Quarantine Vegetable Gardens

[Midwestmom2019]

Hello everyone!
Very happy to see my cucamelon seeds have suddenly (overnight, because I have been checking the pot every.single.day. for weeks now, and was at the point of giving up) sprouted, showing four small but strong green shoots. Also finally showing signs of life is the chilli seed. Yay.
I think I’ve mentioned before that my garden is organic, vegan (no animal-derivatives in the compost) and chemical-free. I was amazed last year that despite this, there was not the smallest sign of a slug - until I realised why. Frogs! I have no idea how they got here as the nearest body of water is about a mile away. Anyway, I swiftly purchased a Frogilo home for them, at which point they disappeared (because, of course). Yesterday, a baby frog hippity-hopped in front of me and the cats, making his/her way to their new home behind the greenhouse. They’re back! I have today built them a small pool from some stones and a plastic bowl and popped it next to the greenhouse. I’ll keep it filled with fresh water throughout the summer. I truly love seeing all the signs of wildlife I’d have otherwise missed. Speaking of which...the cats let me sleep in this morning. When I finally dragged myself out of bed, there wasn’t a cat to be seen. Turns out they were all congregated in front of the lounge window and back door, watching as two of the fattest squirrels I’ve ever seen proceeded to bury their snacks in amongst my cucumber seedlings. I’m afraid my response was a strident and unladylike, ‘Squirrels! B****r off and leave my cucumbers alone!’
Have just ordered a squirrel feeder for them because when it comes to animals, I am a soft touch...[/QUOTE

Edited: removed duplicate post

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Hello everyone!
Very happy to see my cucamelon seeds have suddenly (overnight, because I have been checking the pot every.single.day. for weeks now, and was at the point of giving up) sprouted, showing four small but strong green shoots. Also finally showing signs of life is the chilli seed. Yay.
I think I’ve mentioned before that my garden is organic, vegan (no animal-derivatives in the compost) and chemical-free. I was amazed last year that despite this, there was not the smallest sign of a slug - until I realised why. Frogs! I have no idea how they got here as the nearest body of water is about a mile away. Anyway, I swiftly purchased a Frogilo home for them, at which point they disappeared (because, of course). Yesterday, a baby frog hippity-hopped in front of me and the cats, making his/her way to their new home behind the greenhouse. They’re back! I have today built them a small pool from some stones and a plastic bowl and popped it next to the greenhouse. I’ll keep it filled with fresh water throughout the summer. I truly love seeing all the signs of wildlife I’d have otherwise missed. Speaking of which...the cats let me sleep in this morning. When I finally dragged myself out of bed, there wasn’t a cat to be seen. Turns out they were all congregated in front of the lounge window and back door, watching as two of the fattest squirrels I’ve ever seen proceeded to bury their snacks in amongst my cucumber seedlings. I’m afraid my response was a strident and unladylike, ‘Squirrels! B****r off and leave my cucumbers alone!’
Have just ordered a squirrel feeder for them because when it comes to animals, I am a soft touch...

Learn something new every day. So the frogs are keeping the slugs in check. And here I thought the last of my beer left in the can hidden among the leaves was the trick. There have been years when the cans were FULL of snails that met a drunken death.
For another snail bait: leave a board down among the plants. In the early am, you can flip the board over and pull off snails by the dozen. I have to wear disposable gloves for that task.

 

[Reasonable & Just]

Fencing and netting seem to be foolproof. We’ve all had experiences with wildlife. I know you put up a down frown, but you made me smile with memories of squirrels stripping my pecans before the nuts are ripe, birds dive bombing red tomatoes, snails chewing through young leaves and of course the midnight marauder that ate every last one of my citrus fruits before I had a chance to see them ripen.
You'll look back one day, and smile, too. At least, I hope you do. It seems all the wildlife take turns in my garden. As do my dogs, who dig holes to stay cool. They’re out long enough to do their business. Then come into the AC. Who knows. I enjoy all of the animals that live here, fly in as they migrate or just slither in from my next door neighbor’s area. It’s a city lot. But it’s always busy. I try to make it a habitat. I’m just the groundskeeper.

Thanks. I love this perspective, especially that we are groundskeepers of this glorious gift of nature. I'm going to get a little more netting to protect my flower seeds, and then yes, I will chill out and smile about it today

 

[Midwestmom2019]

For anyone who only has a balcony or patio (or if your dirt is not suitable to grow in) I recommend getting some 5 gallon buckets or large pots. You can buy the bags marked for growing veggies/fruit in raised beds if you want or if you need to save money on dirt consider making your own mix instead. I'm using a mix this year of 50% peat moss, 25% compost with manure and 25% top soil (the cheapest bagged dirt at my garden store). In the past I have bought the organic premixed bags or the regular Miracle Grow dirt. There did not seem to be much difference in the results of those two. I use all organic methods despite the dirt not always starting out as organic. No matter the dirt you start with you will want some granular fertilizer to feed your plants (follow the bag directions). The fancy bagged dirt may have it in there already but you might need to add more midway through the season. I have always done raised beds or containers on a patio.

Here's a youtube gardener that has some great tips for beginners on making your own soil mix and growing in buckets:

I saved approx 50% on my dirt this year by making my own instead of buying the premixed stuff. I searched for and found the above video while looking for advice on the best dirt mix for potatoes. I've never grown potatoes before and it seems they need a loose soil to grow well. I'm going to be starting my seed potatoes in grow bags this weekend.

All kinds of containers work. Cottage cheese, yogurt, cardboard egg cartons that I start seedlings in, milk jugs, liter soda bottles. Even newspapers formed into pots. (All Master Gardener class suggestions.)
Modify as needed. Cut the tops, drill holes in the bottom. Set them where animals cannot disturb them to give the seeds, cuttings or transplants a chance. Cut bottoms off milk jugs and place over new transplants. Keeps the chill off, too. Pop the cap off during the day so the plants don’t over heat.
Recycling doesn’t always need fancy brick and mortar facilities. Just awareness of the changes each of us can make to keep the world healthy.
The Master Gardener class I attended was the absolute BEST class that I ever took in my life. If your area has one, check into it. I thought I knew a lot about gardening. I was SO wrong.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Thanks. I love this perspective, especially that we are groundskeepers of this glorious gift of nature. I'm going to get a little more netting to protect my flower seeds, and then yes, I will chill out and smile about it today

If you have extra wood, or just buy some, you might consider building simple frames with the netting stretched over it. That way, it is easy to lift and weed, or move to the next section, as needed. Store after use and it’s ready for the next season.
I’ve seen row covers made from semi circle metal supports, with fabric netting pulled over the frames. But that’s probably better for crops that are established and need an organic method to keep destructive insects from attacking.
And of course, metal fencing stretched over a raised bed. One side is nailed down. 3 sides are fastened with wire from the fencing to the raised bed where I have nails, screws or eye screws, to allow it to be opened and shut until the plants get too tall. Keeps my pets from climbing into the bed to make themselves a spot to sunbathe. When it’s time to work the bed over, it’s easy enough to pull up the fencing, pull the last of the harvested plants up, and bury them into the bed. Add whatever is needed: manure, sand, pine needles, leaves, kitchen scraps, and turn it over again. Keep it watered as needed to help compost it. Nothing fancy.
If you had a fungus in the bed, cover it with heavy black plastic. It’ll kill off the spores. It also sterilizes the growing medium. Leave it on until you feel it’s done the job. Depends on weather and your part of the country. Unfortunately, just hope the worms find shelter by going deep into the bottom of the bed. I think that they know to move.

 

[Reasonable & Just]

If you have extra wood, or just buy some, you might consider building simple frames with the netting stretched over it. That way, it is easy to lift and weed, or move to the next section, as needed. Store after use and it’s ready for the next season.
I’ve seen row covers made from semi circle metal supports, with fabric netting pulled over the frames. But that’s probably better for crops that are established and need an organic method to keep destructive insects from attacking.
And of course, metal fencing stretched over a raised bed. One side is nailed down. 3 sides are fastened with wire from the fencing to the raised bed where I have nails, screws or eye screws, to allow it to be opened and shut until the plants get too tall. Keeps my pets from climbing into the bed to make themselves a spot to sunbathe. When it’s time to work the bed over, it’s easy enough to pull up the fencing, pull the last of the harvested plants up, and bury them into the bed. Add whatever is needed: manure, sand, pine needles, leaves, kitchen scraps, and turn it over again. Keep it watered as needed to help compost it. Nothing fancy.
If you had a fungus in the bed, cover it with heavy black plastic. It’ll kill off the spores. It also sterilizes the growing medium. Leave it on until you feel it’s done the job. Depends on weather and your part of the country. Unfortunately, just hope the worms find shelter by going deep into the bottom of the bed. I think that they know to move.

I really appreciate this, Midwestmom!

 

[LadyL]

Years ago I had a garden, and after it was all done, I felt like I could have easily bought everything for less money and work.

That being said, there is nothing better than a fresh tomato off of your vine. So, gardening is really a labor of self love, and wanting good food that you know how it was grown. I love fresh herbs, zucchini. And growing squash is always interesting, because they cross breed. You slice open an acron squash, and surprise, it is a spaghetti squash inside.

We have a very short growing season here, so when plants are available I am going to get them. I ordered some of those "grow pots" on Amazon yesterday.

I didn't know that about squash! Cool!

 

[LadyL]

Hello everyone!
Very happy to see my cucamelon seeds have suddenly (overnight, because I have been checking the pot every.single.day. for weeks now, and was at the point of giving up) sprouted, showing four small but strong green shoots. Also finally showing signs of life is the chilli seed. Yay.
I think I’ve mentioned before that my garden is organic, vegan (no animal-derivatives in the compost) and chemical-free. I was amazed last year that despite this, there was not the smallest sign of a slug - until I realised why. Frogs! I have no idea how they got here as the nearest body of water is about a mile away. Anyway, I swiftly purchased a Frogilo home for them, at which point they disappeared (because, of course). Yesterday, a baby frog hippity-hopped in front of me and the cats, making his/her way to their new home behind the greenhouse. They’re back! I have today built them a small pool from some stones and a plastic bowl and popped it next to the greenhouse. I’ll keep it filled with fresh water throughout the summer. I truly love seeing all the signs of wildlife I’d have otherwise missed. Speaking of which...the cats let me sleep in this morning. When I finally dragged myself out of bed, there wasn’t a cat to be seen. Turns out they were all congregated in front of the lounge window and back door, watching as two of the fattest squirrels I’ve ever seen proceeded to bury their snacks in amongst my cucumber seedlings. I’m afraid my response was a strident and unladylike, ‘Squirrels! B****r off and leave my cucumbers alone!’
Have just ordered a squirrel feeder for them because when it comes to animals, I am a soft touch...

I've never heard of a Frogilo and now I think I need one.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

New thread idea:

Is there enough interest in finding alternatives to everyday items that may be in short supply to start a different thread? As in vinegar for cleaning, for example. Or diatomaceous earth for insect control. Chlorine toilet bowl or pool tablets that will make liquid bleach with a little trial and error. Don’t heat it on the stove, I found out. Lol.

Two years ago one of the dogs developed mange after getting out of the yard and running loose in the neighborhood. At the time, we were still a very deserted neighborhood while doing post flood reconstruction with wild life like coyotes walking the streets and alleys. Researched mange, then mites, then remedies on line. Bathing her with a home remedy I made up after researching everything worked wonders. Cured her with out a trip to the vet and no manufactured meds. Sure, the fall back was a trip to the vet. But we didn’t need it.

“Where to look, what to use instead of” kind of information. Nothing off the wall. Just ideas that have worked for us when needed.

 

[Gardener1850]

New thread idea:

Is there enough interest in finding alternatives to everyday items that may be in short supply to start a different thread? As in vinegar for cleaning, for example. Or diatomaceous earth for insect control. Chlorine toilet bowl or pool tablets that will make liquid bleach with a little trial and error. Don’t heat it on the stove, I found out. Lol.

Two years ago one of the dogs developed mange after getting out of the yard and running loose in the neighborhood. At the time, we were still a very deserted neighborhood while doing post flood reconstruction with wild life like coyotes walking the streets and alleys. Researched mange, then mites, then remedies on line. Bathing her with a home remedy I made up after researching everything worked wonders. Cured her with out a trip to the vet and no manufactured meds. Sure, the fall back was a trip to the vet. But we didn’t need it.

“Where to look, what to use instead of” kind of information. Nothing off the wall. Just ideas that have worked for us when needed.

We have a thread like that here: Making Our Own Soaps, Sanitizers, Detergents and Other Household Products

 

[mickey2942]

Okay, who is a math wizard? I have 10 × 10 gallon grow bags. I think that I will start with 5, that is 50 gallons.

Now, how many bags of 1.5 cubic feet of soil do I need for 5 bags? This is exploding my head.

 

[LadyL]

Okay, who is a math wizard? I have 10 × 10 gallon grow bags. I think that I will start with 5, that is 50 gallons.

Now, how many bags of 1.5 cubic feet of soil do I need for 5 bags? This is exploding my head.

hahaha sorry I am NO help but might need the same kind of advice soon

 

[Gardener1850]

Okay, who is a math wizard? I have 10 × 10 gallon grow bags. I think that I will start with 5, that is 50 gallons.

Now, how many bags of 1.5 cubic feet of soil do I need for 5 bags? This is exploding my head.

LOL. I'm not much help even though my grow bags are half-filled now. We did potatoes in 10 gallon grow bags but we had to figure out dirt for two raised garden beds at the same time. I did a mix of 50% peat moss, 25% composted manure and 25% top soil. The Peat moss comes in 3.3 cubic ft bags. The top soil and compost comes in 1 cubic ft bags. I made a complex spreadsheet and did a bunch of figuring before we went to the store so we knew how much to get of each and how much it would cost. Long story short, somehow we figured wrong on the amount needed. We had extra peat moss and not enough top soil/manure. I managed to fill my garden beds and filled all my potato bags half full, which is all we needed to start the potatoes anyway. With potatoes you top them off once the shoots start to grow. I'll need to go back for more dirt once they begin to grow.

OK, given the above story and a disclaimer I'm terrible at math, let's think about this for filling your grow bags...

Google converter says 1 Cubic Foot equals 7.48 Gallons. That's almost a full 10 gallon grow bag right there, as you don't need to fill your bags with dirt to the brim.

If there is 1.5 cubic feet per bag of soil, then one bag of soil is more than enough to fill a single 10 gallon grow bag with some dirt leftover. You will get 3 cubic feet of soil with 2 bags and 6 cubic feet with 4 bags of soil...

If I plug 50 gallons into the Google converter it tells me that is equal to roughly 6.68 cubic feet. My answer would be to buy 5 bags of soil to fill 5 10 gallon bags. You should have some dirt left over doing that. You might be able to get by with 4 bags of soil (6 cubic feet or 44.9 gallons). If you want to do all the bags, 100 gallons is roughly 13.36 Cubic Feet (again, according to Google converter). 8 bags of soil would be 12 cubic feet. I would get 9 bags of soil to do them all. But as I said above, please check my math.

 

[mickey2942]

@Gardener1850 that is some pretty fancy math. I told my husband to get five big bags. I will be doing a garden this weekend. It is all container gardening. East facing. Not as good as South, but better than North.

Green onions, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, Baby cukes.

 

[Gardener1850]

@Gardener1850 that is some pretty fancy math. I told my husband to get five big bags. I will be doing a garden this weekend. It is all container gardening. East facing. Not as good as South, but better than North.

Green onions, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, Baby cukes.

I hope it works out for you. Let us know if Five 1.5 cubic bags of soil turns out to be enough to fill 50 gallons. I think you will have some extra dirt, maybe even enough to fill 1 extra grow bag. You may help others figure this problem out.

 

[CeeCeeCat]

After torrential rain the past few days, the garden this morning is a sun trap - the cats scrabbled for shady areas as I pottered around, pruning branches (new secateurs that cut like butter!), planting marigold seeds, moving various seedlings into/out of the greenhouse and planting out the pea seedlings.
I tried digging up the garlic, only to find a teeny-small bulb - I rapidly replanted it and shored up the rest with another layer of compost. So much for that...I think it’ll be autumn before they’re ready to use.
I have a bag of pinto beans in the cupboard, thinking of trying to grow some of these - off to scour google for tips and hints

 

[Gardener1850]

My potatoes have put out their first leafy sprouts above the soil. They look much like this:

Potato Plant First Sprout - Bing images

Also putting out new sprouts: radish and mustard greens I direct sowed last week. In a couple days I will thin the sprouts and add them to our salad:

My beans are trying to push through the soil now- last week I direct sowed Black Valentine, Yellow Goldrush and Royal Purple beans. I also gingerly transplanted 3 sweet pea shoots that I grew in an egg crate my kitchen window. I usually direct sow those but I was impatient. I also wanted to see how many would germinate as they are really old seeds. Only 3 out of 12 grew. I'm still hoping for more to grow. I'm using wire shelving to trellis my peas like the Rusted Gardener guy does for his cucumbers in this video:

I started hardening off my 3 largest Rainbow Tomato plants this past week and soon they will be added to the raised garden beds. For those new to gardening, hardening off is a process of slowly introducing seedlings grown inside to the lighting and temperature conditions of outside. I start by putting them on my porch for only a couple hours of sun a day, then gradually move the plants further away from the shadow of the house each days to increase the amount of sun and gradually increase the length of time they are outside. If you don't do this before transplanting then your seedlings may experience transplant shock and struggle when you put them in the garden. If you buy plants from a nursery that keeps them outside all the time then you may not need to do this step.

In other exciting garden news, a buttercup squash seed sprouted today under the grow light. I was so happy to see it but I wasn't expecting it to grow so soon. That grow light has been a great investment already. Seeds germinate much faster under the grow light than they do in my sunny kitchen window. Now I will have to scramble to get my winter squash beds ready this week to transplant buttercup:

Buttercup Squash

MOO.

 

[Gardener1850]

Be sure to check your local temps, gardening friends! We have been getting temps in the 40's at night here this week and it's supposed to dip into the 30's this weekend. Very unusual temperatures for May in my area of the country, unseasonably cold. Our average last frost date was over 3 weeks ago. I have already put some tomatoes and pepper plants out in the garden beds. My cucumbers sprouted this week as well. The tomatoes, peppers and cukes will not survive a heavy frost nor hard freeze unless covered really well. I have been covering them the last few nights and so far they have survived, but I'm worried about tonight and tomorrow. Tonight I'm moving all my potato bags and all other plants growing in pots into my garage and covering everything left outside, even the cold weather crops that can survive a light frost. This cold snap of weather is really bad news for farmers and large scale gardeners that can't cover their crops when it freezes.

MOO.

 

[Kavya01]

I just brought all my plants ( mainly peppers and tomatoes) from my little plastic greenhouse into the house. I am worried about my beans and potatoes in the ground tonight, I know my lettuce and peas and strawberries can handle the bit of frost, but yes. Crazy and sad to have frost this late. Poor crops everywhere here in the North East.

 

[Gardener1850]

I just brought all my plants ( mainly peppers and tomatoes) from my little plastic greenhouse into the house. I am worried about my beans and potatoes in the ground tonight, I know my lettuce and peas and strawberries can handle the bit of frost, but yes. Crazy and sad to have frost this late. Poor crops everywhere here in the North East.

I saw that some parts of the Midwest and North East are going to get snow!
Record-breaking cold prompts freeze warning | TribLIVE.com
Freeze Warning covers half of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula

I hope your potatoes and beans outside make it. I'm using a combination of plastic bins and glass jars to cover my outside plants. In years past I used blankets and plastic sheeting and that works most of the time but the bins and jars really seem to work well. I got the idea from the Rusted Gardener's videos: