| Author | Content |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 27, 2009
09:44 PM Post #6996189
| There are so many threads on composting it is hard to find the info I want. I just have a very simple question.
Can I just use a space for composting? It would be just a tiny space bound by a fence, brick wall, air conditioner, and patio. Can I just dump about everything there? Like Starbuck's coffee grounds, mealy tomatoes, old bananas, watermelon without the green rind. Would it smell? If I rake it with existing soil and water it every so often, would it be ok? |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 27, 2009
09:49 PM Post #6996216
| If you don't get enough answers here, I see that you're a subscriber, so you might check out the soil & composting forum http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/soil/all/ |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 27, 2009
09:52 PM Post #6996233
| I have been there and there is too much info!!!! I have spent over an hour looking through those threads and I just gave up. I guess I need to post a thread there. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 27, 2009
10:19 PM Post #6996319
| Anything organic will be ok. You can put the green rinds in off the melon, won't hurt. Add some leaves or grass clippings as well. You can shred paper and add that. Shouldn't be a smell. Mine never had an odor. If you want it to compost quicker you need to turn it occasionally. That was to much like work for me and I wasn't in a hurry so I just kept layering it. Water occasionally to help it rot. I used to through in a handful of ammonia nitrate fertilizer every once in a while, but not necessary. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 27, 2009
11:10 PM Post #6996510
| Jim, sounds great. I don't have leaves or grass clippings. But I do have a bag of papers that need shredding. There aren't any dried leaves until the fall but I can ask around and maybe can get some grass clippings. I probably won't get that fertilizer because I try to buy as little as possible. Thanks so much! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 28, 2009
12:52 AM Post #6996711
| venice62, if your compost pile is away from woods where animals may visit then I would suggest all kinds of material such as food ect. I personally am concerned about rodent problems in an open compost area. I prefer egg shells,coffee grounds, tea bags, leaves, grass clippings and maybe a few potatoe peelings. In a compost drum then let it all fly, food scraps and all. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
06:52 AM Post #6996946
| Wow, I am glad you mentioned that! We don't have rodents here except for chipmunks. But there are mice over in the fields. However, I know neighbors left food outside for cats and it brought raccoons. One neighbor said that one was on the roof above their door and they were afraid it was going to jump on them! My cat is a good hunter but I don't know what she would do faced with a raccoon. The compost pile would be only 15-20 feet from my patio door. I think I better hold off on the fruit and veggies. Thanks, Flowers! |
Texasroses
Marlin, TX
August 28, 2009
07:57 AM Post #6997070
| Venice,
As always, Jim is right. A compost pile doesn't need turning, but it does speed things up.
Your area sounds good for a pile--close enough to the house so it will be convenient to add to, and far enough from your patio not to be visually intrusive.
Be careful where you get grass clippings--some people think if a little fertilizer/weed killer/insecticide is good, a lot is better, and that isn't something you want to add to a compost pile.
If you have an old blender you can chop up your vegetable peelings into a semi-mush and put that on your compost pile. If you sprinkle the mush and then cover it with coffeegrounds or something similar, you won't have to worry about rodents. I just toss peelings, rinds, past-their-prime veggies and fruits on our pile, but it is out by the barn. I have seen no evidence of rodents, and believe me, there are rodents in the fields!
You won't believe what your compost will do for your gardens! |
QuoiMerrie
Bay Village, OH
August 28, 2009
08:34 AM Post #6997155
| Short answers...space ok? yes.
Will it smell...yes...like a woodland forest floor for the most part.
Never...never add any meat. |
drivenbonkers
Perth,, ON
(Zone 5a)
August 28, 2009
08:58 AM Post #6997210
| It's been my experience that you can manage compost heaps any way you want, in as much/little space as you have.
I've had equally good results between leaving the stuff layered/piled undisturbed for a year, turning it all over and rebuilding the pile in the spring, and adding stuff in layers, monitoring the internal temps and then turning over every few days, once the temps spiked and dropped. It was exciting to find the temps reached 70C, lol
For stuff that may attract insects/rodents or housepets, a good covering of something like grass clippings or shredded newspapers keeps most things away.
The different methods I used depended entirely on what materials I had available, lotsa weeds, and DH bought a lawn sweeper, lol.
Happy composting! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 28, 2009
09:56 AM Post #6997396
| your welcome venice, Sometimes common sense over rules logic, always look at the big picture. Happy composting and don't rule out knowledge from these fine folks that have lots of experience on the subject. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
10:36 AM Post #6997515
| Ok, I can blend my bananas, watermelon, mushy tomatoes. Then cover it with some shredded newspaper and coffee grounds and maybe a little soil on top because I don't want Kitty to get all of that on her feet. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 28, 2009
10:51 AM Post #6997564
| if ya want it to decompose faster then I would suggest putting black plastic on top of the pile held down by bricks or blocks. This will make it heat up faster, just remember to turn it with a pitch fork ever so often and spray it down with water when you turn it. This will also keep kittys paws clean. My dog got deathly sick from eating food the neighbors threw out so am leary of food not covered even in a compost area unless it is fenced off. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 28, 2009
10:52 AM Post #6997569
| Get a 5 gallon bucket from the HD or Lowe's and poke holes in the bottom. It has a lid so it will keep Kitty clean and the odor down. Rule of thumb...No meat, No dairy, No bones; all the rest of your kitchen and garden scraps are good. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
11:04 AM Post #6997610
| I suppose I can use my shredded bills and other junk paper. They are already cross-shredded. Or do I really need to use newspaper? |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
11:08 AM Post #6997624
| For now I will try it without the bucket. If it smells, I will do something else. I cooked my banana peels and green watermelon rind so it would be softer for my blender, interesting smell! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 28, 2009
12:37 PM Post #6997918
| a green and brown ratio is a must, leaves and clippings |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
01:43 PM Post #6998177
| What is the ratio that you are talking about? Also, what do you consider green and what do you consider brown? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 28, 2009
03:05 PM Post #6998511
| venice here is a link with a video that might explain it better than I can. Hope it helps http://www.howstuffworks.com/composting.htm/printable |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
06:44 PM Post #6999142
| Flowers, thanks for the link. I wish I had leaves, grass, and more space. I just have to make do with what I have and hope it is ok.
By the way, I came across this interesting list for 163 things to compost.
http://www.plantea.com/compost-materials.htm |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 28, 2009
07:05 PM Post #6999213
| neat link, never would have thought leather would be in the mix. It can be as big as you want and started in a trash can with a lid, just keep it turned. I just like the thoughts of putting the nutrients back in my landscape as opposed to a landfill. You will do good and teach the young ones the art so they might carry it on. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
08:30 PM Post #6999539
| I never thought of many of the things on that list, like vacuum cleaner bag contents. By the way I don't have any young ones but I do have a 9 year old granddaughter in SC. |
mgpaquin
Savannah, GA
August 28, 2009
09:04 PM Post #6999653
| When we moved into this house, brand new construction, the shaded side (the only shade on the whole lot) was virtually nothing but sand. I just started tossing grass clippings and anything I had pruned out of the garden back there, but never weeds I had pulled. Within 6 months I started seeing a sort of compost, and pretty soon the grass was beginning to creep in there. It's too shady for grass, but this spring, after 3 years of doing this, I think I have enough goodness to maybe try a hosta or two.
The other thing that I have (it's a small lot) is an EnviroCycle composter. That's where I put my kitchen waste (never any fat or meat, but tea bags, coffee grounds, egg shells, peels, that old shriveled up potato, etc., etc.) and it makes absolutely glorious compost, and does it very quickly. I'm not good at embedding links, but let's see if this works:
http://www.envirocyclesystems.com/US/info.html
Good luck! |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 28, 2009
09:26 PM Post #6999733
| Venice, remember when you used to go swimming when you were a kid? Walk up to the edge of the pool and stich your toes in to see how cold the water was. Finally, you just jumped in an let out the first gasp and it was all right. Same thing with composting, just jump in. You've been given some good advice, especially about the meat and bones. Now just jump in and find out what works for you. Me, I never stir compost, to much work and time will do it just as good. The black plastic is a good idea to help get the heat up. I use to take a short piece of PVC pipe and drill holes through it and build my compost pile around it. Hook a hose to it and wet your compost all the way through. Go for it girl. I'm rooting for you. Anyone as eager to learn how to garden as you will be a success, mistakes are just lessons on how not to do something. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
09:35 PM Post #6999769
| ok I got the idea of what goes into one and how to keep coons out...but how do I keep my dog out of it...trash cans don't work..the beast just knocks them over. he's a chow-huskey mix and he tears up everything! |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
09:48 PM Post #6999818
| Jim, I don't mind stirring it up a bit with a shovel and hoe because my pile is so very tiny. I can water it then. Unfortunately, I don't have any equipment and can't buy anything and have to depend on Mother Nature!. I can spread the compost in my garden in the fall when I do some clean up so it will be ready in the spring. By then I will know what I should do differently!
I haven't been reading the chatter on all threads. Hope that your back and head are doing better and that you are getting the rest you need. What is Jo canning now? Surely she is finished with those spiced pickles by now! |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 28, 2009
09:57 PM Post #6999860
| Every thing is about gone. She does have some pears to put up in preserves, but the last 2 weeks have been really busy for us. She did cook out the juice of the Muscadines and has 8 batchs of juice to make jelly out of. We froze it so no hurry. Probably this winter before she puts it up. Got my fall garden started today. Planted 8 tomatoes in hay bales, set out 6 cumcumbers, 9 cabbage, 9 broccoli, 9 califlower. Still got turnips, mustard and rape to plant. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
10:13 PM Post #6999900
| Did you grow all of your plants from seeds? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 28, 2009
10:56 PM Post #7000085
| trinawitch if possible put up a fence, something cheap like chicken wire or some type of baracade the dog can't get through. Surround your little pile and be worry free. Jim41, you and wife are awsome. A winter garden is not on the mind of most after the summer harvest. Your real farmhands. Who would have thought about planting tomatoes in bales of hay remarkable. Surely you must add dirt. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 28, 2009
11:04 PM Post #7000111
| No. I don't have the time to fool with them and give them the care they need. I have a young man that lives close to me that starts plants in the spring. His are the best I ever used. This fall I have picked up plants where I could find them. They weren't the best I've seen but on a whole weren't to bad. The tomatoes I bought were really pretty. They were just bigger than I wanted and cost to much. A lady was starting me some but had to have eye surgery. She went out to fertilize them and couldn't see real good and killed every tomatoe she had. I found a really pretty pot of Sweet Basil and bought that. Repotted it this afternoon. They also had two pots of cilantro (small pots) and I bought that. Kassy from the basil threat send me some chive seed and sage seed. I fixed some pots and planted them this evening. I have never raised herbs but have gotten interested in them on Dave's, so I thought I'd try my hand. This gardening is really addictive. I have to be real careful are I will spend way to much money. When you are on a semi fixed income you have to think before you spend. I gather from the treads that you have to be frugal as well. All the years I was making good money I never had time to veggie garden or really work in the yard. Now that I have a little time the money is short. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2009
11:04 PM Post #7000112
| Thanks flowers...I appreciate it...I grow tomatoes and corn in the house in the winter...with 5 kids I have to in order to keep the grocery bill down |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 28, 2009
11:11 PM Post #7000134
| Actually, a friend raised some of the most beautiful and productive tomatoes this summer that I have ever seen in hay. He told me how. You put pelletized lime on the hay and water for 14 days then cover the top of the hay with 8x8x8 and water for 14 more days. I cut two holes in mine and planted the tomatoes and packed potting soil around them. It was unnecessary, because the hay was already mussh rotten. You just have to keep the hay soaked after the tomatoes are planted. They feed off the rotten hay. I'm looking forward to seeing how they will do. I put mine in the green house I built for my wife last fall. I had to cut out a section of the plastic so it wouldn't get to hot right now. I am determined to have fresh, vine ripe tomatoes for Christmas. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 28, 2009
11:20 PM Post #7000181
| where theres a will theres a way. Jim hope it works for you let me know how those tomatoes taste on the Christmas table. If this works better get the patent cause it will take off like wildfire. To eat a fresh grown tomatoe in December wow that would be awsome. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 28, 2009
11:31 PM Post #7000216
| You got it flowers. I'll sure let you know how it worked this winter. Also set a couple of broccoli and califlower in the raised bed in there. Gonna see what they will do. They tell me that egg plant, peppers and other plants of type do well set in hay. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 28, 2009
11:42 PM Post #7000245
| hey, thats how great minds work. without them we would still be rubbing stones to light a fire. Great idea Good Luck |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
09:25 AM Post #7000841
| Jim, that's right. I remember you talking about how your friend starts plants for you. Sorry about the lady who had eye surgery. I bet she was so disappointed and hope she is doing better. It didn't take long for my basil to take off so I know you will be happy with all your herbs. Good variety. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 29, 2009
10:54 AM Post #7001123
| Mars to venice---- sorry I'm still on the name thing lol |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
01:23 PM Post #7001594
| Flowers, I don't mean to disapoint you. But I have a long watercolor print of Venice, Italy over my desk! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 29, 2009
04:02 PM Post #7002063
| Thats cool, please don't take offense just like to goof off and lighten the mood now and then forget not everyone is on my page. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
04:04 PM Post #7002069
| I thought it was funny! I could be from Mars anyway!! lol |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 29, 2009
04:17 PM Post #7002089
| glad we got that worked out, definately didn't get on DG to make enemies. My mountain heritage with speak before you think just might get me in trouble lol Never been to Italy but from what I've read is something to see. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
05:01 PM Post #7002189
| Enemy? No way! I had to look up your city on a map. You ARE in the mountains. I bet it is beautiful there.
By the way, Kitty smelled the compost and didn't even want to walk on it. She is funny about smells and won't even eat canned foot because of the smell. So I don't have the same problem that Trinawitch has. Although Kitty likes to sleep hidden in the flowers.
|
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 29, 2009
06:27 PM Post #7002476
| yes I never get tired of the four seasons that we take for granted here. Its beautiful country for sure with lots of beautiful views and tall mountains with waterfalls and grassy hills with livestock and hard working friendly people. Don't know much about Indianna but suspect not much difference in terrain and temps. My old bassette loves to lay behind my hydrangea in summer. But hey she rules so I let her. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
06:36 PM Post #7002499
| Indianapolis is flat! And I live in the city. There are some hills in southern Indiana. But nothing like you have!!! |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 29, 2009
07:37 PM Post #7002671
| Flowers_Delight, here is a picture of the Tomatoes in Hay. This is four and I planted eight. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
07:48 PM Post #7002700
| How do you stake them when they are in the hay? |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 29, 2009
07:56 PM Post #7002720
| I think I'm going to drive a stake into the ground and then run a piece of rope up to the rafter of the greenhouse and tie it to that. Strictly speculating right now. Will make a final decision when they get larger. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 29, 2009
08:12 PM Post #7002791
| That is awsome Jim, always wondered what to do with that hay you use for halloween decorations. Want to see the tomatoes when they appear. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
08:27 PM Post #7002846
| What type of tomato plants did you get? It will be interesting to find out how you end up supporting them.
I had my tomato plants right next to my wood fence. I thought I could just tie up the branches to the fence with double pieces of twine. It works just fine except they keep getting more branches and getting bigger. So I have tied them up 3 times already. Some are going through the fence and now over the fence so I don't have to bother with them. They can do whatever they want! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 29, 2009
08:42 PM Post #7002901
| I've got tomatoe cages but that might be tough to use on a bale of hay. Bet Jim will figure something out he's pretty imaginative for sure. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 29, 2009
09:32 PM Post #7003028
| Jim, do you have really cold winters in LA? It is starting the cool down going into autumn here. Next week in the 70"s. Not long before the plants have to come in-doors. Daughter got me a mandevella that I have adored all summer, don't want it to get too cold. |
dp72
Woodway, TX
(Zone 8a)
August 29, 2009
10:24 PM Post #7003229
| Vacuum cleaner bag contents is a new one. I wonder what next? I've read fingernail clippings and hair among the sillier. Nothing particularly wrong about these; they're just oddball.
To be serious, adding a sprinkling of high nitrogen fertilizer to the mix and watering it in good can speed up the decomposition.
No need to respond with the chemical makeup of fingernails and toenails and hair. Add them to your heart's content. If you've vacuumed metal or plastic particles or rat poison and other inorganic materials, I'm skeptical about the vacuum bag contents. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 29, 2009
10:54 PM Post #7003329
| We had a cold winter one day, Flowers. Seriously, our winters for the past few years have been very mild. We seldom have temps to get in the 20's and last over a week. We get an occasional ice storm. We missed the one that devistated Arkansas last year by a very short distance. What makes our winters hard is the humity is so high. At 30 degrees you'll freeze to death outside. It might be in the 30's one day and in the 70's the next. Makes it hard to get use to it. The farmers really would like to see a hard freeze last for two or three weeks. It will kill a lot of insects that overwinter. The coldest I've ever seen it get is to 0 one time. Seldom get in the teens. I kept Jo's pot plants warm last winter in the greenhouse with an electric heater. Didn't have to run it over 10 or 15 times. If the outside temp doesn't get much below 30 you don't need any additional heat. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
10:59 PM Post #7003349
| oh just rub it in that it doesn't get cold there. I hate playing eskimo! Daydreaming of a much warmer climate for winter...someplace I could wear my various collection of bikini's |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 29, 2009
11:05 PM Post #7003365
| Went to Florida several years ago, couldn't hardly wait to get to the beach to ogle the bikini babes. First one by weighed in at about 250. Kind of lost my appetite for bikinis. The wife laughed her head off. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
11:13 PM Post #7003391
| Well I certainly am not any where near the 250 category...100lbs. soaking wet with 5 layers on if I'm lucky! |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 29, 2009
11:39 PM Post #7003474
| Now that is the right size for a bikini. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
11:48 PM Post #7003510
| Yeah well too bad the bikinis don't come with the boobs already in them! LOL |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 29, 2009
11:53 PM Post #7003525
| You are definitly a mess girl. Bet you find fun in any thing. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2009
11:56 PM Post #7003538
| I try too! I unfortunately was faced with my own mortality early in life...Figured out life is waaaaaaaay to short to sweat the small stuff! |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 29, 2009
11:59 PM Post #7003547
| Venice, I planted 3 Heat Wave, 3 Talladaga, 2 that I can't remember the name. They are all bred to stand the heat. It is so hot in the greenhouse I was afraid to try anything else. I had to cut one wall out to get some air circulation. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 30, 2009
12:01 AM Post #7003556
| I have always thought that most people take themselves to seriously. If we can ever learn to laugh at ourselves we are money ahead. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 30, 2009
12:05 AM Post #7003566
| very true...besides you might as well laugh at yourself because everybody else already are! |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 30, 2009
12:07 AM Post #7003573
| You say you are retired, what happened. You get hurt. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 30, 2009
12:13 AM Post #7003584
| I have a spinal chord injury..Lets just say I had not so nice step parents...I didn't know I had it until I got pregnant...I worked for a long time with it...you know no pain no gain...but my doc put his foot down and said either file for disability and fight for it or I'm yanking your drivers license |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 30, 2009
12:31 AM Post #7003622
| It's a real pain in the butt to get disability. Seems like those that don't really need it can get it. Don't know about your part of the country but imagine it is the same as here, automatic turn down the first two times you apply, hire a lawyer and go before a judge the third time and he will qualify you. Course they have to pay you from the time you first applied. I have helped fight people through this for years. I had a La. Supreme Court Judge that I knew that helped me twice. One was my next door neighbor and the other was an evacuee from Katrina that was staying at our church. He retired this year so I lost my in. Keep fighting. They expect and want you to quit. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 30, 2009
12:37 AM Post #7003637
| I applied the first time in 95 when I first found out...but I didn't fight for it cuz I didn't think it was a big deal...the second time was 2005...again I didn't think it was a big deal and went back to work...but last summer I realized it is a very big deal thought I'd have to fight but was shocked when they approved it...so here I am kids in school all day..I play in the garden when I feel up to it...if not I play with the houseplants |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 30, 2009
10:36 PM Post #7006814
| Staying busy with what you love to do is like a long vacation. What others consider work I count as pleasure. Nothing like getting dirt under your fingernails |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 30, 2009
10:53 PM Post #7006876
| Jim, I could see where drastic temperature changes would make a persons thermostat fluxuate. Usually here if temps are 30 degrees they stay that way for a couple of weeks then either go lower or move up to 40's. The humidity is not a factor but wind chill is. Can be 50 and feel like 30. The lowest it has gotten here in the last few years is in the 20"s with sometimes windchills in the teens. The greenhouse sounds great. I bought a small one, took a day to put that sucker together. I didn't have it anchored to the ground and you guessed it the wind tore it to smitherines. Your stories are such a blessing to me and want you to know I totally respect all you and your wife stand for gby |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 30, 2009
11:25 PM Post #7006999
| Jo has a world of potted plants, about 90. We always put them in our old country store building under flourescent lights. Electic bill would run me about $60 a month and they would come out sick looking. When we resigned our last church and moved home, I decided to build a greenhouse. I used the back wall of the store for the north wall. Set 3 four inch x 8 ft. posts front and back and ran two x sixs for rafters. Covered the top with clear plastic sheeting (costs like rip) and 6mil visqueen outside and inside. Worked real good. Only an electric heater for heat on the coldest nights. Plants came out looking great. It is 24ft. x 18ft. All the lumber is cypress. Got a friend to saw the two bys for me on his band saw. should stand for ever. Set the posts two feet in concret with two bridge nails drive through to give extra hold in the concrete. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 30, 2009
11:29 PM Post #7007014
| That IS a nice greenhouse you have! |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 30, 2009
11:50 PM Post #7007078
| Nothing fancy Venice. I am not much of a builder. It is a simple drop side building. The big advantage is the old metal store building that blocks all the cold north wind off it. I get good morning and evening sun. Most days I have to leave the door open to keep it from getting to hot. There was a 4x16 raised bed that I built it over. After I put the plants in I didn't need the room so I left it. I have eight tomatoes in there for this winter and also planted a couple of califlower and broccoli plants to see how they would do. The coldest days we had last winter you could go in there during the day and the temp would be about 85. I started to put a chair in there and go there to read. Hate the inside of a house. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 30, 2009
11:51 PM Post #7007080
| you sound like my deceased. He would have had me one by now. He was gifted that way too. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 30, 2009
11:55 PM Post #7007090
| He built a shed with a side shed with a gate just for the riding lawnmower. I look at it now and think Wow its a perfect plan. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
12:01 AM Post #7007113
| I had always wanted to build one for Jo. She loves her plants. Got to do something different for heat this winter. We barely missed the ice storm that hit Arkansas last year. If we had got it we would have lost all the plants. I've been looking for a ten gallon butane bottle but can't find one. I have a couple of 5 gal. ones so guess I'll use them. Think I'll buy a two element, infared heater and put in there just in case.
Sorry to hear you husband is deceased. How long have you been by yourself? Jo and I will celebrate 48 years on Sept. 23. Neither of us can imagine what it would be like to be by ourselves. I think she could probably make it better than me. You gals are stronger than we guys. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
12:04 AM Post #7007125
| If your shed gets plenty of sun, you might consider covering the sides with visqueen like I did. I did my inside and out to give me some dead air space. Made it a lot warmer. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
12:08 AM Post #7007138
| He has been gone 5 years now, we would be celebrating our 39 anniversary this year. He was killed by a drunk driver on his motorcycle in front of my daughters house. crossed the yellow line and it was all over. Its been tough but the kids and I are really close and they help me when things get behind. I developed an auto imune problem and had to go on dissability but still plug on as thats my spirit. With the help of God and good friends I've managed. Sorry didn't mean to put a damper on the conversation. you asked. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
12:11 AM Post #7007144
| well my shed is used only for tool storage so don't worry about the heat. I do however have a well house that he built that I managed to insulate and found it is a great place to store potatoes for the winter. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
12:14 AM Post #7007152
| No damper. Life is full of tragedys. We find out how strong we really are and deep our faith is when we have to face them. I know it is hard but just keep your eyes on the Lord. He is able when we aren't. Thank God for our children. I can't understand people who don't want any. We have two a girl in Ohio and a son who lives about 40 miles from us. We have always been a close knit family. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
12:19 AM Post #7007170
| Do you live in the country or in town? Do you raise a lot of your own veggies? I have always gardened but raised potatoes for the first time this year. My Dad always raised them. Raised enough for all of us. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
12:20 AM Post #7007174
| yeah they have always been priority to us both and continue being just that. With the thirteen grandkids we have a dandy time on Holidays. Life is not a bed of roses and believe me I have wanted to throw in the towel a few times but then I think, I might miss out on what God has in store for me tomorrow. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
12:23 AM Post #7007191
| I had a garden the first year after then got lung and other problems that prevent me from doing this kind of work. I miss it. I had the prettiest strawberries you ever saw the year before I was diagnosed. So now I do a little and rest but am thankful for the push on attitude I have. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
12:25 AM Post #7007199
| Know what you mean, every day is a blessing unto itself. I just have five grands and they are all nearly grown. 24,19,19, 16 and 14. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
12:28 AM Post #7007213
| I live in the country, its quiet and love listening to the different birds and crickets at night. I have a wood pecker that visits a lot and love to watch him. I've seen an albino turkey and have a buffelo farm right down the road that I love to see. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
12:30 AM Post #7007225
| well six of my grandkids are biological but have 7 extended. I have two of each age and they are pistols for sure. Love them all |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
12:32 AM Post #7007231
| one of them I named porkchop, he never misses a meal lol |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
12:33 AM Post #7007234
| A person has to have determination. I have had 2 heart attacks, by-pass surgery twice, melanoma cancer surgery and am a diebetic. I am determined to live life on my terms. I push when everyone says slow down. I am the associate pastor at our church and do most of the hospital visits and a ton of community visits. I keep 76 senior citizens active. I am a fanatic about yard work and love raised bed gardening. Work a while and sit a while. Never quit and never give up is my motto. Might take me a little longer but I get it done. Hang in there and do what you can when you can as often as you can. I'm going to pray for you daily that your lungs will be strengthened. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
12:37 AM Post #7007245
| Thanks Jim, I knew I liked you from the first post and felt like we could relate. Your wife sounds like a jewel too. If you are ever in NC look me up and I'll have a room ready for yall. Where did Venice go? did I run her off? |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
12:38 AM Post #7007247
| Kids are a marvel and so different. Never ceases to amaze me. Was helping my son work on a house he was fixing to rent. His daughter called (16) wanted him to come home and fix them something to eat. Sorry old momma was in bed a sleep. The boy (14) went in the kitchen and looked to see what they had on hand and hunted up a recipe book and cooked them some supper. What a difference in kids.
Got to go for tonight. It was a priviledge to talk to you. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
12:40 AM Post #7007253
| well its getting late and have things to do tomorrow. Thanks for the chat and I promise not to bring my luggage the next time. Take care and God Bless |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
01:15 AM Post #7007312
| I went to bed earlier but couldn't get to sleep. I am watching the Discover channel. I like to see all the animals and environmental things of our planet. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
03:12 AM Post #7007428
| is anyone still up? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
03:48 PM Post #7009324
| by the way Jim, what is visqueen? We use particle board, plywood and salt treated lumber mostly in these here parts. I did have a cedar beam installed between living room and kitchen it really accents the two rooms. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
03:53 PM Post #7009339
| House wrap...its under the siding and foam board on newer houses...the put the plywood up and the the visqueen to form a water tight barrier to protect the plywood underneath from moisture |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
03:56 PM Post #7009356
| Construction plastic, Flowers, kinda heavy and not easy to see through but let's the light in. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:17 PM Post #7009608
| good to know, right up there with rolled burlap for landscape fabric. Somebody stick a fork in me "I"M Done". Tools of the day----shovel,hammer,hatchet and machette. Traded skills with neighbor, I cut his hair he dug up a hydrangea for me. He took half home to his wife and left me with what I thought an easy project. Seems I didn't have the umph to use shovel to separate root ball so wound up with hatchet drove with hammer and if that didn't work used machette. Whew! But wound up with 6 pots of hydrangea to distribute to family and friends. Oh----and you are the first to know,,,I am the proud mamma of a hibiscus bloom. First one in two years. Go Flowers!!! |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
05:21 PM Post #7009620
| Oh too cool. What color is the bloom? Congratulations, Flowers.
Oh, by the way, be careful out there...don't want you hurting yourself. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
05:22 PM Post #7009624
| you can't see me but I'm clapping for you flowers! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:24 PM Post #7009634
| It is the prettiest bloom you have ever seen. Oh your talking about the hibiscus, sorry I'm tired lol. Its a soft pink and standing on top of that little bush like it owns the world. Don't worry bout me, I am an adapter from way back |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:25 PM Post #7009638
| thanks Trina, hope your dreams tonight are of happy gardeners planting your new plants |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:27 PM Post #7009648
| Is there a shortcut to get back to page or do you click on beg.gard.to get back like I do? |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
05:28 PM Post #7009656
| I'm working on that...although I like the jungle lok in my house...especially considering my husband and I both smoke...yes I know shame on us for being nasty smokers! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:31 PM Post #7009666
| well the plants may give you the extra oxygen you both need lol |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
05:36 PM Post #7009684
| i gotta click alot of stuff...kinda annoying but worth it...did you see my evil puppy? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:40 PM Post #7009700
| no, I'm guilty of reading the last few lines in a post sorry |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
05:40 PM Post #7009703
| if there is a new message, you will see the word Yes in red. You can either click on the link for the forum Beginner gardener forum, and click on the message, or to change forums click on Dave's garden link and it will take you to your homepage.
Did that help or did I confuse even more? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:42 PM Post #7009709
| no, thats what I've been doing. I forget what conversation went where and get lost in the forems sometimes lol |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
05:42 PM Post #7009711
| Evil Puppy 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
05:43 PM Post #7009721
| I am easily lost |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:44 PM Post #7009723
| cute Trina, a chiwawah? My son has two Is that flowers in front of your house? I'm jeolous |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
05:44 PM Post #7009725
| Oh me too. Especially like today when we are carrying on three or four conversations...grin |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:47 PM Post #7009742
| moon I've been thinking about your witt. I have over 30 years in the workforce and have never come across anyone that was so intelligent on so many levels. You should have gotten a phd in all. Whats your iq 350? |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
05:47 PM Post #7009743
| yeah thats part of my front garden
...I can take a better pic if you want...yes evil chupacabra..blood thirsty! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:48 PM Post #7009752
| beautiful!!! I think my problem is, even tho I have planted a lot, I have so much land that you don't notice it as well. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
05:50 PM Post #7009767
| Oh no Ma'am. nothing even remotely that high...somewhere around 145 or so...but that was in school and i am sure in the 40 years since graduation it has slipped to just barely functional...grin |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
05:51 PM Post #7009776
| I use too...now I'm working on my ever evolving front garden |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:52 PM Post #7009783
| well thats a bummer mine must be 20 lol |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
05:53 PM Post #7009788
| figuring out what plants work and what don't waiting for the roses to get bigger |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:54 PM Post #7009794
| goes to show you, you can have a pretty yard regardless of the size if you have talent. I had a small one before we moved here in 2002. Brought most of my shrubs with me. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
05:54 PM Post #7009797
| Flowers, I think knowledge is relative...I know a bunch of junk about a bunch of junk, but i would be dangerous with a hatchet and a machete...grin |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:56 PM Post #7009805
| I guess you always wonder what your call in life is and decided I am a Jack of all trades but a master of none. Bet you could swing a machette with the best of em. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:57 PM Post #7009818
| Trina, until I found DG I really didn't give a lot of thought as to what goes where. When you transplant enough you wise up for sure. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
05:58 PM Post #7009819
| Only if someone threatened my kids or promised me cookies...grin |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
05:59 PM Post #7009828
| you got that one right!!! I think then I could even twirl a pistol and shoot the eye off a knat. lol |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
06:01 PM Post #7009836
| gonna try my hand at knitting in a mo. or so. Always wanted to learn. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
06:09 PM Post #7009856
| My grandma started teaching me when I was a kid...I could knit one and purl two, but when I got to the end of the needle I was lost...she told me to stay in school and study hard so I could afford to buy sweaters...LOL |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
06:12 PM Post #7009865
| Thats funny, about as far as I get too. Signed up at our community college, so will let ya know if its a piece of cake. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
06:14 PM Post #7009869
| I make my own curtains but is about the extent of my sewing skills, just measure cut and sew. Don't ask me to read a pattern they look greek to me |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
06:16 PM Post #7009874
| Oh no I'm turning into my grandma!! |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
06:17 PM Post #7009879
| Flowers, if it's a piece of cake I am all over it...grin.
I am dyslexic, Flowers, and have attention deficit disorder...and limited left/right parity...all that just means my right hand has no idea what my left hand is doing and I can't pay attention long enough to care...GRIN |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
06:18 PM Post #7009888
| Worse folk you could pattern after for sure...grin |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
06:21 PM Post #7009904
| well at least your left and right side brain is in sinc lol Grandmother on mothers side died when I was 5 but still remember the flower garden she had and the blue ribbons she won. Boy glad she can't see mine lol |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
06:27 PM Post #7009924
| gone to watch mash, gotta see what hot lips and frank are up to today. catch ya later if your on. Bye Trina, Bye Linnie Cya Jim. John boy has left the building |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
06:46 PM Post #7009968
| Have a sweet evening Flowers...catch ya later |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
09:18 PM Post #7010638
| sorry I left abruptly...had to deal with teenager issues...as for sewing I acn sew just about anything with or without a pattern I also do counted cross-stitch, and embroidery...learning to crochet now |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
09:40 PM Post #7010721
| Wow! You certainly are very clever! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
09:45 PM Post #7010742
| Moon, they need your expetise on the Landscaping Forem |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
09:45 PM Post #7010743
| Its called boredom! I have nothing else to do all day...with all the restrictions from the doctor and the meds not much else I can do...Hyper by nature and going stir crazy |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
09:56 PM Post #7010796
| What is going on over there, Flowers? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:03 PM Post #7010827
| a couple of posts are not getting any kind of productive answers I quess you could say, can feel the frustration lol |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
10:06 PM Post #7010837
| We had a hydrania in front of the house. "I am tired of that thing taking up the whole side of the house. Dig it up," said she. Shovel in hand, I proceeded. After about an hour, I finally gave up. Got my lariates out from my cowboy days and put a loop around the roots. Tied it to my other rope and tied that one to the back of my truck. When that joker came loose it was like a cork popping out of a bottle. Landed about 30 feet away right in the middle of the day lily bed. "I guess I'll pull it around to the back and set fire to it," says I. "Oh no, cut it in half and replant it," says she. Out comes the ax. Chop, chop chop. Dig, dig, dig. Two hours later back in the ground.
You are to modest Moon. Very talented lady. Much to smart to be a Red-Neck.
Dig a hole and stick something in it, is the way I do landscaping. If it grows there it goes there. Didn't know azaleas needed partial shade. Planted my first ones next to a ditch I was tired of mowing. Thanfully no one told the azaleas they weren't supposed to grow there. Been doing good for about 30 years. Know better now but planted one in the sun anyway. Died over night. Ignorance is bliss.
Picture of a hydrania that the lady hasn't decided to move, yet.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
10:06 PM Post #7010839
| What names, and I will peek in...don't know if I will butt in, but will look. grin |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
10:09 PM Post #7010848
| I like Hydrengia's they just don't like me |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:10 PM Post #7010854
| don't know I forgot and having trouble getting back lol going to find it and will be back to let ya know. Hey Jim nice hydrangea |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
10:11 PM Post #7010856
| Easiest plant in the world to grow. There name means "water pot." Keep it wet and it will grow. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
10:11 PM Post #7010858
| Beautiful plants Jim. I love the blue ones. Thanks for the kind words, grin. My mama used to say be careful about blowing your own horn, you might miss an important whisper...I try to listen for the whispers. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
10:14 PM Post #7010871
| My Dad used to say, "He who toots not his own horn, gets it not tooted." Mom would reply, "He who tooteth his horn to much soon runneth battery down." |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
10:15 PM Post #7010874
| the problem is no matter what color I buy they all turn white the next year |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
10:16 PM Post #7010877
| LOL jim that's a good one |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
10:17 PM Post #7010882
| I have never seen a hydrangia so blue! Beautiful! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:22 PM Post #7010920
| Moon, its beg.landscaping # 1 Desp for advice by buzbug, #2 pruning Jap. Maple by mbfirey and #3 fence cleaning by tikijenn has no responses thought you might get the advice rolling. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
10:23 PM Post #7010925
| Acid soil makes them Blue, Alkaline soil makes them pink...perfectly neutral soil must bore the color out of them...grin
Jim, you know this is hurricane central...can't afford to run down a battery...grin |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
10:25 PM Post #7010938
| either that or they don't like the roses! Darn snobs anyway. who needs em...lol |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:25 PM Post #7010942
| man am I doing something wrong!!!!!!!!!!! I had a handfull of blooms and a lot of folaige but nothing like that picture absolutely georgous. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
10:26 PM Post #7010948
| I will go take a peek Flowers... |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:29 PM Post #7010965
| ok, only if ya want to. Hey Trina! |
smileymom343
Kenmore, NY
(Zone 6a)
August 31, 2009
10:30 PM Post #7010970
| oh my stars & bars!! look at the color of those blossoms!! beautiful plant!! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:32 PM Post #7010981
| carry on yall didn't mean to interupt your conversation. Gone forem hopping cya |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
10:33 PM Post #7010985
| Hey Flowers! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:33 PM Post #7010996
| thats what I'm talkin bout smileymom easy on the eyes |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
10:34 PM Post #7011000
| UHG! How am I supposed to put anything on my want list if I don't know what all is out there?????? |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
10:38 PM Post #7011021
| Flowers, do you have your flowers posted somewhere?
Stars & bars? Boy am I learning a lot!!! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:39 PM Post #7011030
| its all in the places you visit and what you see, then come home and reseach to see if it is good for your area. I have found things I didn't even know existed because for so long mountain fold stuck to the same types of plants over the years. They are sweet but the new additions I'm starting to see are great too Trina |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:42 PM Post #7011048
| venice no as most of mine are just now taking off after the last couple of years of planting. Have been focused mainly on getting grass to grow and trees put in first. |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
10:44 PM Post #7011057
| The Hydrania has been there for years. It was gorgeous this year. I've started to change the color a time or two but have decided I like the blue the best. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
10:47 PM Post #7011078
| I'd love to get some Laurel, and I don't care if it's ok for my zone when it comes to plants, if I can't grow it outside I'll grow it inside!...Hubby's working on adding me a climate controlled room of windows onto the house just for that purpose...because I'd like to grow some orchids and other tropicals that won't grow here...and then he doesn't have to help me move plants in and out of the house for summer anymore...cause some are starting to get too big to move |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:47 PM Post #7011080
| I have several on my property and found the right sun shade mix is the answer to blooming. I have the mophead and had blooms as big as basketballs this year. The pink one was in too much sun and never bloomed again after being in the ground two years. I moved it last year. No blooms on it this year but hopeing next year will be the showcase. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:49 PM Post #7011090
| well if you and moon can't do it nobody can lol |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:54 PM Post #7011122
| venice I would say you and Trina are close to the same age and thinking late 20 to early 30. How close am I? |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
10:55 PM Post #7011123
| How do you like these roses trina, Pink Knock Outs. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
10:56 PM Post #7011128
| wow smilelymom did you see that??? Love it. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
11:03 PM Post #7011159
| ok time to go to bed, think I am posting answers on other forems for this one LOL All have a restful night and hopefully will talk again tomorrow. Busy day, so will be later in evening. Think of some good stuff to talk about now ya hear lol |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 31, 2009
11:06 PM Post #7011176
| My ditch Azaleas. The trees weren't there when I planted them about 30 years ago. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
11:08 PM Post #7011182
| Very pretty roses.
I have killed or the weather or the Japanese beetles have killed 3 knockouts! I am not trying them again!
Well, Trina has teenagers so that would make her ------- years old!
I have a son that is 43 years old so that would make me ------ years old!
Flowers, is that close enough?? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 31, 2009
11:09 PM Post #7011189
| wow but young at heart for sure, Jim I don't even want to talk about that azalia its insane Good night |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
11:10 PM Post #7011190
| Love the roses!!!...I'll take pics of mine when its daylight...don't pay attention to the weeds though...I'm soon to be 36...but I look 12! |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
11:12 PM Post #7011199
| Those Azaleas are so bright! Beautiful!
Now that is what I think of when I think of LA, ditches filled with water! |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
11:13 PM Post #7011206
| Trina -- Didn't you say your were barely 100 pounds? You must be VERY tiny! |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2009
11:18 PM Post #7011224
| yep and 5'3" when i go places with the kids people ask if I'm there sister, and when I go out with my husband we get dirty looks cause they think I'm his daughter...it gets a little annoying |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2009
11:24 PM Post #7011248
| Jim, happy azalea...looks like an indica, and they do fine in the sun obviously...see you fine folk tomorrow...sweet sleep all.
Night, Moon |
meadowsongmama
Wilmington, VT
September 01, 2009
03:06 AM Post #7011824
| Venice and other makers of Magic Compost,
Maybe the compost question is played out, but it's my first time on DG and I can't resist giving some advice from here in Vermont. I've had many compost piles, from a tiny one in a corner at a rental house to my present three big piles at my own place, where goes all the junk from my veg & perennial beds, the yard, and the kitchen (no meat or dairy, but a handy place for torn newspaper or cereal boxes, as long as there's enough veg stuff to rot them).
3 piles because one I'm using, one is comin' along, and one is new stuff-I have lots of yard "waste." I almost never turn a pile; too much work! Takes a couple years to finish this way in my climate-microbial activity is faster in warm weather and my piles under trees are still frozen June first! But one pile is always ready, and if I need more I just flip the next pile into my finished spot and it's done in a summer month. (I do screen it through 1/2 inch mesh before use, because I throw in unchopped heavy stuff like all the yard rakings with windfall twigs, weeds with heavy taproots, etc. I just toss the rough stuff back into the next pile.)
Compost is so magic! Perennials don't care when they get it, as long as they do. I give the vegetable beds their dose at planting time, then work my way through the perennial beds throughout the summer so everything gets top-dressed once. An inch or two a year is the only thing I ever feed them; I have Siberian irises and coneflowers 5 ft tall and over 100 varieties of perennials growing great!
Lots of critters here: coons, deer, fox, an occasional moose or bear, my cats, (no dogs). No sign of anything in the compost except sometimes a chipmunk hole (they help mix things up) and winter bird tracks after I dump the kitchen bucket on the snowy pile. I s'pose it might be a problem if you have skunks or other varmints who are used to living around human garbage or who don't have other food sources-but I think they are attracted by the meat and fatty stuff in the dumpsters and cans. Like the bear here who go after outside garbage-bear coming out of hibernation are described as "a stomach with a nose attached"-but I've never had one in my compost of plant material.
I can't believe you cooked and pureed the kitchen scraps! Good grief girl! The beauties of compost, besides its unsurpassable value to the garden, are a zero environmental cost (gain, in fact, since it's out of the garbage stream) and a zero cost to you (gain, since it's free fertilizer). Don't spend your electric bill and your time! Look at the woods and the meadows. Nature drops all her "waste" to the ground unprocessed, where it decomposes and feeds the earth. No cooking required.
One solution for you: Nifty closed compost bins of recycled plastic; about $40 from local environmental agencies. I happen to have an unused one, given to me by a neighbor but too small for my use. You're welcome to it for the price of shipping (no idea what that would be, it's light but bulky, I could check it out). Email me at warriors@sover.net if you want it. (I check my email a couple times a week-too busy gardening-so be patient.)
|
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
03:28 AM Post #7011836
| Calling all smarties, Go to beginner landscaping--doug mcquinn. This struck me as too funny. Moon your gonna be busy on this one for sure rofl. |
smileymom343
Kenmore, NY
(Zone 6a)
September 01, 2009
06:22 AM Post #7011952
| ooh, Flowers. yes, I see beautiful roses. I have to say, they are my favorite flower, but I can't grow them. I freak out when the japanese beetles come. they always get some kind of yuck. just ditched my second one. i'm done with them. figure I'm not doing the fairies any good. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
09:01 AM Post #7012265
| So ask the fairies to help protect your roses smiley, |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
09:57 AM Post #7012474
| Meadow, thank you so much for the generous offer. However, I don't have much space. My tiny compost pile is less than 2 feet square! My garden is a total of 100 square feet that is in 3 narrow strips around my apartment patio. I figure I can do some minimal composting on my garden when I trim everthing later in the fall. Thanks again but everything I do is on such a small scale.
Smiley, I know what you mean about the Japanese beetles. I always want a very fragrant rose bush but those are the ones they like to chomp on. Last year was my first year experience with them. I went to look at my first bloom on my rose bush and there were at least 12 beetles on that rose, at least one tucked between each petal!!! I had 2 more rose bushes this year severely attacked so I have given up on having them. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
10:29 AM Post #7012596
| I have a composting question. I had some strawberries starting to get furry. Is it ok if I put them in a covered bowl with my mushy tomatoes and keep it inside until it is full? Is there a problem putting moldy food in the compost pile? |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
September 01, 2009
11:25 AM Post #7012799
| No problem at all Venice, mold is everywhere around us, so adding a little more will not hurt one bit. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
12:11 PM Post #7012995
| Worms eat mold without a problem? Or would they prefer something fresher? |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
September 01, 2009
12:21 PM Post #7013032
| Worms want rotten stuff. You won't have any worms in a compost pile you are just starting. The compost heat keeps them away or it would kill them. After the compost is through cooking the worms will come. They help keep it airy and light. As they feed on the compost they leave behind their castings (worm poop). This is the best fertilizer of all. Equivlent to 33.5 ammonia nitrate, yet you can pot an african violet in pure castings and it won't burn it up. All this from the worm expert. Do we have a worm forum. I would be my element. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
September 01, 2009
12:42 PM Post #7013118
| Worms are soil purifiers in that they eat their way through what ever is there. Here is a little light reading on them.
http://www.gardenstew.com/blog/e1293-9-what-do-worms-like-to... |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
02:00 PM Post #7013435
| too bad the worms i put on dont seem to be doing anything to help my garden, after all the ammendments its still clay! hadr as concrete to dig unless its soaked! But everything grows just fine |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
05:41 PM Post #7014292
| Jim, thanks for the worm info. I didn't know how all of it worked.
Moon, thanks for the story on worms!
I have about 6" of cloddy soil but I find worms in it. Under that is the yellowish clay. I don't even call that soil! Nothing survives in that! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
05:45 PM Post #7014301
| ok,seeing if I can do this. Sending you a picture of my big baby. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
05:46 PM Post #7014304
| I wish I had some earthworms...never ever let a non plant person go get you potting soil...OMG this stuff is garbage! |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
05:50 PM Post #7014313
| he's adorable flowers not like my two baby's...here's Skipper he thinks he's a lap dog and he like's to eat my fertilizer and rooting hormone 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
05:52 PM Post #7014319
| Hey I did it!!! yipeeee. Look out now ladies and gents the pictures will start flying as soon as I get a driver for my camera. Just keep in mind now my plants are only six years old and don't look nothing like yours lol |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
05:52 PM Post #7014321
| and of course my ferocious beast the blood thirsty chupacabra...Tinkerbell 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
05:53 PM Post #7014326
| Only six years old she says...I don't have any that old anymore at max my oldest one is 2 |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
05:54 PM Post #7014328
| Skipper still looks young but getting big! Bet tinkerbell could give him a run for his money. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
05:56 PM Post #7014333
| mine is 14 this October and let me tell ya she rules |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
05:57 PM Post #7014339
| Skippers an old man now...he's about 8 years old...mixed between chow, huskey, and something else I can't remember...great watchdog though...
and we gotta keep em seperated cause skipper thinks tinkerbell is food! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
05:59 PM Post #7014346
| tinkerbell wouldn't be a good snack for him lol |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:00 PM Post #7014349
| When I first glanced at the photo of Skipper, I thought it was a bear!! |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:01 PM Post #7014357
| No she wouldn't he also likes to eat cell phones because he thinks they're donoughts, and hats, shoes, shirts, cups, or general anything you have and are playing with other than him! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:01 PM Post #7014358
| I can see why you would have thought that his coat is jet black. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:02 PM Post #7014364
| LOL so does everyone else, especially when he gets out of the fence and goes for a run! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:02 PM Post #7014365
| looks like some labador in him |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:04 PM Post #7014373
| I think so, but he's very protective of our family and that's what we wanted, even if he tears stuff up on occassion |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:05 PM Post #7014377
| I think I saw where you and hubby like old cars, want to see an old restored GTO |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:08 PM Post #7014390
| well shucks couldn't find it give me time to figure it out. Here is a picture this past Easter at the beach. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:08 PM Post #7014393
| Well yeah! did you get to see the pic of my front flower garden? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:11 PM Post #7014400
| I did that is beautiful, don't know how yall get your flowers to get so full. Beach pic. didn't turn out right on here. The camera is only as good as the photographer, I'll get better at sending I hope. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:11 PM Post #7014405
| Venice, when we lived in Missouri I did have a pet bear and a mountain lion, bear was named "Charlie" and lion was named "Gator"
Gator would sleep with me and my shi ztu, and charlie would sleep on the floor, no one was getting in my room without a serious fight |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:13 PM Post #7014413
| Bet the kids slept in the yard in a tent too lol |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:14 PM Post #7014415
| I know you will flowers, I've been working on arranging my houseplants all day, brought them in quickly so they all got stuffed in the dining room
Got some arranged in the kitchen now and my purple jade Bhudda looks funny poking his head up through my variegated spider plant! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:16 PM Post #7014427
| just curious, my time shows an hour later than yours is that right? I've got 6:16 right now |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:17 PM Post #7014430
| I was a kid then my parents had some sort of license to keep them, I remember someone shot a Bald Eagle and the Conservation Police brought it to us to rehabilitate,
But charlie came to us as just this tiny thing, most of his fur had been burned off in a fire
and gator we found a tree had fallen on its momma while she was givng birth, had him and charlie both til they died |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:18 PM Post #7014434
| yep and its wel 5:18 here now |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:18 PM Post #7014439
| strike that, think I was looking at another state and got that impression. I know Texas is about 2 hours different |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:21 PM Post #7014445
| How big did Charlie and Gator get? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:22 PM Post #7014450
| then we are an hour different. Cool. You kept a bear till grown? That is very unusual as their natural wildness kicks in and would think they would be un-controlable. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:22 PM Post #7014452
| See bhudda
No you were right I am an hour behind you
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:24 PM Post #7014459
| cute little bhudda, I have a spider plant like yours, the thing doesn't sprout babies whats up with that? |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:25 PM Post #7014462
| only around pizza!!!! nah he never was real big I think he was the runt and that the momma left it because animals do that when somethings wrong with their offspring, he never did get much bigger than what skipper is now, bottle fed from the beginning too, but my former step-father only raised his voice around me once, afer that he just left me alone |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:28 PM Post #7014473
| Hey ms Venice How are ya |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:28 PM Post #7014475
| I don't know mine has tons of them getting to sprout! and a lot of babies are hidding under the leaves as well...that was a trade with a friend here in town...all my others are plain old green, and well fat for laack of a better term...they seem very hardy |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:30 PM Post #7014483
| Hi venice, how is your day? |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:30 PM Post #7014485
| Jolly little Budda! What is he holding in his left hand? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:31 PM Post #7014488
| well didn't get any last yr nor this year thats nuts, past ones always had em. Its nice and healthy and in a big pot another mystery. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:32 PM Post #7014494
| I had a foot doctor apt. that is why I was missing this afternoon. I broke my foot last November and I am still having complications from it. Annoying! Other than that, enjoying the breezy cool weather! |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:33 PM Post #7014499
| How is our Flowers and our little Witch? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:34 PM Post #7014502
| Here is is Trina 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:35 PM Post #7014507
| sorry to hear that venice
when was the last time yu repotted it Flowers?
and he's holding a fan in his left hand and carring a bag on a stick in his right hand |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:36 PM Post #7014514
| This belongs to my brother in law he is an old car nut. |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:38 PM Post #7014524
| Be prettier in black!!!
My hubby's into the cars
I prefer motorcycles
And I am rearranging plants so I can get them all in before it gets any colder venice! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:38 PM Post #7014525
| old Aurthur has probably set in Venice thats the bad part of an old injury. Sorry to here you feel bad. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:42 PM Post #7014538
| I repotted last year and dirt looks good. Must be a male lol |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:44 PM Post #7014548
| LOL Flowers...hhhmmm...add any fertilizer or food of any sort to it? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:46 PM Post #7014557
| miricle grow liquid at least once in the summer |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:48 PM Post #7014563
| hhmmm...where's Dave and Moon when you need them? LOL
|
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:49 PM Post #7014567
| they already figured out my plants have a mind of their own and "can't touch that" lol |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:50 PM Post #7014568
| carry on brb phone |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
06:54 PM Post #7014587
| LOL Flowers...then I can just send you some babies of both kinds...maybe its lonely and needs a new friend?
OOH OOH a new dating service for houseplants...we'll make millions, cause people in general are stupid and will buy anything! |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
06:56 PM Post #7014592
| must have had its tubes tied when I wasn't looking rofl still on phone |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
07:01 PM Post #7014617
| oh too funny! take your time, I'm bringing in the rest of the house plants that were already here before i got my mother load |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
07:15 PM Post #7014659
| the cactus was the dr and the little palm on the other side of the window seat was the nurse. Knew I shouldn't have left those pliers laying there |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
September 01, 2009
07:22 PM Post #7014684
| ok, pretty dead on here tonight. Gonna go piddle. When every one gets on here again I've got a neat game idea that we can all join in and have fun with. May log back in later, maybe not. Take care and wish you would water some plants! lol bye venice think you fell asleep on us. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
07:25 PM Post #7014697
| I just got lost! |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
07:26 PM Post #7014699
| Later flowers, still moving them, easier to move them before I water them!! |
trinawitch
Canton, IL
(Zone 5b)
September 01, 2009
07:27 PM Post #7014701
| LOL Venus, happens to all of us! |
