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Comment by Annie Thomas on May 28, 2013 at 1:18pm

Idaho- I love the potting idea you shared.  I'm in north central Florida, so I sow seeds right into the ground in late February.  When I build raised beds, I make them the same size as actual beds (usually full or queen).  This allows me to easily cover the beds with fitted sheets if a frost hits.The first time I did this was by accident, but it has worked out nicely for me.

Sentient- I'm growing Clemson too.  It's what they had at the feed store.

As far as enjoying okra- I used to only like it breaded and fried.  I don't like the texture when it's added to soups.  Just recently, I started tossing whole okra in a bit of olive oil, then adding a bit of salt and pepper.  I lay them on a cookie sheet and bake in a 400 degree oven for about 30-40 minutes, turning throughout the cook time.  My family really enjoys them this way in place of French fries! 

Well, the powdery mildew is back on my crook-necked squash.  I have sprayed it with a mixture of 10% milk in water and it cleared up for about a week.  It looks pretty bad and I'm not sure what to try next. 

Comment by Idaho Spud on May 28, 2013 at 12:51pm

Don't know why that filled pot image was rotated 90 degrees, but you should get the idea anyway.

Comment by Idaho Spud on May 28, 2013 at 12:50pm

Comment by Idaho Spud on May 28, 2013 at 12:42pm

Have you tried or heard of this method of starting plants in a plastic pot that's supposed to be easier on the plant when transplanting to the garden?

I tried it last year and it seemed to work well, so I'm doing it again this year and took a couple of pictures of it.

The idea is to cut most of one pot away except for the bottom and two pieces on opposite sides, just large enough to hold the contents when pulled on.  Put that cut piece in a regular pot (put drainage holes in both of course) and then fill with potting soil.  

When ready to plant in the garden, the cut-up pot has it's narrow strips peeking above the regular pot just enough to grab and pull out.  The plant & potting soil bundle can then be easily slid off the cut-up pot.

I'm not describing it well, but my pictures should give you the idea:

Comment by Idaho Spud on May 28, 2013 at 10:01am

I forgot!  This year I'm trying Brussels Sprouts for the first time in 25 years.  Also, a couple of other Cole crops.

I forgot to mention, as I do every year, I'm growing my favorite vegetable.  Peas.  

Comment by Idaho Spud on May 28, 2013 at 8:28am

Annie, I like that okra flower.  Close to my favorite shade of green.  I've only tried okra once or twice and didn't care for it.  I probably didn't know how to cook it.

In any case, with my limited growing space, this year I'm only growing those things I enjoy eating the most.  Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, beet greens, onions, chives, and some herbs.

As far as trying long season, heat loving things, I'm trying cantaloups and watermelon this year.  I'm trying 4 kinds of watermelon and devoting half of the garden space to them.  

The 80 day ones will probably make it, but the 100 day ones probably won't.  However, like sentient, I like to experiment once in a while. :)

I've read a number of articles on the net about growing them, including one detailed article and Idaho grower is willing to share.  He sells the melons as well as a new kind of seed he has developed.  I'm going to buy his seeds next year.

He, and several other people say they like good drainage and sand should be incorporated into the soil if need be.  However, they don't say what size sand.  I have fine sand and course sand.  Do any of you know which kind I should use?

Comment by Idaho Spud on May 28, 2013 at 8:06am

Joan and Sentient, I like the chicken wire enclosure ideas.  

When I lived where there were a slew of robbins, I made a chicken wire enclosure to protect my strawberries, but at least one made it through.  I ran out and entered the enclosure to shoo it away, and found it funny that in it's panic to get away, it couldn't remember how to get back through the wire.  It took quite a while to escape.

So, the next time I make one, I'll make it with double wire, positioned so the hole size is reduced, or with the plastic "chicken wire" that has smaller holes.

Comment by Sentient Biped on May 27, 2013 at 11:12pm

Annie, that okra flower is beautiful! You are fortunate to be able to grow it.

As to will it grow here, I dont know. Raised bed should give some warmth. I planted a short season variety, Clemson spineless. Ive been feeling nostalgic and wanted to try. I break a lot of gardening rules. Once in a while Im lucky.

Joan I work until I drop. Its needed for peace of mind. Plus my parents never taught me to relax. Not the best thing but got me through a lot in life.

As to water conservation, the lawn is let go brown. Established trees and shrubs are not watered. Most plants are mulched. Some will get a straw mulch once the weather is warm. Some with multi layers. I water by hand, no sprinklers.

Comment by Annie Thomas on May 27, 2013 at 1:26pm

Sentient- Your garden looks wonderful.  I love the variety of your vegetables.  I planted my okra a little late this year, but it is doing well.  I had never before seen an okra flower, and they really are quite lovely.  They only open during the day, then close up in the evening.Good luck with your okra.  I live in "okra country" so I hope mine will do well.  I'll be interested in hearing how yours fares.

Comment by Joan Denoo on May 27, 2013 at 12:01pm

Sentient, your garden looks absolutely wonderful. Where do you get the energy? I have done not one little bit of work, just sit and soak up the fresh air, sunshine, and listen to song birds. The cats that remain come daily. My neighbor picked some rhubarb and made me a loaf of rhubarb bread ...  it tastes so good. 

How are you managing water at your acreage? Any problems? 

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