Do You Garden??

[maikeru]

Yes, sir, I do! I'm an indoor gardener primarily, although I'm in the process of looking for fruit trees and blueberry bushes for a little outdoor gardening. Might get some grapes growing this year. Love that terra preta. :)

[maikeru]

I voted for armchair. I wish I had my own place, but I'm at the whim of my roomate and his ambitions for a transformation from a nice ornamental island to a completely grass covered lawn. :D

 

I would love to have a native plant garden. I'm very into plants, but do not know many ornamentals (or agricultural/fruit plants and trees). It may seem odd to the common gardener, but I'm sure I could best them with a walk in some neighboring woods. :)

 

Personally, I think green lawns are a plague. :Exclamati We have a million bajillion of them here in Utah, north to south, even though we're in a desert. Seems like an excellent use of water, right? I think it's a lot more rewarding to have a mix of plants and trees, to provide contrast and useful benefits (like fruits, nuts, herbs, etc.), than neverending expanses of golf greens which you can't eat, sleep, or walk on.

[freeztar]

Personally, I think green lawns are a plague. :hihi: We have a million bajillion of them here in Utah, north to south, even though we're in a desert. Seems like an excellent use of water, right? I think it's a lot more rewarding to have a mix of plants and trees, to provide contrast and useful benefits (like fruits, nuts, herbs, etc.), than neverending expanses of golf greens which you can't eat, sleep, or walk on.

 

Exactly!

Grass has its place, but to intentionally make it have its place is just silly. Nonetheless, a lot of people find it utterly beautiful when manicured.

I think it is just leftover aesthetics from the prim and proper days of yesteryear, so hopefully it will wash out in the next dozen generations or so. :doh:

But I'm way more hopeful than that. ;)

 

My backyard (er...roomate's) is mainly a floodplain for a creek that borders the property. There are several wetland species that border the creek which suggests a supply of water although the creek has never flooded its banks since I've been here (which is only 6 months, but the banks are severely eroded and the base flow is about 4-5 feet below the banks). I'm going to ask him to preserve this area and I plan to do some gardening there, but not the typical kind. I hope to make that area a little more active and promote the present growth. All native back there!

 

But then I also want to start a "potted" garden. I figure this way I can move the plants around a bit and have more leeway if the grass monster comes to town. I'm leaning towards the potted idea as my roomate plans to rip up the lawn early fall. What should I be considering for starting a very simple "potted garden"?

 

I definitely want to start a lime tree (citrus), various peppers, and a few veggies. I'm thinking I'll go to my county composting site and pick up a good bit of material there and get some char to go with it. Suggestions?

[Monomer]

I've taken to gardening since I moved to a house with a garden. I'm only renting, so I haven't planted too much, but I've got a climber that's taking over some lattice and some flowers growing. The garden was fairly plain when I moved in so I'm trying to add colour. I look forward to owning my own house and then I'll plant fruit trees and some vegies. Nothing like the taste of home grown food mmmmm...:lol:

[InfiniteNow]

My first solo attempt this year (well, my GF is helping guide me. Her dad’s a farmer, and her assistance is greatly welcomed). I bought my house mid spring last year, first time homeowner and all. Essentially this is the real “first” spring.

 

I’ve first planted some live oaks in the front yard. Still young and small, and they grow slowly, but they are a very majestic and beautiful tree as they mature. I’ve got the bunch covered in mulch (except at the root flare… although, I think it’s still too young and small to call a “flare” yet) and rounded with a soaker hose on a timer. :hihi:

 

I planted some peppers as well, and they look hearty already. The two I chose this season are anaheims and jalapenos. They should make for some good grilling and good salsas. I also planted a bunch of herbs. Garlic chives and sweet basil to assist in my culinary activities, and lavender just because it smells so nice. My roses look really nice also, and they just got fed today. I can’t wait to see them bloom again. They were awesome last year, and I hadn’t even touched them yet.

 

I discovered today that the pretty tree in my backyard is, in fact, a peach tree. Small green little nubs are starting to come off of it already. Also, beside the peach are some small pear trees a few feet away from my (newly started) compost pile. :)

 

I’m very excited, although very much a gardening novice. When I was a child, my grandmother had me help her in the garden she kept. However, I really was only good at eating the fruits of her labor, and the real work was done by her hands. Hopefully I have thumbs of a gardener’s color… and not just green gloves covering them. :)

 

A special mention to Racoon, for sharing his stories last year and "planting the seed" in my mind that this was someting I wanted to do as well.

 

Cheers all. :cup:

[InfiniteNow]

My anaheim peppers are looking strong. I do not yet have peppers, but the stems and leaves are taking off. The jalapeños are right behind them. Not quite as big, but strong and hearty.

 

The live oak I planted in my front yard is showing new green leaves, which is reassuring as it didn't appear to be taking to the soil too well. There were many dried leaves and branches, and I was unsure it would make it. However, the spring rains have brought with them new growth and I am excited that it just might find it's roots.

 

I planted a bunch of herbs, and performed a small experiment. I put some seeds directly into ceramic pots with good soil, and put others into seed starting peat pots filled with the same soil. Interestingly, the seeds in the peat pots are still struggling, but the seeds placed in the ceramic pots are thriving. Whooda thunk it?

 

I can’t wait for my peppers to come out, and get some fresh tomatoes from my girlfriend’s dad so I can make some homemade salsa. Oh my… good times await. :D

[Guest chendoh]

First lawn cut, of the season, done today at 6pm.

Have sunflowers, spinich, onions, toematoes, peppers, in.

[Buffy]

My anaheim peppers are looking strong. I do not yet have peppers, but the stems and leaves are taking off. The jalapeños are right behind them. Not quite as big, but strong and hearty.

What are you growing them in? A pot or a bed? I'm wondering how much root area these things need...

 

Growing kids and pretty, yummy stuff,

Buffy

[InfiniteNow]

What are you growing them in? A pot or a bed? I'm wondering how much root area these things need...

 

This year, I’ve put them into terra cotta pots, roughly 10” diameter. I put two per pot. Beats the heck out of me how much root area they need. I based my decision on the 10” pots since they were the ones on sale... That, and having seen a friend have great success (in the ground) in a 10x10 square.

 

I’ll likely get braver and try the ground next year. Since I’m a gardening noob, I decided pots would be easier to keep and protect from our Texas storms. Just earlier this week, in fact, I pulled them inside for cover when a storm rolled through.

 

Growing kids and pretty, yummy stuff

I’ve never grown a kid, nor eaten one. Do you have a specific technique for making them more yummy? ;)

 

 

Cheers. :hihi:

[freeztar]

I ordered a bunch of seeds a week ago and was hoping they would get here this weekend so I could plant them, but that is not looking good unless they show up tomorrow. It's starting to get too late to plant certain seed in my area. :(

It looks like I'm going to have to make a "potted garden" as my roommate plans to rip up the lawn in the fall and plant grass :( (I did manage to talk him into saving the floodplain next to the creek where all the nice wetland plants grow. :)).

 

So here are a few questions for you experienced gardeners:

-I plan on buying all my soil, compost, and charcoal and mixing it myself. I've never done this so I was wondering what proportions I should strive for? What's the best way to mix them without creating too big of a mess (remember this is for pots, mostly on a patio)? I'd rather not splurge on a wheelbarrow, but could probably scrounge up a garbage can, or similar, and do small batches. :shrug:

-I plan on getting seed trays and starting all of the seeds that way. Should I use the same soil mixture as the planting soil? I recall seeing people use sphagnum and that foamy stuff, but if I can just use the soil and it will work as quick, then I'd just assume do that.

-A colleague recommended not using black plastic containers. She said they would roast the plants. It seems logical enough, but it also seems that it wouldn't have a significant impact given our typical summers here of 98 degrees F and 101% humidity. How much damage can the heat from the black plastic cause the roots?

-Any other general tips?

 

I know my questions probably are very newbie-like, but in fact I have done a bit of gardening in the past, but nothing like what I'm about to undertake. I'm really excited to create some Terra Preta, or would it be Terra Potta in this case? :hihi:

[Buffy]

I’ll likely get braver and try the ground next year. Since I’m a gardening noob, I decided pots would be easier to keep and protect from our Texas storms.

Peppers are pretty hardy: A friend of mine has an enormous Habanero bush in her front yard. I guess its a bush, but it grows almost like a vine. I'm a noob too, so I'm starting small, and I've got a strawberry pot (with the little side holes) that I thought I'd try some peppers in. For some reason my strawberries have never come out well...

I’ve never grown a kid, nor eaten one. Do you have a specific technique for making them more yummy? :shrug:

I have Irish friends and they say they're like ostrich: really tough, so they're best either in a slow cooked stew or try a corned beef recipe. :)

 

My kid and her friends are too nice, but there are some queen bees and jerky boys at her school that I think would make good candidates for the stew pot. :( :( :evil:

 

She cut her baby brother in two, :hihi:

Buffy O'Leary

[Turtle]

So here are a few questions for you experienced gardeners:

-I plan on buying all my soil, compost, and charcoal and mixing it myself. I've never done this so I was wondering what proportions I should strive for? What's the best way to mix them without creating too big of a mess (remember this is for pots, mostly on a patio)? I'd rather not splurge on a wheelbarrow, but could probably scrounge up a garbage can, or similar, and do small batches. :hihi:

 

To some degree the particular plant determines the best soil mix, as in preferring acid soil, clayy soil, etcetera. I would just buy a general commercial 'mix' and add the charcoal to it. Those 5 gallon paint buckets make good mixing vessels.

 

-I plan on getting seed trays and starting all of the seeds that way. Should I use the same soil mixture as the planting soil? I recall seeing people use sphagnum and that foamy stuff, but if I can just use the soil and it will work as quick, then I'd just assume do that.

 

You should have no problem using the same soil.

 

-A colleague recommended not using black plastic containers. She said they would roast the plants. It seems logical enough, but it also seems that it wouldn't have a significant impact given our typical summers here of 98 degrees F and 101% humidity. How much damage can the heat from the black plastic cause the roots?

 

This may depend on the plant, but the black containers will absorb more heat. As these containers are common in nurseries, I wouldn't worry unless particular plants suffer. In this case, wrap the container with something lighter in color or take other steps to shade them.

 

-Any other general tips?

 

I know my questions probably are very newbie-like, but in fact I have done a bit of gardening in the past, but nothing like what I'm about to undertake. I'm really excited to create some Terra Preta, or would it be Terra Potta in this case? :)

 

Have fun!

 

I planted some radishes last week & they're starting to sprout. Also planted some cucumbers and a row of sunflowers; nothing up yet. Not sure what else is going in. :( :shrug:

[freeztar]

Thanks for the replies Turtle!

 

I eventually talked my roommate into letting me use a section of the backyard for in-the-ground planting so I'm pretty excited to dig up a small plot and throw some seeds down. I still plan on doing a lot of potted plants as well though for contrast/comparison.

 

I checked my local Lowe's for the Cowboy Brand charcoal that someone in the TP forum recommended. They had Cowboy Brand mesquite and hickory chips, but no charcoal so I had to go with some regular briquettes without lighter fluid. I took one out when I got home and tried to grind it into some pavement with my shoe, but it was hard as a rock. My next step is to try a hammer but it's gonna take me forever to crush the 120 lbs. I bought!! I'm wondering if I might be able to soak them and maybe they would dissolve or get soft enough to where I could blend them into a char-slurry. ;)

(but seriously, there must be some kinda adhesive added during the briquette production so perhaps a simple chemical solvent could errode these bonds and leave the char intact?)

 

I started 144 seeds in a sprouting tray yesterday so we'll see how it goes. I planted calendula, purple carrots, dill, garlic chives, parsley, thyme, peppers, and a few caccti. :cup: I ended up getting a seed starting soil mixture for the seed trays. I got 3 bags of charcoal, a bag of topsoil, a bag of cow manure, and a bag of mushroom compost. This is going to be a lot of work, but I'll snap some pics when I have it all done and things start popping up.

[Mercedes Benzene]

A couple days ago I read an article that inspired me to dabble in gardening. Summer break is almost here, so hopefully I'll have some time to get working. My interest however lies not in conventional gardening, but in terariums, catering specifically to rare and/or exotic plants. I've got some ideas in mind, and I'll share as soon as I get to work.

[Turtle]

Thanks for the replies Turtle!

 

... I got 3 bags of charcoal, a bag of topsoil, a bag of cow manure, and a bag of mushroom compost. This is going to be a lot of work, but I'll snap some pics when I have it all done and things start popping up.

 

Sounds like a good mix. Depending on the consitency of the native soil, and in conjunction with your listed ingredients, you may want to add some sand as well.

 

I saw someone mention in the terra preta threads that they smashed up the briquettes with a brick.

;) :cup:

[maikeru]

It looks like I'm going to have to make a "potted garden" as my roommate plans to rip up the lawn in the fall and plant grass (I did manage to talk him into saving the floodplain next to the creek where all the nice wetland plants grow. :D).

 

I'm almost a veteran potted gardener. Just give me a few more months and it'll be a year since I started my indoor terra preta garden. :(

 

So here are a few questions for you experienced gardeners:

-I plan on buying all my soil, compost, and charcoal and mixing it myself. I've never done this so I was wondering what proportions I should strive for? What's the best way to mix them without creating too big of a mess (remember this is for pots, mostly on a patio)? I'd rather not splurge on a wheelbarrow, but could probably scrounge up a garbage can, or similar, and do small batches.

 

What I've read about the Amazonian terra preta del indio and I've experimented with are mixes of crushed/fine charcoal from 20-40% and maybe 20-40% potting soil and the rest is organic material: peat/spaghnum moss, blended seaweed (which I make myself from cheap seaweed, make sure low sodium kind), spent coffee grounds, tea leaves, egg shells, etc. I try to work in a lot of organics to break up the soil and allow for aeration. Work on patio or some place where it's easy to sweep away the mess. These mixes work very well for most herbs that I've tried, everything from shallots to oreganos. As the soil ages, it also seems to become more fertile and the plants will grow larger and larger. For example, my oreganos have leaves about 3-4 inches long and are 1-2 feet high and spreading everywhere. They're monsters compared to everything I've grown before. Didn't expect them to get so large. They may grow too large for your pots. Give 'em room to grow.

 

-I plan on getting seed trays and starting all of the seeds that way. Should I use the same soil mixture as the planting soil? I recall seeing people use sphagnum and that foamy stuff, but if I can just use the soil and it will work as quick, then I'd just assume do that.

 

I would suggest growing them in or getting them used to your terra preta. They'll grow faster that way and not suffer too much trauma or stress if transplanted. Moss is good at holding water, but useless for nutrients. I suggest you keep the moss for mixing into your terra preta to allow it to hold more water. Most seedlings also do very well if you incubate or start them in warm, moist conditions, such as creating a mini-greenhouse or jar or plastic wrap over their containers to allow for fast and strong germination. Once they look healthy and big, you can then allow the conditions to dry out a little.

 

-A colleague recommended not using black plastic containers. She said they would roast the plants. It seems logical enough, but it also seems that it wouldn't have a significant impact given our typical summers here of 98 degrees F and 101% humidity. How much damage can the heat from the black plastic cause the roots?

 

A lot. They'll crisp and flop over dead. I had one black container that did fry the plants and everything inside. If you can, get white, light-colored, or clear containers. I use cheap, clear plastic containers that I bought for a dollar a piece for my garden. But in your case, you'd probably need sturdy pots. Also, get something with holes, so your plants' roots can breathe. I noticed a marked difference when using different potting mixes with larger granular soil sizes and smaller ones, which I think can be attributed to soil aeration. More soil aeration allows your plants to tolerate heat better and to grow more robustly, producing larger stems and leaves. The room I grow my plants in possibly reaches a 100+ F during the summer from the sunlight coming in through all the windows, but as long as they have water (not over watered, though) and air, they seem to thrive.

 

-Any other general tips?

 

For new terra preta, add a few doses of high nitrogen fertilizer spread over a few weeks to saturate the charcoal and give more nutrients for microbes and plants to take hold. The charcoal's binding abilities will lock up nutrients temporarily. But once the microbes and fungi get going and help regulate and release the nutrients, your plants will grow faster than weeds! Continue to fertilize with extra organic waste, such as coffee grounds, seaweed, compost, or leaves.

 

I know my questions probably are very newbie-like, but in fact I have done a bit of gardening in the past, but nothing like what I'm about to undertake. I'm really excited to create some Terra Preta, or would it be Terra Potta in this case? ;)

 

Terra potta. Now there's an idea. :D :cup:

[InfiniteNow]

I'm wondering if I might be able to soak them and maybe they would dissolve or get soft enough to where I could blend them into a char-slurry. :D

(but seriously, there must be some kinda adhesive added during the briquette production so perhaps a simple chemical solvent could errode these bonds and leave the char intact?)

Hello lack of cost bright luminous object in the sky,

 

I am not 100% on this, but seem to remember a post in TP somewhere stating that part of the benefit of charcoal is the pores, whereby microbes have a place to reside and spread their gardening love. If you were to slurrisize the charcoal, those pores would all but go away, so you may want to just suck it up and do some manual labor... i.e. smash away.

 

As for adhesive, it all depends on what type you bought. Cowboy charcoal is just wood and heat put together to make the final product. Others... well, perhaps have some help. Here's a site describing the cowboy way: :beer:

 

Cowboy Charcoal Co. - Real Flavor....Real Fast

 

 

Happy planting mate. :)