Quarantine Vegetable Gardens

[watergirl62]

Hi, I am in central Texas and finally got my spring garden planted. We have had a lot of rain this spring so I already have okra, cucumber, radish, carrots and squash sprouting. Squeee!! No eggplant yet... Put in a couple of tomato and pepper plants. Herbs: oregano, basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, chives and fennel. I actually have climbing spinach, leeks, and bitter sorrel coming up from my last spring garden. Should be an interesting year.

It took me a while to harvest and process all of my winter garden, and I already miss my fresh lettuce. I still have snap peas, small purple artichokes (my wild card choice), and dill going strong from my winter garden (weird year) but they wont last much longer. Letting the dill go to seed and I am hoping for a perennial dill patch.

It keeps me busy! I might shrivel up and die without my garden - it sustains me both mentally and physically.

 

[Gardener1850]

I'm excited to report that my first tomato seedings have sprouted. I planted 7 or 8 different varieties of tomato seeds in yogurt cups in my kitchen window. The seeds are old, some I got as long ago as 2007 and they took slightly longer than new seeds. I was a bit worried they might not grow at all. I felt a great sense of relief to see those first little green leaves poking out of the dirt. Hopefully the rest of them will grow soon too. I wrote the name of each variety on the yogurt cup when I planted the seed. When I checked the name of the one that sprouted first I marveled at it-- my first seedings to sprout are Rainbow Tomatoes.

Rainbow Blend Heirloom Tomato Seeds and Plants, Vegetable Gardening at Burpee.com

For some reason I am finding a lot of symbolism in the little things these days. I feel like Providence is telling me all is going to be OK because my first tomatoes to grow are rainbows.

 

[watergirl62]

I'm excited to report that my first tomato seedings have sprouted. I planted 7 or 8 different varieties of tomato seeds in yogurt cups in my kitchen window. The seeds are old, some I got as long ago as 2007 and they took slightly longer than new seeds. I was a bit worried they might not grow at all. I felt a great sense of relief to see those first little green leaves poking out of the dirt. Hopefully the rest of them will grow soon too. I wrote the name of each variety on the yogurt cup when I planted the seed. When I checked the name of the one that sprouted first I marveled at it-- my first seedings to sprout are Rainbow Tomatoes.

Rainbow Blend Heirloom Tomato Seeds and Plants, Vegetable Gardening at Burpee.com

For some reason I am finding a lot of symbolism in the little things these days. I feel like Providence is telling me all is going to be OK because my first tomatoes to grow are rainbows.

I love this story, and I get your symbolism and universal affirmation. I think the fact that 12 year old seeds sprouted would be comforting in and of itself (as in don't give up hope). I have never grown tomatoes from seeds, but maybe I will try rainbows next year.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Good morning. My daughter is the herb girl of the family. Last spring she bought a few starts of chocolate mint. By summer it took over a whole corner. It grows so fast. You can contain it, let it spread or train it to grow up. When I would work the garden and a breeze came - the aroma was invigorating. Especially in the hot sun, you can touch the leaves and instantly refresh. It is one of my first plants to peak through this spring. It’s so pretty and is a lovely filler adapting to sun or shade. She uses it in drinks and deserts and makes potpourri in the fall. You might find other uses for it. We’ve also put some in strawberry jars and it’s so pretty. It’s easy to grow and smells so good and tasty.
Chocolate Mint – Bonnie Plants

 

[Darling136]

So today is my 3rd week home office and this morning i set up a few tomato seeds during a meeting, quite productive day up to now

 

[imstilla.grandma]

I am going to go out tomorrow for vegetable plants and soil.
I will be careful.
I feel it is a necessary outing.
P.S, Mr. Kali and I had a rare big time fight tonight.
I cannot imagine how other families are dealing with this current stress and the weeks ahead.
Of course, I was right, and he was wrong. Smile.
Our President warned of a bad time coming up.
I believe him. He knows much more then we do, hang in there America. Be kind.
Sincerely, sad Kali.

Your spirit is so lifting. Thank you so much. My husband of 45 years has been so depressed. In the beginning of corona, he was panicking and obsessed with the news. That’s when we had our arguments. I was trying to stay calm for our family. Our youngest, an essential worker, fed off one another’s stress and anxieties. My stress at that time was stressing over their stress. Then came a moment of acceptance for him, I guess. Combined with bad health, retirement, stress and mobility issues - he settled into apathy and his chair. He seemed to be giving up. It’s hard to watch. Yesterday, I asked him to sit with me and watch the Willie Nelson video together. He and I grew up with Willie’s music. He’s an old country boy from the Missouri Ozarks and lived on a chicken farm with rolling hills of gardens and ponds on their property. This was a rare occasion for him to sit still and have this moment with me. I played the song. As I watched him, I saw him swallow hard with a lump in his throat. He removed his glasses and wiped his tears. I’m telling you, this man does not do this. He looked over at me and said “Thank you Pam. I’d love to start all over and build a new garden with you.”

 

[stattlich1]

Veteran gardener here I admit, I did not read this entire thread, and only have a wee bit of time here this morning, but wanted to add a couple things I've learned.

Manure. I've had great results with horse manure, it's like magic when worked in to the soil. Best bang for the buck out there IMO. It's usually free!

Work in plant material if you can, rotted leaves, any kind of black/brown bio matter that you find in the woods.

I plant most root crops in my zone the first week of August. That way they last longer in to winter. Turnips, radish, carrot, beet, etc.

Turnips and carrots, most root crops, will survive an entire winter if you dig a hole big enough for a 5 gallon bucket, fill that bucket with your goodies, put the bucket in the hole, then cover the bucket with a piece of plywood to keep water out, and then throw a foot of dirt on top, maybe adding a layer of mulch....protect it from freezing.

Save all grass clippings if you mow grass, pile 'em up, try and get 'em to dry out some, they work good for mulching around tomato plants, peppers, and between bean rows.

Pole beans. You can grow a ton of beans in a small space. Get any kind of pole, or fence, or stake, taller the better, make a teepee of three if you can, works great!

Beans, potatoes, cucumber, squash, and tomatoes, have always been my best and easiest crops to grow. Potatoes take lots more work though. Beans are easy.

Prepare for rabbit control

 

[imstilla.grandma]

This is a great site for composting ideas.
What To Compost
Composting At Home | US EPA

 

[IceIce9]

Last season I planted six tomatoes of different varieties in pots on my patio, and they produced amazingly well. I hadn’t ever attempted to grow them in patio pots before, I had always planted tomatoes in the ground.

I will be planting tomatoes and peppers as soon as it gets warmer here. I love to make homemade salsa, so I plant a variety of peppers and tomatoes. My salsa garden.

 

[watergirl62]

Your spirit is so lifting. Thank you so much. My husband of 45 years has been so depressed. In the beginning of corona, he was panicking and obsessed with the news. That’s when we had our arguments. I was trying to stay calm for our family. Our youngest, an essential worker, fed off one another’s stress and anxieties. My stress at that time was stressing over their stress. Then came a moment of acceptance for him, I guess. Combined with bad health, retirement, stress and mobility issues - he settled into apathy and his chair. He seemed to be giving up. It’s hard to watch. Yesterday, I asked him to sit with me and watch the Willie Nelson video together. He and I grew up with Willie’s music. He’s an old country boy from the Missouri Ozarks and lived on a chicken farm with rolling hills of gardens and ponds on their property. This was a rare occasion for him to sit still and have this moment with me. I played the song. As I watched him, I saw him swallow hard with a lump in his throat. He removed his glasses and wiped his tears. I’m telling you, this man does not do this. He looked over at me and said “Thank you Pam. I’d love to start all over and build a new garden with you.”

Wow, how bittersweet.

I'm so sorry to hear that your husband is in such a low place. Maybe you could try to steal some more moments from time to time with your man reminiscing with those small powerful things that he has connected with over the years.

P.S. I spent a lot of time in the Missouri Ozarks when I was young. So many good memories.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

I posted these thoughts on the main thread but it more appropriately goes here:

For those who are seriously worried about a breakdown in the food production/distribution chain and who are looking to home gardens, may I respectfully suggest that one think about prioritizing calorie-heavy staple foods.

Not saying don't grow tomatoes and peppers if you like 'em, but if our food supply is seriously disrupted, we're going to want our gardens to be full of squash, potatoes, turnips, cabbage, fresh greens. Chickens/eggs. Nut trees will be an especially valuable source of natural fat. Got local dairy? Local honey? Local pork? Who grows sugar cane near you?

My son has walnut, pecan and apple trees on his property. Blackberries are abundant. The last month, I’ve been experiencing stress related nausea losing my appetite. I was struggling to keep my energy level up to deal with the situation. I needed quick calories as I’m underweight and need something to coat my stomach for medication. Peanut butter is my new go to. I know I don’t get enough fats in my meals. Avocado and other nut butters are healthy fats with protein. We grow a few types of mints that I think I’m going to use as natural aids for digestion. We have tons of basil. We started from one tiny cutting years ago. Ours are heat tolerant and survives in dry sandy soil with purple flowers drawing awesome butterflies. Natural aromatherapy via herb gardens. The fall seeding production ensures you’ll never have to buy another seed. Same thing with Morning Glories for color and greeting the day. Visual stimulation. Get one plant going and you’ll never have to buy another. I was piddling out in the shed and found three Topsy Turvy hot pepper kits we bought on clearance last year. I’m gonna get them going. You can hang them right outside your back door porch. This is a lovely thread. Thank you everyone. I’m a flower girl myself. Mama gave me the gift. Sanity survival.
Herb Gardens for Butterflies

 

[Midwestmom2019]

I'm excited to report that my first tomato seedings have sprouted. I planted 7 or 8 different varieties of tomato seeds in yogurt cups in my kitchen window. The seeds are old, some I got as long ago as 2007 and they took slightly longer than new seeds. I was a bit worried they might not grow at all. I felt a great sense of relief to see those first little green leaves poking out of the dirt. Hopefully the rest of them will grow soon too. I wrote the name of each variety on the yogurt cup when I planted the seed. When I checked the name of the one that sprouted first I marveled at it-- my first seedings to sprout are Rainbow Tomatoes.

Rainbow Blend Heirloom Tomato Seeds and Plants, Vegetable Gardening at Burpee.com

For some reason I am finding a lot of symbolism in the little things these days. I feel like Providence is telling me all is going to be OK because my first tomatoes to grow are rainbows.

I bet your 2007 Burpees are non GMO. So many today are meant to not survive from plants from the original little packet of seeds.
Congratulations! I bet they will look beautiful maturing on the vine.
Birds will love to peck at them, too!

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Grrr. I didn’t have this thread on watch. Missed so many posts. I’ll have to catch up and see what I’ve missed. But just reading a few, I can see that we hit on a true connection. Thank you.
I can’t wait to find chocolate mint. Two favorites in one. Yummm. Like the Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies.

 

[watergirl62]

Veteran gardener here I admit, I did not read this entire thread, and only have a wee bit of time here this morning, but wanted to add a couple things I've learned.

Manure. I've had great results with horse manure, it's like magic when worked in to the soil. Best bang for the buck out there IMO. It's usually free!

Work in plant material if you can, rotted leaves, any kind of black/brown bio matter that you find in the woods.

I plant most root crops in my zone the first week of August. That way they last longer in to winter. Turnips, radish, carrot, beet, etc.

Turnips and carrots, most root crops, will survive an entire winter if you dig a hole big enough for a 5 gallon bucket, fill that bucket with your goodies, put the bucket in the hole, then cover the bucket with a piece of plywood to keep water out, and then throw a foot of dirt on top, maybe adding a layer of mulch....protect it from freezing.

Save all grass clippings if you mow grass, pile 'em up, try and get 'em to dry out some, they work good for mulching around tomato plants, peppers, and between bean rows.

Pole beans. You can grow a ton of beans in a small space. Get any kind of pole, or fence, or stake, taller the better, make a teepee of three if you can, works great!

Beans, potatoes, cucumber, squash, and tomatoes, have always been my best and easiest crops to grow. Potatoes take lots more work though. Beans are easy.

Prepare for rabbit control

Thanks for the tips.

Neighbor across the street got a pony a month of two ago. My husband was just commenting yesterday how pony manure would be great for the garden. I'm sure they would be happy for us to haul some off for them.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Besides wildlife issues, this is among reasons that we can't have a garden in our neighborhood. No fences unless you have an inground pool, and it has to be a certain type of black iron fence w/gate that surrounds only the pool/deck. Some years ago, an older couple (both now deceased) planted tomato vines alongside their home with chicken wire to keep the critters out. They were asked to move the plants to their backyard so they couldn't be seen by neighbors or visitors

HOA and POA are the bane of my existence.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Does anyone have tips for what to plant for fall / winter season? I'm in the southern hemisphere and my community Garden plot has gone to seed. Was producing zucchini capsicum, chili peppers, kale, silverbeet, beans and tomatoes.

What should I plant now for a temperate climate? We don't get any snow, even frost is pretty rare. Very sunny garden plot. Soil tends towards dry.

Usually my mum picks out what we're growing. But she's 70+, suffers from chronic respiratory illnesses and is self isolating with Dad.

Any and all advice is appreciated.

Call mom on the phone. You have the perfect source for local information on what to plant in your garden.
First clear out the old. Save whatever seeds you can find among the scraggly stuff that is left. You could find seeds in any plants that fell and dried up on the plot. They might have even started to self seed. Look carefully.
Once you are down to the dirt with no plant material, turn it over with pitch fork or shovel. Add amendments. Manure. Chicken is my favorite but burns hot so be careful. Horse is great. Cow, whatever you can find.
Once the bed is prepared, send pics to your mother. She will fall over like I do when my kids call to ask for garden advice. It will make her day, for sure.
Maybe ask her to garden over the phone with you. Step by step.
When I ask my sons for cooking advice, I usually have the answer. But asking them brings us close. I don’t think they realize I know what the answer is before I ask.
Greatest of luck.
The first step is starting. And you’ve done that by reaching out to us. Just keep going. It’s a labor of love. That pays huge dividends.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

I live in an apartment complex. Now, sort of wishing that I had kept our house.

Well, I could plant in containers. I bought a book on container gardening for dummies. Going to go with tomatoes, herbs, squash.

Start out small. One or two containers. You can always add more as your skills sharpen. One for a couple of tomato plants. One for herbs. Maybe one more for squash. It’s easy to get overwhelmed the first few times you start out with any new skill. Gardening is no different.
Good luck. You’ll find that you really have a green thumb hidden in those gardening gloves.

 

[Gardener1850]

I bet your 2007 Burpees are non GMO. So many today are meant to not survive from plants from the original little packet of seeds.
Congratulations! I bet they will look beautiful maturing on the vine.
Birds will love to peck at them, too!

Yes, I think they are non-GMO. I mostly grow organic veggies and try to use organic practices as much as possible. Heirloom seeds are open pollinators and can be saved for next year. Some of my seeds are seeds I saved from previous years and some are new in the packets. The Rainbow Tomatoes were from an unopened envelope bought years ago and I haven't ever grown them before. Perhaps being in a sealed package gave them some advantage over the others? But a second type of tomato plant has sprouted in my window today and it's a hybrid called "Big Boy": Burpee's Big Boy Hybrid Tomato Seeds and Plants, Vegetable Gardening at Burpee.com
My Big Boy seeds are from an opened package that says 2007 on it. I don't even remember buying those but I must have grown them in 2006 or 2007. I'll have to make a note not to save those seeds when I harvest the tomatoes. My understanding is that you can save hybrid seeds but they are not guaranteed to produce the same variety the next year or the next year's crop might not be as good as the first year. Heirlooms will continue to produce the same type and yield year after year. I have yellow pear-shaped tomatoes that I grow every year that I only have the saved seeds from previous years now. I didn't save the original envelope but I think they are these: Yellow Pear Heirloom Cherry Tomato – Bonnie Plants
The yellow pears are one of my favorites.

I'm more concerned about deer and rabbits eating my garden; I hadn't thought about the birds. We're planning to build a fence by the time the garden is producing. I might have to look at bird netting if the birds start going after the garden too. My goal is usually to grow enough extra that it doesn't matter if some animals get to them. This year I might not share as much with the wildlife, depending on how bad things get.

 

[CeeCeeCat]

I’m excited that tomorrow will bring with it a delivery of a 60l bag of vegan compost. I ordered it from the usual place late last week but fully expected it to take weeks to arrive as I know they’re working on a skeleton staff.
On another note, the narcissi have bloomed and they smell wonderful

 

[lucidtx]

Your spirit is so lifting. Thank you so much. My husband of 45 years has been so depressed. In the beginning of corona, he was panicking and obsessed with the news. That’s when we had our arguments. I was trying to stay calm for our family. Our youngest, an essential worker, fed off one another’s stress and anxieties. My stress at that time was stressing over their stress. Then came a moment of acceptance for him, I guess. Combined with bad health, retirement, stress and mobility issues - he settled into apathy and his chair. He seemed to be giving up. It’s hard to watch. Yesterday, I asked him to sit with me and watch the Willie Nelson video together. He and I grew up with Willie’s music. He’s an old country boy from the Missouri Ozarks and lived on a chicken farm with rolling hills of gardens and ponds on their property. This was a rare occasion for him to sit still and have this moment with me. I played the song. As I watched him, I saw him swallow hard with a lump in his throat. He removed his glasses and wiped his tears. I’m telling you, this man does not do this. He looked over at me and said “Thank you Pam. I’d love to start all over and build a new garden with you.”

Awww it sure sounds like you're the glue holding everyone together! My hubs has been alternating between anxiety and depression too. I've just been trying to share the joyful little things with him too.

I noticed our first little strawberry buds coming in yesterday! The spinach and lettuce are doing great. Crabapple tree is in full bloom - I'll probably make jelly when the fruit comes in later. I have a ton of sunflower seedlings - Russian mammoth for us and black oil for the birds. Having a bunch of sunflowers near the garden seems to help keep the birds occupied and away from my veggies and berries.

Will be starting some squash seeds inside soon.

I also forage and I'm getting excited about what's popping up. Looking forward to my favorites like yarrow, yucca and violet going into bloom. I tried to boil some dandelion roots from the yard (we don't spray) but they came out awfully bitter even though I tried to get them before they went to flower. Any dandelion cooking tips would be appreciated!