2024 Gardening Thread

We put mulch down around the fruit trees and where were going to replant blackberry bushes that got overgrown with weeds.

A bit of work. The idea was we could maneuver the tractor in there and dump mulch, but no. Easiest things ended up being forking the mulch from the tractor to a wheelbarrow and then dumping and spreading it. Got 1.75 of the two areas that need to be hand done, before the units ran out of steam. That was enough for me, having the job of loading the wheelbarrow and dumping it. The third row can be dumped by the tractor.
 
noway2 said:
We put mulch down around the fruit trees and where were going to replant blackberry bushes that got overgrown with weeds.

A bit of work. The idea was we could maneuver the tractor in there and dump mulch, but no. Easiest things ended up being forking the mulch from the tractor to a wheelbarrow and then dumping and spreading it. Got 1.75 of the two areas that need to be hand done, before the units ran out of steam. That was enough for me, having the job of loading the wheelbarrow and dumping it. The third row can be dumped by the tractor.
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I was about to put in 6 rows of irrigated blackberries and 18 yards of mulch this winter but time got away from me so it’s on the calendar for next January. After reading this, I think I’m going to mulch as we plant so I can do it with the tractor
 
Johnny said:
I picked up a bag of seed starting soil and 3 dozen paper pots today.
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Haven't done jack shit with it. I'm out of town on a contract, have a very small break at Easter so I hope to get something started then. If not, it will be the end of April before I get seeds in the ground and or pots.
I did manage to get some of my giant elephant ears split and replanted before I left town. I am enjoying those monsters more than vegetables the last few years. The big ears and my giant cannas are over the top thriving at our house. They both have been more than tripling in quantity every summer.
 
picked up some cheap plastic planters and potting soil. got it mixed with some older soil i had and filled up the containers.
we got about 20 things to transplant and only 10 containers full of soil. so... math will be interesting.
 
This might be of interest to our readers: The USDA recently updated the pant zone hardiness map; https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

Except for the mountains, much of NC has been moved to zone 8a while the coast and SE portion (as far inland as Fayetteville) has moved to 8b.
 
Blackberry question for you guys. The last 3 years the berries on my established plants are getting progressively smaller each year and more sour. They are old, they were planted by the previous homeowner. And I’ve been here for 14 years. Are they at the end of their useful lifecycle? They produce a tremendous amount of fruit still, but it’s just not pleasant to eat. I’m thinking about ripping them all out, and planting new.
 
SnowRooster said:
Blackberry question for you guys. The last 3 years the berries on my established plants are getting progressively smaller each year and more sour. They are old, they were planted by the previous homeowner. And I’ve been here for 14 years. Are they at the end of their useful lifecycle? They produce a tremendous amount of fruit still, but it’s just not pleasant to eat. I’m thinking about ripping them all out, and planting new.
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Before you rip, check your soil PH first.
 
Think something like this would be good enough?
https://www.lowes.com/pd/AHIOU-HOME...r-Ph-Moisture-Light-Test-Meter-Kit/5015028227

To be honest I have never used one.

It says:
  • Use fine sandpaper to lightly sand the probes and keep it clean and dry and then use
  • Switch to moisture/pH/light position according to demand
  • Insert the probe into the soil about 3-4 inches
  • Adjust the position of the probe until the pointer on the dial swing slightly
  • Check moisture/pH/light level in the dial after 10 minutes
  • PH Range: 3.5-8 pH (3.5-6.5 Acid, 7-8 Alkaline),Moisture Range: 1-10 (1-3 Dry, 4-7 Nor, 8-10 Wet),Relative Light: 0-2000 lux (0-200 Low, 200-500 Low+, 500-1000 Nor, 1000-2000 Hgh)
  • Don't leave it in the soil for too long time, or it may damage the probe
  • Do not use it to test pure water or other liquids,it can only be used to measure soil
  • Do not force it into very hard soil or touch hard objects since the probe would be easily damaged

This one works great read the ratings: https://www.amazon.com/Viagrow-Test-Drops-Complete-Testing/dp/B004PAEMK0/ref=sr_1_24?crid=1RP3SW8M004YW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-WAPMKaazrsFDw_ptLt8AYuz6rYXknKzzuXI5f-dVfJ79ATP7HSf5xmYKoGcfV9QHNf6NN5Co0EGSI0u2RfUw5YQelNk9LGpWOX290rZ6Iq4_B8t3uMvkzE-wR3Cb388FW0GzElAIqudRgwcnedj0xnxqEO3R5lIt2zKwE2PbIKjYQ3KIYBHMQl5E7jf9MhRVx4jWQUAtoMP33FHA6foRGOP-B8OSuKI_uBZtpI2mAeZOA-isKznFKvveQG0NcoMUpBephQ0B8QxYQAqCOhrHabSLY80zX4C41UCxd0Jeik.u411lbMTt5CUfXexSnRvLv2a42a714KduCmendXZrps&dib_tag=se&keywords=chemical+Garden+PH+test&qid=1711048722&sprefix=chemical+garden+ph+test,aps,408&sr=8-24&th=1
 
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Marturo said:
Think something like this would be good enough?
https://www.lowes.com/pd/AHIOU-HOME...r-Ph-Moisture-Light-Test-Meter-Kit/5015028227

To be honest I have never used one.

It says:
  • Use fine sandpaper to lightly sand the probes and keep it clean and dry and then use
  • Switch to moisture/pH/light position according to demand
  • Insert the probe into the soil about 3-4 inches
  • Adjust the position of the probe until the pointer on the dial swing slightly
  • Check moisture/pH/light level in the dial after 10 minutes
  • PH Range: 3.5-8 pH (3.5-6.5 Acid, 7-8 Alkaline),Moisture Range: 1-10 (1-3 Dry, 4-7 Nor, 8-10 Wet),Relative Light: 0-2000 lux (0-200 Low, 200-500 Low+, 500-1000 Nor, 1000-2000 Hgh)
  • Don't leave it in the soil for too long time, or it may damage the probe
  • Do not use it to test pure water or other liquids,it can only be used to measure soil
  • Do not force it into very hard soil or touch hard objects since the probe would be easily damaged

This one works great read the ratings: https://www.amazon.com/Viagrow-Test-Drops-Complete-Testing/dp/B004PAEMK0/ref=sr_1_24?crid=1RP3SW8M004YW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-WAPMKaazrsFDw_ptLt8AYuz6rYXknKzzuXI5f-dVfJ79ATP7HSf5xmYKoGcfV9QHNf6NN5Co0EGSI0u2RfUw5YQelNk9LGpWOX290rZ6Iq4_B8t3uMvkzE-wR3Cb388FW0GzElAIqudRgwcnedj0xnxqEO3R5lIt2zKwE2PbIKjYQ3KIYBHMQl5E7jf9MhRVx4jWQUAtoMP33FHA6foRGOP-B8OSuKI_uBZtpI2mAeZOA-isKznFKvveQG0NcoMUpBephQ0B8QxYQAqCOhrHabSLY80zX4C41UCxd0Jeik.u411lbMTt5CUfXexSnRvLv2a42a714KduCmendXZrps&dib_tag=se&keywords=chemical+Garden+PH+test&qid=1711048722&sprefix=chemical+garden+ph+test,aps,408&sr=8-24&th=1
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This one, it’s free and gives additional valuable info than just pH. Looks like after March 31, it become free, before it’s 4$.

IMG_2221.png
 
Jimbob78 said:
This one, it’s free and gives additional valuable info than just pH. Looks like after March 31, it become free, before it’s 4$.

View attachment 758546
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This is avery compresenvie test & will tell you more about trace minerals than a DIY one will.
I use Organic growing methods & add many things to the soil that conventional gardeners don't. Funny like the Big Med & Big Agri biz calls themselves Conventional
when it's Organic production that is Really conventional. I think of Chemical Farming as Unconventional, as we have been growing Organical for many many centuries.

In any case you can apply many things like Feather meal, Kelp meal, Gypsum, Rock dusts, Molasses, etc. & you will have very little to worry about with trace minerals.
Soil PH is more important than N-P-K because like blueberries, if the soil is too alkaline the plant can't process N-P K, & if a tomato plants soil is to acidic it can't uptake nutrients either.
 
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Nice! Thanks fellas! I’ll get on the ph testing
 
It's going down to 30 F this AM, however it's 76.5F with 71% humidity with a gentle wind here.
The peppers are looking good with thick stems & fantastic green colors.

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Tomato's, Tomatillos, & eggplant are behind the peppers they grow too quickly, so they get started 3 weeks later.

1712356440687.png
Herbs & flowers
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I wanted Aji Fantasy to try this season 3 in back row, but got good seed late. So better late than never LOL.
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I tilled late last week, for last time, and dug rows today. The soil isn't as fine as I'd like because of the rain, it's kind of clumpy but that's the way it is some years. Me, a Hoe, a shovel and a rake. My back isn't used to this.

So I'm chomping at the bit to plant something. Our usual last frost is April 15th but long range forecasts look good.

Do you think it's too early to put corn seed in the ground?
 
Amps 13 said:
I just put plants in the ground. Doesn’t look like any chance of frost
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My mother said she’s going to do the same this week. We started the peppers and tomatoes a little early and they’re good sized. Hopefully we’re done with this stupid cold fronts.
 
noway2 said:
My mother said she’s going to do the same this week. We started the peppers and tomatoes a little early and they’re good sized. Hopefully we’re done with this stupid cold fronts.
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It's best to make sure the soil is at least 65 F any cooler & you will set your plants back a few weeks.
When the siol is 65 F and above the Tropical vegetables will just continue to grow, it's well worth the wait.
 
Marturo said:
It's best to make sure the soil is at least 65 F any cooler & you will set your plants back a few weeks.
When the siol is 65 F and above the Tropical vegetables will just continue to grow, it's well worth the wait.
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I need black plastic to hurry things along :)
 
Marturo said:
It's best to make sure the soil is at least 65 F any cooler & you will set your plants back a few weeks.
When the siol is 65 F and above the Tropical vegetables will just continue to grow, it's well worth the wait.
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They built a “cold frame” which is common for the intermediate stage of plants in northern climates. I think they’re going to put them there. I agree, it’s a little early, but hopefully being in well raised beds helps. Regardless, I’m dealing with a narcissist that is losing their mind.
 
Gardner said:
I tilled late last week, for last time, and dug rows today. The soil isn't as fine as I'd like because of the rain, it's kind of clumpy but that's the way it is some years. Me, a Hoe, a shovel and a rake. My back isn't used to this.

So I'm chomping at the bit to plant something. Our usual last frost is April 15th but long range forecasts look good.

Do you think it's too early to put corn seed in the ground?
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I was going to plant corn Saturday but got tied up, and it was a little damp. A bunch of row crop guys around here were planting corn last week. The worst that can happen is you have to replant and you won’t be a day later than you would have been, with not much seed lost unless you’re planting 10 acres. On the other hand, if it doesn’t freeze you’ll be ahead.
 
20 tons of composted leaves dumped at the house this morning to condition the garden again. Did it 2 years ago and it was the best garden we’ve had.

IMG_5469.jpeg
 
noway2 said:
losing their mind.
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Aren't we all LOL. I was sick of winter in December & look at all those Cold ass month's that followed.
It's just here in the Mountains we can get snow & ice storms that strip the tree blossoms off, & break branches in April.
It's a real job to cover all your tender plants when Ol man frost comes a nipping. 😉
 
Planting time :)

I bought tomato plants today and put them in their pots

In the garden, I planted a bit of corn, green beans, Bok Choy, butter beans, and white acre peas. Tomorrow I will plant Okra and when I find plants, Cucumbers

I need cantelope plants, patio eggplant, parsley, and cilantro

It feels good to finally get things moving
 
I went ahead and put 6 tomato plants in one bed today. I figured if I loose them, I have plenty more that I started.

Sometime this coming week, I'll get my ghost peppers back in the planters. I overwintered them inside and this will be their 4th season. I also overwintered a couple jalapeno peppers and they look like they did well.
 
I’m having shoulder/rotator cuff surgery on Tuesday. Any hopes for an any type of planting this year is shot for me. But at least I can come here and see y’all’s gardens. Keep posting guys!
 
Average Joe said:
I’m having shoulder/rotator cuff surgery on Tuesday. Any hopes for an any type of planting this year is shot for me. But at least I can come here and see y’all’s gardens. Keep posting guys!
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Holler if you need anything
 
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