So we are finally in a place that we can have a real garden, and with spring being on us, we have made our first venture into having a vegetable garden. Not sure what else we are going to put down, but we have plenty more room. Right now we have rosemary and sage that was already there when we moved in, and just planted cilantro, garlic, onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and cayenne.
(http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss9/custosnox/2012-03-25193904.jpg)
I want a garden from these guys.
(http://farm1.staticflickr.com/7/6623719_ddc82fd51c_z.jpg)
Quote from: custosnox on March 25, 2012, 08:27:21 PM
So we are finally in a place that we can have a real garden, and with spring being on us, we have made our first venture into having a vegetable garden. Not sure what else we are going to put down, but we have plenty more room. Right now we have rosemary and sage that was already there when we moved in, and just planted cilantro, garlic, onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and cayenne.
(http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss9/custosnox/2012-03-25193904.jpg)
Be prepared to cover them for the last frost. I have not put my stuff out yet so there will probably not be another frost but..... we almost always get one in early April. Peppers are not frost tolerant. Fortunately, you can easily get some more through mid to late April at several places. My favorites are Carmichael's and Conrad's in Bixby.
Quote from: Red Arrow on March 25, 2012, 09:57:22 PM
Be prepared to cover them for the last frost. I have not put my stuff out yet so there will probably not be another frost but..... we almost always get one in early April. Peppers are not frost tolerant. Fortunately, you can easily get some more through mid to late April at several places. My favorites are Carmichael's and Conrad's in Bixby.
last frost? There was a first one this time around? I have been going back and forth on rather to go ahead and plant, but given the extremely mild winter I figured I would go ahead and chance it. I'll be keeping an eye out on the temps. If it looks like we might end up getting a freeze I'll cover the peppers and tomatoes. Too bad I don't have any coffee cans.. do they even make them in metal anymore?
Quote from: custosnox on March 25, 2012, 10:10:35 PM
last frost? There was a first one this time around? I have been going back and forth on rather to go ahead and plant, but given the extremely mild winter I figured I would go ahead and chance it. I'll be keeping an eye out on the temps. If it looks like we might end up getting a freeze I'll cover the peppers and tomatoes. Too bad I don't have any coffee cans.. do they even make them in metal anymore?
Depending on the size of your plants, you can use milk or water gallon bottles with the tops cut off. The lady watering things in the greenhouse at Carmichael's today suggested 5 gallon plastic buckets. Since I plan on putting out about 90 plants, that's not really a viable plan for me.
Quote from: custosnox on March 25, 2012, 08:27:21 PM
Not sure what else we are going to put down, but we have plenty more room.
I had good luck with Okra last year. It's very heat tolerant. If you grow it, be sure to harvest about every 2nd day since the pods get very fibrous when they get too big. About 4" long is about all the bigger you should let them get. I also had some good luck with eggplant.
I had horrible luck with yellow and butternut squash and with cucumbers last year. They were growing like weeds but squash bugs got them and within a week they were gone.
I'm going to grow some herbs in the area between our front sidewalk from the garage to the front door and the front of the house. Part of it will be the Simon and Garfunkel area... Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. ;D
Quote from: custosnox on March 25, 2012, 10:10:35 PM
last frost? There was a first one this time around? I have been going back and forth on rather to go ahead and plant, but given the extremely mild winter I figured I would go ahead and chance it. I'll be keeping an eye out on the temps. If it looks like we might end up getting a freeze I'll cover the peppers and tomatoes. Too bad I don't have any coffee cans.. do they even make them in metal anymore?
I put my tomatoes and peppers in ever February. I have large square plastic storage containers (from Walmart) that I use to cover them for the whole month of February. They have been uncovered for the last couple of weeks and are around 2 feet tall. I do Early Girl, Better Boy, Sweet 100 and then an assortment of Heirloom varieties. My Early Girls are already setting fruit. I'll do some large smoking peppers like Anaheim and Poblono and several varieties of habanero and Caribbean Red this year.
With both tomatoes and peppers I layer homemade compost, cow manure, landscape fabric and red mulch. I have a drip irrigation line that runs the length of the garden just under the fabric. I've found that the bright red mulch makes the plants set more fruit (reflected light and/or heat I suppose). I'll start harvest on the Early Girls in April, and the remaining varieties will come ripe throughout the summer.
Looks like you have a pretty good setup except you might want to watch how much water you get on the tomato leaves because of that fence. The fence is going to hold the humidity at a higher level because it functions as a wind break, and that can promote disease.
If you or any of your friends smoke cigarettes or cigars, keep them away from your garden. The tobacco virus has become so virulent that any contact between people who handle tobacco and come in contact with tomato plants will transmit the wilt.
You may want to go to the Home Depot and get a box of DE (diatomaceous earth) in the swimming pool section. Use it to dust your plants, and you won't have any aphids or loopers. Don't buy the "ALL NATURAL DIATOMACEOUS EARTH" insecticide in the garden section because you will pay 1000% more for a small box, and it's the exact same stuff that you use for pool filters. A big box from the pool section will last you about 100 years and you can share it with friends for the rest of your life. If you put it in a duster (recommended) make sure you don't breath it. It's basically like breathing microscopic broken glass.
As you may have figured out, gardening is my favorite thing to do. I spend at least 8 hours every weekend in the summer with my hands in the dirt.
I started peppers and eggplants in February inside in flats on heating pads (with thermostats) and a 4 tube florescent fixture that normally goes in a suspended ceiling. I can raise and lower the light for access and to keep the light close to the plants. I don't have any way to cover the nearly 90 plants I will put out so I wait until I am almost certain there will be no frost. I also need to finish getting the dirt ready. I want to send some samples to the OSU extension center this year so I need to get the samples soon. I have a drip system too with one dripper for each plant location. It really works.
Quote from: Red Arrow on March 26, 2012, 08:21:43 AM
I started peppers and eggplants in February inside in flats on heating pads (with thermostats) and a 4 tube florescent fixture that normally goes in a suspended ceiling. I can raise and lower the light for access and to keep the light close to the plants. I don't have any way to cover the nearly 90 plants I will put out so I wait until I am almost certain there will be no frost. I also need to finish getting the dirt ready. I want to send some samples to the OSU extension center this year so I need to get the samples soon. I have a drip system too with one dripper for each plant location. It really works.
I wanted to do some eggplant this year, but ran out of room. Perhaps we can arrange a trade later in the season. :)
Quote from: Gaspar on March 26, 2012, 07:35:02 AM
I put my tomatoes and peppers in ever February. I have large square plastic storage containers (from Walmart) that I use to cover them for the whole month of February. They have been uncovered for the last couple of weeks and are around 2 feet tall. I do Early Girl, Better Boy, Sweet 100 and then an assortment of Heirloom varieties. My Early Girls are already setting fruit. I'll do some large smoking peppers like Anaheim and Poblono and several varieties of habanero and Caribbean Red this year.
With both tomatoes and peppers I layer homemade compost, cow manure, landscape fabric and red mulch. I have a drip irrigation line that runs the length of the garden just under the fabric. I've found that the bright red mulch makes the plants set more fruit (reflected light and/or heat I suppose). I'll start harvest on the Early Girls in April, and the remaining varieties will come ripe throughout the summer.
Looks like you have a pretty good setup except you might want to watch how much water you get on the tomato leaves because of that fence. The fence is going to hold the humidity at a higher level because it functions as a wind break, and that can promote disease.
If you or any of your friends smoke cigarettes or cigars, keep them away from your garden. The tobacco virus has become so virulent that any contact between people who handle tobacco and come in contact with tomato plants will transmit the wilt.
You may want to go to the Home Depot and get a box of DE (diatomaceous earth) in the swimming pool section. Use it to dust your plants, and you won't have any aphids or loopers. Don't buy the "ALL NATURAL DIATOMACEOUS EARTH" insecticide in the garden section because you will pay 1000% more for a small box, and it's the exact same stuff that you use for pool filters. A big box from the pool section will last you about 100 years and you can share it with friends for the rest of your life. If you put it in a duster (recommended) make sure you don't breath it. It's basically like breathing microscopic broken glass.
As you may have figured out, gardening is my favorite thing to do. I spend at least 8 hours every weekend in the summer with my hands in the dirt.
I'm pretty sure we got Better Boy tomatoes, was looking at heirlooms. Will likely get some poblonos out. We have been discussing putting some berries in the corner.
I did some guess work at laying the beds. There was already fabric down, though it seemed all that was on top was some really old mulch and leaves, so cleared that out, leaving the fabric. Put down some fresh top soil, and then a bag of Scott's garden soil. Would love to do the irrigation line, but that's not in the budget yet.
I quit smoking three years ago, so I don't have to worry about that, but on a rare occasion I'll have a visitor that does so I'll have to put an ashtray out somewhere away from the garden.
Thanks for the DE tip, I've been meaning to get some (ex has a bad bed bug infestation. Some came over with the kids last year and it was a long, hard fight to get rid of them, so I've been wanting to put some DE down to help make sure they don't come back), so that will be on my next Home Depot trip.
Quote from: custosnox on March 26, 2012, 09:38:01 AM
I'm pretty sure we got Better Boy tomatoes, was looking at heirlooms. Will likely get some poblonos out. We have been discussing putting some berries in the corner.
I did some guess work at laying the beds. There was already fabric down, though it seemed all that was on top was some really old mulch and leaves, so cleared that out, leaving the fabric. Put down some fresh top soil, and then a bag of Scott's garden soil. Would love to do the irrigation line, but that's not in the budget yet.
I quit smoking three years ago, so I don't have to worry about that, but on a rare occasion I'll have a visitor that does so I'll have to put an ashtray out somewhere away from the garden.
Thanks for the DE tip, I've been meaning to get some (ex has a bad bed bug infestation. Some came over with the kids last year and it was a long, hard fight to get rid of them, so I've been wanting to put some DE down to help make sure they don't come back), so that will be on my next Home Depot trip.
Don't use DE inside. It's quite an environmental hazard for humans to breathe. It causes serious lung damage. I use it on plants because I'm not a big fan of chemical insecticides. I always wear a mask. It's heavy, so once it sits on the plant and is affixed with dew or moisture, it doesn't blow around.
People used to think it was harmless because it was chemical free, but it has been found to be a powerful known carcinogen because when breathed in it loges in the lungs (like microscopic broken glass) and the lung is forced to encapsulate it with scar tissue. Over time that scar tissue encounters mutations that can manifest as cancerous cells.
Quote from: Gaspar on March 26, 2012, 09:52:24 AM
Don't use DE inside. It's quite an environmental hazard for humans to breathe. It causes serious lung damage. I use it on plants because I'm not a big fan of chemical insecticides. I always wear a mask. It's heavy, so once it sits on the plant and is affixed with dew or moisture, it doesn't blow around.
People used to think it was harmless because it was chemical free, but it has been found to be a powerful known carcinogen because when breathed in it loges in the lungs (like microscopic broken glass) and the lung is forced to encapsulate it with scar tissue. Over time that scar tissue encounters mutations that can manifest as cancerous cells.
hmmm.. I've found it recommended in several places for bed bugs and other house hold bugs. Particularly in cracks and crevices.
Quote from: custosnox on March 26, 2012, 11:14:01 AM
Particularly in cracks and crevices.
Sounds like that might burn.
Quote from: custosnox on March 26, 2012, 11:14:01 AM
hmmm.. I've found it recommended in several places for bed bugs and other house hold bugs. Particularly in cracks and crevices.
It's been recommended for years, but the ill effects have just recently been realized. I used it for years without knowing how bad it was. Indoors I would use something like Seven Dust, since you are not going to eat what you put it on.
I used DE in many applications. It is great to get rid of a carpet stain left by the dog. Mixed with water it is a great metal polish. It works wonders to get rid of an oil stain on a driveway. I even use it as a soft scrub on shower walls.
Sucks to find out it may be killing me.
Quote from: Gaspar on March 26, 2012, 12:25:28 PM
It's been recommended for years, but the ill effects have just recently been realized. I used it for years without knowing how bad it was. Indoors I would use something like Seven Dust, since you are not going to eat what you put it on.
Not labeled for bed bugs, and I have discovered if it isn't labeled for it, it's not gonna do it in most cases. I'm glad I've managed to get rid of them, but I really want to keep them from coming back... I'll have to rethink my strategy on that, but it sounds like something I'll use on the plants. Wonder if it works on ants.
Quote from: custosnox on March 26, 2012, 02:35:48 PM
Not labeled for bed bugs, and I have discovered if it isn't labeled for it, it's not gonna do it in most cases. I'm glad I've managed to get rid of them, but I really want to keep them from coming back... I'll have to rethink my strategy on that, but it sounds like something I'll use on the plants. Wonder if it works on ants.
Argh, ants. The bane of my existence in spring. Some years their nearly non-existent...other I spend half my time trying to get rid of them it seems like.
The effects of DE on the respiratory tract are similar to that of asbestos.
Does Carmichaels have any Big Jim or poblano plants? Our New Mexican 180's germinated just fine, but the seeds I took from Big Jims I brought back last fall were duds.
Quote from: Hoss on March 26, 2012, 02:41:35 PM
Argh, ants. The bane of my existence in spring. Some years their nearly non-existent...other I spend half my time trying to get rid of them it seems like.
MC tuned me in on boric acid a couple of years ago. Works like a charm.
Quote from: Conan71 on March 26, 2012, 02:42:40 PM
MC tuned me in on boric acid a couple of years ago. Works like a charm.
And the colors will blow your mind.
Quote from: custosnox on March 26, 2012, 02:35:48 PM
Not labeled for bed bugs, and I have discovered if it isn't labeled for it, it's not gonna do it in most cases. I'm glad I've managed to get rid of them, but I really want to keep them from coming back... I'll have to rethink my strategy on that, but it sounds like something I'll use on the plants. Wonder if it works on ants.
It works on ants but not as well as on other soft bodied insects. It basically gets in a bugs joints and, like broken glass, scrapes off the skin causing the insect to lose moisture and die of dehydration. With aphids, it literally causes them to bleed to death.
Ants inside? Use boric acid. (borax and corn syrup mixed together works well. Put it on a saucer and enjoy watching them eat their last meal).
Ants outside? Magnifying glass, or if you want to get rid of them faster, sprinkle cinnamon around the outside of the house, or use the borax to kill them. AMDRO is a great commercial product that kills the hell out of them. It's non-toxic too.
I've got some boric acid, so I'll see about putting some down, though I'm lacking the corn syrup. ants are outside and in.
Quote from: Conan71 on March 26, 2012, 02:42:05 PM
Does Carmichaels have any Big Jim or poblano plants?
They usually have both but not all their peppers are out in the sales greenhouse yet.
This year is about $1.19 for a 3 pack of plants or $15.99 for a flat of 54 plants. Mix and match is allowed.
Conrad's didn't have much out yet.
A
What are the potential pitfalls of planting jalapeño, big jims, NM 180's, and poblanos all in the same proximity. Will cross pollination end up producing some odd flavors or weird mutant fruit?
Quote from: Conan71 on March 28, 2012, 09:02:46 AM
What are the potential pitfalls of planting jalapeño, big jims, NM 180's, and poblanos all in the same proximity. Will cross pollination end up producing some odd flavors or weird mutant fruit?
Yes. Possibly. There will be changes, but that is how new varieties are made. Try it and see if you get a pepper you like better. They may close to the same, too.
Quote from: Conan71 on March 28, 2012, 09:02:46 AM
What are the potential pitfalls of planting jalapeño, big jims, NM 180's, and poblanos all in the same proximity. Will cross pollination end up producing some odd flavors or weird mutant fruit?
It is my understanding that next years fruit may be strange if you plant seeds from this year's fruit but this year's will be normal. I've been growing about 9 varieties in close proximity for about 7 years and all the flavors are as they are supposed to be. I buy new plants each year. Last year and this year I am also starting plants from purchased seeds. I read on the internet a while back that if you are growing plants for seeds, they should be separated from other varieties by a few miles.
Quote from: Red Arrow on March 28, 2012, 12:29:39 PM
It is my understanding that next years fruit may be strange if you plant seeds from this year's fruit but this year's will be normal. I've been growing about 9 varieties in close proximity for about 7 years and all the flavors are as they are supposed to be. I buy new plants each year. Last year and this year I am also starting plants from purchased seeds. I read on the internet a while back that if you are growing plants for seeds, they should be separated from other varieties by a few miles.
You can pollinate and bag the flowers. I have done this when attempting to create hybrids in tomatoes and peppers. I have one hybrid Piquin pepper that I've developed that looks like a small red marble and separates cleanly calyx leaving almost no decreeable mark. There are also sprays that you can buy that allow you to fertilize a flower (I use a paintbrush) then spray the flower to seal it from being pollinated by another (there is a rumor that under Obamacare, this spray may be free).
Rooting cuttings and grafting is the best way to propagate varieties that you want to make sure are genetically pure. As your plants produce suckers early in the season you can remove some of them and root into new plants. It's not hard, but being successful requires some explanation.
Each year I graft some of the "suckers" shoots from my early girls onto my later varieties like Cherokee Purple and long day tomatoes. This allows me to continue to produce fruit during the heat of the summer when some slow down. Every now and then I like to make a Frankenstein plant with 4 or 5 different varieties of fruit. I had a friend in college who used to graft "other plants" to his tomato plants to produce a very interesting crop. That is also something fun to do with rose bushes.
In Oklahoma, pollination will slow or stop when temps get over 90, because the pollen literally dies in that heat. Unfortunately the plant will continue to flower and get gangly. Use a fruiting hormone (set spray) to continue to produce fruit in that heat. Much of that fruit will have few or no seeds.
Unless you are interested in hybridizing, or grow only a single (non commercial) variety, saving your seeds is not a great idea. Most commercial hybridized varieties will revert to one or both of their pollen parents after a single generation. Sometimes they will even skip back to previous undesirable varieties used only for disease or insect resistance.
If you are a plant geek, learning to graft and root cuttings is fun, and can save you a ton of money if you do it successfully. This is my favorite guide on the subject.
http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Horticultural-Society-Propagating-Plants/dp/0751303658/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1332959199&sr=8-27
It seems I have a lot to learn about gardening. So much for the idea of making holes in the ground, putting plants in them, watering them regularly, then having a crop later.
Quote from: custosnox on March 28, 2012, 02:24:43 PM
It seems I have a lot to learn about gardening. So much for the idea of making holes in the ground, putting plants in them, watering them regularly, then having a crop later.
That's how it starts. ;D
When I was 8 my Mom got me a seed starting kit from Burpee.
Quote from: Gaspar on March 28, 2012, 02:26:54 PM
That's how it starts. ;D
When I was 8 my Mom got me a seed starting kit from Burpee.
I've been wanting to have a herb garden, something to give me some seasonings for cooking. With the rosemary and sage already being here, it just helped encourage my desire. Reading what you guys on here grow I wanted to add to that edible idea. Still need to get some more seasoning type plants out there. Also need to pull up an ugly plant I don't like while I'm at it...
Quote from: custosnox on March 28, 2012, 02:24:43 PM
It seems I have a lot to learn about gardening. So much for the idea of making holes in the ground, putting plants in them, watering them regularly, then having a crop later.
You mean that's not how it's done? ;)
Gas, MC and I would love to see your garden sometime, as well as say hi to one of our former charges.
Quote from: Conan71 on March 28, 2012, 02:30:03 PM
You mean that's not how it's done? ;)
Gas, MC and I would love to see your garden sometime, as well as say hi to one of our former charges.
I do need to schedule a time with MC to get the new insurance papers signed. Probably won't be bearing much fruit by then but should have some cucumbers.
Does she do business policies? Looks like we may be buying another business. It would just be a simple liability thing.
Quote from: Gaspar on March 28, 2012, 02:33:40 PM
I do need to schedule a time with MC to get the new insurance papers signed. Probably won't be bearing much fruit by then but should have some cucumbers.
Does she do business policies? Looks like we may be buying another business. It would just be a simple liability thing.
Yes, actually she does. Give her a call.
Quote from: custosnox on March 28, 2012, 02:24:43 PM
It seems I have a lot to learn about gardening. So much for the idea of making holes in the ground, putting plants in them, watering them regularly, then having a crop later.
Truth be known - that would probably work, too. Try it!! Don't get bogged down by procedure...just plant something!
Quote from: Gaspar on March 28, 2012, 02:26:54 PM
That's how it starts. ;D
When I was 8 my Mom got me a seed starting kit from Burpee.
I remember those old Burpee kits....
Quote from: Hoss on March 28, 2012, 03:03:52 PM
I remember those old Burpee kits....
Came with far more seeds than cells in the tray, so after about a week, every houseplant in the house had something growing out of it.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on March 28, 2012, 02:55:43 PM
Truth be known - that would probably work, too. Try it!! Don't get bogged down by procedure...just plant something!
I did, and four days later they are still green. I'm impressed with myself.
Quote from: custosnox on March 28, 2012, 05:39:28 PM
I did, and four days later they are still green. I'm impressed with myself.
Plants are just too cool!! Gotta love 'em!
Now, plant something else!
Quote from: Hoss on March 28, 2012, 03:03:52 PM
I remember those old Burpee kits....
I had to laugh when I read that. I havent heard that name in years. Geez your old.....wait, what ?
Quote from: DolfanBob on March 29, 2012, 10:42:50 AM
I had to laugh when I read that. I havent heard that name in years. Geez your old.....wait, what ?
They didn't leave...you did...
http://www.burpee.com/
Quote from: Conan71 on March 26, 2012, 02:42:40 PM
MC tuned me in on boric acid a couple of years ago. Works like a charm.
Well, put down some boric acid the other day, and right now I'm watching the ants continue to march right through it. Hopefully it kicks in soon. And Now I'm addicted. I keep going to the store to get other things, and I see this or that and say "Hey, it's only a few bucks" and it ends up in my garden.
Quote from: custosnox on April 04, 2012, 07:02:09 PM
Well, put down some boric acid the other day, and right now I'm watching the ants continue to march right through it. Hopefully it kicks in soon. And Now I'm addicted. I keep going to the store to get other things, and I see this or that and say "Hey, it's only a few bucks" and it ends up in my garden.
Grogg's Green Barn had some very nice heirloom tomato plants last weekend. Cherokee Purple - probably one of the best flavored tomatoes you will ever eat. Mortgage lifter - big, but amazingly good, too. Arkansas Traveler is nice smaller tomato (about like Rutger's) and does well in the heat here.
Plus, you can save the seed from each of those to start your own next year if you like. Non-hybrids all.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on April 04, 2012, 10:12:45 PM
Grogg's Green Barn had some very nice heirloom tomato plants last weekend. Cherokee Purple - probably one of the best flavored tomatoes you will ever eat. Mortgage lifter - big, but amazingly good, too. Arkansas Traveler is nice smaller tomato (about like Rutger's) and does well in the heat here.
Plus, you can save the seed from each of those to start your own next year if you like. Non-hybrids all.
Stop it. I can't afford to get more soil to keep up with the additions. I've had to move to hanging plants (strawberries) because of the need for expansion.
Quote from: custosnox on April 04, 2012, 10:18:46 PM
Stop it. I can't afford to get more soil to keep up with the additions. I've had to move to hanging plants (strawberries) because of the need for expansion.
Gonna have to move out to 5 acres somewhere north of Owasso, then.
Pots and hanging plants have a REALLY tough time here. Gets too bloody hot. If you gotta do that, put them in a position so that they get morning sun (until not later than about 2:00 pm) and afternoon shade. And not on/over a concrete patio. Good luck!
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on April 04, 2012, 10:23:25 PM
Gonna have to move out to 5 acres somewhere north of Owasso, then.
Pots and hanging plants have a REALLY tough time here. Gets too bloody hot. If you gotta do that, put them in a position so that they get morning sun (until not later than about 2:00 pm) and afternoon shade. And not on/over a concrete patio. Good luck!
The light gets cut off at about 2 here. Two stories with a small backyard to the NE tends to cause that.
Quote from: custosnox on April 04, 2012, 11:02:12 PM
The light gets cut off at about 2 here. Two stories with a small backyard to the NE tends to cause that.
That might work out well for you. One of the places I live has an east facing side and I plant a couple of large pots full of tomatoes, basil, peppers, etc. They usually do well - except for last year. Am going to build a new kind of planter this year as an experiment to see if can get better high temperature results.
Roses might work well, too if you give them plenty of room. Martha's Vineyard is a very nice little bush rose (3 foot diameter or so) that blooms until Christmas here sometimes. It has been on the Oklahoma's Proven list for a few years, and planted in another place I live for about 25 years. Very resistant to black spot. Lots of pink blooms.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on April 04, 2012, 11:10:53 PM
That might work out well for you. One of the places I live has an east facing side and I plant a couple of large pots full of tomatoes, basil, peppers, etc. They usually do well - except for last year. Am going to build a new kind of planter this year as an experiment to see if can get better high temperature results.
I've tried tomatoes in a Topsy-Turvy the last two years. In 2010, I hung it under the roof overhang on the south side of the house. I don't think it got the right amount of sun. I may have also watered it too much. The plant didn't really do anything past the first month. Last year I hung it from a steel pole in the back yard, far enough from the house to get morning and afternoon sun. After about 5PM, trees on the west side of the house blocked the direct rays. The plant actually did OK but the flowers never set in the heat. About September, it started to get some small tomatoes. I moved it into the garage when the frosts arrived. We got some tomatoes from it while it tried to live in the garage. Eventually the vine died but the tomatoes continued to ripen with mixed success.
Quote from: Red Arrow on April 04, 2012, 11:58:05 PM
I've tried tomatoes in a Topsy-Turvy the last two years. In 2010, I hung it under the roof overhang on the south side of the house. I don't think it got the right amount of sun. I may have also watered it too much. The plant didn't really do anything past the first month. Last year I hung it from a steel pole in the back yard, far enough from the house to get morning and afternoon sun. After about 5PM, trees on the west side of the house blocked the direct rays. The plant actually did OK but the flowers never set in the heat. About September, it started to get some small tomatoes. I moved it into the garage when the frosts arrived. We got some tomatoes from it while it tried to live in the garage. Eventually the vine died but the tomatoes continued to ripen with mixed success.
Don't waste your time with the Topsy-Turvy. I too fell for the gimmick. And believe you me that is what it is. The plant just struggles to grow upward and it has no ability to produce a very good harvest. Unless you live in a apartment there is no need to even try using them. I keep trying to find that perfect spot in our yard for morning sunshine and afternoon shade and allow for just the heat. That in itself has been a big challenge. But I will find my yards sweet spot.
We picked up an heirloom variety the other day and a cherry as well. Both plants already have blooms, so hopefully, we will get a jump on production before it turns off to dreadful hot. MC was very adamant about getting an heirloom and not a hybrid. Hope she's right. Wait, women are always right, aren't they? I might have to try growing Cherokee Purple in a pot this year, just to see how great they are. Isn't that the one Mr. Merrill was really fond of?
Quote from: Conan71 on April 05, 2012, 09:08:49 AM
We picked up an heirloom variety the other day and a cherry as well. Both plants already have blooms, so hopefully, we will get a jump on production before it turns off to dreadful hot. MC was very adamant about getting an heirloom and not a hybrid. Hope she's right. Wait, women are always right, aren't they? I might have to try growing Cherokee Purple in a pot this year, just to see how great they are. Isn't that the one Mr. Merrill was really fond of?
She is right. In ground is gonna be the best shot at it, though. I don't really like tomatoes, but Cherokee Purple and Mortgage lifter are two that I really enjoy quite a bit. And Romas!
Mr. Merrill?? Don't know him...
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on April 05, 2012, 09:13:57 AM
She is right. In ground is gonna be the best shot at it, though. I don't really like tomatoes, but Cherokee Purple and Mortgage lifter are two that I really enjoy quite a bit. And Romas!
Mr. Merrill?? Don't know him...
The Tomato Man.
Quote from: Conan71 on April 05, 2012, 09:14:59 AM
The Tomato Man.
Tomato Man I knew...just didn't know the real name.
CP is a great tomato, so probably was on his top ten list. I have grown them for a long, long time - last year was the worst time ever.
We learned a new watering trick from a fellow at the River Market in KC last weekend. He ties a milk jug with a hole in the bottom of it the size of an 8 penny nail to the stem of his tomato plants early in the season. Fill the jug and add your fertilizer. It will trickle out over 15-20 minutes and will water very deep. This trains the roots to grow deeper and will help protect them later in the summer as it gets hotter. Makes sense to me.
Quote from: Conan71 on April 05, 2012, 09:38:37 AM
We learned a new watering trick from a fellow at the River Market in KC last weekend. He ties a milk jug with a hole in the bottom of it the size of an 8 penny nail to the stem of his tomato plants early in the season. Fill the jug and add your fertilizer. It will trickle out over 15-20 minutes and will water very deep. This trains the roots to grow deeper and will help protect them later in the summer as it gets hotter. Makes sense to me.
An inexpensive drip line under the soil works best for me. I do a 20min water in the morning and 20 min in the evening. NO WATER ON THE LEAVES.
Because I use cow dung and compost, I rarely fertilize tomatoes. If we get a cool spell in the middle of early summer I may hit them with some miracle grow, but typically don't need to. In order for most fertilizers like Miracle grow to work properly, they must be absorbed through the leaves. I don't like to leave any moisture or residues on the leaves of my tomatoes because that breeds disease.
I use a drip irrigation system in my raised garden beds. I have a timer that waters 30 minutes at 5 AM and then again at 5 PM. Works great. I actually am expanding the drip irrigation lines to my other ornamental beds. However, I'm using sprayers on stakes for those beds. It is amazingly easy to install and is actually fairly inexpensive.
Quote from: Gaspar on April 05, 2012, 09:43:07 AM
An inexpensive drip line under the soil works best for me. I do a 20min water in the morning and 20 min in the evening. NO WATER ON THE LEAVES.
Because I use cow dung and compost, I rarely fertilize tomatoes. If we get a cool spell in the middle of early summer I may hit them with some miracle grow, but typically don't need to. In order for most fertilizers like Miracle grow to work properly, they must be absorbed through the leaves. I don't like to leave any moisture or residues on the leaves of my tomatoes because that breeds disease.
Oh, forgot to mention, he waters once a week. I'd love to see the system you constructed, never any problems with the system plugging?
Miracle Grow is advertised as working both through the foliage and the root system. I'd never heard it works best via the leaves.
Quote from: Conan71 on April 05, 2012, 09:51:45 AM
Oh, forgot to mention, he waters once a week. I'd love to see the system you constructed, never any problems with the system plugging?
Miracle Grow is advertised as working both through the foliage and the root system. I'd never heard it works best via the leaves.
My whole yard, front and back, is on a combination drip/micro irrigation system. inexpensive to do and runs on two timers. Never have clogging problems, but occasionally I bust a line with a shovel or something and have to replace it. Very inexpensive parts at Home Depot.
Miracle grow and most soluble fertilizers are considered "leaf-feeders". They are not nearly as effective when watered into the soil because they are filtered very easily by the top soil before ever reaching the root system. If you want to "root-feed" you need to use a time release granular like Osmocote or an organic, and mix/scratch it into the soil.
Most soluble fertilizers like miracle grow also contain micro-nutrients that have little or no effect through root absorption, but produce remarkable results when absorbed through the leaves. The only Miracle Gro product I don't recommend using as a leaf-feeder is Mir-acid. Azaleas dig it, but overspray on non-acid loving flowers causes leaf burn.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on April 04, 2012, 11:10:53 PM
That might work out well for you. One of the places I live has an east facing side and I plant a couple of large pots full of tomatoes, basil, peppers, etc. They usually do well - except for last year. Am going to build a new kind of planter this year as an experiment to see if can get better high temperature results.
Roses might work well, too if you give them plenty of room. Martha's Vineyard is a very nice little bush rose (3 foot diameter or so) that blooms until Christmas here sometimes. It has been on the Oklahoma's Proven list for a few years, and planted in another place I live for about 25 years. Very resistant to black spot. Lots of pink blooms.
We are going to add roses under the window (love natural security) when we have it in the budget.
Quote from: Gaspar on April 05, 2012, 09:43:07 AM
An inexpensive drip line under the soil works best for me. I do a 20min water in the morning and 20 min in the evening. NO WATER ON THE LEAVES.
Because I use cow dung and compost, I rarely fertilize tomatoes. If we get a cool spell in the middle of early summer I may hit them with some miracle grow, but typically don't need to. In order for most fertilizers like Miracle grow to work properly, they must be absorbed through the leaves. I don't like to leave any moisture or residues on the leaves of my tomatoes because that breeds disease.
I've been trying to figure out what to do for watering since we are doing it with a sprayer until we can get some kind of irrigation system in. How often and how long should we be doing this?
Quote from: custosnox on April 05, 2012, 10:11:47 AM
We are going to add roses under the window (love natural security) when we have it in the budget.
I've been trying to figure out what to do for watering since we are doing it with a sprayer until we can get some kind of irrigation system in. How often and how long should we be doing this?
$20 drip irrigation kit. This should be more than what you need.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Orbit-Vegetable-Garden-Drip-Kit/16564921
Orbit Timer (keep the recept, they break at least once every two years and I go get another one.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Orbit-1-Dial-Electronic-Hose-Timer/16332345?findingMethod=rr
If you like roses, go to Depot/lowes and buy the $4.50 roses in the bag. They should be on clearance soon. It takes about two years for them to really root in well, but after that, they are fantastic. If you want security, look for a 'Climbing Joseph's Coat'. It's a great rose that has more thorns than anything I have ever seen. I just call them "The Devil".
Quote from: Gaspar on April 05, 2012, 10:17:52 AM
$20 drip irrigation kit. This should be more than what you need.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Orbit-Vegetable-Garden-Drip-Kit/16564921
Orbit Timer (keep the recept, they break at least once every two years and I go get another one.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Orbit-1-Dial-Electronic-Hose-Timer/16332345?findingMethod=rr
If you like roses, go to Depot/lowes and buy the $4.50 roses in the bag. They should be on clearance soon. It takes about two years for them to really root in well, but after that, they are fantastic. If you want security, look for a 'Climbing Joseph's Coat'. It's a great rose that has more thorns than anything I have ever seen. I just call them "The Devil".
Still going to be a bit before we can afford even that, so will will be having to do the hand watering for a bit.
Quote from: custosnox on April 05, 2012, 10:21:20 AM
Still going to be a bit before we can afford even that, so will will be having to do the hand watering for a bit.
Or check out Roses, Inc. for some pretty good roses and good information if needed.
My climbing Joseph's Coat was not resistant to black spot at all. However, when I did get it under control, the blooms were beautiful. No water on the leaves is definitely important.
Well, I am now a Chicken Farmer. ;D
We have 4 little chickens. Look out Tyson, here we come.
We have Hyacinth (who seems to be the lead chicken and bosses everyone around) , our Rose (who is in black as she has probably lost another boyfriend and is in mourning or wishes to visit the Vicar and live in a convent) , our Daisy (is short and pudgy and has the feathered feet reminiscent of house slippers) and there is of course our Violet (who is the dainty small one, she does not have a sauna, but there may be room for a small pony). No Richard or Onslo for have found out they are illegal in the city.
Pictures to come soon.
Quote from: TheArtist on April 09, 2012, 02:29:44 PM
Well, I am now a Chicken Farmer. ;D
We have 4 little chickens. Look out Tyson, here we come.
We have Hyacinth (who seems to be the lead chicken and bosses everyone around) , our Rose (who is in black as she has probably lost another boyfriend and is in mourning or wishes to visit the Vicar and live in a convent) , our Daisy (is short and pudgy and has the feathered feet reminiscent of house slippers) and there is of course our Violet (who is the dainty small one, she does not have a sauna, but there may be room for a small pony). No Richard or Onslo for have found out they are illegal in the city.
Pictures to come soon.
My wife would love that, unfortunately we have a Cooper's Hawk and several large barn owls that would make quick business of a chicken. They have become so unafraid of us that they will sit on the fence in the back while we are out there and pick small birds off of the trees.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/7061877887_e776a80d56.jpg)
Quote from: TheArtist on April 09, 2012, 02:29:44 PM
Well, I am now a Chicken Farmer. ;D
We have 4 little chickens. Look out Tyson, here we come.
We have Hyacinth (who seems to be the lead chicken and bosses everyone around) , our Rose (who is in black as she has probably lost another boyfriend and is in mourning or wishes to visit the Vicar and live in a convent) , our Daisy (is short and pudgy and has the feathered feet reminiscent of house slippers) and there is of course our Violet (who is the dainty small one, she does not have a sauna, but there may be room for a small pony). No Richard or Onslo for have found out they are illegal in the city.
Pictures to come soon.
I love the references to "Keeping Up Appearances" great show.
Quote from: Gaspar on April 09, 2012, 02:49:27 PM
My wife would love that, unfortunately we have a Cooper's Hawk and several large barn owls that would make quick business of a chicken. They have become so unafraid of us that they will sit on the fence in the back while we are out there and pick small birds off of the trees.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/7061877887_e776a80d56.jpg)
We had a Red Shouldered Hawk a few weekends ago. I got a picture of it just as it took off from a pole. It matches this:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/birds/falconiformes/Buteo%2520lineatus/Red-shouldered%2520Hawk,%2520flying%2520%28Duck%2520Ponds,%2520Jan.%29b.jpg&imgrefurl=http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/birds/falconiformes/Buteo%2520lineatus/Buteo%2520lineatus.htm&h=343&w=480&sz=57&tbnid=WWMrEXoGWSxQWM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=126&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dred%2Bshouldered%2Bhawk%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=red+shouldered+hawk&docid=FHV0GeY-WmTdNM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=VESDT_SKMYL30gHbyJnuBw&sqi=2&ved=0CFMQ9QEwBA&dur=695
Sorry for the long URL.
I forgot to mention that I often hear owls in the area but haven't been able to identify them.
I am actually hoping the hawks and owls do a bit of squirrel control. Those little furry tailed rats steal my tomatoes.
Quote from: Gaspar on April 09, 2012, 02:49:27 PM
My wife would love that, unfortunately we have a Cooper's Hawk and several large barn owls that would make quick business of a chicken. They have become so unafraid of us that they will sit on the fence in the back while we are out there and pick small birds off of the trees.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/7061877887_e776a80d56.jpg)
They don't care much for the kittehs do they?
You know Red, that's a better match than the Cooper's hawk. I must have mis-identified this little guy.
Conan, rest assured they do not have a taste for kittens, besides the "kitten" is about twice the size of this bird now! She's a hoss! No offense Hoss.
We've had a real squirrel problem in the past. Got so bad a couple of years ago that I put forth an initiative to aid several of them in reaching squirrel heaven. This year with our increased owl population we hardly have any squirrels.
7pm and 7am are owl orgy time. They make quite a racket and give each other piggy-back rides.
Quote from: Gaspar on April 09, 2012, 03:38:37 PM
You know Red, that's a better match than the Cooper's hawk. I must have mis-identified this little guy.
Conan, rest assured they do not have a taste for kittens, besides the "kitten" is about twice the size of this bird now! She's a hoss! No offense Hoss.
Damn, I spit my binky out on that one!
we have a few squirrels and rabbits here that I will have to keep an eye on.
Quote from: custosnox on April 09, 2012, 04:06:41 PM
we have a few squirrels and rabbits here that I will have to keep a cross-hair on.
That's how you do it. ^^^
Quote from: Gaspar on April 09, 2012, 04:42:56 PM
That's how you do it. ^^^
Been eyeballin the red ryder anniversary bb gun at wally world
Quote from: lalumna on April 09, 2012, 01:42:01 PM
My climbing Joseph's Coat was not resistant to black spot at all. However, when I did get it under control, the blooms were beautiful. No water on the leaves is definitely important.
At least critical, if not mandatory!
Black spot resistance...
Martha's Vineyard is an Oklahoma proven bush style that is very resistant. Ours have been blooming at Christmas in the mild winters we have been having for so long. Last two years, they were done by Thanksgiving, though. It is right at 30 years old and going very strong.
Lady Banks roses (climbers) bloom once per year and then give magnificent foliage - yellow and white are available (may be others - not sure). There is a nice old one at Hardscapes over a gateway, just to northwest of end of main sales building. Has been cut down recently with some damage from last year's winter and then heat, but it will be back I think (if they don't cut it out...)
Seven Sisters is a magnificent rose that is just huge if you let it go. I plan to grow a few thousand to make into a "hedgerow" along the lines of what they had in Europe that gave our soldiers such a hard time after D-day. Not much smell, though. Straight canes that will grow 8 to 10 feet tall and make an amazingly dense root area. Not for the faint hearted, and needs to be in a larger space, but the rewards for this one are an amazing array of blooms.
Stay away from hybrid tea's if you want to avoid black spot. Or put them far apart (see Tulsa Rose Garden at Woodward park).
We have another climber (pink) that is extremely fragrant - kind of takes over the yard, actually. Cannot remember the flavor, but will ask SWMBO if interested. Very resistant to black spot.
Disclaimer - climbers need lots of room. They will take over if you give them the chance. Literally.
Quote from: TheArtist on April 09, 2012, 02:29:44 PM
Well, I am now a Chicken Farmer. ;D
We have 4 little chickens. Look out Tyson, here we come.
We have Hyacinth (who seems to be the lead chicken and bosses everyone around) , our Rose (who is in black as she has probably lost another boyfriend and is in mourning or wishes to visit the Vicar and live in a convent) , our Daisy (is short and pudgy and has the feathered feet reminiscent of house slippers) and there is of course our Violet (who is the dainty small one, she does not have a sauna, but there may be room for a small pony). No Richard or Onslo for have found out they are illegal in the city.
Pictures to come soon.
Were you at the chicken session at Grogg's Green Barn on Saturday?
If not, that is an amazing coincidence....
Quote from: Conan71 on April 09, 2012, 03:32:59 PM
They don't care much for the kittehs do they?
Yes! They will eat kittehs, too!
Quote from: Gaspar on April 09, 2012, 02:49:27 PM
My wife would love that, unfortunately we have a Cooper's Hawk and several large barn owls that would make quick business of a chicken. They have become so unafraid of us that they will sit on the fence in the back while we are out there and pick small birds off of the trees.
It's a shame they won't eat grackles!!
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on April 09, 2012, 09:59:33 PM
Were you at the chicken session at Grogg's Green Barn on Saturday?
If not, that is an amazing coincidence....
Nope have never been there. We got our chicks at Atwoods in Owasso about 7 weeks ago. We built them a moveable cage out of pressure treated 2x4s and wire. It's about 4'wide by 8'long by 4'tall with a little dutch door in one side. Will keep the hawks and other critters out and the chicks in. We have designed it so that we can butt up another one next to it if we want to increase the size of the pen later. Then this last weekend we looked around the place and used extra scraps to build a little chicken coop on wheels so that it too can be moved around the yard as the chickens trample and eat up the grass in each spot. Before we had been using a dog carrier and bringing them in at night when it was cold.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on April 09, 2012, 10:03:49 PM
It's a shame they won't eat grackles!!
MC watched one tackle a blue jay and fly off with it a couple of weeks ago. There were two impressive piles of feathers in the back yard when I got home.
Quote from: Conan71 on April 10, 2012, 08:33:36 AM
MC watched one tackle a blue jay and fly off with it a couple of weeks ago. There were two impressive piles of feathers in the back yard when I got home.
We had a mourning dove nest in the yard last year. Two young'uns. They got out of the nest and were flying around the yard with SWMBO sitting on patio watching and enjoying. About 10 minutes into their 'first flight', a red tailed hawk swept down and hammered one of the babies. Took it away to feed it's own kids. Happened about 20 feet from her, so naturally she freaked out and called me all pissed off at the hawk.
It's a cold, hard world out there....
Word of warning in case you had any ideas:
Growing Marijuana In The Front Yard Lands Muskogee Man In Jail
QuoteMUSKOGEE, Oklahoma - Muskogee Police have arrested a 64-year-old man for allegedly growing marijuana in the front yard of his home.
Danny Rose was booked into the Muskogee County jail Wednesday morning on a complaint of cultivation of marijuana.
Police say they did not find a large quantity, just a few plants at his home in the 300 block of North 34th Street.
http://www.newson6.com/story/17385745/growing-marijuana-in-the-front-yard-lands-muskogee-man-in-jail (http://www.newson6.com/story/17385745/growing-marijuana-in-the-front-yard-lands-muskogee-man-in-jail)
Quote from: Townsend on April 11, 2012, 04:25:52 PM
Word of warning in case you had any ideas:
Growing Marijuana In The Front Yard Lands Muskogee Man In Jail
http://www.newson6.com/story/17385745/growing-marijuana-in-the-front-yard-lands-muskogee-man-in-jail (http://www.newson6.com/story/17385745/growing-marijuana-in-the-front-yard-lands-muskogee-man-in-jail)
First a Grandma pot dealer in Craig County. Now Grandpa growing his own. I guess the 60s Hippie's have all gotten old, but just not grown up.
"Like dude! I didn't mean to grow it in my front yard, I was sooooo stoned I thought I planted it in the back yard!"
Who says dope doesn't make you stupid?
Quote from: Conan71 on April 11, 2012, 04:37:46 PM
"Like dude! I didn't mean to grow it in my front yard, I was sooooo stoned I thought I planted it in the back yard!"
Who says dope doesn't make you stupid?
It really needs a visual if you're going to say it...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXnHjClnl00/ToUG-XMIpnI/AAAAAAAACoY/DxUdrt4F0-M/s1600/jeff-spicoli-2.jpg)
It was probably the glaucoma. ;)
I love Spicoli.
Quote from: DolfanBob on April 12, 2012, 08:47:43 AM
I love Spicoli.
He's taken a turn somewhere...
(http://walshwords.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/seanwho.jpg)
Back on topic, the garden is having some problems. I am seeing some holes in the leaves, and on one of my pepper plants has a dark spot on a leaf. Also I'm afraid I lost one of my banana pepper plants. When I came back yesterday it was laying on the ground, looks like it was cut right above the ground. Hope it continues to grow. I seem to have a lot to learn about this gardening thing.
Quote from: custosnox on April 16, 2012, 05:35:14 PM
Back on topic, the garden is having some problems. I am seeing some holes in the leaves, and on one of my pepper plants has a dark spot on a leaf. Also I'm afraid I lost one of my banana pepper plants. When I came back yesterday it was laying on the ground, looks like it was cut right above the ground. Hope it continues to grow. I seem to have a lot to learn about this gardening thing.
Sounds like some kind of cut worm or damping off fungus cutting stem. You got slugs around? When plant a new one, put a piece of cardboard around base of plant a couple inches in ground and a couple inches above ground. They make plastic rings for that, too, but can use the tube in a roll of toilet paper or part of a paper towel roll. Or some 3" PVC pipe, cut about 6" long, slipped around the stem when planting - kind of overkill. When plant grows a little, the stem will harden up, so won't be a problem for cardboard to disintegrate.
Don't worry about the holes in the leaves unless they are all gone... Dark spot could be fungus, pick it off the plant and remove it from the area to keep from spreading - don't put in compost pile. If only one or two leaves, can run through garbage disposer, otherwise, just put in trash - get it away from garden.
Are they getting enough sun? All day. And are you watering VERY SELDOM, and none at all with all the rain we have been getting? Let the ground get dry to about 2" deep while they are still young, then after that, about an inch a week worth of water. If rains, then don't water at all. More plants die from overwatering than from drought - it won't hurt them to wilt just a little bit from time to time, before watering (after established) - but too much water will kill them, as well as infecting with all manner of fungi.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on April 16, 2012, 05:43:43 PM
Sounds like some kind of cut worm or damping off fungus cutting stem. You got slugs around? When plant a new one, put a piece of cardboard around base of plant a couple inches in ground and a couple inches above ground. They make plastic rings for that, too, but can use the tube in a roll of toilet paper or part of a paper towel roll. Or some 3" PVC pipe, cut about 6" long, slipped around the stem when planting - kind of overkill. When plant grows a little, the stem will harden up, so won't be a problem for cardboard to disintegrate.
Don't worry about the holes in the leaves unless they are all gone... Dark spot could be fungus, pick it off the plant and remove it from the area to keep from spreading - don't put in compost pile. If only one or two leaves, can run through garbage disposer, otherwise, just put in trash - get it away from garden.
Are they getting enough sun? All day. And are you watering VERY SELDOM, and none at all with all the rain we have been getting? Let the ground get dry to about 2" deep while they are still young, then after that, about an inch a week worth of water. If rains, then don't water at all. More plants die from overwatering than from drought - it won't hurt them to wilt just a little bit from time to time, before watering (after established) - but too much water will kill them, as well as infecting with all manner of fungi.
I've seen a couple of slugs, getting armed to go to war on them (got some beer I won't drink and salt ready). I'll pull the dark leaf. I've got some ceramic worms that stick out of the ground to give me an idea of when to water, but I'll cut back a bit on that. They are in the area best for sun, so if they aren't getting enough, not much I can do there. Just got to looking at my tomato plants, and a couple of them aren't looking so good. (http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss9/custosnox/2012-04-16173832.jpg)
Quote from: custosnox on April 16, 2012, 05:54:03 PM
I've seen a couple of slugs, getting armed to go to war on them (got some beer I won't drink and salt ready). I'll pull the dark leaf. I've got some ceramic worms that stick out of the ground to give me an idea of when to water, but I'll cut back a bit on that. They are in the area best for sun, so if they aren't getting enough, not much I can do there. Just got to looking at my tomato plants, and a couple of them aren't looking so good.
That one looks fine. The older leaves will brown like that after a while. Remember, those were started with a massive shot of "tomato meth" and when they get into normal soil zone, there is typically a little too much foliage for the non-meth environment...let them be, they are doing well. The stem is strong and what I can see, everything is great. Almost.
Except for that wood chip mulch you got!! Get rid of that carp ASAP!! It is too early to worry about the soil drying out right now - another couple weeks of sun hitting the soil may actually help heat it up and give the plant a boost. And NEVER use that wood chip carp for anything!! The single biggest "macro" effect you will see in your garden is that it uses up nitrogen to rot that should be used by the plant. Get it off there!
If you are OCD (like me a little bit), and you just gotta have something around the plant, then use compost. Cotton burr mulch is magnificent! And keep it at least 3 to 4" away from the stem all around it.
Oh,....almost forgot - did I mention to get rid of the wood mulch?
Quote from: custosnox on April 16, 2012, 05:35:14 PM
Back on topic, the garden is having some problems. I am seeing some holes in the leaves, and on one of my pepper plants has a dark spot on a leaf. Also I'm afraid I lost one of my banana pepper plants. When I came back yesterday it was laying on the ground, looks like it was cut right above the ground. Hope it continues to grow. I seem to have a lot to learn about this gardening thing.
A few holes in the leaves won't hurt but if you start losing too much, get some liquid Sevin and spray the leaves. I don't spray after the plants start to make fruit but a little before then is OK.
Chewed stems are probably varmits. I have always had a plastic fence around my in-ground plants primarily to keep the dogs from trampling my plants. It's like the orange square grid stuff you see at construction sites except it's green. It comes in 4 ft wide/tall x 50 ft rolls. That was sufficient for peppers and tomatoes from 2005 until last year. Last year I also tried cucumbers, several kinds of squash and okra. I lost several plants very early. Some were cut down. Some were pulled up with no trace. I also noticed and repaired several holes chewed in the bottom area of the fence. The same happened the next day so I got some steel wire rabbit fence. No more holes in the fence but there were still a few plants destroyed or missing. One day mom saw some crows playing with something that looked like a plant from my garden. Next I got some plastic grid stuff to put on top of the garden. No more problems of that kind after that.
Last year I started a second garden near the first but dedicated to only peppers. The green plastic fence worked fine. It didn't work so fine this year. I planted 59 peppers Sunday the 8th in the second garden and also some eggplant and okra in the first garden. I had a couple of wimpy plants in the first garden but no varmit damage with the green fence, rabbit fence and top cover. However, when I came home on Monday the 9th, the second garden had 7 plants either missing or disconnected from their stems. Tuesday, there were 6 more gone. I also noticed chewed areas in the lower areas of the fence. I immediately went to Lowes and got some more rabbit fencing and tied it up to the posts for the green plastic fence. Wednesday there was one more plant disconnected that I may have missed the night before. Just to be safe, I got some more netting for the top and got that on yesterday. I bought some make-up plants on Saturday but didn't plant them until yesterday due to the forecast nasty weather Saturday night. No varmit damage tonight when I got home. I also have some plants in pots in the front yard. I had some chewed off plants there too. The squirrels like to dig in the soft dirt. I don't know if they are burying something or looking for something but they dig too close to my plants. I am trying to discourage them by sprinkling lots of cayenne pepper on the dirt around the plants in the pots. There was some evidence of digging tonight but not as much has in the past.
Good Luck
Quote from: Red Arrow on April 16, 2012, 06:23:16 PM
A few holes in the leaves won't hurt but if you start losing too much, get some liquid Sevin and spray the leaves. I don't spray after the plants start to make fruit but a little before then is OK.
Chewed stems are probably varmits. I have always had a plastic fence around my in-ground plants primarily to keep the dogs from trampling my plants. It's like the orange square grid stuff you see at construction sites except it's green. It comes in 4 ft wide/tall x 50 ft rolls. That was sufficient for peppers and tomatoes from 2005 until last year. Last year I also tried cucumbers, several kinds of squash and okra. I lost several plants very early. Some were cut down. Some were pulled up with no trace. I also noticed and repaired several holes chewed in the bottom area of the fence. The same happened the next day so I got some steel wire rabbit fence. No more holes in the fence but there were still a few plants destroyed or missing. One day mom saw some crows playing with something that looked like a plant from my garden. Next I got some plastic grid stuff to put on top of the garden. No more problems of that kind after that.
Last year I started a second garden near the first but dedicated to only peppers. The green plastic fence worked fine. It didn't work so fine this year. I planted 59 peppers Sunday the 8th in the second garden and also some eggplant and okra in the first garden. I had a couple of wimpy plants in the first garden but no varmit damage with the green fence, rabbit fence and top cover. However, when I came home on Monday the 9th, the second garden had 7 plants either missing or disconnected from their stems. Tuesday, there were 6 more gone. I also noticed chewed areas in the lower areas of the fence. I immediately went to Lowes and got some more rabbit fencing and tied it up to the posts for the green plastic fence. Wednesday there was one more plant disconnected that I may have missed the night before. Just to be safe, I got some more netting for the top and got that on yesterday. I bought some make-up plants on Saturday but didn't plant them until yesterday due to the forecast nasty weather Saturday night. No varmit damage tonight when I got home. I also have some plants in pots in the front yard. I had some chewed off plants there too. The squirrels like to dig in the soft dirt. I don't know if they are burying something or looking for something but they dig too close to my plants. I am trying to discourage them by sprinkling lots of cayenne pepper on the dirt around the plants in the pots. There was some evidence of digging tonight but not as much has in the past.
Good Luck
We have a few rabbits around here, been keeping an eye on em and haven't seem any sign of them in the back, yet. The squirrels haven't seem to have discovered the garden yet either, so I seem to be getting lucky on that number. The one plant that was down looked like it was either cut or broken, not chewed. I've used up the budget for the garden right now, so I'll have to look around to see what I can come up with here.
Another question, as my tomato plants grow, do I need to put something for them to grow on to support them?
Quote from: custosnox on April 16, 2012, 06:51:59 PM
The squirrels haven't seem to have discovered the garden yet either, so I seem to be getting lucky on that number.
At least not while you are looking. They are sneaky little pests.
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Another question, as my tomato plants grow, do I need to put something for them to grow on to support them?
I think most people do but I don't know that it's absolutely necessary. I cannot imagine commercial tomato fields with cages around every plant. Try to keep the fruit off the ground if you can to keep the bugs to a minimum.
Quote from: Red Arrow on April 16, 2012, 08:20:23 PM
At least not while you are looking. They are sneaky little pests.
I can see the garden from where I sit at my computer. Let's me keep a pretty good eye on things. ;)
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I think most people do but I don't know that it's absolutely necessary. I cannot imagine commercial tomato fields with cages around every plant. Try to keep the fruit off the ground if you can to keep the bugs to a minimum.
speaking of bugs, how bad can ants hurt a garden? They seem to love this yard.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on April 16, 2012, 06:04:32 PM
That one looks fine. The older leaves will brown like that after a while. Remember, those were started with a massive shot of "tomato meth" and when they get into normal soil zone, there is typically a little too much foliage for the non-meth environment...let them be, they are doing well. The stem is strong and what I can see, everything is great. Almost.
Except for that wood chip mulch you got!! Get rid of that carp ASAP!! It is too early to worry about the soil drying out right now - another couple weeks of sun hitting the soil may actually help heat it up and give the plant a boost. And NEVER use that wood chip carp for anything!! The single biggest "macro" effect you will see in your garden is that it uses up nitrogen to rot that should be used by the plant. Get it off there!
If you are OCD (like me a little bit), and you just gotta have something around the plant, then use compost. Cotton burr mulch is magnificent! And keep it at least 3 to 4" away from the stem all around it.
Oh,....almost forgot - did I mention to get rid of the wood mulch?
The primary reason (other than keeping moister levels up, of course) was to help keep weeds down.
Quote from: custosnox on April 16, 2012, 08:35:42 PM
The primary reason (other than keeping moister levels up, of course) was to help keep weeds down.
Good idea, but with different material. Cottonseed burr compost. Or any compost....
Tomato cages are good, if you want to keep the plants going. Commercial growers don't use, but they grow the plants, wait until there is the "maximum" amount of ripe fruit, then go through and harvest plant and tomato all at once, leaving no plants for more tomatoes. You can let it stay and then keep picking tomatoes...
I have tried about every kind of cage there is and even made my own. The best I have come up with so far is kind of pricey if you only need one or two. Starts with a fence material that is about 4' tall, with 6" x 6" squares in the fabric. Cut to a length that gives about a 2' diameter for the cage - that is Pi x 2, or 6.3 feet long, curved into a circle, with the ends wrapped around to close the circle. If you only have a couple, then even those cone shaped things will probably work.
One more thing, when the average temperature goes above about 85 degrees, the plants will stop blooming and setting fruit. Just a little shade at that time will help the plants survive until Sept then, so they will bloom and set again after average goes below that again.
Quote from: custosnox on April 16, 2012, 05:54:03 PM
I've seen a couple of slugs, getting armed to go to war on them (got some beer I won't drink and salt ready). I'll pull the dark leaf. I've got some ceramic worms that stick out of the ground to give me an idea of when to water, but I'll cut back a bit on that. They are in the area best for sun, so if they aren't getting enough, not much I can do there. Just got to looking at my tomato plants, and a couple of them aren't looking so good. (http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss9/custosnox/2012-04-16173832.jpg)
That pic tells me that they don't have enough drainage. Not a whole lot you can do after these rains. If they continue to have the chlorotic appearance and edge browning after things dry up a bit than you may need to replace them. Don't be afraid to replace a tomato plant when it gets sickly. They are very slow to recover, and nursing a sick plant sounds noble but won't produce any fruit.
Stick your hands down in the soil and if it's wet and "Clay like" then you don't have enough organic matter to allow it to drain, or the location you've chosen does not promote adequate drainage.
When you see that browning of the tips and edges of the leaves that means that the tips and edges of the root have died. If the soil is too moist that will continue, and the plant will halt adventurous root growth as a survival mechanism. Sometimes the plant will also do this if their is too much fertilizer applied. The cause is the same though, the root tips have died.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on April 16, 2012, 10:19:25 PM
Good idea, but with different material. Cottonseed burr compost. Or any compost....
Tomato cages are good, if you want to keep the plants going. Commercial growers don't use, but they grow the plants, wait until there is the "maximum" amount of ripe fruit, then go through and harvest plant and tomato all at once, leaving no plants for more tomatoes. You can let it stay and then keep picking tomatoes...
I have tried about every kind of cage there is and even made my own. The best I have come up with so far is kind of pricey if you only need one or two. Starts with a fence material that is about 4' tall, with 6" x 6" squares in the fabric. Cut to a length that gives about a 2' diameter for the cage - that is Pi x 2, or 6.3 feet long, curved into a circle, with the ends wrapped around to close the circle. If you only have a couple, then even those cone shaped things will probably work.
One more thing, when the average temperature goes above about 85 degrees, the plants will stop blooming and setting fruit. Just a little shade at that time will help the plants survive until Sept then, so they will bloom and set again after average goes below that again.
I gave up on cages of any kind. They get crowded and promote rot on the inside of the plant. Indeterminate tomato varieties will always outgrow a cage anyway and just make a mess. I just run stainless steel wire across fence posts and train the vines like grape vines across it. Works very well, is cheap, and my cherry tomatoes can run the whole length if necessary. In a month this row will look like a solid fence of foliage. The wire makes it easy to "weave" the leaves and support the whole plant. At the end of the season, a few snips and you're ready for the composer.
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5271/7087158737_12903290d9_z.jpg)
In a week or two I will weave a vertical wire for each tomato and pepper plant. All of my plants are already loaded with fruit.
Quote from: Gaspar on April 17, 2012, 07:47:31 AM
That pic tells me that they don't have enough drainage. Not a whole lot you can do after these rains. If they continue to have the chlorotic appearance and edge browning after things dry up a bit than you may need to replace them. Don't be afraid to replace a tomato plant when it gets sickly. They are very slow to recover, and nursing a sick plant sounds noble but won't produce any fruit.
Stick your hands down in the soil and if it's wet and "Clay like" then you don't have enough organic matter to allow it to drain, or the location you've chosen does not promote adequate drainage.
When you see that browning of the tips and edges of the leaves that means that the tips and edges of the root have died. If the soil is too moist that will continue, and the plant will halt adventurous root growth as a survival mechanism. Sometimes the plant will also do this if their is too much fertilizer applied. The cause is the same though, the root tips have died.
Is it possible that it has been overwatered instead of a drainage problem? I figure in a couple of years I might have a chance of getting this right.
Quote from: custosnox on April 17, 2012, 10:16:38 AM
Is it possible that it has been overwatered instead of a drainage problem? I figure in a couple of years I might have a chance of getting this right.
Certainly. Won't take you that long.
We've had a wet couple of weeks, so chances are your location does not provide enough drainage for wet weather. Tomato roots require lots of air, so you may be able to perk them up by taking a long screw-driver and plunging holes in the soil about 2 1/2 inches away from the base of the plant all the way around it. Whatever you do, don't fertalize any more until after initial fruiting. If you have a drainage problem and root-rot, additional nitrogen/potassium will exaserbate the problem.
Quote from: Gaspar on April 17, 2012, 10:24:25 AM
Certainly. Won't take you that long.
We've had a wet couple of weeks, so chances are your location does not provide enough drainage for wet weather. Tomato roots require lots of air, so you may be able to perk them up by taking a long screw-driver and plunging holes in the soil about 2 1/2 inches away from the base of the plant all the way around it. Whatever you do, don't fertalize any more until after initial fruiting. If you have a drainage problem and root-rot, additional nitrogen/potassium will exaserbate the problem.
Gotcha, don't have and fertilizer right now anyhow and my compost is still small and young.
Quote from: Gaspar on April 17, 2012, 08:34:01 AM
I gave up on cages of any kind. They get crowded and promote rot on the inside of the plant. Indeterminate tomato varieties will always outgrow a cage anyway and just make a mess. I just run stainless steel wire across fence posts and train the vines like grape vines across it. Works very well, is cheap, and my cherry tomatoes can run the whole length if necessary. In a month this row will look like a solid fence of foliage. The wire makes it easy to "weave" the leaves and support the whole plant. At the end of the season, a few snips and you're ready for the composer.
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5271/7087158737_12903290d9_z.jpg)
In a week or two I will weave a vertical wire for each tomato and pepper plant. All of my plants are already loaded with fruit.
I see you have that chipped wood carp all over the place. Tsk tsk.
As to Red's solution for pest fencing. I'm using 24" chicken wire. Plenty high enough to keep teh bunnehs out.
Quote from: Conan71 on April 17, 2012, 11:43:20 AM
I see you have that chipped wood carp all over the place. Tsk tsk.
As to Red's solution for pest fencing. I'm using 24" chicken wire. Plenty high enough to keep teh bunnehs out.
It's bizarre but red wood chips make more tomatoes. You can actually buy red plastic mulch just for tomatoes but it looks crapy so I prefer the cheap red cedar. http://growerssolution.com/page/GS/PROD/srmred