February 01, 2014

Yard and Garden Thread [Y-not and WeirdDave]
— Open Blogger

Greetings gardening morons and ‘ettes! Welcome to your Saturday gardening thread. Without further ado, here's some thread-fodder...

Fun facts about plants from Better Homes & Gardens:

Tomato juice is the official state beverage of Ohio, honoring the part A. W. Livingston of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, played in popularizing the tomato in the late 1800s.

(Pretty sure homemade root beer is the official state beverage of Utah.)

From a botanical standpoint, avocados and pumpkins are fruits, not vegetables, because they bear the plants' seeds. Rhubarb, on the other hand, is a vegetable.

This is just an excuse to post a clip from one of my favorite guilty pleasure movies:



If you've never seen Zorro: The Gay Blade, I highly recommend it. Very silly. George Hamilton is one of the kings of camp.

Below the jump... take it away, WeirdDave!
WeirdDave:

Well, since we can’t be actually gardening at the moment across most of this barren, global warming ravaged country, perhaps we can discuss what veggies we will put out first, in other words, cool weather crops. I’ve had indifferent luck with cool weather veggies in the past. Perhaps the most consistently successful have been varieties of lettuce. The big garden center near me sells 9 packs of lettuce plants already started, 3 each of Bibb, Romaine and Red Leaf., for $4-$5 each. I usually buy a few packs and put them out mid March. As long as I watch for frost and give them time to grow a bit, by mid April they are ready to harvest. I pinch a few leaves off of each plant at a time, give each plant time to recover by rotating the harvest down the rows and I have fresh lettuce for salads until the warm weather hits and the plants bolt. Spinach is another early season favorite, although it doesn’t seem to replenish itself quickly like lettuce. I usually let it grow until I see the first sign of bolting and then harvest it all, but it’s usually only enough for 2 meals at most. Which brings me to my nemesis, my curse, my ruination, my bête noire.

Broccoli

Oh how I curse thee broccoli. All winter long visions of perfect, crisp florets dance through my head. Raw, steamed, covered in cheese or hidden in chicken divan, how I yearn for broccoli. Every year I plant broccoli, and EVERY FREAKING GOLDURN YEAR THE MOTHER PLUCKING, CLOCK SHUCKING, SHIP HEATING, GRASS TICKING, RASSAFRASSING, UNGRATEFUL, WORTHLESS PIECE OF ABSOLUTE SPIT PLANTS BOLT!!!! EVERY. YEAR. I’ve never gotten more than a few side shoots and a lovely long trail of yellow flowers. Now, if I was a florist, I’m sure I could find many, many uses for this....beauty that my broccoli plants present me with. A new line of vegan boutonnières perhaps, or replacing baby’s breath in the spring, saving a precious few dollars on bouquet components when the prices are the highest. Broccoli flowers would make an excellent replacement for the white lily in the hands of a corpse because THE DAMN THINGS KEEP KILLING MY DREAMS OF FRESH BROCCOLI IN MY FOOD!! GRRRRRRR! One year I even shot one plant with a shotgun hoping that the others would take the hint and be scared straight. It didn’t work. I swear I heard the surviving plants chanting that night; “Bolting, bolting as fast as we can, won’t eat us, we’re broccoli, man!”. I was determined to put the fear of sod into those plants. *snick*, I cut one plant off at the roots and nailed it to an X shaped piece of wood. “Those plants are sure to shape up now, I crucified that sprout! Now they‘ll learn.” The next morning I eagerly ran to my garden to see if those unruly plants had learned their lesson, but my horrified eyes beheld nothing but fully bolted broccoli, dainty yellow flowers waving gently in the breeze. Where the X shaped cross had been there was a hole in the ground next to a rock of about the same size. A small sign contained writing I could just make out if I squinted: “Tree Is Risen. Halleluiah!”

I gave up. Not only had I not intimidated the plants, IÂ’d given them a reason to hope, a new faith in the power of bolting. I have no doubt that future generations of broccoli plants will breathlessly recount the greatest fiore ever so bold, shorn of crowns, dying on a cross as their stand in. I had nothing left but to let nature take itÂ’s course. I had noticed a couple of rabbits frolicking in the fields nearby so I carefully rolled back the chicken wire in front of the broccoli, and retreated to my den for a beer or two. One or two became three or four and I dozed off. Awakening to the dappled light of a late spring afternoon, I sprang up and flung open the outside door. Success! A dozen rabbits, startled by the noise of the door slamming open, scampered out of my garden right where the chicken wire had been rolled away. Cockily, I sauntered over to the garden, confident that a lesson would have finally been taught. Indeed one had. The rabbits, lured by the open fence, had marched right up to the bolted broccoli, turned left, and eaten all my lettuce.


And now, from your co-hostess Y-not:

We had fresh snow this week at Casa Y-not (in Zone 7a of the glorious Wasatch Front, Utah), so the only shovel I picked up was a snow shovel. Instead of working in the yard, I’ve been thinking about how to create different outdoor “spaces” in our suburban backyard. One thing in particular that I’d love to have is a meditation garden. Our back yard has two levels in it, so it has a natural division defined by the grade. In addition, we have a clump of very tall, mature aspens under which no grass grows. The prior owners had their trampoline located there (nearly EVERY family in Utah has a trampoline!). So that seems like a perfect place to put in some dryscaping and some plantings and structures to create a small outdoor “room.”


BackYard1.jpg

Here are some ideas IÂ’ve found thus far:

Design ideas for a meditation garden. A brief outline of some of the key elements you might want to incorporate.

Crevice garden from Country Living. (Go to slide 6 if it doesn't load to that page. The rest of the slide show is interesting, too.) Mr Y-not and I built something along these lines at our place in SoCal using pea gravel, pavers, and drought-tolerant plants. I think we'll need professional help here, because the climate and terrain are more difficult... and we're that much older and out of shape!

I don’t think we could pull this off, especially in our climate, but I often get inspiration from Sunset Magazine. Here’s an idea for a “Bali retreat”, perfect for small spaces.

What would your ideal meditation garden look like?


And now, in the spirit of our last week of NFL football, some eye-candy:

How in heck did I miss THIS last year?

Make sure you stick with it to the end, moronettes. Hubba, hubba!

OK, morons, for you some farm girls:

(Catchy song, too.)

Posted by: Open Blogger at 07:53 AM | Comments (266)
Post contains 1219 words, total size 8 kb.

1 Any tips on starting a window garden for fresh herbs?

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at February 01, 2014 07:57 AM (vHRtU)

2 Also, firstest with mostest...

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at February 01, 2014 07:58 AM (vHRtU)

3 I love that movie, and that may be my favorite part of it.

Posted by: Mordineus at February 01, 2014 07:58 AM (jQqYf)

4 With all of the critters in my house, I've never been able to get very serious about indoor plants, but here's a link that looks useful: http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/10-best-herbs-indoors

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 07:59 AM (zDsvJ)

5 Broccoli A little mood music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVGi7h2NTOg

Posted by: The Broccoli Hat at February 01, 2014 07:59 AM (AymDN)

6 I'm more of a "Running & Jumping & Drinking & Humping" clip man myself...

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at February 01, 2014 08:00 AM (vHRtU)

7 Oh, since there's a pretty active political thread down below, I didn't make a Politics Open Thread. Hope you're all ok with that.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:00 AM (zDsvJ)

8 I have never seen Zorro the Gay Blade but I do hve the two seasons of Walt Disney Zorro. Guy Williams WAS Zorro.   Too bad Disney got into a contract dispute with ABC and the show got cancelled before the second season was finished.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 01, 2014 08:01 AM (T2V/1)

9 Mmm, elbows in a garden thread. Thank you.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit [/i][/s][/b] at February 01, 2014 08:02 AM (0HooB)

10 Does Richard Simmons still qualify as a fruit? I don't know if he has any seed these days.

Posted by: Ned Sparks at February 01, 2014 08:02 AM (bJm7W)

11 Here's a little mood music for WeirdDave's story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR6y71x3tSY Man, I'm old.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:02 AM (zDsvJ)

12 Oops! I see Political Hat beat me to it!

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:03 AM (zDsvJ)

13 Hubba, indeed.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 08:03 AM (DmNpO)

14 With our comprehensive immigration reform, you'll never have to garden again!

Posted by: Sen Juan McCain at February 01, 2014 08:04 AM (Dwehj)

15 8 I have never seen Zorro the Gay Blade but I do hve the two seasons of Walt Disney Zorro. --- It is really silly but always makes me laugh. Lots of quotable bits in it, too. One thing that makes it work for me as a movie that I can watch pretty frequently is the musical score. It's really well-done. Could have gone with a serious Zorro movie.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:05 AM (zDsvJ)

16 Oh, since there's a pretty active political thread down below, I didn't make a Politics Open Thread. Hope you're all ok with that. *** we'll take the politics down below

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 08:05 AM (DmNpO)

17 That hawt blond can come drive my tractor.  Except wifey would shoot my ass.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 01, 2014 08:06 AM (T2V/1)

18 Need to name it something catchy like "Guns N' Gardens...."

I have a flock of turkey buzzards circling my house...
"I'm not dead yet, you black SOB's!"

Posted by: backhoe at February 01, 2014 08:06 AM (ULH4o)

19 Coolness!  We're going to put in a 200 foot greenhouse this spring.

Have to have the greenhouse because:

1)  The only thing that grows out here is despair
2)  Bunnies

look forward to sharing the lessons with the Horde and getting advice.

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 08:06 AM (x3YFz)

20 On topic, I tried broccoli and cauliflower last year, too. Both bolted AND they got so huge, they took over one of my planters. I read up on the bolting thing and it seems like one solution is to bring the leaves around the heads (holding with a rubber band), but it was too late to try that when I saw that solution.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:07 AM (zDsvJ)

21 Our newly naturalized illegals will do weeding that Americans just don't want to do!

Posted by: Weeping Boner at February 01, 2014 08:07 AM (Dwehj)

22 I have a flock of turkey buzzards circling my house... "I'm not dead yet, you black SOB's!" *** For the past several years they have made a co-worker's riverfront yard a regular stop in their migration. He can't get rid of them and there's so much bird poop everywhere he can't enjoy his yard either. He's trapped. By vultures.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 08:08 AM (DmNpO)

23 Okay, sorry. Juan and I will take it downstairs.

Posted by: Weeping Boner at February 01, 2014 08:09 AM (Dwehj)

24 22? NDH?

Eerie thing? Right before my wife died a flock roosted in the oak next door. Right before her Mom died in 2008? Yep, a flock settled at her house in the country.

Posted by: backhoe at February 01, 2014 08:11 AM (ULH4o)

25 MECHANICSBURG, Ohio - It's something you have to see to believe: an Ohio man is buried in a see-through casket seated atop his most prized possession: his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Posted by: Grim Reaper at February 01, 2014 08:13 AM (e8kgV)

26 Eerie thing? Right before my wife died a flock roosted in the oak next door. Right before her Mom died in 2008? Yep, a flock settled at her house in the country. *** Egad! I haven't worked with the fella in a couple of years. I hope he's okay!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 08:14 AM (DmNpO)

27 >>19 Coolness! We're going to put in a 200 foot greenhouse this spring. How do you decide where to put it, tango? It would be awesome to have one.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:15 AM (zDsvJ)

28 Anyone know the best blade for cutting Pennsylania bluestone for a patio? Without breaking the bank with some extravagant 3' dia. diamond blade version? Is there perhaps a tile cutter on the market that can double as a bluestone cutter? Bluestone too thick I imagine, right?

Posted by: Sid Vicious at February 01, 2014 08:16 AM (pfYSX)

29
   No more gardens here.  Tired of providing a salad bar for the local wildlife.

    I'll settle for mowing my six-pack lawn instead.

Posted by: irongrampa at February 01, 2014 08:17 AM (SAMxH)

30 NDH? All I can think is they have some foreboding of impending death. It's spooky, but there it is.

Posted by: backhoe at February 01, 2014 08:17 AM (ULH4o)

31 Meditation garden? Maybe a stone bench....surrounded by cannabis plants?

Posted by: BignJames at February 01, 2014 08:18 AM (HtUkt)

32 The ground here is still pretty frozen, particularly in the garden area. That is a pity, as it needs turning (a long, tedious job by hand, at least the very thorough way I tend to turn it) and this would otherwise be an excellent time to do it. We might just go with potatoes this year - they are the only things the local wildlife didn't gobble up last year.

Posted by: Grey Fox at February 01, 2014 08:18 AM (aWAb7)

33 It's been raining, mostly, for about a week now. I wish everything would dry out a bit because I want to try out my new edger. It's supposed to rain again today.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 08:20 AM (DmNpO)

34 14 With our comprehensive immigration reform, you'll never have to garden again! Posted by: Sen Juan McCain at February 01, 2014 12:04 PM (Dwehj) --- I already a legal immigrant and there's no fresh broccoli at my house. Don't think it'll work.

Posted by: Gingy @GingyNorth at February 01, 2014 08:21 AM (N/cFh)

35 My yard and garden have about a foot of permanent snowpack right now. So....Hasta la pizza morons.

Posted by: RolandTHTG at February 01, 2014 08:21 AM (qyoyx)

36 29 mushrooms in the basement?

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at February 01, 2014 08:21 AM (9HlVz)

37 Didn't get anything done outside this week since my parents were visiting. Son is bummed because having a seizure means he can't use an axe on the rest of the trees for at least a month. He can still use a saw but for reasons unknown has developed a fondness for the axe that came from his great-grandfather.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 08:22 AM (GDulk)

38 If you've never seen Zorro: The Gay Blade, I highly recommend it.




There is e-somethin' wrong wid joo bowels.

My what?

Joo bowels! The way you say your "ah", your "ee", and yourÂ… "jooz".

Posted by: TheQuietMan at February 01, 2014 08:22 AM (FE/sZ)

39 twas a joke but anybody ever gardened mushrooms

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at February 01, 2014 08:23 AM (9HlVz)

40 I have been working with a buddy who has a high end landscaping business, he does multi million dollar homes and has been in business here for twenty years. He really knows his stuff. Except how to grow things. If there weren't nurseries to get his plant materials he would be done. So this year I am doing all the annuals for the beds we do. The next couple of months I am turning an extra room into a nursery for a few thousand imaptiens, marigolds, zinnias, and the like. Hopefully I am teaching an old dog a new trick.

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 08:23 AM (iL9QP)

41 NDH? It rained like crazy for a while here and when I went to my vet's clinic on Pennick road yesterday there was water standing all over the place.

Posted by: backhoe at February 01, 2014 08:23 AM (ULH4o)

42 AND, I bought a new spreader and some Bonus-S and bug killer, but... rain.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 08:23 AM (DmNpO)

43 NDH? It rained like crazy for a while here and when I went to my vet's clinic on Pennick road yesterday there was water standing all over the place. *** You here in Jax too?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 08:24 AM (DmNpO)

44 It has been bitterly cold here in NC - the worst winter since the 1880s, I believe. It is finally warming up to the point were it won't freeze overnight (I hope), so I took the opportunity to go mix up some red clay (otherwise known as "essence of backyard" - there is a reason why tobacco is our state vegetable!) and ash to repair my forge. Hopefully it will all dry out before it freezes again, and I can get some blacksmithing done.

Posted by: Grey Fox at February 01, 2014 08:24 AM (aWAb7)

45 I hope that Seattle wins because their QB is black and because manning is probably a Republican. I know President Obama is picking Seattle and that is another reason why I will pick them. President Obama is very smurt and I depends on him to make my life better by sticking it to the rich.

Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 01, 2014 08:25 AM (iB0Q2)

46 I left the last part of my broccoli saga off because I took a bizarre turn into the insane. This fall Gingy and I were at Larriland. Larriland is a local farm that exists just for people to come and pay money to harvest the crops themselves (pretty good gig, now that I think about it). Anyhow, we were there to pick apples, but I noticed an entire field of lush, ripe broccoli. Now, y'all may not realize this, but I've had some issues with growing broccoli before, so I hunted down the farmer in charge and asked her how she kept her broccoli from bolting. Her answer was succinct. "We gave up on growing spring broccoli, it always bolts. We put the plants in at the end of July and get a bountiful fall harvest." The harvest was indeed bountiful (and $1.49/lb IIRC, not bad at all price wise), so this year I think I'm going to put my broccoli in mid summer, not early spring, probably in the patch where I grew spring lettuce. We'll see what happens.

Posted by: Weirddave at February 01, 2014 08:26 AM (N/cFh)

47 8 I have never seen Zorro the Gay Blade but I do hve the two seasons of Walt Disney Zorro. Guy Williams WAS Zorro. Too bad Disney got into a contract dispute with ABC and the show got cancelled before the second season was finished. Posted by: Vic at February 01, 2014 12:01 PM (T2V/1) Been watching that on YouTube and getting a big kick out of it. It has been especially satisfying to watch Zorro battle corruption and petty powermongers

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 08:26 AM (mQwL2)

48 I hope that Seattle wins because their QB is black and because manning is probably a Republican. I know President Obama is picking Seattle and that is another reason why I will pick them. President Obama is very smurt and I depends on him to make my life better by sticking it to the rich. *** take it downstairs.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 08:26 AM (DmNpO)

49 We are having huge established trees dying like crazy. Had a cottonwood cut down yesterday that was taller than my three story home. Lost sweet gums, a mimosa and a cherry tree. Not sure what's going on.

Posted by: NCKate at February 01, 2014 08:27 AM (Eed4A)

50 Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 12:07 PM (zDsvJ) Thanks for the tip. I have had no luck the couple of years I tried as well so am looking forward to seeing if that works. The flowers are edible and not bad tasting in salads if it comes to that. A tip I have is that immature radish seedpods have a mild radish flavor and you get a lot more of them than you get of the root. The Icicle variety has attractive variegated pale purple flowers as well.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 08:27 AM (GDulk)

51 Son is bummed because having a seizure means he can't use an axe on the rest of the trees for at least a month. He can still use a saw but for reasons unknown has developed a fondness for the axe that came from his great-grandfather. I always liked axes myself, probably because I am more than a little bit of a luddite and like to know how to do things with basic hand tools. Spent a lot of this week putting a new handle on an old head that I have had laying around for years, as a matter of fact. Does your son have epilepsy?

Posted by: Grey Fox at February 01, 2014 08:27 AM (aWAb7)

52 Planted broccoli last year and harvested all year long. It just continued to send out side shoots. I cant remember the cultivar. All my notes are in the garage.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at February 01, 2014 08:27 AM (Bps3R)

53 i live next to a forest in a suburb with lots of critters, have my own woodchuck in the backyard, which i can't shoot becoz not safe and its a waste of time to trap. i do berries, not vegetables. suppose i could try those hanging garden things but i know nothing about them

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at February 01, 2014 08:27 AM (mU4km)

54 Snowed here the past two days.  Luckly I have a good friend and neighbor that comes over and rototills the large garden and I can turn the raised beds.  I commenting to kidlet the other day, it's almost time to start some seeds indoors.  Will have to figure a different pattern for the corn this year as it was a failure last year.  Tomatoes did great tho, canned 40+ quarts and salsa too.  Any pointers on cucs for pickles?  I planted some a few years ago, but they got infested with some sort of bug/

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 08:28 AM (6bvBO)

55 Kate, I've had the same issue. Pecan, willow, dogwood, cypress and a eucalyptus all were there in the fall and then the next spring, nothing. All were mature but not old.

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 08:30 AM (iL9QP)

56 28 Anyone know the best blade for cutting Pennsylania bluestone for a patio? Without breaking the bank with some extravagant 3' dia. diamond blade version? Is there perhaps a tile cutter on the market that can double as a bluestone cutter? Bluestone too thick I imagine, right? _______ Sid, do you have a Harbor Freight Tools nearby? You can pick up a throw-away 4 1/2" angle grinder for $10, and a couple diamond blades for another $10.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 08:30 AM (Ed1hy)

57 Y-not, gardening, in our future return to Wasatch Front, is one of the many reasons (family there, season change, skiing) we are excited. We lived in SLC through college and early marriage (as non-Mormons, btw, and I think Mormons are great people and will argue this to the end of time).

Anyway, it was heaven to garden there vs Floriduh, where hibiscus thrive and a zinnia will grow mold. While some would like the non-work of throwing out a bush and calling it good---and it is fun, and bougainvillaea and other tropical plants are beautiful; but battling a freak bug called a "cutter bee" munching on my few rose bushes ended my attempts a couple of years ago. Hubby put in a raised bed with topsoil, which was enriched yearly but sand still appears. After a duo of hurricanes in 2004, two weeks apart, well, rose arbor (Old Blush from Texas that has antique roses---great place to shop for roses) croaked. It is now overweight with jasmine, which, I am convinced, simply hide snakes that are waiting for me to walk under. Day lilies were moved near house and more shade after a couple of years of drought.

My grandmother was a master gardener and could grow anything (her specialties were bearded iris and day lily...she would propagate day lilies and name for those she loved. If you have green eyes (as I do) the lily had a "green eye." She had her seeds growing in pots each winter and some of my day lilies are hers.

At any rate: I give up except for plants on porch, which are mostly succulents. So I cannot wait to garden again. We had an old place, as newly weds, near Liberty Park area. Great soil, we just threw out seed packets and grew everything from baby's breath, California poppy, morning glory. Tulips, dahlias, iris. Old rose bushes, that whoever bought the house after us cut down along with many trees. Two types of grapes growing on an old arbor near an abandoned chicken house near alley. Cherry trees. And a gigantic apricot tree (cut down, from what we can tell, for a hot tub). It was heavenly, those few short months of growing season.

We drove around SLC last week finding areas we hope to live in a couple of years.I hate the inversion and the "more people" compared to when I did live there, but I do think it is where I want to go. Thanks for the links on gardens.

One question I have for morons re: roses and/or shrubs is something I read this past year. A cutting inserted into a potato and then planted. Has anyone ever done this? Apparently the potato nourishes the cutting while it roots.

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 01, 2014 08:30 AM (baL2B)

58 Y'all kindly send us some rain! And some deer killers. I'd shoot 'em but I can't really claim nuisance in the winter (although they have mowed down my pansies) and they always seem to be standing within range of my uncle's cattle or my neighbor's houses. I'd love to have a greenhouse, but I have my doubts about my ability to keep the mold at bay via regular bleaching. I'm actually keeping a fair amount of geraniums and pansies in baskets alive in our pump-house; they seem to like the heat lamp we leave on 24/7. Must give off just enough light. They're leggy but thriving and I don't think they've been watered but twice since October.

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 01, 2014 08:31 AM (4A8Dj)

59 I'm the worst gardener in the world. From what I gather, I lack patience.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 08:31 AM (m0h0I)

60 Eerie thing? Right before my wife died a flock roosted in the oak next door. Right before her Mom died in 2008? Yep, a flock settled at her house in the country. It's just a coincidence, we swear.

Posted by: The flock outside your door at February 01, 2014 08:31 AM (N/cFh)

61 Traye, you're near the coast, right? I'm in charlotte. Not sure what is going on here.

Posted by: NCKate at February 01, 2014 08:32 AM (Eed4A)

62 Last year i grew tomatos, habaneros, and squash for first time ever in my adult life. I fucked it up a bit though as i planted all these things in one 8x6 planter box. Yeah, non-genius that i am, i didnt consider crowding might be a problem. The tomatos kicked ass and so did the habaneros. Im gonna trh broccoli this year. Fascinating stuff.

Posted by: fastfreefall at February 01, 2014 08:34 AM (v2JGC)

63 Oh and when are you planting your broccoli? If you're far enough south you can plant it late summer and grow it when it's cooler in the Fall.

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 01, 2014 08:35 AM (4A8Dj)

64 Any tips on starting a window garden for fresh herbs?
1. Get sledgehammer, make hole in wall. 2. ------- 3. Herbs!

Posted by: iNC Ref at February 01, 2014 08:35 AM (v5Foa)

65 52 Planted broccoli last year and harvested all year long. It just continued to send out side shoots. I cant remember the cultivar. All my notes are in the garage. Posted by: Cicero Kid at February 01, 2014 12:27 PM (Bps3R) Really? How interesting. Sit tight, I'm sending Backhoe's flock over to learn more.

Posted by: Weirddave at February 01, 2014 08:35 AM (N/cFh)

66 Posted by: Grey Fox at February 01, 2014 12:27 PM (aWAb7) Not so far as it's been only one seizure. Apparently it only takes two for an epilepsy diagnoses though so hopefully there isn't another. The pediatric neurologist told us 10% of the population has at least one seizure in their lifetime which came as a surprise. Now the little snot is trying to milk it for everything he can (endless McD's frappucinos in this case) but also wants to continue his archery classes an use the axe. Fourteen year old boys, what can you do?

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 08:36 AM (GDulk)

67 Y-not, cutest commercial EVER. Well, other than the Budweisers, but still very nice. Dude was kinda skinny, but at least he had some hair on his chest!

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 01, 2014 08:36 AM (4A8Dj)

68 I can't really add to this thread in a meaningful participatory way because I'm not a gardener, although I really admire people who have that skill and artistry and talent,, but since UT and OH were both mentioned I am continuing with my series of Spring photos from all the states I probably should have gone in alphabetical order :^) but here goes anyway: Beautiful Spring photos of Utah: http://tinyurl.com/mzpxqsl Beautiful Spring photos of Ohio: http://tinyurl.com/nk4yl8v In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter thereÂ’s a spring that waits to be, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. ThereÂ’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; ThereÂ’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. From "Hymn of Promise"

Posted by: Fenelon Spoke at February 01, 2014 08:37 AM (7kkQJ)

69 I'm two miles from the beach front and 200 feet from a tidal creek. I grew up in the middle of the state in a farming family. I have asked many about the tree thing, no-one seems to have a decent idea. I had three big pecans, hurricane Fran got one then the mystery got the other.

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 08:38 AM (iL9QP)

70 Living in a 9(a) area is going to take some getting used to. I certainly prefer constantly blooming roses and pansies to feet of snow though.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 08:38 AM (GDulk)

71 Soil temperature makes broccoli bolt. So mulch heavily. Frequent watering help keep soil cool(er).

Posted by: bour3 at February 01, 2014 08:39 AM (5x3+2)

72 Polli, WTH, a seizure???

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 01, 2014 08:39 AM (4A8Dj)

73 Herb garden advice would be much appreciated. I love to cook, but am perfectly capable of, and quite skilled at killing every plant I touch.

I think it's a gift.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2014 08:40 AM (QFxY5)

74 I've received at least 20 different seed catalogs.

Posted by: seamrog at February 01, 2014 08:40 AM (fuI4v)

75 We drove around SLC last week finding areas we hope to live in a couple of years.I hate the inversion and the "more people" compared to when I did live there, but I do think it is where I want to go. Thanks for the links on gardens. ---- Christy, Excited you'll be returning! I've noticed that the inversion is much more pronounced in SL county than in Utah county. As soon as we cross the "point of the mountain" it gets bad. You might want to look at the northern part of Utah County: Alpine, Highland. We saw lovely properties there. And, with the business growth from Adobe, IMFlash and other companies at the point, the home values are bound to rise. There's even train service.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:41 AM (zDsvJ)

76 Fourteen year old boys, what can you do? If you figure it out (about what to do with fourteen year olds) please tell me. I'd like to know. :^) Sometimes I want to ship mine off to my sister in England (not really) and sometimes I could give him a big hug. I am praying for your son and family. Glad to hear he hasn't had any more seizures

Posted by: Fenelon Spoke at February 01, 2014 08:42 AM (7kkQJ)

77 We've lost over 20 trees in two years. All different kinds. No obvious signs of why. Arborist said it's happening all over.

Posted by: NCKate at February 01, 2014 08:42 AM (Eed4A)

78 Would somebody grow some okra for me?

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 08:43 AM (m0h0I)

79 71 Soil temperature makes broccoli bolt. So mulch heavily. --- THAT I can do. I did not think I could pull off the "rubber band around the leaves" trick I read last year.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:43 AM (zDsvJ)

80 Hello, Tammy! So nice to see you! Deer are bad in our area. We tried peeing in the garden, but either that doesn't work or we don't remember to do it often enough. So finally, I bought some 50" x 16' cattle panels and made arches over an 8' x 8' area. I ran a length of bird netting around it to cover the open ends and just folded the netting to one side when I wanted to get inside the covered area. Seemed to work. Plus, I could use it to support plastic sheeting or row cover if I wanted to extend the season.

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 08:43 AM (mQwL2)

81 27 >>19 Coolness! We're going to put in a 200 foot greenhouse this spring.

How do you decide where to put it, tango?

It would be awesome to have one.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 12:15 PM (zDsvJ)

It's an 8-foot radius dome.  Going to place it onto a 220 square foot concrete slab.

It's an ag structure so we don't even have to have it permitted (score!).  4 50 gallon barrels to provide the humidity via rain and/or well water  (yeah, EPA, come tell me how I can't collect rain water.  I have a spot for you under the concrete slab).

Going to hit Lowes and buy those metal storage racks you get for storage in the garage and load them up with trays and trays of soil.  UV lighting. 

Looking forward to it, should be a hoot.  Once things get going I'll get some pics out.

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 08:44 AM (x3YFz)

82 1 Any tips on starting a window garden for fresh herbs? _______ South facing window. I remember from last week a few people were lamenting growing basil... I didn't understand at all. A few years ago, I just dumped a couple different varieties of basil seeds in one of those 1/2 wine barrel planters and watered it regularly. I had more basil than I knew what to do with. I eventually just let it go to seed, and came kept coming back on it's own for years.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 08:45 AM (Ed1hy)

83 My mom is 84 and loves to work outside planting and landscaping and growing stuff in the yard and her garden. She could plant a dead stick and it would grow. Yet every time I visit she wants me to cut stuff down or dig up stuff.

Posted by: ExSnipe at February 01, 2014 08:45 AM (LKJt3)

84 I don't grow a ton of herbs, but it's pretty easy.  I have a chive plant in the flower garden out front.  2nd one.  The first one got too big.  Comes back every year.  There are only about 4 months of the year I can't cut it.  Rosemary and basil do great in a south window.  Make sure they have good drainage and plant outside after the last frost.  They like a lot of sun, at least in Western CO.

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 08:45 AM (6bvBO)

85 Oh... and there are no trees out here.  Like I said, this place is desert.  Full sunshine, clouds permitting, so we just placed it about 100 feet from the FOB.

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 08:46 AM (x3YFz)

86 Here's my pet peeve (and a major reason I did raised bed and don't do annuals): landscape fabric. We have clay soil, but with all the leaf litter the beds under the trees should be nice... but they all have landscape fabric. So there's a layer of loam (or whatever you call it) on top of the fabric - on which weeds sprout and grow quite happily - but the soil reminds clay. Very frustrating. One bed is being taken over by various varieties of mint. It's not fussy about the root ball and it spreads over the fabric quite happily. Seems to be over-wintering fine here based on last year's results.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:46 AM (zDsvJ)

87 Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 12:45 PM (Ed1hy)

How much light does it need?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2014 08:46 AM (QFxY5)

88 Yet every time I visit she wants me to cut stuff down or dig up stuff.

Posted by: ExSnipe at February 01, 2014 12:45 PM (LKJt3)

LOL... moms... /shakes head

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 08:47 AM (x3YFz)

89 20?? That would just about reduce me to tears.

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 08:47 AM (iL9QP)

90 Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 01, 2014 12:39 PM (4A8Dj) Yeah, completely out of the blue. He was sitting on a couch next to my neurosurgery PA sister though when it happened so that has been a big help in getting appointments and scans read. It actually has a good chance of being a "one off" as he has no *physical* abnormalities or damage to the brain. He's scheduled for an EEG Monday to look for electrical abnormalities but after that it's just a matter of sensible precautions unless he makes a habit of it.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 08:47 AM (GDulk)

91 I only grow one thing and that's a couple of banana plants. This year they actually grew bananas and I was so excited. Then the polar vortex came and froze my precious banana plants and so I had to saw them down yet again. Oh well.

Posted by: Lauren at February 01, 2014 08:47 AM (hFL/3)

92 Y-not, cutest commercial EVER. Well, other than the Budweisers, but still very nice. Dude was kinda skinny, but at least he had some hair on his chest! *** WTH with men shaving/waxing their chests? Amirite?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 08:48 AM (DmNpO)

93 >> Looking forward to it, should be a hoot. Once things get going I'll get some pics out. Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 12:44 PM (x3YFz)<< Neato! Are you gonna grow any wacky tobacky?

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 08:48 AM (mQwL2)

94 Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2014 12:40 PM (QFxY5) Have you tried the Mediterranean herbs (pizza hebs for the most part)? They like poor soil and lots of sun which makes them fairly easy to care for. It does take them a few years to get established if grown from seed but it's usually hard to actually kill them.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 08:49 AM (GDulk)

95 Pretty pix, Fenelon.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:49 AM (zDsvJ)

96 We have clay soil, but with all the leaf litter the beds under the trees should be nice... but they all have landscape fabric. So there's a layer of loam (or whatever you call it) on top of the fabric - on which weeds sprout and grow quite happily - but the soil reminds clay. Very frustrating.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 12:46 PM (zDsvJ)

Yeah, I hear you.  The ground out here is freaking concrete.  I don't meant to deviate, but when my shepherd died last month the vet asked if we wanted to take his body home to bury.

No.  I have an auger for the tractor, picks, shovels, and getting him deep enough to keep the coyotes off would take a week.

It rains here, once a year whether we need it or not, and the ground is rock hard within 20 minutes.

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 08:50 AM (x3YFz)

97 Herbs-- south facing window, plant in peat pots full of germinating mix. Set in plastic "domed" tray- water bottom of tray. Combination of sun and water will create hothouse effect.

Posted by: seamrog at February 01, 2014 08:51 AM (fuI4v)

98 I actually saw "Zorro, The Gay Blade" in the theater when it was released. Very silly indeed. Hamilton as Dracula was a hoot also. Good silly fun.

Posted by: Tuna at February 01, 2014 08:51 AM (M/TDA)

99 Neato! Are you gonna grow any wacky tobacky?

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 12:48 PM (mQwL2)

HAH!  Belive it or not, (and you know, I'm somewhere to the right of John Wayne) we actually considered it.

But we'll stick with veggies for now

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 08:52 AM (x3YFz)

100 CBD, the nice thing about many herbs is they prefer neglect and taste better if they are under- fertilized. I have had poor luck getting them started from seed, but there is a greenhouse in my area that grows interesting varieties and I can usually keep them alive by just putting them in the ground and ignoring them.

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 08:53 AM (mQwL2)

101 Tangonine, I heard this week someone was arrested for trying to sell his crop to an MJ dispensery. Not sure where the stores get it if growers can't sell to them. Anyway, that's one less thing for you to get in trouble over.

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 08:55 AM (mQwL2)

102 Here is a link to the NC cooperative extension and NC state university on fruit trees for NC. The info is good and would be relevant outside NC.

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 08:56 AM (iL9QP)

103 Link http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/ag28.html

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 08:58 AM (iL9QP)

104 Most of the luck I've had with herbs over the years of apartment living was in containers on decks or patios. The key is to not let them have wet feet - dry them out between waterings but don't let them stay dry too long. Very happy that we can do rosemary in the ground here (we got spoiled by that in SoCal). We have a very sunny bed on the side yard where we've put rosemary, lavendar, Scotch broom, sage, as well as a couple of other fragrant plants I've forgotten. One of the rosemary varieties still has green shoots on it.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 08:58 AM (zDsvJ)

105
Anyway, that's one less thing for you to get in trouble over.

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 12:55 PM (mQwL2)

heh... yeah.  I'm sure after the last 6 months of posting that I'm on a watchlist somewhere.

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 09:00 AM (x3YFz)

106  @ 68 [Fenelon Spoke] -- I see you're missing some shots from Kentucky. I have a few if you want to look through them and see if there are any you might want to use:

http://is.gd/2n3m8c

http://is.gd/3xTDhc

http://is.gd/zeVVAC

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 09:00 AM (m0h0I)

107 a kiwi is a marsupial, which is a form of weasel

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 09:01 AM (ul/bU)

108 How much light does it need? ____________ Hard to say - I guess whatever sunlight you get? Herbs really aren't that hard. You could either get a few small, established plants, stick 'em on the windowsill and see. Or they make pretty inexpensive "starter kits" just for herbs that come with everything you need (Zomething like desktop mentioned above). Heck - even the Chia pet people make an herb kit. Available almost anywhere, I bet. Where are you? Rosemary is super hardy outdoors and will eventually grow into a nice, fragrant shrub - probably almost anywhere.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 09:02 AM (Ed1hy)

109 http://tinyurl.com/lqmecol Link to a gardening article on citrus. I've just started this last year so I have the trees, but no fruit yet.

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 09:03 AM (iL9QP)

110 Back in the 90's I saw a MA license plate: IBI UBU

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 09:03 AM (ul/bU)

111 Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 01:03 PM (iL9QP) Thanks for the link. Growing citrus is one of the big advantages to having moved.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 09:05 AM (GDulk)

112 Damn autocorrect. *something like seamrog posted @ 97

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 09:05 AM (Ed1hy)

113 Thanks very much, DamnDirtyRino-They're very beautiful. I will save them and post them when I go through the states alphabetically.

Posted by: Fenelon Spoke at February 01, 2014 09:05 AM (7kkQJ)

114 >>Link to a gardening article on citrus. You're making me cry. Although I hate California with the red hot intensity of a thousand suns, I did like the plants there. We had orange and lime trees in large pots. What a wonderful aroma! Sadly, we were so desperate to sell our house, we left most of our nice potted plants with the buyer.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 09:05 AM (zDsvJ)

115 107
a kiwi is a marsupial, which is a form of weasel


Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 01:01 PM (ul/bU)

Or New Zealand SAS:  http://tinyurl.com/k2ype77

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 09:05 AM (x3YFz)

116 One more small set of photos of springtime in Kentucky:

http://is.gd/e7ryvI

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 09:06 AM (m0h0I)

117 Y-not..thank you! Had not looked in Alpine area. Husband drove to top of Eagle Peak in Draper and I felt it was pretty there, but it disoriented me to see how high we were.

Train service is great to have, and I did not realize it went that far south. Thank you!

We figure we will narrow down areas and hope for the best when the time comes. Thanks again. I like the mature landscaping, so Holladay and Cottonwood Heights areas were my favorite (tho expensive, again hoping on some luck). We also looked at Summit Park near Park City, but having snow for most of year is not what I want (and it seemed to get dark from mountain about 3pm).

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 01, 2014 09:09 AM (baL2B)

118 Mindy, GREAT idea, thank you! And hello! Polli, hopefully it was just a one-ff, like you said. So horrible to watch, though. I know I am in the vast minority here, but I am not a fan of mulch at all, or landscape fabric. If you have soaker hoses under the mulch it's probably okay, but I find it keeps out the rain too much in our hot summers. If all y'all with clay get a newspaper, you need to start layering that on top of the area you want to garden in, and throw some cardboard on top of that and then leave it for a year.

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 01, 2014 09:09 AM (4A8Dj)

119 OG Celtic-American at 01: For a window herb garden, you will need a sunny window, preferably south-facing. East-facing is OK for the leafier stuff. If your window isn't sunny, you may need a fluorescent tube set about 2 inches above the plants for up to 16 hours a day. Some "grow lights" induce flowering and some do not. For most herb plants, flowering is not what you want. You can plant annual herbs like basil and parsley from seed. Parsley takes a LONG time to sprout and prefers cool sprouting conditions. Giant Italian Parsley (Gigante) is the best. It's not all that "Gigante". Pinetree sells seeds for not too much money. Give chervil a try if you house isn't too hot. Chives you can also grow from seed or starts. Oh, and you may be able to root some basil from the grocery store in a glass of water. The perennial herbs like oregano, thyme, sage, etc. you may wish to start from cuttings or buy a little plant. They need to be kept on the dry side - occasional thorough watering, preferably from the bottom. Probably a little trickier than the annual herbs. They tend to like full sun, but can sometimes be "wintered over" indoors at cool temperatures, then set outside. Sage tends to up and die unexpectedly. Think about adding some baby leaf, micro greens and shoots (sprouts grown in soil). There is less time commitment (you can compost the potting mix after a short time period, along with any resident insects - use secure disposal methods for nasty bugs), and thus less chance of discouragement. Correct light levels and bugs are less of a concern. Some herbs can be harvested as micro greens. Johnny's Selected Seeds has a lot of information on growing tiny plants (aimed at market growers). Pinetree (Superseeds.com) has some information, too. Plus pathogen-tested seeds for sprouts and good instructions for starting sunflower shoots.

Posted by: KT at February 01, 2014 09:10 AM (qahv/)

120 Rhubarb, on the other hand, is a vegetable. Hey, me too!

Posted by: Slow Joey B. at February 01, 2014 09:10 AM (MMC8r)

121 ok ok ok... here's one pic.  We have wildflowers.  And bees.  One of the best pics I've ever taken.

3d pic down in the post:  http://greyttimes.com/?p=555

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 09:10 AM (x3YFz)

122  @ 113 [Fenelon Spoke] -- You're more than welcome. I'm sure you're aware, but just in case, if you click on the image itself, it'll take you to the original at Flickr. But, if you click on the file name just under the image, it'll take you to a flickriver page with the individual image where you can scroll down for a larger-sized copy.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 09:10 AM (m0h0I)

123 One of the first things I noticed in nature in KY was the squirrels and deer were grayer than in MA.

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 09:11 AM (ul/bU)

124 Thx for""springing" into action, DDR. The beauty is much appreciated on a winter day with more snow to come here next week.

Posted by: Fenelon Spoke at February 01, 2014 09:11 AM (7kkQJ)

125 Anyone know much about heirloom tomatoes?  I would like to try some this year, but have no idea where to start. 

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 09:11 AM (6bvBO)

126 The big garden center near me sells... I've got a confession to make that will make you all JEALOUS. I do a LOT of gardening, and I actually plant seeds for a huge variety of exotic vegetables and fruits...and I never pay for a single seed. Ever. And I have way more seeds than I can even use. Right now, for example, in my "seed packet box," I have (and this is just a small sampling) seeds for three different varieties of pumpkin, 15 different varieties of lettuce, two varieties of spinach, chervil, fennel, ajwain, Chinese broccoli, endive, lascinato kale, 8 different varieties of cucumbers (soo-joh, burpless, lemon, Armenian, pickling, etc.), lamb's quarters, fava beans, red Russian Kale, parsely, 26 varieties of tomatoes, cape gooseberries, bok chpi, tatsoi, purple tomatilloes, green tomatillos, green onions, chinese chives, 18 different varieties of peppers, kohlrabi, arugula, endive, 7 different varieties of radish, carrots, Japanese red celery, crookneck squash, 5 different varieties of zucchini, kabocha squash, mizumi mustard, perilla, collard greens, catnip, Persian melon...and on and on and on. That's about 20% of my collection. And how much did I pay for all these? NOTHING. And I get more every year. In fact right now I could go out and within an hour get 50 new varieties of things I've never planted, at no cost. Here's my secret: In my area we have a hippie-dippie gardening nonprofit that's devoted to "seed saving" -- they encourage gardeners to save the seeds from their bolted garden plants, and bring in and donate the excess (and there's often a lot more seeds on a bolted plant or from fruits than one person can use). The supposed goal is to develop varieties that are adapted to our microclimate. So, people do that, they bring in envelopes and jars of excess seeds. And then, in exchange, you can take away some seeds too. (In reality they don't enforce the tit-for-tat exchange -- anyone can take seeds without donating, if they want to.) "That's a good idea," you say, "But I seriously doubt people are bringing in all those exotic seeds." And you would be correct! But here's the secret almost no one outside the "club" knows: Some of the hippie-dippie "urban farmers" in the nonprofit have developed relationships with the local gardening-type nurseries, and convinced the nurseries to DONATE their EXPIRED seed packets. Here's the thing: Seed companies sell seed packets to stores. Stores try to estimate and buy the correct amount of packets. But every season, they misjudge, and there are ALWAYS leftover packets nearing expiration. The comparative value of the packets makes it NOT WORTH it for the store to return the packets to the companies (plus, what would the companies do with old seeds?), so the general practice is to just throw away last season's seed packets. The hippie gardeners convinced many of these stores to donate the old seed packets to the Seed Exchange nonprofit, rather than just tossing them. The original idea was for the commercial seeds to simply supplement the selection of homegrown seeds available. But what's happened over the years is that more and more stores now donate their old seed packets, and fewer and fewer people bother to bring in their homegrown seeds. The end result is that the nonprofit is constantly BURSTING with THOUSANDS of expired or near-expired seed packets from the best seed companies. You might think that, since the packets are expired, they OUGHT to be thrown away, because the seeds therein are kaput and won't grow. Not so! Unlike with food that expires, the expiration dates on seed packets do not indicate when ALL the seeds stop being fertile. In reality, it's just a percentage game, and little by little the seeds as a group germinate at a lower and lower percentage rate, until eventually they all "die." But it doesn't happen all at once. So, a seed packet from this year will have a 90% germination rate, but a one-year-old packet will have a 75% germination rate, and a two-year-old packet will have a 65% rate, etc. Depending on the type of seed, they might all die after 5 years or even 8 years. But before that, you WILL get some success. And since the packets are FREE -- well, just be more liberal in your broadcasting, and you won't even notice the difference, percentage-wise. I do in fact bring in and donate my excess bolted seeds, as a member of the club in good standing (annual dues: $0), so I feel no guilt in raiding the nonprofit's massive piles of packets for all the most interesting varieties. There are so many seeds, and so few active members, that eventually the packets get TOO old and have to be thrown away by the Seed club itself. It's absolutely insane how many seeds they get. Especially when a new donation comes in from a big gardening store or a chain -- omg, it's like having access to every seed you could possibly imagine, in any amount, for free. This is the benefit of living in a hippie-dippie milieu, my friends!

Posted by: zombie at February 01, 2014 09:12 AM (+cx5n)

127 and the sunset sky had a purple hue rather than a pinkish hue

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 09:12 AM (ul/bU)

128 Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex Train goes down to Provo/Orem now. Maybe further. So that's nice. I think Utah County has lower taxes. As you are up against the foothills, there are some very mature tree properties. Down side had been that there was less to do there (especially compared to the areas you mentioned and especially on a Sunday), but it's growing a lot because of Adobe et al. Other place to look if you aren't worried about commuting is Midway/Heber. Tons of beautiful new homes going up there (especially Midway).

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 09:13 AM (zDsvJ)

129 And hey, 'ettes:  the missus posted a while back about how we're milling our own grains now.

Kids, she makes bread, pizza, tortillas... and after eating that store-bought crap for so many years, it takes a bit to get used to it.  Loaves of that bread to Napoleon and we'd be thinking differently about invading Russia.  It's heavy, good for you, filling. 

I know it's not the cooking thread, but:  food!

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 09:14 AM (x3YFz)

130 Not gardening related but yard related. I have lived in this area for twenty years and this house for ten. I have never seen two bird species in my yard in those ten years, ibis and plover, I used to see them at my old house which was on an island and on the intracoastal waterway, my yard has been full of both this year. I'm sure it has something to do with the super cold we have had. Something positive about this crap winter. The ibis is quiet but the plovers are very raucous and I enjoy their calls.

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 09:15 AM (iL9QP)

131 Y-not, I grew up in FL and there is nothing I love the smell of more than orange blossoms. I finally found neroli oil that is used in aroma therapy. It sure helps when I get the rained too damn much and no sun winter KY blues!

Posted by: FCF at February 01, 2014 09:15 AM (Khja4)

132  @ 121 [tangonine] -- Nice shots! Bees can be pretty tough to get -- especially as it gets warmer.

I have a mimosa tree out front that is a magnet for bees and butterflies. Unfortunately, it doesn't blossom until pretty late in the summer, which means the bees and butterflies are moving at their fastest -- and they are a real bitch to photography unless you get out there early in the morning to catch them trying to warm up.

I know a lot of people HATE mimosa trees, but they're damn near perfect for photographing bees and butterflies.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 09:16 AM (m0h0I)

133 I enjoy gardening until about July. Then it gets so damn hot and humid that I can't even stand to be outside. Fucking Missouri.

Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at February 01, 2014 09:19 AM (/IQip)

134 Y-not: we did look at Heber City area. Husband is retiring, so no problems with commute, and saw some possibilities there. Son and wife need to be near trains for airport/travel. I am supposed to be a future nanny/grandmaw. We looked (on Zillow) at Idaho Falls, but son figured we would never come down to SLC or something, so that is not happening.

Yeah, I have visions of volunteering at Red Butte Gardens (which husband finds hysterical as I refuse to weed here:snakes/bugs). Also want to take classes at U and knitting and all kinds of stuff. I will probably still be in robe reading Ace until the old folk's home, however.

Thanks again. I am a Mississippi farm girl but like high altitudes and Mountain Time Zone. I just have more energy there. I have to admit, however, this part of Floriduh near beach was a great place to raise my babies. I just miss the mountains and season changes.

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 01, 2014 09:19 AM (baL2B)

135 Posted by: zombie at February 01, 2014 01:12 PM (+cx5n) What *is* ajwain?

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 09:19 AM (GDulk)

136 Going in this year. Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. If I get some trees down then some fruit trees too. Peach, plum, cherries and apples. Trying to get expensive stuff I love established. Couple of cantaloupe plants. Off course tomatoes (is a grilled burger really a grilled burger without a thick slice of tomatoes?) and peppers. Any suggestions on something else I'm not thinking of along those lines appreciated.

Posted by: teej at February 01, 2014 09:19 AM (h1gQR)

137
I know a lot of people HATE mimosa trees, but they're damn near perfect for photographing bees and butterflies.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 01:16 PM (m0h0I)

I'm a camera bug.  And where we live is like a daily Discovery channel.  You can hit up the other posts on my site (mostly parrot stuff). 

We have eagles galore here but hunting them with a 200mm lens is tricky stuff.

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 09:21 AM (x3YFz)

138 I know a lot of people HATE mimosa trees, but they're damn near perfect for photographing bees and butterflies.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 01:16 PM (m0h0I)


I read somewhere that the migration for Monarch butterflies shows less of them this year due to milk weed shortage. I am, no doubt, allergic to milk weed, but would plant some if it would grow here to Save the Monarch.


I can raise nasturtiums from seed here when the damn squirrels don't dig them up. If we did not have a fence I am sure I would be battling pythons and monitor lizards and gators, as it is Floriduh. So far, no sink holes. But that weird lizard Charlie Crist seems to be popping back up like herpes for the state. I hope I escape before his next prance.

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 01, 2014 09:23 AM (baL2B)

139 What *is* ajwain? Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette Ah, ajwain! Ajwain is the little-known secret ingredient that makes Indian food taste like Indian food. You known how if you try to make curry or other Indian food at home, it never tastes quite like the Indian food you might get at a good Indian restaurant? That's because you aren't adding ajwain, and they are. It's kind of a frilly plant that quickly bolts and produces seeds similar to caraway. You can use both the plant itself, and the seeds. I've made what I call "ajwain rice" that just had the greens in it, and it was so authentically Indian, I was amazed. I don't know why, but ajwain grows like a weed in m garden. Just loves my microclimate. I actually have to pull it all out because way more was growing than I would ever have a use for, and it was taking up valuable growing space.

Posted by: zombie at February 01, 2014 09:24 AM (+cx5n)

140 Here's some extra info about ajwain: http://theepicentre.com/spice/ajwain/

Posted by: zombie at February 01, 2014 09:27 AM (+cx5n)

141 Posted by: teej at February Earlier in the thread nckate and I were discussing our mature trees up and dying for no good reason. As a result I have a lot more light in my space so I have starting filling it with fruit. (Preparing for the burn) I've gotten every one of my trees for dirt cheap by waiting until the big box stores put the last of their stock on final clearance. Especially the fall stock that they sell when winter is going good. It will take you a few seasons to fill up a big space but you can do it for $5 tree instead of $20-30.

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 09:28 AM (iL9QP)

142 Posted by: zombie at February 01, 2014 01:27 PM (+cx5n) Thanks for the info and link.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 09:31 AM (GDulk)

143  @ 137 [tangonine] -- I'm getting ready to head into work, but I've got your page bookmarked and will check them out as soon as I get a chance.

I haven't been able to get any good eagle shots, myself -- but there are a lot around my area, too. A friend of mine has to pairs nesting on his property, but it's tough to get close enough to them. I have a 70-300mm zoom, and still haven't managed to get a good shot.

Ironically, from what I've heard, you have a much better chance of getting a good shot if you ride something like a Rhino or Gator, or a pickup for that matter (if it's accessible) than you do if you try to approach on foot.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 09:33 AM (m0h0I)

144 "And we're walking and jumping and running in place!  And walking and running and jumping in place!!!"

You'd be surprised how often that line comes up in everyday conversation.

Posted by: Phinn at February 01, 2014 09:35 AM (KOGmz)

145 125 Infidel, I've grown heirloom tomatoes the past few years, their flavor is an improvement over store bought.

Posted by: seamrog at February 01, 2014 09:35 AM (fuI4v)

146 Hubby put up a game camera in the backyard to see what's been digging in the compost pile. I didn't admit to anything...

Posted by: Mama AJ at February 01, 2014 09:35 AM (SUKHu)

147 43?  NDH? Naw, I'm in the Southend of Brunswick. My vet's clinic is almost out of the county it's so far away. In the irony dept? I pass on Pennick road the Church of the Good Shepherd where the late Miss Emily once gave a locally-famous recital. They have a website, natch.

Posted by: backhoe at February 01, 2014 09:38 AM (ULH4o)

148 Thanks tangonine. Good suggestion. Old guy though. Don't have a few seasons if I want to enjoy the fruits of my labor, so to speak, for awhile. Probably be dropping $50 a tree for 3 to 4 foot trees. They tend to grow pretty well for me. Growing stuff seems to be one of the few things I tend do well. Go all overkill on the ground prep and follow up TLC.

Posted by: teej at February 01, 2014 09:38 AM (JCIjD)

149 hold the phone, Mabel...tomatoes had to be popularized>?

Posted by: model_1066 at February 01, 2014 09:39 AM (LIQGY)

150 I've got two mysterious holes under my fruit trees. I happened to be over there to throw a neighbor kid's toy back over the fence, when I reached down I froze, the hole kind of freaked me out, I felt like Luke Skywalker when he's doing that stump thing in the swamp. I just backed away. About 6 inches in diameter, a big pile of excavated dirt/clay at it's mouth. Probably some large rodent of the night, or a type of weasel, or both.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 09:40 AM (ZshNr)

151 On the herb garden, I learned the hard way that oregano is a member of the mint family so preferably use a container. I have a corner with established rosemary, oregano (still lol), basil, chives, thyme,and lemon balm. Parsley I replant every year as it is biennial but most winters it is harvestable and I inter sow garlic among most of the plants. Our border collie loves the rosemary especially. I really wish I had made it bigger!

Posted by: FCF at February 01, 2014 09:40 AM (Khja4)

152 Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 01:40 PM (ZshNr) Get thee a flashlight and see how deep it goes. Probably chipmunks or even a woodchuck. Don't worry, it won't kill your tree. I'm guessing.

Posted by: model_1066 at February 01, 2014 09:42 AM (LIQGY)

153 I you want to try lettuce and other greens from seed, you can get a little jump on the spring season by using "wintersown" techniques, here: http://wintersown.org/ Great for many flowers, too. Stokes Seeds and Johnnys have good information on which Asian greens resist bolting in cold weather. And which are heat-tolerant. Here in the Central Valley of CA, I started mustards, kale, strawberry spinach, lettuce, etc. months ago. You can leave baby leaf lettuce in a rotisserie chicken tray (drainage and potting mix added) for longer than you might imagine in cool weather. And with the top, the chicken trays make dandy little greenhouses for starting seeds. Just cut some ventilation windows.

Posted by: KT at February 01, 2014 09:42 AM (qahv/)

154 We've had both chipmunks and wood chucks in the yard, so you're probably right. We no longer have an outdoors-going cat, so I wouldn't be surprised if we start having issues.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 09:44 AM (ZshNr)

155
I didn't admit to anything...

Posted by: Mama AJ at February 01, 2014 01:35 PM (SUKHu)

Instant mental image of Mama AJ, face covered in mud staring at the flash.  LOL

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 09:44 AM (x3YFz)

156 I read somewhere that tomatoes were considered poisonous at one time, long ago. Might be related to the deadly nightshade plant.

Posted by: seamrog at February 01, 2014 09:44 AM (fuI4v)

157 Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 01:44 PM (ZshNr) Do you see any recognizable tracks around the holes?

Posted by: model_1066 at February 01, 2014 09:45 AM (LIQGY)

158 Some famous event where a person sat in a public square or Courthouse or something and ate a big pile of tomatoes to prove they weren't poisonous. Place and date don't come to mind.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 09:46 AM (ZshNr)

159 zombie, where do you live? or rather where is this secret hippie seed club located and what is the secret knock/password?

Posted by: lindafell at February 01, 2014 09:47 AM (PGO8C)

160 Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 01:46 PM (ZshNr) So, not tested on animals.

Posted by: model_1066 at February 01, 2014 09:47 AM (LIQGY)

161 I just went back and looked at the holes. No tracks. I'll poke and prod in a bit, though I don't know what I'll do when I find out what it is/was.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 09:48 AM (ZshNr)

162 Re: rosemary in colder climates There is a hardy rosemary called "Arp" that I have been able to overwinter in my zone 5 yard on the south side of my house. The only thing I do for it is prune off the winter-damaged branch-tips before the real growth starts in the spring. I've been able to use it in cooking year-round. Also, parsley will often be harvestable year-round, as well as chives (although for some reason the chives keep dying on me even though they are low-care and hardy -- I used to successfully grow them in Colorado Springs).

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 09:49 AM (mQwL2)

163 6 inches is a pretty good sized hole. My neck of the woods it would be a ground hog or badger.

Posted by: teej at February 01, 2014 09:50 AM (cWpCn)

164 Question for gardening folks. I have two cherry trees, both over 30 years old that are on their last legs. Bugs got them about three years ago. I am in CLT. So I need to replace them. Apple trees? Pears? The area is next to a pool, gets sun and is not too wet. I plan on being in this house maybe 5 more years. Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 09:51 AM (0FSuD)

165 Seamrog, tomatoes are indeed a nightshade plant. Don't eat the leaves or stems. Apparently there is a possibility of getting sick from RAW green tomatoes. I guess ripening or cooking reduces the poison to tolerable levels.

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 09:53 AM (mQwL2)

166 My one parsely plant last year went crazy.  I didn't know what to do with it.  Here in 6a, the rosemary, etc, don't winter very well.

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 09:53 AM (6bvBO)

167 Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 01:51 PM (0FSuD) So you're after shade/privacy, or do you want something to eat from it, or both>?

Posted by: model_1066 at February 01, 2014 09:54 AM (LIQGY)

168 And Mindy shows up when I gotta say bye. Drat. Love each other fellow babies.

Posted by: teej at February 01, 2014 09:54 AM (xDlyw)

169 Nip Sip, plum tree, no question. Get one a few years old if you want to spend a little extra or buy a couple-footer and wait a few years. By far the easiest to care for, productive, tree we have. In the sun, near the pool. I can't remember our variety name, but it'll come to me. Large red/purple plums.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 09:54 AM (ZshNr)

170 Hey, isn't tomorrow groundhog day?

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 09:55 AM (6bvBO)

171 Broccoli and cauliflower tips: 1. Start with a variety that resists bolting. Check the seed catalogs. 2. Plant out seedlings when they are small and growing happily. Never let them get root-bound or over-grown in the nursery pack, or they will "button up" and never produce broccoli. Goes double for cauliflower. 3. Think about aiming for a fall crop instead. Using appropriate varieties for fall. Broccoli will likely taste better then, too. It takes a little frost. 4. If you have a variety "known for side-shoot production" cut the main head a little before it is full-grown. 5. If you have trouble with broccoli, forget about cauliflower. Romanesco is even more of a gamble, but is worth it if you have the experience and the space.

Posted by: KT at February 01, 2014 09:55 AM (qahv/)

172 161 I just went back and looked at the holes. No tracks. I'll poke and prod in a bit, though I don't know what I'll do when I find out what it is/was. I would suggest dumping a bunch of rat poison down the hole. Most mammals will eat it and then die. If that doesn't work, a gallon or so of gasoline will get there attention. No need to light it. Final solution? Beef soaked in anti freeze. Kills everything.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 09:56 AM (0FSuD)

173 Mindy, Same thing with rhubarb leaves, don't eat them--oxalic acid.

Posted by: seamrog at February 01, 2014 09:56 AM (fuI4v)

174 They need to make a Disney movie about a gay blade.

Posted by: Sally Kohn at February 01, 2014 09:57 AM (Aif/5)

175 169 Nip Sip, plum tree, no question. Get one a few years old if you want to spend a little extra or buy a couple-footer and wait a few years. By far the easiest to care for, productive, tree we have. In the sun, near the pool. I can't remember our variety name, but it'll come to me. Large red/purple plums. Thanks, and I love plums! I am on the case. Do they bloom? I would suspect so.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 09:57 AM (0FSuD)

176 Shit, I should set up a webcam outside the hole for tomorrow morning. Brilliant. I have to get up and feed the horses at daybreak anyway, I'll set it up if I think my camera is up to the task.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 09:58 AM (ZshNr)

177 A tomato link. Especially if you are in a hot area. http://tinyurl.com/jvk3myc Also a cool trick if you are going to grow a large plot of tomatoes. In the fall prior, plant oats. Before you plant your tomatoes smash the oats down to form a carpet. Good weed blocker.

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 09:59 AM (iL9QP)

178 176 Shit, I should set up a webcam outside the hole for tomorrow morning. Brilliant. I have to get up and feed the horses at daybreak anyway, I'll set it up if I think my camera is up to the task Another NC morons with nothing to do. State and UNC are playing. Remember when that was important? Now?

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 09:59 AM (0FSuD)

179 3. Think about aiming for a fall crop instead. Using appropriate varieties for fall. Broccoli will likely taste better then, too. It takes a little frost.

Back when I kept a garden, I did this  and had home-grown broccoli for Thanksgiving Day dinner. FWIW, I'm in the same zone as you, WeirdDave.

Posted by: Retread at February 01, 2014 10:00 AM (cHwk5)

180 >>Instant mental image of Mama AJ, face covered in mud staring at the flash. LOL Well that's just silly...I kept my back to the camera. Pfft. The extreme (for here) cold killed off some of the plants, but others are really really happy with the temp "greenhouse" my husband provided for them. (plastic sheeting all around) >>So finally, I bought some 50" x 16' cattle panels and made arches over an 8' x 8' area. I ran a length of bird netting around it to cover the open ends and just folded the netting to one side when I wanted to get inside the covered area. Our raised beds are covered. Here's a pic from last summer with bits of them. And certain plants that weren't covered for rather obvious reasons: http://pic.twitter.com/Kd5cLC9Vou

Posted by: Mama AJ at February 01, 2014 10:00 AM (SUKHu)

181 I miss the rhubarb that used to grow in the ditch out back.  Got plowed under when they piped the irrigation ditch.  Although, the piped ditch water is better for the sprinklers, don't have to clean out the filters as often.  It's also nice that I only pay $35 a year for unlimited yard water.  A 1/2 share came with the property.

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 10:00 AM (6bvBO)

182 I'm not going to kill it, unless it's some really nasty beast, and it's at my fence line that abuts a neighbor with toddlers and two dogs, so poison would be my last choice.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 10:00 AM (ZshNr)

183 Yup, they bloom and the flowers get photographed by my wife about a thousand times a season. Really a nice tree, smallish, but sturdy.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 10:01 AM (ZshNr)

184 I would suggest dumping a bunch of rat poison down the hole. Most mammals will eat it and then die. If that doesn't work, a gallon or so of gasoline will get there attention. No need to light it.

Final solution? Beef soaked in anti freeze. Kills everything.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 01:56 PM (0FSuD)

Holy cow.  Remind me never to piss you off.

Posted by: The Chicken at February 01, 2014 10:02 AM (x3YFz)

185 Now I'm out in the workshop listening to Wake/GT on the radio. I love college hoops, half the reason I voted for moving to NC when we had a few different relo options.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 10:03 AM (ZshNr)

186 182 I'm not going to kill it, unless it's some really nasty beast, and it's at my fence line that abuts a neighbor with toddlers and two dogs, so poison would be my last choice. Then gasoline. Usually that smell, if it doesn't kill them, makes them leave the nest. Course you could be creative and dump some glue down the hole. Don't put out beef and anti freeze with dogs around, they'll be dead.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 10:03 AM (0FSuD)

187 Regarding plum trees, make sure that you get the type that doesn't need a second tree to produce fruit.

Posted by: seamrog at February 01, 2014 10:04 AM (fuI4v)

188 Nice, Mama AJ.  I so want to get out in the yard.  Damn gorebul warming about 3 inches all over, more on the north side.

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 10:05 AM (6bvBO)

189 Holy cow. Remind me never to piss you off. Posted by: The Chicken at February 01, 2014 02:02 PM (x3YFz) You never have, sweetie. Now bend over.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 10:05 AM (0FSuD)

190 Cool PCC, Mama AJ! I like bird netting -- practically invisible, but very strong.

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 10:05 AM (mQwL2)

191  @ 182 [Lincolntf] -- I'd bet it's a groundhog. You could get a cheap trail camera at a sporting goods store and find out for sure.

If it is a groundhog, you probably want to live-trap it and release it somewhere in the wilderness. They can do a hell of a lot of damage to a yard, and even the foundation of your home over time.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 10:06 AM (m0h0I)

192 187 Regarding plum trees, make sure that you get the type that doesn't need a second tree to produce fruit. Posted by: seamrog at February 01, 2014 02:04 PM (fuI4v) I read that about apple trees also. Won't be a problem, I am planting two trees.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 10:06 AM (0FSuD)

193 Early sowing for me (zone 6a) is always a patch of mesclun (usually assorted lettuces and herbs), argula (what the Brits call "rocket"), spinach, and turnips. I start the mesclun and spinach in a cold frame (some old lumber that I nailed together, with an old storm window on top) a few weeks before the last frost date. Some two-liter soda bottles filled with water do a nice job of providing passive solar warmth on chilly nights. The mesclun and spinach together make a terrific spring salad. I like a little arugula shredded into my salad; the peppery flavor adds a lot, especially when dressed with a good oil and balsamic vinegar, plus either blue cheese or parmesean.

I've always had good luck with turnips. They're hardy, do well in the cold, and grow like crazy. The greens are coarse, but if you shred them, they be sauteed with bacon fat, or used instead of kale in soups. I like the roots either steamed and mashed with butter, like a potatoe; or sliced up in a beef stew.

My big problem is that with my yard choked with piles of condensed global warming, I've not yet been able to prune my fruit trees or my grapes. With luck, though, we'll have a decent weekend in the next month or so, and I'll be able to get the job done while the trees and vines are still dormant.

A bought a chipper-shredder last fall. I've quite fond of it, turning years' accumulation of old wood waste into a nice mulch. I've arranged with a local who keeps chickens to trade mulch for chicken poop for my compost pile. I'm curious to see how that will work out.

Does anyone here keep bees, BTW? Can you suggest a good source of information for a wannabe urban beekeeper?

Posted by: Brown Line at February 01, 2014 10:07 AM (a5bF3)

194 you guys are much nicer here on the guns and garden thread than the polloticks thread down below

Posted by: lindafell at February 01, 2014 10:08 AM (PGO8C)

195 I saw a trampoline for MWR This thread was just wjhat I needed after spending this morning with seed catalogs. God I want spring to come, now

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at February 01, 2014 10:09 AM (HVff2)

196 I've got a Kodak Playsport camera, waterproof edition, but it's not as effective as one would hope, especially for long-term filming. Batteries are iffy.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 10:09 AM (ZshNr)

197 Google search, first answer. Second one, get a 22 and shoot them. http://tinyurl.com/p68gpsw

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 10:09 AM (0FSuD)

198 "Probably some large rodent of the night, or a type of weasel, or both."

Coyote?

Posted by: Brown Line at February 01, 2014 10:09 AM (a5bF3)

199 I've got two mysterious holes under my fruit trees.
===
I've got a question ... how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck would chuck wood?

I'm asking for a friend.

Posted by: mrp at February 01, 2014 10:10 AM (JBggj)

200 >>I like bird netting -- practically invisible, but very strong. Yeh, it's really hard to see it in the dark. So I've heard... All credit to my husband for the garden. He's worked very hard on it. Last year was a bit disappointing. Everything looked beautiful, but then there were hardly any kernels on the corn, tomatoes on the vines, not even many seeds in those sunflowers!

Posted by: Mama AJ at February 01, 2014 10:10 AM (SUKHu)

201 194 you guys are much nicer here on the guns and garden thread than the polloticks thread down below What conservative don't know GREEN?

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 10:10 AM (0FSuD)

202 We get coyotes where I work on the other side of town, but not over here so much, and the yard is fenced.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 10:10 AM (ZshNr)

203 173 Mindy, Same thing with rhubarb leaves, don't eat them--oxalic acid.

Posted by: seamrog at February 01, 2014 01:56 PM (fuI4v)


Well, this finally explains the cussing Rhubarb "Lady" in the alley youtube.

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 01, 2014 10:11 AM (baL2B)

204 Don't know where to start with heirloom tomatoes? Check out the FAQ here. Carolyn Male, who wrote the book on heirloom tomatoes, helped write the FAQ. http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/tomato/ My best heirloom last year was Dr. Lyle, a big pink beefsteak. My best modern OP variety was AAA Sweet Solano, a little striped yellow tomato bred by Brad Gates (Wild Boar Farms).

Posted by: KT at February 01, 2014 10:11 AM (qahv/)

205 Love the bee pics, Tangonine! Also enjoyed the patch designs. You keep threatening to make one for the Horde .....

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 10:11 AM (mQwL2)

206 I'm asking for a friend. Posted by: mrp at February 01, 2014 02:10 PM (JBggj) Call the GEICO lizard, he knows.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 01, 2014 10:11 AM (0FSuD)

207 Gotta go do something productive today. Great photos Tangonine and all.

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 01, 2014 10:12 AM (baL2B)

208 i'm in 6a Brown Line, are you west or east?  Hmm, neighbors have chickens, wonder if that would help.

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 10:13 AM (6bvBO)

209 159 zombie, where do you live? or rather where is this secret hippie seed club located and what is the secret knock/password? Posted by: lindafell I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are actually SEVERAL similar clubs in northern California. It's not actually a "club" per se, but a nonprofit organization. (Maybe they have official status, maybe not -- lord knows.) And there is no secret knock -- anyone can join, just by writing your name on the list (often there's no one even around in their tiny "office"). As for its actual name and location -- for security reasons, that shall remain unsaid! But wherever you live, just do a search for "seed swap" or "seed exchange" and make contact with the local hippie-dippie gardeners, and if there is such a group near you, they'll likely know about it. Make a good impression and bring in some seeds to donate the first time you visit!

Posted by: zombie at February 01, 2014 10:14 AM (+cx5n)

210 MamaAJ, could it have been a pollination problem? An old gardener told me to plant corn in a square instead of in a couple of rows.

Posted by: Retread at February 01, 2014 10:15 AM (cHwk5)

211 Nip, your fruit trees need to be two different types, unless they are self fruitful. Link http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/ag28.html

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 10:16 AM (iL9QP)

212 Swap Your Seed in San Francisco!

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 10:16 AM (ZshNr)

213 >>194 you guys are much nicer here on the guns and garden thread than the polloticks thread down below Posted by: lindafell at February 01, 2014 02:08 PM (PGO8C) << Gardening saps testosterone. J/K

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 10:16 AM (mQwL2)

214 Thanks, KT, bookmarked for later lurking.

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 10:16 AM (6bvBO)

215 Well dang it! Between last weeks thread and now today's, I'm thinking of growing something. Heck, I could use a hobby.


Funny thing is I'm good with growing things, although I've only once gone out of my way to do it. Houseplants that I've inherited have lasted forever(I use the Amazon Jungle approach).


The only time I even tried, was when I was about 13yrs old in Tucson, AZ. We had  eaten  watermelon, and for some reason I wondered if the seeds would grow if I planted them in front of our porch. So I did, and knowing they were something like 80% or so water, diligently watered the ground every morning.


And then  holy Sh*t!  Man did that stuff take off!  Started growing and spreading like Kudzu in the south!  Hell,  I wasn't growing watermelons, I think I was growing Pods from 'The Invasion of the Body Snatchers'. It got so out of hand that my Mom made me kill it. Which, as I recall, took a while.


Anyhoo, I like this thread, and Weirddaves' intro was hilarious.



So thanks to him and Y-not, I may very well start up something I haven't done in years.

 

Posted by: HH at February 01, 2014 10:18 AM (XXwdv)

216 I've heard corn is wind-pollinated and therefore you have to plant in a block so that there's always one plant downwind of another plant.

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 10:18 AM (mQwL2)

217 Forgot to say -- WeirdDave, your broccoli story was chortle-inducing.

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 10:20 AM (mQwL2)

218 Well, that must be why my corn did shitty last year.  I wonder if I could plant one of my raised beds with only corn?

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 10:21 AM (6bvBO)

219 Thanks for the tip zombie. I live in a pretty hippified area, i.e. the blue dot in the middle of Texas, so I'll see if there's some thing like that around here.

Posted by: lindafell at February 01, 2014 10:22 AM (PGO8C)

220 >>MamaAJ, could it have been a pollination problem? I talked to a Master Gardener, as certified by LSU Ag, (AKA a lady in my Sunday school class) and she 1)suggested flowers to attract bees and 2)said the she had the same issue that year. The spring weather made everything grow like crazy and then it just dried up at just the wrong time.

Posted by: Mama AJ at February 01, 2014 10:24 AM (SUKHu)

221  @ 219 [lindafell] -- Look for a vegetable stand or a farmer's market with lots of Volvos and Subarus parked around it.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 10:25 AM (m0h0I)

222 My grandma is a gardening genius, and my mom takes after her; i am trying to continue the tradition but my thumb is not nearly as green, sigh. I am seriously considering buying a mini hoop house this year, so I can start the growing season earlier. They make ones appropriate for small lots, which I have. And since Utah weather is unpredictable, we can get snow in may, so anything protecting them from cold and critters is good. I live further north in Utah than you Y-Not ( and hopefully ChristyBlinky soon!) so planting early spring vegetables always made me skittish. I usually wait till just before mothers day to plant anything. But maybe this is the year to try! >>>Yeah, I have visions of volunteering at Red Butte Gardens (which husband finds hysterical as I refuse to weed here:snakes/bugs). Also want to take classes at U and knitting and all kinds of stuff. I will probably still be in robe reading Ace until the old folk's home, however. Also try the Jordan Valley Conservation Park. I finally visited that last year and was amazed. They have gorgeous sample landscapes and teach how to make whatever type of garden you want, and make it thrive in a Utah desert. I have really come to love tall grasses, they work well with traditional flowers. The Utah State Botanical Gardens in Katsville are also a great place to visit. And their ponds get white pelicans in the spring!

Posted by: LizLem at February 01, 2014 10:27 AM (ijXVY)

223 Gardeners are optimists, in the face discouraging experience.

Posted by: Retread at February 01, 2014 10:27 AM (cHwk5)

224 On a side note, two of my orchids are going to bloom soon. No big secret, they are in my dining room which faces east, and I water them when I remember. I fertilize maybe 2-3 times a year if I remember. I buy them from the discount area at the big box hardware stores when I'm there. Usually for $2-3 each. They will sell them really cheaply after their blooms fall off and they start looking a bit limp from over watering. I just bring them home and bring them back to life. These are plants that they sell for up to $30 sometimes.

Posted by: lindafell at February 01, 2014 10:28 AM (PGO8C)

225 Posted by: LizLem at February 01, 2014 02:27 PM (ijXVY) Speaking of knitting, etc. are you a member of the 'Ettes of the Moron Horde group on Ravelry? It's open to all 'Ettes. Does require a free account on Ravelry though.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 10:33 AM (GDulk)

226 Well, raised beds it is for the corn.  Yes, gardeners tend to be optimistic.  Spring will always come again.

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2014 10:33 AM (6bvBO)

227 Kaysville, not Katsville, stupid phone.

Posted by: LizLem at February 01, 2014 10:36 AM (ijXVY)

228 223 Gardeners are optimists, in the face discouraging experience. Posted by: Retread at February 01, 2014 02:27 PM (cHwk5) You just described those of us who are still registered Republican.

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 10:36 AM (mQwL2)

229 Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 02:33 PM (GDulk) I am! But have not been in a while, need to def make more stops over there! Great bunch of Ettes. Thanks for the reminder.

Posted by: LizLem at February 01, 2014 10:38 AM (ijXVY)

230 Y-not, love your gardening fun facts and the lovely links!

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 10:40 AM (mQwL2)

231 213 >>194 you guys are much nicer here on the guns and garden thread than the polloticks thread down below
Posted by: lindafell at February 01, 2014 02:08 PM (PGO8C)


Gardening saps testosterone.

J/K

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 02:16 PM (mQwL2)

We adjust our kit and TTPs as necessary

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 10:53 AM (x3YFz)

232 I first saw Zorro the Gay Blade in college with a guy friend who I later found out was gay. We both thought it was hysterical. Amazing that it hasn't been banned yet. Very un-PC. What does it mean that the plants bolt?

Posted by: katya the designated driver at February 01, 2014 11:05 AM (4Chvm)

233 finally stopped snowing, time to shovel.

Posted by: seamrog at February 01, 2014 11:07 AM (dbWnI)

234 Can't wait for snow peas. But it's gonna be awhile. Forecast says snow, snow, snow. People who hate Winter have no business living in Iowa.

Posted by: katya the designated driver at February 01, 2014 11:13 AM (4Chvm)

235 219 Thanks for the tip zombie. I live in a pretty hippified area, i.e. the blue dot in the middle of Texas, so I'll see if there's some thing like that around here. Posted by: lindafell Here are some: http://npsot.org/wp/austin/seed-exchange/ http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/txgard/nph-ind.cgi?type=exch http://www.franklincolibrary.com/_seedsharing.html You could also try contacting these hippie-dippies in Austin, and I bet they'd know if something similar was in your area: http://www.sustainablefoodcenter.org/ Here's a great NATIONAL list of similar places -- as you can see, there are hundreds, with a majority in California (ain't I lucky!): http://www.richmondgrowsseeds.org/sister-libraries.html The key, which you likely can't know about until you visit, is whether or not any of these places also collect donations of expired commercial seeds packets, which super-charges any collection.

Posted by: zombie at February 01, 2014 11:13 AM (+cx5n)

236 WOW, thanks a million zombie. I know Lauren will be able to use this info too since she's from the area too. Of course, she only grows bananas or was that goes bananas? Meh, same thing

Posted by: lindafell at February 01, 2014 11:21 AM (PGO8C)

237 Weird Dave We do commercial ag, but my husband is in vegas. When I speak to him I will ask him why the broccoli plants bolt. We grow broccoli Year round. I was in the nursery and the guy was telling me about how the celery will bolt. I don't remember why.

Posted by: CaliGirl at February 01, 2014 11:24 AM (KU72u)

238 Bolting is generally a heat issue.

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 01, 2014 11:35 AM (4A8Dj)

239 Thank you for the garden threads! 

Dreaming of the beauty and bounty to come, makes the dreary winter days more tolerable.

If anyone's still here--

When growing corn, it really boosts kernel-count when you assist pollination by hand.  This article explains very well:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/oon3mpj

Heirloom tomatoes?  I grew "Brandywine" a couple of years ago--indeterminate, vigorous grower.  Fruits were *huge* and flavorful.  Slices were like eating a Tomato Steak, and made for out-of-this-world hamburgers! 

Only drawback was splitting.  Probably my watering habits, coupled with its naturally deeply-lobed characteristic.  But who cares!  Just cut out the damage, and eat hearty--a worthwhile variety.

Zone 7a here, but plant for zone 6ish. 

Posted by: JeanQ at February 01, 2014 11:37 AM (82lr7)

240 The most interesting thing I'm doing this year is trying to grow yuzuquats. I was at some media/restaurant/food event recently, and one of the hoity-toity chefs had in his display a row of really weird-looking small citrus fruits -- kind of yellow-y-orange-y but with loose skin, smaller than a lemon, with kind of a neck, and very fragrant. I asked what it was and the guy there said it was a yuzuquat. It was so typical of the Bay Area foodie scene that a. I knew exactly what he was talking about and b. He wasn't surprised in the slightest that I knew exactly what he was talking about. After the event was over I asked if I could take one of the displayed yuzuquats, and they said sure, so I took it home. Later, I carefully cut it open and tasted it and it certainly was indeed weird and deliciously interesting! It was then that I noticed that there were six seeds in the yuzuquat. After extensive research (i.e. 5 minutes on the internet) i discovered that yuzuquats, surprisingly, are one of the few citruses that always "grow true to seed," i.e. a yuzuquat seed will always produce a yuzuquat tree (this is not true most citrus varieties, strangely). So I decided to try to get those six seeds to germinate. That was 8 days ago. I'm still babysitting the little tray I have them in. If I'm successful, I'll plant them all around my property, and develop the world's first yuzuquat orchard!

Posted by: zombie at February 01, 2014 11:53 AM (+cx5n)

241 Good luck, zombie!  Hope your little babies sprout and grow many great yuzuquats! 

Okay, now I'm going to bingle that....never heard of them before just now.....lol.

Very nice of the chef to give one to you!

Posted by: JeanQ at February 01, 2014 11:59 AM (82lr7)

242 I just planted pansies, jonny jump ups and cyclamen, and a trailing rosemary in various containers out front and on the patio. I should have done it back in December, because it'll be too hot for the the pansies and cyclamen in a couple of months. I no longer do much n the way of veggies, but there's a community garden around the corner that we walk through everyday. They have all kinds of stuff in there now--onions, broccoli, probably all the other cole crops too, chard, I think some spinach, etc. This is the garden I stole pumpkins from to stuff with tannerite and blow up with rifles. The pumpkins weren't grown there--they were surplus pumpkins slated for the compost pile. They met a more glorious end at my family's hands.

Posted by: stace at February 01, 2014 12:15 PM (9PXzx)

243 ^^^ So that was my comment about Guns'n'Gardens. I have the latest issue of Garden and Gun. Some great cocktail recipes in that one.

Posted by: stace at February 01, 2014 12:21 PM (9PXzx)

244 None of recipes used Valu-rite. Mostly expensive bourbon.

Posted by: stace at February 01, 2014 12:22 PM (9PXzx)

245 This is fun to have the thread all to myself. Next up: stories about what my kittehs have been up to.

Posted by: stace at February 01, 2014 12:24 PM (9PXzx)

246 NOT so Fast there stace!


Well, actually I'm guessing that this thread is sort of like the Sunday Book thread.


Posts actually go on for hours, just at a slower rate.



OTOH, if yer kitties are eating your home grown plants, go for it!

Posted by: HH at February 01, 2014 12:29 PM (XXwdv)

247 My best-developed gardening skill is catalog-shopping.

Posted by: Mindy (Cupcake) at February 01, 2014 12:34 PM (mQwL2)

248 245 This is fun to have the thread all to myself. Next up: stories about what my kittehs have been up to.

Posted by: stace at February 01, 2014 04:24 PM (9PXzx)

Just keep your clothes on. 

I say that because it IS AoS and when someone finds themselves alone with themselves, with this crew, there's a tendency to strip naked and reach for the olive oil.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Posted by: tangonine at February 01, 2014 12:34 PM (x3YFz)

249 >> When growing corn, it really boosts kernel-count when you assist pollination by hand. This article explains very well: and it does not help when your 9 year old daughter braids the hair, surprisingly.

Posted by: Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest at February 01, 2014 12:41 PM (LWu6U)

250 "there's a tendency to strip naked and reach for the olive oil."


You speaking for a friend?


Really, what a waste. What you do is have someone else strip naked.


THAT'S  when you reach for the olive oil...

Posted by: HH at February 01, 2014 12:45 PM (XXwdv)

251 How embarrassing. You all walked in on me while I was naked and talking to myself. Oh well, worse thing shave happened. I was just kidding about the kitteh stories, but, seriously, just now I walked out front to mulch my new cyclamen planting, and smelled cat pee. Some fucking tomcat had sprayed the little kitty shelter we had set up for the outside cats, since it's been colder than usual this winter. Hells bells. I told my husband to trap "Ball Bearing", as I call him, and have him fixed.

Posted by: stace at February 01, 2014 01:04 PM (9PXzx)

252 Ok zombie, since I'm now part of your seed sharing co-op I'll take some of those zuzuquat seeds and send you some of these...uuhhhhmmm.....pride of Barbados seeds I have. I mean, sure, they aren't a fruit or veggie but they have pretty flowers And as an added bonus I have two varieties, so there's that. 😃

Posted by: lindafell at February 01, 2014 01:18 PM (PGO8C)

253 As an Ohioan I can assure you that "if you don't have a brewskie in your hand you might as well be wearing a dress."

Posted by: 13drinkminimum at February 01, 2014 01:27 PM (5/T5G)

254 lettuce seeds cucumber seeds pumpkin seeds sesame seeds squash seeds sunflower seeds green yellow red pepper seeds banana pepper seeds cayenne habanero poblano serrano pepper seeds acai berry seeds blackberry blueberry boysenberry seeds cranberry goji berry gooseberry huckleberry seeds avacado broccoli cabbage carrot celery corn maize seeds for sale get your fresh seeds here all natural no chinese lead we swear cucumber edemame kohlrabi seeds are the best buy all seeds here now sank you berry much

Posted by: seeds for sale at February 01, 2014 01:37 PM (U0Mxs)

255 What does it mean that the plants bolt? They go to flower. For broccoli, if you look at the crowns, what you eat are actually flower buds. When it gets hotter out they all bloom into little yellow flowers.

Posted by: Weirddave at February 01, 2014 01:48 PM (N/cFh)

256 @1 Basils, Chives, Sage, and Thyme, and Parsley do well for us indoors. You'll need plenty of light - a southern exposure if you have one - and temps above 50, so watch for drafts and move the plants on very cold nights if the windows leak.

Basil won't tolerate wet feet, put 2" of rocks or marbles in the bottom of the pot. It's also the most temperature sensitive of my suggestions. There are dozens of varieties so try several. We top the plants when they reach 3"-4" to encourage side growth.

Sage is prone to disease if there's not good air circulation, the usual sign is discolored leaves. It needs heat to get the full strength aroma but indoor starts can be the beginning of a permanent pot that is kept outdoors year 'round except in the most brutal cold.

Chives are pretty much self sufficient and will last indefinitely. You can put them out in the summer, and in the fall let a good cold spell knock the fronds down. Clip at 1" and they'll thicken up and regrow. We split ours every spring and give 1/2 to friends, they refill the pot by the end of summer. Chives love Miracle-Gro.

Thyme (English is low growing and spreads, French is more upright and is what I grow) is hardy down to the teens - I used to keep it outside but lost one pot last year so it's in the mudroom. It will become a small woody bush and has a great odor even if you don't cook with it. Slow to germinate.

If you're patient, try some Dwarf Parsley. It takes 2-3 weeks to germinate and won't develop full flavor indoors but can be transplanted when the weather warms up. (You'll need to do this yearly because parsley is biennial and goes bitter after it seeds the second year) Parsley likes Miracle-Gro too.

I use holidays as reminders to start my plants, and Valentine's Day is my herb date. So you've got a couple weeks to get everything together. Btw, it's better to not fertilize most herbs as it weakens the flavor. Poor to average soil is also recommended. A small fan gently blowing nearby can help keep the herbs warm and disease free.

@WeirdDave

Too bad about the broccoli. You might want to try placing a few plants throughout the garden; the flowers will attract bees which will also pollinate other vegetables. I've never seen anything draw bees like broccoli and kale blooms.

Posted by: Xavier at February 01, 2014 01:53 PM (uUbbK)

257 Thanks to everyone for their contributions this week. Feel free to send tips, links, ideas to me at my twitter handle, MoxieMom. See you next Saturday!

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 02:11 PM (zDsvJ)

258 Thanks for the tip about the Jordan Valley Conservation Park, LizLem. Haven't been there yet. Red Butte Gardens are wonderful.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 01, 2014 02:13 PM (zDsvJ)

259 I was just using olive oil but it did not occur to me to rub on naked self while cooking. It must be the wine I am drinking to cause such a faux pas.

I just burned the hell out of the pan I was using and threw in cognac to deglaze (after putting stew in pastry and in oven). I blame this blog as well as the pan, which was not my trusty old Le Cruset.

We have herbs part of the year (I love basil and parsley and sage). I have learned, in stupid Floriduh, to plant in pots in shade. Oregano is still spreading like mad in abandoned bed. But I rarely use it. My husband, bless his heart, cut down my gigantic rosemary bush in a fit of something or other. I am trying to forgive him when I need it to stuff a chicken. Here is a never fail baked or roasted chicken recipe, super easy, and people like me afterwards:

Roasted Chicken

1 bird of some type like whole chicken
1 onion, quartered
1/2 lemon, sliced
as much garlic as you desire, in bird and sliced, under skin of breast
1-2 limbs of tender rosemary
Thyme, as much as desired, fresh preferable out of garden

Stuff bird with all of above. I do not bother tying legs as I also do not like touching raw poultry since first pregnancy as I am a delicate flower.

Melt 1/4 stick butter in measuring cup in micro. Add either white wine, from leftoevers you no longer care about turning to sherry, or vermouth: about 1 cup.

Pour 1/2 over bird.

Bake/roast at 400 degrees for 15 minutes then lower temp to 350 and bake til done. Serve with roasted potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, etc you slice, season, and throw in olive oil on baking pan while cooking chicken.

Let stupid bird "rest" for 10 to 15 minutes prior to serving.

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 01, 2014 02:23 PM (baL2B)

260 Forgot to add to baste bird with rest of butter/wine sauce. If you are real industrious you can make gravy while bird rests. I am a honey badger when it comes to gravy and others have to do it, as I don't care. One son is the gravy guy who has to take over at this point and, hey, have at it.

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 01, 2014 02:29 PM (baL2B)

261

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 01, 2014 06:23 PM (baL2B)

Mmm that sounds lovely!

Posted by: LizLem at February 01, 2014 03:49 PM (ijXVY)

262 Oh, my - so many delicious comments! I am in South Texas, and waiting for the predicted last freeze to hit (mid-March) before setting out my veggie starts, although I will begin the lettuce seeds before then. My particular challenge is tomatoes. I would love to have fresh tomatoes, all through the summer, but sometimes here it is so hot that ... well, they do not thrive at all. The soil is nasty, heavy clay - so I am reduced to growing stuff in raised beds filled with prime garden soil. Yes, I tried to amend the nasty clay with sand and compost... if I hand known then what I know now, I would have just had a contractor come in, scrape off all the soil down to about a foot, and put in fresh and good... I do have excellent luck with rosemary, though. I have rosemary bushes in the front yard that a number of neighbors have confessed to coming and snipping sprigs from. And I planted a young bay laurel in the front yard - it was a sprig in a 4-inch pot when I bought it, and now it is a 20-foot tree. People have come and rung the doorbell, asking if they may have a shoot from it, to propagate for their own. I haven't bought a bay leaf in fifteen years.

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at February 01, 2014 04:13 PM (Asjr7)

263 In Central Texas I prefer to grow a winter/fall garden. Summer is just too hot and there are too many bugs. We garden in raised beds which drain fast so we have to water a lot in the Summer. Right now we are harvesting broccoli, cabbage,cauliflower,onions, chard, mustard greens and more lettuce than we can give away-the neighbors are hiding from us. We let the white radishes go to seed-lots of little white flowers-so that the bees have some pollen. We just had a couple of hard freezes, down to the mid 20's and all the veggies survived just fine-I was surprised.

Posted by: dreadpirateroberta at February 01, 2014 04:22 PM (2d8bF)

264 Don't know if anyone is still listening, but I thought I would throw out a couple of names for seed catalogues. My favorite is Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds out of Missouri. Awesome company, all open pollinated and they have stuff from all over the world-even Iraq and Afghanistan. I have to hold my nose and ignore their politics though. I also like Johnny's, Pinetree, John Scheepers and RH Shumway.

Posted by: dreadpirateroberta at February 01, 2014 04:29 PM (2d8bF)

265 Looks like this thread is dead, but thanks to Y-Not and weirddave for posting it, I love it. I've had good luck w/ broccilli, here in 5a/5b. But not much luck w/ cauliflower. Usually gets too warm too early. You do have to tie up the leaves on the cauli, never head that about broccilli but that makes sense to keep it cooler. Keep on growing, T

Posted by: The Farmer at February 01, 2014 05:47 PM (eBupg)

266
Also try the Jordan Valley Conservation Park. I finally visited that last year and was amazed. They have gorgeous sample landscapes and teach how to make whatever type of garden you want, and make it thrive in a Utah desert. I have really come to love tall grasses, they work well with traditional flowers. The Utah State Botanical Gardens in Katsville are also a great place to visit. And their ponds get white pelicans in the spring!

Posted by: LizLem at February 01, 2014 02:27 PM (ijXVY)


Thanks for these suggestions!

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 01, 2014 06:07 PM (baL2B)

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