Quarantine Vegetable Gardens

[155etta]

I've had little luck growing herbs outdoors: Insects tend to eat them or chew the leaves so they are inedible. I would like to grow herbs indoors in Mason jars. I know that I will have to line the bottoms with stones before planting the herbs in potting soil. Has anyone had success with this method? Any tips for successful growing? I'd like to grow fresh basil, rosemary, and thyme as those are the herbs that I use most often.

I'm not sure I would go with Mason jars. Herbs generally don't mind being a little dry and some say they have improved flavor if the soil is allowed to go a little dry. That might be harder to do growing in something with no drain hole.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

I’m sure I’m not the only non-gardener lurking here
Anyway this caught my attention this morning (easy way to ~build~ a raised bed tool-free)
This may be old news to most of you lol.

7 Tips to Starting Your First Vegetable Garden - Tower Hill Botanic Garden

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Oldcastle-...VmIzICh0iJQNDEAQYAiABEgJnnPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Corner bricks? Never saw anything like them before. And I shop hardware stores like most women shop clothes stores!!!!

 

[Midwestmom2019]

I've had little luck growing herbs outdoors: Insects tend to eat them or chew the leaves so they are inedible. I would like to grow herbs indoors in Mason jars. I know that I will have to line the bottoms with stones before planting the herbs in potting soil. Has anyone had success with this method? Any tips for successful growing? I'd like to grow fresh basil, rosemary, and thyme as those are the herbs that I use most often.

Not much success indoors. But maybe try covering your out door herbs with insect proof cloth. A row cover actually. Then of course, you could stop fooling around with organic gardening and blast the buggers with soapy water. Or insecticide!!!!
I know, I know. But after years of organic, and holistic pesticide free gardening, I finally succumbed to use of weed killer and bug killers. My years are dwindling. I need to enjoy the bounty of my efforts. Not crazy over the top use of chemicals. But as helpers.

 

[Gardener1850]

I'm not sure I would go with Mason jars. Herbs generally don't mind being a little dry and some say they have improved flavor if the soil is allowed to go a little dry. That might be harder to do growing in something with no drain hole.

I agree. I've never tried mason jars for growing herbs but, in general, without any drainage holes it seems like the roots would slowly rot in the soil. I see from googling it that growing herbs in mason jars seems to be trendy on a lot of decorating blogs. They do look cute. But I wonder if they are practical. IMO by the time you put rocks in the bottom, the jars don't look like they have enough soil to grow herbs for very long. A jar looks to be only about the size of an herb transplant plug that you would buy at a garden store. Those size herb plugs often need to be potted up into a bigger container of dirt in order to grow. For anyone wanting herbs that will grow and last for an entire season (and possibly come back next year too), I'd suggest getting something about the size of a flower box or medium sized pot. A 5 gallon pot is a nice size to plant 3 herbs together-- except for mint and others that are invasive or don't grow well with others. Google "Companion Planting ___ " for each herb you want to plant to make sure it can go with others you want to plant in the same pot. Here's a video with some great tips on potting up herbs:

MOO.

 

[Gardener1850]

Also, I haven't had much of a problem with bugs eating my herbs in the past, but if I get aphids I usually use Neem oil spray: How to Use Neem Oil on Plants

 

[zecats]

I received all my gardening supplies but have not attempted to plant anything yet. I was going to and then I heard about frost and then my Dad died. However, this weekend is supposed to get nice and hot and my husband's off work so maybe I can coerce him into helping me. I've never been a fan of gardening but I really want to learn how to grow my own food!

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I knew of the possibility, but hadn't read anything from you in a bit. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Very sad.

As for gardening, try something simple and easy to grow maybe at first. I'm sure you'll do fine. Tomatoes and peppers are my choice for now, as well as lots of herbs and types of mint. Good luck to you.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I knew of the possibility, but hadn't read anything from you in a bit. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Very sad.

As for gardening, try something simple and easy to grow maybe at first. I'm sure you'll do fine. Tomatoes and peppers are my choice for now, as well as lots of herbs and types of mint. Good luck to you.

Peppers won’t set flowers when it gets too hot here in the South. About the same time petunias wither away, only to come back in the Fall. So if you miss the growing season, just keep them alive until cooler weather comes back around.
As for tomatoes, I cut out the extra branches that shoot out from the main trunk and the first branches. Those branches that come out in the v area between branches and stalk. They produce but suck more energy out of the main plant. If those suckers are cut out, the main line and branches are much stronger and produce a bumper crop. Remember to put tuna fish cans opened on both sides around the stem at ground level while planting baby plants to keep cut worms away.

 

[LadyL]

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I knew of the possibility, but hadn't read anything from you in a bit. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Very sad.

As for gardening, try something simple and easy to grow maybe at first. I'm sure you'll do fine. Tomatoes and peppers are my choice for now, as well as lots of herbs and types of mint. Good luck to you.

thank you for the condolences and the tips

Peppers won’t set flowers when it gets too hot here in the South. About the same time petunias wither away, only to come back in the Fall. So if you miss the growing season, just keep them alive until cooler weather comes back around.
As for tomatoes, I cut out the extra branches that shoot out from the main trunk and the first branches. Those branches that come out in the v area between branches and stalk. They produce but suck more energy out of the main plant. If those suckers are cut out, the main line and branches are much stronger and produce a bumper crop. Remember to put tuna fish cans opened on both sides around the stem at ground level while planting baby plants to keep cut worms away.

good tips thank you
I will refer back to this thread

 

[zecats]

Peppers won’t set flowers when it gets too hot here in the South. About the same time petunias wither away, only to come back in the Fall. So if you miss the growing season, just keep them alive until cooler weather comes back around.
As for tomatoes, I cut out the extra branches that shoot out from the main trunk and the first branches. Those branches that come out in the v area between branches and stalk. They produce but suck more energy out of the main plant. If those suckers are cut out, the main line and branches are much stronger and produce a bumper crop. Remember to put tuna fish cans opened on both sides around the stem at ground level while planting baby plants to keep cut worms away.

Thanks for the tips. Truth..a lot is dependent on location and climate. Lucky here in NJ (The Garden State that we can grow many things.

I have a fairly nice flower garden that I designed myself. It has lights at night, a small fountain and some stepping stones and benches. I love roaming though it and sitting on the bench listening to the fountain. Peaceful..and calming. Lots of hummingbirds and butterflies visit daily. But, I didn't want to put my veggie plants there because we have so many critters (deer, groundhogs, etc.) around the property. Most things we've tried to grow in the past have been eaten - and not by humans...Worms are probably the least of my worries.

What I decided to do is use the large roofed bird pen for my veggies. I had it built for when we had a guinea fowl in our yard, even though it was next to impossible to herd him into it at night. He preferred to sleep on top of DH's truck. (I live a crazy life...)

But it makes a great space to grow plants without any worry from critters. It's completely caged, even chicken wire underneath as I was extremely protective of my bird when we put it up. I put some pallets on the ground inside and place the potted tomatoes, peppers and some basil and mint plants on top. Plants are all staked so they have support.

I'm glad to have found another use for this rather large pen, and so is DH for all the work he did putting it together.

 

[CeeCeeCat]

Look! My first harvest of the year. I know it’s not much, but not bad from one supermarket potato planted late last year.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Look! My first harvest of the year. I know it’s not much, but not bad from one supermarket potato planted late last year.
View attachment 246979

Not much? Are you KIDDING?????
Look at all these yummy looking potatoes! Beauties!

 

[CeeCeeCat]

Not much? Are you KIDDING?????
Look at all these yummy looking potatoes! Beauties!

I don’t know what I was expecting out of one potato in a small container
I’m happy, though - despite dropping said container on my toes (note to self: glittery flip flops are not suitable gardening attire). And I’ve planted a couple more potatoes today - Yukon Gold and Cornish Earlies, both leftovers from my vegetable box delivery.

 

[zecats]

I don’t know what I was expecting out of one potato in a small container
I’m happy, though - despite dropping said container on my toes (note to self: glittery flip flops are not suitable gardening attire). And I’ve planted a couple more potatoes today - Yukon Gold and Cornish Earlies, both leftovers from my vegetable box delivery.

Beautiful. Congrats on your newborn babies. Slice them up and fry in olive oil with some sweet onions (Vidalias)...that's what I'd do anyway. Or make a dill potato salad. Or vodka -

I can contribute to the flip flops in the garden disaster poll. Once when tilling, (yes in flip flops - boo to me), I unearthed a nest of yellow jackets. Those suckers stung the heck out of my toes. I actually still feel some tingling to this day, and to be honest, I never knew that yellow jackets nested underground. Fool me once, as they say.

Good luck on your bumper crop of taters. Quite the accomplishment to actually grow something on your own. A toast to you.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Thanks for responses re: indoor herb gardening. I'm aware of the drainage issue, but there are many examples of herbs growing in jars, so it must have some success. Many of the planting vessels featured in these articles don't appear to have drainage holes with saucers.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-herbs-to-grow-indoors/

15 Indoor Herb Garden Ideas 2020 - Kitchen Herb Planters We Love​

Leifheit canning jars (I have 12, two sizes) are not the same shape as typical Mason jars. They are wider, not as tall, and have a wide mouth. I've used them to store homemade dips, salad dressing, marinades, pesto, chutney, chicken liver pate, hummus, and I'm preserving Meyer lemons now that should be ready in a few weeks. Leifheit jars are actually pretty enough for serving. Leifheit Jars - Healthy Canning

When DH and I go to Bordine's (local nursery), I will look at their vast selection of pots and see if something catches my eye. If not, I will give the Leifheit jars a chance this season with basil, rosemary, and thyme. Our kitchen dining island gets adequate sunlight; hopefully the herbs will thrive in that location. If it doesn't work, it won't be a major loss since I already have the jars.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Not much success indoors. But maybe try covering your out door herbs with insect proof cloth. A row cover actually. Then of course, you could stop fooling around with organic gardening and blast the buggers with soapy water. Or insecticide!!!!...

I would never use any type of spray on edible herbs, but I did try the soapy water spray on geraniums when the Japanese beetles feasted on the leaves. I'm sure that insect issues are regional, and some folks might be bothered by some while others succumb to different outdoor critters. In these parts, Japanese beetles are a nuisance: They like to nibble on flower foliage and "sweet" herbs like basil and mint.

 

[Gardener1850]

I would never use any type of spray on edible herbs, but I did try the soapy water spray on geraniums when the Japanese beetles feasted on the leaves. I'm sure that insect issues are regional, and some folks might be bothered by some while others succumb to different outdoor critters. In these parts, Japanese beetles are a nuisance: They like to nibble on flower foliage and "sweet" herbs like basil and mint.

I plant geraniums as a trap crop for the Japanese beetle so that they don't destroy my grapes and roses. They eat the geraniums and die within 12 hours: How to Kill Japanese Beetles on Geraniums

But last year we did have way more beetles than usual. I resorted to getting some of those bag traps for the yard. They seemed to work: https://www.amazon.com/Spectracide-Japanese-Beetle-Trap2-1-Count/dp/B008JDRV98?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

This year I planted extra geraniums.

 

[EmmaRose]

Look! My first harvest of the year. I know it’s not much, but not bad from one supermarket potato planted late last year.
View attachment 246979

Cool! Congrats!!

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Thanks for the tips. Truth..a lot is dependent on location and climate. Lucky here in NJ (The Garden State that we can grow many things.

I have a fairly nice flower garden that I designed myself. It has lights at night, a small fountain and some stepping stones and benches. I love roaming though it and sitting on the bench listening to the fountain. Peaceful..and calming. Lots of hummingbirds and butterflies visit daily. But, I didn't want to put my veggie plants there because we have so many critters (deer, groundhogs, etc.) around the property. Most things we've tried to grow in the past have been eaten - and not by humans...Worms are probably the least of my worries.

What I decided to do is use the large roofed bird pen for my veggies. I had it built for when we had a guinea fowl in our yard, even though it was next to impossible to herd him into it at night. He preferred to sleep on top of DH's truck. (I live a crazy life...)

But it makes a great space to grow plants without any worry from critters. It's completely caged, even chicken wire underneath as I was extremely protective of my bird when we put it up. I put some pallets on the ground inside and place the potted tomatoes, peppers and some basil and mint plants on top. Plants are all staked so they have support.

I'm glad to have found another use for this rather large pen, and so is DH for all the work he did putting it together.

Ingenious. Thanks for a great idea. If we’re taking the time and effort to build Victory Gardens, one extra step to protect what we sow, is worth it in the long run.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

I don’t know what I was expecting out of one potato in a small container
I’m happy, though - despite dropping said container on my toes (note to self: glittery flip flops are not suitable gardening attire). And I’ve planted a couple more potatoes today - Yukon Gold and Cornish Earlies, both leftovers from my vegetable box delivery.

I can’t remember if mirrors attract or discourage garden predators. In any event, your flip flops did a great job on the potatoes. I’m truly amazed, never having tried to raise potatoes. I had a few sweet potatoes go to pot, so to speak, so I’m going to pull them out of the fridge tomorrow and try to get them to grow. It sounds like you just cut up the potatoes into a few chunks, making sure there were eyes in each piece. Threw them into a pot, and as they greened up, you kept mounding soil around them. That’s it? Sounds too easy. Any other advice?
Oh, yes. Lol. The flip flops. There were a few pairs at CVS before the pandemic hit. By the time I went to get a pair, sold out. Really cute.
But I’ll be right back bc I’m going to check on mirrors and gardens. If needed as a deterrent, I had thoughts of several pieces of mirror, with a small drilled hole in each piece, strung together like a wind chime. Or a string of lights. One main line, with the pieces hanging down on separate threads across the entire length of the main string.

EDITED: Really, after doing some research, I remembered tin pie pans, strips of aluminum foil. Fake owl, plastic snakes, all seem like a waste of time and money. My favorite was the use of a disco ball.
But fool proof? The New Jersey gardener who’s husband put together a pen for guinea fowl. Chicken wire all around, including the ground. Pallets. And pots. It’s a major commitment but pays huge rewards, I bet.
We live two houses away from a nature area, so for us I’m thinking I’ll have to break down and build one. Or a series of little huts. Adding as the garden expands. The irrigation is in place bc of the lawn that used to be there, I’ll have to lengthen the sprinkler heads.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Look! My first harvest of the year. I know it’s not much, but not bad from one supermarket potato planted late last year.
View attachment 246979

Your potatoes look buttery and yummy