cherry Roma. Fun stuff, just wish my garden were larger. I'll give a bunch of these away to family, and may have some left-over. If I do, I'll put out a call on the TFF for anyone who wants to swing by and pick up some.
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/20 05:14 PM

I just started to germinate my seeds this weekend. All the basics, tomatoes, cucs, summer squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelon, corn, carrots, and a few I'm forgetting. Am I doomed from the get go?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/20 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by BCBassCat
I just started to germinate my seeds this weekend. All the basics, tomatoes, cucs, summer squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelon, corn, carrots, and a few I'm forgetting. Am I doomed from the get go?


That's a good list. I started my tomatoes a week ago, and my cucs and squash last weekend. I haven't gotten into growing loupes and melons. I just don't want vines all over my yard. They probably have more compact varieties available nowadays but I haven't looked.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/20 12:57 PM

With the 15th warmest winter on record to date it's very doubtful I will have a whole lot of peaches this year, it will probably be a bad year for pecans as well. Just not enough chilling hours I don't think we will break 600 hours below 45 degrees unless something drastic changes in the weather, most of my varieties require at least 750 or above. I need to get the tractor fired up and get the garden tilled in, I've been procrastinating.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/20 01:33 PM

David,

How does it play out when you don't get the chill hours you need? Do the peaches set then fall off before maturity, or they just don't set? My peach trees are in full bloom and the bees are working them hard.

Thanks..GJ
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/20 04:41 PM

the wife left all my babies out sunday night on the patio since it was gonna stay warm.bringing them back in yesterday i noticed the mice ate every dang pepper plant i had grown down to the dirt. my life sux
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/20 02:28 PM

Checked all my seedlings this morning and most have started to root. I will be transplanting to small pods with dirt this evening.

One question for you guys that start indoors. Is it essential to have some sort of light source for optimum growth? I was just going to put them by a window...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/20 04:41 PM

IMO a good light source is essential. Window sill lighting is short on the amount of light it provides, only provides light from one side and is filtered. Your plants will get long and "leggy" and not develop a good strong root system. We're not going to get nerdy on this and get into the red/blue light spectrum. All you need is a good bright light. You can go Fluorescent, LED, whatever. I prefer LED as it's cheap and doesn't put off much if any heat. Don't have to worry about burning my plants. The key is to use a bright bulb. 5500k minimum. I prefer 6500K. Here is what I use. I'm running them 16 hours a day.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNPL2VC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[Linked Image]

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/20 08:38 PM

Also it helps if you have a fan on them. You don't need hurricane force winds blowing on them. Just a light breeze. It helps stiffen their stems and they will be able to handle the strong spring winds once you plant them outside.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/21/20 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by gjarman
David,

How does it play out when you don't get the chill hours you need? Do the peaches set then fall off before maturity, or they just don't set? My peach trees are in full bloom and the bees are working them hard.

Thanks..GJ

You said it exactly like it will happen, you will see them get no bigger than 1/4" and then will stop growing, touch them then they just fall off.
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/20 01:59 AM

The cucs, zucchini, and squash are coming right along. The smaller plants are tomatoes, corn, or cantaloupe. Less than one week started


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/20 02:43 AM

Nice!

Cucurbits grow fast. That's your Cucs, zucchini, and squash. They are getting leggy. I'd get some lights on them. Tomato's are leggy.too. Sophie's Choice them to 1-2 plants per pod.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/20 03:22 AM

Just went and took these. Cucs and a tomato. You want them to pop up and start growing and expand growth. Set true leaves. They will do it in bad conditions, but your success rate of a good harvest is much greater if you give them what they need as babies.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/20 03:40 AM

I got one of the gardens turned, rowed, and covered. Feels good.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/20 02:48 PM

I don't have a tiller. I need a tiller.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/20 09:56 PM

Look what's back at HEB! bannana2

[Linked Image]
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/20 01:31 AM

Originally Posted by BCBassCat
I don't have a tiller. I need a tiller.


Come borrow mine. I'm on the north side of town off 428. Takes two to load and unload though.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/24/20 05:09 PM

Looking good everyone . I spent the last two days taking down a 30x100 high tunnel I got for a steal off market place .
Now I'm researching which direction I want it facing, site prep etc. I will take any advice you guys have. I will also follow up with you guys on this project.
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/24/20 07:29 PM

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/24/20 09:46 PM

50+ in cups plus the tray. That's going to be a good size garden BC. thumb
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/24/20 11:04 PM

I’m basing my growth on a 15-20% loss. Then I should be just right. Do y’all think this enough dirt? I’m on a half acre and the house and front yard are maybe 1/3 of that.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/20 03:24 PM

That's a good amount. How much of that is going to be garden, LXW?
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/20 03:54 PM

All of it. IDK wat LXW means...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/20 03:55 PM

Length x Width
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/20 04:48 PM

It's a tapered area, the posts that you see are roughly 5' apart. Wide area where the pic was taken is probably 25'. I'd round and say 17.5' x 50'
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/20 05:27 PM

You'll need to bring in some soil amendments. 10 cubic yards of compost will give you a 3" base at 1000sq feet. I would do double that. I would do a compost and garden soil mixture. To that per 1000sq feet I would add. 1 cu yard of Black Kow, 40lbs expanded shale, 40lbs lava sand, 40-50lbs each of dry molasses, and soybean meal (whatever size bag they come in, use the whole bag), 2-4cu feet perlite. If you have any neighbors that are about to scalp their lawns take their grass clippings, shredded leaves are awesome too. Till all that in. Have fun. grin
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/20 05:33 PM

I was going to focus on sweetening up the soil based on rows. That would make it a little less work, and less expensive eh?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/20 05:52 PM

It would. Layout your rows and figure out the sq footage of each and then you can figure out how much of each/what product to add. First year of garden sucks due to bed prep but after that it gets much easier to maintain.
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/20 06:01 PM

Thanks for your input, I'll try to keep posting as I go along. I did real well in MS when I grew veggies. Heck I produced edible cantaloupe, artichokes, tons of squash and zucchini plus all the basics. I do have a functioning tiller now, so that'll help.
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/20 02:34 AM

Got a little tilling done before supper. That was with an old craftsman tiller, very old. Did a great job.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/20 03:00 AM

Awesome job! Now lets mix in those amendments and get that soil to work. Clay soil sucks.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/20 03:08 AM

Wondering if my onions got bit last night, guess we'll see in a day or two
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/20 07:24 PM

hey Derek, or anybody...i want to plant something to draw bees / butterflys to pollinate my garden, but

NOT kill my dog that will eat ANYTHING (Bernese Mountain Dog)...

i have Mexican Sunflower, need 2 more...any suggestions...???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/20 07:36 PM

Purple Coneflower and Lavender
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/20 07:38 PM

u told me that, but my wife said they might be dangerous for Bailey to eat

...per google>>>

Although lavender itself is not poisonous to dogs, there are some circumstances in which eating lavender can be dangerous to your pet. Dogs can have negative reactions to lavender, or can eat far too much of the plant. In either case, your dog may start vomiting, scratching himself and experiencing diarrhea.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/20 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
u told me that, but my wife said they might be dangerous for Bailey to eat

...per google>>>

Although lavender itself is not poisonous to dogs, there are some circumstances in which eating lavender can be dangerous to your pet. Dogs can have negative reactions to lavender, or can eat far too much of the plant. In either case, your dog may start vomiting, scratching himself and experiencing diarrhea.


Same thing happens when I drink too much Natty.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/20 07:58 PM

You can go with red sage. I have what I believe is a red autumn sage. Blooms all year and bees love it.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/29/20 11:33 PM

2nd spot is done.

[Linked Image]


Asparagus it's actually growing! We'll see if I can keep it alive.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/01/20 12:22 AM

What’s the cover over your rows doing?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/01/20 01:58 AM

Weed barrier is all. I have little time to pull grass when it's in full swing. Low maintenance.
Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/20 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by chickenman
Weed barrier is all. I have little time to pull grass when it's in full swing. Low maintenance.


Is your cover plastic ? Couple yrs ago i bought some of that bed cover made of degradable paper for my garden . Works well after it starts getting wet . I put soaker hose on each row under the paper and just left them until gardening was over . All i had to do is turn on water when needed . Only thing is after it’s soaked paper tears easy so have to be careful .
Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/20 02:04 PM

Not doing a regular garden this year but gonna try some patio gardening in planter pots . For now just got some tomatoes and sweet banana peppers . Got to plant a peach tree and some grape vines this weekend . Debating on a jalapeño plant cause I don’t want the banana peppers cross pollinate and get hot and the wife never eats jalapeños anyway . Tomatoes are Cherry 100s’ and a Early Girl . Comes in pots I don’t need to transplants.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/20 04:19 PM

You can go ahead and plant the jalapeno. That is not how cross pollination works. The sweet pepper will not produce a hotter pepper this year if it is crossed. It will only produce the specific pepper from the mother plant genetics from seed this year. Now if it does get crossed and you we're to save the seed to replant. That seed would be a hybrid between the two peppers.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/20 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by RonL
Not doing a regular garden this year but gonna try some patio gardening in planter pots . For now just got some tomatoes and sweet banana peppers . Got to plant a peach tree and some grape vines this weekend . Debating on a jalapeño plant cause I don’t want the banana peppers cross pollinate and get hot and the wife never eats jalapeños anyway . Tomatoes are Cherry 100s’ and a Early Girl . Comes in pots I don’t need to transplants.

[Linked Image]


I don't think those pots are gonna be big enough for those maters. Both varieties get really big/tall.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/20 07:20 PM

12th - 13th
Start seedbeds. Good days for transplanting. Excellent time for planting root crops that can be planted now. Also good for leafy vegetables.

31st
Excellent for sowing seedbeds and flower gardens. Best planting day for above ground crops, especially peas, beans, cucumbers, and squash where climate permits.

Farmers Almanac instructions...so i'm planting more taters, transplanting peppers / maters, lettuce seeds...then finish everything on the 31th---cukes/Roma II green beans/corn
Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/20 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Originally Posted by RonL
Not doing a regular garden this year but gonna try some patio gardening in planter pots . For now just got some tomatoes and sweet banana peppers . Got to plant a peach tree and some grape vines this weekend . Debating on a jalapeño plant cause I don’t want the banana peppers cross pollinate and get hot and the wife never eats jalapeños anyway . Tomatoes are Cherry 100s’ and a Early Girl . Comes in pots I don’t need to transplants.


I don't think those pots are gonna be big enough for those maters. Both varieties get really big/tall.


At most these may double in size which is still ok for the pot size . I’ve grown the early girls before in the ground and they never got over 3-ft tall for me with about 2-3’ wide . The cherry tomatoes will get about twice maybe and if they do I’ll increase the climber basket to a 3-ft climber and that will be ok for patio tomatoes . I’ve grown them like this back about 10 yrs ago and did ok .
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/20 01:46 AM

Originally Posted by RonL
Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Originally Posted by RonL
Not doing a regular garden this year but gonna try some patio gardening in planter pots . For now just got some tomatoes and sweet banana peppers . Got to plant a peach tree and some grape vines this weekend . Debating on a jalapeño plant cause I don’t want the banana peppers cross pollinate and get hot and the wife never eats jalapeños anyway . Tomatoes are Cherry 100s’ and a Early Girl . Comes in pots I don’t need to transplants.


I don't think those pots are gonna be big enough for those maters. Both varieties get really big/tall.


At most these may double in size which is still ok for the pot size . I’ve grown the early girls before in the ground and they never got over 3-ft tall for me with about 2-3’ wide . The cherry tomatoes will get about twice maybe and if they do I’ll increase the climber basket to a 3-ft climber and that will be ok for patio tomatoes . I’ve grown them like this back about 10 yrs ago and did ok .

I plant early girl in those 200-225 lb. feed tubs, use 52 in. cattle panel for a cage and they hang over the top at least 3 feet.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/20 02:30 AM

Originally Posted by RonL
Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Originally Posted by RonL
Not doing a regular garden this year but gonna try some patio gardening in planter pots . For now just got some tomatoes and sweet banana peppers . Got to plant a peach tree and some grape vines this weekend . Debating on a jalapeño plant cause I don’t want the banana peppers cross pollinate and get hot and the wife never eats jalapeños anyway . Tomatoes are Cherry 100s’ and a Early Girl . Comes in pots I don’t need to transplants.


I don't think those pots are gonna be big enough for those maters. Both varieties get really big/tall.


At most these may double in size which is still ok for the pot size . I’ve grown the early girls before in the ground and they never got over 3-ft tall for me with about 2-3’ wide . The cherry tomatoes will get about twice maybe and if they do I’ll increase the climber basket to a 3-ft climber and that will be ok for patio tomatoes . I’ve grown them like this back about 10 yrs ago and did ok .

Maybe the pots are bigger than they appear on my screen. I grew Sweet 100s a few years ago and the vines got over 8 feet long.
Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/20 03:37 AM

Wow ! Can’t say I’ve ever seen 8-ft vines on any tomato plant ! What are you feeding them ??
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/20 03:51 AM

I'm with y'all. Those are both indeterminate verities. Not sure how you would control them. I'm growing determinates and love it so far.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/20 03:54 AM

Originally Posted by RonL
Wow ! Can’t say I’ve ever seen 8-ft vines on any tomato plant ! What are you feeding them ??


Lots of NPK and micros. smile
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/20 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I'm with y'all. Those are both indeterminate verities. Not sure how you would control them. I'm growing determinates and love it so far.


why do u grow determinates...???...do you plant another crop if the summer for fall production???...that's why i like Porters...grow till frost
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/20 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by RonL
Wow ! Can’t say I’ve ever seen 8-ft vines on any tomato plant ! What are you feeding them ??


I think I was using soluble at the time. These days I'm lazy and just use slow-release granular.
Posted By: Papa Stan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/20 01:32 PM

Thanks for the info Crapyetr. I planted seeds this year for the 1st time and have them on the porch taking in the sun. Tomato’s, cucumbers, squash, cantaloupes and jalapeño. Will get em in the ground here shortly.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/20 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I'm with y'all. Those are both indeterminate verities. Not sure how you would control them. I'm growing determinates and love it so far.


why do u grow determinates...???...do you plant another crop if the summer for fall production???...that's why i like Porters...grow till frost


I like the determinate height. I grew Viva Italia and Chico III last year and produced more tomatoes than I could keep up with. Most determinate Roma's are considered vigorous determinate. They stay small and bushy, but keep producing. This year I'm growing Viva, San Marzano Nano and another generic San Marzano that is supposed to be a determinate type, but doesn't have a special hybrid name.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/20 11:17 PM

For the organic guys, what do you guys fertilize with and how often?
Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/20 01:47 PM

I used this from Lowes : https://www.lowes.com/pd/Espoma-Gar...CPye-J7OnOgCFQSsxQIdgxILWg&gclsrc=ds
Directions are every 4-5 weeks . I tried staying in that range . However i also put down grubworm killer when i was making my garden before i planted . I can use the same fertilizer in my patio garden planters .
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/20 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
For the organic guys, what do you guys fertilize with and how often?

Medina Has To Grow
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/20 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by RonL
Wow ! Can’t say I’ve ever seen 8-ft vines on any tomato plant ! What are you feeding them ??


My Early Girls from last year. My cages are 6 ft.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/20 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by olefisher
Originally Posted by RonL
Wow ! Can’t say I’ve ever seen 8-ft vines on any tomato plant ! What are you feeding them ??


My Early Girls from last year. My cages are 6 ft.
[Linked Image]


I think it all depends on your container and how fertile your ground is . Back about 2-3 yrs ago i had a regular garden myself and i had poles with wires for climbing . My early girls got about 4-5’ tall at most . I thought that was pretty good being in West Texas soil cause i even put down over a dozen bags of cow manure and mixed it with the soil using a tiller . But never had much luck at alot of tomatoes or big ones . And where i planted it was full sunlight until about 5pm daily . I had soaker hose on both rows and all spaced accordingly . I had one plant that got big and rest stayed in the 3-4 ft range . If i see mine are struggling I’ll just have to buy a bigger pot but no way will i plant them in the ground this year .
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/20 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by fmrmbmlm
Originally Posted by Brad Hardt
For the organic guys, what do you guys fertilize with and how often?

Medina Has To Grow


That has always been a quality product. thumb
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/20 12:09 AM

The official 2020 garden has begun. 99.9% planted. I lack one Zucchini plant. Lets go!

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/20 05:53 PM

Great looking raised beds ! Where did you get those ? ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/20 05:57 PM

Amazon. 3 pack Lifetime Raised Bed. Part # 60069. They are stackable too if you want a deeper bed.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/20 08:21 PM

onions looking killer !
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/20 12:06 AM

Been very impressed with the Dixondale's this year. Following their recommendations on ferts and timing and having great results.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/20 07:38 PM

I have this broccoli plant that I planted last fall (way late) that never grew in the fall but came back this spring so I decided to see what would happen if I let it grow. It is 10x taller than the 5 other plants that are from the same situation. It started these yellow flowers two days ago which I thought that you needed to harvest the broccoli before it flowered. Problem is that in hasn't produced any broccoli yet so my question is should I let it go or should I pull all the broccoli plants and make my wife buy broccoli if she wants broccoli?

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/20 09:13 PM

i plant my broc in the fall as soon as i can get the plants, and eat them in Nov / Dec...i have had plants to do this...compost'm...they're duds
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/20 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
i plant my broc in the fall as soon as i can get the plants, and eat them in Nov / Dec...i have had plants to do this...compost'm...they're duds


Same here.
cheers
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/20 01:52 AM

Come on you shut-In's! Let see some garden updates!
Posted By: timbertoes

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/20 03:01 AM

soon,very soon ! just replaced chicken wire fencing to keep neighbors chickens out. they have destroyed several+ beet seedlings, bean strarts and 2 bell pepper. my covenants on deed say no fowl...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/20 04:01 AM

Originally Posted by timbertoes
soon,very soon ! just replaced chicken wire fencing to keep neighbors chickens out. they have destroyed several+ beet seedlings, bean strarts and 2 bell pepper. my covenants on deed say no fowl...


This is what I'm talking about! This is much better than the NextDoor app. Pics of progress would be appreciated and awesome.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/20 02:18 PM

Tx Legend onions / carrots on the insides

east > west taters / peppers / cukes / maters

[Linked Image]

east > west corn / roma II's (radishes mixed in) / maters

[Linked Image]

west > east porter maters / roma II's / corn

[Linked Image]

west > east celebrity maters / cukes / peppers / taters

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/20 08:55 PM

That looks awesome Crapy!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/20 09:05 PM

grassy...i'm glad u didn't get the awesome & Crapy backwards...we'll see how it produces...more pictures in a few weeks
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/20 10:24 PM

Here's mine

Tomatoes
[Linked Image]

Peppers
[Linked Image]

More Peppers. I like peppers
[Linked Image]

Cukes
[Linked Image]

Squash
[Linked Image]

Onions and Garlic
[Linked Image]

The beds with cukes and squash are next to each other. The way the water drains from rain keeps that area pretty moist. Creates a major nut grass issue. Drives me crazy. And I do not know of a product that will kill it that is approved to use in vegetable gardening.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/20 10:31 PM

i use Image to kill nutgrass in my yard...don't have a weed/grass problem in my raised beds...i put down sum thick landscape fabric...i used those raised beds u talkt me n 2 buyin' for flowerbeds...draw butterflys / bees...i hope

ur onions look better than mine...mine are not standing up like i want...rekon u got enuf cukes or do they not vine like mine do???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/20 10:51 PM

Image and or Sedgehammer with a kiss of MSMA mixed in is fantastic for lawn sedge control. But all say specifically not to use in gardens. I go overboard on cukes. The will completely fill that trellis up. I just cram as many plants in there as I can and let it go crazy.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/20 07:12 PM

[Linked Image]

From the left, 3 rows of various tomatoes, a row of tomatoes and Tomatillos, Onions and Garlic. Lower section has a tomato, tomatillo, Onions, oregano, Sage, Dill (small). Also have Cucumbers and Cilantro seeds planted. Jalepenos are in the front flowerbed so not in this pic.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/20 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
i use Image to kill nutgrass in my yard...don't have a weed/grass problem in my raised beds...i put down sum thick landscape fabric...i used those raised beds u talkt me n 2 buyin' for flowerbeds...draw butterflys / bees...i hope

ur onions look better than mine...mine are not standing up like i want...rekon u got enuf cukes or do they not vine like mine do???

Are your Legends bulbing, ours have big thick stalks but not many bulbs and they are small. They were a home run the last 2 years. Porter tomatoes were a bust last year, trying one more year. The improved made hundreds three years in a row with just 2 plants.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/20 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by gjarman
[Linked Image]

From the left, 3 rows of various tomatoes, a row of tomatoes and Tomatillos, Onions and Garlic. Lower section has a tomato, tomatillo, Onions, oregano, Sage, Dill (small). Also have Cucumbers and Cilantro seeds planted. Jalepenos are in the front flowerbed so not in this pic.



That's a good looking setup. thumb
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/20 02:49 PM

Thanks Derek. Yours looks great too. I've learned a lot from you and others on this thread throughout the years. We've got some great gardeners here.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/20 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by gjarman
Thanks Derek. Yours looks great too. I've learned a lot from you and others on this thread throughout the years. We've got some great gardeners here.


i'll 2nd that motion~~~!!!
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/20 07:03 PM

Got something eating my pepper and cucumber leaves at night. Lost 2 cukes already. 2 separate raised beds with tomatoes in the other one and they're untouched. Trying to stay organic and only using neem oil and BT later. Put out a pan with beer and have numerous pill bugs but I always do. Any thoughts?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/20 07:22 PM

I have similar holes in some of my pepper plants. Damage looks like it's from Leafcutter bees. But they don't do enough damage to kill them. You might try Spinosad. It works in a similar fashion to Bt. But it last much longer than Bt. Bt breaks down pretty quickly. Spinosad can last around 3 weeks or more.

https://www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/monterey-garden-insect-label.pdf
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/03/20 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I have similar holes in some of my pepper plants. Damage looks like it's from Leafcutter bees. But they don't do enough damage to kill them. You might try Spinosad. It works in a similar fashion to Bt. But it last much longer than Bt. Bt breaks down pretty quickly. Spinosad can last around 3 weeks or more.

https://www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/monterey-garden-insect-label.pdf


Roger that. I'll see if I can find some. Thanks!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/20 12:16 AM

Asparagus sprouted today. Had a large pot so I figured I'd plant some. I don't know much about growing it besides it will be a year before I can harvest some. Went with Jersey Knight crowns from Tractor Supply. Will learn as I go.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/20 12:29 AM

that'll eat in a day or 2...my nabor has a raised bed full of it...grows like crazy...
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/04/20 03:20 PM

Got the Spinosad in today. I'll get some on when it quits raining. Thanks!
Originally Posted by greenen
[quote=Derek 🐝]I have similar holes in some of my pepper plants. Damage looks like it's from Leafcutter bees. But they don't do enough damage to kill them. You might try Spinosad. It works in a similar fashion to Bt. But it last much longer than Bt. Bt breaks down pretty quickly. Spinosad can last around 3 weeks or more.

https://www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/monterey-garden-insect-label.pdf


Got the Spinosad in today. I'll get some on when it quits raining. Thanks! [Linked Image]
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/20 03:25 PM

I now have little baby cucumber, bell peppers, and my tomatoes are getting there.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

The weekend rains gave my onions a big boost. They are starting to bulb. Most of my cilantro has gone to bloom and is now drawing bees. Look closely and you can see a couple on there.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/20 03:45 PM

Kinda bummed my Golden Delicious apple tree didn't produce any blossoms this year.Its going into its 4th year. Tons of BB size fruits on my orange tree though.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/20 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Kinda bummed my Golden Delicious apple tree didn't produce any blossoms this year.Its going into its 4th year. Tons of BB size fruits on my orange tree though.



Satsumas do well in my area.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/20 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by bill oxner
Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Kinda bummed my Golden Delicious apple tree didn't produce any blossoms this year.Its going into its 4th year. Tons of BB size fruits on my orange tree though.



Satsumas do well in my area.

Yeah I would think the Katy area is right on the borderline for growing citrus trees.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/20 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by greenen
Got the Spinosad in today. I'll get some on when it quits raining. Thanks!
Originally Posted by greenen
[quote=Derek 🐝]I have similar holes in some of my pepper plants. Damage looks like it's from Leafcutter bees. But they don't do enough damage to kill them. You might try Spinosad. It works in a similar fashion to Bt. But it last much longer than Bt. Bt breaks down pretty quickly. Spinosad can last around 3 weeks or more.

https://www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/monterey-garden-insect-label.pdf


Got the Spinosad in today. I'll get some on when it quits raining. Thanks! [Linked Image]




Pyganic 1.4 is another good one. You can get an 8oz bottle on amazon and most places for $20.00 - Use it more as a contact killer. I was impressed with the results using it last year. It didn't kill adult squash bugs that well, but killed any of the nymphs very well. Also worked great on aphids and mites. I keep a quart spray bottle mixed up for spot spraying, but you can do a pump up sprayer full garden blanket spraying. Just do it at dusk and follow label mixing instructions.

https://www.7springsfarm.com/content/PyGanic-Gardening_Label.pdf
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/20 06:26 PM

Just fyi : if you buy seeds from big box stores and plan on a fall garden make sure and buy all you need now . The local Lowe's threw away all their seeds in early summer .
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/20 06:45 PM

Just ordered me some spinosad.
Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/20 02:55 PM

30 days ago i planted a peach tree with no leaves . When i planted i followed directions which included mixing a 5 gal bucket of water with fertilizer and pouring most in the hole before i planted the tree then i poured the rest of it on top after planting . I watered everyday for two weeks then every 3rd day now twice a week . Tree is covered in leaves and had a bunch of flower buds all over it but i never knew I’d get peaches for at least 2-3 yrs . This morning checked the tree and saw where some bug is starting to nibble on leaves and to my surprise found baby peaches !!

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: RonL

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/10/20 02:58 PM

Got tomatoes too from one patio plant . They’re little bigger than golf ball size .

[Linked Image]
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/11/20 08:09 PM

My very first Texas grown summer squash


[Linked Image]
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/20 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by RonL
30 days ago i planted a peach tree with no leaves . When i planted i followed directions which included mixing a 5 gal bucket of water with fertilizer and pouring most in the hole before i planted the tree then i poured the rest of it on top after planting . I watered everyday for two weeks then every 3rd day now twice a week . Tree is covered in leaves and had a bunch of flower buds all over it but i never knew I’d get peaches for at least 2-3 yrs . This morning checked the tree and saw where some bug is starting to nibble on leaves and to my suiuurprise found baby peaches

For the first 3 years you don't even want peaches, you want all the energy making that tree trunk as fat and strong as possible. Pick those off, think of it as your training your tree for supporting those bigger crops. Each winter trim it up to make it look like a bowl. Your gone need some big branches to support those peaches, otherwise you will stress and break those flimsy branches.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/12/20 11:04 AM

Look here at the trees on the background I try to keep the trees short and squatty. No limbs straight out the middle, you want the morning sun drying the dew off of those peaches. [Linked Image]
Posted By: DallasCrappieMan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/20 01:15 AM

Are you guys covering up your plants with the cold weather coming in tonight?
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/20 01:24 AM

Just water them heavy. They will be fine
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/20 04:37 AM

Looks like my fears are coming to pass regarding my peach tree. That warm winter we just had causes my tree to not set any fruit. Had plenty of blossoms but they don't seem to be developing into fruit.I see a few tiny BB size fruit but I doubt they will amount to anything. Had over 200 peaches on that tree last year.Giant tasty ones.Thinking about digging it up and planting a low-chill hours variety.
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/20 04:40 AM

Originally Posted by DallasCrappieMan
Are you guys covering up your plants with the cold weather coming in tonight?

Nah,they love it.My tomato and strawberry plants are going nuts.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/20 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Looks like my fears are coming to pass regarding my peach tree. That warm winter we just had causes my tree to not set any fruit. Had plenty of blossoms but they don't seem to be developing into fruit.I see a few tiny BB size fruit but I doubt they will amount to anything. Had over 200 peaches on that tree last year.Giant tasty ones.Thinking about digging it up and planting a low-chill hours variety.

I have 150 trees with over 10 varieties, some years it's nil. Some years its 90% yield. Its looking like 65% right now, here is a dilemma with a low chill hours variety, you can have a cold December, January and early February, then comes that warm late February 2 to 3 week span and they bloom, then comes that cold front at mid to late March and nips em all. It sounds like you got a good tree, you are not always gonna get a crop and the life span of a peach tree is only 20 years. I say stay the course.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/20 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by DallasCrappieMan
Are you guys covering up your plants with the cold weather coming in tonight?

I'll be covering mine, a light frost will stun the tomatoes for weeks. Went to Attwoods today on the way home from work and bought a bunch of 5 gallon buckets. If you loose them let me know, I'll let you know were you can get em real cheap to replace them. As in 36 plants for $14.50 - it's a long drive, but it's better than getting robbed at the two big box stores.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/20 10:38 PM

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/13/20 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Looks like my fears are coming to pass regarding my peach tree. That warm winter we just had causes my tree to not set any fruit. Had plenty of blossoms but they don't seem to be developing into fruit.I see a few tiny BB size fruit but I doubt they will amount to anything. Had over 200 peaches on that tree last year.Giant tasty ones.Thinking about digging it up and planting a low-chill hours variety.

I have 150 trees with over 10 varieties, some years it's nil. Some years its 90% yield. Its looking like 65% right now, here is a dilemma with a low chill hours variety, you can have a cold December, January and early February, then comes that warm late February 2 to 3 week span and they bloom, then comes that cold front at mid to late March and nips em all. It sounds like you got a good tree, you are not always gonna get a crop and the life span of a peach tree is only 20 years. I say stay the course.

I'm gonna give the tree one more year.If it does it again next spring its coming down. It did the same thing about 3 years ago when we had a warm winter. Its a big tree about 8 years old.
Posted By: DallasCrappieMan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/20 02:13 AM

Thanks guys. I took the safe route and covered mine last and tonight also. Looks like tomorrow night will be the worst as weathermen are saying a frost is possible in some areas. Hopefully I won’t lose any but 36 plants for $14.50 is a great deal. Definitely will be in touch if I lose them. Thanks for the advice.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/20 02:26 AM

Out of 16 years I've had peach trees I've had 3 years where I got zero, when I read up on them before I got into them there were some who said about every 3 years you won't have any peaches. That's why I went with different varieties, I bought from Freedom tree farms inTennesee and then from Womack Nursey in Deleon, Tx, I also chose them so that I start harvesting them in June with Texas Elbertas and then about every two weeks another variety come in all the way till late Sept with Fairtime Peaches. I started with 50 and planted 50 a year till I got to 200, i loose a few trees a year.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/14/20 12:39 PM

Cloud cover kept the temps up in the 40s last night, tonight is gonna be the cold one, and with the light winds its perfect for a frost.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/20 01:09 AM

Ok got a Homer bucket garden, maybe I'LL get lucky !
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/20 01:28 AM

Originally Posted by trlrman
Ok got a Homer bucket garden, maybe I'LL get lucky !


Nice! I'm interested. I still need to try this. How the rest of your garden looking?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/20 02:20 AM

Cabbage looks good ,brussel sprouts and broccoli too ! Tomatoes a little slow ,peppers still small except for the over Winters (reapers), just fertilized for the 1st time . Oh and legends lookin good ! Trying a couple artichoke for the first time ! The 16 or so Homer buckets are to protect from frost I hope ?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/20 12:35 PM

men are visual...that's what i tell my wife anyway...doesn't work...but u can send pikshurs...i covered my Porters just because yawl scared me

Originally Posted by trlrman
Cabbage looks good ,brussel sprouts and broccoli too ! Tomatoes a little slow ,peppers still small except for the over Winters (reapers), just fertilized for the 1st time . Oh and legends lookin good ! Trying a couple artichoke for the first time ! The 16 or so Homer buckets are to protect from frost I hope ?

wopics
Posted By: PanhandleBasser

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/15/20 06:29 PM

Glad I haven't planted my garden yet. It came a dusting of snow last night in the panhandle
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/20 12:43 AM

First time growing a Yellow Squash in a few years. I've been growing Patty Pan/White Scalloped. Planted one Yellow this year(front right). Coming along nicely. Hopefully these couple make it. I only have one male flower blooming right now. But plenty males that are getting ready to. And females are throwing off fruit. Should get a decent crop off this one plant. They got a little frost nip, but will be fine.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/20 10:56 AM

Had a pretty good set back with most of my transplants dying. A majority of the new seeds never did sprout I think due to heavy rain. I started a third round a few days ago. Even though I'm behind schedule, I think I'll be fine as long as there's no downpours. The frost from the other day did not seem to impact the established plants.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/17/20 05:16 PM

May be another frost north and west of metroplex again tonight
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/20 11:53 AM

No frost here
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/20 09:44 PM

All my stuff is stalled out. frown
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/20 10:00 PM

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Slow start but comin along
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/20 12:46 AM

[Linked Image]
My first ever artichoke
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/20 01:33 AM

Guess the changing weather did a number on my bok choi (Chinese cabbage) . Never really took off and it's already flowering . Broccoli , onions and collards are fine .
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/20 06:01 PM

Had 2 tomatoe plants that got a little frost bite even after covering with a 5 gallon bucket [Linked Image]
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/20 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by trlrman
[Linked Image]
My first ever artichoke


I grew them in MS with decent success. I let my garden go, the artichoke started to bloom, it was cool looking. I’ll find a picture and post it.
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/20 12:13 AM

[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/20 12:37 PM

that is wild looking ! Now I'll be torn ...eat it or let it flower ?
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/20 02:46 PM

I just pulled my broccoli plants and now have room for something else to grow. What would you suggest?

I have tomatoes, Mexi-peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and a little lettuce growing now. Wife suggested Asparagus but have never tried to grow it. I would also like to plant it against the fence since I heard it keeps coming back each year.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/20 03:09 PM

I planted some Asparagus in a large pot a few weeks ago. It has sprouted and coming along nicely. Down side is you can't harvest until next spring. Then you can only harvest a little, then a little more the next and so on. I went with Jersey Night. That's what Tractor Supply had in stock.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/20 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by BlueNitro
I just pulled my broccoli plants and now have room for something else to grow. What would you suggest?

I have tomatoes, Mexi-peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and a little lettuce growing now. Wife suggested Asparagus but have never tried to grow it. I would also like to plant it against the fence since I heard it keeps coming back each year.

eggplant ?
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/20 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I planted some Asparagus in a large pot a few weeks ago. It has sprouted and coming along nicely. Down side is you can't harvest until next spring. Then you can only harvest a little, then a little more the next and so on. I went with Jersey Night. That's what Tractor Supply had in stock.

Originally Posted by trlrman
Originally Posted by BlueNitro
I just pulled my broccoli plants and now have room for something else to grow. What would you suggest?

I have tomatoes, Mexi-peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and a little lettuce growing now. Wife suggested Asparagus but have never tried to grow it. I would also like to plant it against the fence since I heard it keeps coming back each year.

eggplant ?



Thanks for the suggestions. I planted some (2) Boston Picklers, a cuke, 2 crooked necks and then some asparagus.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/24/20 10:41 PM

You guys ever wonder what your carrots do when you're not looking?

[Linked Image]

My veggies get more than I do! bang
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/20 01:20 AM

Things are coming along nicely. These warmer days have been great for the garden! Tomatoes setting, tons of yellow squash setting(patty pan is right behind it), Cucumbers #Crocs are rocking! I picked these a little early. I like to pick a few early so the plants will put more energy into plant growth and not setting fruit. Bought an Apache Blackberry a few weeks ago. It's growing great. Most of the shoots must have been 2 years old. They are blooming and setting fruit like crazy.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
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Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/20 07:23 PM

Derek,

Your garden is rockin'. My cucumbers are WAY behind yours. Very Nice!!!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/20 02:17 AM

Originally Posted by gjarman
Derek,

Your garden is rockin'. My cucumbers are WAY behind yours. Very Nice!!!


Nothing special. Started the Cukes inside mid-Feb. So they had a jump start when planted. The ones on the right got nipped pretty good from the frost, and the ones on the left did better. Two separate varieties. Both putting off great growth and blooms. Trouble is weaving them out at a young age instead of growing up.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/20 05:48 PM

MONTHLY GARDEN PIKSHURS

celebrity / carrots / cukes / peppers / taters

[Linked Image]

porters / roma II green bean / corn

[Linked Image]

reversed...taters (dug a few 2 eat) / peppers / etc

[Linked Image]

reversed...corn / roma II green beans / porters

[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/20 01:42 PM

Looking good!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/20 11:33 PM

Crapy the TX Legends are legit!

[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/20 11:48 PM

i'm glad somebody can grow'm...mine sukt...this raised bed gardening doesn't fit my style...i think it's the soil, so i'm gonna work on it for next year

this is a couple of my crop in 2016 in Georgetown good dirt...i had over 50 onions that were 16" circumference...

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/20 11:52 PM

That's awesome!
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/20 03:51 AM

Progress

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/20 01:40 AM

dug a few taters 2dy...already dug about half as much last week...fixin' 2 plant Zipper Peas 2morrow in that spot...Roma II green beans are blooming...nuthin' like fresh beans and taters

[Linked Image]
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/20 12:31 PM

Peaches, corn, tomatoes and peppers looking good, had to replant Okra and it finally just broke thru
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/20 02:38 PM

[quote=David Welcher]Peaches, corn, tomatoes and peppers looking good, had to replant Okra and it finally just broke thru

Getting after it.
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/20 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by greenen
[quote=David Welcher]Peaches, corn, tomatoes and peppers looking good, had to replant Okra and it finally just broke thru

Getting after it.

David, what is the purpose of the coffee cans around your tomatoes?
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/20 04:10 PM

It helps with, expediting the growth in the early stages, keeping stress off the plants due to high winds, helps with watering, I fill it every day and it helps to keep cut worms off
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/20 08:15 PM

Looking awesome David. thumb
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/20 07:56 PM

What snap peas do y'all grow? My onions look about ready to pull and I was thinking of putting some type of green bean in it's place. This is the list off Texas A&M's site. I've never grown peas before.

Snap beans
Blue Lake
Derby
Early Contender
Goldencrop Wax
Greencrop
Kentucky Wonder
Tendercrop
Tendergreen
Topcrop
Posted By: kennerdude

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/20 08:06 PM

Kentucky Wonder here but they will stop blooming when it hits 100 plus. That’s been our experience for 5 plus yrs. They are a delicious bean though. I’ll usually mulch the soil mid May to help keep soil cooler. Use cattle panels about 5 ft high for em to climb on.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/20 08:26 PM

Do you inoculate your seeds?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/20 08:48 PM

peas or green beans...???...

i grow Roma II and Contender green beans...my Roma's are blooming right now...they don't get tuff and are not stringy...contender's are about the same...it's just a regular looking green bean where Roma's are flat / wide...they're my fav...

peas are a different critter...i grow top crop purple hull peas which are better than the regular blackeye pea...sure easier to pick...and tasty-er...i used to harvest black-eye peas with my combine, but that's a whole different story...

i planted Zipper cream peas today...never have tried'm but they are gr8 to eat...always had a bud that grew more than he could eat...his freezer was full so it was easier pikin'...pictures when they get goin'
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/20 09:13 PM

Green Beans. I'll check those out. cheers
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/20 10:58 PM

Blue Lake and Kentucky Wonders have always produced well for me. Pull them out around the 4th of July and b plant again at the middle of August.
Posted By: kennerdude

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/20 02:21 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Do you inoculate your seeds?


I did first couple of yrs but not anymore. I haven’t noticed a big difference.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/20 09:37 PM

Looks like my onions are ready to pull. What's y'alls method of drying them? I was thinking of cutting the stalk about an inch from the onion and setting them on my back porch for a couple weeks. I'm open to ideas from you onion experts.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/20 09:55 PM

Derek, u knew i'd respond to this~~~!!!

i pull about 7 or so, depending on the size and hang them like this until the tops are completely dry...then cut'm off with scissors and lay'm out for a day or 2 so the cut will seal...i've put them in knee-hi panty hose and hung'm n the garage or storeroom...or if you have an icebox in the garage, put'm n it...i didn't think you could do that with onions, but i've done it and they kept until we used them all...

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Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/20 10:40 PM

LOL,you boys need an old timey root cellar!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/20 12:38 AM

Thanks Crapy! I'll find something to hand them on. Went ahead and pulled them. I'm pleased with the results. Some big, some small. Red didn't do near as well.

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Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/20 02:22 AM

Those small ones are perfect for when you just need just a dash of onion in like a single omelet, a salad, or adding diced onions to your fried taters about 2 minutes till done.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/20 08:36 PM

The pepper family
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Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/20 07:53 PM

Brussel sprouts looking like palm trees
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The heavy rain and wind did a number on the onions [Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/20 08:12 PM

naa, ur onions were ready to pull and hang...they're usually dun by the 1st week or so in May...looks like u hava really good crop...bunch'm n groups of 7, hang'm, and take a pikshur...i wanna c'm...what variety???
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/20 11:00 PM

Legends , late start they are still growing !ĺ. Just now starting to get a few with caps .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/20 11:22 PM

if the necks are soft / broken over, they're dun...caps???...bolting into flowers...pull'm and eat'm...they won't keep
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/20 12:16 AM

Anybody have any luck saving collard seeds ?
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/20 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
if the necks are soft / broken over, they're dun...caps???...bolting into flowers...pull'm and eat'm...they won't keep

Yes bolt couldn't think of the proper term.
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/20 03:23 AM

Ok with all the rain we have had the leaves on my tomato plants are curling up. Is there anything I can do to help the situation?
All of my plants are Tycoon and are just loaded with blooms. If(I know they won't) all the blooms produced a tomato I could probably supply all of Graham off of my 6 plants.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/20 12:06 PM

The old timers say treat em with Epsom Salt, I say treat em with Miracle Grow, It also helps keep the bugs off. Mix up some Miracle Grow just like the box says in a 5 gallon bucket for every 10 plants and pour it all over them. Get it all over the leaves your giving foilar feeding to the plant, and it will fix it. Take a plastic coffee can and cut holes in the bottom, carry the 5 gallon bucket as you go along and drissle it all over those precious babies.
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/20 12:48 PM

Thank you David for the advice. I will do what you said today.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/20 02:36 PM

Probably Physiological leaf roll. Typically not that big of a deal. My Tycoon is in a pot and is rolling a little bit and it's setting fruit just fine. Being in this pot is about as stressful of a situation as it could be in too. Uneven moisture, nutrients leak out, etc.. My Viva Italia tomato is a notorious roller. I don't think it likes being trimmed. But the production is great and no other obvious issues. I'm a big fan of foliar feeding as well.

This is my Tycoon from this morning. Forgot to get a pic a pic of the Viva. I'll get one later today.

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Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/20 04:53 PM

Looks like for second year in a row no Porters, have to go back to the improved. I heard the original was better, but never got any as where the improved made several hundred on two plants until they froze.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/20 05:25 PM

i know how you feel...these are Improved Porters and i've fertilized with miracle grow / epsom salt twice and finally found a few maters this morning...so don't give up hope

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Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/20 08:46 PM

Seeing lots of fruits on mine....

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/20 08:52 PM

What kind of tomatoes are you growing BC?
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/20 09:04 PM

This one might be an Heirloom or Beef Steak. I mixed them when I started.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/20 09:14 PM

Nice. Looking good.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/20 06:58 PM

the wife just finished blanching 40 cups of Roma II green beans...3 - 16 ft rows...purple hulls are next...then contender green beans this fall...in the same 4x16 ft raised bed
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/20 01:59 AM

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/20 02:45 AM

Awesome! Beautiful girls. Is that Alfalfa pellets I see?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/20 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Awesome! Beautiful girls. Is that Alfalfa pellets I see?


Sure is.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/20 01:21 PM

Nice Garden, and yes those girls are Precious! What's the Alfalfa pellets for ? Chickens?
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/20 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
Nice Garden, and yes those girls are Precious! What's the Alfalfa pellets for ? Chickens?


I would guess a very good fertilizer!! smirk
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/20 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by olefisher
Originally Posted by David Welcher
Nice Garden, and yes those girls are Precious! What's the Alfalfa pellets for ? Chickens?


I would guess a very good fertilizer!! smirk


Love me some triacontanol.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/20 12:14 AM

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My volunteer coliflower are putting out some nice heads .Wish I had not thinned out about 14-16 of the starts I would be knee deep in heads.
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/20 03:43 AM

Is cauliflower the ghost of broccoli?
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/20 06:37 PM

The sign seems to be working.

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My wife found it on the internet and she said it was something I would say. Hell, I've been screaming it for months!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/20 03:14 AM

Goliath Jalapeno is the way to go if you want a giant jalapeno with decent heat. First year growing these and been very impressed. Just picked an adult and a younger one. Great flavor and heat. Beats the hell out the Mammoths sold at box stores.

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Posted By: 1ShotNoKills

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/20 01:06 PM

Text me a good foliar spray recipe.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/20 04:11 PM

First year growing Habanero's and Serrano's. Pleased with the results. The Habanero's are much bigger than I expected.

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Posted By: John175☮

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/20 10:31 PM

Hey derek. Is it too late to get some peppers going?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/20 10:48 PM

You can start now. The box stores still had a good selection of peppers last weekend. If you're going to grow them in a pot, use potting mix and not potting soil. June will be a good growing month. Depending on what you grow they might slow down production in mid/late July-August and pick back up when it starts to cool a bit.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/20 11:41 PM

White Lightning Bolt is one of my favorite peppers this year. Kinda has a Pepperoncini flavor and the heat of a hot jalapeño right now. Not sure what the heat level will end up being once they get stressed out a little. But I’m thinking Serrano heat or a tad hotter. And just an overall cool looking pepper.

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Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/30/20 08:53 PM

Years ago I grew a small pyramid-shaped Mexican pepper ( the name escapes me -started with an M ) near some habaneros and they cross-pollinated .

I have a large planter of pequins that re-seeds every year . I culled all but two of the volunteers and planted a hab with them . Seeing if I'll get some mini habs next year .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/20 04:46 PM

end of May garden growth

zipper peas then peppers (all kinds)

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hope some of this corn makes...going to replant after harvest

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purple hull peas up after harvesting Roma II green beans...peppers / cucumbers on the other side

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Porters maters on the right...Celebrity on the left

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/01/20 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by greenen
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Nice! I like details. What varieties, did you start from seed, soil mix, ferts? Stuff like that.



Ordered Burpee Bushsteak Hybrid, Celebrity Hybrid and Roma VF seeds this year to try some more compact plants. From seed, seed starting mix from Lowes. Started with 1/2 strength food as they developed first set of true leaves. Got a Bushsteak and Roma in the wall of waters for 2 weeks now.

First Bushsteak Hybrid. They're doing pretty good so far.
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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/20 01:16 PM

Awesome greenen!
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/20 02:05 PM

Derek those peppers look amazing. I have some japs, and some habs, Carolina reapers are close...

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/20 03:32 PM

That's looking great BC! My Reapers just started setting last week. Only hot that hasn't set is the Trinidad Scorpion, but it was blooming great this morning.

This is my BOC X Primo. The tail is wicked. These are going to be awesome.

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Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/02/20 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
That's looking great BC! My Reapers just started setting last week. Only hot that hasn't set is the Trinidad Scorpion, but it was blooming great this morning.

This is my BOC X Primo. The tail is wicked. These are going to be awesome.

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That scorpion tail might be a warning.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/20 12:25 PM

If I could just speed up the tomatoes
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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/08/20 10:17 PM

My peppers are still catching up from those cold spells but my tomatoes are starting to ripen.
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Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/20 04:10 AM

Derek/BC what do you do with those peppers? They have to be too hot to eat, I mean those are some of the hottest peppers there are.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/20 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by machinist
Derek/BC what do you do with those peppers? They have to be too hot to eat, I mean those are some of the hottest peppers there are.


I plan on dehydrating some and making a spicy chicken rub. I use the Scotch Bonnets to make spicy pickles. Scotch Bonnet is probably my favorite "hot" pepper.

In order as of yesterday. Finally got a Trinidad Scorpion to set, picked the first habanero, Reapers are rocking, so are the Scotch Bonnets. And a Red Naga turning red.

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Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/20 03:58 PM

Been getting a bunch of tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash and bell peppers. Waiting on my okra to start setting fruit. My lettuce quit growing in this heat but I got a lot of great salads (lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots and strawberries fresh from the garden) so I'm happy.

Cukes are coming in nicely and pickled my first batch last night. I have so many carrots still so I tried pickling some of them too. If I like them, I can probably get another ten jars with what I still have in the ground.

[Linked Image]

Thanks for all your help.
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/20 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by machinist
Derek/BC what do you do with those peppers? They have to be too hot to eat, I mean those are some of the hottest peppers there are.


That's a good question, I haven't a clue how to use them. It's been fun watching them grow, neat little plant.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/20 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by BCBassCat
Originally Posted by machinist
Derek/BC what do you do with those peppers? They have to be too hot to eat, I mean those are some of the hottest peppers there are.


That's a good question, I haven't a clue how to use them. It's been fun watching them grow, neat little plant.


I have seeds for at least the current top 10 hottest peppers in the world. I plan on growing them and dehydrating or preserving them somehow. I am going to have some type of shelf made to display them on and call it the wall of pain. I told my wife about this wonderful idea. She said it's pretty much the dumbest thing she's ever heard of and at best they will be able to be on a wall in the garage. frown
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/20 03:21 PM

BC I appreciate your honesty about the peppers. Derek I am pretty sure your wife is the smart one in your household.Lol
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/20 05:40 PM

Derek how did your grocery store garlic turn out?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/20 06:14 PM

They actually turned out really well. Granted I planted them way too late. I pulled them last weekend because I was tired of looking at them and cleaned up that bed to plant more peppers and tomatoes. But I was surprised the bulbs were good size. I haven't tasted one yet though. This year I plan to order some and get them planted in the fall.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/20 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
They actually turned out really well. Granted I planted them way too late. I pulled them last weekend because I was tired of looking at them and cleaned up that bed to plant more peppers and tomatoes. But I was surprised the bulbs were good size. I haven't tasted one yet though. This year I plan to order some and get them planted in the fall.

I've always used store bought garlic in my garden, but the cloves have been small. About a 1.5 months ago, my wife had some store bought garlic with massive cloves, I took 5 of them and planted them with the hope that by winter I can have healthy cloves to plant for next years harvest. The plants are now about 10 inches tall, so hopefully my plan will work. You gotta try...

I'll add that store bought garlic, whether small or large, is easy to grow and works well. I'm just tired of my particular varieties small cloves. They're more work to peel for cooking purposes.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/20 09:19 PM

I planted mine all along the outside of my onion bed. I was fertilizing my onions every couple weeks with Ammonium Sulfate. The garlic seemed to really love it too.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/20 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I planted mine all along the outside of my onion bed. I was fertilizing my onions every couple weeks with Ammonium Sulfate. The garlic seemed to really love it too.

I did the same thing. Ammonium Sulfate is my only fertilizer.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/20 09:54 PM

That's your lawn fert too right? Are you spoon feeding it weekly with low app amounts.
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/20 05:03 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
They actually turned out really well. Granted I planted them way too late. I pulled them last weekend because I was tired of looking at them and cleaned up that bed to plant more peppers and tomatoes. But I was surprised the bulbs were good size. I haven't tasted one yet though. This year I plan to order some and get them planted in the fall.


Awesome! Glad to hear that. Looks like you have everything you need for some kick a$$ salsa.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/20 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
That's your lawn fert too right? Are you spoon feeding it weekly with low app amounts.

It is. For the lawn, I probably apply 4 times a year. For the garden, every 3 weeks or so.

My lawn doesn't look healthy right now, so don't take any lawn advice from me...
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/20 03:22 PM

Interesting note on garlic that I read about. The size if the clove you plant will be the size of the cloves that grow. If you plant small, they will be small. Never knew that.
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/20 04:24 AM

Thought I would put up a pic of my Tycoon tomatoes. The heat hasn't slowed them down much if any. They are still putting on blooms and making fruit. I had originally decided not to cage them since they are bush type plants. Well when we had the 50mph winds it beat them up pretty good and I couldn't cage them then. They are 60 days old so I figure another 2 weeks before I start picking them. [Linked Image]
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/20 10:41 PM

Started my fall tomato transplants from cuttings about 2 weeks ago. They've all set roots and look to be doing OK. Anyone else grow your own?

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/20 04:29 PM

doctoring corn silks for worms...gittin' close 2 pullin' time

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/20 06:18 PM

Started getting some pickling cucumbers in but very bitter this year. Watered on a regular schedule and have good soil and compost in the bed. Disappointing.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/20 06:53 PM

Tomatoes looking good this year though. [Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/20 06:57 PM

Nice! I picked a ton of tomatoes this morning. I've made around 21 quarts of pickles so far. I have some ready to pick. I'll taste them and see if they're bitter or not.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/20 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by greenen
Started getting some pickling cucumbers in but very bitter this year. Watered on a regular schedule and have good soil and compost in the bed. Disappointing.


try Sweet Slice variety...wife made some icebox pickles out of suma the excess...i luv'm with ranch dressing

www.google.com/search?q=sweet+slice...846j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/20 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Originally Posted by greenen
Started getting some pickling cucumbers in but very bitter this year. Watered on a regular schedule and have good soil and compost in the bed. Disappointing.


try Sweet Slice variety...wife made some icebox pickles out of suma the excess...i luv'm with ranch dressing

www.google.com/search?q=sweet+slice...846j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Thanks. I'll try them next year.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/20 07:49 PM

it's not too late...i replanted already...if u can find the seed
Posted By: Aphac

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/20 01:17 AM

First time gardener here. Major problem with bugs eating my vegetables. I've never seen so many grasshoppers and they are eating everything in sight. Any suggestions on how to control them?
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/17/20 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by Aphac
First time gardener here. Major problem with bugs eating my vegetables. I've never seen so many grasshoppers and they are eating everything in sight. Any suggestions on how to control them?

Dust em and the area around your garden with some Diatomaceous Earth
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/20 11:20 PM

Tomato harvest is on fire right now. Dadgum Mockingbirds and the Habaneros are huge.

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Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/20 01:06 PM

Great looking hab.s !!!
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/20 04:17 PM

All my veggies are struggling right now. The intense heat from 10 to 7 is all I can figure is the reason.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/20 06:46 PM

what do i do to correct this on my next crop...???...all 14 ears were like this, some not as bad as others

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/20 06:51 PM

14 ears on 1st pikin'...NO worms either...mineral oil on silks work...maybe i put it on too soon and caused the problem above...???...sum ears are still on the stalk but may not make...going to replant soon and try again...the kernels at the base were really FULL...gonna b guuuuud chewin'

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Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/20 11:59 AM

Time for some hot sauce [Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/20 11:55 PM

improved porters finally starting to ripen...made a batch of salsa outta the first round...gonna save these and add until we can make hot sauce...takes 6 lbs...this is pertnere 3...the celebrities on the top suk this year...5 of 6 plants died...gonna grow another variety next spring (suggestions for eastx???)...but can always depend on porters...these "improved" are a hair bigger than the regular "porter"...pikt another 9 cull ears of corn (after the 14 last week) and pulled the stalks...ate 7 of the culls for dinner...hotdang, fresh corn on the cob...gonna replant this weekend to harvest in early October...dang i luv 2 garden...God is a good grower

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Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/20 07:25 PM

Do Doves eat tomatoes? Half my tomatoes once they turn red will have a hole in them anywhere from dime sized to half the fruit gone. It looks like something is pecking at them. Yesterday, I spooked a dove off when I walked out there.
Posted By: Bruce's

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/20 07:27 PM

Field Mice and Mockingbirds. I take mine as so as they start to blush.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/29/20 08:30 PM

Mockingbirds had a party in my Tomato plants while I was out of town last week. bang
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/30/20 08:19 PM

The cool weather and rain we had made my Tycoons blowup. I must have 20 or so tomatoes the size of a dime on 4 of my 6 plants.
I probably have over 100 tomatoes on the 6 plants. I have done tomatoes for 20 years at least and I have never had a crop like this.
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/20 02:37 AM

Originally Posted by machinist
The cool weather and rain we had made my Tycoons blowup. I must have 20 or so tomatoes the size of a dime on 4 of my 6 plants.
I probably have over 100 tomatoes on the 6 plants. I have done tomatoes for 20 years at least and I have never had a crop like this.


I agree best year I have ever had also!
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/20 10:13 AM

what a GR8 raised bed border...i will pass this picture on to friends who garden...thanks for sharing

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/20 05:43 PM

crapyetr's end of June pikshurs

pikt this mo'nin'...time 4 another round of hot sauce

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Porters on the right...Celebrity crop failure on the left, then cucumbers

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purple hulls near blooming / 2nd crop of corn barely up on the left [harvested 23 ears on 3 rows---trying 4 rows for fall harvest]...peppers / zipper peas on the right

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Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/20 08:45 PM

I always have crop failure or poor fruit set with celebrities, this year I tried the Determinate Grand Marshal and had really good success. I am going to plant another round of grand marshals along with the new yorker tomato for a fall garden.
Posted By: 30ft jon boat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/20 08:55 PM

i need a canned salsa recipe do you use citric acid,vinegar or limes
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/20 09:17 PM

I use vinegar. My recipe makes 8 pints and I use 1/3 cup of vinegar in the recipe. I've opened up jars that have been in the pantry over a year and they were fine.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/01/20 09:39 PM

here's my wife's recipe...i always add salt to taste...

6 lbs maters Porters
2 lbs onions Texas Legends
teaspoon salt
7 cloves garlic
14 jalapenos to taste

chop / puree to desired consistency
bring to boil, put in sterilized jars, water-bath for 15 minuites

makes 8 pts +/- ... keeps till i eat'm all
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/20 01:22 AM

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/02/20 01:57 AM

Nice haul BC! thumb
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/20 03:05 AM

My tomato plants look like sh!t . leaves curled almost like rolled tobacco but there are new blooms everywhere. New little tomatoes on every vine. I tried watering the hell out of them and that didn't do anything so I stopped watering for a couple of days and they still look bad. What can I say I got 10 nice ripe tomatoes tonight that are about the size of a baseball. Also the taste is great and they slice very good.
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/20 08:27 PM

I had a bad year also with my tomatoes. Celebrities and Romas. Planted 11 plants. 3 Roma's never produced a single Tomato. Everything else was stunted, but produced. The tomatoes were very small though. Last year I killed it. Had a great year. This year, not so much.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/20 11:13 PM

What type of Roma's did you plant? I planted Nano, Viva Italia and a common. All have done well. I was really impressed with the Nano's. They shot off a lot of new growth and blooms a couple weeks ago with the cooler temps and rain. Got 2.5" of rain today so we will see how they do. The Viva and Common are going downhill, but I expect that this time of year. Walmart had a couple common Bonnie Roma's a few weeks ago. I planted those to go into fall. They are looking good so far. I planted 4 Roma's total in spring. I've processed and frozen enough to make about 48-54 pints of salsa.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/07/20 11:54 PM

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/08/20 04:47 PM

i've never grown Zipper Peas before, being from westx...how do u know when they're redy 2 pik...purple hulls r easy...they turn purple
Posted By: Curt0407

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/09/20 01:15 AM

How do you keep the critters out of your figs? I have given up due to squirrels and birds.


Originally Posted by chickenman
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/20 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
What type of Roma's did you plant? I planted Nano, Viva Italia and a common. All have done well. I was really impressed with the Nano's. They shot off a lot of new growth and blooms a couple weeks ago with the cooler temps and rain. Got 2.5" of rain today so we will see how they do. The Viva and Common are going downhill, but I expect that this time of year. Walmart had a couple common Bonnie Roma's a few weeks ago. I planted those to go into fall. They are looking good so far. I planted 4 Roma's total in spring. I've processed and frozen enough to make about 48-54 pints of salsa.


Don't really know. They were Chef Jeff's that I got at Calloways. Where are you getting your Viva Italia?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/20 02:27 PM

I grow from seed. Ordered the Viva from Anderson's.
https://www.andersonseedandgarden.com/viva-italia-roma-tomato-seed.html

Ordered the Nano from Reimer.
http://www.reimerseeds.com/san-marzano-nano-tomato.aspx

If you order from Reimer and like Jalapeno's add the Goliath to your order. Growing them this year. Probably the best peno I've grown. Size, yield, taste and heat have been great.
http://www.reimerseeds.com/jalapeno-goliath-hot-peppers.aspx
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/10/20 07:18 PM

Cool. Thanks!
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/11/20 07:15 PM

I planted only bush tomatoes from seed this year. They're producing better than the transplants I used to grow. Took advice from here and used Spinosad once a week and Neem oil once a week and haven't had any of the usual pest problems. These are from this week. [Linked Image]
Posted By: RipDaLips

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/20 04:57 PM

My tomato plants are about petered out for the season. Had a good harvest overall, but now the plans are starting to die back with the heat.
Has anyone ever tried topping or cutting the plants back, say remove 2/3's of a plant and had them rejuvenate and make a for a fall harvest?
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/20 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by RipDaLips�

Has anyone ever tried topping or cutting the plants back, say remove 2/3's of a plant and had them rejuvenate and make a for a fall harvest?

The problem with that is you're racing against the clock. They probably wont start blooming and setting fruit again until late september,and north Texas usually will have the first freeze by mid-november.Thats only about 6 weeks,probably not enough time to ripen the fruit.
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/20 09:56 PM

Okay, I am asking for some help on black eyed pea pests. I have Aphids starting up and am treating them with soapy water and then rinse. I also have a bumper crop of Sting Bugs. What can I use to get rid of them without poising my pollinators?
Also I have some pea pods that are turning yellow then dry to a brown if not picked onetime. Some of the pods on the same plant turn purple like they are supposed to.
Posted By: avid_basser

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/20 10:00 PM

I've heard that DE works wonders on leafy plants for keeping bugs at bay.

https://www.diatomaceousearth.com/blogs/learning-center/john-kohlers-secret-to-organic-pest-control

We've used it on our hibiscus many years ago and it worked to keep the bugs at bay.
Posted By: BCBassCat

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/20 12:29 AM

It’s slim pickings but got one small cantaloupe a tiny ear of corn a few maters and peppers.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/20 12:42 AM

avid_basser, thanks for the information. My rows look like it snowed now. I read some the above articles and googled some more. I will see how it works and keep repeating it till I get them knocked back. Thanks again.
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/20 10:52 PM

Our Watermelons and Cantaloupe are finally getting ripe. I picked several this week and will have more ready soon. [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/20 10:55 PM

add some HOT biscuits & butter to those COLD watermelons and u'll have sum goooooood eatin'
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/20 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by Oldrabbit
Our Watermelons and Cantaloupe are finally getting ripe. I picked several this week and will have more ready soon. [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


That's awesome. What variety of Watermelons are those.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/15/20 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Originally Posted by RipDaLips�

Has anyone ever tried topping or cutting the plants back, say remove 2/3's of a plant and had them rejuvenate and make a for a fall harvest?

The problem with that is you're racing against the clock. They probably wont start blooming and setting fruit again until late september,and north Texas usually will have the first freeze by mid-november.Thats only about 6 weeks,probably not enough time to ripen the fruit.


My common Roma had shut down. Have some decent suckers shooting off so I'll give it a try. I have a little more trimming to do. We'll see how it goes.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/20 03:21 PM


That's awesome. What variety of Watermelons are those.

Derek
Crimson Sweet and Sugar Baby (the dark one) if I remember correctly. I also have some Black Diamonds and a Charleston Grey. I will have to look at the tag on the Cantaloupes as I planted 2 types, one of them is Canta Ananas Improved and they are not ready yet. Next year I will have some yellow meat ones if I can find the seeds.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/16/20 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by Oldrabbit

That's awesome. What variety of Watermelons are those.

Derek
Crimson Sweet and Sugar Baby (the dark one) if I remember correctly. I also have some Black Diamonds and a Charleston Grey. I will have to look at the tag on the Cantaloupes as I planted 2 types, one of them is Canta Ananas Improved and they are not ready yet. Next year I will have some yellow meat ones if I can find the seeds.

If you can find the seed try the old original Israeli cantaloupe, they are super sweet.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/18/20 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Originally Posted by RipDaLips�

Has anyone ever tried topping or cutting the plants back, say remove 2/3's of a plant and had them rejuvenate and make a for a fall harvest?

The problem with that is you're racing against the clock. They probably wont start blooming and setting fruit again until late september,and north Texas usually will have the first freeze by mid-november.Thats only about 6 weeks,probably not enough time to ripen the fruit.


My common Roma had shut down. Have some decent suckers shooting off so I'll give it a try. I have a little more trimming to do. We'll see how it goes.

[Linked Image]

You gonna shade them any? I'm going to cut a couple back this weekend and see what happens.
Posted By: Roller22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/18/20 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by greenen

You gonna shade them any? I'm going to cut a couple back this weekend and see what happens.

I might try that with mine as well. Planted a hybrid "Bobcat" variety and they have finished. Worth a shot, thanks guys.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/18/20 10:53 PM

shoulda planted Improved Porters...i pikt a dozen+ this morning...made fresh salsa...still a few on the vine...will produce till frost...right Derek???

that's the plants on the right

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/22/20 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by greenen
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by Snakeyes711
Originally Posted by RipDaLips�

Has anyone ever tried topping or cutting the plants back, say remove 2/3's of a plant and had them rejuvenate and make a for a fall harvest?

The problem with that is you're racing against the clock. They probably wont start blooming and setting fruit again until late september,and north Texas usually will have the first freeze by mid-november.Thats only about 6 weeks,probably not enough time to ripen the fruit.


My common Roma had shut down. Have some decent suckers shooting off so I'll give it a try. I have a little more trimming to do. We'll see how it goes.

[Linked Image]

You gonna shade them any? I'm going to cut a couple back this weekend and see what happens.


I'm not. I probably should. My Nano's that I didn't cut back are shooting new growth like crazy. I'll get a pic of them tonight.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/22/20 12:55 PM

My serrano's and habanero got huge. Made hundreds of peppers. The branches were starting to break. About 10 days ago I cut them back to about 6" or so. They have exploded in new growth and already blooming. Should get a nice fall crop.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: hook_n_line

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/22/20 01:02 PM

Syrup tub garden.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/22/20 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by hook_n_line
Syrup tub garden.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

I have about a dozen of those and a few wooden boxes well off the ground. I can't garden in the ground anymore.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/23/20 02:21 PM

My Nano Roma's have been putting on a ton of growth recently. I need to trim off all the dead growth.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/24/20 02:29 AM

Dang birds are working you over !
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/24/20 01:16 PM

Mockingbirds wear me out. I have a ton of tomatoes in the freezer so I have been letting them have those. I went to Galveston a few weeks ago. I had hundreds of Chiltepin's that would be ready to be picked when I got back. Got home and went to pick them. There were about 10 on the plant. Mockingbirds ate them all.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/24/20 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Mockingbirds wear me out. I have a ton of tomatoes in the freezer so I have been letting them have those. I went to Galveston a few weeks ago. I had hundreds of Chiltepin's that would be ready to be picked when I got back. Got home and went to pick them. There were about 10 on the plant. Mockingbirds ate them all.


Same here, I know of two mockingbird families that have been raised off of my garden this year.
Posted By: hook_n_line

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/24/20 07:29 PM

I ran a web of twine over my garden and tied strips of foil on it, That seems to have deterred them.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/24/20 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by hook_n_line
I ran a web of twine over my garden and tied strips of foil on it, That seems to have deterred them.

I used the netting and a fake owl. Still got in under the net. .177 pellet works great but that would be illegal...…..
Posted By: hook_n_line

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/24/20 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by greenen
Originally Posted by hook_n_line
I ran a web of twine over my garden and tied strips of foil on it, That seems to have deterred them.

I used the netting and a fake owl. Still got in under the net. .177 pellet works great but that would be illegal...…..


I think its the flash from the foil that gets them.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/25/20 02:44 AM

Originally Posted by greenen
Originally Posted by hook_n_line
I ran a web of twine over my garden and tied strips of foil on it, That seems to have deterred them.

I used the netting and a fake owl. Still got in under the net. .177 pellet works great but that would be illegal...…..

Yea I got some 25 and 30 cal pellets that work also !
Posted By: Papa Stan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/25/20 04:14 PM

Yep, I am having to do the same to my Roma's also.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/20 03:22 PM

Need some advice - I just put in this new bed (about 8'x8') and added 15 bags of cow manure, 5 bags of sandy top soil, 15 bags of compost and 5 bags of Miracle Grow Raised bed soil. I mulched it all up pretty good and then shoveled and tilled it all with about 2 foot deep of the native soil. What else should I add and till in before I plant in September?

[Linked Image]

I plan on planting my broccoli, cukes and zucchini so they don't crowd out my primary garden like this spring.

I also planted a Butterfly bush near this bed and my primary bed to help attract the bees. Will this help or should I have planted the Voltox bush?

TIA
Posted By: Snakeyes711

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/20 03:33 PM

^^^^^^ Sounds like you wont need anything else,soil should be plenty "hot" as is. Careful with that Butterfly Bush,its extremely invasive. Probably should have planted Butterfly Weed instead(asclepias tuberosa).
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/20 03:55 PM

I like to add perlite, vermiculite, and expanded shale to my raised bed mixes. Agree on the Butterfly Bush. You can plant a Sage as well. I have an Autumn Sage and it blooms all year. Bees love it. I also have a Rock Rose and some type of Coreopsis. I don't see honey bees on them, but Solitary Bees hammer down on them. Attracting Solitary bees to you yard is a very good thing to do. They are actually a much more efficient pollinator than honey bees. I have 3 solitary bee houses up and have around 20 living in them right now.
Posted By: hook_n_line

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/20 05:06 PM

I used mushroom compost in my raised garden and then planted sage, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. The oregano seems to stay in bloom as long as I keep cutting the seed pods and the bees love it.
Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/20 08:41 PM

Thanks guys - the lady at Calloway's said that I could trim the butterfly bush (shape it like my other hedges) in the fall and spring and it is manageable. I will add some Autumn Sage (can it tolerate a little shade?) and the perlite, vermiculite, and expanded shale.

I am also adding crappie carcusses in to the beds (bury them two feet deep so the cats/rodents don't dig them up) which I think helps a lot.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/28/20 08:55 PM

My sage doesn't start getting sun until around noon. Then it's pretty much in full sun the rest of the day. It can take heavy trimming too. My specific one is Cherry Queen Autumn Sage. I like it a lot.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/29/20 12:19 AM

Checked one of the solitary houses tonight. They are using them more than I thought.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/31/20 05:29 PM

Man I feel dumb. Never heard of solitary bees. Going to build one of those with the kids. Thanks for posting that.
Posted By: fmrmbmlm

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/31/20 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Checked one of the solitary houses tonight. They are using them more than I thought.

[Linked Image]

Are those tubes bamboo? When I looked up info on houses it said bamboo retains moisture and will promote a disease that kills the bee. I know nothing about this, just what I saw on the internet.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/31/20 06:55 PM

They do look like bamboo but I'm not sure. I'll look better tonight.
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/20 12:38 AM

Reapers are loading up and liking the heat! First gathering was a gallon bag ,peach reapers and scorpions just now really podding up . [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/20 03:51 PM

That's awesome! flame
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/20 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by fmrmbmlm
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Checked one of the solitary houses tonight. They are using them more than I thought.

[Linked Image]

Are those tubes bamboo? When I looked up info on houses it said bamboo retains moisture and will promote a disease that kills the bee. I know nothing about this, just what I saw on the internet.


I'm thinking that moisture would be a requirement in order to keep the bee larvae alive . I keep mine under the house eaves (so they don't get rained on ) and always have the tubes filled .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/20 04:06 PM

cheers
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/03/20 06:37 PM

I checked this weekend. I can confirm it is bamboo. I don't know anything if it's good or bad for their houses. I need to look into it.
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/20 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I checked this weekend. I can confirm it is bamboo. I don't know anything if it's good or bad for their houses. I need to look into it.


Don't buy the one at Costco. I did and its already fallen apart twice. Pure junk. They say for Mason Bees that the house should face South East for morning sun, but shaded in the afternoon and protected from Rain. Derek, sounds like you are doing it right. Also, you can actually take the eggs out of the tubes after they mate and store them in the fridge for nexst years hatch. Youtube it. Its pretty cool.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/17/20 12:20 PM

Anyone try anything like this to propagate plants?

https://www.gardenia.earth/products/px
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/17/20 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by Hancock
Anyone try anything like this to propagate plants?

https://www.gardenia.earth/products/px


I've had some success with wrapping a wad of peat moss around an azalea stem then covering it with plastic wrap . I think those would be worth a try .
As far as roses : just stick a stem into a russet potato then plant it . Hydrangeas are easy . Bury the stems about 6" deep and keep 'em wet until you see leaves .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/03/20 02:10 PM

planted broccoli / cabbage but covered them so the sun heat won't burn'm...i'll take it off after cool weather prevails

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/23/20 12:22 AM

Good first day of Fall pepper harvest.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Flip-n-go

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/23/20 01:14 AM

Nice haul! I got heartburn just looking @ that pic. roflmao
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/06/20 11:56 PM

Before my Uncle Rusty passed away he gave me some Okra seeds. Told me to plant em and enjoy, but make sure and save you some of the seeds. He told me you will never find Okra like this that grows big and stays tender and he was so right. some of these are 14" long and are so tender. PM me your address if your interested and I'll send you some stalks of this Okra, you dry em out, then de seed them and put in your freezer till next May. [Linked Image]
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/07/20 12:58 AM

PM sent on Okra seed. Thanks so very much.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/10/20 12:55 AM

Peppers are going strong. Making tomatoes but I have plenty so I’ll probably pull them soon.
[Linked Image]
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/10/20 03:24 PM

contender green beans blooming

[Linked Image]

cabbage

[Linked Image]

broccoli ... any suggestions for worms eatin' up the plants...i sprinkled Sevin Dust on them today

[Linked Image]

a mess of mexi-bell / sweet italian pepper / giant marconi

[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/15/20 06:11 PM

Pequin question. I have 2, 2 year old plants in large pots that I got a ton of peppers off last fall but looks as if my blossoms are dropping but the plants are healthy. Y'all cut them down to the ground after the first frost or leave them be?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/15/20 07:44 PM

I'm planning on just letting mine go dormant then cutting it to the ground early March.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/15/20 07:55 PM

And your garden pic you posted on the THF looked really good. You don't need to be going over there and hanging with the riffraff. Stay here in the Mothership.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/15/20 10:27 PM

Thanks and grin
Posted By: Roller22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/16/20 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
Before my Uncle Rusty passed away he gave me some Okra seeds. Told me to plant em and enjoy, but make sure and save you some of the seeds. He told me you will never find Okra like this that grows big and stays tender and he was so right. some of these are 14" long and are so tender. PM me your address if your interested and I'll send you some stalks of this Okra, you dry em out, then de seed them and put in your freezer till next May. [Linked Image]

Got them yesterday David. Thank you. Can't wait until spring. I truly appreciate your generosity.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/16/20 06:38 PM

All of ya'll who asked for seeds should receive them by tomorrow, and you all are welcome!
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/20 07:11 PM

David, I just got mine in todays mail. Thank you very much.
It only took the USPS nine days to get them 188 miles.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/20 07:17 PM

good therapy...snappin' contender green beans...blanched 22 cups now in the freezer

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/30/20 12:17 AM

Yo Crapyetr! When do you put your onions in the ground? Late Nov? I can't get Legend's locally so I pay a little extra and have Dixon send them to me. Legend is a good onion.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/30/20 12:46 AM

they start shipping the 2nd Monday in November...i put'm in the ground as soon as i can get them and start 21-0-0 every 3 weeks until they start to bulb...check out this order form...it shows shipping dates at the bottom of the order sheet...

https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.dixondalefarms.com/downloads/Dixondale_OrderForm2021.pdf

i also use this 10-20-10 when i plant the slips...only at planting...and start the 21-0-0 3 weeks later

https://www.dixondalefarms.com/product/onion-special-fert-12/growing_aids

find a feed store to order a box of TX Legends???...wholesale is around $35...i used to order for a feed store in Crockett...
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/30/20 12:48 AM

How do you guys keep the tops from freezing?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/30/20 12:37 PM

if i know a HARD freeze is coming, i mulch them with leaves/pine needles/whatever is available...i did have a freeze in Crockett that froze them back to the ground...thinking they were gone, i replanted, only to find out the bulb survived and i had a mess...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/31/20 03:27 PM

Time to dehydrate and make some spicy bbq rub. Got some reapers and some naga mixed in. It’s going to be flame

[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/02/20 02:48 PM

Those look good. I've put off picking mine since the weather is more moderate. I have a ton of japs on 2 plants and a salsa pepper full but unlike last year they're very mild. Hoping a few more days may heat em up a little.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/11/20 05:21 PM

Pulled my tomatoes and peppers yesterday. Think the tomatoes may have ripened but have onions coming in. [Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/11/20 05:44 PM

Nice haul! What's that on the top right counter. eeks
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/11/20 09:21 PM

Wine bottle stand from the Phat [censored] winery in New Braunfels. laugh
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/11/20 09:23 PM

Made some green tomato jalapeno chow chow relish. [Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/11/20 09:24 PM

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/14/20 03:27 PM

Loving these warm temps
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Roller22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/20 02:40 PM

Beautiful harvest
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/20 04:02 PM

broccoli / cabbage on the way...ignore the pine needles

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: trlrman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/16/20 01:43 AM

looking good guy's ! [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/21/20 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
broccoli / cabbage on the way...ignore the pine needles

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


I like pine needles
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/21/20 03:28 PM

When do yall mail order onion folks plant your onions?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/21/20 03:31 PM

farmers almanac says Dec 1st - 3rd

Start seedbeds and flower gardens. Good days for transplanting. Most favorable days for planting beets,

onions, turnips, and other root crops where climate allows.[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/27/20 02:07 AM

90 Legends and 20 garlic in the ground today. Let’s go!
[Linked Image]
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/27/20 04:06 PM

My local climate usually says late Feb for onions. I've tried 3 years in a row and have had poor results planting early.

Do you cover the beds or just don't get many freezes where you are?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/28/20 01:45 AM

I am a little early. Dixondale says 4-6 before avg last frost. So DFW would plant around Feb 1st. This is my second year planting onions in bulk. Per advice on here and others I planted first week of January last year and they did very well. So going a little earlier since they were available. Onions can handle mid 20's for a few hours and recover. Which we don't get very often. And down to 20 degrees for a couple hours I believe. La Nina is forecasted so we should be warmer than dryer than usual. We'll see how it goes.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/28/20 02:09 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I am a little early. Dixondale says 4-6 before avg last frost. So DFW would plant around Feb 1st. This is my second year planting onions in bulk. Per advice on here and others I planted first week of January last year and they did very well. So going a little earlier since they were available. Onions can handle mid 20's for a few hours and recover. Which we don't get very often. And down to 20 degrees for a couple hours I believe. La Nina is forecasted so we should be warmer than dryer than usual. We'll see how it goes.


Good luck! I may shoot for early to mid-January if the warmer forecast holds.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/28/20 02:52 AM

i'm plantin' mine next Tuesday per the Farmers Almanac instructions...the longer they are in the ground, the bigger they grow...they're tuff...they can handle the cold...ben there/dun that in my past few decades of gardening
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/28/20 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
i'm plantin' mine next Tuesday per the Farmers Almanac instructions...the longer they are in the ground, the bigger they grow...they're tuff...they can handle the cold...ben there/dun that in my past few decades of gardening


No doubt you know what you are doing for your area! I looked up the Farmers Almanac dates from the Dixondale site link, Derek is right on the Feb.1st date for 6 weeks before the last frost in our area (Mar17). Year before last we had around 12 hours below 25, I had them covered but they all turned mushy. Last year lost about half to an unexpected dip in temps.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/28/20 02:15 PM

my theory is, i can always replant and not loose anything; however, if i plant early and don't have a problem, then i'm ahead of the game...i do the same with tomatoes in February as soon as i can find the plants...with wall-o-waters...i've gardened this way living in Duncanville, Odessa, Crockett, Georgetown, and now, Nac ... every year, it's something different no matter where i am...that's "gardening"
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/28/20 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
my theory is, i can always replant and not loose anything; however, if i plant early and don't have a problem, then i'm ahead of the game...i do the same with tomatoes in February as soon as i can find the plants...with wall-o-waters...i've gardened this way living in Duncanville, Odessa, Crockett, Georgetown, and now, Nac ... every year, it's something different no matter where i am...that's "gardening"


Roger that, my theory is if it fails 3 years in a row try something different. hammer
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/20 05:10 PM

ReelBusy. I wanted to ask a few questions to get an idea on your growing situation.

Location
Raised Bed/In Ground
Added soil amendments
Type of onions
Fertilizers
What else do you typically grow.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/20 06:26 PM

I was specifically asking ReelBusy as I haven't seen him post here much and was curious. But anyone and everyone is welcome to play along.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/20 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
ReelBusy. I wanted to ask a few questions to get an idea on your growing situation.

Location
Raised Bed/In Ground
Added soil amendments
Type of onions
Fertilizers
What else do you typically grow.


Rainbow, TX 76077
Raised beds
I filled the beds with a variety of bagged top soil and raised bed soil, mushroom compost, manure compost, Homegrown compost and lately some sandy loam. Seems I was getting more organic material than soil.
Last season I planted Texas Legend, Yellow Granex and the Intermediate Day Sampler.
We usually stick to Medina, and DD soil conditioner, earthworm castings and compost tea. This past season I went with compost tea drench late fall and then planted with Miracle Grow organic fertilizer late Feb.
We also grew tomatoes, peppers, squash, green beans and herbs (basil, rosemary, thyme) The tomatoes did great, the onions and peppers not so good.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/20 09:57 PM

Nothing majorly shocking here. A little concerning since your peppers didn't do so good. I tend to find them easy to grow. Not a big fan of adding topsoil. You have a decent mixture though. You might look at adding some bags of potting mix. It's actually soil less. It will help you with with drainage. Works well in raised beds.

I like Medina. I used to use it. Compost Tea can be a good thing when made fresh, not a big fan of the commercial bottled products. Onions are nitrogen hogs the first part of their growing life. That's why dixon recommends using Ammonium Sulfate at the fert 21-0-0. I see you're going the organic route which is great. You could look at using Blood meal and or Feather Meal. Those are 12-0-0. Same goes with peppers and other. A little boost of nitrogen then you can move to a more balanced ratio. I think an Espoma Grow or their bloom product would work well for you. A product called Dyna-Gro - Grow product would probably work well for you. Lots of micro nutes in that product. Adding some blackstrap molasses to your soil drench will add some calcium, potassium, iron and carbs. Your soil microbs will enjoy those carbs.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/20 10:23 PM

Thanks for the advice! I have some trouble with that soil mix in that I had too much uncomposted organic material and was having what looked like fungus. That bagged soil is mostly wood chips and forestry by-products. I made a couple of barrels of compost tea and that seemed to help that issue.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/20 10:47 PM

The wood chips and forestry products could be a minor issue. They will tie up the nitrogen for a bit. This is typically done at the shallow level of the soil. That's why it affects things like garden plants, annual, etc and doesn't affect deep root plants like shrubs and trees. The soil bacteria will extract the nitrogen from the soil to use it to breakdown those wood chips. After the process is done nitrogen and other nutrients will be returned to the soil. So not end of the world stuff here. You might add a bit more nitrogen to help supplement any loss during the tie up process. You can also foliar feed nitrogen and bypass the soil all together to feed the plant. I personally like to foliar and soil feed.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/20 12:20 AM

My soil level drops as it decomposes, so I'll need to add to it before planting. Potting soil is best for onions?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/20 03:20 AM

As does mine. This is subjective. In gardening I don't look to top off with just potting soil, top soil(never), landscape mix, raised bed soil, etc. I don't plant a singular plant I'm trying to cater to. I'm not growing Cactus. So onions can KMA. Yes I do have a 4x4 bed dedicated to them. But I treat them like the others.

Don't top off the bed. Till the hell out of the bed. Add amendments like vermiculite, perlite, expanded shale, lava sand, whatever. Make it a nice light blend soil mix. Add soil mixes like compost, MG raised bed mix as needed to "top it off" Till the hell out of it again. Smooth out and plant. Adjust N/P/K as needed. And yes your mycorrhizae will be able to attach.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/20 05:31 AM

My mycorrhizae what? Will throw in some lava sand and shale along with premium store bought dirt
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/20 06:42 PM

135 Texas Legends n the ground 2dy...planted with my onion hole maker on 4" centers

[Linked Image]

onion hole maker invention...also use it 2 plant beans / peas / corn / anything on 4" centers...this was my G'twn garden where i grew that 16 1/2" TX Legend...made the Dixondale catalog~~~!!!

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/02/20 12:16 AM

Looking awesome Crapy. Love your onion hole maker/spacer. I used a pencil that I blacked out at 4" with a sharpie lol.
Posted By: Roller22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/02/20 01:49 AM

crapy - Nice work and great design of the hole maker.
Posted By: gregd

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/03/20 07:10 PM

Hi folks... looking for some advice for my daughter. We built a raised container garden that sits about counter height and is currently on the driveway in the back of the house. She is growing kale, swiss chard and broccoli. All was going fine and things were growing great with huge healthy plants. Then the neighborhood rats somehow found out about the garden 3 days ago and they have totally annihilated everything very quickly. They have stripped most of the leaves off the kale and chard and have started working on the broccoli. I went out last night with a flashlight and saw 4 of them scurry away.

I have had traps out for a while due to evidence of rats (not in the garden yet), and I have caught several. I just got back from Home Depot where i bought 5 more traps to spread out and try to get a few more each night. We sprayed some peppermint oil around the area but it did not seem to help. I saw online where you can take cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil and put them right into the containers. We'll try that tonight - along with the additional traps.

I took the bb gun out there last night but it will be hard to get a good shot off without potentially hitting something else (like the neighbor's house or car).

We've always had some rats come and go around here - especially this time of year. I don't think we will ever be able to truly eradicate them because they just keep coming. We are looking for more tips on how to keep them away from the crops. I guess we could build a chicken-wire cage to go over it. That would be a hassle to deal with but it might be the only way.

Any other experiences or ideas?

Thanks for any advice
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/03/20 07:42 PM

I've never used it. But have seen lots of people say they get good results with the 5 gallon bucket trap.

http://fivegallonideas.com/bucket-mouse-trap/
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/10/20 02:26 AM

I plant my onions a little earlier every year and haven't seen any problems. I only plant 100 or so transplants, so I can cover them when it gets really cold. Actually planted them today and trying a band of fertilizer about 5" below the onions. We'll see how it goes.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/16/20 02:41 PM

For God, who gives seed to the farmer to plant, and later on good crops to harvest and eat, will give you more and more seed to plant and will make it grow so that you can give away more and more fruit from your harvest.

2 Corinthians 9:10
Living Bible
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/21 07:09 PM

how's the garden lookin'...???...

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/21 08:20 PM

Outside garden looks like yours, or did this morning. The indoor germination room (dining table) is looking good. Wife is real pleased. rolleyes wife

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/13/21 11:46 PM

Let’s get this 2021 garden season going!
[Linked Image]
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/21 03:31 PM

My tomatoes should be popping up within the week. Peppers probably a week afterwards. 2 bunches of Texas Legend and 1 bunch of purple onions in the ground, and the garlic is about 3 inches tall now. Garden soil prepared. It should be a good gardening year.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/21 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by gjarman
My tomatoes should be popping up within the week. Peppers probably a week afterwards. 2 bunches of Texas Legend and 1 bunch of purple onions in the ground, and the garlic is about 3 inches tall now. Garden soil prepared. It should be a good gardening year.

About the same here.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/21 12:24 PM

Got 4 bunches in the ground on Friday, think I’ll go get one more bunch today. [Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/21 02:12 PM

looks like ur wastin' alot of space...onions only need 4 inch spacing

[Linked Image]
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/21 02:43 PM

I have one garden that is 75'x75', then another one 75'x25', don't think I'll run out of room.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/21 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
Got 4 bunches in the ground on Friday, think I’ll go get one more bunch today. [Linked Image]


Nice. You've put a lot of work into that soil over the years. It looks great.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/21 11:43 PM

Thanks, I've put sand, leaves, hay from the chicken coop, chicken poop, ashes, and grass clippings in it for 21 years, it was black gumbo when I first moved here.
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/21 05:56 AM

David are you getting your sets from Russell F&S?

I'd rather plant directly in the ground but I have caliche like 4 inches down. Such a pain.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/21 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by Perchy Perch
David are you getting your sets from Russell F&S?

Yes
Posted By: Perchy Perch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/21 05:03 PM

Thanks David.

I'm going the seed route in raised beds this year to see how it goes. The sets were for my mom as she's a bit newer to gardening.
Posted By: B-rader

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/21 03:56 PM

Derek, where did you get your trays from?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/21 04:13 PM

I bought Oak Leaf brand off amazon but they show they are currently unavaiable. This is pretty much the same thing at a decent price for a 12 pack.

Trays

Transferee 92 pepper plants to 4” pots yesterday. It’s a pain.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/21 01:17 PM

Not as high tech but have some ready to re-pot. Bushsteaks, Romas and peppers. [Linked Image]
Posted By: CCTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/21 01:34 PM

I solved my lawn problem areas with low cost Oklahoma Flagstone, gravel, decomposed granite, and paver sand.
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/21 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by greenen
Not as high tech but have some ready to re-pot. Bushsteaks, Romas and peppers. [Linked Image]


Those are looking great! What’s the bottom right one?
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/21 12:53 PM

Pack of basil seeds. My mother plant I've been re-rooting and keeping inside during the winter for 23 years finally played out this November.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/21 03:11 PM

23 years! That's impressive.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/21 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
23 years! That's impressive.


Correction. 3 years.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/21 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by greenen
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
23 years! That's impressive.


Correction. 3 years.


Not as impressive. But not bad none the less. grin thumb
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/21 02:19 AM

Screw winter. Let’s go!
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/21 01:13 PM

u better have wall o waters

[Linked Image]
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/21 05:18 PM

How do those work in 12 degree temps?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/21 05:31 PM

the vertical tubes of water protect the plants at the ground level...the picture above is after frost and the tomato plant has grown out of the top of the W-O-W and it's ready to be removed


this picture is right after i planted the tomato and the cold can't reach it...the top of the WOW folds in like a teepee and keeps the cold out/heat in

[Linked Image]

these are pepper plants

[Linked Image]
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/21 10:44 PM

I dont think the wall of water will work if we get in the teens and stay below freezing for 2 days. JMHO
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/21 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by greenen
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
23 years! That's impressive.


Correction. 3 years.


Not as impressive. But not bad none the less. grin thumb


roflmao roflmao cheers
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/09/21 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by olefisher
I dont think the wall of water will work if we get in the teens and stay below freezing for 2 days. JMHO


oh yes they will...i've ben using these things for decades...i've even seen the tubes of water frozen and the mater inside ok...
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/21 02:08 AM

Originally Posted by olefisher
I dont think the wall of water will work if we get in the teens and stay below freezing for 2 days. JMHO


I've had habaneros survive during a hard freeze / sleet . Sunlight warms the water in the tubes . As long as it's not cloudy you should be ok .

The secret is to put the teepees in the garden days before planting . This allows the surrounding soil to heat up before introducing your plants .

Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/21 02:17 AM

When the wall o' water's tubes are full , they lean toward the top and keep more heat from escaping . As the temps increase , the water in the tubes evaporates and the tubes open up (allowing more air circulation) .
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/21 02:21 AM

I would suggest keeping some Sevin dust handy . Fire ants love to build mounds inside the teepees .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/21 02:25 AM

ole Siberman has used'm for awhile...everthang he said above is 100% co rect...when it gets reallllllllllllllly cold, be shore to spread the bottom of the wow out so the top of the teepee is pertnere closed...cold air can get in'm and damage the plants...experience speaking...if it's ben dun wrong, i dun it...
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/21 03:52 PM

an ounce of prevention...onions r perty tuff...i've only lost one crop 10+ years ago in Crockett, but they even came back from 3 days of frozen ground

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/21 04:06 PM

I'm going to get some drop clothes and cover mine too. Cheap insurance.
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/21 02:18 AM

They are calling for 8° here for Monday night. I have two different types of leaf lettuce planted along with onions and cabbage, my strawberry plants have already greened up. I have lots of covering up to do on Thursday. One good thing is we are getting rain now thru Thursday mid-morning, so the ground will be wet and may delay freezing.
I do have a question about snow cover. Will it help protect the plants from getting below 32°? I have heard that it really helps but have never experienced it, we are supposed to get up to 5" of snow before the deep freeze.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/11/21 03:47 AM

Snow is nothing in TX. It only last a few hours to a few days at best. Actual temps is what you need to worry about. Forecast is multiple hours under 20. There are a lot of plants and vegetation that can can handle 20-25 for a few hours. We're lookng at below 20 for multiple hours. If you like it, I'd cover it.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/13/21 05:57 PM

Got the frost cloth over my onions in the raised beds 2 days ago. Hope they pull through. Had a 3 yea old fig tree budding out. I imagine it will die back to the ground again.
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/17/21 01:44 AM

It's going to be awhile before we plant tomatoes up in North East Texas. Just waiting to see if anything I had planted survives this week. I covered my onions in about 8" of oak leaves with a cattle panel over the leaves to hold them in place, put about the same over my strawberry plants in the raised bed. Put buckets over my red and green leaf lettuce and cabbage plants. I hope the snow on top kept the -7° from killing everything.
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/21 01:55 PM

I don't have anything out but onions and garlic. Still buried under the freeze cloth covered by snow. Don't imagine it will be good. I've thinned my seedlings and they're getting leggy. [Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/21 02:26 PM

I got the rest of my garden seeds started yesterday. Tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cucumbers.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/21 08:39 PM

What's the thoughts on Marigolds as companion plants for the tomatoes and cucumbers planted off in a different area?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/18/21 10:29 PM

I don't believe it would be very effective. I think they need to be planted close to them.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/19/21 01:38 PM

Yep I had them near last year and only went with BT and neem oil all season and it worked. Reading an article yesterday it was talking about getting the pests to move to the marigolds that were separated from the veggies. Got some seeds and I guess I'll put them near them again.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/21 12:47 AM

Originally Posted by greenen
What's the thoughts on Marigolds as companion plants for the tomatoes and cucumbers planted off in a different area?

Search for a book titled "Carrots Love Tomatoes" .
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/21 07:53 PM

rekon they'll make it...???

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/20/21 07:54 PM

Yours look like they made out better than mine. [Linked Image]
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/21 01:58 AM

My experience has been if they are mushy around the top of the bulb (it may take another day or so to see) they won't do well. Rip 'em out and replant
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/21 04:39 PM

I took the buckets off of my leaf lettuce and cabbage and it looks like covering them saved them. Should be able to get the Oak leaves off of the onions and strawberries later today.
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/22/21 06:50 PM

The old leaves started to yellow a bit yesterday. The newer leaves looked decent. Going to give the onions a few days/week and see how they look. The cold didn't seem to bother the garlic one bit. The two rows on the right
[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/21 03:25 PM

My garlic made it through as well but pretty sure my onions are toast.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/23/21 03:36 PM

I think my oinions are toast too. Going to give it through the weekend and see how they look. Peppers made it. Though they were living inside a cozy 72 degree house for a few day though.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/21 01:22 AM

I thought I had saved my cabbage, it looked okay when I took the buckets off. But I have lost several after the sun and heat fo the past few days hit them. I will give them a week to see if they come back, if not I will just replant. The yellow onions look a little bit weak and time will tell on them. Planting some red onions tomorrow before the rain sets it.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/21 01:26 PM

Putting tomatoes and peppers out this weekend in the wall o waters. They're getting kicked out of the house.
Posted By: COFF

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/21 02:17 PM

I planted some herbs and pepper seeds one week before freezmageddon. Will they sprout, or should I replant?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/25/21 03:12 PM

Should be fine. Tons of people and all seed banks freeze their seeds. The moisture on them and then a freeze could be an issue. It will be a while before they geminate though. Soil temps are around 50. I was pulling soil cores yesterday to send off and the soil was very cold.
Posted By: Stump jumper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/21 01:55 PM

I am going to dig up some potatoes today and see if the made it. Hopefully I don't have to re plant.
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/21 04:23 PM

Need some help. I put out broccoli and brussel sprout transplants last week. Within 3 days, all had been cut off at soil level. I'm thinking cutworms, but I didn't think they came out this early. Any suggestions?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/21 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
Need some help. I put out broccoli and brussel sprout transplants last week. Within 3 days, all had been cut off at soil level. I'm thinking cutworms, but I didn't think they came out this early. Any suggestions?


plant them in late August for a winter crop with cabbage & cauliflower
Posted By: Stump jumper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/27/21 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by Stump jumper
I am going to dig up some potatoes today and see if the made it. Hopefully I don't have to re plant.

All is good. Onion bulbs are sprouting and taters are fine.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/01/21 12:30 PM

My onions are looking good as well. I think the 3" of snow blanketed and insulated them from the -6 degrees at my house. The tips got a little brown, but I'm amazed at how they are standing up and looking good.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/21 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
My onions are looking good as well. I think the 3" of snow blanketed and insulated them from the -6 degrees at my house. The tips got a little brown, but I'm amazed at how they are standing up and looking good.

Some of mine have actually perked up a little over the past few days. May save a few after all.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/21 12:40 PM

All 142 Peach trees are all pruned, I loose a few each year, now to start spraying [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/21 01:39 PM

Looks good! What do you spray them with?
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/10/21 03:40 PM

A mixture of water neem, orange oil, and garret juice.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/21 01:04 AM

The largest garden is ready.

[Linked Image]


Plants are coming along.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/21 01:15 AM

Looking great CM!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/21 01:15 PM

Got the garden planted for the most part. Still have some to add to pots. Got peppers, squash, tomatoes, cukes in the ground.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/21 01:36 PM

Looks good! Your onions definitely made it through the cold better than mine.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/21 01:40 PM

I lost about 15-20 onions. I went ahead and replanted some and will pick them later. The cold didn't bother the garlic at all. I shouldn't have covered them. Everyone around here that didn't cover them all theirs came out fine. The heavy layer of snow seemed to insulate them prior to the bitter cold.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/21 03:49 PM

Derek : how does the plastic in those beds hold up to weedeaters ? I have a couple that can cut a small tree down . What brand do you use to trim around them ?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/21 04:06 PM

Very well. I'm using Shakespeare Ballistic 0.95 string on a Stihl. I weedeat around the boxes like a boss and haven't had any damage.

Lifetime model 60069 are the beds. Looks like pretty everywhere they are out of stock. Stupid covid.
Posted By: Jamoke

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/21 02:26 PM

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Finally the garden is completely in. As of yesterday all the seeds are in the ground, peppers, tomatoes, Cukes, Eggplant, squash all growing nicely. even a few flowers on them. Getting about a 1/2 pound of asparagus every Day.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/21 05:44 PM

That looks great Jamoke. Love the asparagus harvest.
Posted By: Jamoke

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/21 06:20 PM

Thanks, my main issues with gardening revolve around squirrels that my wife won't let me kill, and keeping our 14 chickens out of the garden. Other than that it has been very productive.
Posted By: Flip-n-go

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/21 08:39 PM

Jamoke, looks as if your fencing would keep out feral hogs too! Looks great, admire your ambition!
Posted By: Jamoke

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/21 11:30 AM

Mobile sheep panels from Belton feed store, easy to move and take down. Surrounded by deer mesh and poles from tractor supply. I have been reusing both for many years. It is a pain to get all the dried vines out of it every spring. The lattice for the peppers tomatoes squash and eggplant are handy panels from tractor supply held up by t posts also lasts forever. Squirrels can walk right through all that!!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/21 05:04 PM

16 ft of Contender green beans

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red taters, cukes, maters, peppers

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16 ft of G-90 corn

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froze onions, peppers, maters, cukes from the other end of taters

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/21 09:41 PM

Great setup. Looking awesome as always. You’re dominating! thumb
Posted By: J.P. Greeson

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/21 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by chickenman
The largest garden is ready.

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Looks like you fancied it up this year.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/21 12:34 AM

Tomato plant will be blooming tomorrow.
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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/21 11:58 AM

Got my first blooms coming out too. [Linked Image]
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/21 12:07 AM

Update on the main garden. One squash is flowering. Lost two squash randomly. Too tired to walk to the other two gardens. sleep

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Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/21 12:42 PM

Hard frost coming Wednesday morning. What's your plan Chickenman?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/21 05:40 PM

I have enough buckets to cover my squash. Going to completely plastic wrap my tomato cages and cucumber trellis. Peppers are small enough I can stuff their leaves into a cup for a night. Wanted 44oz but could only find 32oz. Should work fine though. Even If I can't completely cover them as long as there is a top on it, it should radiate enough of the escaping heat back downwards to keep them warm enough. That's my plan anyway.

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Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/19/21 11:17 PM

I bought 20 buckets last year got another 20 this year for the squash and peppers[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 01:30 AM

Looks perfect David. I’m rolling with this tomorrow night. Might lose a leaf or two due to damage but won’t lose the plant.
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Cucumbers will be more challenging. Going to wrap the lower foot or so in plastic. Insert garden bars and lay some cardboard on top.
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Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 02:15 AM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
Hard frost coming Wednesday morning. What's your plan Chickenman?


Cover what I can. Pray for the rest.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 11:53 AM

Water the heck out of them as well before you cover them, it's harder to change the temperature of water than it is air. In fact if you have anything that you can't cover, just set a water sprinkler on from around 3:00 am till 9:00 am you will be good.
Posted By: stuntmandave

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 08:06 PM

Looking at growing a few plants on my patio. I live in an apartment and have a small patio on the second floor. I was hoping to grow some peppers and herbs. Is this doable/does anyone have recs. on what's easier to grow since I'm new to this?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 08:20 PM

Is your name Luka? dance2

How much sun does the porch get.
Posted By: stuntmandave

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 08:33 PM

It gets a decent amount of sun.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 09:15 PM

You've picked two of the easiest to grow imo. Peppers and herbs. With herbs you can get some planters that will hang on your patio fence or pots. Some potting mix and you're ready to go. With herbs I will use dill as an example. I like to buy a plant or two and then seed the soil with dill seeds. That way I have herbs growing in different stages. A lot of herbs are also host plants for butterflies. Mostly Black swallowtail butterflies. So don't be surprised if you see a colorful caterpillar on your herbs. Depending on what herbs you grow.

Peppers are easy too. I grow a lot of peppers in 3 or 4 gallon containers I get at Dollar General for like $6-8. If you want to get nice and pretty containers go with it. Drill a few drain holes in the containers if they don't come with any. Again use a good potting/container mix.

Fertilizer keep it simple. Get miracle gro plant food. Get the one in a box that you mix with water. Follow the label directions. When your pepper plants get big and start to bloom switch to miracle gro bloom booster.

As we go into summer you might have to water your pots a little daily as they will dry out pretty quick. Right now around once a week water is fine.

Just go get what you like and get it planted.
Posted By: stuntmandave

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 09:22 PM

Awesome, Thank you!!!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 09:35 PM

I don't grow many box store plants. But a couple that I have. If you're looking for a jalapeno I like Mammoth. Big pepper and not a lot of heat and a good producer. The standard orange habanero that Bonnie plants stocks is a big producer and the Dragon cayenne is a good. If you hit some of the off the path nurseries you can find more exotics like scotch bonnets and many others.
Posted By: stuntmandave

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 09:39 PM

I'll start doing some research to see what's available around here.
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 11:31 PM

Lowe's has red Ghost peppers right now ( warning : not for the faint of heart) .
Posted By: stuntmandave

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/21 11:51 PM

Originally Posted by Siberman
Lowe's has red Ghost peppers right now ( warning : not for the faint of heart) .

Not trying to die
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/21 12:39 AM

Got them covered the best I could.
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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/21 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by stuntmandave
Originally Posted by Siberman
Lowe's has red Ghost peppers right now ( warning : not for the faint of heart) .

Not trying to die


What are you looking to grow.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/21 01:07 AM

I’m looking for Trinidad Scorpions and Carolina Reapers.😡
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/21 01:23 AM

skeeter22 in the house! Where you been bro? Been missing you in here. If you're serious about the TS and CR I'll check my locals and ship them to you if they have them. Shipped a number of peppers this year for the first time with great success. Your jelly is the best jelly.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/21 04:49 PM

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I should really come in here more. I see yalls intensive management gets squash and cukes about a month faster than me. These onions were planted late last fall, I mulched with pine straw for the big chill. I put tents and heat lamps on my figs so they survived as well. Planning to add bees, hoping they will help pollinate. We are trying an heriloom sweet corn this year that is supposed to be worm resistant, we will see about that. I have about 10 pepper plants I overwintered, they always have smaller peppers. Is that normal?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/21 06:32 PM

That's looking great Droyhef! If you want good pollinators for cheap get some mason/solitary bee houses. My dollar general had them for like $8.00 a couple days ago. They will naturally find the houses and setup shop. They only travel around 300yrds or so. so they love to stay close to the house and pollinate. I have a couple houses and each one is probably 75% full. Excellent pollinators.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/21 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
That's looking great Droyhef! If you want good pollinators for cheap get some mason/solitary bee houses. My dollar general had them for like $8.00 a couple days ago. They will naturally find the houses and setup shop. They only travel around 300yrds or so. so they love to stay close to the house and pollinate. I have a couple houses and each one is probably 75% full. Excellent pollinators.

I have 2 houses and got nada in them. The batch I ordered hatched and hung around a couple of days and left the county. Don't guess they liked my pollen sources.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/21 09:15 PM

When did you put them up? Mine are all natural solitary bees that found mine. I have all kinds of different ones that have setup shop.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/21 11:03 PM

Put them up late March and actually ordered and hatched 20 larvae from Crown Bees. Put up the houses in the best place I had in the yard and they hung out for a couple of weeks. Think the birds poached them.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/21 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by greenen
Put them up late March and actually ordered and hatched 20 larvae from Crown Bees. Put up the houses in the best place I had in the yard and they hung out for a couple of weeks. Think the birds poached them.


Oh I was thinking like you put them up last year and nothing moved in. Dude you're golden. Don't drop coin on cocoons. Just put up the houses. The natives will find it.
Posted By: Bullfrog2

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/21 02:22 AM

“I have about 10 pepper plants I overwintered, they always have smaller peppers. Is that normal?“

You fertilizing them? Get one with higher nitrogen for the foliage, once they start to bloom, back off on the nitrogen and raise the phosphorus/potassium to get the plant’s blood pumping

So I heard anyway. Also, throw a spoon of bone meal down around each one for calcium. So I heard too
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/21 03:49 AM

Originally Posted by Bullfrog2
You fertilizing them? Get one with higher nitrogen for the foliage, once they start to bloom, back off on the nitrogen and raise the phosphorus/potassium to get the plant’s blood pumping


^this #eggplantemoji
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/21 02:58 PM

I do the bone meal thing already, and ive got chicken litter for nitrogen. Also half a scoop of osmocote goes into each pepper hole. The chicken litter is old and mixed with shavings.

I didnt communicate clearly earlier. I am getting honey bees. I hope they like me somewhat and my garden. We have a little of everything and I need to cut back some, especially on chickens. If I get some good daylight the next few days ff work ill get good pictures. I have a bunch of bamboo I have to cut that died in the freeze. Should be easy enough to cut and bundle it for the natives.
Posted By: Bullfrog2

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/21 03:53 PM

Did you get the root of that bamboo? All of it? That’s a devil plant if you ask me
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/22/21 04:27 PM

No, i will never get rid of it. It was put here as a privacy block between here and neighbor and im fine with it. Every spring we just cut the shoots. This year it had to start over, shoots everywhere.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 12:02 AM

Heavy frost the other day. Looks like everything in this garden made it.

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Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 04:05 AM

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My onions and tomatoes are looking pretty good. I hope the hail doesn’t come tomorrow.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 12:03 PM

That does look good. I see you have some dill and basil there too.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by Droyhef
That does look good. I see you have some dill and basil there too.

Thanks, and I do. I don't have to plant them any more. They come up every year, wherever they want to, which is fine with me.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 01:08 PM

Looks great gjarman. What variety tomatoes are you growing.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by chickenman
Heavy frost the other day. Looks like everything in this garden made it.

[Linked Image]


Nice! Give me the row breakdown.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Looks great gjarman. What variety tomatoes are you growing.

Derek, I have Early Girl, Homestead, Rutgers, and Romas. Homestead and Rutgers are new to me this year. Usually I have Celebrities but didn't this year. Once the Onions are done, I'll go in with Corn, and thinking I might do some okra this year, which will be a first. I'm trying zuchini again after a several year hiatus. I get tired of the squash bugs. My Cilantro is incredible this year. Almost need a brush-hog for that. Peppers look pretty good. Cayenne, Jalapeno (don't remember the variety), and Aneheim.

I appreciate all the help/tips/tricks that I get on this forum. It's really made a difference in my garden.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 02:21 PM

I dumped last years tomato plants on the side of my house for a while. A few tomato plants have popped up there. They only get about 3-4 hours of morning sun at best. Going to see how they do in a low light situation.
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Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I dumped last years tomato plants on the side of my house for a while. A few tomato plants have popped up there. They only get about 3-4 hours of morning sun at best. Going to see how they do in a low light situation.
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They look healthy thus far. I bet they'll make...
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 02:52 PM

Yeah I think they will grow fine. Just curious how well and how much fruit they will set. I pumped them full of nitrogen yesterday to push growth. I'll switch to a heavy P&K does in a few weeks.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Yeah I think they will grow fine. Just curious how well and how much fruit they will set. I pumped them full of nitrogen yesterday to push growth. I'll switch to a heavy P&K does in a few weeks.

Does P&K help with creation of blooms and fruit?
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by gjarman
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Looks great gjarman. What variety tomatoes are you growing.

Derek, I have Early Girl, Homestead, Rutgers, and Romas. Homestead and Rutgers are new to me this year. Usually I have Celebrities but didn't this year. Once the Onions are done, I'll go in with Corn, and thinking I might do some okra this year, which will be a first. I'm trying zuchini again after a several year hiatus. I get tired of the squash bugs. My Cilantro is incredible this year. Almost need a brush-hog for that. Peppers look pretty good. Cayenne, Jalapeno (don't remember the variety), and Aneheim.

I appreciate all the help/tips/tricks that I get on this forum. It's really made a difference in my garden.


You can mix soapy water in a pump up sprayer and kill a large amount of the squash bugs. This works for most insects like them with the sucking mouthparts, for example harlequin bugs which will attack cruciferous vegatables like kale, broccoli and cabbage. It wont kill them over time, just the ones that you hit. My big issue with squash is vine borrers.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by Droyhef
Originally Posted by gjarman
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Looks great gjarman. What variety tomatoes are you growing.

Derek, I have Early Girl, Homestead, Rutgers, and Romas. Homestead and Rutgers are new to me this year. Usually I have Celebrities but didn't this year. Once the Onions are done, I'll go in with Corn, and thinking I might do some okra this year, which will be a first. I'm trying zuchini again after a several year hiatus. I get tired of the squash bugs. My Cilantro is incredible this year. Almost need a brush-hog for that. Peppers look pretty good. Cayenne, Jalapeno (don't remember the variety), and Aneheim.

I appreciate all the help/tips/tricks that I get on this forum. It's really made a difference in my garden.


You can mix soapy water in a pump up sprayer and kill a large amount of the squash bugs. This works for most insects like them with the sucking mouthparts, for example harlequin bugs which will attack cruciferous vegatables like kale, broccoli and cabbage. It wont kill them over time, just the ones that you hit. My big issue with squash is vine borrers.

Thanks Droyhef. I think it's probably the vine borers that get me. Will the soapy water work in them? They can kill a healthy squash plan within a couple of days. I have that Botulism stuff for the worms that eat cabbage, and that works great. I guess 7 dust or something like that might work, but don't particularly care for putting that on my squash. Probably will, but won't love it.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/21 03:25 PM

You can inject your vines with Bt. Same stuff you're using on your cabbage. I've never done it. But have read plenty of people doing it. In a nut shell inject the Bt a few inches above the soil every 10 days or so.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/21 03:53 PM

Onions and garlic are coming along nicely.
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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/21 10:39 PM

Onions look good! Mine are still a little bigger than a golf ball. Gave my buddy half the order from Dixon Farms and he brought me 2 baseball sized ones today. Gotta go poison his.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/21 12:22 AM

Originally Posted by greenen
Onions look good! Mine are still a little bigger than a golf ball. Gave my buddy half the order from Dixon Farms and he brought me 2 baseball sized ones today. Gotta go poison his.


I like the way your think. Did you hammer down Ammonium Sulfate on your onions like Dixon recommends?
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/28/21 11:51 AM

Yep. Mine that survived the freeze are very healthy and the bulbs are growing well just not as fast as his.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/21 12:41 AM

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Talk to me about bottom watering if any of you have any ideas. I have used soaker hoses, not super impressed. Ive got 9 raised beds and about 4500 sqaure feet of row stuff.
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/21 12:34 PM

Looks great Droyhef
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/21 12:53 PM

Looks good!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/21 04:00 PM

anybody know a place to buy a good counter-rotating tiller...they r few and far between in my searches
Posted By: ReelBusy

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/21 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
anybody know a place to buy a good counter-rotating tiller...they r few and far between in my searches


Depends on what is good. Troybilt dealer?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/21 08:54 PM

i train my corn to withstand wind...

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/21 01:43 PM

That was definitely some sustained wind yesterday.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/21 10:49 PM

nabor's onions...1st yr...really crapy soil but mixed mushroom compost in it and got a perty gud crop for a rookie...i'll let'm hang 4 a couple of weeks, cut off the top / roots...ready 2 store'm n pantyhose

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2008 crop in Crockett

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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/21 01:30 PM

So I planted 8 bundles of onions....im starting to stress over how to store them. I see the panty hose idea. Thats a lot of legs! Is it ok if they hang in the shade/mostly shade?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/21 01:33 PM

use knee-hi hose...easier 2 work with...b sure 2 tie between each onion so they won't touch...hang'm n the garage / storeroom...sun will scald the onion and ruin them
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/17/21 08:37 PM

14 seed taters produced this + 8 LARGE ones i've given away...good eatin' with last yrs Roma II green beans...planted purple hulls in the bed after harvesting

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/21 03:14 PM

Nice haul Crapy! My onions look ready to pick and garlic did great.

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/18/21 04:55 PM

yep, Derek, they're fallin' over...pull'm and hang'm...
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/21 12:01 AM

Went on vacation last week and the tomatoes exploded on my vines! Fingers crossed!!

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Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/21 03:49 AM

What a month!!
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/21 11:42 AM

yep, i've recorded over 14 inches out here n Nacog eastx...glad i hava raised bed garden

Originally Posted by olefisher
What a month!!
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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/21 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by olefisher
Went on vacation last week and the tomatoes exploded on my vines! Fingers crossed!!

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That looks awesome!
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/21 09:58 PM

First picking of squash, honey get the air fryer going
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Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/21 10:03 PM

Had a few onions fall over so I picked a few
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Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/21 11:11 AM

For those of you who freeze your onions after havest I assume you thaw them before cutting up? And do you wrap them before you freeze? Or just bag?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/21 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
For those of you who freeze your onions after havest I assume you thaw them before cutting up? And do you wrap them before you freeze? Or just bag?


we cut'm up with a french fry cutter and put'm n zip-lock bags...
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/21 12:10 PM

nice crop for the broadcast method of planting...scattered the little-bitty seeds b4 i planted the maters

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since i don't get enuf sun, i gave my nabor some Legend slips 2 plant...he's a rookie but got a few 2 grow...this is how i used 2 store my harvest...make nice gifts

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2nd pikin' of a 16 ft row...still have another row 2 pik...i pull'm up on the 2nd pikin' ... froze 28 cups on the 1st pikin'...will plant purple hulls next

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/21 05:04 PM

dang wind...2nd time this year...orta stand up tho...did last time...has just started tasseling

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/31/21 11:22 PM

First one. Freeze, cool temps and rain made it a spring to remember. [Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/03/21 11:56 PM

Thank you crapyetr for sending me the Okra seeds. Pulled the onions and replaced them with the Okra and they have germinated. thumb

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/21 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Thank you crapyetr for sending me the Okra seeds. Pulled the onions and replaced them with the Okra and they have germinated. thumb

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u r welcome...since i don't have enuf sunlight 2 grow them or onions, somebody's gotta do it...n Crockett, i had FULL sun...i had ONE plant every 5 ft and they grow like CHRISTmas trees until frost...the stalk was so thick i had to saw in down...and they don't itch when u pik'm...so i want 2 c results~~~!!!~~~here are some pikshurs from my garden in 2009

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/21 01:27 AM

That's awesome!
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/21 03:52 PM

What variety of Okra is that? I'm thinking about planting some in the next week or so. Those are huge plants.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/21 03:59 PM

Burgundy Okra Seed...many locations...google it
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/21 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Burgundy Okra Seed...many locations...google it

Thanks crapyetr!
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/10/21 10:09 PM

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/21 12:28 PM

Awesome haul David! How many did you plant, 1000?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/21 11:31 PM

It's been a good season. The rain has stopped so I'm running the sprinkler.

Not going in the BlackBerry business yet but maybe one day.

Medium Rare tomatoes are turning out. They're good but the Beefsteaks are better in my opinion.

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/21 04:42 PM


3rd blow-over...i'll plant on the south side from now on

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still got quite a few ears, just not much size to'm...and couldn't get to'm to put mineral oil on the tassels to keep the worms at bay

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Posted By: Bullfrog2

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/21 12:24 AM

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/21 03:35 AM

Looks awesome Bullfrog2. You're rocking! Keep it up.
Posted By: Bullfrog2

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/21 04:38 AM

Good lookin’ pup crapy!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/24/21 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by Bullfrog2
Good lookin’ pup crapy!


???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/21 11:02 PM

Super hot peppers aren’t ready yet. But Serranos, and jalapeno are, along with bells and trying to stay ahead of the mockingbirds on picking the tomatoes
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Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/21 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Awesome haul David! How many did you plant, 1000?

Sorry, been away for a while. I planted 4 rows 75' long. Filled the cellar up and crisper drawers in the garage.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/04/21 02:51 PM

how 'bout sum Porters [& a few Celebrities]

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Posted By: Jamoke

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/12/21 05:45 PM

Got a peach tree that has been about 5 years since I planted it. It finally looks like a tree. I have shaped it up to provide shade and So I could mow under and walk around it. The crown is 6-8 feet in diameter at the widest spot, I know I have not pruned it for production yet, It has a few medium sized peaches that I can see, but the center is pretty over grown. Now that it has a fair root system and about a 4 inch trunk, I want to really prune so next year can be more productive. Any advice would be appreciated. specific fertilizer, how and when to prune, I have never really grown fruit trees before. I have seen some pictures on google that look way too invasive. I live in Belton if anyone is in the area Thanks
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/21 12:26 AM

Prune in late January, keep 4 main branches going in 4 corners, keep the top middle empty so that the morning dew evaporates quickly, the dew will cause mold and diseases on the peaches, spray once a month during the growing season with neem. Spay in the fall with dormant oil, and then again after you prune. Do not let your tree produce 200 peaches, it will break, so you will need to thin out.
Posted By: Jamoke

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/21 04:53 PM

Thank you for the advice!!!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/21 01:20 AM

Picked some tomatoes and peppers today.
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Posted By: Notaguide

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/27/21 01:21 PM

I figured out how to grow cucumbers and cantaloupes this year. Can't even give them away anymore lol
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/05/21 03:18 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Picked some tomatoes and peppers today.
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That looks bad azz man
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/19/21 01:05 PM

i have some 1015 onion seeds a nabor gave me ... i get my slips from Dixondale ... if nebody wants'm, PM me with ur address...i'm guessin' u gotta plant'm on Oct 15th
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/20/21 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
i have some 1015 onion seeds a nabor gave me ... i get my slips from Dixondale ... if nebody wants'm, PM me with ur address...i'm guessin' u gotta plant'm on Oct 15th


nobody wants'm...???...ok Derek, guess i'll mail'm 2 u since u took my red okra...u throw'm away...i can't do that
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/20/21 01:22 PM

I'll take them. My BIL likes to start onions by seed.
Posted By: Jamoke

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/21 05:22 PM

Last year I shoved a couple of old sweet potatos into my tomato pots, at the end of the year when the tomatos died I had a nice harvest of great sized and flavor sweet potatos. This year, I just cut up about 6 sweet potatos into 5-6 pieces each and shoved them all over my garden. Every single one grew!!! Now my entire garden is covered in sweet potato vines, 25x35 Ft of vine, vines are growing on every trellis, and up every fence. I was going to dig them all up in November same as last year, I was reading that I can eat the leaves and that they are really good for you. Does anyone know If I start eating leaves will it affect the quality of the sweet potatos?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/21 06:24 PM

I wouldn't think it would affect the potato at all. The vines grows so fast that it will quickly and easily replace whatever leaves you pick.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/13/21 08:01 PM

I have sweet potato vines in my flower bed for decoration. They come back every year. They even came back this year after the rough winter. They are the last plant to come out over winter every year but always comeback. I've dug up some huge sweet potatoes out of my flower bed. I'm bored with them now and will kill them off when they come back next year.
Posted By: Jamoke

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/14/21 03:11 PM

Well, I picked about 10 8' sections of vines, the ones that were obscuring my ability to walk through the garden. I stripped all the good leaves and left about 2 inches of stem on each leaf. Soaked and agitated in cold water, then stir fried in a wok with sesme oil garlic salt and pepper. An entire wok overstuffed with greens cooked down to about a quart of finished product. The taste was fantastic, absolutely No bitterness, even a slight sweetness to the leaf, almost like a sweeter spinich. The stems were a little tough, I may pre boil the stems and blanch the leaves next time. Overall I am kicking myself for throwing away (feeding to chickens) tons of these greens in the past! I will be eating them from now on. They say they are a super food, 5 times more nutritious that the sweet potato, with antioxidants and possible cancer reduction in lab studies.

https://www.scitechnol.com/proceedi...c-diseases-and-promotes-health-6867.html
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/21 03:00 AM

Crapyetr. Got my Dixondale mailer in. Got me fired up. About time to plant onions. I plant on good Friday. Easy to grow. I'll blend in some 13-13-13 when I till up the beds. Just some Ammonia Sulfate after that. But you are the onion master.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/21 03:21 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Crapyetr. Got my Dixondale mailer in. Got me fired up. About time to plant onions. I plant on good Friday. Easy to grow. I'll blend in some 13-13-13 when I till up the beds. Just some Ammonia Sulfate after that. But you are the onion master.


huh...???...u mean the good Friday the day after Thanksgiving...???...r u goin' with TX Legends or mixing it up???

i plant whenever the Farmers Almanac says is a good day as soon as i can get my onions...prolly 'bout the same time as u do...i've still got onions n knee-hi panty hose hangin' n the garage...

why did the tff gardening thread email call me "craper"???...close enuf
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/21/21 03:33 AM

Email said craper because that's what it was when I hit the send button but then edited it. You'll only get the original email.

Yeah I hammer down the day after Thanksgiving. You're the one that got me starting early. And it has turned out great. I have onions left over too.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/28/21 02:16 AM

Crapyetr what's the 2021 farmers almanac say about planting onions/garlic this year?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/28/21 03:16 AM

the 1st shipment of onions is Nov 15 and you won't get them until the 17th so here's what the almanac says

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/gardening#2021-10-25

21st – 23rd
Start seedbeds and flower gardens. Good days for transplanting. Best planting days for fall potatoes, turnips, onions, carrots, beets, and other root crops where climate is suitable.

that's as far as the dates go right now, but that would be the soonest to put'm n the ground if u have'm...save the link and look after u get the onions delivered
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/29/21 01:28 PM

Ordered some more of the Legends but trying a red one this year too. Crapyetr do you use the trench planting method with the bone meal like Dixondale recommends?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/29/21 02:00 PM

i plant mine 4" apart, staggered, with a soaker hose in the middle...i use this starter they recommend...this bag will last FOREVER...use only at planting time...then 21-0-0 every 3 weeks until they bulb...and water/water/water

https://dixondalefarms.com/product/10-20-10-dixondale-onion-special-fertilizer-12-lb/
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/29/21 02:38 PM

Bone meal is meh at best. But I don't see where they recommend it. All I see is them recommending 10-20-10 then Ammonium Sulfate after that.

https://dixondalefarms.com/onion-planting-guide/
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/29/21 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
i plant mine 4" apart, staggered, with a soaker hose in the middle...i use this starter they recommend...this bag will last FOREVER...use only at planting time...then 21-0-0 every 3 weeks until they bulb...and water/water/water

https://dixondalefarms.com/product/10-20-10-dixondale-onion-special-fertilizer-12-lb/

Thanks!
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/31/21 11:57 AM

Any of yall near Brownsboro want some strawberry plants? Inthinned my raised bed, have 10 2 qt pots stuffes full of loose plants that i need to give away. I planted a 30' double row and re set the bed for next year. I can probably find homes for half on my own. Just dont know what to do with them.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/31/21 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
i plant mine 4" apart, staggered, with a soaker hose in the middle...i use this starter they recommend...this bag will last FOREVER...use only at planting time...then 21-0-0 every 3 weeks until they bulb...and water/water/water

https://dixondalefarms.com/product/10-20-10-dixondale-onion-special-fertilizer-12-lb/


Is your garage you keep yours in hot?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/31/21 12:12 PM

i put some in knee hi panty hose and hang'm n my store room...some i put in the ice box n the garage...others i lay out in my garage on a table...yes it perty warm...the best way is the panty hose method

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/06/21 10:56 AM

Peppers done. Cayenne plant put out tons of peppers. Jalapenos and poblanos not as much yield. Pepper sauce and hot sauce making done for the year. [Linked Image]
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/14/21 07:13 PM

Tuesday is onion day.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/21 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by greenen
Peppers done. Cayenne plant put out tons of peppers. Jalapenos and poblanos not as much yield. Pepper sauce and hot sauce making done for the year. [Linked Image]


Nice! I've taking the last couple years off of Cayennes and tabasco too. Going to grow them next year.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/15/21 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Droyhef
Tuesday is onion day.


Mine ship in two weeks. Gotta get my beds cleaned up and ready.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/16/21 07:17 PM

We haven't even hit winter and I'm already bored. So I started to layout my garden for next year.

Tomatos:

Martinos
San Marzano
Tycoon

Cucumbers:

H19
Jackson little leaf

Onions and Garlic:

Dixondale Texas Legends and Red Creole

Garlic – Don’t know the specific variety. It was given to me

Peppers:

Goliath Jalapeno
Tabasco
Chile De Arbol
Freeport Scotch Bonnet
P. Dreadie Scotch Bonnet
Peppadew (wife wants these)

I have spots for 2 more peppers haven’t decided which. Probably KS Lemmon Starburst and not sure on the other.

Once I pull the onions and garlic I’ll plant blackeye peas. Specific variety will be Pinkeye Quick Pick Southern. And maybe squash.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/18/21 02:59 AM

I got the onions, chicken litter is spread. Hope to get them in tomorrow Lord willing.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/18/21 03:05 AM

Originally Posted by Droyhef
I got the onions, chicken litter is spread. Hope to get them in tomorrow Lord willing.


Tell me more about this chicken litter
Posted By: Fish-ed

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/18/21 03:51 PM

I haven't got mine yet, but did get an email saying they shipped.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/18/21 04:05 PM

are yawl buying the Dixondale onions direct from them ??? i talked my feed store in Nac in to ordering them and the price is $2.75 / bundle last year...prolly more this year but sure not the HIGH price direct from Dixondale ... i used to order cases for a feed store in Crockett that didn't have a credit card...the feed store let me use their license # for wholesale orders and they would pay me back after the onions were shipped directly to them...a requirement from Dixondale...my advise is to talk to your local feed store and see if they will let you do this...i also did it in Georgetown and that feed store converted buying all of their onions from Dixondale...win / win situation
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/18/21 04:47 PM

I order direct from Dixondale. 5 of us go in together to get the price down. My local feed store and nursery aren't really interested in bringing onions in until at least late January and they only want to bring in 1015Y's.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/18/21 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I order direct from Dixondale. 5 of us go in together to get the price down. My local feed store and nursery aren't really interested in bringing onions in until at least late January and they only want to bring in 1015Y's.


IDIOTS...they don't know how to raise onions...go give them the crapyetr school of onion growing and a Dixondale catalog
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/19/21 03:10 PM

Yeah i paid the high price but I figured worth it to get them early and grow them big. I had my biggest onions yet last year.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/19/21 03:13 PM

I got them in the ground yesterday and about 2 or 3 pounds of garlic cloves as well.

Chicken litter is the poopy shavings/feathers/dried droppings from under the roost.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/19/21 11:13 PM

Got my Dixondale onions today. Wasn't expecting them until 1st week in Dec. Guess I have to get the gardens (mon's and mine) prepared tomorrow. Was planning to anyway, but now I have no excuse.

Anyone got a variety of garlic they like for North Texas with BIG cloves? I get tired of peeling the small cloves.... Do any of you just go to the grocery store and buy a head of garlic and use it for your cloves to plant? I've always done that and it works well, just want bigger cloves.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/20/21 12:34 AM

I don't know much about about the different garlic varieties. Mine is from a Czech family here that has been passed down for generations, but don't know the specific variety. I have heard garlic Mike call into Howard Garrett's show and talk up the elephant. Not sure if garlic Mike has a FB or other soc pages. He's grown a lot of different ones.

https://www.dirtdoctor.com/garden/E...rt-Doctors-Garden-Newsletter_vq13032.htm
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/20/21 04:38 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I don't know much about about the different garlic varieties. Mine is from a Czech family here that has been passed down for generations, but don't know the specific variety. I have heard garlic Mike call into Howard Garrett's show and talk up the elephant. Not sure if garlic Mike has a FB or other soc pages. He's grown a lot of different ones.

https://www.dirtdoctor.com/garden/E...rt-Doctors-Garden-Newsletter_vq13032.htm

Thanks Derek, the burpee website sells elephant variety. I may try those, unless I can find an interesting variety in a grocery store soon.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/24/21 04:09 PM

Go time
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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/26/21 11:34 PM

Got onions and garlic planted. The neighborhood cat "Daddy Cat" is alive, he's just taking a nap.

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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/27/21 10:39 AM

You gonna overwinter your peppers?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/27/21 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by Droyhef
You gonna overwinter your peppers?


I’m not. Waiting on the first good freeze to take them out. I have like 10 in pots but nothing I like enough to over winter. I’ll just start fresh next season.
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/28/21 04:20 PM

Hey Derek, Have you had any luck growing poblano peppers here? I get lots of peppers, but they are all about 3" long. For comparison, my mammoth jalapenos in the same soil with the same drip irrigation and same fertilization will be 4-5" long.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/28/21 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
Hey Derek, Have you had any luck growing poblano peppers here? I get lots of peppers, but they are all about 3" long. For comparison, my mammoth jalapenos in the same soil with the same drip irrigation and same fertilization will be 4-5" long.


I have not grown Poblano's. But you shouldn't have any major issues doing so. You mention you're growing Mammoth. So are you buying Bonnie Poblano's as well? It so I would switch varieties and try some others and see what you think. On Bonnies website they say their Poblano is 4" x 2" so you're not far off from it's max growth potential. Look a Tiburon and Mosquetero. Both of those are pretty popular and I know a couple people growing them with success. Magnifico would be another one I would try. You will have to start all those by seeds but it's easy to do.
Posted By: CCTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/28/21 09:19 PM

As long as we get some decent rain every now and then, tIme to turn off the yard sprinklers until March?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/29/21 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by CCTX
As long as we get some decent rain every now and then, tIme to turn off the yard sprinklers until March?


Yup. I haven't ran mine since like mid September. And shouldn't have to until like you say March, at least.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/29/21 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by Droyhef
You gonna overwinter your peppers?


I’m not. Waiting on the first good freeze to take them out. I have like 10 in pots but nothing I like enough to over winter. I’ll just start fresh next season.

Ive got a few i have had for two or three years, just a tick I guess really. Ive got one tobasco pepper thats in a 30 gallon planter but i may have killed it moving it inside this time. Not looking good.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/29/21 10:48 PM

I would be very surprised if you killed it. Specially as tough as pepper plants are. I bet it's going through some shock. Probably disturbed/broke some of the roots manhandling a heavy 30 gallon pot. Keep an eye on it Give it some time and I think you will see it recover, even if you see a lot of it's leaves drop off.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/21 02:36 AM

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
Hey Derek, Have you had any luck growing poblano peppers here? I get lots of peppers, but they are all about 3" long. For comparison, my mammoth jalapenos in the same soil with the same drip irrigation and same fertilization will be 4-5" long.


You inspired me. Ordering some seeds online tonight on Reimer. Ancho popped in my head. Ordered Mosquetero and San Ardo. They are out of the Magnifico. I probably won't grow both. I'll research both and make a decision in the next couple weeks. Trying to cut down my potted plants and just stick with my raised beds, but y'all keep pulling me back in.

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Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/21 03:23 PM

I really like the poblanos for cooking. They don't have quite as much heat as a jalapeno, but still add a lot of flavor.

Thanks for the earlier response, that was helpful.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/05/21 08:21 PM

Final pepper harvest of the year. RIP 2021 garden. See you next year.
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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/11/21 04:46 AM

Im running a little grocery store experiment.

Ive got 2 kinds of dragon fruit, kiwi, goji berries, poblano peppers and some aneheim? Peppers im trying to start. So far the goji berries and red dragon fruit have sprouted. I also did elephant garlic and regular garlic which have came up and are growing but I was pretty sure those would grow anyway.

The dragon fruit is a climbing cactus, looks kind of like christmas cactus but much bigger.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/12/21 11:50 PM

the back yard
on the creek
froze last night
lost a lot of tomato's

front yard plants
survived
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/15/21 02:53 AM

Originally Posted by butch sanders
the back yard
on the creek
froze last night
lost a lot of tomato's

front yard plants
survived


Frost finally took mine out too. That was a heavy frost too. Which was good. I couldn't voluntarily take them out. They lived a good life. RIP
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/15/21 02:57 AM

Originally Posted by Droyhef
Im running a little grocery store experiment.

Ive got 2 kinds of dragon fruit, kiwi, goji berries, poblano peppers and some aneheim? Peppers im trying to start. So far the goji berries and red dragon fruit have sprouted. I also did elephant garlic and regular garlic which have came up and are growing but I was pretty sure those would grow anyway.

The dragon fruit is a climbing cactus, looks kind of like christmas cactus but much bigger.


Nice! That's an interesting mix. Keep us updated. I started an Avocado seed tonight since I'm winter bored. Not looking for fruit production, just a house plant. We'll see how it goes. Love your fruit mix though.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/17/21 01:12 PM

The Anaheim peppers have sprouted. Also got my home saved texas red hibiscus have sprouted. Nothing else yet. Red ragon fruit growing slowy as well as goji berries. I seeded the red dragon fruit from one at the store and the goji berries came from a package of dried for eating at the store.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/17/21 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by Droyhef
The Anaheim peppers have sprouted. Also got my home saved texas red hibiscus have sprouted. Nothing else yet. Red ragon fruit growing slowy as well as goji berries. I seeded the red dragon fruit from one at the store and the goji berries came from a package of dried for eating at the store.


Do you have a grow light setup for winter?
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/17/21 06:40 PM

No they are in a greenhouse but im probably going to supplement light anyway.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/17/21 06:59 PM

leggy broccoli front left...good head broccoli bottom right...it all eats...then cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts...TX Legends go n the ground Sunday...root crop plant day per Farmers Almanac

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from the other end

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/18/21 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
leggy broccoli front left...good head broccoli bottom right...it all eats...then cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts...TX Legends go n the ground Sunday...root crop plant day per Farmers Almanac

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from the other end

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Looking awesome as always. cheers
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/18/21 02:27 PM

None of mine looks good, i guess plants to close together
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/25/21 03:41 AM

The kiwi and papaya have sprouted as well from my experiment. Still waiting on yellow dragon fruit.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/27/21 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by Droyhef
The kiwi and papaya have sprouted as well from my experiment. Still waiting on yellow dragon fruit.


Excellent. I started an avocado seed. Not looking to get fruit off it. Plan on keeping it trimmed as more of a house plant. Also started some lemon tree cuttings. We'll see how it goes.

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Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/21 05:40 PM

Derek, I always put onion sets out in January? Do plant sets or bulbs?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/30/21 09:16 PM

Nothing wrong planting them in Jan or Feb. Our nursery doesn't typically stock them until Feb. I've planted Thanksgiving weekend the past couple years and have had very good success with it. I am planting transplants.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/31/21 01:26 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Nothing wrong planting them in Jan or Feb. Our nursery doesn't typically stock them until Feb. I've planted Thanksgiving weekend the past couple years and have had very good success with it. I am planting transplants.


rookie???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/31/21 03:54 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Nothing wrong planting them in Jan or Feb. Our nursery doesn't typically stock them until Feb. I've planted Thanksgiving weekend the past couple years and have had very good success with it. I am planting transplants.


rookie???


Nobody cares about growing onions or garlic early. Nurseries at least.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/01/22 08:24 PM

2022 Pepper season has begun. 24 hour soak in potassium nitrate to help germination.
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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/22 07:29 PM

Freeze got my onions, think they will resprout?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/22 07:35 PM

water'm...water/water/water...mulch'm the next heavy freeze
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/22 09:21 PM

The freeze laid down some of the leaves, but everything is still green. I was at 18 degrees. If you have a good worked over garden bed with plenty of organic matter you should have plenty of carbs in the soil for it to help recover. Make sure you're pushing with a little Ammonium Sulfate like Dixondale recommends. I covered my onions last year when it got to zero for like 4-5 days. They looked horrible when I uncovered them and made a full rebound. My mom and a few others didn't cover them and came out fine, but the layer of snow acted like a blanket of insulation for them.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/22 11:30 PM

Yeah i did fine in the big chill but thought id be ok this time without covering. Wrong.
Posted By: tmd11111

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/22 11:37 PM

[Linked Image]

My wife is suddenly into gardening so guess what I had to do this weekend. And yes I know the fence is leaning, I’ll get to it eventually.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/22 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by tmd11111
[Linked Image]

My wife is suddenly into gardening so guess what I had to do this weekend. And yes I know the fence is leaning, I’ll get to it eventually.


That's awesome!
Posted By: tmd11111

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/05/22 01:09 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by tmd11111
[Linked Image]

My wife is suddenly into gardening so guess what I had to do this weekend. And yes I know the fence is leaning, I’ll get to it eventually.


That's awesome!


Picking up 5 cubic yards of compost next week to mix in. Lucky me, I get to till again.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/05/22 02:10 AM

Originally Posted by tmd11111
Picking up 5 cubic yards of compost next week to mix in. Lucky me, I get to till again.


That's a great start. I would add vermiculite, perlite, alfalfa pellets, coco fiber, expanded shale. Those are the few right off the top of my mind. Not expensive and easy to source. You can add lava sand. It's cheap. Come spring I would add lots of dry molasses or liquid. You can add it now, but with the cold temps not a lot of soil activity going on to break it down and make it plant available. Basically, what I'm saying is buy as much censord as you can that the budget allows to improve oxygen flow and improves microbe activity. Not that hard. That and quality fertilizers and you'll be golden.
Posted By: tmd11111

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/05/22 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by tmd11111
Picking up 5 cubic yards of compost next week to mix in. Lucky me, I get to till again.


That's a great start. I would add vermiculite, perlite, alfalfa pellets, coco fiber, expanded shale. Those are the few right off the top of my mind. Not expensive and easy to source. You can add lava sand. It's cheap. Come spring I would add lots of dry molasses or liquid. You can add it now, but with the cold temps not a lot of soil activity going on to break it down and make it plant available. Basically, what I'm saying is buy as much censord as you can that the budget allows to improve oxygen flow and improves microbe activity. Not that hard. That and quality fertilizers and you'll be golden.


Thanks for the tip. I'll pass it on to the wife, she's the gardener.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/06/22 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by Droyhef
Freeze got my onions, think they will resprout?


Mine are looking pretty rough this afternoon. I still see green growth in the center so I think they will be fine. Next 10-14 days and we'll know.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/06/22 12:33 AM

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/08/22 02:55 AM

Let’s get the 2022 gardening season going girls. Peppers are rocking.

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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/10/22 05:45 AM

If i remember ill get pics in tomorrow. From the grocery store experiment the aneheim peppers are looking really good. Tried a different poblano from a Mexican grocer none of the first one sprouted. Kiwi, red dragon fruit, yellow dragon fruit, papaya, and goji berries are all up and on the way. Will be starting regular stuff like herbs and tomatoes this week.

Posted By: tmd11111

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/22 12:54 AM

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Wife’s getting an early start
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/22 01:15 AM

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Dragon fruit, kiwi, papaya
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/22 01:23 AM

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Anaheim peppers and goji berries.

Texas res hibiscus
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/22 03:35 AM

Originally Posted by tmd11111
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Wife’s getting an early start


Nice! That's a great looking setup. Depending on what the lights are and putting off, I'd probably lower them and get them closer to the plants.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/11/22 03:36 AM

Originally Posted by Droyhef
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Anaheim peppers and goji berries.

Texas res hibiscus


Those and the other pics are looking great!
Posted By: tmd11111

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/22 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by tmd11111
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by tmd11111
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My wife is suddenly into gardening so guess what I had to do this weekend. And yes I know the fence is leaning, I’ll get to it eventually.


That's awesome!


Picking up 5 cubic yards of compost next week to mix in. Lucky me, I get to till again.


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Got the framing done. Still waiting on compost. Place that wife is getting it from said another week or two then lucky me I get to till again. The things I do for love. Well that and she lets me go fishing whenever I want.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/12/22 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by tmd11111
[ [Linked Image]


Got the framing done. Still waiting on compost. Place that wife is getting it from said another week or two then lucky me I get to till again. The things I do for love. Well that and she lets me go fishing whenever I want.


Sweet! That looks great. It's going to turn out really nice and she will love it. I got some of mine under the lights tonight.
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Posted By: tmd11111

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/13/22 12:45 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by tmd11111
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Wife’s getting an early start


Nice! That's a great looking setup. Depending on what the lights are and putting off, I'd probably lower them and get them closer to the plants.


sunlite-3-tier-led-grow-light

This is the planter thats in the picture. Bought it for my wife for Christmas, thankfully it was 30% off at the time. Says the led lights are 6500k.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/13/22 01:25 AM

6500K is perfect. I'm running 6500k 2200lm and they work great. I keep them about 1-2" above the canopy. They pretty much put off no heat so if you get some plants that grow faster than the others and touch the lights it's no biggie. The seeds you have in the domes don't care about the light right now. They are looking for warmth and moisture. Once they germ they want the light. Pop the dome off and run the lights 14-15 hours a day. I do 6am-9pm on a timer.
Posted By: tmd11111

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/13/22 02:16 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
6500K is perfect. I'm running 6500k 2200lm and they work great. I keep them about 1-2" above the canopy. They pretty much put off no heat so if you get some plants that grow faster than the others and touch the lights it's no biggie. The seeds you have in the domes don't care about the light right now. They are looking for warmth and moisture. Once they germ they want the light. Pop the dome off and run the lights 14-15 hours a day. I do 6am-9pm on a timer.


Thanks for the tip, I passed it on to her.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/19/22 03:16 PM

Day 18. Day one 12 hour soak in Potassium Nitrate, 7 days in coffee, then into soil. Coming along nicely. Most are setting their first set of true leaves.

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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/20/22 04:50 AM

Mine look terrible. Got some roots rotting.
Posted By: tmd11111

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/24/22 10:47 PM

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Laid 5 yards of compost today. Wife is working the heck out of me.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/25/22 02:55 AM

Originally Posted by tmd11111
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Laid 5 yards of compost today. Wife is working the heck out of me.


Sweet! Till that in and another 4 loads of that and or a garden soil/compost mix and you fill it to the top, lol.
Posted By: tmd11111

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/25/22 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by tmd11111
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Laid 5 yards of compost today. Wife is working the heck out of me.


Sweet! Till that in and another 4 loads of that and or a garden soil/compost mix and you fill it to the top, lol.


I have to change my password on here. She reads this and it will have me working to death
Posted By: Fish-ed

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/25/22 12:26 PM

That garden is looking good. What do you (does she plan on having you plant) plan on growing?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/25/22 04:36 PM

i couldn't stand it...we bought this lake house last February so i had to build a raised bed like the one i have in Nacog...this is only 4x20 for starters...LOTS of sun here and i can use lake water with its fish fertilizer...we'll see what happens...gotta find me some plants

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/26/22 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
i couldn't stand it...we bought this lake house last February so i had to build a raised bed like the one i have in Nacog...this is only 4x20 for starters...LOTS of sun here and i can use lake water with its fish fertilizer...we'll see what happens...gotta find me some plants

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Whatcha going to plant in that one.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/26/22 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by crapyetr
i couldn't stand it...we bought this lake house last February so i had to build a raised bed like the one i have in Nacog...this is only 4x20 for starters...LOTS of sun here and i can use lake water with its fish fertilizer...we'll see what happens...gotta find me some plants

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Whatcha going to plant in that one.


peppers, Porter maters, cukes---salad stuff...n Nac i'll raise beans, peas, corn, taters
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/29/22 04:07 AM

Those pepper roots doe
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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/22 05:39 AM

Where do yall source amonium sulfate for your onions?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/31/22 02:06 PM

A lot of feed stores have it. If you have a Nutrien Ag they will probably have it. 50lb bag should run $18-25. It's a 21-0-0 is what you're looking for.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/22 09:33 PM

Got the ammonium sulfate. Ive always been a shoot from the hip gardener, in the footsteps of my parents. So thisbyear ive sort of waken up to the idea of nitrogen heavy ferts like 21-0-0, ratios of 3-1-2 and balanced like 13-13-13. Differnt stuff likes differnt ones apparently.

Got potatoes, english peas, carrots, radishes and beets in the ground right nefor ethe freeze, hoping the 60's next week will get them going. Lettuce starts and others in greenhouse waiting on next week to go out.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/04/22 10:43 PM

I used 13-13-13 in my garden last year with really good results. This year I am trying out Jacks water soluble 20-20-20 then switching to Jacks 10-20-30 bloom booster
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/26/22 05:59 PM

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This tread needed some activity. I had to move my seedlings from my mini-greenhouse outside to the garage due to the cold. I'm sure ready in the next day or so to move them back out and clear out my garage. Tomatoes look pretty good. Peppers are starting to look decent after a slow start. Celebrity, Supper Sauce, Rutgers, Big Mama, Little Mama, Jalapeno, Poblano, Candy Apple Bell, Aneheim. A few more weeks and they should be in the ground.....
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/22 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by gjarman
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This tread needed some activity. I had to move my seedlings from my mini-greenhouse outside to the garage due to the cold. I'm sure ready in the next day or so to move them back out and clear out my garage. Tomatoes look pretty good. Peppers are starting to look decent after a slow start. Celebrity, Supper Sauce, Rutgers, Big Mama, Little Mama, Jalapeno, Poblano, Candy Apple Bell, Aneheim. A few more weeks and they should be in the ground.....



Those look fantastic. Well done! thumb
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/22 03:04 PM

Have you grown the Super Sauce before? That one looks pretty interesting.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/02/22 03:19 AM

Just got done watering. Peppers are rocking. Tomatoes and cukes coming along nicely. Looking at the calendar I’m right at 25 days to go outside. Repointing the 10 day on the 22nd-26th.
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Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/22 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Have you grown the Super Sauce before? That one looks pretty interesting.

I have, twice. Several years ago I did and didn't have great luck, but I was a rookie gardener. I think my watering was too uneven and many of them get the rot on the end. I grew them again 2 years ago and they were really good. Big Roma's. I really like them.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/22 02:30 PM

Derek,

Your peppers look great. Nicely done.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/07/22 06:41 PM

More ferts on onions today, did blueberries a few days back and aspearagus.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/22 01:14 AM

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To keep this thread alive and I thought this was a pretty cool picture. This is my mini greenhouse that I put in my garden to keep my seedlings unless it gets really cold. On cool days and nights I have a heat lamp in there like tonight.
Posted By: Fish-ed

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/22 01:19 PM

Going to get another freeze here in central Texas this Friday night. I'll have to cover mine back up. Can't wait to get my tomatoes planted.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/22 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by gjarman
[Linked Image]
To keep this thread alive and I thought this was a pretty cool picture. This is my mini greenhouse that I put in my garden to keep my seedlings unless it gets really cold. On cool days and nights I have a heat lamp in there like tonight.


That's incredible. Your dedication fires me up.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/08/22 02:47 PM

I'm hoping to go in ground the week of the 21th if the forecast is looking good.
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/12/22 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I'm hoping to go in ground the week of the 21th if the forecast is looking good.


Same here. I keep a supply of buckets and boxes to cover the transplants if it gets too cold.
Posted By: Fish-ed

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/22 12:15 PM

I'm planning to get my tomatoes in the ground this Wednesday. I may plant some cucumbers, squash and cantaloupes also.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/22 12:06 AM

Main garden is about done. Need more straw.

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Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/22 08:35 PM

Chickenman,

The garden and plants looks great...and clearly you work out:)

Question for all of you...How many days do you typically take to harden your seedling tomatoes and peppers? I'm starting the process today with a couple of hours of direct sunlight. My plants are ready to go in the ground once hardening takes place...

Thanks...Greg
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/22 08:47 PM

A week you should be good. My garage faces west so I can open the door in the afternoon for them to get a couple hours of direct light. Last year I didn't get to leave it open very much as we had cooler days and didn't harden them off very well. They got sunburned bad the first day I planted them. Everything recovered just fine but they looked horrible for a bit.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/22 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
A week you should be good. My garage faces west so I can open the door in the afternoon for them to get a couple hours of direct light. Last year I didn't get to leave it open very much as we had cooler days and didn't harden them off very well. They got sunburned bad the first day I planted them. Everything recovered just fine but they looked horrible for a bit.

That sounds about right to me as well. I'm going to have to restrain myself through the process. I'm ready to plant now:)
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/15/22 09:04 PM

I'm so ready to plant too. Got all my old plants out. I need to till, rake, smooth out the beds and layout where I am going to plant everything. Can't get to it until next week so I'll be in the ground really soon. NWS is forecasting above avg temps the next 3-4 weeks.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/16/22 02:06 AM

Originally Posted by chickenman
Main garden is about done. Need more straw.

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Looks awesome! You should probably stop skipping leg days. Do you till in a generic 1-1-1 fertilizer or anything prior to putting down the tarp?
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/20/22 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Do you till in a generic 1-1-1 fertilizer or anything prior to putting down the tarp?


Not in this garden. It does well enough without any help due to the straw and chicken [censored] from the coop.

Started another batch for a friend.

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Posted By: spazm09

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/22 02:40 PM

I'm looking forward to planting my seedlings soon too. Last years seeds didn't do well cause I didn't have enough sunlight in the place I can grow them where the cats won't eff with them. This year I used a grow light and they're doing awesome. I've got 6 tomato plants, 3 okra plants, and 1 each of jalapeno, bell pepper, cilantro and parsley. I know it's kind of a random assortment but I'm just learning so I went with what I feel I'll have the best success with and I'm limited on space. I've got (1) 4'x8' raised bed and an assortment of containers I can use.

I had never heard of this hardening thing until I read yall's recent posts and I've got a quick question. Since my plants are getting full "sunlight" from the grow light inside, do you think the hardening process is still AS important? I'm working long hours right now and don't get home until after dark so taking them outside for a few hours each day isn't really an option except on weekends. Have any thoughts/ideas?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/22 03:27 PM

It wouldn't be a bad idea even if it's just the weekend. Looking back at last year I planted March 21st. Temps that week were 69,65,74,79 and got a decent sunburn. Your jalapeno and bell can handle the burn easily. You could set them outside tomorrow morning and see how they look when you get home. If they are fine the rest should be good to go too. It's going to be breezy so put them in a spot where they have a wind block if possible.

I'm planting everything this weekend.
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/22 03:48 PM

I'm planing next weekend per the farmers almanac. I harden mine off under a marcescent red oak in the dappled sunlight. The wind caused most of my peppers to curl hopefully they will recover. We have higher than average wind speeds out here, so they will have to suck it up.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/22 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by 1WithTXFish
I'm planting next weekend per the farmers almanac.


rite there withya 1WithTX...Nac 2nd / 3rd...lake 7th / 8th...firm believer n the farmers almanac plant dates
Posted By: spazm09

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/22 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
It wouldn't be a bad idea even if it's just the weekend. Looking back at last year I planted March 21st. Temps that week were 69,65,74,79 and got a decent sunburn. Your jalapeno and bell can handle the burn easily. You could set them outside tomorrow morning and see how they look when you get home. If they are fine the rest should be good to go too. It's going to be breezy so put them in a spot where they have a wind block if possible.

I'm planting everything this weekend.


Thanks for the info. I'll get em out for a few hours each day this weekend.
Posted By: spazm09

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/24/22 09:38 PM

Oh forgot to mention, I've also got some potatoes planted. Got some seed potatoes online and I'm trying them out in containers. Got a late start with them so they've barely started to germinate, just a few little leaves each. Any advice for container potatoes is welcome.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/22 02:43 AM

Originally Posted by spazm09
Oh forgot to mention, I've also got some potatoes planted. Got some seed potatoes online and I'm trying them out in containers. Got a late start with them so they've barely started to germinate, just a few little leaves each. Any advice for container potatoes is welcome.


Disclaimer: I've never grown potatoes and specifically container potatoes, so I have no actual experience on what it best. Scanned a few university studies on them and it looks like the use up a lot of nitrogen and Potassium. That's the first and last numbers on a n/p/k chart. Like 15-5-10 fertilizer. Lots/most of the Czechs here roll their potatoes in wood ash prior to planting which is Potassium. (Keep it between us but most of them think wood ash is nitrogen and it's potassium) Anyway. From what I scanned I would find a fert you like, like Miracle Gro general purpose which is a 24-8-16. Personally I would go with something likes Jacks 20-20-20. You can find it at Calloways. You're growing in a container which I'm assuming has holes in the bottom. So every time you water your have nutrients leaching out. Whatever fert you decide to go with I would get the label recommendation and divide it to where you are applying smaller amounts every watering. If it says 4TBS per gallon per month, do 1TBS per watering per week. Whatever it is divide it so you are always applying small feedings and not all at once and it gets leached out and it's starving for 3 weeks. If that makes sense.
Posted By: spazm09

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/22 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by spazm09
Oh forgot to mention, I've also got some potatoes planted. Got some seed potatoes online and I'm trying them out in containers. Got a late start with them so they've barely started to germinate, just a few little leaves each. Any advice for container potatoes is welcome.


Disclaimer: I've never grown potatoes and specifically container potatoes, so I have no actual experience on what it best. Scanned a few university studies on them and it looks like the use up a lot of nitrogen and Potassium. That's the first and last numbers on a n/p/k chart. Like 15-5-10 fertilizer. Lots/most of the Czechs here roll their potatoes in wood ash prior to planting which is Potassium. (Keep it between us but most of them think wood ash is nitrogen and it's potassium) Anyway. From what I scanned I would find a fert you like, like Miracle Gro general purpose which is a 24-8-16. Personally I would go with something likes Jacks 20-20-20. You can find it at Calloways. You're growing in a container which I'm assuming has holes in the bottom. So every time you water your have nutrients leaching out. Whatever fert you decide to go with I would get the label recommendation and divide it to where you are applying smaller amounts every watering. If it says 4TBS per gallon per month, do 1TBS per watering per week. Whatever it is divide it so you are always applying small feedings and not all at once and it gets leached out and it's starving for 3 weeks. If that makes sense.


Yeah that makes sense. Thanks for the info. Yeah they'll have holes at the bottom with a layer of gravel for proper drainage.

I've got a compost bin going which has a good bit ready for the garden and some extra bags of leaves to mix with the first couple batches of lawn clippings. I'm guessing compost alone isn't enough to provide adequate nutrients to the soil but do you think I should adjust my fertilizer regiment at all knowing I'll be adding compost periodically?
Posted By: Fish-ed

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/22 01:54 PM

I've got potatoes this, first time. I planted them in grow bags with just some good quality raised bed garden dirt. I used some organic fertilizer. I just added more dirt to them yesterday. When they are ready for more I'm going to use some composted cow manure.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/25/22 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by spazm09
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by spazm09
Oh forgot to mention, I've also got some potatoes planted. Got some seed potatoes online and I'm trying them out in containers. Got a late start with them so they've barely started to germinate, just a few little leaves each. Any advice for container potatoes is welcome.


Disclaimer: I've never grown potatoes and specifically container potatoes, so I have no actual experience on what it best. Scanned a few university studies on them and it looks like the use up a lot of nitrogen and Potassium. That's the first and last numbers on a n/p/k chart. Like 15-5-10 fertilizer. Lots/most of the Czechs here roll their potatoes in wood ash prior to planting which is Potassium. (Keep it between us but most of them think wood ash is nitrogen and it's potassium) Anyway. From what I scanned I would find a fert you like, like Miracle Gro general purpose which is a 24-8-16. Personally I would go with something likes Jacks 20-20-20. You can find it at Calloways. You're growing in a container which I'm assuming has holes in the bottom. So every time you water your have nutrients leaching out. Whatever fert you decide to go with I would get the label recommendation and divide it to where you are applying smaller amounts every watering. If it says 4TBS per gallon per month, do 1TBS per watering per week. Whatever it is divide it so you are always applying small feedings and not all at once and it gets leached out and it's starving for 3 weeks. If that makes sense.


Yeah that makes sense. Thanks for the info. Yeah they'll have holes at the bottom with a layer of gravel for proper drainage.

I've got a compost bin going which has a good bit ready for the garden and some extra bags of leaves to mix with the first couple batches of lawn clippings. I'm guessing compost alone isn't enough to provide adequate nutrients to the soil but do you think I should adjust my fertilizer regiment at all knowing I'll be adding compost periodically?


I wouldn't adjust. People hear the word compost and think it's something magical. It is good stuff, but not something I'm going to solely rely on. It's going to help soil structure, moisture and nutrient retention, it will supply some NPK as it breaks down. How much and what nutrients is it going to supply? Idk. Depends on what it's make up is. I've never have soil tested my garden soil so I have no idea what it's lacking. I have 7 different raised beds and each one is probably a little different. What I do know is that vegetable plants are heavy feeders. So I'm going to supplemental feed them. So since I don't know how much my compost is supplying I do know how much NPK I am supplying with a 15-30-20 or a 20-20-20 whatever ratio, Plants prefer to get light feedings more often. That's why you see on products like Miracle Gro the instructions say to do it every two weeks. Because the amount they are having you apply is low but often. And then whatever is breaking down in the soil/compost will add continuous slow low amounts as well. Everyone is working hand and hand.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/22 12:09 AM

Fidna happen out here [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/26/22 12:15 AM

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Posted By: Stump jumper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/27/22 01:25 AM

I have always bought pepper plants in the 6 packs. 2 years ago I could not find them at Lowes or HD. Last year I found them but not this year. I don't need the larger plants. The smaller ones have always done well for me. I figured 2 years ago I was just late buying plants and they sold out. I am not paying $5/plant so while I might be a little late starting them I planted some seeds in planters I saved from last year. Hopefully they sprout and grow.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/22 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Stump jumper
I have always bought pepper plants in the 6 packs. 2 years ago I could not find them at Lowes or HD. Last year I found them but not this year. I don't need the larger plants. The smaller ones have always done well for me. I figured 2 years ago I was just late buying plants and they sold out. I am not paying $5/plant so while I might be a little late starting them I planted some seeds in planters I saved from last year. Hopefully they sprout and grow.


Haven't seen 6 packs in the box stores in a hot minute. 2 of the 3 smaller independent nurseries I went to over the weekend had 6 packs of a decent selection of peppers. Most of the farm/feed stores will have 6 packs too.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/22 12:28 AM

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Decided that with an overcast day tomorrow it’s time to get the peppers and tomatoes planted. I’m glad they’re finally in the ground.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/22 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by gjarman
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Decided that with an overcast day tomorrow it’s time to get the peppers and tomatoes planted. I’m glad they’re finally in the ground.


Looks great. The antler sheds it what really makes this garden. smile
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/29/22 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
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Your peach trees are always on point. Did you get enough chill hours this year? What's growing in the trays?
Posted By: I-35 North

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/22 01:46 AM

Hey Derek, what do you use for squash bugs? I have fought these things every single summer and so far I'm batting about .100 against them! Any and all help is greatly apprecicated!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/22 02:51 AM

Originally Posted by I-35 North
Hey Derek, what do you use for squash bugs? I have fought these things every single summer and so far I'm batting about .100 against them! Any and all help is greatly apprecicated!


Yeah they are a PITA and good luck. Hand pick any adults you see and look under the leaves daily to crush the eggs you see. There are a few insecticides labeled for them, but not much or any kill the adults or eggs, but good at killing nymphs. It's really a daily inspection you have to do and sucks. I'm going to plant squash later in the onion beds once I pull them and see what happens.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/22 01:51 PM

Main garden is planted. Starting tobacco in 6 weeks hoping to harvest and cure in October.

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/22 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by chickenman
Main garden is planted. Starting tobacco in 6 weeks hoping to harvest and cure in October.

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Now we're talking. No more of this sissy tomato and squash garbage. You're going real man stuff.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/22 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by David Welcher
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Your peach trees are always on point. Did you get enough chill hours this year? What's growing in the trays?

I didn't track the hours this year, I was about to give up by Christmas, but we had 90 days after that where we had over 1,000 hours which is way more than we need.

Squash is in the trays, it always seems I mess around and miss a lot of squash as it gets too hot to bloom, so I started real early this year.
Posted By: chickenman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/22 10:39 PM

Yalls gardens are looking great this year.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/22 07:09 PM

finally got to put n my gard at the lake 2dy...gotta git my stakes put around'm, but got plenty of time for that
strawberrys, sugar snap peas, zucchini, str8nek, peppers, porters, celery, lettuce, spinach, carrots aplenty...got plenty of sunshine here that i don't have at Nacog...will plant okrey later

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/07/22 08:06 PM

Looks great. I planted Strawberries in my turtle enclosure last year. Got about 10 before the heat shut them down. They survived through winter and are blooming like crazy right now.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/22 02:52 PM

bottom right---carrots are covering up my tomatoes right now, top right---roma II crop failure twice, bad seed i guess, replanting Monday...corn looks good...onions fair

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bottom---peppers / cucumbers lookin' good...top---potato crop failure...tried to use last years taters we didn't eat...doesn't work...planted strawberries instead

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Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/27/22 03:24 PM

It's a new year and a new same old garden.

Lower garden

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3 varieties of tomatoes plus cherry tomatoes, asparagus, Boston picklers, zucchini, Mexi-bells, green chile, banana peppers, strawberries, sweet potatoes, string beans, snap peas and romaine lettuce. Almost forgot the carrots.

Upper garden

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Boston picklers, zucchini, strawberries, sweet potatoes and string beans.

Best of luck to everyone. Eating fresh veggies has sure improved my health.

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Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/22 10:00 AM

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Got wildflowers in with the fruit trees and then a few of different stuff growing out there.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/02/22 11:24 AM

a few stuff growin'...ur plate is full and ur cup runneth over

Originally Posted by Droyhef
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Got wildflowers in with the fruit trees and then a few of different stuff growing out there.
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/22 05:43 PM

Droyhef, do you plant your strawberries new in the spring each year or try to nurse them through the summer?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/22 07:51 PM

I planted a strawberry plant where I keep my turtles last spring. It survived winter no problem and has produced very well this spring. I have done anything to it except water it. Where I have my turtles I made about a 4-5" tilled in mix of peat moss and sand. My strawberry plant seems to love it.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/22 05:50 AM

I keep them alive. Some of these are new. I gave away 7 gallone of plants in the fall from runners that had rooted. The bed was full.
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/09/22 08:54 PM

How often to water my containers during this heat wave. Plants are looking the best in a long time. And not one yellow leaf on my tomatoes yet!!
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Posted By: DallasCrappieMan

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/22 01:52 AM

Beautiful gardens you guys have posted. How do you think this heat is going to affect tomatoes? If it's too hot they don't produce any blooms and mine are just starting to get loaded with tomatoes. My cucumbers are just beginning to run also. Will this heat hurt this year's yield? Peppers will love the heat so I guess that's a positive.

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Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/22 02:19 PM

Most varieties of tomatoes will set up till lower 90's.
Celebrities will set up to 95 degrees.
Posted By: Mo

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/22 03:06 PM

What herbs will grow well in containers , in East Texas , with minimal maintenance ?

I know cilantro will grows well here, but my wife uses lots of Rosemary , thyme , oregano , basil when she cooks.

Thanks

MO
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/22 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by Mo
What herbs will grow well in containers , in East Texas , with minimal maintenance ?

I know cilantro will grows well here, but my wife uses lots of Rosemary , thyme , oregano , basil when she cooks.

Thanks

MO


You shouldn't have an issue growing any of those. Herbs are about as low maintenance as it gets.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/22 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by DallasCrappieMan
Beautiful gardens you guys have posted. How do you think this heat is going to affect tomatoes? If it's too hot they don't produce any blooms and mine are just starting to get loaded with tomatoes. My cucumbers are just beginning to run also. Will this heat hurt this year's yield? Peppers will love the heat so I guess that's a positive.

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man
thats beautiful
Posted By: Fish-ed

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 11:40 AM

What kind of material would you guys use for pathways between your garden pathways? I'm tired of fighting the bermuda grass. I'm laying down a heavy land scape fabric. Been thinking of going with some kind of gravel. Can you give me your inputs?
Posted By: 1WithTXFish

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by Fish-ed
What kind of material would you guys use for pathways between your garden pathways? I'm tired of fighting the bermuda grass. I'm laying down a heavy land scape fabric. Been thinking of going with some kind of gravel. Can you give me your inputs?


I have been saving the larger cardboard boxes from our deliveries.

My plan is to till up the ground in between my beds lay the cardboard down and throw 4 inches of mulch on top.

The idea is that the cardboard and mulch will absorb any watering run off and suppress all the weeds.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by 1WithTXFish
Originally Posted by Fish-ed
What kind of material would you guys use for pathways between your garden pathways? I'm tired of fighting the bermuda grass. I'm laying down a heavy land scape fabric. Been thinking of going with some kind of gravel. Can you give me your inputs?


I have been saving the larger cardboard boxes from our deliveries.

My plan is to till up the ground in between my beds lay the cardboard down and throw 4 inches of mulch on top.

The idea is that the cardboard and mulch will absorb any watering run off and suppress all the weeds.


that'll work until weeds start growing in the mulch...ben there, dun that...41% glyphosate
Posted By: Fish-ed

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 01:36 PM

I was going to do much, I had that in my big flower bed out front. I noticed one day pulling weeds that it had a lot of those big water bug/roachs in there. That's why I thinking of some kind of gravel.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 01:57 PM

41% gly and mix in a product called Over the Top II. It's Sethoxydim and will stop bermuda in it's tracks. If you have bermuda in your garden or flower beds go just Over the Top. Very safe product to use around flowers and shrubs and it's approved to use in vegetable gardens.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 02:00 PM

Just my opinion - Do not use glyphosate anywhere near your garden. I'd rather live with the weeds than risk the after affects of glyphosate.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
Just my opinion - Do not use glyphosate anywhere near your garden. I'd rather live with the weeds than risk the after affects of glyphosate.


agree...gotta b careful...Derek, how does Over The Top kill grasses and not hurt desirable plants...that sound wonderful
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Originally Posted by David Welcher
Just my opinion - Do not use glyphosate anywhere near your garden. I'd rather live with the weeds than risk the after affects of glyphosate.


agree...gotta b careful...Derek, how does Over The Top kill grasses and not hurt desirable plants...that sound wonderful


However the bio chems nerds came up with it lol. I'm not sure exactly. I have a row of Hydrangeas that gets infested with my bermuda. I can blanket spray the whole bed with it and the Hydrangeas don't even know it. It is slow to work. Takes probably a couple weeks to kill. I keep a gallon mixed up and spot spray as needed. The bermuda invasion is endless. FYI it smells horrible.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 02:24 PM

grassy...found it on Amazon for $23+ and free chippin'...got me a bottle...glyphosate always scares me but it duz the job...this'll b mucho better
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 03:04 PM

The after effects of glyphosate is one of the largest shams bought and sold to world. Something like 75 independent scientist have studied it for years and years and cannot find anything wrong with it. But the lawsuits will never stop so Monsanto/Bayer at some point have to stop fighting it and settle. Now Bayer has said F retail we are done with you morons and pulling roundup from the shelves in 2023. Look at the countries that have banned roundup totally. They are struggling bad and having to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to import crops from countries that don't have roundup banned. Mexico's band of roundup starts in 2023 or 2024. You won't see this on a yahoo headline but if you follow people in ag that follow and record yield you will see by 2026/7 Mexico's yield will be in the dump.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 03:12 PM

i used it for 3 years in a bindweed control program in Foard / Hardeman Counties in the early 80's...cases of it...and other very strong chemicals...72+yo still kikin'...no wonder the price of 41% glyphosate has pertnere doubled...
Posted By: Flip Flop Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 05:51 PM

how do you guys feed your tomato plants other than just water? thanks
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 06:40 PM

miracle gro liquid every 3 weeks
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/19/22 08:19 PM

I'm using Jacks Classic 20-20-20 water soluble. Miracle gro is a good choice. I don't think there is really a wrong way to go with the big name products. Jobes Busting Blooms is a good one. Medina hasta grow. is another one. Lots of good options.
Posted By: Flip Flop Fisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/22 05:33 PM

thanks guys..Derek have a grass question that I'll put in another thread
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/22 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by Flip Flop Fisher
how do you guys feed your tomato plants other than just water? thanks

[for me in the black soil I have ammonium sulfate every three weeks.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/20/22 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
miracle gro liquid every 3 weeks


forgot about Epsom salt...1 tbsn / foot of height
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/21/22 12:10 AM

Originally Posted by gjarman
Originally Posted by Flip Flop Fisher
how do you guys feed your tomato plants other than just water? thanks

[for me in the black soil I have ammonium sulfate every three weeks.


You're running AMS only with no added P and K? If so and straight into the ground(not raised bed) getting good yield that awesome and cheap. Just going off my lawn soil test. If I did a garden straight ground it probably wouldn't be that great. My P levels are really low and K ain't the best. Though I could bypass that with foliar sprays. I've never tested my raised beds. I will once the season is over and everything is leached or used up.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/22 12:13 PM

Pulled my Dixondale onions yesterday. They had a hard season with hail and hard freezes but these made it. Can't hold a candle to Crapyetr but glad to get these. [Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/22/22 12:23 PM

ha...i ant growd grande onions since i moved to Nac...BUT u just weight till next yr...got FULL sun at my Murvaul lake house garden...i'll git after'm again then...thanks 4 the compliment...i plant'm...God grow'm
Posted By: Fish-ed

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/22 12:50 PM

That's a nice bunch of onions. I pulled my last week, they did good. I had a lot of doubles and some triples this year, didn't have any the last two years.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/22 01:54 PM

Got my onions and garlic pulled yesterday as well.

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/22 03:50 PM

Looking good. What type are the purple ones?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/22 03:58 PM

Red Creole
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/22 04:01 PM

how big ROUND is the Legend...good 'uns
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/22 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by gjarman
Originally Posted by Flip Flop Fisher
how do you guys feed your tomato plants other than just water? thanks

[for me in the black soil I have ammonium sulfate every three weeks.


You're running AMS only with no added P and K? If so and straight into the ground(not raised bed) getting good yield that awesome and cheap. Just going off my lawn soil test. If I did a garden straight ground it probably wouldn't be that great. My P levels are really low and K ain't the best. Though I could bypass that with foliar sprays. I've never tested my raised beds. I will once the season is over and everything is leached or used up.


Correct. Only AMS during growing season. I build up the soil in the winter by tilling in Alfalfa pellets and tilling in 100s of lbs of neighbor's halloween pumpkins. In years past I tried more balanced fertilizers, but was always burning my plants. Since I've gone to granulated AMS only, I haven't messed any plans up for the last 3 years and the results have been good. (boxed in garden but no bottom).
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/23/22 09:47 PM

That's awesome gjarman! Keep it up. cheers I think I'm the only neighbor that puts out lots of pumpkins during Halloween. I'm probably the crazy neighbor lol
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/28/22 02:28 PM

i have thornless blackberry shoots coming up in the landscape fabric cracks in my garden...when do i dig them up for transplanting???
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/22 04:01 AM

I still have some white onions standing up, yellow and red need to be dug but i aint got to it
Posted By: tds

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/22 08:24 PM

My wife wishes to garden again after a 35 year gap. Specifically, WHAT are the steps and WHEN to do it for a fall garden this year. Selected area is grass and not broken up in the 20 years
we have had the place. There is plenty of sun on this area and water close at hand.

I have 2 bottom plow and disc with tractor. My thoughts is to use the bottom plow, let it lay several days, and then disc the heck out of it. Mix a bit of fresh topsoil, fertilizer, and then disc again.
This to be done toward end of June.

What do you recommend.
Thanks for any input.

Terry
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/29/22 08:58 PM

excellent equipment

okra / purple hull peas now

fall veges in mid/late August

and of course, onions the 2nd week of November from Dixondale Farms onions...TX Legends
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/22 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
Hey Derek, Have you had any luck growing poblano peppers here? I get lots of peppers, but they are all about 3" long. For comparison, my mammoth jalapenos in the same soil with the same drip irrigation and same fertilization will be 4-5" long.


I went with Mosquetero this year and getting really good size on them.

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Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/09/22 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by tds
My wife wishes to garden again after a 35 year gap. Specifically, WHAT are the steps and WHEN to do it for a fall garden this year. Selected area is grass and not broken up in the 20 years
we have had the place. There is plenty of sun on this area and water close at hand.

I have 2 bottom plow and disc with tractor. My thoughts is to use the bottom plow, let it lay several days, and then disc the heck out of it. Mix a bit of fresh topsoil, fertilizer, and then disc again.
This to be done toward end of June.

What do you recommend.



Thanks for any input.

Terry


I don’t like herbicides. I would cover the area with black polyethylene and the heat should kill the existing growth before you start plowing and discing. Have your soil tested to see if you are short on any needed minerals.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/11/22 02:04 PM

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15" circumference / 1lb 12oz

i gave my vet a bundle of Tx Legend onion slips and he grew this...said it was not his biggest

i grew one 16 1/2" circumference years ago...made the Dixondale Farms Onions catalog

lots of good onion rings rite-there
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/22 12:12 PM

I didn’t fertilize this year cause I brought in 2 loads of horse manure and compost [Linked Image]
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/22 12:14 PM

Time for salsa [Linked Image]
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/22 03:59 PM

This heat is putting and end to my tomato harvest. No new blooms.🤬
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/22 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by skeeter22
This heat is putting and end to my tomato harvest. No new blooms.🤬

I'm hurting too. And 1 tree rat is eating them when I got to work every day if I don't pull the pink ones. He's got some lead poisoning in his future if I can see him.
Posted By: Paper mouth

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/12/22 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
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15" circumference / 1lb 12oz

i gave my vet a bundle of Tx Legend onion slips and he grew this...said it was not his biggest

i grew one 16 1/2" circumference years ago...made the Dixondale Farms Onions catalog

lots of good onion rings rite-there

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Posted By: BlueNitro

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/16/22 03:02 PM

Last salad from the garden for the season. I'm tired of trying to keep things alive in this heat so pulled my lettuce and the tomato plant because this was the last three on it.

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Boston Picklers are struggling and I got very few strawberries. And I lost six zucchini plants to something. I'm done!!!!

Next year, my garden will be mostly sweet potatoes - they love this heat.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/22 02:05 PM

amazing what full sun does to the garden growth...can't grow squash or okra in Nac under 150ft pine trees

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Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/23/22 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by greenen
Originally Posted by skeeter22
This heat is putting and end to my tomato harvest. No new blooms.🤬

I'm hurting too. And 1 tree rat is eating them when I got to work every day if I don't pull the pink ones. He's got some lead poisoning in his future if I can see him.


I have the same problem. Going to bait him in tonight and finish him off.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/25/22 05:01 PM

air fryer fried squash...de-dang delicious...instrukshuns for $5

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/13/22 10:28 PM

got my garden at the lake growing in full sun, but a dang squirrel is eatin' my green maters...don't say shoot it...God made it for a reason, but NOT to eat the maters that He is growing

is there a squirrel deterrent???
Posted By: Emit R Detsaw

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/22 01:36 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
got my garden at the lake growing in full sun, but a dang squirrel is eatin' my green maters...don't say shoot it...God made it for a reason, but NOT to eat the maters that He is growing

is there a squirrel deterrent???


I just trapped one in a havaheart trap. Then I carried it out to the pond area and shot it. Left it out for the buzzards to eat it. Buzzards are gods creatures too and like to be fed.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/14/22 01:42 AM

Originally Posted by Emit R Detsaw
Originally Posted by crapyetr
got my garden at the lake growing in full sun, but a dang squirrel is eatin' my green maters...don't say shoot it...God made it for a reason, but NOT to eat the maters that He is growing

is there a squirrel deterrent???


I just trapped one in a havaheart trap. Then I carried it out to the pond area and shot it. Left it out for the buzzards to eat it. Buzzards are gods creatures too and like to be fed.


that was for your personal convenience...so u used a "havaheart trap" then shot it...doesn't sound like you have a heart to me
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 07/30/22 01:45 AM

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/straw-bale-garden-27402?utm_source=jeeng

think i might try this at the lake if i can find the right bale material
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/22 03:24 PM

Derek, a worm is eating up my tomato leaves...what can i kill them with???...send me a PM pls

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/22 03:57 PM

Probably a tomato horn worm. You can go out at night with a black light and they will glow in the dark. Keep your plants sprayed with spinosad ot BT
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/22 04:01 PM

no, not a horn worm...i've very familiar with them...they are little bitty worms inside the rolled up leaf...will BT kill them or is it to late for the plant???
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/25/22 04:45 PM

Bt is only going to work if they are eating the leaves. Spinosad works that way too but also has contact kill properties.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/26/22 12:42 AM

Had a tree leaning real bad the last few years, kinda new it wasn’t going to last, the 5 inches o [Linked Image]
f rain we got this week was the final call, I’ve got 3 giant oaks now that I’m gonna have to cut down and cut up for firewood.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/22 12:23 PM

Anyone got any fall stuff going?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/03/22 12:34 PM

fall cucumbers / carrots

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4 different pepper plants / broccoli / cabbage

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Posted By: Stump jumper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/08/22 11:37 AM

I have a 10" watermelon. Does anyone know how long it takes for a watermelon to grow to maturity? Due to the drought and the water line to my garden coming apart this is my first one of the season. I am hoping it is ready before the first freeze.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/20/22 04:38 PM

https://dixondalefarms.com/online_catalog/

Texas Legends ready to ship November 14th...get ur local feed store to order a box or 7...way to expensive to order from them

https://dixondalefarms.com/product/texas-legend-onion-plants/
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/26/22 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
https://dixondalefarms.com/online_catalog/

Texas Legends ready to ship November 14th...get ur local feed store to order a box or 7...way to expensive to order from them

https://dixondalefarms.com/product/texas-legend-onion-plants/


We have new feed store owners. I'm going to see if they're interested in bringing in a case, but I doubt it. With the orders I'm splitting we're at $5.95 a bunch. Which is only about an 8% increase over last year. I think the feed stores will be selling them around $3-4ish this year depending on how much they order. But yeah, you will pay a lot if you try and just order a single bunch or two.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/26/22 11:52 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by crapyetr
https://dixondalefarms.com/online_catalog/

Texas Legends ready to ship November 14th...get ur local feed store to order a box or 7...way to expensive to order from them

https://dixondalefarms.com/product/texas-legend-onion-plants/


We have new feed store owners. I'm going to see if they're interested in bringing in a case, but I doubt it. With the orders I'm splitting we're at $5.95 a bunch. Which is only about an 8% increase over last year. I think the feed stores will be selling them around $3-4ish this year depending on how much they order. But yeah, you will pay a lot if you try and just order a single bunch or two.


ask them to order a case of the reds and tx early whites and yellow granex ... i used to grow them b4 TX Legends
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/27/22 08:44 PM

dixondale farms onion planting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVJS2hdRWvU
Posted By: LoneStarSon

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/29/22 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by Stump jumper
I have a 10" watermelon. Does anyone know how long it takes for a watermelon to grow to maturity? Due to the drought and the water line to my garden coming apart this is my first one of the season. I am hoping it is ready before the first freeze.

Depends on variety....do you know what kind it is? On average about 75 days after the seed is planted...

You'll know it's ready if the spot on the belly is yellow
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/17/22 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
Had a tree leaning real bad the last few years, kinda new it wasn’t going to last, the 5 inches o [Linked Image]
f rain we got this week was the final call, I’ve got 3 giant oaks now that I’m gonna have to cut down and cut up for firewood.


Just saw this
Sorry
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/22 05:53 PM

planted 230 TX Legends today...5 bunches...count was really short this year, but the quality of the slips was excellent...i'll have to hand water from the lake until next spring...TLC

b4 u ask, the mail box is to store tools / ant killer / Sevin Dust

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/22 06:55 PM

Nice! I got mine planted Sunday. And they were probably the best looking bunches I have ever received.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/22/22 09:17 PM

Im late sigh
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/23/22 08:52 PM

When you plant this early, do you have to cover your onions during cold weather, or just let them fend for themselves? Is there anything else, besides planting early, you do to get the largest onions?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/23/22 09:36 PM

I covered mine in 2021 and my mom didn’t. Mine looked a lot worse than hers when I uncovered them a few days later. The snow insulated hers. Mine recovered fine but I won’t cover them again. Per dixondale fertilize them every 3 weeks or so with Ammonium Sulfate. 21-0-0. I mix in 13-13-13 when I rake/till the bed then just 21-0-0 after that.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/23/22 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I covered mine in 2021 and my mom didn’t. Mine looked a lot worse than hers when I uncovered them a few days later. The snow insulated hers. Mine recovered fine but I won’t cover them again. Per dixondale fertilize them every 3 weeks or so with Ammonium Sulfate. 21-0-0. I mix in 13-13-13 when I rake/till the bed then just 21-0-0 after that.


i agree, i've had my onions freeze to the ground and they came back...watering is the key...Dixondale has some special onion fertilizer that i put down when i plant, but only then...as Derek said 21-0-0 every 3 weeks until they start bulbing...i have FULL sunlight at my lake house so i'm thinking i'm gonna have sum good'uns next May...i'll be watering with lake water, so the fish poo will add a little zing...we'll see...ur lernin' Derek yes yes
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/24/22 02:51 PM

Thanks. I'm an expert at growing onions the size of golf balls. Ordered some sets from Dixondales, which should be in next week.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/18/22 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
planted 230 TX Legends today...5 bunches...count was really short this year, but the quality of the slips was excellent...i'll have to hand water from the lake until next spring...TLC

b4 u ask, the mail box is to store tools / ant killer / Sevin Dust

[Linked Image]


3 weeks, first 21-0-0 fertilizing

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Pokie1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/31/22 07:31 PM

we will be putting in an order at dixondales,good looking onions thumb
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/31/22 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by Pokie1
we will be putting in an order at dixondales,good looking onions thumb


not so good after that 3 day hard-freeze, but i think they'll survive
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/31/22 09:31 PM

Dixondale Farms regarding FREEZE

After any hard freeze, the plants will need watering, since the ground usually dries out significantly during a freeze. Give your plants a couple of weeks to bounce back. They need time to generate more carbohydrates, which is their life source (not to mention their flavor source). If you see new leaves emerging, your plant’s on its way to recovery! Check on your onion plants more often than usual for a few weeks, for signs of new growth.
Posted By: Pokie1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/01/23 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Originally Posted by Pokie1
we will be putting in an order at dixondales,good looking onions thumb


not so good after that 3 day hard-freeze, but i think they'll survive

onions usually come back alright,been my experience. good luck thumb
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/01/23 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by Pokie1
Originally Posted by crapyetr
Originally Posted by Pokie1
we will be putting in an order at dixondales,good looking onions thumb


not so good after that 3 day hard-freeze, but i think they'll survive

onions usually come back alright,been my experience. good luck thumb

Hope yours do come back and produce for you. I put mine out early the year we had the deep freeze and it really stunted them badly. That said it got down to -12°, they were covered with a tarp and over a foot of snow. Per the Dixon Dale site, they need to be watered after the freeze as it dries out the ground. I didn't do that and it could have been the problem.
Good luck.
Posted By: Pokie1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/01/23 05:03 PM

have you tried leafs instead of a tarp? it's what we do,yes,as you know onions love to eat and drink.
their kinda like pirates that way yes happy hoeing!
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/23 01:40 AM

Pepper seed germination has begun. This is what I’m starting from seed. 24 hour soak in potassium nitrate and now in coffee filters inside ziplock bags on top of the dvr to germinate. Should be ready to transfer to starter trays this weekend.
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[Linked Image]
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/23 05:35 PM

Will this work with any seeds?
I have peppers - tomato - cilantro - seeds
saved from heirloom plants
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/23 06:39 PM

Sure you could. I don't on things like tomatoes, cukes, squash. I've had no issues getting stuff like that to germinate. Peppers in particular hot peppers can be difficult sometimes. And they accelerator works great for them. No issue if you want to do any other type with it. It's called seed priming. Lots of studies show the benefit of soaking seeds in it. This is the one I use. Easy to follow directions and one packet mixed up will last you for years.

https://pepperhead.com/shop/seed-germination-accelerator/
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/23 06:50 PM

Got my Dixondale's last week and got them in Sunday as I've been out of town for 2 weeks. Wish I could have gotten them in a little earlier but it'll do.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/23 07:55 PM

alright
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/04/23 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by greenen
Got my Dixondale's last week and got them in Sunday as I've been out of town for 2 weeks. Wish I could have gotten them in a little earlier but it'll do.


You're good. That 10 degree weather burnt mine pretty good. All but maybe 4 have bounced back really well.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/05/23 12:00 AM

What is so special about Dixondale onions?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/05/23 12:10 AM

Texas Legends - explain Derek
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/05/23 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by skeeter22
What is so special about Dixondale onions?


You can get different varieties straight from the source or local nursery. TX Legends like Crapy mentions is a favorite among onions growers. Both for flavor and size. They also store for a long time. If you're a 1015y guy then it really doesn't matter. If you buy Bonnie 1015y from a box store they came from Dixondale.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/05/23 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by skeeter22
What is so special about Dixondale onions?


You can get different varieties straight from the source or local nursery. TX Legends like Crapy mentions is a favorite among onions growers. Both for flavor and size. They also store for a long time. If you're a 1015y guy then it really doesn't matter. If you buy Bonnie 1015y from a box store they came from Dixondale.


EXCELLENT...see, toldya Derek wood xplane it...here's what Dixondale sez about TX Legends

Revered for its uniformity, Texas Legend onions are a pollinator for hybrid varieties grown in Vidalia, GA. Specifically bred for more healthful benefits than its parent variety, the original 1015Y Texas Supersweet, Texas Legend onions are still as mild and sweet! Texas Legend onions actually contains 25 active compounds that inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, help combat heart disease, and stimulate the immune system. It is also antibacterial and anti-fungal, to help ward off colds and relieve stomach upset and other gastrointestinal disorders. The Texas Legend onion matures 10 to 14 days earlier than the 1015Y Texas Supersweet and it is ideally suited for growing in the short day region. If planted early, it is widely adaptable to all short day and intermediate day growing areas. This onion plant variety one gives you a nice, globe-shaped, sweet, yellow onion that is open pollinated (meaning they are pollinated by wind, insects, or animals). Texas Legend onions also have anti fungal and anti bacterial properties to help combat colds and relieve tummy aches and other disorders of the gastrointestinal type. In the correct growing conditions, you should expect yields of 6″ onions, around 105 days after planting from transplants.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/05/23 07:39 PM

Thanks, Derek and crapyetr.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/18/23 08:06 PM

Pepper seedlings are coming along nicely.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/23 06:07 PM

This year I finally made the change from fluorescent lights to LED lights for starting all my vegetable seeds. For you guys that use LEDS, How many watts is your setup for a 2' by 4' area and how far above your plants should the LED fixtures be placed? Mine are full spectrum and 70 watts each with 2 lights for 140 watts total. Plants seem to be doing OK, but I want to be sure I'm using these LEDs effectively.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/02/23 08:00 PM

Mine is 2x4. I'm running 2200lm, 6500K - 80 watts total at a distance of about 4" and have always had good results. Industry standard is like 200w at 12-18". So you're in that 6-8" range.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/23 12:38 AM

Got mine transplanted to 4” pots the last couple days. I’m at about 4” on avg. it’s easy to maintain with peppers at this point as they grow slow. I’ll start tomatoes, cukes, squash and whatever else on another rack in a couple weeks. They grow so fast it’s a little more difficult to keep the lights at distance. I’ve had them grow up into the lights with no issues. Though I’m using basic high kelvin shop lights. Each setup will probably be a little different. My lights add right at 2 degrees to that area when on.
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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/03/23 04:50 PM

Looking good! My setup is much more primitive.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/06/23 08:52 PM

this is what i have now...any ideas for strawberry plants like the one that is covered...dang squirrel and birds will eat'm up


needing some raised beds for strawberries at my lake garden [Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/28/23 11:48 PM

couldn't wait with this beautiful weather, put in some tomatoes in wall-o-waters, stuck some jalapenos in the dirt, scattered some lettuce/spinach seeds, buried some squash seeds, then caught a 2 1/2 lb bass on a 12" worm...dang, whata day

dug a hole, buried the mater up to the top leaves, mounded dirt around it...the green one is done
[Linked Image]

closeup of the plant
[Linked Image]

set a 5gal bucket upside down over the plant, put the w-0-w over the bucket, fill the tubes with water, slip the bucket out of the w-0-w
[Linked Image]

finished product, perty neet huh
[Linked Image]
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/23 01:00 AM

Derek,

What week are you going in the ground with squash and maters?
It’s awful tempting right now even though I’ve been gardening forever and it always freezes again.
Awful tempting. What you think? I’m just a tad west of metro area…..
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/23 02:15 AM

i've got squash up in my garden at Lake Murvaul, as you can see above, i have tomatoes in wall-o-waters doing great, i also have lettuce/spinach up...what does it hurt to plant early? if it freezes, oh well, plant again...if not, you're ahead of the game...Derek learned from me, right Derek?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/09/23 02:30 AM

I hear ya Searcher. I'd be itching to plant this weekend. My saving grace is I'll be out of town. I will be looking hard at the 10 day and long term forecast come the 18th. As of now I don't see anything not stopping NTX from planting. But things can change quickly. If you rock out now just have a plan to cover them if need be the next couple weeks. I don't think we will see another major freeze from what I've seen, so covering should be pretty simple and easy. I do see a 43 deg low on the 10 day and that's at DFW, the concrete corridor. Outside of that it could be a bit more chilled. Overall if you have grown custom seeds and looking to transplant, I might wait another week and see how it goes. If its a common box store transplant and easily replaceable, I'm taking the gamble and planting.
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/23 01:09 AM

My tomatoes have doubled in size since I put them in the ground Feb 28. If I can sneak them past the next 6 nights I think they will be off to the races! banana
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Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/23 01:39 AM

Did you use any gas from that gas can on them?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/23 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by olefisher
My tomatoes have doubled in size since I put them in the ground Feb 28. If I can sneak them past the next 6 nights I think they will be off to the races! banana
[Linked Image]


i planted mine on Feb 28th also, in wall-o-waters, and they are doing great also; what variety are they? last year sucked for tomatoes so maybe this year will be double good
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/14/23 06:36 PM

I have 2 Early Girl 2 Celebrity 1 Improved Porter and 1 Tycoon
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/23 01:04 AM

Lemon and Lime are cranking out the blooms. Brought them in the garage in case of hail.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/17/23 06:30 PM

Maters going in the ground Tuesday
Still working on squash in the house. Prolly wait two more weeks to put them out once they come up good
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/23 08:57 PM

I think I babied my maters thru this last cold snap and they are looking good, Even have 4 blooms on the Early Girls. I will cover tonight and then they are own their own! roflmao
Posted By: COFF

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/23 01:37 PM

Buttered Lettuce - I ate one of those buttered lettuce heads that comes live with the little root ball attached. After eating all the leaves, I stuck the root ball in my garden bed. Any chance it will re-grow and be able to eat again?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/23 02:31 PM

Should be able to. I know one of the mfg's specifically says it cannot be transplanted/regrown in soil. That just could be to discourage people from doing it or they compromised the root system somehow prior to packaging. People transplant from hydro, or from store bought scraps all the time with great results. I'll be interested to see how it turns out.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/21/23 08:22 PM

I'm ready to plant. Looking good so far for this weekend. From January 31st from cute little babies to March 20th a jungle.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/23 12:52 PM

Looking good. My peppers look good this year but my tomatos(Romas and Hybrids) look like [censored] but I put them out yesterday anyway. Last year it was in reverse and the pepper seedlings were struggling.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/23 12:45 AM

What's wrong with your tomatoes? I started mine about 2 weeks too early. They seem to be growing about 2" a day right now. I'm going to have to dig a 12" hole to plant them in.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/23/23 11:56 AM

Yellowed leaves and not growing as fast as the peppers I started. Put some in the ground anyway on Tuesday. We'll see if they perk up.
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/23 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
I'm ready to plant. Looking good so far for this weekend. From January 31st from cute little babies to March 20th a jungle.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


Did you put squash outside yet?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/23 06:21 PM

I didn't start any from seed this year. Just going to buy some plants. The 4 stores I've checked so far didn't have any yet. I planted my garden last Sunday except for the squash.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/30/23 07:15 PM

i planted squash #2 last thursday and they are up today...i've never bought squash or cucumber plants; the seeds pop when the ground gets warm
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/31/23 01:08 AM

What kinda red mulch is that?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/23 07:16 PM

Just the cheap $3 a bag stuff from Walmart
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/23 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Just the cheap $3 a bag stuff from Walmart


Just don't let it get wet in back of truck cause it will stain the hell out of bed liner!
bolt
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/23 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by olefisher
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Just the cheap $3 a bag stuff from Walmart


Just don't let it get wet in back of truck cause it will stain the hell out of bed liner!
bolt

Because of that right there I alwAys wondered if it was not good for the plants/ soil
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/23 03:20 PM

Derek

Can you tell me what might be causing this one to wither? Watered same as all the rest and they look great growin inches each day

[Linked Image]
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/23 03:21 PM

Pic might not help you
Maybe you can see what I’m talking about zooming in?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/23 07:14 PM

Looks like some sort of virus. You might google tomatoe viruses and see if any match.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/05/23 11:22 PM

Maybe insects? I planted my tomatoes the other day and I have 2 that have been eaten pretty good by insects. Seven dust went on about an hour ago.
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/06/23 04:52 PM

[Linked Image]


Best guess is this. It’s a soil issue so maybe I got a bad batch of dirt from store. 3 of my celebrities are gonna have to go cuz they all have it
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/09/23 10:25 PM

gonna b a gud yr for gardenin'

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[Linked Image]
Posted By: me and the boys

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/16/23 06:07 PM

I bought plants, tomatera, squash cucumbers.
A week after panting some are doing great, some look wilted.
I have not added any starter or fertilizer yet?
Posted By: COFF

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/23 12:21 AM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by COFF
Buttered Lettuce - I ate one of those buttered lettuce heads that comes live with the little root ball attached. After eating all the leaves, I stuck the root ball in my garden bed. Any chance it will re-grow and be able to eat again?
Should be able to. I know one of the mfg's specifically says it cannot be transplanted/regrown in soil. That just could be to discourage people from doing it or they compromised the root system somehow prior to packaging. People transplant from hydro, or from store bought scraps all the time with great results. I'll be interested to see how it turns out.

Been just shy of a month now and the lettuce is back about to the size you'd buy in the store. I haven't eaten it yet, but will the next time I have a need for lettuce.
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/18/23 12:39 AM

i cannot grow lettuce at all
Green Leaf
they are very fragile
squirrels & heavy rain wiped out
like 20 of mine
i think i should plan
on eating well fed
squirrels
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/23 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by me and the boys
I bought plants, tomatera, squash cucumbers.
A week after panting some are doing great, some look wilted.
I have not added any starter or fertilizer yet?


How are they looking now? Might have some transplant shock. I would give them a dose of watered down fert. Like a 1/4 of what your label rate says to use.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/20/23 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by COFF
Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by COFF
Buttered Lettuce - I ate one of those buttered lettuce heads that comes live with the little root ball attached. After eating all the leaves, I stuck the root ball in my garden bed. Any chance it will re-grow and be able to eat again?
Should be able to. I know one of the mfg's specifically says it cannot be transplanted/regrown in soil. That just could be to discourage people from doing it or they compromised the root system somehow prior to packaging. People transplant from hydro, or from store bought scraps all the time with great results. I'll be interested to see how it turns out.

Been just shy of a month now and the lettuce is back about to the size you'd buy in the store. I haven't eaten it yet, but will the next time I have a need for lettuce.


That's awesome! Well done good sir. cheers
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 12:04 AM

this is at my lake garden; full sun; sure can tell the difference from my garden in Nac with all the pine trees

[Linked Image]
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[Linked Image]
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 12:52 AM

^^^^^^
Those Onions look awesome
Not sure I’ve ever seen wire support cages on squash like that though….
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by The Searchers
^^^^^^
Those Onions look awesome
Not sure I’ve ever seen wire support cages on squash like that though….


well, here's the story; you are not looking at squash; that's a tomato plant; the dang squirrels stole all my tomatoes last year; so i'm trying this to see if i can grow tomatoes in an enclosure; i have my reservations, but i'll be danged i'm gonna feed that squirrel again
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 01:02 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Originally Posted by The Searchers
^^^^^^
Those Onions look awesome
Not sure I’ve ever seen wire support cages on squash like that though….


well, here's the story; you are not looking at squash; that's a tomato plant; the dang squirrels stole all my tomatoes last year; so i'm trying this to see if i can grow tomatoes in an enclosure; i have my reservations, but i'll be danged i'm gonna feed that squirrel again



Huh
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 01:03 AM

[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 01:08 AM

Originally Posted by The Searchers
[Linked Image]


oh, that one; yep, that's what i use to keep the leaves off the ground; easy to pick also
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 11:40 AM

Looking lush Crapyetr
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 07:45 PM

Well my gamble on putting my tomato plants in the ground Feb,28 appears to be paying off! Plants are beautiful and lots of blooms and I just counted 5 baby maters banana
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 07:50 PM

excellent job; if i can get the plants that early, i'd plant them also; in wall-o-waters; i have NO blooms yet; YET is the key word; it's gonna be a great garden year
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by The Searchers
[Linked Image]


I am going out on a limb here but I bet you do not get any tomato off that plant bolt
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/21/23 09:22 PM

no maters off the squarsh plant, but hopefully of the caged thang; gonna b a little crowded tho


[Linked Image]
[/quote]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/23/23 09:43 PM

Nacogdoches garden; too many 100 ft+ pines trees around it

taters / beans
[Linked Image]

beans / cukes / peppers
[Linked Image]

other end; maters / peppers
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maters / beans
[Linked Image]
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/23 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
excellent job; if i can get the plants that early, i'd plant them also; in wall-o-waters; i have NO blooms yet; YET is the key word; it's gonna be a great garden year


i think it is also
these cool nights & rain
are awesome
i have blooms on tomatoes & cucumbers
we have radish we have ate & wild onions
spinach is great
lettuce is so fragile
Posted By: butch sanders

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/25/23 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Nacogdoches garden; too many 100 ft+ pines trees around it

taters / beans
[Linked Image]

beans / cukes / peppers
[Linked Image]

other end; maters / peppers
[Linked Image]

maters / beans
[Linked Image]


beautiful
we battle shade also
17 trees
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/23 04:58 PM

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/23 05:08 PM

what's the theory of the wire covering; protection from frost and/or a trellis; looks really nice; that's a massive garden; it's not work when you get to watch the results

Originally Posted by Droyhef
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: CCTX

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/23 06:07 PM

Keeps out deer and wolves.
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/30/23 08:14 PM

Has anyone used a large mirror to reflect sunlight on tomatoes in a shady area? noidea
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/01/23 02:40 AM

Are you covering that with some type of shade netting in summer?
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/23 12:29 AM

No, its a bean tunnel. It has various kinds of pole beans on the sides as well as some cucumbers. Most of the brassicas on the inside are the type that make one big head then small shoots.
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/23 01:07 AM

Well that is one fine looking garden sir! cheers
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/23 01:50 AM

This year I have some of the best looking celebrity mater plants I’ve had in years.
Tons of blooms on each one. Tons.
Not a single mater started though.
Wth
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/23 03:43 PM

my celebrity just got the first little maters last 3 or 4 days
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/23 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by olefisher
my celebrity just got the first little maters last 3 or 4 days


Same here, they are just now starting to set fruit.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/03/23 10:56 PM

sure glad i put in a raised bed at the lake with FULL sun; will hang most of these in the shade at Nac to dry out; keep a few at the lake in the barn; now for sum squarsh and caged mater and peppers; have maters / beans / taters / cukes / peppers at the Nac gard

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/04/23 11:50 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
sure glad i put in a raised bed at the lake with FULL sun; will hang most of these in the shade at Nac to dry out; keep a few at the lake in the barn; now for sum squarsh and caged mater and peppers; have maters / beans / taters / cukes / peppers at the Nac gard

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Excellent work sir! Those look awesome!!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/23 12:57 AM

thanks D, but God's sun [and His son] did it; all i did was stik the slips n the ground and fertilize them every 3 weeks; i'm so glad to be bak in the onion growing business;
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/23 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
thanks D, but God's sun [and His son] did it; all i did was stik the slips n the ground and fertilize them every 3 weeks; i'm so glad to be bak in the onion growing business;

I dried mine in the shade on a patio table last year. Mine about ready to pull. How do you hang yours?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/23 06:04 PM

here are the larger ones, about 50; i have 75+/- more laying on the floor in the barn at the lake; i'll get them next week and hang them in the middle;

screwed wood screws in this cedar 2x4 i had about 6" apart; could be a little farther depending on how many i have to hang
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xl TX Legends; 5 per string
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not sure, but i think they are flat bermudas; don't know how i ended up with them; i planted a bunch in February so this might be them; 7-8 per string
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Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/23 06:25 PM

How long you hang them
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/05/23 06:59 PM

How long you hang them?

around 2-3 weeks, until the green tops are brittle dry; i cut those and the dry roots off and let them lay till they cure, maybe a week, then put them in the ice box or stuff them in knee hi panty hose and hang them in the garage or storeroom; they usually keep until we eat them all, around December; a few will ruin, but not many

here's some i hung in the storeroom in Crockett around 2010, before TX Legends

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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/06/23 12:09 PM

Thanks.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/23 05:15 PM

Is that insulated or anything? How hot is your shed?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/08/23 05:47 PM

no insulation; they kept just fine; Dixondale Farms said you can put them in the ice box; i didn't know that so i fill up the bottom trays in the garage, lay the others out on a table; not many of those big-un's will fit in the icebox
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/23 01:06 AM

Pulled mine. [Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/23 11:35 AM

don't leave them in the sun; put'm in the garage or storeroom; they won't stink for long; TX Legends i presume???
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/10/23 12:59 PM

They're hung in the shade. Legends and some white variety.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/11/23 06:40 PM

Mine have been falling over now, i do red, yellow, and white and i did some from seed. Ill post pictures when i pull them.
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/23 01:15 PM

Has anyone had any luck with planting squash in summer for fall picking here in Texas?
I have always planted tomatoes in august but never tried squash
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/12/23 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by The Searchers
Has anyone had any luck with planting squash in summer for fall picking here in Texas?
I have always planted tomatoes in august but never tried squash


my yellow straight neck is putting on small squash right now; zucchini is alot of blooms; i'll prolly plant seeds again soon for the next round
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/23 01:06 AM

about a hunerd+ hanging; i have another 50 laying on the barn floor at the lake; orta keep me till CHRISTmas

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Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/23 04:47 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Originally Posted by The Searchers
Has anyone had any luck with planting squash in summer for fall picking here in Texas?
I have always planted tomatoes in august but never tried squash


my yellow straight neck is putting on small squash right now; zucchini is alot of blooms; i'll prolly plant seeds again soon for the next round


I’m gonna have squash by the bucket loads
But They always Peter out around June

Can you replant them in July and get more by
September? I figure it’s too hot
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/23 11:56 AM

Can you replant them in July and get more by September?

one way to find out...guess what that is? ur welcome / mr smartazz crapyetr
Posted By: Oldrabbit

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/23 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by The Searchers
Has anyone had any luck with planting squash in summer for fall picking here in Texas?
I have always planted tomatoes in august but never tried squash

Yes. I have planted in summer and had less problems with the squash borers. We had yellow crookneck up until the first frost.
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/23 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Oldrabbit
Originally Posted by The Searchers
Has anyone had any luck with planting squash in summer for fall picking here in Texas?
I have always planted tomatoes in august but never tried squash

Yes. I have planted in summer and had less problems with the squash borers. We had yellow crookneck up until the first frost.


Thanks! What month did you put them in the ground? How much shade?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/13/23 04:33 PM

4x8 bed; 14 seed taters; 18.4 lbs.; that'll last awhile; roma II & kentucky wonder green beans are blooming; taters / green beans / conebread on the menu soon

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/14/23 12:07 AM

my nabor's garden; he's really anal; he grows some fantastic veges; he built a box over the tomatoes to keep the squirrels out; ck out the rainbow during today's rain;

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Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/23 01:47 PM

HOT DAMN GOT MY FIRST MATOR THIS MORNING!! banana
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Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/25/23 02:23 PM

Nice! Mine got a while to go yet.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/23 11:49 AM

I have a few more that still are not ready
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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/26/23 04:13 PM

dried / curing / then to the ice box or knee hi pantyhose

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/23 12:39 PM

PURPLE HULL PEA question; my wife's dad said to shell the pea and put it in the freezer; eats as good as fresh? anybody do this???
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 05/27/23 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
PURPLE HULL PEA question; my wife's dad said to shell the pea and put it in the freezer; eats as good as fresh? anybody do this???

My folks put peas up all the time growing up and my mother would blanch them in boiling water first and then freeze to keep them from getting freezer burn. I just wash them and vacuum seal them and eat them withing a few months.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/04/23 05:17 PM

how to store onions...knee-hi panty hose...these are a few big un's...usually 7-8 per hose...these are 5

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Posted By: marschall

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/23 12:22 PM

Anybodyelse plant some 4th of july tomatoes plants?
Ours have been putting out tons of tomatoes for at least 3 weeks now. Not big but bigger than a cherry tomatoe
Posted By: Zipster

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/07/23 08:15 PM

My cherries and celebrities are loading up now and just starting to produce some red ones. Guess I got some late bloomers.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/23 12:26 AM

Originally Posted by Zipster
My cherries and celebrities are loading up now and just starting to produce some red ones. Guess I got some late bloomers.

I planted 24 celebrities and they have yet to turn as well, so I think it's just been a slow cool year, this heat wave coming will start them a turning.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/23 12:34 AM

[Linked Image]
If you have not tried these yellow pear shaped tomatoes you need to give them a try, they have great flavor and produce in temps up near 100 degrees, i just started getting some this past week
Posted By: The Searchers

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/23 02:08 AM

Originally Posted by David Welcher
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If you have not tried these yellow pear shaped tomatoes you need to give them a try, they have great flavor and produce in temps up near 100 degrees, i just started getting some this past week


What’s the name?
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/13/23 02:30 AM

Yellow pear
Posted By: Fish-ed

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/23 02:44 PM

Those are good, but I think I prefer the sweet 100 cherry tomatoes.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/23 04:52 PM

my favorite is Texas breed Porters; non-acidic; lasts till frost; makes gr8 hot sauce; next is Celebrity; check out the squirrel proof cage; you can see where they have taken a bite, but i should be able to have a few inside; no, i'm not gonna kill the squirrels

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Posted By: skeeter22

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/14/23 11:39 PM

I have had an epic year with onions. I planted two yellow pear tomatoes only to find out they were a different variety. I hope to find some actual pear tomatoes to plant in a couple of weeks for fall harvest.
Posted By: Stump jumper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/18/23 05:57 PM

My corn looks great this year with full kernels but is tough and sticky when cooked. I think I am going to give up on planting corn in this area. [Linked Image]
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/19/23 10:53 AM

I too struggle with Corn. I gave up on it, but it's so cheap anyway I don't feel bad about it.
I stick with Onions, Lettuce, Spinach, Greens, Peppers, Tomatoes, Okra, Squash and Peaches
And of those it seems to me the worst is Squash as it seems there is such a short growing season here in N Texas.
Posted By: Stump jumper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/20/23 09:05 PM

At least the dogs like the corn. Next year I might shrink the garden a little. I don't need as much room if I don't plant corn.
Posted By: gjarman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/22/23 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by marschall
Anybodyelse plant some 4th of july tomatoes plants?
Ours have been putting out tons of tomatoes for at least 3 weeks now. Not big but bigger than a cherry tomatoe

I planted some and I’ve been getting a boatload of ripe tomatoes for probably a month. I kind of like this variety because they’re not on the vine as long and are seem less susceptible to bugs, birds and bottom rot.
Posted By: Droyhef

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/23 04:50 AM

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 06/28/23 10:10 AM

wow...you have ur hands full; God has certainly blessed your gardening talent; His food tastes sooooooooooooo good; i know, He has also blessed my garden
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/06/23 02:55 PM

Anyone planting a fall garden this year? It's tough in this heat, but the payoff is good.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/06/23 03:36 PM

absolutely; too early yet, but broccoli / cabbage / cauliflower will go n the ground as soon as i can find the plants;

i'm still getting sweet slice cucumbers since spring; delicious stuff; peppers of course, they just start in the fall;

i luv to garden; i plant it, He grows it
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/06/23 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
Anyone planting a fall garden this year? It's tough in this heat, but the payoff is good.


For sure
After my excellent tomato crop finally burned up I dug in about 2 inches of rabbit poop and planted okra about 3 weeks ago, Water ever day but the plants are looking very good. Guessing they will start producing by next week! banana
Posted By: bloo_rainger

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 08/09/23 09:26 PM

Skills
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 09/30/23 09:05 PM

onion time; looks like the 1st shipping date is Nov 3rd; get your feed store to order from them like i did in Nacogdoches; the freeze last year knocked them back, but i still had over 100 good ones, softball size

https://dixondalefarms.com/
Posted By: olefisher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/04/23 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by olefisher
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
Anyone planting a fall garden this year? It's tough in this heat, but the payoff is good.


For sure
After my excellent tomato crop finally burned up I dug in about 2 inches of rabbit poop and planted okra about 3 weeks ago, Water ever day but the plants are looking very good. Guessing they will start producing by next week! banana


Boy I sure missed when they would start producing. Finally got my first pods today roflmao That heat was brutal and I guess they just shut down till it cooled off
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 10/22/23 02:32 PM

broccoli / cabbage / brussel sprouts / cauliflower ; planted some at Murvaul also

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Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/01/23 08:00 PM

Dixondale Farms

Soil Preparation Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

Many onion gardeners often overlook a crucial step: preparing the soil before planting their onions. The growth of your onions largely depends on the quality of the soil they are planted in. Follow our best practices below to ensure that your soil is in its best condition before the onion season arrives.

Select a Sunny Location: Opt for a spot that receives full sun. Ensure you monitor your soil to identify the area that gets the most sunlight.

Soil Preparation for Optimal Growth: It's important to prepare the soil to make it friable (crumbly and well-aerated) and to ensure proper drainage. While onions can grow in various soil types, they thrive in sandy loam soil, which offers excellent drainage and a loose texture. This enables the onions to move the soil easily when they begin to bulb. Tight soils like clay or silt resist water infiltration, particularly when dry, and can easily become compacted, hindering the onion bulb expansion during the bulbing process.

Enhancing Soil Quality: Onions thrive in loose soils with ample nutrients. You can enrich your soil by adding composted cow manure, garden compost, organic matter like grass clippings or leaves, or peat moss. These additions not only provide essential nutrients but also improve soil texture.

Soil Testing: Always conduct a soil test before planting. This helps determine if your soil lacks essential nutrients or minerals and what the pH level is. You can easily perform a soil test using a digital meter or have it done by your local County Extension office. Onions can grow in various pH levels, but they prefer a pH between 6.2-6.8. If your soil is too acidic, add ground limestone; if it's too alkaline, incorporate peat moss.

Balanced Fertilization: Even if your soil analysis indicates substantial amounts of phosphorous or potassium, these nutrients may not be in a form readily absorbed by the plant. It's crucial to add a balanced fertilizer such as 10-20-10 to provide the nutrients necessary for your onions to establish a healthy root system. Simply dig a 4-inch trench between two rows of onions and sprinkle ½ cup of 10-20-10 per ten linear feet of the row. Cover the trench with soil and then plant the onions 6 inches from the trench. Onion roots will expand to absorb these nutrients, fostering a strong root system.

Weed Control: Effective weed control is essential to prevent competition for nutrients between weeds and your onions. Prepare your rows in advance and pre-irrigate the area to encourage weed growth. These weeds can then be tilled under before planting. Using a pre-emergent herbicide such as Treflan or corn gluten can provide about four weeks of weed control during the early growth stages.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/02/23 01:41 AM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
Dixondale Farms

Soil Preparation Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

Many onion gardeners often overlook a crucial step: preparing the soil before planting their onions. The growth of your onions largely depends on the quality of the soil they are planted in. Follow our best practices below to ensure that your soil is in its best condition before the onion season arrives.

Select a Sunny Location: Opt for a spot that receives full sun. Ensure you monitor your soil to identify the area that gets the most sunlight.

Soil Preparation for Optimal Growth: It's important to prepare the soil to make it friable (crumbly and well-aerated) and to ensure proper drainage. While onions can grow in various soil types, they thrive in sandy loam soil, which offers excellent drainage and a loose texture. This enables the onions to move the soil easily when they begin to bulb. Tight soils like clay or silt resist water infiltration, particularly when dry, and can easily become compacted, hindering the onion bulb expansion during the bulbing process.

Enhancing Soil Quality: Onions thrive in loose soils with ample nutrients. You can enrich your soil by adding composted cow manure, garden compost, organic matter like grass clippings or leaves, or peat moss. These additions not only provide essential nutrients but also improve soil texture.

Soil Testing: Always conduct a soil test before planting. This helps determine if your soil lacks essential nutrients or minerals and what the pH level is. You can easily perform a soil test using a digital meter or have it done by your local County Extension office. Onions can grow in various pH levels, but they prefer a pH between 6.2-6.8. If your soil is too acidic, add ground limestone; if it's too alkaline, incorporate peat moss.

Balanced Fertilization: Even if your soil analysis indicates substantial amounts of phosphorous or potassium, these nutrients may not be in a form readily absorbed by the plant. It's crucial to add a balanced fertilizer such as 10-20-10 to provide the nutrients necessary for your onions to establish a healthy root system. Simply dig a 4-inch trench between two rows of onions and sprinkle ½ cup of 10-20-10 per ten linear feet of the row. Cover the trench with soil and then plant the onions 6 inches from the trench. Onion roots will expand to absorb these nutrients, fostering a strong root system.

Weed Control: Effective weed control is essential to prevent competition for nutrients between weeds and your onions. Prepare your rows in advance and pre-irrigate the area to encourage weed growth. These weeds can then be tilled under before planting. Using a pre-emergent herbicide such as Treflan or corn gluten can provide about four weeks of weed control during the early growth stages.


Great info Onion King. I'm more of a balance guy with a 13-13-13 at the start. And for the newbies getting started with onions this year. DD recommends using 21-0-0 ammonium sulfate to maintain growth most in of TX. Easy to find at most feed stores for about $20-25 per 50lbs. That will last you a while. If you're in a lower Ph area like crapyetr you can go with Calcium Nitrate. Not as easy to find and as cheap. Realistically if your Ph is on point, which most aren't, you could skip the Cal N for the most part and just go straight Urea which is 46-0-0 and cheap.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/04/23 11:40 AM

There's an easy way to check the pH levels at your home.
If your soil bubbles when you add vinegar to it, then you know your soil is alkaline.
If you soil bubbles when you add baking soda to it, you know that your soil is acidic.

here's a bunch of info that's interesting

https://www.healthygem.com/hacks/clever-gardening-hacks/43/?utm_source=ba&utm_campaign=ghl-d-us-r-0-0-231101-hg-ba-d5&utm_medium=msn.com&utm_content=Plant+Bananas+All+Over+Your+Garden%2C+Look+What+Happens+A+Week+Later-ba&utm_term=hp&utm_cpc=0.074000&a0v5la7bquf89=9578d6574888d274d13118787baa7508&uy3ubftvh0u6o8=3fdcc4c7562c3e5ac76df26252c46c21&cusduxj27i=2091576&xnfrr0ncac=698&zsmoi87pih9=trace.mediago.io&lzzgnpz8d=fd2c78e45533ef29df88e75fbc16275a
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/09/23 12:59 AM

Crapy I'm a slacker and just got my onions ordered a couple days ago. Supposed to ship the week of the 27th. Dixon typically ships earlier than expected ship date though. My feed store and nursery don't bring them in early and only the 1015 when they do. Thankfully a few of us order together and it gets the price down. Not crate price but close to. LET'S GO! Going to be a great winter and 2024 gardening year baby!
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/09/23 01:06 AM

fyi...farmers almanac planting date for onions is 11/29-30

29th – 30th
Start seedbeds and flower gardens. Good days for transplanting. Best planting days for fall potatoes, turnips, onions, carrots, beets, and other root crops where climate is suitable.
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/23 05:34 PM

So do you guys follow DDs guidance and run a trench for fertilizer between the rows? I followed all their directions last year and had huge onions for the first time. Asking because the trench eats up a lot of real estate in a raised bed.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/23 06:11 PM

yep, i use their 10-20-10 pkg put it down before planting only; then 21-0-0 every 3 weeks until they bulb, around March; i plant my onions in a 4" offset row and sprinkle the 21-0-0 @ 1/2 cup/10 ft between the row; a few years ago, i had over 50 onions 16" circumference; even with the freeze last year, i had some over 12"; their system works; oh, full sun is also a priority, and God's blessings

this one was 16 1/2"; it made the Dixondale Farms catalog

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this is an example of the 4" offset onion planting

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Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 11/30/23 10:13 PM

My onions were supposed to ship this week but haven't yet. frown
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/01/23 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
My onions were supposed to ship this week but haven't yet. frown


got mine at the feedstore just now; plant dates are 8th-10th, this weekend
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/03/23 02:43 PM

I got a shipping notice Monday but still haven't got the onions.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/09/23 12:30 AM

Anyone have any experience with peanuts? Was wanting to try them out this year.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/23 01:59 AM

Originally Posted by greenen
I got a shipping notice Monday but still haven't got the onions.


Did you get yours? I called them today and somehow my ship date got moved to Jan 4th from my original 11/27 order conformation date. I figured they were just super busy and behind on shipping and cool with it. She's was like no we're up to date on shipping and if you can take delivery this week we will ship today. Lady was super cool and very apologetic. No biggie mistakes happen. Had a tracking # emailed an hour or two later. Great customer service and love doing business with them.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/13/23 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by greenen
I got a shipping notice Monday but still haven't got the onions.


Did you get yours? I called them today and somehow my ship date got moved to Jan 4th from my original 11/27 order conformation date. I figured they were just super busy and behind on shipping and cool with it. She's was like no we're up to date on shipping and if you can take delivery this week we will ship today. Lady was super cool and very apologetic. No biggie mistakes happen. Had a tracking # emailed an hour or two later. Great customer service and love doing business with them.


Yep, got mine that Friday and got them in the ground last weekend.
Posted By: Barbers Tree

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/20/23 04:47 PM

Where do y’all order them from?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/20/23 09:50 PM

Straight from Dixondale. It's typically me a few others here go in together to help get the price down. Crapy is lucky that his feed store brings them in early.

https://dixondalefarms.com/product-...-gv-egwMVvmBHAR2vDAEUEAAYASAAEgKwC_D_BwE
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/20/23 11:59 PM

got in 220; can barely see them; $4 / bunch; take a brochure to your feed store and talk'm into trying a few boxes of Texas Legends; dealer cost is around $40 for 30 bunches; used to be $30 / 30 back in the day when i bought them for a feed store in Crockett

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Barbers Tree

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/21/23 05:15 PM

Okay thanks. I ordered 10-15, Texas legends. Should ship Jan 1.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/21/23 09:42 PM

https://www.onionpatch.dixondalefarms.com/the-onion-patch/

click on THE ONION PATCH, just to the right of Dixondalefarms; there's 5 categories that discuss onions; interesting reading
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/22/23 12:08 PM

ok Derek, here's a project for you, since i'm not awake from 11 pm to 12 am; take pictures and post the results of the findings so we can see what the moisture level will be in 2024

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/how-to-predict-the-weather-with-an-onion?utm_source=Farmers%27+Almanac&utm_campaign=ca159ee7c9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_09_01_03_18_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1b6f309cc3-ca159ee7c9-482825069&mc_cid=ca159ee7c9&mc_eid=0b4bd0b9f2
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/22/23 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by crapyetr
ok Derek, here's a project for you, since i'm not awake from 11 pm to 12 am; take pictures and post the results of the findings so we can see what the moisture level will be in 2024

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/how-to-predict-the-weather-with-an-onion?utm_source=Farmers%27+Almanac&utm_campaign=ca159ee7c9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_09_01_03_18_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1b6f309cc3-ca159ee7c9-482825069&mc_cid=ca159ee7c9&mc_eid=0b4bd0b9f2


Interesting
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 12/31/23 04:56 PM

used my LAST onion today from last May's harvest; TX Legends are the BESTEST

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by crapyetr
ok Derek, here's a project for you, since i'm not awake from 11 pm to 12 am; take pictures and post the results of the findings so we can see what the moisture level will be in 2024

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/how-to-predict-the-weather-with-an-onion?utm_source=Farmers%27+Almanac&utm_campaign=ca159ee7c9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_09_01_03_18_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1b6f309cc3-ca159ee7c9-482825069&mc_cid=ca159ee7c9&mc_eid=0b4bd0b9f2


Interesting
Posted By: Mulejockey1

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/24 05:12 AM

When does central Texas start planting cold tolerable crops. Other than onions of course. Also do you get two plantings of tomatoes or just one?
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/24 02:04 PM

i plant cabbage / broccoli / cauliflower / brussel sprouts early November; have been eating cabbage / broccoli for awhile;

Porter tomatoes [Texas breed variety] will last thru the fall till frost, IF you baby them thru the summer; supposedly any indeterminant variety will last, depending on the care you give it
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/14/24 02:05 PM

did you conduct the experiment, or go to bed

Originally Posted by Derek 🐝
Originally Posted by crapyetr
ok Derek, here's a project for you, since i'm not awake from 11 pm to 12 am; take pictures and post the results of the findings so we can see what the moisture level will be in 2024

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/how-to-predict-the-weather-with-an-onion?utm_source=Farmers%27+Almanac&utm_campaign=ca159ee7c9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_09_01_03_18_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1b6f309cc3-ca159ee7c9-482825069&mc_cid=ca159ee7c9&mc_eid=0b4bd0b9f2


Interesting
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/16/24 02:28 PM

I was asleep well before midnight lol
Posted By: Steel_Boss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/24 02:36 PM

Planted my DixonDale 10/15's on 11-27-23.. they looked great before this heavy freeze.. now they look burned up. will they come back? I had them covered in hay but didnt seem to protect them enough.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/17/24 02:53 PM

most of them will

last year i lost 1/3 of my onion crop, but stll made some good onions that's why i plant 200-300 every year

just water and fertilize every 3 weeks with 21-0-0
Posted By: Stump jumper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/24 01:09 PM

I have quite a few onions growing that planted last year. Not sure how that happened because I harvested all of them. Maybe some of the bulbs did not germinate. I tilled my potatoe patch yesterday. Soil moisture content was perfect and did not want to wait with several days of rain coming.
Posted By: greenen

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/22/24 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by Steel_Boss
Planted my DixonDale 10/15's on 11-27-23.. they looked great before this heavy freeze.. now they look burned up. will they come back? I had them covered in hay but didnt seem to protect them enough.

I put floating row cover on mine 2 Saturdays ago prior to a week long duck hunt. Took the cover off and they looked kinda rough but hope they'll rebound this week.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 01/26/24 06:23 PM

Insulation as Prevention

Onions are hardy plants and can handle some frost and moderate freezes to some extent. However, if the temperature drops to single digits for a prolonged period, it can damage your onion crop. If the temperature drops to 20 degrees but rebounds above freezing within 24 hours, it is unlikely to cause significant damage to the crop.

If you are expecting a freeze, it is important to take care of your onion plants. Water them before the freeze occurs and then cover them with fabric or mulch to prevent any potential damage. You can use hay, mulch, or grass clippings as coverings. Plastic coverings will also work, but if using plastic, be sure to leave some small openings to allow fresh air to circulate. This will help to keep the soil moist and insulated, thus holding the heat around the bulb and root. Additionally, the coverings will protect the plants from the cold and wind.

Identifying After-Freeze Damage

After a hard freeze, it's essential to inspect your onions immediately. Check the exposed part of the onion bulbs carefully. If you see skins that are translucent or appear water-soaked, it's an indication of freeze damage. However, with proper care, the onions can survive surface damage.

Keep in mind that not all freeze damage is apparent right away. After a few days, check the onions again for softness. Then, pull up a few onions and cut them at an angle to see their inner rings. If the plants are mushy when pulled up or have internal translucence, they cannot be saved.

Bouncing Back With Extra Care

After a hard freeze, the soil tends to dry out considerably, so it is important to water your plants. Give your plants at least a couple of weeks to recover, as they need time to generate the carbohydrates that are essential for their survival and flavor. If you notice new leaves sprouting, it's a good sign that your plants are on the road to recovery. Keep a close eye on your onion plants for any signs of new growth in the weeks following a freeze.

While we cannot control the weather, we can take steps to minimize the damage caused by hard freezes. By protecting your plants, you can ensure a plentiful harvest when the time comes.
Posted By: Steel_Boss

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/01/24 07:40 PM

The warm weather this week has helped the onions bounce back pretty good.
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/01/24 09:48 PM

Mine too. Rain tomorrow night and good temps next week will help a lot too. My garlic is never phased by the cold.
Posted By: machinist

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/24 05:32 AM

I planted my Dixondale onions today. Am I too late to get a good crop? When can I start planting okra, black eyed peas, green beans and tomatoes/peppers
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/24 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by machinist
I planted my Dixondale onions today. Am I too late to get a good crop? When can I start planting okra, black eyed peas, green beans and tomatoes/peppers


in my opinion, it's never too late or too early to garden; however, common sense says frost will kill new growth; onions might be a little late, but plant them and note the date and results; learn this year for next year; green beans/maters/peppers after the last frost, your guess is as good as mine; okra/purple hulls are hot weather growth plants; i usually plant them after onion harvest
Posted By: OTFF

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/10/24 03:09 PM

There is tons of literature that will tell you this and that about when to plant, but it is ever evolving and year to year. As stated, do it and then document. Adjust year to year.

I try to have onions in ground by end of January. Potatoes in on Valentines and harvest on Cinco de Mayo.
You can take a chance and plant most crops earlier in March, but may lose them to freeze. I pretty much plant most things third week of March unless cold is forecast, and like to have most in ground no later than second week of April.

I have onions, cabbage, kale, several lettuce varieties, Brussel sprouts, and English peas in now. Potato row and turnip green row is ready to plant this coming Wednesday. My asparagus bed should really take off this year.

If you work at it for a few years you will figure it out and what works best for you and your area.
Posted By: Stump jumper

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 02/12/24 01:07 PM

Planted onions and taters before the rains hit. I have onions growing from last year. Not sure if they will be any good but will see. I normally plant warm weather stuff the first week of April. I lost all my plants the year of the record latest freeze.
Posted By: JRGOCARDS

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/03/24 04:49 PM

Found a bag of Tiger 90 Sulphur at Tractor Supply in Bartonville - said they had one more.

JR
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/24 01:25 AM

Went to Texas Pecan Nursery in Chandler this weekend and picked up 40 pecan trees at 10 dollars each, my peach trees are dying off as they are 20 years old this year. Wished I would have planted pecan trees back then. Any how, my back, forearms and shoulders are about give out. I planted 49 and some how I still have 6 more to go. They give you extra in case some don't turn out.
I decided this was the year to plant pecan saplings as this is supposed to be a wet el nino year, bought 500 foot of water hose in case I got to water em.

Also went to Harris Nursery in Tyler and got all my Celebrities and Peppers. I know it's still too early to plant the tomatoes and peppers but I'm tempted.

If your looking to buy fruit or nut trees, Texas Pecan Nursery is the place to go, for veggies Harris Nursery is the place to go.
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/24 01:30 AM

i found $1 - 4" pots of all kinds of veggies at Atwoods; Red Dirt company from Guthrie OK; really nice plants; as stated above, 2 early to stik n the ground but prolly will on the 8th9th or 17th18th per Farmers Almanac; cover as needed

https://reddirtplants.com/
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/04/24 12:21 PM

I had to wait to get my onions as no one brought them into the stores here locally till after the first full moon of January, which was actually good because of the hard freeze, ended up getting 11 bunches which was right at 650 of em - all Dixondale red, yellow, and white and I got them in the ground the weekend after the hard freeze, they are coming right along.
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/24 01:37 PM

Supposedly the cicadas are going to be really thick this year, two brood cycles hatching at the same time, one comes every 17 years, the other comes every 13 years, I was thinking of using some real cheap mosquito netting over the tomatoes and peppers. This hasn't happened since the early 1800's so really not sure if it's even worth it. What say you?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/11/24 09:42 PM

I'm not going to worry about it. I believe the overlap of the 2 species is mainly going to be in the upper Midwest. I've never had a problem with cicadas in the past in the garden. If it was locust or grasshoppers. eeks Cicada killers should have a busy year.
Posted By: Hard Rain

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/24 09:24 PM

Derek I feel sure you covered this last year but with so many pages I will ask again. I will follow the holiday fert schedule. I still have a bag of 13-13-13 should I start with that or pickup some Scotts Max. Can you confirm best ration for time of year?
Posted By: Derek 🐝

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/13/24 09:43 PM

I'd start with the T13 for a couple of apps then switch to the Max. T13 I would do 2lbs per 1000. If you find it hard to spread that amount evenly you can go up to 3lbs per 1000. 2lbs per 1000 would be .25lbs of actual NPK on the ground. About the perfect amount for St. Aug. I'll need to look at the Scotts label and get back to you.

(Edit-Forgot you were on the Holiday schedule. I would do the 3lb per 1000 on the T13)
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/18/24 10:10 PM

dunce cap covered plants; 34* tonite; ant takin' a chance; plants look really good;
after i did this, i got a load of dry grass clippings from scalping and put around the base of them all; orta b ok;
gonna b a good crop this year

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: crapyetr

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/19/24 01:52 PM

shore enuf, frost on the roofs this morning; glad i coverd'm

Originally Posted by crapyetr
dunce cap covered plants; 34* tonite; ant takin' a chance; plants look really good;
after i did this, i got a load of dry grass clippings from scalping and put around the base of them all; orta b ok;
gonna b a good crop this year

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: David Welcher

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/22/24 12:08 PM

I was out of town in Florida and was worried to death about all mine, got lucky as I did not cover mine, checked them out last night when I got home and they all are looking good. Looks like a few nights next week and then we should be out of the frost warnings. Rains are helping as well. I got it all tilled up before I went out of town as well. I'll try and plant em all on Sunday if it dries out enough. New Pecan trees should start budding soon. Peach blossoms are all just about dropped.
Posted By: CaptainCrunch

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 03/28/24 03:41 PM

I have about 10 tomato transplants and 6 pepper transplants available if anyone needs them. Tomatoes are Celebrity and Tycoons in one gallon pots. Peppers are in 4" pots. We're in Argyle. PM me if interested.

At today's prices, I can't stand to throw them away. roflmao

Gone
Posted By: Siberman

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/01/24 07:07 PM

FYI :

Atwood's has sets of peppers and 'maters for 99 cents ( better than Lowe's or Walmart ) . Got ghost , habanero , serrano and jalapenos along with several varieties of maters . banana
Posted By: OTFF

Re: TFF Gardening Thread - 04/02/24 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by Siberman
FYI :

Atwood's has sets of peppers and 'maters for 99 cents ( better than Lowe's or Walmart ) . Got ghost , habanero , serrano and jalapenos along with several varieties of maters . banana


Yes they do. Going to add the Ghost to some of my salsa this year. 🔥
Except for watermelon and cantaloupe my garden is in. Going to start canning my turnip greens next week.
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