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Post by SteveB on Apr 22, 2017 10:10:58 GMT -5
Prior to my move the end of 2015 I had a nice highly productive garden. I had decent soil to start with, but after the first few years of the load was showing and my production was reduced. I did not use any store bought additives of any kind. And I had no tiller. So within a few years it transformed into basically permanent beds with minimal pathways. For the most part I would mulch as needed to keep the soil covered. And in the fall all yard waste of any kind I had went on the garden. I would add hay, straw or whatever inexpensive brown I could get cheaply or free. Occasionally I'd get some manure to throw around as well. I even would haul in wood chips from the local trimmers at times.(my favorite). And quickly I had soil to brag about. The worm population was almost unbelievable. Sadly I had to leave it behind, and starting over on a new and much bigger plot. So my .02 is that OM Composted or not I is more than welcome to take up space on my soil.
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Famine
Apr 21, 2017 23:42:36 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by SteveB on Apr 21, 2017 23:42:36 GMT -5
Around here at least, I see many opportunities to produce food. The problem is the local laws and regulations make it a difficult venture. I mean for example I can grow any kind of tree, grow an obnoxious and cluttered flower garden mulched ridiculously heavy, hose down my lawn daily if I so choose with any number of pollutants, But a vegetable garden? Now you have to make sure they are not "over planted" because pests. Hold off on that Mulch because pests. All them corn plants? They are just disorderly and an eyesore. That trellis? Let's see if you need a permit. The fence? No that needs to go. Bare soil? That needs to be smoothed out with grass planted on it. Tomato plants? Sure you can, but do you really need more than a couple? I could go on, but yea some places make it nearly impossible to grow something that will feed humans...
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Post by SteveB on Apr 21, 2017 13:19:23 GMT -5
This April is being favorable with nighttime temps staying high 30's and above. Planting the second round of corn seeds and transplanting more cool season seedlings from the greenhouse. May as well get more root crop out there as well. People here generally wait till the last half of May. Must be habitual.
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Post by SteveB on Apr 19, 2017 11:28:50 GMT -5
When I was younger we had volunteers every year from the same yard waste pile. Must have continued for at least five years. The only intervention was us picking the tomatoes. I noticed today that I may have some self seeded peppers sprouting. I have to go take a closer look, but I'm interested to see as they are a variety that has shown cool germination and lasted the longest in the fall. How cold is your winter? I`d like to test peppers too. But I have only too few seeds of my own variety to take the risk . Tonight we had some frost only a few degrees below zero °C (32°F) the volunteers doing well. Thats a good start. this year has not dipped to frost in April. Rarely in the past 6 years have we dipped to the teens Celsius.
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Post by SteveB on Apr 18, 2017 13:54:59 GMT -5
When I was younger we had volunteers every year from the same yard waste pile. Must have continued for at least five years. The only intervention was us picking the tomatoes. I noticed today that I may have some self seeded peppers sprouting. I have to go take a closer look, but I'm interested to see as they are a variety that has shown cool germination and lasted the longest in the fall.
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Post by SteveB on Apr 17, 2017 7:57:58 GMT -5
So far I've had no issues with manure. Maybe some weed seeds, but they are kept under control. I use compost which is good, but mainly I mulch a lot. Especially in the fall, by spring the worm population is in abundance and there is little left of the mulch. Though I know the specific issue in question is in more immediate than time alone. Maybe some blood meal?
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Post by SteveB on Apr 17, 2017 7:18:35 GMT -5
I generally rely on my voicemail to be my secretary as well. I don't feel the need to let my phone tell me to stop what I'm doing and take this most likely non important yet time consuming call. I figure if it is important enough for them to leave a message, I'll listen to it and call back when I have the time.
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Post by SteveB on Apr 16, 2017 18:52:34 GMT -5
Dang Reed, I was on the way to the patent office when I read this... I'm so outdated...
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Post by SteveB on Apr 16, 2017 6:32:55 GMT -5
my limited knowledge suggests that seeds are a basic requirement to grow.... But I'm no expert
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Post by SteveB on Apr 15, 2017 22:49:31 GMT -5
Ah, if it is after all your breath then a few garlick cloves will help freshen it up a bit.... Looks are more difficult to mask, unless you go the way of the paper bag..
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Post by SteveB on Apr 15, 2017 7:41:53 GMT -5
The help is hard to find. But if your looking to hire people to give pay checks to, you'll get many applicants...
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Post by SteveB on Apr 14, 2017 8:43:21 GMT -5
A week or so ago I took out some sunroots that I've had in storage for almost two years. Out of the handful left, two looked like they held on to life. I planted them and at this moment, looks like only one is sprouting. I'm shocked that there was any life left after so long. They were dormant when I aquired them and have no idea how long before I got them. I intended to plant them last spring and just kinda forgot about them.
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Post by SteveB on Apr 14, 2017 7:56:13 GMT -5
I hear of this, but have never experienced it myself. I use straight Browns quite often. Leaves especially wood chips are my favorite mulches for veggies. Partially decomposed I will till in if I feel the soil needs OM. But usually once established, a good layer dumped on throughout the year keeps the soil happy.
As Steev said, if nitrogen is the issue then a shot for the bed, and a shot of your flavor for yourself...
I too would question the amount of "cides" in the compost. That is mainly what I try to avoid. Just my $.02
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Post by SteveB on Apr 13, 2017 18:21:06 GMT -5
Beautiful cooperative weather here. Wish I would have prepared the garden last fall as I normally do. I could be planting. Oh well I'm expanding and need to break sod, nice weather for it.
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Post by SteveB on Apr 13, 2017 14:47:03 GMT -5
I enjoy these boards and the wisdom and ideas from the participants. I am going to use this here to document for myself my progress throughout my gardening adventures. At the rate I'm going this year, I'm considering a few rental plots to play in. I love growing, and any excess is given away or donated to those in need. I welcome conversation with anyone who dares.. Haha
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