Vegetable Gardening

[mercurial]

I used to keep a vegetable garden but over the course of a couple of moves I stopped and never got started back again. It's been almost 10 years since then and I thought I might try to get something going again. My backyard is a bit too shady but I think my back deck should be just right so I'm planning on just planting some containers and seeing how things go. Any suggestions or things to watch out for going that route?

I'm planning to use plants and not trying to start anything from seed this year. Looks like our average last frost is the end of April but it seems like I used to start earlier than that. What time to most folks in Zone 7 start?

So far as what I was thinking about planting:

-Tomatoes (a regular and a plum variety most likely)
-Peppers (bell, mild, and hot)
-Eggplant
-Cucumbers (trellised)
-Perhaps an assortment of herbs.

I'd like to to summer squash and zucchini but I'm not sure if you can trellis them or manage them in containers. Anyone tried that and have success? I used to just let them spread.

Any suggestions of other veggies that would do well in containers that I'm overlooking?

[Twink]

When we took the "Behind the Seeds" tour at Epcot, they even grew watermelons and pumpkins on trellises. I don't see why you couldn't do squash and zuchini that way.

[mercurial]

When we took the "Behind the Seeds" tour at Epcot, they even grew watermelons and pumpkins on trellises. I don't see why you couldn't do squash and zuchini that way.

True, but possible and "something I'd want to try" may not be one in the same... ;) Still, the cost giving it a go isn't that high.

[Faerie]

This is the blog of a friend of mine... http://desertcontainergardening.blogspot.com/

They're in Las Vegas - so a very different climate, but they do a lot of container gardening in their tiny backyard. And they have been very successful! The posts have slowed down recently as he's working on his dissertation, but the older posts should have lots of good information.

[mercurial]

Thanks!

[keirgrey]

Make sure you plant lots of catnip in your herbs.

[mercurial]

Make sure you plant lots of catnip in your herbs.

You do know that catnip is in the mint family and that, for some cats, mint has the same effect?

[jami]

Make sure you plant lots of catnip in your herbs.

Why? I would think you'd only do that if you want cats laying in your pots. :)


I grow herbs, but this year I'd like to try a few veggies, too.

[jami]

Make sure you plant lots of catnip in your herbs.

You do know that catnip is in the mint family and that, for some cats, mint has the same effect?

And all mints grow like weeds - keep them in a container to keep them from spreading too far.

[mercurial]

Make sure you plant lots of catnip in your herbs.

You do know that catnip is in the mint family and that, for some cats, mint has the same effect?

And all mints grow like weeds - keep them in a container to keep them from spreading too far.

That's because most herbs ARE weeds... You should see my neighbor who has have their front lawn take over by run-away rosemary. And also the reason I can never tell the herb from the weed... the main point that keeps me from growing my own...

[jami]

I don't understand the problem with runaway herbs. ;)

Mine grew well here the first year I was in IL. Last year, not many of them took off. I had about 20 different herbs in containers and some just never grew. I think because I started them in those little dirt pods. I didn't the year before and everything flourished.

[keirgrey]

Make sure you plant lots of catnip in your herbs.

Why? I would think you'd only do that if you want cats laying in your pots. :)


I grow herbs, but this year I'd like to try a few veggies, too.I was giving merc patently bad advice. :coolsmiley:

[mercurial]

Well, yes, but I figured I just go Cliff Claven on you...

[timesamillion]

get a few earthboxes (http://earthbox.com/)

you'll get amazing results.

[mercurial]

get a few earthboxes (http://earthbox.com/)

you'll get amazing results.

For the amount they cost, I should! Since part of this is to save a few $$ on produce, I think I'll stick with what I have. Maybe invest in some landscaping fabric to "cover" them.

[Makita]

get a few earthboxes (http://earthbox.com/)

you'll get amazing results.

For the amount they cost, I should! Since part of this is to save a few $$ on produce, I think I'll stick with what I have. Maybe invest in some landscaping fabric to "cover" them.
If you have access (or friends who do) @ hospitals, get used Oxygen Tents for the 'maters. My dad would bring a few home to put over our 1/2 barrels they grew them in. Kept many a Tomato alive and well in the late summer / early fall.

[gregor]

I'd love to grow stuff on my deck, but the fscking squirrels get into everything. The only thing they don't eat are hot peppers.

I'd have to come up with some sort of cage to keep the little bastiges out.

[keirgrey]

Well, yes, but I figured I just go Cliff Claven on you...You know, merc, even if the moose could speak, it couldn't say "Constitutional". It's mouth is shaped wrong.

[JustAllie]

So would a bunch of chicken wire suffice to keep bunnies and squirrels out of a vegetable garden?

[MarkofT]

Merc, try these (http://www.hangingtomato.com/) out and let us know how they do.

http://www.hangingtomato.com/templates/allstar/topsyturvytomatoplanterv2/486/__split/images/plant1.jpg

[mercurial]

I'd love to grow stuff on my deck, but the fscking squirrels get into everything. The only thing they don't eat are hot peppers.

I'd have to come up with some sort of cage to keep the little bastiges out.

Mixing cayenne pepper in your bird seed is supposed to keep them out of your feeders, thought I might try putting some in the soil and sprinkling the plants and see if it works.

Merc, try these (http://www.hangingtomato.com/) out and let us know how they do.

http://www.hangingtomato.com/templates/allstar/topsyturvytomatoplanterv2/486/__split/images/plant1.jpg

I've considered that. My FIL apparently knows another professor in agriculture who is a big hydroponics guy. He was suggesting that his friend would be happy to help setup a high-density hydroponic system of some sort. I declined. I don't think I'm quite ready for that type of commitment.. :p

[luckydriver]

Is there any way to grow yellow and red peppers inside?

[Faerie]

Merc, try these (http://www.hangingtomato.com/) out and let us know how they do.

http://www.hangingtomato.com/templates/allstar/topsyturvytomatoplanterv2/486/__split/images/plant1.jpg

The friend of mine who does the blog I linked above tried the hanging planters without much success. I keep meaning to ask him what type he tried and what went wrong.

[robin]

You can definitely trellis zucchini and squash! I do that even though I have a regular garden. It takes up less space, makes them easier to harvest, helps prevent disease (since the plant gets more air) and looks cool. :)

You can trellis watermelon, cantaloupe, and pumpkin, too. Smaller varieties are better, but the stem will grow thicker to support the weight of the fruit.

Check out Square Foot Gardening (http://books.google.com/books?id=9_spjPVMnCUC&dq=square+foot+gardening&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=TrK7SYLUFsKftge6ybz3Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result)

Personally I don't have a lot of luck with containers, but I'm bad about watering. I trend more toward "throw it in the ground and it better grow deep routes because if it wants water it's gonna need to find it itself." (I do not recommend this approach. ;))

I do know they'll need frequent watering and fertilizing since they have limited reserves to draw on. The bigger the container the better--it won't dry out as fast.

You can start tomatoes (and other things) earlier with Wall-o-Waters (http://www.burpee.com/product/vegetables/tomatoes/tomato+helpers/wall+o%27+water-+1+pkg.++of++3.do). Containers are a mixed blessing when it comes to starting early. They're good in that you can whisk things inside for the odd cold night or two but they're bad in that they'll get cold faster and won't hold the day's heat as well.

And mostly, have fun! I love vegetable gardening but am more enthusiastic than skilled. ;)

[Makita]

/subscribe

Have an 8x8 or so section ready for once the snow is gone and Was thinking about digging up a section in back to plant sweet corn, Taters and such.

Going to grow Japs and herbs in 1/2 barrels again up front.

[MarkofT]

Robin's post has reminded me of something that will help with the watering issue. Buy some of this stuff (http://watersorb.com/application.htm) and mix it with the soil. It will quickly absorb water and then slowly release it.

[robin]

Going to grow Japs and herbs in 1/2 barrels again up front.

There's an un-PC joke just dying to bust out.

[mercurial]

Going to grow Japs and herbs in 1/2 barrels again up front.

There's an un-PC joke just dying to bust out.

Does it relate to "the moderation over there"? :p

[Jebber]

You can definitely trellis zucchini and squash! I do that even though I have a regular garden. It takes up less space, makes them easier to harvest, helps prevent disease (since the plant gets more air) and looks cool. :)

You can trellis watermelon, cantaloupe, and pumpkin, too. Smaller varieties are better, but the stem will grow thicker to support the weight of the fruit.

Check out Square Foot Gardening (http://books.google.com/books?id=9_spjPVMnCUC&dq=square+foot+gardening&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=TrK7SYLUFsKftge6ybz3Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result)

That sounds interesting - very interesting.

Thanks for the link.

Jeff

[Gai-jin]

If we ever get our appraisal back so we can close on our house, I'd really like to try a garden this year. I don't know exactly what I'd plant, probably sweet corn, carrots, and peas at least. It won't be much, but at least it's something new to try to go along with being a first time property owner.

[Twink]

I confess...I am a garden murderer. I plant tomatoes in the yard each year and then somewhere along the line, I forget they're out there and need water. Thank goodness we are at least allowed to water veggie gardens without fear of a fine from the water police.

However, with the wet spring we're having, I have renewed hope in water actually coming down from the sky this summer to help them along. I'm going to order some plants and just do the container thing next to the patio. Thank you, mercurial for the idea. I can almost taste the tomato 'sammiches.' :)

[Faerie]

Twinkerbell... I understand all too well... watering is my downfall too! And the way I have my potential containers envisioned, I won't really have a way to set up a cheap automatic drip system. I'm going to somehow have to actually remember to water them by hand.

Does anyone have a good suggestion for websites to order seedlings? I think I'm a little late for trying to grow from seeds.

[mercurial]

Twinkerbell... I understand all too well... watering is my downfall too! And the way I have my potential containers envisioned, I won't really have a way to set up a cheap automatic drip system. I'm going to somehow have to actually remember to water them by hand.

Does anyone have a good suggestion for websites to order seedlings? I think I'm a little late for trying to grow from seeds.

My watering system is that I have a daughter that is dying to "grow" things. I'm hoping she'll get enlisted to help watering some.

[Faerie]

Twinkerbell... I understand all too well... watering is my downfall too! And the way I have my potential containers envisioned, I won't really have a way to set up a cheap automatic drip system. I'm going to somehow have to actually remember to water them by hand.

Does anyone have a good suggestion for websites to order seedlings? I think I'm a little late for trying to grow from seeds.

My watering system is that I have a daughter that is dying to "grow" things. I'm hoping she'll get enlisted to help watering some.

Maybe I should plant them low enough that my dogs can help "water" them? I doubt Derrick will remember!

[mercurial]

That may not be ph friendly...

[Faerie]

That may not be ph friendly...

I know =) I should have included a smiley... my dogs have long killed off any plants in their sideyard. Both by traipsing all over them and by peeing on anything that seems to have a hint of life in it.

[Twink]

Twinkerbell... I understand all too well... watering is my downfall too! And the way I have my potential containers envisioned, I won't really have a way to set up a cheap automatic drip system. I'm going to somehow have to actually remember to water them by hand.

Does anyone have a good suggestion for websites to order seedlings? I think I'm a little late for trying to grow from seeds.

My watering system is that I have a daughter that is dying to "grow" things. I'm hoping she'll get enlisted to help watering some.

Hmmm...the only person I have around is Trevor....wonder what kind of incentives.....oh yeah...nevermind. ;)

[Twink]

Twinkerbell... I understand all too well... watering is my downfall too! And the way I have my potential containers envisioned, I won't really have a way to set up a cheap automatic drip system. I'm going to somehow have to actually remember to water them by hand.

Does anyone have a good suggestion for websites to order seedlings? I think I'm a little late for trying to grow from seeds.

My watering system is that I have a daughter that is dying to "grow" things. I'm hoping she'll get enlisted to help watering some.

Maybe I should plant them low enough that my dogs can help "water" them? I doubt Derrick will remember!

I did find this website that has instructions (http://www.learn2grow.com/projects/containers/construction/dripirrigate.aspx)for a drip irrigation system for containers...I can't read it right now, but I'll look at it when I get home from dinner with friends.

[drew]

To date I've only done trees and shrubs for landscaping purposes, and I really enjoy it. I like puttering around in the garden, and love manual labor.

This year I'm trying veggies for the first time, and have some heirloom tomato seeds en route. Going to do some fairly bizarre tomatoes: Green Zebras (green with yellow stripes) and Cherokee Purple (dark purple). Both are supposed to taste amazing.

It'll be a bit of a science experiment growing these from seed, but I'm game. I'm going to grow them upside down. I'll take photos.

[Faerie]

Green Zebras are some of my favorite tomatoes. Nice and tart - fantastic flavor!! I picked up a seedling today, I can't wait to see if I get fruit!

[JoLt]

Check out Backwoods Home magazine. They are a good source of knowledge on stuff like this.
http://backwoodshome.com/

[Makita]

Rentign a sod-cutter tomorrow working till noon (1/2 day - kids have early release from school)
Need to cut up the sod on a 14x20 section of lawn, get it back and get a tiller (and get it back by 7:00).

Want to plant this weekend, dangitall.

[Jebber]

You can definitely trellis zucchini and squash! I do that even though I have a regular garden. It takes up less space, makes them easier to harvest, helps prevent disease (since the plant gets more air) and looks cool. :)

You can trellis watermelon, cantaloupe, and pumpkin, too. Smaller varieties are better, but the stem will grow thicker to support the weight of the fruit.

Check out Square Foot Gardening (http://books.google.com/books?id=9_spjPVMnCUC&dq=square+foot+gardening&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=TrK7SYLUFsKftge6ybz3Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result)

That sounds interesting - very interesting.

Thanks for the link.

Jeff

I put in am 8x8 raised garden this past weekend - within sight of my back patio. This is important because all my previous gardens were out of sight and I would forget to tend to them. Hopefully this will work better.

I used 6x8 landscaping timber and then put in dirt and peat moss to fill in the garden area.

I'm thinking of dividing it up into squares maybe a little bigger then a foot, 30-40 in total.

I've started a few plants indoors - tomatoes and peppers. looking for beans, radishes and a few others.

[JustAllie]

My housemate and I put in two 3x3 square foot gardens and a traditional herb garden this past weekend. I'll try to get some pictures soon -- hopefully before the rabbits devastate the baby lettuces. ;)

[Jobeth66]

Allie - plant some marigolds in around your lettuce, and/or some chives or garlic - all those seem to have SOME success in keeping them at bay. The other thing I've seen used, and my aunt used to swear by, is Irish Spring soap. She'd put a bar of soap inside a styrofoam cup (on its side) every few feet around her garden. (The cup keeps the soap from getting wet when it rains, so it doesn't dissolve into your garden.) All I know is she never seemed to have problems with rabbits in her garden.

[JustAllie]

Hmm, interesting idea with the soap! I seem to have had success keeping the rabbits away from my black-eyed susans by sprinkling the leaves with cayenne pepper, but obviously that's not a good long-term solution for the lettuce (unless I want lots of spicy salads!).

I believe Christiane put some marigolds by some of the lettuces -- I still have more marigolds to plant, so I'll see if there's room for them by the other lettuces!

I bought five varieties of lettuce. It looks like a salad bowl out there. :D

[Makita]

a Dog would also do the trick, if your yard is fenced-in. :)

Otherwise, for a 3x3 section, I think Chicken-wire might work, too.

we have rabbits.
Have never had a Garden.
Our garden will be outside the fence. Plan on Carrots, Taters, Sweet corn and whatever the wife might want, but I am pretty sure lettuce isn't one of them. (something to keep in mind, I guess)

[robin]

I used 6x8 landscaping timber and then put in dirt and peat moss to fill in the garden area.

If you can get your hands on some compost it would be a great addition. Dirt and peat moss aren't very nutrient-rich.

[Jebber]

I used 6x8 landscaping timber and then put in dirt and peat moss to fill in the garden area.

If you can get your hands on some compost it would be a great addition. Dirt and peat moss aren't very nutrient-rich.

I've got some bags of manure to add still and also we have a compost thingie that I completely forgot about. That should do it.

Thanks for the tip!!

[robin]

That sounds perfect!

We have a horse farm nearby and the owner is more than happy to give out composted manure to anyone who'll come get it. We've gotten, literally, tons. Our vegetable garden, a front bed we're expanding, a neighbor's rose garden, and the community garden.

[Jebber]

That sounds perfect!

We have a horse farm nearby and the owner is more than happy to give out composted manure to anyone who'll come get it. We've gotten, literally, tons. Our vegetable garden, a front bed we're expanding, a neighbor's rose garden, and the community garden.

Another timely helpful hint. Thanks again!!

I googled compost manure and learned that a horse farm not too far (2 miles) from me gives the stuff away as well. I mentioned it to my wife and she apparently knew along about this resource but didn't share ;).

I made two trips yesterday - more than enough to top off my garden. We planted this morning and hopefully we won't have any frosts. We ended up using 15x15 squares.