Quarantine Vegetable Gardens

[Midwestmom2019]

I saw your shopping post and then decided to add the following: Has it warmed up enough to start your outdoor gardening? As I recall, those grow lights came in handy. I’ve just started sowing seeds. But I was FLOORED that many outdoor annual impatiens survived the sleet and freeze. I guess they were covered with so much leaf mulch that it did nor affect them. Mexican petunias are starting to sprout new shoots from the ground despite the old stalks being frozen solid. Gardenias survived. So much has made it. I’m glad that I didn’t start ripping out what appeared to be dead too soon. The weeds of course came through like old troopers.... did not lose any of them.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

I saw your shopping post and then decided to add the following: Has it warmed up enough to start your outdoor gardening? As I recall, those grow lights came in handy. I’ve just started sowing seeds. But I was FLOORED that many outdoor annual impatiens survived the sleet and freeze. I guess they were covered with so much leaf mulch that it did nor affect them. Mexican petunias are starting to sprout new shoots from the ground despite the old stalks being frozen solid. Gardenias survived. So much has made it. I’m glad that I didn’t start ripping out what appeared to be dead too soon. The weeds of course came through like old troopers.... did not lose any of them.

A TOMATO plant survived. I just saw it. She’s a strong woman, that Mother Nature. Her babies are even stronger!

 

[SA55]

I had promised myself, as in years past, to not plant so much this spring. Last year, being self isolating, I really overdid a good thing and spent the entire growing season watering. This past weekend, I spent all Saturday and Sunday moving my overwintered plants from garage to front and back porches. The 5 overwintered ferns created an absolute mess moving and cleaning up afterward, 3 were well over 4 ft tall. Planted 6 deck railing boxes. Pruning and then moving all my small indoor trees to covered back porch. Changing my front porch decor in preparation for remembering Memorial day; garden flag, wall decor, rocker and glider cushions, inserting small flags into my newly planted trailing geranium 2 tiered planter boxes. Started planting 2 ivy topiaries. Attempted to dig up a dead rose bush and replace, but first time ever, I broke the shovel!!
I still have 2 trays of flowers on utility table in garage and 3 trays on back porch table to plant. Still have 3 dead rose bushes to dig up and 3 new rose bushes waiting to be planted. A healthy stack of bagged mulch in front of garage waiting to spread.
My back porch is half covered and half a deck, very small. Although still a work in progress at this moment, it's my little piece of heaven during the summer. I rigged up a hose from spigot below last year and have a small hose reel on inside of deck railing. Such a step saver for watering. I hung solar butterfly lights on inside railings. Last year, I had so full I could barely get one semi-comfortable lounge chair on the porch for all the planters. I bought 2 benches to go around the eucalyptus table I'd scored on sale a couple years ago, got them put together and lovely teal cushions on them. My goal this year is to be able to keep a clear path to the benches and the table top clear except for one center planter.
Veggies; 3 planters of spring lettuce thriving so far. I came home from greenhouse Saturday to find my much appreciated neighbor had left 9 tomato plants in front of my garage doors.
So much for promises I make to myself.

 

[PayrollNerd]

If You Use One of These Popular Fertilizers, Stop Now, New Study Says (bestlifeonline.com)

The May 25 study notes that treated sewage sludge, also known as biosolids, is often used in fertilizer or compost and labeled as "eco," "natural," or "organic." But researchers found that these biosolids are often laden with harmful chemicals, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They're also known as "forever chemicals" because "they build up in our bodies and never break down in the environment," explains the Environmental Working Group. "Very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases." Placing these chemicals directly into the earth can negatively impact the environment and lead to contamination of any produce you're planting.

FYI: In the article they are listed in this order but the numbers are reversed. So here #1 is #8 in the article.

1. Milorganite 6-4-0 Fertilizer

2. Menards Premium Natural Fertilizer

3. GreenEdge Slow Release Fertilizer

4. Ecoscraps Slow Release Fertilizer

5. Pro Care All Natural Fertilizer

6. Earthlife Natural Fertilizer

7. TAGRO Mix

8. Cured BLOOM Soil Conditioner

 

[mickey2942]

So far, the only thing doing great is the potatoes I planted. This year has had some crazy weather. It was so cold here last night, we had frost outside this morning.

 

[agilbe]

So far, the only thing doing great is the potatoes I planted. This year has had some crazy weather. It was so cold here last night, we had frost outside this morning.

FROST!! I'm looking at 104 today and 111's and up next week. Covered everything as best I could, even the tortoise burrows.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

FROST!! I'm looking at 104 today and 111's and up next week. Covered everything as best I could, even the tortoise burrows.

What’s a tortoise burrow?

 

[Midwestmom2019]

So far, the only thing doing great is the potatoes I planted. This year has had some crazy weather. It was so cold here last night, we had frost outside this morning.

Pansies survive with a bit of frost. Crocus look beautiful coming up in between snowy covered leaves. Then tulips. Later Peonies. 9A zone is too hot for those gorgeous flowers.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

What I have learned and accepted is to stay with plants, veggies etc that do exceptionally well in your area. I don’t fight to grow delphiniums or carnations. Tulips. Moses in the Bushes is all over here, along with this ground cover that looks like little marigolds on jagged leaves. I’ve replaced so much lawn with ground cover, anticipating that the work reduction will help with time and strength in advancing years. Minimal watering, too. And some neighbors are starting to go along with the trend, so our HOA is not so anti gardening in front yards any longer. I try to plant a few veggies here and there, in between flowers, nothing outrageous. But to take advantage of bare spots. And sunny areas.
Well, everyone! Get out there and plant something! In pots, in the ground, sunshine full of vitamin D, too. Have a fun time doing it, too. I’ll check back later.
MWM.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

What I have learned and accepted is to stay with plants, veggies etc that do exceptionally well in your area. I don’t fight to grow delphiniums or carnations. Tulips. Moses in the Bushes is all over here, along with this ground cover that looks like little marigolds on jagged leaves. I’ve replaced so much lawn with ground cover, anticipating that the work reduction will help with time and strength in advancing years. Minimal watering, too. And some neighbors are starting to go along with the trend, so our HOA is not so anti gardening in front yards any longer. I try to plant a few veggies here and there, in between flowers, nothing outrageous. But to take advantage of bare spots. And sunny areas.
Well, everyone! Get out there and plant something! In pots, in the ground, sunshine full of vitamin D, too. Have a fun time doing it, too. I’ll check back later.
MWM.

Mickey2942, I still remember your cats getting their fresh greens last time you had seed trays set out. I felt so bad for all your work. How’s the new garden coming along? New house, plenty to do inside and out, I bet. But so much better than apartment life. Free. And your husband can look for all the stuff he keeps in his own garage. Lol. He’s a character, I’m sure. I’m going to put a long piece of duct tape down the middle of our garage. So we know not to cross clutter with each other’s IMPORTANT junk. We did that several years ago, and it was very helpful.

 

[PayrollNerd]

I had promised myself, as in years past, to not plant so much this spring. Last year, being self isolating, I really overdid a good thing and spent the entire growing season watering. This past weekend, I spent all Saturday and Sunday moving my overwintered plants from garage to front and back porches. The 5 overwintered ferns created an absolute mess moving and cleaning up afterward, 3 were well over 4 ft tall. Planted 6 deck railing boxes. Pruning and then moving all my small indoor trees to covered back porch. Changing my front porch decor in preparation for remembering Memorial day; garden flag, wall decor, rocker and glider cushions, inserting small flags into my newly planted trailing geranium 2 tiered planter boxes. Started planting 2 ivy topiaries. Attempted to dig up a dead rose bush and replace, but first time ever, I broke the shovel!!
I still have 2 trays of flowers on utility table in garage and 3 trays on back porch table to plant. Still have 3 dead rose bushes to dig up and 3 new rose bushes waiting to be planted. A healthy stack of bagged mulch in front of garage waiting to spread.
My back porch is half covered and half a deck, very small. Although still a work in progress at this moment, it's my little piece of heaven during the summer. I rigged up a hose from spigot below last year and have a small hose reel on inside of deck railing. Such a step saver for watering. I hung solar butterfly lights on inside railings. Last year, I had so full I could barely get one semi-comfortable lounge chair on the porch for all the planters. I bought 2 benches to go around the eucalyptus table I'd scored on sale a couple years ago, got them put together and lovely teal cushions on them. My goal this year is to be able to keep a clear path to the benches and the table top clear except for one center planter.
Veggies; 3 planters of spring lettuce thriving so far. I came home from greenhouse Saturday to find my much appreciated neighbor had left 9 tomato plants in front of my garage doors.
So much for promises I make to myself.

This sounds so awesome. I bet it is a sight to behold. I was able to have a carpenter come and pull out my screened front porch and replace the rotted post. It looks so much better. Now I want to do sort of what you've described - a little sitting area out front with plants.

I went to Habitat for Humanity store today and saw some used patio tables and chairs, a chaise lounger but no big planters. I'll have to keep a watch for stuff. Lots of people remodeling nowadays.

 

[agilbe]

What’s a tortoise burrow?

We have 2 captive bred desert tortoises about 8 years old. They live outside in burrows. They are both males as near as we can tell. We just made some new ones for them. Large enclosed area with riverbed sand over chickenwire ( they burrow down to hibernate in winter and keep cool in summer). Each year before winter it's not unsual for people to think they've lost their tortoise, until they pop back up in spring. Each one has their own sunning deck with grass for them to chomp on.

Not our set up, but it will give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

 

[mickey2942]

Mickey2942, I still remember your cats getting their fresh greens last time you had seed trays set out. I felt so bad for all your work. How’s the new garden coming along? New house, plenty to do inside and out, I bet. But so much better than apartment life. Free. And your husband can look for all the stuff he keeps in his own garage. Lol. He’s a character, I’m sure. I’m going to put a long piece of duct tape down the middle of our garage. So we know not to cross clutter with each other’s IMPORTANT junk. We did that several years ago, and it was very helpful.

My husband loves his new garden space. It was worth the move, just for how much he loves his new garden. It came together pretty easily. It is all raised beds. We moved our "grow bags" full of dirt, to our new space. Dropped them into the raised beds. Done. Yes, we moved "dirt". It was too expensive and too much work to not move it. Fortunately, we only live five miles from our old place.

Yeah, the seedlings didn't make it. No big deal, we bought plants. It looks good. A huge garden, we are going to have a ton of tomatoes and peppers if they all come in. I planted several seed potatoes, the plants are really beautiful. And, it is all fenced in, with a brand new fence. No deer will get in.

 

[PayrollNerd]

Back at Easter I had those 2 pretty hydrangeas. I read to preserve them you let them fade back so the nutrients go into the bulb. I think I over did the “let them fade” part. Pretty sure they’re dead dead. I guess I should just toss them???

 

[Quiet Time]

Back at Easter I had those 2 pretty hydrangeas. I read to preserve them you let them fade back so the nutrients go into the bulb. I think I over did the “let them fade” part. Pretty sure they’re dead dead. I guess I should just toss them???

Yeah, probably should toss them...I would.

 

[anneg]

Back at Easter I had those 2 pretty hydrangeas. I read to preserve them you let them fade back so the nutrients go into the bulb. I think I over did the “let them fade” part. Pretty sure they’re dead dead. I guess I should just toss them???

Hyacinths, right? I remember you posting photos. I wonder if you stuck the bulbs in the ground they would be all right, but really I have no idea.

 

[chaz]

Back at Easter I had those 2 pretty hydrangeas. I read to preserve them you let them fade back so the nutrients go into the bulb. I think I over did the “let them fade” part. Pretty sure they’re dead dead. I guess I should just toss them???

The bulbs are still good. Just cut them of and they'll grow back next spring.

 

[PayrollNerd]

Hyacinths, right? I remember you posting photos. I wonder if you stuck the bulbs in the ground they would be all right, but really I have no idea.

Oh yes, thank you for remembering the right name! I dumped them in my container of old dirt and the bulb part is paper-y. It’s falling apart so I’m guessing they’re no good.

 

[anneg]

Oh yes, thank you for remembering the right name! I dumped them in my container of old dirt and the bulb part is paper-y. It’s falling apart so I’m guessing they’re no good.

I think you're right.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Back at Easter I had those 2 pretty hydrangeas. I read to preserve them you let them fade back so the nutrients go into the bulb. I think I over did the “let them fade” part. Pretty sure they’re dead dead. I guess I should just toss them???