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Garden Gate:  Planning your garden  |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 14 2011 : 1:48:52 PM
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Just wondering: What is your method for planning your seed starting and garden planting times? Do you follow Farmer's Almanac? Do you watch natural indicators? Do you use a chart? Do you write everything down on a calendar? Do you have a "system" that you wouldn't mind sharing?
My precious and hopefully soon-to-be fruitful seeds are here (YAY!) and I'd like to get a little bit more organized with soil preparation, seed-starting and sowing, and a planting schedule so I don't miss anything... This year, I'd really like to keep up on keepin' up! My goal is to try to keep my garden moving along right through to the fall. I really could use any help or suggestions!
Thank you!
Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2011 : 3:53:13 PM
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I started my seeds indoors too early last year so I'm holding off some now. I plan to plant potatoes on St. Pat's day, it's the traditional day around here to plant potatoes. We had SNOW this morning, but it seems to be melting. supposed to warm up this week. this weather is weird. I'm just sorta going by my instincts as to when to plant things.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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marjean
True Blue Farmgirl
3862 Posts
Marsha
Deltona
FL
USA
3862 Posts |
Posted - Mar 15 2011 : 10:18:22 AM
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Hi Nini,
Well, I used to just go down to the local nursery and buy plants and put them in the ground and they did great. But, then I learned on here about heirloom seeds and wanted to try those since I only eat organic foods.
I am doing the lasagna gardening method this year in hope my soil will then grow something and that they will survive the Florida conditions.
I took natural coffee filters and filled with good potting soil. I put seeds in each one. Some are sprouting already! Some are not?!
Then my dh built me a garden box and I filled it with the layers they recommend for lasagna gardening. I then took empty toilet paper rolls and pushed down into the box. I put one seed in each one.
Two are sprouting and the others are not after 1 1/2 weeks. I also just put some seeds right into the soil. They are not sprouting yet either. I watered today and I let them tend to get almost dry before I rewater.
So I'll let you know how this method works out in the long run. The bigger seeds are the ones that sprouted first in the box. And, a small seed and squash or beans are sprouting in the coffee filters.
I forgot to mark them, hehe, so it's a wait and see kind of garden.lol
But, today I am soaking my next batch of seeds before I plant them in the soil and see how that turns out. My main problem has been once the seeds get going and I transplant them to the ground they never matured.
If at first you don't succeed try, try again is my motto.
Farmgirl sister #308
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1152 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1152 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2011 : 4:03:47 PM
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Nini, I do all of the above...the moon planting and zodiac planting I just do for fun occasionally. If you are serious about gardening, then I can't say enough about keeping a journal. Just remember that your yard is pretty much a microclimate. What does good for your neighbors may not work as well for you. Generally, it is best to stick to your USDA zone's planting time recommendations; at least for beginners. As you get more in tune with weather patterns and your climate, you can make modifications. Every year, of course, will vary. So, some years, you may try and plant tomatoes early and they do great, while others they may get nipped by a late frost. I just planted some maters today, though I know we will get another frost or two, but I'm going to chance it. I keep a journal of what I plant and when and where. It has been indispensable to me. This will be Year 3 of my journal. I know what to avoid and when to do what. I can't recommend that enough!
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2011 : 6:25:24 PM
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These are such awesome recommendations, girls! THANK YOU!
I actually did start seeds this year - and I started with the planting guide on the Farmer's Almanac website. We made MaryJane's potting soil, and my husband just cleaned out a section of his work area in the garage for me and set up a light system. My seeds last year started well, but not many "made" it, so we had to buy them. I started all heirloom seeds this year, though, too. I've been taking all the farmgirls' advice, watching the posts, and really taking notes, so I'm confident we'll have a better time this year! Last year was the first time I tried companion planting and raised beds, so I was sure to start a notebook. Not everything worked according to the books, but now I have my notes to refer to for this year. I learned a lot. Last year, I had new things grow that I could never grow before, some things grew really, really slowly, and old familiars didn't do well at all - it was really unexpected! Right now, I've got lots of pages designed with different planting patterns, but I'm pretty sure I've settled on a good one. Prior to finding MJF, I had absolutely NO idea that there were different times to start seeds, plant plants, etc. So this year, I'm eager to stay on some sort of planting schedule. And I'd like to give another shot to seasonal planting to try to extend our garden. Last year, I tried a little bit, but I had a really tough time deciding when to pull the first round of plants - most produced slowly all summer, and I just couldn't bring myself to uproot them! :) It's a tough one to figure out, I think. I'm also really worried about having that powdery mildew come back. It did a number on my pumpkin, zucchini, yellow squash and cucumbers. Eventually it hit my melons and eggplant, too. I was SO bummed. I did heed the advice of the farmgirls, though, so I'm hopeful. :)
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2011 : 6:27:26 PM
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Amanda - I meant to ask... what are moon gardening and Zodiac gardening? I know that Farmer's Almanac has "best days to" do all sorts of things - is that where this comes from? Does it work? I would be happy to give my garden all the help it can get! LOL! Thanks! - Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2011 : 8:19:31 PM
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Nini, we have just always started the garden when it was dry enough. Like tiday, my tiller guy came and turned the ground. Because it was dry and because he had time. So that's what we do. Then we plant when the ground has been tilled and it's dry. I have always had good gardens. Never planted by the signs. I just plant when I can. I am so glad to finally get the garden turned. It should have been done in the fall and top dressed with rye but we never got around to it then. But I have been adding lots of leaves and manure through the winter. Also last summer when I had so much milk from all the goats, I poured that on the garden. So I will see if that helped at all. I am so excited to get this garden season started already now.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1152 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1152 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2011 : 9:05:15 PM
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Nini,
when you garden 'by the moon', people say that there is a good time to do certain things depending on if the moon is waxing or waning, new or full. It supposedly has to do with the gravitational pull of the moon and its effect on water. When you garden by the Zodiac, when the moon is 'in' a specific sign (like right now the moon is in Virgo), some signs are fruitful and some signs are barren. Virgo is considered a barren sign. So, it's a good time to do cleaning up, but not planting. Now, I plant whenever I feel like it most of the time (with great results) but I also think that it's fun to try and plant 'by the signs' or by the moon. Here is a good site on that: http://www.gardeningbythemoon.com/index.html
Go to the top links 'Phases' and 'Signs'. No, you do not have to buy anything. If you have an almanac, you will just look up the date and you can find both the signs and the moon phase in seconds. Anyhoo, I just think that it's fun.
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2011 : 08:01:08 AM
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here in the high desert it is more like. hurry it is not snowing this minute. lets throw seeds in and see if it will grow. honestly here we are zone 3 to 5. we can be -20 and next day be 60. our growing season is less than 90 days. i do use the heirloom varieties. i am able to find special plants that do well in harsh environments. we grow a blacktail watermelon. yum i grow them in the lava rocks. the rocks warm in day and help warm at night. so point being, like kris papa tilled this week. i could not help myself. i planted soaked peas and some swiss chard and beets. well now they are tucked under a snow storm. i love gardening. if even a few of the seeds take off i will be pleased. so i bought my bagged soil and some seeds local yesterday. i am starting early. i use a greenhouse. its heated. so first kitchen then greenhouse then i move to soil. i am a haphazard gardener. i find things growing happily where they ought not be. i share with folks i grow stuff that can grow without me. i love all the ideas here. i wish i had planted garlic in the fall. i am always amazed at how organized some farmgirls are. even your lists are art. coming here and reading all the garden ideas etc. is wonderful. happy gardening farmgirls sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2011 : 5:27:04 PM
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Thank you, Amanda! I will definitely check that out! Very interesting! I had seen it in the almanac, and just bought a copy of the Farmer's Almanac garden planting guide, and it explained it a little bit. I had learned about it a little bit at the Natural History Museum in the Native American exhibit, but I honestly didn't realize that this was something still in practice by gardeners today (how embarrassing!). I should've paid more attention - I'm going to have to go back to see it again!
Oh girls - I am a haphazard gardener, too (Sherry - I love that!) I try to plan, but I always muddle up somehow - weather, error, you name it. Kris, I tilled by hand over the weekend (paid dearly, too, LOL!) simply because it was sooooo nice out, and I had a little extra time to myself. It was glorious to be out in the sun and fresh, sweet air toiling in the dirt! I got a lot of seeds planted in starter pots as I'm trying to avoid the nursery this year. Last year that didn't go so well, but I learned from my mistakes - I hope! :) I also planted carrots and garlic. I tried companion planting for the first time last year - the results were pretty impressive. Not everything did as well as hoped, but I'm still learning! I goofed today, of course (that dang "Al Capone of Green Thumbs" is fighting to re-surface I'm afraid!). I actually set out to plant strawberries and spinach together this afternoon, but planted strawberries and beets instead. Luckily they're supposed to be good companions, so I'll be okay. I'll put some spinach out there tomorrow too, I suppose. I know I'm planting a little "early" according to Farmer's Almanac, but I think we'll be okay. :) If not, I've got plenty more seeds to try again in a couple of weeks! I do have my journal from last year to help guide me, thankfully, and I've started my new one for 2011, too. We'll see! We'll see!
Sherry - The Farmer's Almanac garden guide says that March is the last time you'll be able to plant garlic for this year... You might still want to try! I just planted cloves from last year's garden that had started sprouting green leaves in my braid. Maybe that will work if you can't plant seeds???
Thanks so much for sharing all of your experience and suggestions, girls! The more the merrier!!
Hugs -
Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2011 : 8:08:06 PM
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Marsha - I keep meaning to tell you - your story about forgetting to mark your seeds made me laugh! Last year, I bought some seeds last minute and never wrote down in my journal what I planted where. Suddenly last fall these incredibly HUGE green leafy plants came in. I had absolutely NO idea what it was - I actually thought they might be cabbage plants that never fruited! They looked pretty, but nobody who came to the house had any clue what the heck they were, so I let them run their course, untouched. Here, I was just going through old seed packets and found it could - COULD - have been kale...or mustard...or collards... I dunno. Obviously whatever it was was something I don't buy or use very often! LOL! They sure were pretty, though. If I make a mistake like that this year, I know how to post pics, so I'll definitely be turning to the farmgirls to help me figure out what I've done! Good luck with your lasagne garden - can't wait to hear how it turns out! :) Hugs - Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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Dorinda
True Blue Farmgirl
1023 Posts
Dorinda
St. Cloud
Florida
USA
1023 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2011 : 2:15:54 PM
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This year Nini I started alot of my veggies from seed because the price of plants have went sky high here. $3.58 for a tomatoe plant. Give me a break!! Anyways I plant like the old timers use to plant here. Have your whole garden in by the middle to the third week of March for your spring garden. Usually always works out fine for me. Plant your fall garden the first to second week of September. It is so hot here in the summer time the only thing you can plant then is okra or peas. Also the bugs will eat up your garden in the summer time. And I do not leave my AC from the middle of June to the end of August. They do not even work the groves in August. They call that dog days. Nothing gets worked in dog days here. Happy Gardening!
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
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Arctic Flower
True Blue Farmgirl
85 Posts
Marjorie
Nenana
Alaska
USA
85 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2011 : 12:49:50 PM
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Living in interior Alaska gardening can be a real challenge with the micro climate I live in. But I have adopted 4 rules and if I stick to them my harvest is wonderful and I didn’t stress out working on it! It’s supposed to be fun after all. So here are my rules:
Rule #1: Buy healthy plants from your gardening center or good seeds from reputable seed houses.
Rule #2: Know the growing requirements of the plant varieties you want to grow.
If your ground is cold like mine, potatoes and carrots thrive in that ground but tomatoes and melons have to go in my greenhouse raised boxes. I made a simple A-Frame out of ¾ inch pvc pipes, electrical tape and rolled clear plastic sheeting . I got apples boxes from the grocery store and lined them with plastic garbage bags. I don’t put drainage holes in, I just water a little less. And only put one plant per box. This saves on water and the plants never dry out. Since they are under shelter the rain can’t dissolve the boxes and you can use them next year. It takes a little experimenting to get the watering right based on the sun light and heat we are getting. I use an old trick to test if there is too much water. I take a sheet of newspaper, roll it in a tight tube and push it down in the box. Wait 5 minutes and take it out. If the tube is totally saturated, I have too water then I don’t water for few days. If the tube is just moist it is the perfect amount of moisture. Just remember not to leave the tube in the box.
Rule #3: Keep those seedlings warm with good air circulation and don’t get the seedlings wet when you water.
Water from below because it keeps down damp off, mildew and those little bugs on the dirt. Cold drafts and moisture will kill’em off fast.
Rule#4: This is the hardest rule to follow even for me. Get a calendar and your seed packets. Sit down at the table with a cup of tea or coffee and decide what month you want to harvest( July, August, September, October). Now look at the seed packet and the date to maturity. If it says 60 days then add 10 more days . This covers the length of time for additional growth and continuous fruiting. Now pick the date in the month you first want to harvest. So lets say I want my first carrots by July 20 and they take 60 days + my extra 10 days. I count back 70 days starting July 20 and I see that I need to plant my seeds on May 12. Put that date on your calendar and voila, fresh carrots will be ready by July 20.
Happy gardening!!
Farmgirl #2416
Believe in the power of Love! |
Edited by - Arctic Flower on Mar 29 2011 12:53:56 PM |
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KD Earthwork
True Blue Farmgirl
210 Posts
Katie
Gualala
Calif.
USA
210 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2011 : 8:45:50 PM
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Ninibini,
I will share here what I wrote on my blog and what after thirty years of full time gardening I do. Good luck and love it a lot ! Katie
Gardening Wisdom
Posted on March 26, 2011 by katie http://www.rosemancreekranch.com
I believe in following your inner voice. It works well for me in the garden as well as in life. If you listen , stay alert, the garden ” tells ” you things it wants. I use it a lot for crop rotation waiting until the area “tells ” me what it want’s there. For me , being incredibly visual, it’s in the form of a picture. I “see” what will be growing there. When I see this I usually follow what I see, unless there’s a good reason not to . Sometimes it can be an intuition about a fertilizer or mineral that would make the plants happier or the soil just not looking “well”.
I’ve also had questions about life answered. It seems as though the response arises out of whatever I’m doing in the garden. I remember one year at Odiyan when we decided to scythe large areas of grass instead of using the tractor mower. We would mow about fifty acres every year for fire prevention. So this year there were about six of us with scythes, we were spread out on this long hillside, cutting slowly along, swoosh, swoosh. As we were walking out there all carrying the scythes over our shoulders, I wondered about the image of the grim reaper representing death, holding a scythe. An image that always was portrayed to me as scary and dark, like in a horror flick. So I’m swaying back and forth in the scything dance, and I realize that I’m just cutting the abundance of the life of the grass. Reaping a harvest that is rich and full. Like life is for us; born in the winter , growing in the spring, ripening in summer and then harvesting in the fall. It made me feel better realizing the cycle of life, not just a scary image of death, but the rich fulfillment of the seasons.
Lately, this intuition and good energy has also been addressed towards equipment, cars and appliances. My friend told me about it when I questioned her sensibilities. She had been driving late at night on a extremely remote , long, curvy road on her half sized spare tire. She had at this point, driven on this spare tire for about a month or longer. She told me:” I don’t worry, I put so much good energy into that car that it always works wonders for me !”. So I started to think about that and treat my autos , etc. with even better ” care” than before. Recently my husband who is a manly, American made, guy type of man . Drives everything hard and without this level of ” care”. Well, my pick up, which I’d let him drive for the last year because it hurt my shoulders( ripped rotator cuffs) to drive regularly,started to rebel . He treated my pick up with no respect, not letting the glow plug heat up when it was cold, not changing the oil and fuel filters, always leaving the windows down and letting it sit for long periods with the radio on, key on. This truck has now said ” no more” I don’t like this kind of treatment, especially after being my pampered baby for the first four years of it’s life. It won’t start for him, but usually will start for me. I’m still hoping we don’t need the next (third ) part and repair if I just love it back to health. This has also worked with weed eaters, mowers, DVD players etc. Love can work wonders in your life.
So plant when you think it’s a good day.Focus on what calls out to you If those seed bags shake at you , plant them . Lay low when you feel the need. When I check my actions against the Farmers Almanac gardening calendar I’m usually right on. But if you don’t trust yourself yet , keep checking the Almanac calendar until you do. It really works!
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amomfly
True Blue Farmgirl
658 Posts
Angie
LaGrange
IN
USA
658 Posts |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2011 : 1:50:53 PM
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How wonderful, Katie! :) I have been the victim of planting things too early. We have a greenhouse, so, it's a little less disasterous when it gets cold. Mainly, the plants get too big for their little cells! I've been waiting longer this year-I'm hoping to start putting seeds out next week. We'll see!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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Garden Gate: Planning your garden |
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Planning your garden
