Organic Gardening
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Its reallyhard helping until you get started. I do my own form of sfg and lovr it! J have started some seeds...will start a few more soon and maybe buy 1 or 2 starts from anursery ultimately. Some people buy hybrid seeds thst are more resillient to bugs snd westher already. Good luck sfg is a good starting point:-)0
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My husband and I went to Lowe's on Thursday and finished buying all of our seeds. We're planting hot peppers, bell peppers, a variety of tomatoes, bulb onions, corn, spinach, and lettuce. I wanted to keep the crop variety small, since it's my first try, in order to see what worked for me and what didn't. I'd like to expand to other produce next year, though. We ended up buying seed starter, since I wasn't sure basic potting soil would be good enough if starting from seeds. My mom is donating some of her gardening tools, since she doesn't do it anymore. I just have to figure out trays to put the seedlings in so that water doesn't leak out all over my window seat.
Although I plan on gardening this harvest organically, I noticed that there are organic seeds out now. We had already purchased regular seeds, so I guess we'll have to wait until next year to try those.
I'm excited to get under way, but I have to wait until next month to start the seedlings, since we live in the northeast.
Shannon0 -
We'd starter is a bit "fluffier" with materials for draining and water absorbtion - I made the same mistake one year and while I think that seed starter Is better- you should be ok
http://www.ngofamilyfarm.com/2012/01/make-your-own-seed-starting-mix.html?m=10 -
I'm starting a three types of seeds this weekend! I can't wait :-D!! Since my mother gave up gardening, she's bringing down a lot of her tools and trays for me to use.
On a totally different side note, does anyone else live out in the country and deal with chicken farm stench? We've been smelling it for a week now and it's been holding us hostage in the house. Isn't there anything that can be done about this? I never remember it dwelling this long in years past....
Shannon0 -
Planted some spinach, corn, and hot pepper seeds today for our organic garden. Cross your fingers that they actually sprout!
Shannon0 -
Yay! My seeds have begun to sprout! Everything has been organically done so far and my hubby is digging up the yard to prepare the garden area as we speak.
No sign of my pepper plants, but I vaguely recall something about them being difficult to start from seedlings.... as they don't like to be disturbed at all.
Question: I accidentally planted about 15 corn plants a bit early. Their roots are already sprouting from the base of my seed pods. It's still too chilly to sit them outside. Should I transplant them into larger pots or will I end up doing more harm than good? I don't want to end up losing them, as they look pretty hardy right now.
Shannon0 -
It has become uncharacteristically warm the last few weeks and my seeds are growing like crazy. I live in Zone 5/6 in Central PA. Can I plat any of the larger plants out or do I still stand the chance of there being frost? Anyone else living in this region and has the some problem?
Shannon0 -
This will be my 3rd year putting my garden out. I tried starting from seeds the last 2 years and I must admit while they started okay, it did not last in the garden. They either got drowned out or they just didn't take hold. This year I'm going to by them already started from our local hardware store. I don't use any chemicals, but we have used the Miracle Grow mix and put out many large bags in our garden for the last two years. We've always had a very good harvest from it. If you're doing seeds be on top of it because it takes a lot of work. I hope you have better luck than me.0
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I can't wait to start our garden! Starting from seed, make sure you google how to start from seed the plants you are planting. I have started from seed before and only found out recently that when you start tomatoes from seed you need to replant them a couple times, and actually bury them up to their first set of leaves for best results.
I plan on making square foot gardens filled with a modified "lasagna gardening" mix - heavier on the soils since we will be building this spring.
Also, look into companion planting, you will find out what plants help each other grow and what plants to avoid planting near each other!0 -
Also, I have a pear and peach fruit tree. The pears get gritty, tough, almost bug-bite like areas on them. My peach tree produces a few peaches, but the bugs eat them before they ripen. What do you do to protect them, so that you get a decent harvest, without using harsh chemicals?
Shannon
Check your local garden center to see if they have people that specialize in identifying insects/disease in fruit trees. Usually you can bring in leaves/fruits from the tree and they can tell what is wrong. Once they identify the specific problems, you can research organic solutions.
I've done a quick google for companion planting for your trees-
from http://www.life123.com/home-garden/trees-shrubs/fruit-trees/companion-plants.shtml
Peach Trees
Basil planted at the base of your peach tree will help deter fruit flies. The strong scent of garlic and onions planted near your tree will keep other pests away. Tansy is great for deterring pests, but use with caution if you have livestock nearby, as it is toxic to animals if eaten. Other good companions for your peach tree are asparagus, grape, onion, southernwood and strawberry.
Pear and Cherry Trees
Many of the plants that are beneficial to apple and peach trees are also helpful for pear and cherry trees as well: garlic, onion, tansy and nasturtium will keep those pests at bay. Pear tree also do well planted with currant.
also check out http://www.gardenguides.com/103421-companion-planting-pear-trees.html
http://www.gardenguides.com/107688-companion-planting-peach-trees.html0 -
Peppers take a long time to sprout and to harvest. I've grown several varieties from seed every year and not had a problem. I currently have my onions, habaneros, and tomatoes started and sitting in my greenhouse. I am planting jalapenos and .... something else (don't have my calendar in front of me) this week.
Might I suggest some squash, such as zucchini or yellow? Even cucumbers. They are really easy to grow and produce a lot! They are pretty fast growers too, doesn't take too long from planting the seed to harvest.0 -
beckys19 - Great ideas for the fruit trees. I'll definately be planting some of your suggestions around the base to keep the pests away. I was excited to see the leaves getting ready to bud on the peach trees already. It's getting warm early this year.... kind of freaks me out, though.
sarvissa - I probably will branch out and plant other types of seeds. For now, I'm just trying to keep it to basics. My whole window seat is full of seed starters, so since the weather has been so warm, I'm hoping to move some of the larger plants outside, with plastic covers at night time.
Shannon0 -
LOVE this thread! Can't wait to learn what is best for an organic garden, as this will be my first go at one as well!0
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Contact your local county extension office (phone number should be in the county offices listing section in your phone book, or look it up online). They, or a Master Gardener (also available thru the extension office), will be able to help you with your fruit tree issues and give you great beginner tips for your gardening adventure!
Organic or not, homegrown is best! I spent my childhood having most meals where everything on the table except for the spices, flour for biscuits/bread and /or pie crust, came from our own garden and animals!
(some seeds benefit from soaking, others do not. Clarify with your county contact for specifics)0 -
We also grow many of our own spices, including basil, oregano, cilantro, thyme, dill and marjoram. We've tried rosemary a few times, but had no success at it.0
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Ok, I didn't read the whole thread, sorry if I'm repeating.
I start my seeds on a plate in between layers of moist paper towels. This year however I found a local organic farm/co-op and bought seedlings, non-GMO
. They make their own organic "super-poo" compost and sell other organic soils. I mixed three kinds together at their recommendation. There are all kinds of cool organic fertilizers, I like the fishy/seaweed combos, worm castings, and bat guano. I use neem oil for pests. They have it at any garden supply or lowe's like store. I am trying container gardening for the first time this year, makes it really easy to control the soil. I love it. I've got peppers and tomatoes. 0 -
Great ideas, everyone! This thread has become a helpful resource to me.
The weather here in PA has been in the 60-70s the last week and a half. My magnolia tree and forsythia bushes are already blooming. I know it's risky to plat out this early, but the corn that I started (it was an oops... shouldn't be done this early, oh well!) really needs to be transplanted, so I think I might go ahead and do that this weekend before they become root bound in the pots. I might cover it with a light, 4 mil clear plastic to keep the birds from pulling the seedlings out... I've heard bluejays can do that. Plus, if it does frost it might help protect the plants a bit more.
My husband has decided to hand dig our 15X15 foot garden. It's taking FOREVER, but he likes the exercise. I'd much rather rent a cultivator.:-P I think we have enough cleared for the corn, though.
Anyone else taking advantage of the early spring?
Shannon0 -
Kind of feel like I'm talking to myself in here sometimes.*LOL* But if it gets more people to join our little thread.....
So, I was getting ready to transplant my corn outside this weekend because the weather has been so mild. In fact, it's supposed to be 80 today. The last few days, I've set my corn plants outside, in a sheltered area to harden them up. When I came home yesterday, over half of them were wilted. The soil feels moist, but not over watered. What am I doing wrong? I'm afraid I'm going to lose them... GR!
Shannon0 -
Please feel free to add your own comments here. I feel like I'm running a blog, instead of a thread!:-P
So, my corn seedlings were basically decimated by the cold weather this week. I was starting to harden them off when winter returned with a fierceness that knocked all of the blooms off my magnolia tree and azealia (sp?) bushes. I'm trying to salvage the one or two stalks that remain by babying them, but I'm losing hope. I lose a few of my spinach and some never popped up, but the peppers are doing fantastic!
My mother-in-law got us an awesome gift basket with herb seeds and bulbs. I've never planted bulbs before either, so I'm wondering if I live in Zone 5/6, when should I plant onion bulbs and is there any sort of method/technique I should be using? I'm assuming these get planted right out in the garden.
Advice is appreciated!
Shannon0 -
I planted my red, yellow, and white onion sets as well as a few garlic bulbs this weekend. I fenced the area off to keep the rabbits out. Anything else I need to worry about? I might fertilize next weekend. I have the fish fertilizer, which I heard won't harm the plants.
On the other hand, I'm having problems getting my spinach to take off. I get the sprouts with a few leaves, then it wilts. I have it in the seed starter containers, so I know the water doesn't evaporate super-quickly and I always make sure the soil is at least moist. Any clues?
Shannon0 -
Square foot gardening here too. I didn't read the whole thread, but I recommend Mel Bartholomew's Square Foot Gardening. I start most things from seeds indoors (NJ) on growing mats, them move them outside in May. We have roughly 84 sq ft now. The only things we buy as plants are tomatoes, peppers, and some herbs. We are all organic too, and haven't really had any pest problems. We have an asparagus bed, and we grow lettuces, several squashes, radish, garlic, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, snap peas, string beans, strawberries, melons. I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
Good luck, I find it super relaxing and rewarding.0 -
I have about a 3X8 area gardened now. I don't think it will end up as large as I had anticipated because I've had some setbacks. I'm disappoined I haven't had success with spinach seeds. I'm hoping I can just buy the plants somewhere. I ended up doing a mixture of organic onions, garlic, lettuce, tomatos, a hot & green peppers with regular, nonorganic tomatos and lettuce. My two biggies are the lettuce and tomatos because I love salads so much. I hoping if the spinach fails, at least I'll have something!*LOL* I've been using fish fertilizer on them, that way the plants don't get burned.
Shannon0 -
I've been gardening a looong time and still consider myself a novice. My advice is to find people in your area who do organic gardening. There are many online groups. Climate plays a HUGE role in what types of plants work best in your area, when to plant them, and how to care for them. Totally different pest issues, too.
Maybe you can find a good book on organic gardening specifically focused on your climate. I live in a microclimate near the coast, so very mild temperatures year round - a generic book on gardening would do nothing for me! It barely gets hot enough here to grow many varieties of tomatoes! But, I buy my seeds & starts from locals who know what varieties work best.
This website is not specific to any area, but you can find people on there in your area and it's really a great site (go to the forum):
http://www.theeasygarden.com0 -
Well, I did well with onion and garlic sets and my directly sewn lettuce is taking off finally. I'm waiting to see more growth on the hot pepper and bell peppers. However, the organic tomatos and spinach were a total bust. They wilted before I could get them transplanted in the ground.
How is everyone else's organic garden going? I bit the bullet and bought additional tomato, pepper, and lettuce since mine seem pretty slow in establishing themselves. They probably weren't organically grown, but I hope to use organic methods with the plants from here on out.
Shannon0 -
My garden is coming along! I've got three tomato varieties going, Early Girl, Juliet and Sweet 100 - all three are doing well, and the first two have tomatoes growing. The Sweet 100 got planted a couple weeks behind the other two, so it has blossoms, but no tomatoes just yet.
Red & orange bell peppers planted, a Fresno chili and a jalapeno. Some are showing small peppers and/or blossoms.
Green beans (from seed) are up and growing fast, almost to trellis level so they will be climbing soon.
Green (given a start from my aunt) & golden (planted from seed) zucchini both growing well, no blossoms yet. Crenshaw & watermelons coming along well, both planted from seed.
Cukes and eggplant (both from seed) are both slow growing, but hopefully will pick up soon - we've had a strange spring with weather temps going back and forth from unseasonably cool to way too hot several times over!
Rhubarb is going slow - not sure why, could be the variety. This is my second season with it, so we'll see how it goes.
I still have room to plant more, so may try some lettuce since we aren't into the full blown heat of summer yet - I may get a crop before it gets too hot.0 -
My garden is coming along! I've got three tomato varieties going, Early Girl, Juliet and Sweet 100 - all three are doing well, and the first two have tomatoes growing. The Sweet 100 got planted a couple weeks behind the other two, so it has blossoms, but no tomatoes just yet.
Red & orange bell peppers planted, a Fresno chili and a jalapeno. Some are showing small peppers and/or blossoms.
Green beans (from seed) are up and growing fast, almost to trellis level so they will be climbing soon.
Green (given a start from my aunt) & golden (planted from seed) zucchini both growing well, no blossoms yet. Crenshaw & watermelons coming along well, both planted from seed.
Cukes and eggplant (both from seed) are both slow growing, but hopefully will pick up soon - we've had a strange spring with weather temps going back and forth from unseasonably cool to way too hot several times over!
Rhubarb is going slow - not sure why, could be the variety. This is my second season with it, so we'll see how it goes.
I still have room to plant more, so may try some lettuce since we aren't into the full blown heat of summer yet - I may get a crop before it gets too hot.
Well done you! Sounds great.
Don't forget to take the tops off the beans when they have reached the trellis as they will then send out more shoots at the bottom and be less top heavy as well.
Rhubarb is a steady grower and takes a little time to get established properly. Once it's going well you will have to watch out for honey fungus and any flowers that start to appear just cut them off. Also pile compost on top of them during the winter period.
Makes me very envious...
p.s. Even long time and "proffesional" gardeners have their "failures"! That's the way with mother nature...so don't get downhearted when things don't go how you thought they should.0 -
sounds great, I m working on my garden this week,
Connie0 -
I'm in NH- coming into prime eating from the garden time. I'm by no means an expert, but I have 2 large gardens and from about june through December, our vegetables come almost exclusively from our gardens. Today, we're having a salad from the garden for lunch and yesterday I made grilled cheese with greens in the sandwich. I'm also looking for gardening friends because this time of year, a lot of my calorie expenditure is spent in the garden.0
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Interesting thread- I am growing some herbs, various peppers and a couple tomato plants this year in pots on my back porch. Mine looks good so far but still a work in progress- going from seeds seems to take forever.0
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I am doing a garden this year. I made beds out of concrete blocks
here is one of them when we first finished it.
I also made a bed using brick I found in my back yard. The previous owners had a bunch in the back of our yard.
I planted snappeas, broccoli and kale in early spring. Now I have cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, acorn squash, butternut squash tomatoes, peppers, some herbs, and honeydew.
In containers on my porch I have lettuce and carrots. I am going to do more carrots throughout the summer.
I am trying to do this as organic as possible.0
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