Gardening101's topics - tribe.net

Frost Protection

2009-12-21T00:15:55Z

What is the best, most economical way to protect my plants from frost? Is thin plastic sheeting enough? We only get frost now and then, but the one night we had last week already did quite a bit of damage.

Thanks!

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

Frost damage

2009-12-16T19:58:57Z

I have two angel trumpets in pots that suffered from frost last year. This summer I asked my husband to plant them in the ground so they'd have more protection. There are lots of houses with angel trumpet trees in our neighborhood. Needless to say, he didn't get around to it. When we were warned of frost recently, I put towels and sheets around and over them at night. Last night I asked him to do it, and he didn't, and today every leaf is wilted with frost. I got a wheelbarrow and brought them inside. ls there any hope they can recover? How do you treat frost damaged plants? And I guess if they do recover, I'll have to hire someone to plant them. Or maybe just buy new ones.

posted in Gardening101 - 5 replies

How do you keep a dog from...

2009-12-10T02:18:48Z

Not sure if this is the right tribe for this question, but i would imagine someone here might be able to help.

I share a large back yard with a woman who has this mangy cur who is always crappin' on my side of the yard, right off the edge of my patio.

Any suggestions on how to keep a dog from crappin' where a dog ought not to?

Thanks in advance.

posted in Gardening101 - 9 replies

Growing Pumpkins

2009-08-10T18:58:37Z

I'm growing miniture pumpkins and they appear to be doing great. BUT, I get flowers but after the floers nothing. Any ideas?

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

what type of pepper?

2009-07-21T17:02:41Z

I have grown what I think is a sweet pepper, rather than a chili pepper from a random seed I found.
It grown long & leggy, like a climber almost. No flowers yet. the leaves are ovate & fat of varying sizes. They are alo furry!? Its the furryness that is throwing me in identifying this plant. As most peppers seem to be kind of diamond shaped & shiny..but is this only the chilli types?
I have a sneaky feeling its a sweet pepper, but would love to identify it.
Can anybody help?

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Wine barrel planters

2009-07-21T15:15:35Z

I have a full wine barrel (and another 1/2 barrel) that I want to cut in half to make large planters for 2 yucca trees and another cactus that have all overgrown their large plastic planters. I was thinking about putting wheels on the bottom before filling. Any tips on a project like this before I get started will be gratefully appreciated. TY.

posted in Gardening101 - 4 replies

Rose Earwigs

2009-06-25T10:56:51Z

Ok, I went outside to cut some of my beautiful purple ross to put in a vase, and they were just lovely until 5 minutes after I got them inside, and earwigs swarmed out of them! I've read that earwigs eat parts of the rose, and are really hard to get rid of. Any suggestions!
Earwigs! Ewwww!!

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

building a DIY greenhouse/summerhouse.

2009-06-07T19:59:32Z

I want to build a cheap but sturdy greenhouse/summerhouse. A place to sit as well as to enjoy plants. My problem being is that I live in a windy place..north cornwall facing the sea.
Should I build one that is the old fashioned type? Brick & wood based?
I need to do it on a tight budget, as times are hard at the moment!
Does anybody know of a site that tells you how to build one out of recycled stuff & bits?
Surely there are eco people out there who are broke but have created from their imagination suitable sitting |& growing areas?
Anybody?

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

a chain saw for hedges?

2009-05-27T04:08:59Z

The other day I went to the gardening center and saw they were selling electric chain saws for about 100$.
Now, while cutting the hedge and pruning the tree is a pain with a garden scissor, the chain saw scares me to death. What if...
What do you think, should I buy one or not?
Are there other easy ways to cut back a hedge?

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Clematis problem

2009-05-24T15:51:18Z

I've got 2 clematis that have severe yellowing of their leaves. They are still growing and the leaves aren't dropping off but I can't figure out what's wrong. I have fed them and they've gotten plenty of water - maybe too much 'cause it's been wet here this spring. Any idea what is wrong with them and what to do about it?

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

Paris balcony- soil needs care-

2009-05-21T19:18:57Z

Hi,
It's time to start my balcony. For old soil where grass and other weeds are growing...what do I do to prepare for new plants? Thanks-

posted in Gardening101 - 6 replies

flowering cherry trees

2009-05-12T15:06:52Z

I am hoping that someone can answer my question..I have searched for the answer . I have a flowering cherry tree that would be approx. 5 years old (I have had it for at least 3 years) This year the tree didn't put out any blooms ...not one!!!! Last year only a few...nothing like it should. I have looked for pests and have found none. I don't think the weather had anything to do with it. The leaves are coming on like crazy but no pink puffy flowers...could someone tell me what could be the cause of this. thanks

posted in Gardening101 - 4 replies

Resurrecting balcony herb garden from dead-

2009-04-25T22:22:15Z

Hi,
Just came back to Paris after 2 months and the person did not care for my plants. The lavender is breathing- rosemary seems dead, mint barely hanging in there, Any suggestions? Should I cut back? Thanks

posted in Gardening101 - 14 replies

Flower Identification

2009-04-22T21:51:42Z

Hi - I've posted a pic of a vase of flowers from my garden, a spray of single magenta roses and some white flowers I found in the front yard. I don't know what they are, but they are more than an inch across, white with 6 petals, and a nubby shiny black center with 6 yellow stamens. Slightly scented. I like them a lot, and would like to get more if I knew what they were. Thanks for anybody who can help identify.

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Economy spurs home garden boom

2009-04-10T23:04:37Z

Good article in SF Gate today
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/03/15/national/a101445D59.DTL&type=homeandgarden&tsp=1
Dollars from dirt: Economy spurs home garden boom
By GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press Writer

Sunday, March 15, 2009

(03-15) 11:30 PDT Long Beach, Calif. (AP) --

With the recession in full swing, many Americans are returning to their roots — literally — cultivating vegetables in their backyards to squeeze every penny out of their food budget.

Industry surveys show double-digit growth in the number of home gardeners this year and mail-order companies report such a tremendous demand that some have run out of seeds for basic vegetables such as onions, tomatoes and peppers.

"People's home grocery budget got absolutely shredded and now we've seen just this dramatic increase in the demand for our vegetable seeds. We're selling out," said George Ball, CEO of Burpee Seeds, the largest mail-order seed company in the U.S. "I've never seen anything like it."

Gardening advocates, who have long struggled to get America grubby, have dubbed the newly planted tracts "recession gardens" and hope to shape the interest into a movement similar to the victory gardens of World War II.

Those gardens, modeled after a White House patch planted by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1943, were intended to inspire self-sufficiency, and at their peak supplied 40 percent of the nation's fresh produce, said Roger Doiron, founding director of Kitchen Gardeners International.

Doiron and several colleagues are petitioning President Obama to plant a similar garden at the White House as part of his call for a responsible, eco-friendly economic turnaround. Proponents have collected 75,000 signatures on an online petition.

"It's really part of our history and it's part of the White House's history," Doiron said. "When I found out why it had been done over the course of history and I looked at where we are now, it makes sense again."

But for many Americans, the appeal of backyard gardening isn't in its history — it's in the savings.

The National Gardening Association estimates that a well-maintained vegetable garden yields a $500 average return per year. A study by Burpee Seeds claims that $50 spent on gardening supplies can multiply into $1,250 worth of produce annually.

Doiron spent nine months weighing and recording each vegetable he pulled from his 1,600-square-foot garden outside Portland, Maine. After counting the final winter leaves of Belgian endive, he found he had saved about $2,150 by growing produce for his family of five instead of buying it.

Adriana Martinez, an accountant who reduced her grocery bill to $40 a week by gardening, said there's peace of mind in knowing where her food comes from. And she said the effort has fostered a sense of community through a neighborhood veggie co-op.

"We're helping to feed each other and what better time than now?" Martinez said.

A new report by the National Gardening Association predicts a 19 percent increase in home gardening in 2009, based on spring seed sales data and a telephone survey. One-fifth of respondents said they planned to start a food garden this year and more than half said they already were gardening to save on groceries.

Community gardens nationwide are also seeing a surge of interest. The waiting list at the 312-plot Long Beach Community Garden has nearly quadrupled — and no one is leaving, said Lonnie Brundage, who runs the garden's membership list.

"They're growing for themselves, but you figure if they can use our community garden year-round they can save $2,000 or $3,000 or $4,000 a year," she said. "It doesn't take a lot for it to add up."

Seed companies say this renaissance has rescued their vegetable business after years of drooping sales. Orders for vegetable seeds have skyrocketed, while orders for ornamental flowers are flat or down, said Richard Chamberlin, president of Harris Seeds in Rochester, N.Y.

Business there has increased 40 percent in the last year, with the most growth among vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and kitchen herbs that can thrive in small urban plots or patio containers, he said. Harris Seeds recently had to reorder pepper and tomato seeds.

"I think if things were fine, you wouldn't see people doing this. They're just too busy," Chamberlin said. "Gardening for most Americans was a dirty word because it meant work and nobody wanted more work — but that's changed."

Harris Seed's Web site now gets 40,000 hits a day.

Among larger companies, Burpee saw a 20 percent spike in sales in the last year and started marketing a kit for first-time gardeners called "The Money Garden." It has sold 15,000 in about two months, said Ball.

A Web-based retailer called MasterGardening.com is selling similar packages, and Park Seed of Greenwood, S.C., is marketing a "Garden for Victory Seed Collection." Slogan: "Win the war in your own backyard against high supermarket prices and nonlocal produce!"

Cultivators with years of experience worry that home gardeners lured by promises of big savings will burn out when they see the amount of labor required to get dollars from their dirt. The average gardener spends nearly five hours a week grubbing in the dirt and often contends with failure early on, said Bruce Butterfield, a spokesman for The National Gardening Association.

"The one thing you don't factor into it is the cost of your time and your labor," he said.

"But even if it's just a couple of tomato plants in a pot, that's worth the price of admission."

___

On the Net:

Kitchen Gardeners: www.kitchengardeners.org/

National Gardening Assn: www.garden.org/home

Burpee Seeds: www.burpee.com/

MasterGardening: http://mastergardening.com/

Harris Seeds: www.harrisseeds.com/

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

Broccoli gone to seed to early

2009-02-23T20:12:58Z

I live in Arizona, and grow in planters outside in winter. My broccoli gets to a couple small heads about the sixe of a golf ball, and goes to seed without making the big crowns you see in the store. Why is it doing this? Because of the short day? They grow it in winter anyway elsewhere. It's alot of effort for failure.
My spinach grows like crazy, though. I can have a spinach salad anytime I want out of a couple flats growing. chard grows good in winter too, but I don't like it much.
My cabbage grows good, but splits alot.
Earthboxes work good, but at $30 a pop... I'm gonna try and grow in old tires.

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Los Angeles Garden Creation Business Idea

2008-12-04T21:38:52Z

Hi all!

New here! My name is Sara!!!

In this world of expensive everything I have been thinking more and more about creating vegetable gardens to help give back to the earth, to help people save money and have wonderful yummy organic food at their fingertips!!

I have helped friends create gardens as well as maintain existing ones and am going to continue to do so!

I feel it is a wonderful opportunity that many people are wanting but don't have the time or means to get started!

If any of you have an interest in becoming a part of this business venture, or just want to share ideas, tips, suggestions or just want info, please please contact me!

I am planning on setting up a meeting to all interested to get this off the ground as soon as possible. So if you have a large space or any suggestions of a space in LA, let me know!

Things to talk about in the meeting will be:

What role you'd like to play in this adventure, your strong points, what you want to do
Types of plants to grow in So Cal (warm weather cold weather, seasons)
Where to network and build clientel
Labor
Costs of start up (tools, workers, irrigation? plants, seeds)
marketing

any thing else we come up with

hope you'll join me!!
Sara

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Victory Garden at San Francisco City Hall

2008-11-17T00:19:27Z

As part of the Slow Food Nation 2008 conference, the lawn of San Francisco's City Hall will undergo a transformation from grass carpet to edible garden. The installation of the Slow Food Nation Victory Garden marks the first time that City Hall has hosted an edible garden since 1943. They will begin by pulling up turf (which will be replanted in other parts of the City's green areas) and planting beets, lettuce, kale and many other heritage varieties of vegetables. The food grown in the garden--most of which will be ready for harvest during Slow Food Nation's Labor Day event--will be donated to those with limited access to healthy, organic produce through a partnership with local food banks and meal programs.

The Slow Food Nation Victory Garden will serve as a demonstration and education centerpiece leading up to and following our Labor Day event, providing visitors the opportunity to learn about urban food production practices.

http://slowfoodnation.org/blog/2008/06/13/slow-food-nation-victory-garden-planting-july-12/

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Winter Gardening

2008-11-16T22:09:09Z

any suggestions on how to get started?

posted in Gardening101 - 5 replies

cup & saucer not flowering.

2008-08-15T17:18:29Z

My cobaea scandens (cup & saucer vine) is still not flowering?? I have 3 of them in various windows & none are flowering yet, but have lots of growth & foliage there..any reason for this? I know we`ver had a crap summer here in uk but they are in the light.

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

Grr - spider mites!!

2008-08-15T15:40:07Z

What should I use to kill spider mites? The poduct I used to use has been taken off the market and I have yet to find anything that works well. Any suggestions?

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Another moving question

2008-07-23T16:42:59Z

No plans to move cross country just yet, but it could happen in a year or two. Not really likely, but jic, I'm curious. Is it possible to move from CA to say NC or TN with container plants, small begonias, medium spiders, large corn plant, other various plants small to medium, including large cacti and succulents? I'm guessing not, but then again, I have no idea what I'm doing outside of having fun in my patio.

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

transplanting during the HEAT

2008-07-22T04:21:00Z

Yipee, the city is going to start widening the street behind my house either Sept 1st or Oct. 1st- IDIOTS! They are taking 11 1/2 feet inside my fence, so I need to move all my perennials before they start. Of course it's HOT and dry 'round here usually until Oct., so I'm looking for advice on how I can improve my poor plants' chances for survival! I've got daylilies, clematis, perennial phlox, and some peonys to move. Any advice? Please?

posted in Gardening101 - 4 replies

non flowering grape?

2008-07-06T13:35:45Z

I planted a red grape a few years ago and it has yet to ever flower, let alone set fruit. It is happy, the truck is easily 1" in diameter, the leaves large and dark green and by all other appearances it is thriving... but no fruit.

Any thoughts?

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

I feel like giving up...

2008-06-26T16:02:45Z

I have clay soil. I didn't realize it was like having an incurable disease. I swear, it's the kiss of death. Plants struggle and die. I can almost feel them suffocate. I've tried amending small areas, but it really isn't doing much good. The only thing that's really thriving is the herb garden.

Now I'm reading that the only way to go about amending the soil is on large scale efforts with sand and vermiculum and perlite and coarse compost. All this is basically manpower and money for materials that I don't have. Gah!

Really, I'm a good gardener. I know how to take care of plants and put together something beautiful. But nothing is thriving, and it's sooo frustrating.

posted in Gardening101 - 20 replies

help identifying this plant

2008-06-20T15:05:59Z

Another resure but can anyone id this plant..I thought it was a banana...but no the leaves are different.
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4970/dscf2385tz5.jpg

posted in Gardening101 - 5 replies

Morning Glory problems.

2008-06-17T07:44:52Z

I am growing the blue ipomea & find that the leaves turn brown & papery on all my plants...they are blooming but messy looking. I cannot find any sign of pests etc...anyone have any ideas or is this a usual problem with morning glorys?

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Plants and music

2008-06-14T16:16:37Z

So I play in this band about once a month. Strictly for fun, and the occasional farmers market, town festival, or private party, but mostly we rent a big room and invite a couple of friends to stop by. The last time we played, Tom really got busy and dressed up the rehearsal studio with lava lamps, tie-dye sheets, psychedelic lighting, tiffany lamp, incense, the whole 9 yards. Last night, I was laying in bed trying to think of other ways to dress up the room for the next time, when I thought about bringing a couple of plants with me! That would be way cool.

We are an electric band. Not the loudest band out there, yet still electric and amplified. I then started to wonder what loud music would do to plants in a situation like that. Anybody have any experience with this?

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Jasmine

2008-06-06T16:42:52Z

Gardening idiot w/a jasmine problem.
I moved into this condo with a patio on the south side that get's a lot of morning and early afternoon sun. There was already jasmine growing in a couple of large terra cotta planters, and another stand of jasmine in the ground up against the house. The stand against the house gets considerable more shade than the rest of the jasmine, which I have since moved into 1 large box that still gets a lot of sun.
The stand against the house is doing great, but I have no clue as to how much water the boxed jasmine should get, or if they are already a loss. I'll post the photos in a moment, but can anyone tell me more about jasmine?
Thx in advance.

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

thai chili pepper disease?

2008-06-04T03:49:01Z

Hi all, I have two potted thai chili pepper plants. I've grown them from seeds and they are lovely happy plants! Recently though, I've noticed that large portions of their leaves have been dying. They start to turn brown from the tips and there are sometimes white spots on them and they end up shriveled by the end and dried out.

I've looked all through the plants, but I don't see any sign of obvious pests feeding on them or affecting them. This leads me to believe it could be some sort of disease or something? It could be the way I'm caring for them, but I've never seen leaves do this before so I'm assuming that's not it. I water them regularly and don't over-water them either. And they are still giving off healthy peppers. And the leaves that aren't affected are pretty green and healthy.

I've posted some pictures in my photo album of the whole plant sections and also some slightly fuzzy shots of individual leaves and what they are doing.

My one other thought and observation is that it is happening in the back of the plant. Meaning the area of the plant that is least exposed to light...maybe that's the problem?

Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

perennials in containers

2008-06-04T03:27:41Z

All the websites I have found on growing perennials in containers say that you should space them closer together than the spacing in a regular bed. This makes sense because perennials do not reach their full maturity for 3-5 years. None of the websites give rules of thumb for how much closer you should put them? I can't find the info on sites about individual plants either. Can anyone help me. I took a wild guess and thought maybe you would only need one third of the spacing for perennials their first year in containers. For instance if a plant said spacing of 18", I would try 6". Does anyone have any advice?

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Hollyhocks

2008-06-03T05:15:57Z

My hollyhocks bloom, but the leaves always look terrible - brown spots and partially eaten. Is there a specific product or something I can do about this?

Thanks

posted in Gardening101 - 9 replies

butterflies good, caterpillars bad?

2008-05-05T05:02:00Z

I love butterflies, but caterpillars eat my plants!
Is there a way to encourage butterflies without getting my container plants eaten alive?
Maybe some are better than others?

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Red (tropical) butterfly seed

2008-05-04T14:11:44Z

I collected seed from my plants last fall and am ready to plant now. Does anyone know how deep I show plant the seeds?
Thanks!

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Garden bed help back whacked

2008-04-30T16:59:04Z

This is driving me nuts. We have a good sized backyard, and we want to plant some veggies. I've laid not newspapers and woodchips to suppress the weeds (a lot grow through anyhow) . The next step was to build a basic raised bed. My back gets whacked every couple of weeks, perpetually putting the kabosh on the project. I'm a total novice, but I really want to see this garden happen. I've looked at various gardening books, but can't figure out what's the best way to go. Do I need to use a raised garden bed? I think my soil's pretty funky.... are there alternatives that won't cost an arm and a leg (and lower back)?
Any tips are welcome

posted in Gardening101 - 7 replies

Winter- balcony plants-Wrap up?

2007-10-25T23:56:12Z

Mostly have herbs, and some flowers. Any suggestions for keeping them warm this winter? Last year, I put them in plastic bags with punched holes and didn't loose too many- but am so open to other suggestions?

posted in Gardening101 - 5 replies

Fall Ecology and Harvest: An Intergenerational Exploration

2007-10-03T02:47:23Z

Scholarship and Worktrade available. Please call 541 937-2567 ext.116 or email nature@lostvalley.org for more information.

October 13-14, 2007 (Saturday-Sunday)
at Lost Valley Educational Center, Dexter, OR

We invite people ages 12 through 112 to join us to learn about fall ecology, indigenous tradition, and the harvest season here in the western Cascade foothills. Throughout this weekend of presentations, discussions, and activities, we'll explore how we can learn from one another and pass ecological wisdom and insights back and forth between generations. The schedule (subject to change) is as follows:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 morning: indigenous traditions and their modern applications
9-9:30 am: introduction/welcome circle
9:30-10:30 am: Esther Stutzman (Kalapuyan storyteller)
10:40-11:30 am: presentation and discussion circle featuring Bill Burwell (Kalapuya researcher), Jerry Hall (ethnobotanist, Lane Community College), Dharmika Henschel (ethnobotanist/musician), Jude Hobbs (Permaculture teacher and designer, Agroecology Northwest), and Rick Valley (Lost Valley land steward, Permaculture teacher and designer)
11:30 am-12:10 pm: break-out groups
12:10-12:30 pm: concluding morning circle
12:30-1:30 pm: lunch

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 afternoon and evening: seasonal harvest activities, ecological restoration, ecovillage development, youth initiatives, and bioregional culture
2-4:30 pm: tour (Rick Valley) and hands-on harvest- and land-related activities
4:45-5:45 pm: Alison Rosenblatt (NextGEN--Global Ecovillage Network)
6-7 pm: dinner
7:30 pm on: music (Dharmika Henschel and others), sharing circle about traditional seasonal celebrations, stories, poems, networking

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 morning: school gardening, youth, and horticultural exploration
7:30-8:30 am: breakfast
9-9:30 am: morning welcome circle
9:30-9:50 am: Sharon Blick (former director, School Garden Project)
9:50-10:10 am: Jen Anonia (Food for Lane County Gardens Program Manager)
10:10-10:30 am: Heiko Koester (Permacultural landscaper, Eugene Permaculture Guild)
10:40-11:20 am: Sarah Kleeger and Andrew Still (Seed Ambassadors Project)
11:30 am-12:30 pm: discussion
12:30-1:30 pm: lunch

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 afternoon: autumn ecology and ethnobotany
2-4:15 pm: talks and walks with Dave Kofranek (lichenologist), Tobias Policha (ethnobotanist, Institute of Contemporary Ethnobotany), Heiko Koester, and others
4:30-5:30 pm: closing circle

Conference registration fees, including four organic vegetarian meals, are $105 for students 12 and above, $135 for non-students. Overnight lodging ($30) and camping ($10) are also available. We are offering a $10 discount/rebate from your registration fee for each paying registrant who first heard about the event through you, or who cites you as his or her primary influence in considering attending. A limited number of worktrade scholarships are available (for an application, follow the link within the online registration form at www.lostvalley.org/fallecology/registration). If space allows, we will also accept single-day attendees for $80 Saturday only, $65 Sunday only (or, for students, $65 Saturday only, $50 Sunday only.) See www.lostvalley.org/fallecology for updated event details, or contact Fall Ecology and Harvest Event, 81868 Lost Valley Lane, Dexter, OR 97431, (541) 937-2567 x116, nature AT lostvalley.org.

brochure: www.lostvalley.org/files/Fall%20Ecology%20and%20Harvest%20brochure.pdf
poster: www.lostvalley.org/files/Fall%20Ecology%20and%20Harvest%20poster.pdf

Cosponsors:
Lost Valley Nature Center
Lost Valley Educational Center’s 87 acres include oak savanna, natural meadow, stream and riparian areas, ponds, extensive forest lands in various states of maturity, gardens and orchards. Our diverse habitats and several miles of nature trails offer unique environmental education opportunities. Lost Valley Nature Center sponsors walks and public events (like May’s Native Plants and Permaculture Gathering) to help nature-lovers learn from the land and from one another.

NextGEN
NextGEN is a global network organized by young adults concerned with issues of sustainability. We hope to inspire you with examples of viable and positive choices for the future. We offer opportunities for action through conferences, educational workshops, and direct experience in communities. Our international support network develops connections among activists and encourages resource sharing.

Excerpts from May’s Native Plants and Permaculture Conference Proceedings:

Bill Burwell: At the start of each harvest season the Kalapuyans would have a first gathering ceremony. The spiritual leader of each winter village site would harvest a few articles of each resource, bring it back, prepare it in a ceremonial way, bless the plants or animals that were responsible, and then the regular harvest could begin. The first gathering ceremony was very important to them, and it was practiced all throughout the Kalapuya culture, religiously. Their belief was that all plants and animals, including humans, were part of the same format. As above, so below. Just like humans, plants and all animals had families, and then beyond the families they had communities.

There’s one word I know of that was utilized all the way up and down the Willamette Valley, the lower Columbia, and into the Salish area in Washington: Tamanawas. It’s been translated as spirit power. People who went out on a vision quest were looking for their Tamanawas. I think what it really related to was a person’s ability to interconnect with all the rest of nature. I’ve collected a number of tales of the people going out into the woods to find a particular medicine, and their ability to find this medicine came from the ability to plug into that certain plant and interact with it. The plant actually was the teacher of the person who was going out on the search.

Jerry Hall: When we started learning our language, songs began coming to us. There is the belief that songs are just in the ether or in the air, and they select somebody to come to at a time in that person’s life. … My experience is that singing evokes something from us that is beyond talking and gives expression to prayer.

I feel that nature is really part of the home and that people related that way five hundred years ago. People knew where everything was and they took care of it.

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Cross-Pollination: Gardeners Unite

2007-09-24T05:32:42Z

Sunday, September 23, 2007
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

UC Botanical Garden

200 Centennial Dr
Berkeley, California 94720
http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/program/event_des/cross_poll.html

There are various Flower & Garden shows in the Bay Area, but how often do gardeners get the chance to network with other gardeners? The Bay Area is a hotbed of gardening and as such plays host to a - well - host of garden clubs, community gardens, plant societies, urban farms, and organizations that use gardening as a means to restore our environment, provide habitat to maintain biodiversity and to improve the lives of others.

Instead of being a large showcase of demonstration landscapes, Cross-Pollination brings gardeners and gardening organizations together. Even folks who already belong to one society may find they have an interest in another society. Clubs, community gardens, and plant societies can talk about their missions and reach out to potential new members in the lush surroundings of the UC Botanical Garden. The plant-loving public can find out about various special interest and general gardening organizations, community gardens and volunteer opportunities as well as become better acquainted with all that UCBG has to offer. What user group fairs are to computer lovers, Cross-Pollination will be to gardeners and plant-lovers.

Groups that have already confirmed their presence:

Bay Area Mycological Society
California Habitats/Indigenous Activists (CHIA)
City of Oakland Community Gardening Program
Friends of Five Creeks
California Rare Fruit Growers - Golden Gate Chapter
Alameda County/ CC County Master Gardeners
Bay Area Carnivorous Plant Society
Northern California Herb Society
The Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society
Diablo View Orchid Society
El Cerrito Gardening Club
Richmond Garden Club
Spawners
Merritt College's Permaculture Program
East Bay Permaculture Guild
North Bay Rose Society
Bay Friendly Gardening Program
UCB's Sally Levinson with information on Lepidoptera
UCB's Dr. Robert Raabe with information on plant diseases

- Tabling by various Bay Area clubs, plant societies and gardens.

- Demos and lectures by distinguished guests.

- Bring your surplus gardening books and magazines for the swap area!

- Bring your fliers, notebook, business cards, and get ready to meet loads of folks who love gardening as much as you do.

- If your gardening group didn't find out in time to reserve table space, feel free to bring fliers to put on our flier table. And give us your info so we can get you in next year!

***Free with the price of UCBG admission, however, nearby parking is not free. Carpool if you can.

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

"dissapearing water"

2007-09-21T23:02:22Z

http://gardening101.tribe.net/thread/0ca81390-8d45-4d77-ad24-a0fe5472d3d7?newpostingid=d78a13e8-040b-4066-bb85-d4b291854781#d78a13e8-040b-4066-bb85-d4b291854781

kinda a continuation of what was being discussed at the end of this thread, what to do when you're working on fill (boulders and stumps that are iced with dirt like a cake) or in my case what was natural exposed limestone boulders ,rock, and scree that once sloped down to a beautiful cascading rain creek in a high woodland here in the foothills off the Cumberland plateau (wish they had just left it natural) that has had a very clay high soil kinda spread over it so grass would grow. anyhow when i water anything it may run a bit but never makes it to the creek,above ground anyways, it disappears into the soil and if you let it run long enough the creek will start flowing. ya think i should just use barrels next season?

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Trailing balcony flowers

2007-09-16T16:51:47Z

I live in central Cali and I have a balcony. I want to put plants on my balcony. Easy maintenance plants that aren't snapdragons that will hopefully live through the fall... Maybe some that will grow over their pots and trail, and look really pretty. I like color, my balcony can use some pastels, paisleys, brights,etc.

Anyone know what my best bets are?

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Odd discoloration.

2007-09-09T04:14:34Z

So, as a background, I'm growing all my veggies in pots in the house. I don't have a backyard, so this is the best I could do. We have tomatoes, peppers, some herbs, green beans, eggplant and lemon grass. Everything was doing fantastic until my mom brought me the lemongrass, beans and eggplant she got from a friend, then everything started going downhill.

The tomatoes are droopy, and their leaves don't seem to have the fullness I'd expect from tomato leaves. A majority of the leaves on multiple plants are getting white flecks, or turning tan at the edges and getting crumbly.

I thought this was a white fungus and treated with baking soda water, but it doesn't seem to be helping much. They are still producing all right however (aside from the tomatoes, which may not be tall enough yet) and the beans have a dozen or so going at the moment, and they are growing bigger by the day. Not entirely sure what it could be, so I'm hoping someone here has seen it before and can help me out.

Posted a picture to the tribe image collection (from left to right: eggplant, tomato, catnip) , thanks for any input you can give!

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

I'm so excited!

2007-09-08T16:48:19Z

My garden is designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds - I just found Monarch butterfly catterpillars on my red butterfly weed! I haven't seen a Monarch catterpillar in years! I just had to share!

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

What is this? Pacific North West

2007-09-06T21:44:36Z

So,I'm visiting Seattle, and there's lots of plants I've never seen before. Most of them I can identify just by taking a berry or a leaf home and then using the internet.

I think this is a seed pod, and I've got no clue how to begin identifying it. It grew straight out of the ground, it seems, already dried, woody, no leaves, just. . strange seed pod.

I'll upload the picture into the gallery.

posted in Gardening101 - 4 replies

Heavenly Blue

2007-08-24T02:09:22Z

here is a question for everyone ....my heavenly blue morning glories have recently been attacked by bugs specifically afids...ive tried a few pesticides and nothing seems to be helping the current issue...anyone have any suggestions on what else i can try for my bug problem

posted in Gardening101 - 7 replies

Can anyone identify this plant please?

2007-08-23T05:38:53Z

This is a plant that I picked up unlabelled from a small garden centre that was closing down...its had babies & all have flowered the same..I got to thinking it was some kind of strange orchid..or am I way out..though not a brilliant flower it is very science fiction in its appearance is`nt it?

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7450/dscf0818sf3.jpg

posted in Gardening101 - 6 replies

CENTIPEDES

2007-08-20T22:33:15Z

ok so i dont have a garden in the ground its more of a nice size patio filled with potted plants...well recently ive had some major issues with little centipedes in almost all of my plant pots...they seemed to be causing or at least i think, some of my plants to die off (their are litterally hundreds when u turn the soil a bit) i used a few pesticides which i really dont like to do and nothing has worked...anyone have any ideas on what else i could try? i really dont have a problem with bugs but centipedes meet one of my icky spots..(they traumatized me as a boy)

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

can I make my tree flower by Sunday?

2007-08-18T04:13:15Z

I'm having a garden party on Sunday and my Princess Tree has small buds. Is there any way to encourage the buds to open by Sunday? Coffee? B-1?

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

PARK(ing) Day Workshop

2007-08-14T05:07:23Z

When: Thursday, August 16, 7pm
Where: Public Architecture
1211 Folsom Street, 4th Floor (see directions below)

PARK(ing) Day 2007 is a one-day, global event centered in San Francisco where artists, activists, and citizens collaborate to temporarily transform parking spots into "PARK(ing)" spaces: temporary public parks. PARK(ing) Day is Friday, September 21.

PARK(ing) Day Community Workshop

Learn from Rebar how to temporarily transform a metered parking spot into a park, a playground, or whatever you like.
View Public Architecture's upcoming Sidewalk Plaza, a permanent transformation of parking spots into a new form of urban open space.
Get informed about San Francisco's upcoming Neighborhood Parking initiative
View Public Architectures long term vision for transforming Folsom street, and help create a full-scale mock up on PARK(ing) Day!
Meet others and form a team to create a PARK(ing) project in your neighborhod.
Learn about sources for materials and places to donate and recycle them, choose a site, and meet the Rebar artists!

For more information:
info@parkingday.org
http://www.parkingday.org

DIRECTIONS
Public Architecture is located at 1211 Folsom Street, 4th Floor, at the corner of 8th & Folsom, in San Francisco's South of Market Area.

When You Arrive
There is an intercom to the left of the gate; press the "Call" button and then "3" on the dial pad in order to be buzzed in.
Public Transportation
BART and MUNI stops at 8th Street/Civic Center. Walk four blocks south and turn right on Folsom Street. We are on the left, past the leather shop.

Parking
There is 1-hour parking on Folsom and 2-hour parking on 8th (best option) between Folsom & Harrison.

From the East Bay
From the Bay Bridge/I-80 West, take the 9th Street/Civic Center Exit towards Harrison Street. Veer left on Harrison, turn right on 9th, and right again onto Folsom. We are at the end of the block on the right hand side.

From the South Bay
From 101 North, take the 9th Street Exit towards Civic Center. Turn right on Folsom Street. We are on the right, at the corner of 8th and Folsom.

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

morning glories - not! (X post)

2007-08-13T17:36:08Z

My morning glories haven't bloomed! Got lots of healthy folige, no flowers - why? I'm about to rip them out. What can I do to get them to bloom?

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Hollyhocks

2007-08-13T04:15:20Z

I have some hollyhocks which have not bloomed, but have lots of foliage? Anything I can do to promote bloom? Others have bloomed great.

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

GERBERA DAISIES

2007-08-07T11:54:03Z

I just bought one from Lowe's this weekend. The very next day I was not going to be able to put it in the ground, so I put it outside in my front garden so it wouldnt have to sit in the garage. I hadnt watered it or even changed it's pot. It was outside for a max of about 5 hours. When I returne dhome it was shriveled and the three blooms had started to droop. I live in Daly City, so you KNOW it couldnt have been more than 65 degrees outside! Now it's little card said Partial Sun, so i gave it a little.

It has since commenced it's dying. I can't get the plant to bounce back!! I've re-potted it, let it dry a little, kept inside, put it back outside under a little shade, put it out in sun, gave it water....NOTHING is working.

what do I do? Am I doing sometihng wrong? Is there something I am not doing?

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

Overheard...

2007-07-30T21:10:53Z

from overheardintheoffice.com:

Customer: Could you tell me where the Amaryllis bulbs are?

Clerk #1: Hey, do you know where we keep the bulbs?

Clerk #2: I think they're on Aisle Four -- y'know, with the other electrical stuff.

Clerk #1, to customer: Did you check there? That's where we keep the bulbs.

Customer: No, no, no -- they're flowers! Do you have any?

Clerk #1: Well, I'm pretty sure we've got bulbs. Did you need a three-way one, or a regular one? You should check on Aisle Four, then.

1690 Grande Avenue
Arroyo Grande, California

Overheard by: Blue

posted in Gardening101 - 7 replies

yellow leaves

2007-07-27T20:47:12Z

I love nasturtiums but have trouble growing them. This year they are blooming - not great but at least I have flowers - but the leaves are really ugly. They turn yellow, then dry up and die. Looks really ugly. Can anyone tell me what is wrong?

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

Gingko

2007-07-10T17:09:16Z

I planted a gingko in March and put two fertilizer pellets in at that time. As the summer progresses the leaves have a slight yellow discoloration to them and I'm not sure why. It gets regular water but isn't drowning. I have a purple robe locust in the front that turns yellow when it needs to be deep watered in July and August but I didn't know if a gingko did the same thing. Ideas?

posted in Gardening101 - 4 replies

Question about roses...

2007-07-01T16:40:37Z

Hi everyone! I have a question about roses. Is there anyway to get a start from an established rose bush? I would appreciate all input! Thanks!!

posted in Gardening101 - 7 replies

Smothering evil Bermuda grass

2007-06-29T23:46:58Z

Hello all. I have a friend whose neighbor neglects their yard and the Bermuda grass they have is creeping under and through the chain link fence that separates their yard from my friends. I had suggested she spray the grass with Round-up and then plant a ground cover of some kind (like verbena) that can go under the fence and effectively choke out/smother the grass. Do you think this will work? Any other ideas? Thanks everyone.

M

posted in Gardening101 - 7 replies

New to your tribe--with a question (x-post)

2007-06-28T23:06:10Z

Hi All, I just joined your tribe so that I could ask you a question. I live in Hawaii, on Oahu, and I was just shopping in 2 different stores looking for plant saucers. All I could find were those junk clear ones that crack in 5 minutes (okay, I tend to exaggerate). What I'm looking for are the green plastic ones, made out of the same material as pots.

So I looked online and I could not find any. Are they not longer being made? Can this really be true? Does anyone know where I can find plant saucers online? Or, better yet, on Oahu?

Thanks for your help.

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

plant info?

2007-06-23T20:30:03Z

I bought this annual stuff without tags yesterday, silly me. The green house called it annual pulmonaria but it looks nothing like the perennial shade loving lungwort. It actually resembles phlox more than anything. I got both white and a lovely, clear light blue. They told me it gets bushy but not how tall it grows. Does anyone know anything about this stuff? How big does it get? How much water does it need?

Thanks for your help.

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

rabbits - @%$(

2007-06-05T02:53:05Z

Ok, so this baby rabbit got into my backyard and is wreaking havoc in both the flower beds and the veggies. I can't believe how much damage one little rabbit is capable of!! I've tried to catch it but it keeps going under my deck. Does anyone have a sure-fire way to keep him out of my beds?

posted in Gardening101 - 7 replies

Villians in my strawberry patch

2007-06-02T15:05:24Z

Help !!! I have somebody with a small mouth taking bites out of my strawberries its really starting to tick me off ,I've picked a few before I would have just so they don't get them . I am thinking chipmunks by the looks of it ,I sprinkled pepper flakes all over them but that hasn't stopped them . I don't know what to do other than sit out there at night with a shotgun LOL Any help would be greatly appreciated !!!!! Peace,Brynn

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Cuttings How to? and Paris Passion Flower Revisited

2007-05-30T17:54:35Z

I was walking back from the tax office here in Paris and saw a huge Passion Flower creeping over the wall of my bus stop, so I gently took a cutting and planted it in my cutting box. Any advice on making this grow and other cuttings grow? .Have had a lot of sucess with other cuttings, though who knows what they are are! My big problem at the moment is hauling soil up 6 floors!

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Jack In The Pulpits

2007-05-30T17:36:34Z

I'm searching (checked the web) for Jacks to plant in my garden but have found it harder than thought. Any sugguestions? Maybe trade?

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

What'd I do wrong?

2007-05-30T16:59:20Z

About a month ago I planted phlox, echinacia, lianthus, dahlias and coreopsis - all bulbs/tubers/roots from Costco. So far nothing, nothing, nothing has come up - now just the tiniest green from what I think is the lianthus, but nothing else.

I'm pretty sure I ruined the dahlias by watering them - apparently they are supposed to remain dry until they come up, or they may rot. I found that info online, but not on the package. But as far as the other stuff, what's up? To water or not to water? Might they come up later? I now have all these bare beds, and if that stuff isn't coming, i have to come up with a a Plan B fast!

I also planted daylllies from Whiteflower Farm recently, and those are already coming up, so ... why not the other stuff? Whah! :-(

posted in Gardening101 - 6 replies

nutsedge - ARGH!

2007-05-27T20:31:59Z

I have a horrible problem with nutsedge (you know, that pale green grassy looking stuff) in my flowerbeds. I think it came from a load of compost I got several years ago. Anyway, I can not get rid of it! Does anyone have suggestions? I've tried Round Up and Merit but the d--ned stuff just comes back.

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Knowing One's Onions

2007-05-25T14:40:54Z

So I planted some juvenile onion bulbs (because growing from seed is miserable) in a long trench box and within a week, sprouting merriness! The started to get very long and tangly, and it was suggested to me I cut back the leaves to keep the container neat, and they also make a sort of false chive. Now I didn't cut back to the stem, but none the less they have completely shriveled and diedwith little to no growth in the bulb. The garlic that was sharing the space was doing fine, but now the ends of it's leaves are starting to turn yellow...

Question is - what the heck did it? Did I over water? Cut back too far? Not sure. If anyone has any suggestions, I would be very grateful.

Thanks much.

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Frustrated

2007-05-24T17:01:36Z

Help! I have a section of garden that I can't seem to get anything to grow well in. I live in the Kansas City area in the "clay zone". I have done lots of composing but the soil is still pretty clay and doesn't drain real well. Part of the area gets sun until about 1pm and part is pretty heavily shaded by a large tree. Oh, and it's dry over there. Any advice on what kind of things I could plant that would survive in those conditions? I have tried a variety of perennials and almost all of them have failed to come back after one year.

posted in Gardening101 - 5 replies

Late starting a garden in Florida

2007-05-22T10:00:39Z

My partner lives in Florida and as a way of staying connected we are going to work on a garden together. I have made the raised beds and shipped them out there and she is NOT a gardener so I am going to have to pick easy stuff.

SO, I figured tomateos, some herbs like basil and rosemary, perhaps tyme, maybe pole beans? I am used to California but Florida is so far south and humid. She has two kids so I was trying to think of some kid friendly stuff, while they don't like radishes, the things sprout so fast. Green onions were another thought. Anyway, any suggestions on things that would be hard to kill? Please don't suggest weeds! LOL

Thanks in advance,

Michael

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

What kind of tree is this?

2007-05-20T01:08:31Z

I could type it all out here, but it's already here: http://blog.davidshere.com/?p=8

posted in Gardening101 - 10 replies

Irises

2007-05-19T00:39:48Z

B4 I go down to the garden center I thought I would ask here first. Can anybody tell me why my irises always fall over...even the leaves ...when they bloom. I see others in the neighborhood that are just as tall as mine that stand straight and tall. Mine appear to be healthy. I can't figure it out.

posted in Gardening101 - 4 replies

Passion Flower and Angel Trumpets- and any advice for Parisian balcony-

2007-05-16T23:24:15Z

I bought these two climbers and need some advice on how to nurture and cajol them. They are babies, just cuttings really. I keep looking at them, as if this would help them grow! Thanks in advance-

posted in Gardening101 - 13 replies

Squirrels in Brooklyn

2007-05-09T23:15:48Z

OK. I had just started up my little garden, when I go out this morning and find all my plants eaten down right to the roots by squirrels.

I'm new to the area, and back home, the squirrels never actually eat the plants. In drought, they might eat the fruit/veg off the plant, but not the plants themselves!!

Very frustrated and don't know how to deal with this. It's not like I can just shoot them, up here.

Also, any other NYC area gardeners at all in this tribe? I could use some unrelated help from local(s).

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

Going Native Garden Tours 2007

2007-04-27T14:40:44Z

This is a series of FREE tours of gardens in private homes that feature native plants. There are tours in San Francisco, south bay, east bay, and Los Angeles. You must register to attend. The first tours are the last weekend in April.

http://www.goingnativegardentour.org/

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

hydrangea freeze... :(

2007-04-18T22:29:49Z

We just planted a hydgraenga here in NC and have had several below 32 nights... now some of the buds and some of the leaves are very brown. Are we screwed?

posted in Gardening101 - 5 replies

termites from my lawn mower?

2007-04-18T02:43:36Z

After mowing a few times so far this spring, I remembered to flip my lawn mower on its side and clean it out... something I didn't do at the end of the season last year. There was much crusted-on, molding grass/mulch/dirt, some of which was bone dry, some of which was still quite moist. When I was done I had a large pile of the stuff on my driveway, most of which I shoveled into a bucket and tossed. The rest I sprayed off of the driveway, unintentionally getting some of it under my car. I shrugged it off and continued with my outdoor duties. When I was closing up, I heard from underneath my car, the sound of birds chirping. I moved my car back, and among the small pieces of debris and leftover water from spraying. I still heard the sound -- like dozens of birds chirping, only not quite as loud. It only occurred to me later that what I might have had was termites that had burrowed in the moist, cool grass/mulch/dirt on the underside of my mower. I could see some slight movement in the water, but as hard as I squinted I couldn't see any bugs.

Could I have uncovered a colony of termites? Or, hopefully, an insect of lesser concern?

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Threats of Water Rationing

2007-04-14T04:49:33Z

So you may have read in the paper of possible water rationing this summer for the Bay Area. I remember how it was in the 70s, when I was a kid: 5 minute showers, no baths, and everybody had to let their lawn go brown.

Are we ready for this? Maybe it wont' be that bad, but is anybody preparing? I think I'm already nixxing the idea of a veggie patch of melons and pumpkins - they want a lot of water. Any suggestions on using grey water from dishes/showers (biodegradable soaps)?

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

Free Trees and Plants

2007-04-05T02:55:21Z

I found out about free trees and plants in one of my favorite magazines ReadyMade.

You do pay shipping and handling for the plants.

http://www.freetreesandplants.com

http://www.readymademag.com

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies

Post Consumer Plant Fertilizer

2007-04-04T17:18:37Z

If you don't have enough room/time/engery to compost or cultivate a worm farm you can now get worm castings in a bottle. And not just any bottle a post consumer reused bottle.

TerraCycle fills used plastic bottles with the castings (poop) from worms that are fed the leftovers from our kitchens.

Check out the site to learn about how green your garden will grow with the worm poop, how you can collect plastic bottles and help raise money for your favorite charity, and/or figure out what to do with all the bottle caps that don't get used in the packaging process.

http://terracycle.net/index.htm

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

Pine Tree Woes

2007-03-23T12:46:52Z

I live in San Diego and have these two enormous, old pine trees that grow into the power lines, between the sidewalk and the street which I'm told is city property. I also rent my home. The pine needles prevent much from growing around my small yet viable front yard, not to mention the amount of shade produced. The roots grow very close to the surface and I'm up on a mesa, which only add to the problem. I've made a concerted effort to tear up the lawn (with my land lady's permission) to xeriscape and have bare earth with lots of roots showing. There are limited areas where the sun hits around the perimeters of the yard where I think I can plant some interesting cacti and succulents, not only because I love them, but to also keep my neighbors from using the "ugly rental property" whose yard is "bringing the neighborhood down" (I nearly got into a fist fight with a guy last night about this!) as a pooping ground by their lovely dogs.

Suggestions seriously needed.

posted in Gardening101 - 4 replies

extreme shade!! help!!

2007-03-20T22:30:02Z

my new house sits st an angle so the sun NEVER touches the front landscaping, as a result it is very barren and only houses a few lopsided boxwood hedges. i need ideas here people, i know several shade plants,like shade under a tree though, this is absolutely zero sun rays ,i am frusterated.

posted in Gardening101 - 6 replies

Cat Poop!!!

2007-03-18T14:32:34Z

I am sure that this has been asked a few times ...but I need some fresh ideas asap~ My garden is being used as a toliet by my 3 cats and the neighbor's cats as well...I was planting yesterday and stuck my glove into one of the many buried treasures...
Has anyone got a risk free way of keeping cats and dogs from disposing of their waste where I wanna grow our food?
Thanks ~

posted in Gardening101 - 8 replies

Hot Peppers!

2007-03-16T00:21:02Z

Just got the final shipment of seeds I was waiting for.. By the weekend I should have 10 varieties of peppers in the dirt. I went a little crazy this year, I just hope I can make something of 'em!

Anyone else growing the hot stuff?

posted in Gardening101 - 8 replies

Lettuces stolen!

2007-03-01T16:03:33Z

I planted lettuce in my garden a week ago. They were so precious, and I imagined sweet salads in my future. Yesterday I went to look at my lettuce, 6 of them planted in the soft ground, surrounded by herbs and guarded by a gentle garden gnome.

They were gone. Every single one. Not chewed to the ground by snails or bugs, but entirely gone. There was a gauge in the earth about 6 inches long and 3 inches deep. Who did this thing? I didn't think squirrels would eat lettuce. I didn't think racoons would either. Am I wrong? Or is there something else in my garden? There's no way for deer to get in, and I've never seen any in the neighborhood. I've never seen rabbits either. The yard is fenced and gated, dogs could not get in. What do you think?

posted in Gardening101 - 4 replies

Starting our very first Garden

2007-02-17T19:25:06Z

My family and I live in a house which has 3 old raised garden plots in the back. Just resently, my husband removed the very old wood and leveled the ground...to start from scratch. Our sons are 13 and 4 yrs old and both show interest in wanting to help create a veggie/flower garden out back. We are all very excited but could use tips and resources from time to time. Last night, we talked about a compost pile out back. We cannot afford to purchase a bin at this time but we have been saving all our produce scraps and coffee grounds.
My first question to you all would be:
Is there a right way to do a compost pile out in the back yard? Shade or sun? covered or exposed? etc...
any good ideas?
Thank you very much~

posted in Gardening101 - 4 replies

Grass Grass Everywhere

2007-02-16T19:29:24Z

I live in the Baltimore area (north a bit over the line into PA) and have a big, treeless yard like so many suburbanites do. Half an acre in total with a large backyard with nary a tree. We do have a preexisting line of large evergreens along the back of the property and 4 young ornamental varieties located in the 4 "corners" of the yard ( a small dogwood, a japanese maple a lilac and an apple tree).

The challenge I face is making this big rectangle of mostly grass, interesting and hopefully more colorful. The yard is gently sloped uphill from the house and has a bright southern and western exposure.

Any thoughts?The main problem I'm having is figuring out how to divide the yard up into some interesting spaces and create some interest in an otherwise wide open space.

My wife won't let me build a henge (like stonhenge?) so let's not even go there -I've tried.

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Coffe Grounds in the Garden

2007-02-06T16:45:56Z

I was surprised to find that my local coffee place (Starbucks) was giving away bags of grounds for the garden. You may ask your local coffee place for their grounds to use in your yard, direct to the soil or into your composter . This website describes it pretty well.
http://www.sustainableenterprises.com/Business/coffeefert.htm

posted in Gardening101 - 5 replies

What is this GIGANTIC HOLE in my yard?!

2007-01-15T23:34:15Z

So I'm doing an addition to my house, and the workers, while pulling up the flagstone on the patio, found a hole approximately 18 inches wide, and at least 4 feet deep (or more)!!! I do recall, a couple years ago, having an issue with moles (tiny burrows along the edge of the lawn), and perhaps gophers (there were a couple mounds no more than 6 inches wide) in the past, but can a gopher do a hole that large?!

I did by the way, find a skunk living under my (above-ground wood) deck, and we do have ground squirrels and rats in the vicinity.

If it is a gopher hole, should I try to excavate the entire tunnel system before I lay the foundation for the house? It is possible that it's very old and I shouldn't worry about it?

It's sorta daunting, I must say...

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

my wandering jew's wilting & turning yellow!

2006-12-17T06:12:56Z

individual leaves are wilting, yellowing, and dying. it recently separated itself from its roots too (I then placed it in a jar of water). Any suggestions as to why my plant is so unhappy? I moved it closer to the sunlight and this helped a bit but leaves are still wilting...

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

African Violet

2006-11-19T21:19:57Z

I have an african violet that I have been keeping at my office and that has been doing well until the weather has turned pear-shaped recently here in SF. While I am about 20 feet away from the windows, the light from the wall of windows was sufficient to allow the violet to still grow, and has been doing quite well. Lately, however, the SF winter has begun, making sunshine less available, and meaning that my AV is suffering from yellowing leaves. I have a desk lamp that I could use to give it light, but am a bit worried about this as the only instructions I really see relate to the use of natural light.

Any suggestions from anyone? I love this little plant and would hate to see it die off because of the weather.

posted in Gardening101 - 2 replies

Holly

2006-11-17T22:07:32Z

There is a holly bush on the north east corner of my office building that is currently in bloom and it smells lovely! The building is surrounded by them, but its the only one that blooms. so my question is what is the best way to propagate holly? Do I take a cutting? If so, what part? And then, do I put the cutting in soil or water?

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Compost Review by Consumer Reports

2006-11-15T22:27:46Z

If you are looking into starting a compost pile, but don't know which bin to buy visit
http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=compostbin&page=RightChoices

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Need a gardener in San Francisco?

2006-11-09T08:57:02Z

I’m a hard working, professional gardener looking to design and nurture personal and commercial gardens and planters in the San Francisco area. Growing plants and tending personal gardens in San Francisco since 2004, I have gained valuable experience with local plants, pests and the unique microclimates of the area. If you have a plot of land where you wish you had a garden, have an existing garden that needs to be maintained, or one that needs a complete overhaul, please contact me and we’ll create a garden you love!

-phoenix firestarter
phoenixfirestarter@gmail.com

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Growing tomatoes in the home.

2006-10-06T02:31:35Z

Hi, all

I'm new to the tribe and gardening. I wanted to know if it's too late for me to grow tomatoes in the home. I'm located in Maryland and it's getting chilli willi here. I wanted to start my growing earlier this year but I was too busy this summer. And are there any other veggies you can recommend me growing in the home during the winter months.

Thank you,

Nuru

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

San Francisco Fall Gardening Primer and More

2006-09-16T15:01:44Z

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 - FALL GARDENING PRIMER
Learn everything you need to know to ready your garden for the fall and winter months ahead for a healthy and sustainable garden. Topics will include planting, pruning, mulching, fertilizing and pest control practices specific to this special time in the Bay Area.
Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave. at Lawton Street, 10am – 12noon. $15; No one turned away for lack of funds. Pre-registration required. Please call 731-5627 to pre-register or for more information.

Check out the calendar of events at :
http://www.gardenfortheenvironment.org/pages/calendar.htm

posted in Gardening101 - 0 replies

Planting Daffodil and Tuplip Bulbs

2006-09-11T18:28:23Z

I live in the Bay Area, California - no winter freezing. This is the time to plant daffodil bulbs I guess, since they are for sale at the stores now. Last year I planted them in September or October, I think, but they came up much later than expected. A friend of mine says I should put them in the fridge for a while before planting. Is this true?

posted in Gardening101 - 4 replies

lawnmower -- quality brands/manufacturers?

2006-09-11T02:51:59Z

Hi folks.

I'm looking for a lawnmower... self-propelled gas push mower, mulching. I want it to last a long long time. I like John Deere and Craftsman as brands, but I'm wondering if there are others out there that are good quality for the buy. I tried Google and ConsumerReports.org, but most of the advice revolves around what's best for the environment, what type to buy, etc. My main concern is quality and reliability. Any advice?

posted in Gardening101 - 10 replies

A surprise gift

2006-09-08T19:41:53Z

Last year I planted some heirloom green beans along a fence (can't remember which variety). I didn't replant them this year, but a few weeks back my partner was pulling into the driveway and said, 'hey, that viney crap over on the fence looks familiar.'

Sure enough, it was the beans.

I picked a couple of pounds yesterday, steamed them slightly, then quick sauteed them in olive oil with some caramelized vidalias and Spike seasoning. They are out of this world.

And the great thing is that the strings are non-existant. I've been buying half- runners at the market all summer and those things have been stringy as hell...these were just ready to cook right off the vine.

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

HELP with ants!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-28T12:31:31Z

They are horrible right now in Duncan, OK!! My parents have tons of them and I have tons of them (the little black ants-we call them piss ants)!! What can we do besides by chemicals? Thanks in advance.

posted in Gardening101 - 10 replies

Pears

2006-08-20T23:54:02Z

I have a lovely pear tree with a zillion gorgeous pears on it just now. The pears look ripe, but are hard. I read somewhere on a garden chat list that they don't ripen on the tree so I picked 10, put them in a paper bag and I'm waiting. But that was a couple of days ago and the pears have not changed at all in texture. Yesterday I even threw in two ripe plums to see if the ethynol they are producing would do the trick...

Does anyone know about ripening pears? Last year I didn't pick them because of this reason and when they did eventually soften on the tree they were really meally. The jays love them, but I miss them.

posted in Gardening101 - 1 reply

A mystery of thyme...

2006-08-20T18:09:42Z

I have a potted thyme plant that I've had for two years. It has overwintered, outside, thru snow and cold temps, and still stayed green and healthy.

For some reason two weeks ago the entire plant except for a small area right around the center just browned, dried and died. I've pulled off all the dead part and have a (much) smaller plant that seems to be green and healthy, but it was just weird...the speed and pattern with which it declined.

Just wondering if anyone else has ever had this experience with thyme?

posted in Gardening101 - 5 replies

African violet - "Slime"?

2006-08-19T14:28:15Z

I have a variety of an African violet at my desk in my office. Name “steptocarpella” – common name “Good Hope”. Today I noticed that there is a silver, wet-looking web, or slime (like a slug trail but much more delicate) on the tops and bottoms of some of the leaves. It is from a nursery originally, but has been indoors since purchasing it about 2 months ago. While it is growing now, I am understandably concerned about it.

Can anyone provide me with any advice as to what it might be … and, hopefully, a way to treat it.

Thank you!

posted in Gardening101 - 3 replies