Spring Garden-It's time for show and tell

[cover2]

Candied Jalapeno, yum yum

Can't say that I've had candied Jalapeno. Daughter pickles them and we use in a variety of ways (salads, mexican, pizzas, etc.). I like to take some venison backstrap and fold it around some cream cheese and a Jalapeno slice, then wrap in bacon and grill. Also like one in my greens while they’re cooking.

 

[TLB]

Not to hijack or derail the thread, but do any of you horticulturalists have suggestions on dealing with an invasive tree?

I don't know what kind it is (I can give pictures if needed), but it's growing like weeds here in PA. I often can identify them while they are roughly 1/4-1/2" dia and maybe 2ft tall. A shear can snip it off at that point, but I've still got a small stump and of course roots that extend a bit further than I want to deal with. The bigger problem is I'm lazy af and don't get around to it until they are 2-3" in dia and up to 10' tall. I've spent the last few weeks pruning branches head high and lower on ALL trees (mostly pine trees) in preparation of a backyard fence (unplanned $4k to go with the wife's new dog) and so I'm finally getting around to getting rid of these pain in the rear trees as well. I'm sawing them within a foot of the ground, but it's leaving that stump and roots that tell me I'll be back at it before long. They don't merit calling a pro for stump removal (though I have two stumps that DO need that level of attention, so I can ask them what to do with these other ones). What I'd like to do is spike them and kill them good, making them easier to dig out and remove.

Any suggestions on dealing with this issue?

 

[NVGator]

I like the square foot concept. That's what the missus wants us to eventually expand to. What are your pros and cons?

Not sure I quite know what you are saying or asking.

 

[NVGator]

Not to hijack or derail the thread, but do any of you horticulturalists have suggestions on dealing with an invasive tree?

I don't know what kind it is (I can give pictures if needed), but it's growing like weeds here in PA. I often can identify them while they are roughly 1/4-1/2" dia and maybe 2ft tall. A shear can snip it off at that point, but I've still got a small stump and of course roots that extend a bit further than I want to deal with. The bigger problem is I'm lazy af and don't get around to it until they are 2-3" in dia and up to 10' tall. I've spent the last few weeks pruning branches head high and lower on ALL trees (mostly pine trees) in preparation of a backyard fence (unplanned $4k to go with the wife's new dog) and so I'm finally getting around to getting rid of these pain in the rear trees as well. I'm sawing them within a foot of the ground, but it's leaving that stump and roots that tell me I'll be back at it before long. They don't merit calling a pro for stump removal (though I have two stumps that DO need that level of attention, so I can ask them what to do with these other ones). What I'd like to do is spike them and kill them good, making them easier to dig out and remove.

Any suggestions on dealing with this issue?

 

[cover2]

Not sure I quite know what you are saying or asking.

The rectangular plot looks like an efficient use of space, but are you limited by what you can plant as opposed to what you might want to? How does it drain? How do you like the mulch on top of your bed? My wife’s been wanting us to put in a couple of rectangular beds with mushroom compost at the bottom, yard dirt in the middle, and potting soil on top. She likes a real organized look; I’m more about the production and maximizing available space. Sorry I wasn’t clearer in my initial query, but I’d appreciate any feedback.

 

[cover2]

Things are just now starting to get ready.



Squash and zucchini have been bearing since last week. The peppers have all gotten ready to pick this week (though I bout let one cow horn go to seed). Still don’t have any color on the table tomatoes, but the salad reds are picking up. Looking forward to the Pears getting ready.

 

[NVGator]

The rectangular plot looks like an efficient use of space, but are you limited by what you can plant as opposed to what you might want to? How does it drain? How do you like the mulch on top of your bed? My wife’s been wanting us to put in a couple of rectangular beds with mushroom compost at the bottom, yard dirt in the middle, and potting soil on top. She likes a real organized look; I’m more about the production and maximizing available space. Sorry I wasn’t clearer in my initial query, but I’d appreciate any feedback.

I'm limited mostly to the sunlight it gets. As you can see it's next to a fence which blocks sun for quiet some time. It was just the only place in the yard I could put it.

I notice you plant in the ground but seems everything @crosscreekcooter plants in are pots. Wonder why?

 

[crosscreekcooter]

@cover2 - man everything looks really healthy.- that playhouse must have an east west exposure-I used to grow Huskys, great tasting tomato but my Huskys while early never put off like yours are doing- squash plants look really good too- what is your fertilization and schedule?

 

[crosscreekcooter]

I'm limited mostly to the sunlight it gets. As you can see it's next to a fence which blocks sun for quiet some time. It was just the only place in the yard I could put it.

I notice you plant in the ground but seems everything @crosscreekcooter plants in are pots. Wonder why?

Immapothead. It seems easier for me to control fungus and disease growing in pots. I need to get a sunshade for the old grape arbor for the late June sun. Planted in pots I can move them to afternoon shade or out of a heavy rain . The problem with pots as I see it is it restricts fruit size and constant watering washes the nutrients out of the potting mix so I feed more frequently than if they were in the ground.

 

[crosscreekcooter]

Not to hijack or derail the thread, but do any of you horticulturalists have suggestions on dealing with an invasive tree?

I don't know what kind it is (I can give pictures if needed), but it's growing like weeds here in PA. I often can identify them while they are roughly 1/4-1/2" dia and maybe 2ft tall. A shear can snip it off at that point, but I've still got a small stump and of course roots that extend a bit further than I want to deal with. The bigger problem is I'm lazy af and don't get around to it until they are 2-3" in dia and up to 10' tall. I've spent the last few weeks pruning branches head high and lower on ALL trees (mostly pine trees) in preparation of a backyard fence (unplanned $4k to go with the wife's new dog) and so I'm finally getting around to getting rid of these pain in the rear trees as well. I'm sawing them within a foot of the ground, but it's leaving that stump and roots that tell me I'll be back at it before long. They don't merit calling a pro for stump removal (though I have two stumps that DO need that level of attention, so I can ask them what to do with these other ones). What I'd like to do is spike them and kill them good, making them easier to dig out and remove.

Any suggestions on dealing with this issue?

Not sure what kind of fence you have planned but keep in mind a rotting stump in the ground attracts termites. Anything over 3 or 4 inches by the fence could be a problem later. If it were me, on the small ones youre cutting I would pour a small amount of brush killer on the cut and around the root. I had a freaking palmetto that kept growing from under the edge of the concrete pool deck and I tried digging it up several times to no avail..I finally poured about a cup of muriatic acid down on the stalk and within a week it browned out and soon after I pulled ot out of the ground with my hand. That schit is deadly on all living things.

 

[cover2]

I'm limited mostly to the sunlight it gets. As you can see it's next to a fence which blocks sun for quiet some time. It was just the only place in the yard I could put it.

I notice you plant in the ground but seems everything @crosscreekcooter plants in are pots. Wonder why?

Gotcha. That little patch of dirt has never had anything planted in it, so I think it’s good and fresh. I have some more tomatoes in pots and cucumbers, but my early influence was all in ground. I think the pots take out the need for weeding and such and they are a little higher off the ground (good for old wore out backs :)). That’s another thing my wife likes about the built up beds. Bout to figure out @crosscreekcooter and believe he’s some kinda scientist. Probably has notebooks on top of notebooks of his greater percentage yield in pots :)

 

[grengadgy]

Not to hijack or derail the thread, but do any of you horticulturalists have suggestions on dealing with an invasive tree?

I don't know what kind it is (I can give pictures if needed), but it's growing like weeds here in PA. I often can identify them while they are roughly 1/4-1/2" dia and maybe 2ft tall. A shear can snip it off at that point, but I've still got a small stump and of course roots that extend a bit further than I want to deal with. The bigger problem is I'm lazy af and don't get around to it until they are 2-3" in dia and up to 10' tall. I've spent the last few weeks pruning branches head high and lower on ALL trees (mostly pine trees) in preparation of a backyard fence (unplanned $4k to go with the wife's new dog) and so I'm finally getting around to getting rid of these pain in the rear trees as well. I'm sawing them within a foot of the ground, but it's leaving that stump and roots that tell me I'll be back at it before long. They don't merit calling a pro for stump removal (though I have two stumps that DO need that level of attention, so I can ask them what to do with these other ones). What I'd like to do is spike them and kill them good, making them easier to dig out and remove.

Any suggestions on dealing with this issue?

Post a picture of the leaves and stalks. Dang, we aren't wanting pictures of your wife or kids. :)

 

[cover2]

@cover2 - man everything looks really healthy.- that playhouse must have an east west exposure-I used to grow Huskys, great tasting tomato but my Huskys while early never put off like yours are doing- squash plants look really good too- what is your fertilization and schedule?

Thank you sir. That little playhouse plot does get the morning sun and is in the shade by 3:00 or so. I’ve fertilized twice (once in March and May) with regular old vegetable mix. Just make a ring around each plant, till it in, and then water first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I don’t flood them. Also try not to get too much extra moisture on the leaves or fruit other than the dew or any rain, which we’ve had none for the better part of a month!

That one Husky I potted has a little layer of cow manure between the garden soil and the potting soil. We’ve got plenty with the 47 head of Angus on the farm. When I repot the other two younger plants I’ll do the same. We’ve also got a bunch of cattle mineral containers that are good for bigger tomatoe plants.

My fertilize and pest schedule is what I can recall Granddaddy doing. He was an Ammo Nite farmer (“for the quick kick and long pull”). He believed in Sevin dust from a mule driven dust gun for the bloom thrips in pole beans and most anything else that crawled or flew, but he didn’t overdo it. Best thing I’ve got going this year is my little patch has never had anything but grass growing on it...centipede that is :)

 

[Detroitgator]

Immapothead. It seems easier for me to control fungus and disease growing in pots. I need to get a sunshade for the old grape arbor for the late June sun. Planted in pots I can move them to afternoon shade or out of a heavy rain . The problem with pots as I see it is it restricts fruit size and constant watering washes the nutrients out of the potting mix so I feed more frequently than if they were in the ground.

i like pots because i can rotate them too... we get a lot more sun on them in the afternoon and they grow weird if we don't rotate them because of all the sun on the west side.

 

[crosscreekcooter]

The rectangular plot looks like an efficient use of space, but are you limited by what you can plant as opposed to what you might want to? How does it drain? How do you like the mulch on top of your bed? My wife’s been wanting us to put in a couple of rectangular beds with mushroom compost at the bottom, yard dirt in the middle, and potting soil on top. She likes a real organized look; I’m more about the production and maximizing available space. Sorry I wasn’t clearer in my initial query, but I’d appreciate any feedback.

That mushroom compost is awesome stuff, used to get it at lowes but last couple of times I've been there they were out. I also use a planting mix they sell that I really like called Jungle Growth. I fogot you have a bunch of cows, no wonder everything looks so good.
I go a little bit lighter than I used to. I used to go crazy with Nitrogen thinking if a little is good a lots gotta be better. For a couple years I had beautiful lush bushy tomato bushes and no tomatoes, those I got had blossom endrot. When I pot I add a couple cups of kitchen compost for the microbial activity, seems to keep plants happy, then I toss in 2 tablespoons of epson salts. bat quano, bone meal, and a slow release balanced mix 5-6-8 and about every 2-3 weeks add a couple tablespoons of the slow release till fruit starts setting. Then every 10 days or so I use a weak drench of Miracle Grow. This is working better for me more so than anything else I've done.
You were talking about maximizing yield, theres a guy I follow on Youtube that does what they call the Kratky System in a hoophouse. It's a hydroponic system in Dutch buckets and he gets some outrageous yields. Even though I don't grow hydro I find it's interesting to learn. This guy does quite well.

here's his home site wit a lot of videos. mhpgardener

 

[crosscreekcooter]

Here's another guy I follow, more conventional both in raised beds and in pots. He has a lot of good info in a lot of videos. Problem is all the BS thats on the internet, these two offer really good info. His site is called The Rusted Garden
Gary Pilarchik (The Rusted Garden)

 

[Treebeard]

TLB

There are several apps that will ID trees - some even invasive. Here is one that was just suggested to me:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=plant.identification.snap&hl=en_US

I have not tried it yet, so I am not too sure about accuracy.

Florida has an Invasive/ Exotic Pest Plants group - FLEPPC - Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Probably something like that for you up there.

Also, here is a link to some basics on treating stumps with "over the counter" stuff: Cut Stump Herbicide Treatments for Invasive Plant Control - Alabama Cooperative Extension System

There are other chemicals out there, but you start to get into controlled stuff that you need professional applicators license in order to buy/use them.

 

[cover2]

That mushroom compost is awesome stuff, used to get it at lowes but last couple of times I've been there they were out. I also use a planting mix they sell that I really like called Jungle Growth. I fogot you have a bunch of cows, no wonder everything looks so good.
I go a little bit lighter than I used to. I used to go crazy with Nitrogen thinking if a little is good a lots gotta be better. For a couple years I had beautiful lush bushy tomato bushes and no tomatoes, those I got had blossom endrot. When I pot I add a couple cups of kitchen compost for the microbial activity, seems to keep plants happy, then I toss in 2 tablespoons of epson salts. bat quano, bone meal, and a slow release balanced mix 5-6-8 and about every 2-3 weeks add a couple tablespoons of the slow release till fruit starts setting. Then every 10 days or so I use a weak drench of Miracle Grow. This is working better for me more so than anything else I've done.
You were talking about maximizing yield, theres a guy I follow on Youtube that does what they call the Kratky System in a hoophouse. It's a hydroponic system in Dutch buckets and he gets some outrageous yields. Even though I don't grow hydro I find it's interesting to learn. This guy does quite well.

here's his home site wit a lot of videos. mhpgardener

I knew you were a scientist :)

Good info. Makes me think that we’ve got a bucket of Miracle Gro in the shed that needs using. May have to work it into the rotation.

 

[LagoonGator68]

Not to hijack or derail the thread, but do any of you horticulturalists have suggestions on dealing with an invasive tree?

I don't know what kind it is (I can give pictures if needed), but it's growing like weeds here in PA. I often can identify them while they are roughly 1/4-1/2" dia and maybe 2ft tall. A shear can snip it off at that point, but I've still got a small stump and of course roots that extend a bit further than I want to deal with. The bigger problem is I'm lazy af and don't get around to it until they are 2-3" in dia and up to 10' tall. I've spent the last few weeks pruning branches head high and lower on ALL trees (mostly pine trees) in preparation of a backyard fence (unplanned $4k to go with the wife's new dog) and so I'm finally getting around to getting rid of these pain in the rear trees as well. I'm sawing them within a foot of the ground, but it's leaving that stump and roots that tell me I'll be back at it before long. They don't merit calling a pro for stump removal (though I have two stumps that DO need that level of attention, so I can ask them what to do with these other ones). What I'd like to do is spike them and kill them good, making them easier to dig out and remove.

Any suggestions on dealing with this issue?

Saltpeter powder 4 oz. in any drugstore wet and dry section or. They can order it. Cheap. Drill hole or holes in stump, pour in powder, add a little water, cork hole with wine or fishing cork. Forget about it.

 

[cover2]

Saltpeter powder 4 oz. in any drugstore wet and dry section or. They can order it. Cheap. Drill hole or holes in stump, pour in powder, add a little water, cork hole with wine or fishing cork. Forget about it.

Same saltpeter that the military used to put in the chow to put a damper on certain...cravings? Sounds like a good remedy.