Tag: garden planning

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Growing Potatoes

French fries, waffle fries, crinkly cut fries, curly fries, baked, boiled, steamed or mashed potatoes are a staple of all of our lives.  I mean honestly would hamburgers be the same without the fry? Would gravy be the same without mashed potatoes?  There are so many things we use potatoes for.  According to the CIP at least a billion are consumed worldwide each year. On top of that potatoes are tubers, which makes them one of the easier plants to grow.  So, if you have been considering growing potatoes and it’s spring in your areas, now is the time!  

Interesting facts about the potato

Potatoes are such a large part of our food lives. What IS a potato anyway?  While we are on the topic is a potato really a vegetable?  Here are some super cool facts about this lovely plant!

  • Potatoes are actually tubers making them one of the easier plants to grow in home gardens.  They are a part of the Nightshade family of plants, which of course are known to have some very poisonous relatives! Curious enough, all parts of the potato plant actually are poisonous, EXCEPT the tubers! Which we eat as the glorious potato! 

  • In the 1890’s the US Supreme Court ruled several plants grown for the consumption of their “fruits” could legally be classified as vegetables and therefore taxed as vegetables!  This decision included the mighty potato and many other plants such as the tomato, (which is actually a berry type fruit) watermelons, lettuce, spinach, kale; stems of rhubarb, carrots, onions, garlic, turnips and other tubers like Jerusalem artichokes, etc.!  As a result, the potato is grown as a vegetable, taxed as a vegetable and is therefore legally considered, a vegetable!
  • The term “spud” for potatoes originated from the Medieval words spyd or spad which were tools used at the time as digging tools.  Of course this is the “Spade” and since spades were often used to dig potatoes, potato tubers were eventually called spud

Preparing your potato bed

Are you planning on growing potatoes? Old school farmer almanac followers will tell you, “if your dandelions are blooming your spuds should be shooting!” In other words plant them when you see those yellow flowers!  Potatoes need cooler weather, the soil needs to be 40 to germinate and they grow best in 60 to 70 degree temperatures.  If it’s too cold or wet or too hot they will not grow well.  

Before planting potatoes make sure the space selected will enable them to thrive. Potatoes need loose, well draining, slightly sandy soil with good organic matter. Those that have hard, clay soils or soil that are filled with rock would do best using raised beds or  bag containers which also work well for growing potatoes . 

All of this does not mean Potatoes are hard to grow, only that like many other plants timing and soil is essential to growing them.  For example, I’m in US Zone 7; therefore, my winters can range from too cold at times to perfect and my summers are 100% too hot.  In addition, I tend to have harder soil in places.  I will get the best results growing potatoes as a spring and fall plant and Sweet potatoes, (which want the heat) as a summer plant.  I also add a slightly sandy topsoil that contained some wood mulch in it and mix in Epsum Salt and cow manure from Black kow. 

Once your beds are ready its time to plant! So grab your spot and some soil, get that ready and and lets move on to growing potatoes!

Growing Potatoes

Planting potatoes is the easiest part of the whole process actually. There should  at least be a mention regarding the prep portion of the process for the potatoes themselves.  

First let’s discuss the ever present question, can one just use store bought potatoes?  The easy answer is yes, and I would be lying if I said I never did.  However, it’s not the best way to grow them.  Therefore, if one does use store bought make sure and choose organic.  Why though, why not?  Well the top reason is many have been sprayed and don’t reproduce as well.  Secondly,  one is never sure what kind they are.  We discussed the weather and the temperatures for potatoes to produce etc.  Potatoes in the store are not always clear as far as  their type.  Are they early producers or those that take longer to grow?  Knowing what one is growing,  especially if in a location that does not have long produce them, is paramount to a successful crop.

Prepping one’s potatoes can be as easy as dropping them in a dark location and allowing them to root.  They can also be placed in shallow jars with water and allowed to root.  Potatoes can be planted whole or cut up as long as there are eyes inclusive in the pieces.  If they are sliced up allow them a few days for the skin to harden prior to planting.  

Dig a trench 6 to 8 inches deep. Allow about 12 inches apart for the largest potato harvest. If limited on space and not as concerned with the size plant them around 6 inches apart.   Plant potatoes with the eyes up and cover them with about 3 to 4 inches of soil.  As they grow mound more soil around them. 

Potatoes like 1 – 2 inches of water per week, and unlike other plants prefer a deep soak in the night hours so that the soil moisture stays with them all day. This is a balancing act however, as too much water will cause your potatoes to either rot or swell.  Therefore, watch watering carefully, leaving enough water to moisten the soil but not to soak it. 

Companion plants

As with any plant there are companions that are best to plant together.  Potatoes do well when grown with:

  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Scallions
  • Raddish

Plants that can enhance the flavor of your potatoes are:

  • Yarrow
  • Chamomile
  • Basil
  • Yarrow
  • Parsley
  • Thyme

According to the Spruce planting Horseradish can help potatoes become more resistant to disease. Flowers like petunias and alyssum can attract beneficial insects and tansy, coriander and catnip can help repel insects like the potato beetle.

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Growing Gourds

My  journey growing gourds started about five years ago with  ornamental gourds. I wanted to grow bottle gourds, also called birdhouse gourds and was primarily interested in them for crafts and such.

 

What I discovered was growing gourds is simply fun.   I have since come to think of gourds as the pringle of the plant world.  You know…  you can’t “grow” just one?  Once one has experienced the total coolness of a gourd vine rambling across their yard  or covering an arbor with giant, odd or gnarly looking “things” hanging down around it, they simply want to see more.

After growing the birdhouse gourd I just had to try a bushel gourd,  (a giant that can grow up to 5 feet across) which led me to the luffa gourd (because who doesn’t want free sponges) and in the coming year I would love to try the canteen, apple or dipper gourd!

What is a Gourd?

Gourds are a part of the cucurbitaceae family which holds some 965 species including the edible varieties, squash and pumpkins; and, the ornamental varieties that are non edible with hard shells. Ornamental gourds are often used for arts and crafts, fancy bowls and spoons etc.

Most plants in this family are vine like.  They also have  a range of white or yellow flowers with both male and female flowers on the same vine.

Growing Ornamental Gourds

Hard shell  ornamental gourds prefer full sun.  They can take the heat!  I have experienced growth in partial shade; however, the largest growth is obtained when grown in full sun.   Gourds are heavy eaters, they produce large fruit so ensure their soil is enriched with compost and organic matter.   (Tip:  Leaves are great for organic matter.  If heavy falling leaves exist around ones garden space,  cover the soil with them in fall and roll them into it in spring!)

  • Preference for gourds is direct sown in spring once all signs of frost has passed and the ground has warmed.
  • Some gourds can take up to 100 days to fully develop and be ready for harvest.   As such, use large starting pods to ensure minimal root damage if starting indoors due to shorter growing seasons.
  • Plan for space.   Most gourds have long heavy vines. They can be allowed to ramble across the ground or grown vertical with arbors or tepees, etc.  Personal preference is to grow vertically.  This enables ease of harvest and identification of pests or fungus etc.
  • Plant seeds  1- 2 inches deep.  If planting in rows plant in groups of 3 – 5 seeds, five feet apart.   Keep the strongest 2-3 plants in each group.
  • If seeding around arbors plant 2 – 4 seeds on each side of the arbor.
  • Keep soil moist during germination and moderately moist as the plants matures.
  • Gourds can successfully be grown in containers.  Two of my favorite container gardeners on Instagram are Cheryl of My Brentwood Garden and The Frenchie Gardener give them a visit for all kinds of container garden tips!

Caring for Gourds

Gourds are relatively simple to care for once they have established.  Their vines grow quick and strong leaving one of the largest challenges their maintenance.   Clip the vines as needed to ensure they don’t crawl into or around other plants.

Gourds are susceptible to the Squash Vine Borer as well as other insects and fungi that target the cucurbitaceae family.  I have had very good luck following these simple feeding steps:

  • Spray gourds semi-monthly with a mix of: fish emulsion  (2 tbs) dish soap (2 tsp) mixed with 1 gallon of water.
  • Monthly:

Companion plants for Gourds

Gourds, like many other plants, thrive when paired with specific plants, also known as companion plants.   Some of the basic companion plants for gourds are:

  • Marigolds
  • Dill
  • Radish
  • Tansy
  • Broccoli
  • Beans
  • Corn

 

 

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Gardening Around the World – Episode 2 – Sharpen Your Spades

Meet Richard Chivers, or as I like to call him Spades, of “Sharpen your Spades” on Instagram.  Spades was one of the first gardeners I followed over a year ago when I first discovered the #gardenersofinstagram family.    He is an avid gardener from Wales, the island of Great Britain, just to the west of England. Over the last year I have watched Spades garden page grow to over 23K followers!  If one takes a moment to meander his page, there is no doubt why he is so popular.   Not only are his photographs beautiful, they are a sea of calm; and the joy Spades has found in gardening is apparent. Join me on this second episode of Gardening Around the World  where I am more than happy to have the chance to interview and share Richards joy, along with a bit of his personal insight into the passion he finds in a garden.

Oma: So Spades, tell us a bit about what drew you to Gardening, when did you start?

Spades: Food actually! I’ve always enjoyed cooking and in 2007, almost by accident, I grew some tomatoes in a pot in the back garden. When I harvested the fruit later that year I was amazed by the taste and quality. It demonstrated to me that away from the supermarket shelves, there are so many varieties of fruit and vegetables available if you grow your own. I became hooked quite quickly.

Oma: Oh you are totally right about that! I wonder how many of us did that same thing? Accidentally realize how good fresh really is I mean. Because, that’s almost exactly what happened to me! My kids at the time were very little and they had spit some cantaloupe seeds in our yard. When they came up I realized what they were and for fun let them grow right there in the grass in the backyard. It was fun and the best cantaloup I ever had; I was hooked! I had grown up watching my great grandparents garden but I wanted to try more! 

Oma: Where is your garden at?  Your yard, an allotment or a local coop?  

Spades: I have an allotment garden a few minutes away from my house. Allotments are (usually) areas of land owned by the local authority that are divided into plots (gardens) for people to rent and grow their own fruit and vegetables. They are fantastic resources and often very generous in size.

Oma: I find it so fascinating that some are so dedicated that they make the time needed to actually go to another place to garden!! Why? Because gardening takes time, and life is busy. To not be able to walk out to my yard and be right there is foreign to me and I find It so wonderful that so many do that.

Oma: Tell us about your journey to get to your space?  How long does it take you? Do you drive or ride a train etc? 

Spades: Luckily my allotment is a 10 minute walk away. If I drive, which I often do when I have plants and tools to take with me, I can be there in 2 minutes. I agree that it’s much more beneficial to have the garden right outside your house; and, I’d love to have that. However,  often in cities, garden space comes at a premium which is why I believe allotments are so important to people and their communities and especially in cities and urban areas.

Oma: This is so true.  I didn’t even know about allotments before I started my Instagram journey and reading up on gardening around the world.  One thing that learning so much about other people who garden has taught me is how blessed all of us are to have spaces to garden especially those that use allotments or coops.  Gardening still takes time!

Oma: How do you make the time to garden;  how have you overcome your challenges in order to be successful with your allotment space?

Spades: I think whatever your circumstances, making time to garden is important. I work full time and I try to ensure I manage the time I get to spend at the allotment as best I possibly can. This means I always have a plan of what I want to achieve at the allotment each visit. I have two mini greenhouses in the garden at home and I grow nearly all of my crops in soil blocks, trays and plastic pots there. This enables me to manage the seedlings close to home and I simply transport them to the allotment when they are ready to be planted out in the ground.  I also try to garden in the most efficient way. Time is precious and I want to make it easy and enjoyable to garden.

One way I’ve done this is through no-dig gardening. I’ve learned a lot from Charles Dowding who is a pioneer in no-dig gardening here in the UK. Not only is No-dig better for the soil and therefore the plants, it saves heaps of time in the autumn and winter months which is traditionally the time gardeners break their backs digging the soil over.

Oma: What is the thing you enjoy most about gardening? Spades: Gosh that’s a hard question.   Oma: Kinda is right??

Spades: It’s more than one thing. Growing food is incredibly rewarding. To nurture a plant from seed to the point that it provides its fruit is a wonderful feeling. It feels worthwhile. Gardening also provides a direct connection with nature and the environment. Something I feel modern society has lost. I know that simply being in the garden is all that I need to relieve stress and to improve my wellbeing.

Oma: Yes, I sometimes wonder what it would be like if we all once again had a Kitchen Garden.  That space right outside our kitchen that held our herbs and spices and vegetables.  From a stress perspective, I think I hear that the most, the stress relief I mean. I used to work in a high impact high stress position.  Hours of upwards of 60-70 a week was an often occurrence.  Being the weekend gardening warrior was sometimes the only thing that kept my sanity!  Gardening is not always easy though.  

Oma: What is the thing you like the least about gardening?  Spades: Not having as much time as I would like to do it!

Oma: Hahaha yes! We could all use more garden time…. Hey…. that sounds like a sign I need to paint??  

Oma: What do you feel is one of the biggest challenges of gardening in your area; and what do you do to overcome this challenge?

Spades:  I live in Wales, which is probably the wettest area in the UK. We get a lot of rain. This clearly has benefits and it’s rare for us to suffer in a dry spell (although the climate emergency has clearly changed that as our recent summers have shown) but it can also be challenging.

I use raised beds and no-dig to ensure the soil I grow in is in the best possible health and structure. The allotments can often flood – especially in winter, but raising beds and not digging or tilling the soil has really made a difference on my plot.

Oma: What is your favorite plant to grow and why?  

Spades: That’s difficult too! I like everything I grow which is why I choose to grow it. In terms of vegetables I might pick Beetroot and Tomatoes. I enjoy them both and the beets are relatively easy to grow and the tomatoes are just an abundance – you can’t beat the flavour of both when they are home grown and fresh.

Oma: There is just something about the tomato right? Seeing those large beautiful red or orange or green babies; there is so much you can do with them. The funny thing Is they are actually not the easiest plants to grow in all areas but people still go for them. Perhaps that adds to the allure, conquering the challenge and all!  Having grown that perfect tomato! 

Oma: Do you want to try and grow something new this next season; if yes what?

Spades: I think it’s important to grow something new each year. Not necessarily a new crop but perhaps a different variety of a crop you enjoy eating. It’s one of the best things about growing your own food, the varieties are incredible. This year will be some new pepper varieties and I try to pick a new pumpkin or winter squash to grow each year too

Oma: I love that, yes!! Variety is one of the reasons I love painting plants so much. Not only are they beautiful, there are so many different kinds of the same plant.  Squash for example, or cabbages or lettuce. I can paint them over and over again and always paint something new.  Which makes your statement so right on; there is always something to grow and still be within the range of what one likes to eat.  

Oma: Who inspires you? If you could meet any gardener you wanted to, who would it be and why?

Spades: I have a few I’d like to meet who have inspired my gardening. I’ve been lucky to meet Charles Dowding twice in the last few years – his books have 

been my number one source for growing vegetables on the allotment. I would love to meet Joy Larkcom who I feel like I know through her fantastic books on the subject and I’d really like to meet Eliot Coleman (New Organic Grower).

Oma: Spades, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to a gardener such as me.  We gardeners learn so much simply being around  or talking to those that love gardening. 

For all of you garden lovers out there give Spades a shout out, tell him Oma says hi and visit his blog  at sharpenyourspades.com  or Instagram: @sharpenyourspades and  Twitter: @spadesharp

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Health Benefit of Tomatoes

This week I started tomato seeds for the spring garden!  I grow them becasuse fresh is best and the health benefit of tomatoes make them even better.  However, I just can’t help that my mind does not think of the benefits whenever I grow tomatoes .  No, it immediately invisions a fresh BLT, (Bacon Lettuce and Tomato sandwich).  I mean, what better health benefit of tomatoes is there then the fact that one can lay a beautiful red slice across a mound of bacon! 

The meatless part of me loves them too. Thoughts of red tomatoes lying on top of fresh lettuce smothered with ranch dressing abound. Or, the way they cook into a sauce that can be lavishly spread across noodles, or bread or mixed into peppers for a bight of tomato heat! 

There is no doubt one of the benefits of tomatoes is their taste and versatility! After all, they are a main source of Umami, that savory flavor that combines “the five basic tastes of sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and saltiness together in one bite!  However, with just a bit of research one will find the health benefit of tomatoes are also numerous. There is so much more to this red, yellow, purple or green beauty than simply their taste! 

About the Tomato

The tomato is actually a fruit! This does make sense as tomatoes are full of juice when sliced open.  However, the Solanum lycopersicum  is most often used as a vegetable.  Tomatoes originated from South and Central America, domesticated and cultivated from the indeginious people of Mexico.

The nutrition factors of tomatoes are quite interesting!  One of the first things that jumps out when researching their benefits is the amount of water one tomato holds! According to an article on healthline.com they actually consist mainly of water! 95% water; and, that is a lot of water in one portion of food!  However, they also contain several nutrients all which help one thrive from a holistic health perspective. 

Top health benefit of tomatoes

   

 

Vitamin C:  One medium tomato could provide as much as 28% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.  Like Orange Juice in a red piece of candy!

 

Potassium: I personally feel the benefits of potassium are underrated, it is afterall an electrolyte.  According to Healthline potassium is a mineral  that produces “positively charged ions,” when dissolved in water.  Now, how interesting is that considering 95% of the tomato is in fact water? Potassium dissolves into one’s body acting as, “positive and negative ions” literally conducting electricity as a positive charge helping to regulate fluid, nerve and muscle contractions.  Vitamin K1:  Important to the bodies ability to create blood clotting and healthy bones!

Vitamin B9: Used for tissue growth and cell functions! Lycopene: That special ingredient that actually makes the tomato red, generally the brighter the color red of the tomato the more Lycopene is present and is strongest in the skin of the tomato.  Lycopene is an antioxidant, helpful in keeping the bodies free radical levels in balance and protecting against things like cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimers. Healthline sighted, “Most red and pink foods contain some lycopene. Tomatoes and foods made with tomatoes are the richest sources of this nutrient.”

Grow Your Own

If one truly wants to appreciate the taste and health of tomatoes one should grow their own.  Many of our foods today are sprayed and grocery store tomatoes are often harvested and transported in their green stage making them immature.  Food companies can be known to use artificial ethylene gas spray on tomatoes to improve their beautiful red coloring during this immature stage.  This process, although good at exposing color, puts a damper on their natural development and hinders the flavor resulting in a more `tasteless” tomato.

Home grown tomatoes give so much flavor to ones recipes. There is afterall a reason us gardeners often say, “it tastes so much better when it’s fresh.”   So, the next time you visit the store and see a package of tomato seeds in a tall isle display, grab some for your home garden! Find the health and flavor of fresh grown tomatoes in your own backyard or allotment garden!

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When to Start Seeds Indoors – Timing is Everything!

“When do I start my seeds?” 

It’s not surprising that this is the question I get the most.  After all, there are so many plants, so many time zones, and so many ways to start a seed.  Many new timers are confused about when to start, how to start or what to start when it comes to seeds for their garden. This is also not surprising as growing plants from seeds is one of the most natural things a gardener can do!  The truth is this a great question! Why? Because, for most time zones there are only so many growing days in the season!  One does not want to use the bulk of that time growing their plant, they want to use the bulk of that time harvesting food.    Starting seeds indoors, helps ensure this can occur as quickly as possible; and, plants are as strong as can be once they are transplanted outside!   

Like several things it often comes down to a few good tips.  For me, after three decades of trying, failing, trying and succeeding, those few quick tips have come down to the three “T’s,” Timing, Tools, and Tending!  This article will focus on Timing and one of the best ways I have found to determine when it’s time to start ones seeds! 

“Is there a Simpler Way”

Beleive it or not knowing when to start your seeds can be quite simple; and, many an issue can be resolved by first gathering three bits of information:

1.  Last Frost Date:  There is usually a spring frost before spring is consistently warm. This last spring frost is known as the “Last Frost Date.” The date in ones area where the last of the cold hits, and the consistent warmth of spring actually starts.   There are multiple places on the web to find out where your last frost date is.  My favorite is the  Farmers Almanac First and Last Frost Dates  calander!   In most cases, this is the date you can consider starting to plant outdoors!

2.  Time to Harvest: Time to harvest is litterally the time it takes a plant to actually produce fruit! The grwoth time before your eating your produce!  The “Time to Harvest” is most often found on the front or back of a seed packet and can range anywhere from 25 days up to a much as 100 days.  

3. Growth Time before Transplanting:  The time one wants their plants to have to grow prior to planting them outside.   A good range is 30% to 50% of the total “Time to Harvest (2).”   The larger percentage of course meaning the plants will be indoors longer.

“Ok so now what?”

So  you know your “Last Frost Date”, your “Time to Harvest” and the “Growth Time before Transplanting” now what? Utilize the “Growth Time before Transplanting” and your “Last Frost Date” to back into the seed start date.   

For example: Hot Peppers can take up to 100 days before the ‘Time to Harvest” is reached.  Targeting 50% of that means the “Growth time before Transplanting” is approximatly 50 days.  Lets look at that example using my zones!

    1. Last Frost Date in My Zone:  April 1 
    2. Time to Harvest for Hot Peppers: 100 Days  
    3. Growth Time Before Planting Outside:  50 Days (50% of Time to Harvest)
    4. Date to start seeds: February 11 
  • Seeds would need to be started by February 11th to allow for a “Growth Time before Transplanting” of at lease 50 days (50% of the “Time to Harvest”)  by the time I reached my “Last Frost Date”!   

There you Go! Now get out there and grow some seeds!

Comming Soon:

How to Grow From Seeds – Tools Are Everything!

 

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Knowing When to Harvest Your Garlic

Knowing  when to harvest your garlic can sometimes be a confusing process. After all, garlic sits below the ground.  One may feel the only clues they really have are the leaves. This is true to a point, in reality however, everything from the leaves, the stems, the soil and the bulbs themselves can all offer clues that help determine when to harvest ones garlic.

The Leaves Of the Garlic Plant

A garlic plants leaves really are the first clue to recognizing garlic has matured. Not all of the leaves mind you, the lower leaves!

Look closely at the leaves lowest to the ground. The very bottom set of leaves will often start to yellow and turn brown around the time your garlic is ready. This could also mean that your garlic needs a little water or is simply shedding; as such it’s not the only sign you should look for, it’s a clue!  

Width of the Stalks

The size of the garlic stalk is a direct correlation to the size of the garlic below the ground. Simply stated as ones garlic matures the stalk also grows in thickness and width.

While looking at the lower leaves consider the size of the stalks. Are the stalks thin or have they started to widen up? As the stalks start to reach 1/2 inch to an inch around the bulbs below the ground should have expanded at least two to three times that size.  Small thin stalks indicate the bulbs may not be ready.

The Soil Around the Garlic

Depending on how deeply the garlic was buried one can often see the dirt start to mound up around the base of the garlic stalk. This naturally  occurs as the bulbs starts to expand below the ground. While looking at your leaves and the size of your stalks look at the soil! Is there mounding or cracking around the stalk? If the other two steps are present, and there is no dirt movement, continue with the next step anyway.

The Actual Garlic Bulbs

One may wonder how the actual garlic cloves can help you determine if they’re ready as they sit below the dirt.  However, if one is seeing all three of the above clues, or at least two of the three clues above the ground they should check below ground and look at a sample of the garlic itself. The trick is to do this in a way that will enable the garlic to continue to grow if it is not yet ready.

Gently remove the dirt from around the stalk being careful not to injure the garlic or harm any of the roots.  It’s important to leave the roots whole. Remove enough soil to enable the bulbs and the formation of the individual garlic cloves to show.

    • Garlic that still has a small head and very little cloves is not ready; recover the bulbs and they will continue to grow! Check back in another week or so!
    • Garlic that is large and well formed is ready!
    • Gently remove the garlic roots and all from the soil.  Remove any large soil clumps however, do not wash them! It’s time to cure your prize.

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Growing Healthy Roses

Growing healthy roses can be one of the most enjoyable things to do… it can also be frustrating as they tend to get hit with things like Black Spot or other similar diseases.  Here are a few Quick Tips to help your roses thrive:

 

  •  Keep the Leaves of your roses Dry!  Always water your roses from the base at the ground level.  Keeping your leaves dry will detour common rose diseases like Black Spot.

  • Put Space Between your Plants! Plant your roses with a minimum of three to four feet between them.  This can do wonders in keeping diseases from jumping from plant to plant within your space.

  • Feed your Roses Epsom Salt!  Roses need Magnesium sulfate to grow strong and using a monthly regime of Epsom Salt will help keep them that way.  Read more about Epsom Salt on the Quick Hit:  Epsom Salt Once a Month!

  • Use Coffee Grinds in your Rose Beds! Roses like a slightly acidic soil.  Coffee grinds in the beds add organic matter and a small amount of acidity.  Feeding them monthly with your left over grinds is a natural way to feed your beauties!  read more about Coffee Grinds in the article: Using Coffee Grinds in your Garden.

  • Add Banana Peals to your Rose Beds! Banana peals have a high level of natural potassium.  Adding them to your soil is a great way to increase your roses potassium levels naturally and you don’t even have to decompose them. Simply bury them below your roses and watch them thrive!

Managing Black Spot

Even with these tips most rose gardens will face Black Spot, (also known as Diplocarpon rosae) on the leaves of their roses.  Black Spot turns the leaves yellow and a classic black spot and will spread quickly from leave to leave.

Black spot hits in cool humid weather normally between 70 and 80 degrees.  Which is why it’s commonly seen attacking our Texas roses in the spring time.  There are a few things one can do to avoid black spot.

    • Follow No Water on Leaves rules as listed above!
    • Spray a Neem Oil Mix of 2 tsp. of Neem to 1 Gallon of Water and 3 tsp. of soap and spray your leaves. I use Rejuve Naturals.
    • Use a Baking Soda Mix of 2 tsp.  baking soda to 1 gallon of water and 2 tsp. of dish soap to create an alkaline chemical condition on the roses and spray it on the leaves.  The alkaline makes it difficult for the fungus to adhere to the leaves!

Using some of these small steps will help your roses perform better for you all year-long!

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Planning for Spring in Five Steps!

I took a deliberate walk around the gardens this morning. What did I find?  Life; little signs of spring, or even better signs of life, all around me. The rebirth of so many things.  It’s no wonder so many people feel this is their absolute favorite time of the year. What better time is there for planning and to refresh one’s mind then this new life stage?  As Solomon said in his songs, “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land… Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”   

How can you prepare your existing beds for spring?

For a gardener there is no better time than spring!  We plan for it all winter and long for it all summer!  Although Fall does offer just as much growth it still seldom rivals the feeling of life we find in spring.   Yes, there are a few simple steps we can take to prepare for its greatness!

1) Walk your space

The first step in preparing your existing beds for spring is simply walking your space!  Just as I did today grab a nice cup of coffee and walk your gardens. This is not a journey of work but one of discovery!   

Your goal here is to simply open your eyes to what life is appearing from last season. Find what is coming back or what needs removed.  Most gardens, even if all annuals, will have some sign that it’s time to prep for spring.    

2) Look for New growth

Did you have roses, trees, or  perennial flowers? Check for signs of green 

coming back around the dead growth. For roses those signature bright purplish red leaves that show up in spring or, for fruit trees the small buds starting to form on the branches from last year.  Make note where its coming up and also make note of any dead growth left from last season.

3) Look for residual or dead foliage

 

Look for green coming up around dead foliage from the last season.  This is a great sign that your plants are doing well and are as ready for  the spring as you are! Notice if there is dead foliage around the new and plan for the best time to start to cut this back .

4) Plan for trimming and clean-up

Most of your plants that return annually will need some kind of trim or clean up.  However, don’t be too anxious to do this. More than likely you will see the first signs of life on your walk several weeks before you should clean off the old.  For example: I am in Zone 8. My signs of spring most often start to show up towards the end of February. I see new growth on my lavender, daisies etc. However without a doubt I will continue to have freezes on and off through the end of March. As such, I should hold on my urge to remove this dead foliage until I know for sure my cold is truly gone.  Why? This bit of leftover foliage offers warmth for the new babies underneath them. How will you know when?

Follow your weather patterns.  One should trim within a week or so of what is considered that last freeze in your area.    If you have plants you’re not sure of you can reach out; we can figure it out!

5) Prep your bare garden areas

Make note of any bare spots you have. The places in your beds that will hold all your new plants such as peppers, tomatoes, corn, beans etc. Do a quick soil test See: Step 2 of a Successful Garden: Soil Assessments and check if you need refreshing.   

  • Add fresh compost! If you have not added fresh soil in a few seasons then you probably need a few bags. I like to refresh annually with Black Kow compost. If it’s an existing bed probably a few bags in each of your spaces will be plenty. Work it into your existing soil spreading it across your beds. This picture here is for both new beds and a refresh of old!  Therefore, the amount you need could vary based on the size of your beds and rather they are new or not!
  • Add fresh peat moss twice a year, once in spring and once in fall.  Peat Moss can be controversial for some.  It is 100% natural which is why I love it, however it’s and taken from the bogs and this is where some have concern.   As such, I try to not use it excessively more as a winter and spring prep! Coconut moss is also an option if one prefers not to use Peat. 
  • Add leftover banana or orange peels in with the fresh compost!
  • Add all of your stored coffee grinds at this time along with eggshells you have been holding over winter! Mix all  of these items in with your existing soil at least three weeks before your first plants go in!  Allow it to sit in your beds and start their decomposition process while starting your seeds.

In Closing!

Starting your spring prep process can be so fun! Yes, it’s work of course but it allows you to see the life that is just around the corner!  To envision what is coming and clear your mind of what has been!  This walk motivates you to get out there and enjoy your first blast of warmth after a long season of cold. 

And, it doesn’t hurt either if you whisper to your gardens in the words of Solomon… “Arise, come, my darlings; my beautiful ones, come with me,” spring is upon us, and my life and your’s is beautiful!

 

 

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Gardening Around the World – Episode 1

One of the things I find most interesting about gardening is all of the people who find joy in doing it!  How so many of us can just love this thing called gardening!  The process of watching life form around us and being a part of making that happen. The other things I find amazing is how all gardeners face different but similar challenges; or; how one side of the world can be facing a winter garden while another is facing summer heat.  These are a few of the things that drew me to start this new series. One that will hopefully introduce all of you to the many gardeners around the world, why they love it and what challenges they face.  My goal is to support those around me that garden, to learn something new and  as always  help promote that love to anyone that may be wanting to start on their own gardening journey!

Meet Ingrid!

Ingrid and Family

Ingrid, of Gardening With Ingrid lives and gardens in the great country of Australia with her husband and young son!  Australia is 9429 miles from the United States!  It would take me a 14 hour plane ride to visit Ingrid!  Australia is most known for its amazing beaches, being the home of the 

Great Barrier Reef

great barrier reef and many that love to garden.  After all ABC even did an article 2016 featuring some of the new young faces taking on gardening called the The Hip Young Faces of Gardening! 

I of course represent the more traditional view of what people think of  when they consider gardeners.  One that has aged and is ready to spend their days tilling the soil and planting seeds.  However,  it is a joy for us older gardeners to see those younger than I finding that same love.  And even more so understanding what drove them to this love.  As such,  grab some coffee and join me for a moment on the interview with Ingrid where we discuss some of her experiences and love for gardening more and more are starting to enjoy.

What drew you to Gardening, when did you first start?

Ingrid with her beautiful basketsSome of my earliest memories are of me in the garden with my mum and dad, picking beans, planting flowers, sitting in the sun, enjoying wheelbarrow rides, watching bees and trying to catch skinks (Oma: What is a Skink??   Ahhh.. a Lizard!!) I have always been an outdoor kid and still prefer to be outside far more than inside. 

My Granddad also had a lovely property with a big garden that I remember riding the ride-on-mower about, raking autumn leaves and picking blackberries. There is something about the garden, when you really get stuck into a task like planting or creating a new bed, that is so rewarding and satisfying when complete!  It somehow brings meaning to life, well..meaning to my life anyway!

Oma: Isn't it amazing how so many of us learned to garden from our grandparents?! Being a grandma now I truly hope to also carry that love forward with my grand babies.

Where is your garden at?  Your yard, an allotment a local coop?

Enjoying the garden

In my backyard. I have a front yard too but have planted that with fairly low maintenance plants. Mostly I’m in the backyard doing things.

Oma: This makes me giggle because I too have a front bed... but its a mess!! One would never know the treasure in my back yard!

What is the thing you enjoy most about gardening?

In the Dirt

Making changes to the garden to improve or create new spaces. I love how the choice of plants can change the whole feel of an environment and create a place that you want to spend time in.

What is the thing you like the least about gardening?

Reaping what you sow

Maintenance… I’m not a big fan of cutting lawns!  I would rather eat them!

Oma: uhhh yes!

What do you feel is one of the biggest challenges of gardening in your area?

The giants

Picking plants that can tolerate harsh weather. We have hot, dry Summers here in Melbourne but the weather can change so quick and be cold and raining the next. If feels as if we can have all four seasons here in a day! Plants have to be tough to tolerate this.

Oma:  We have this in common in with Texas,  it is sometimes so unbelievably hot in Texas!!  Here are some of the things I do to help my plants survive the heat!  Helping Plants Survive the Heat

Do you have a funny gardening story?

Dogs love gardens too

I was wondering once why my apples and pears from the lower branches kept disappearing from the trees even though I had them both netted. So I went out their one evening and hid to catch the thief and to my surprise along comes my Labrador, who proceeded to get under the netting, reach up the tree with her front legs, pluck a pear from a branch and  take it to the lawn to eat! 

Oma:  Hahaha, good thing he is so darn cute!! I guess even dogs understand the importance of healthy choices!!

What is your favorite plant to grow and why?  

Beautiful Pomegranates

Oh this is a hard question for me as I love to grow so many different plants and I think my favorite changes season to season. I am a huge fan of David Austin Roses and thoroughly enjoy Spring and Summertime when I can enjoy fresh blooms inside but if I had to pick one it would be my pomegranate tree. It’s so hardy and low maintenance once it is established. It has lovely foliage and my Son and I just love to pick the fruits in Autumn (Fall) and enjoy eating them sitting on the grass together. So I guess any plant that has an associated fond memory is a favorite of mine to grow!

Oma: I agree I love my pom tree as well; the flowers are lovely and the fruit is amazing and they love the heat, you can't lose with that!

Do you want to try to grow something new this next season?

Oh I was sooo excited to grow cucamelons this season but I lost all of my seedlings due to birds and slugs 🙁 So they are a must for next years Summer planting!!

What advice do you have for new gardeners?

Ingrid in her garden

Don’t be frightened to give it a go. Plants sometimes die but don’t let that put you off-try to work out why and learn from your mistakes. Remember plants want to survive, it's all about giving the plants the position, soil and water they love to thrive in.

Do you offer any gardening services if so what and how do people reach you?

Yes I offer gardening consults and assist people who want to grow from home and turn their garden into an edible garden. They can message me through instagram: Gardeing.With.Ingrid or my Facebook: Gardening with Ingrid   and email me at ingridsgardendesign@gmail.com

If you could interview anyone about their garden who would it be; and what is the one thing you would ask them?

Love to meet
Picture by https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/29/monty-don-the-good-life-is-the-route-to-madnessand-bad-breath/

Oh I’d love to interview Monty Don and... one question… that is hard! I would love to ask him lots of questions but I would ask him ‘What is his favorite garden he has ever visited and why?

Oma: Oh my goodness, that's a GREAT question!!  Well, Let's give a shout out to his insta page on this article and see if by some stroke of luck we can get that answer!! In the mean time BBC Gardeners World has a great Facebook group called BBC Gardeners World Magazine group!  You should give them a follow as all the gardeners from the UK are so fun to learn from!

That's it for this first article!! Leave me a note on any other questions you would like to hear about and give Ingrid a follow, I am sure you will enjoy her posts and stories as much as I have!

 

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