| Author | Content |
dave
Jacksonville, TX
(Zone 8a)
 June 19, 2007
5:50 AM Post #3632466
| There are a total of 535 votes:
| Growing great - right on schedule!
(161 votes, 30%) |  |
| I'm having problems with too much rain
(26 votes, 4%) | |
| I'm having problems with drought
(91 votes, 17%) | |
| Bugs are a big problem this year
(36 votes, 6%) | |
| I don't have a vegetable garden
(174 votes, 32%) | |
| Other?
(47 votes, 8%) | |
|
Previous Polls |
drsaul
Hereford, TX
(Zone 7a)
June 19, 2007
7:25 AM Post #3632572
| Well, I said right on schedule. But really, I started real late, I think. About three weeks ago.
So, I'll be harvesting a little later this year...LOL |
ginnylynn
Blyth, ON
(Zone 5b)
June 19, 2007
7:25 AM Post #3632575
| I don't have a vegetable garden this year for the first time in years. The reason? Option number 3 - serious problems with drought in the growing seasons lately has made it a pitiful effort in my area. Instead I will support my neighbours and buy all of my produce from local farmers. |
caribblue
West Bay
(Cayman Islands)
(Zone 11)
June 19, 2007
7:32 AM Post #3632585
| I have Calaloo growing everywhere! I let some grow for consumption but either pull or cut off the rest. A favorite dish here in Cayman and in Jamaica...normally served with Codfish...prepared just like spinach, scotch bonnet peppers and a little onion...yummm!!!
aurabest,
john |
Sheila_FW
Fort Worth, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 19, 2007
7:39 AM Post #3632612
| I don't usually grow veggies, but I did put in three cherry tomato plants, because they are so high priced in the stores. They are making more than we can eat and I am sharing with others! |
Marcy_1
New Madison, OH
(Zone 5a)
June 19, 2007
9:31 AM Post #3632897
| We just have a small veggie garden...or I should say...gardens. Hubby made some raised box beds this year, and we were late getting planted. But I think it will be much easier next year.
I said not good because of drought. It is so dry here, even though we just got a half inch of rain this morning!!! The plants are loving it...and supposed to be more to follow this afternoon!! |
gillibean
Moose Factory, ON
(Zone 2b)
June 19, 2007
9:38 AM Post #3632917
| I said right on schedule. However, right on schedule for me is probably a couple of months later than most. I just transplanted some of my veggies this past weekend. I'm still a little nervous to put my tomatoes in though. The thing I'm happiest about is that this year I started my own seeds indoors. This is only my second year growing vegetables so we'll see how things work out. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
June 19, 2007
9:46 AM Post #3632935
| We just moved so we always work on inside projects first. We will lay the ground work for a garden this fall when it's not so hot though and have a much bigger and better laid garden here! Can't complain about the drought/rain...our new area rains SO OFTEN we won't even have the water the garden! |
makshi
Noblesville, IN
(Zone 5a)
June 19, 2007
9:57 AM Post #3632979
| My tomatoes are about three or four weeks ahead of time here. They are really doing well. |
Joan
Belfield, ND
(Zone 4a)
 June 19, 2007
10:06 AM Post #3633008
| Mine is very slow this year because its been so cold. The tomato plants are just sitting there doing nothing. The potatoes and lettuce are about the only things that are happy. |
alicemv
Aquebogue, NY
(Zone 6a)
June 19, 2007
10:08 AM Post #3633017
| My tomatoes are doing well. I even have some in pots on my deck. They are doing much better. There are some bugs, probably due to the amount of rain we've been getting. I'll clean them up, I don't have much in my small veggie garden. |
gardengus
Flora, IN
(Zone 5a)
June 19, 2007
10:16 AM Post #3633053
| I voted other because my tiller was broken and it took forever to get the part .Now I'm just behind, Feels like I'll never catch up. |
bolino
Toledo, OH
(Zone 5b)
June 19, 2007
10:17 AM Post #3633055
| I think mine are ahead a little. The most ahead is a cuke that already had a good sized fruit 30 days after planting. I am watching it closely so I can pick it as soon as it is ready. It most likely will not make it into the kitchen! Forget about the garden pests, what about us humans decimating the fruits??? 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sofonisba
Putnam County, NY
(Zone 6a)
June 19, 2007
10:26 AM Post #3633090
| Wow, I'm surprised so many people don't grow veggies. I don't either, but I intend to when I get to be a better gardener.
Harper |
bolino
Toledo, OH
(Zone 5b)
June 19, 2007
10:28 AM Post #3633100
| You can't get to be a better gardener unless you garden, start now and eat your mistakes! |
pajaritomt
Los Alamos, NM
(Zone 5a)
June 19, 2007
10:57 AM Post #3633210
| My biggest problem is being behind schedule! I took 3 trips this spring and now have only 9 tomatoes, 4 brussels sprouts, garlic and onions in the ground. I have lots of plants that need to go in, but I am having a minor surgical procedure tomorrow that will not allow me to lift anything more than 5 pounds for a week. Oh know! |
got2Bgreen
Coast range of, OR
(Zone 8b)
June 19, 2007
11:22 AM Post #3633307
| Our germination rate was terrible this year and I'm not sure why. I planted on schedule according to local recomendations. No shows so far: carrots, beans, kolrabi, onions, carrots and radishes. My husband just replanted beans, kolrabi, carrots and radishes. Hopefully, it isn't too late. |
makshi
Noblesville, IN
(Zone 5a)
June 19, 2007
11:26 AM Post #3633321
| Paj hope all goes well with the surgery. Hope you won't be down long.
I planted my tomatoes third week of April and placed good old Folgers red cans arount them. |
McGlory
Southeast, NE
(Zone 5a)
June 19, 2007
12:53 PM Post #3633662
| I voted Other. I got the veggies in on time, everything took off great guns, but now nothing seems to be growing. Maybe I should quit watching every day.
Also didn't help that DH weed-eated the tops off the peppers. |
randbponder
Hornick, IA
(Zone 4b)
June 19, 2007
1:00 PM Post #3633702
| Every thing growing great, including the weeds! LOL
Have more tomato plants and pepper plants than we need. as with every thing else. but we usually share our bounty.
I am trying several types of gardening. and by far in the ground and mulching between the rows, is way ahead of the rest. ( for me any way)
edited to say
Hi mc glory , Tell me he didin't LOL
you got your vote in while I was typing,
This message was edited Jun 19, 2007 12:06 PM |
GlendaG
El Cajon, CA
(Zone 10b)
June 19, 2007
1:51 PM Post #3633887
| The vegetable plants in my chicken wire-enclosed garden "cage" are producing well, right on schedule, only because the ground squirrels, mice, rabbits, etc., etc., cannot get in. The beneficial insects are doing a great job. This is the first year I planted cilantro, which is attracting lots of hard-working bees. |
Resin
Northumberland
(United Kingdom)
(Zone 9a)
June 19, 2007
1:53 PM Post #3633896
| Other . . . both drought, and too much rain. A month of drought, then 6 week's worth of rain in 3 days . . .
Resin
|
figaro52
Oak Lawn, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 19, 2007
2:50 PM Post #3634109
| I voted that my vegetable garden is growing great, which it is; however, I've noticed that insects are a bigger problem for me this year than in recent years. I imagine the birds are so busy eating cicadas that they aren't eating the other insects. |
crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
June 19, 2007
3:07 PM Post #3634162
| Well all I have are tomatoes and a cuke! Still qualify for a veggie garden I think. They're doin great! |
susybell
Vancouver, WA
(Zone 8a)
June 19, 2007
3:18 PM Post #3634202
| I voted "other" because I'm not doing as much as I'd wanted to. I've got two tomato plants, some basil and two really sad jalapeno's that I overwintered from last year just to see what would happen if I did.
Last year was remarkable for PNW and my tomatoes were amazing. I think I picked the first one in early July. I'm supposedly half a zone warmer than Sheila_FW and my tomatoes are about 18" tall. One of them has a flower blooming...It just hasn't been very warm here.
This message was edited Jun 19, 2007 12:26 PM |
FlowrLady
Olive Branch, MS
(Zone 7b)
June 19, 2007
3:22 PM Post #3634220
| I don't have a veggie garden, but I do grow tomatoes if they volunteer. I just stake them where they come up. For some reason I kill tomatoes... That's sad, because I LOVE summer tomatoes. |
Grandmaggie
Beachwood, NJ
(Zone 6b)
June 19, 2007
3:32 PM Post #3634255
| Everything is growing great! Tomatoes cukes peppers pole beans etc etc are ahead of schedule for me. I have a veggie garden every year have for as long as I can remember! I even tried horseradish this year its huge also!! |
noobiegardener
Glen Burnie, MD
(Zone 7a)
June 19, 2007
3:51 PM Post #3634319
| I said everything is on time because it was most applicable. In some people's opinion I started late (first weekend in June). But I am glad that I waited because we had four unexpected cold snaps in May and they surely would have killed my seedlings if I had put them out. Everything is growing really well. I'll have to post piks!
|
MySharona
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 9a)
June 19, 2007
6:00 PM Post #3634694
| We're drought and then too much rain. I have several types of tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, cucumbers, eggplants and strawberries. Can't figure out what the problem is with the cuke plants though, nothing seems to work this year for them. |
fishrepair
Worthville, KY
(Zone 6b)
June 19, 2007
7:20 PM Post #3634953
| My garden is looking an doing great. Everything is growing and producing great.We're getting ready to eat our first mess of bush beans from the garden tonight. We just picked our first cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash and Kolh rabi today. As an added plus we got a half inch of rain today. |
Sequoia03
Nampa, ID
(Zone 6b)
June 19, 2007
7:39 PM Post #3634998
| I voted "on schedule", but I'm a little worried about the tomatoes. I raised them from seed this year for the first time, and didn't get them into the ground until late May. Right now they're only 10-15" tall, and no flowers so far. My scarlet runner beans are producing lots of flowers but no beans yet. Everything else; strawberries, raspberries, asparagus, arugula, beets, pak choi, potatoes, gourds, basil, and grapevines, seems to be doing well. In fact, I've got to get out there this weekend and do a second sowing of the arugula and pak choi. Germination rates the first time weren't so good. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
guardians
Thomson, GA
June 19, 2007
8:12 PM Post #3635129
| Well, I don't really have a garden, just 2 pots with tomatoes, 2 cukes and 2 squash. Oh yeah, and a hot pepper for hubby. I really must water them more, they are suffering in this heat. Looking all wilty. We just got a sprinkle, I was hoping for a frog-choker. |
zone5girl
Painesville, OH
(Zone 5b)
June 19, 2007
8:27 PM Post #3635181
| I voted other because most of mine are still not in the ground (I'm in the middle of digging up a new bed, shovelful by shovelful)! They are still little seedlings in peat pots. At this rate, it will frost before I get to harvest anything! Tamara |
DaleTheGardener
Tampa, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 19, 2007
9:01 PM Post #3635293
| I thought we invented farmers so we wouldn't have to grow veggies :-) |
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 19, 2007
10:03 PM Post #3635555
| I sooooo wish I could have a veggie garden, but the deer would be way too grateful...or should I say "grazefull"? |
cyra
Central Valley, CA
(Zone 9a)
June 19, 2007
10:14 PM Post #3635612
| I don't really grow too many vegetables, we're suffering from drought conditions here, and are only allowed to water 3 days per week. I really hate to watch my garden die, so I mostly planted things that can take water stress, like pumpkins, squash, melons, and tomatoes/potatoes...
Mainly I grow hardy herbs to use as medicinals, tea and/or culinary herbs,and as additives for the soaps and body-care products I make for my family, co-workers, and friends. I also grow herbs for wreaths and other crafts, they seem to survive better than most vegetables, here. |
scooterbug
TwinLakes,WI Athens, TN
(Zone 7a)
June 19, 2007
10:16 PM Post #3635616
| Did not put in veggies this year ,
too busy getting ready for our re-location;-)
ooops ! ... I lied , one patio 'mater plant in a 5 gal bucket just so I can at least 'taste' a fresh one.*g*
I refuse to buy those horrid shipping tomatoes preferring to simply do without .
Weather has been so bad in this area that I have not even seen any home-grown stands along the roadside.
TIME TO MOOOVE !! lol
This message was edited Jun 19, 2007 9:16 PM |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 19, 2007
10:54 PM Post #3635786
| Our summer garden is almost (boo hoo) over except for tomatoes, black-eyed peas, sweet corn...the cantaloupe are not good this year...we don't know what happened to them...the tomatoes will keep producing until winter...eggplant is really a winter veggie but i love them so much I only planted 4 plants and they have supplied me with good food all summer (had some tonight) Oh, we still have green beans but the heat is taking its toll on the garden...
We are going to really concentrate on a big winter veggie garden as summer ones end too quickly...the tatuma squash were to die for this summer...best squash I think on the market...
edited to say I forgot we still have good cucumbers...and okra, my favorite of all!!!
This message was edited Jun 19, 2007 11:05 PM |
bigcityal
Menasha, WI
(Zone 5a)
June 19, 2007
11:50 PM Post #3636018
| My tomatoes that reseed everywhere are doing great. The rest are coming along at a slow pace. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 20, 2007
12:01 AM Post #3636040
| bigcityal...you ARE in zone 5...you will have fresh veggies at the end of the summer and we will have not had any for 2 months already... |
bagthepi
Los Angeles, CA
(Zone 10a)
June 20, 2007
12:06 AM Post #3636053
| from Southern California
We had our share of challenges: freeze, extreme winds, almost no rain and erratic weather all winter and spring. That's the bad news...:)
The good news: planted 5 tomato plants (2 volunteered from last year), bell pepper, numerous herbs, rhubarb, and my best surprise: bush cucumber volunteer...have 4 plants now and all are blooming. These are all in pots.
Just harvested a few pounds of Santa Rosa plums from my two trees and am awaiting nectarines and peaches as we speak. My dwarf citrus trees (also in pots) are doing extremely well...limes,lemons and navel oranges. Expect bumper crops of lemons and limes. And now have to figure out my rhubarb..first time growing that.
Bugs haven't been a problem...the mockingbirds however have decided that my tomatoes makes great eating...lol. So I have covered my larger tomato plants with gauze to defeat them. Seems to have worked fairly well so far. All in all, not a bad season. Just challenging.
|
LostIndian
Algonac, MI
June 20, 2007
3:19 AM Post #3636226
| There are too many non-sprouting seeds which were sent to me by a company which I will address through Dave's Garden at a later date in this growing season here in Michigan.
Only a very few seeds have shown promise, but the bulk have not, re: Brite Lights Swiss Chard, only 1 plant sprouted and is growing; Lipstick Swiss Chard, only 6 have sprouted and growing: Broccoli, only 2 have sprouted and growing: Mixed Cabbage, Summer Lettuce, etc., none have sprouted, as well as several other seeds I purchased from this company.
I am waiting to do fall planting on several items in order to confront this unnamed company with a complete list of seeds which fail to germinate. Those of you who are interested in the name of this company will have that as soon as I complete my planting for this almost failed growing season.
I did buy seeds locally to replace those mentioned above and they are producing very well.
Thanks for reading. |
princessnonie
New Caney, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 20, 2007
6:36 AM Post #3636323
| Only have cucumbers and eggplant..
So far, they have blooms, but no veggies..
So I voted other
|
BDale60
Warren, PA
(Zone 5a)
June 20, 2007
6:39 AM Post #3636327
| So far, so good. Lots of warm weather for June, zinnias blooming earlier than ever, tomatoes have nice bug-free leaves and plenty of blossoms. Knock on wood. |
Cajun2
Cleveland, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 20, 2007
6:45 AM Post #3636340
| So interesting reading everyone's widely varying posts. Really neat to see what others grow.
This is my first year to really get after it in the way of a veggie garden with my 75 year old MIL. She's providing a lot of the old country gardening knowledge, and I'm supplying what little I know and a LOT of SWEAT!!! LOL
We had a few things from last year: rosemary, asparagus, peach tree (volunteer), coneflower, garlic, basil. We bought the only 2 tomato plants this guy had at a flea market in March and planted them. OMG! They are HUMONGOUS now! and uhLOADED with tomatoes!!!
We bought about 4 other small plants (roma, cherry, grape, yellow pear). We had so many volunteer tomato plants from our [lazy] composting efforts that we had to rent a tiller and row up about a 12' x 20' garden!!! All in all I bet we have 48 tomato plants of many varieties and except for the dozen or so recent transplants, all are covered in blooms and/or tomatoes.
About a dozen volunteer cucumbers, 2-3 potatoes (var?), 3-4 cantaloupe, and one watermelon. All loaded with blooms and running everywhere (LOL love it!)
We bought 6 Japanese eggplant and 2 Black Beauty. The larger variety has produced blooms, but no fruit yet. The Japanese have done well. I moved 2 to the rowed garden due to space, but all are healthy and when I checked yesterday there was a 5" Japanese beauty!
Okra not done much. One healthy plant, 3 sick seedlings, 3 dying ones. No blooms.
My saddest are the peppers. Sigh. 10 varieties. 20+ plants. Jalapenos (6) have had blooms but no peppers. One banana pepper, now the plant is shriveling. I can't even identify 3 of they now sticks that once were pepper plants. I can't find 3 others. Had 6 healthy cayenne a week ago. Had 2 small peppers even. I was so tickled. Went to look last night. Have only ONE pepper now. One plant is a stick; another is nearly. No more blooms. The only two plants that seem "normal" are the bells: one yellow, one red. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?!!! Somebody help me. I love my peppers and have NO idea what's eating them!
OH, forgot to say we started beans and they're doing well. Have a row of purple hulls, a row of bush beans, a row of asparagus long beans, 1/2 row of scarlet runner beans (only 3 have shown their heads). 1/2 row of green onions--I THINK they're ok. Garlic planted in the rows, but not making a show (yet?)
All in all... I say we're doing ok for such a late start (tilled last weekend in May!). But since we have such a nice long growing season, we're not too worried. We'll continue to get volunteer tomato plants and will either transplant them or stake them where they are (as we've done 3-4 already). We can easily be harvesting tomatoes here in the Houston area in late fall. (I know, nice trade off for 90 days over 100 degrees! LOL) |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
June 20, 2007
9:39 AM Post #3636776
| Do herbs count? |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
June 20, 2007
9:44 AM Post #3636784
| To dale_a_gardener, I think farmers were growing veggies, (or at least something to eat), long before flowers were a cultivated crop.
I don't think zones have much to do with summer growing. Right now we have 16½ hours of daylight, plus temps in 80's & 90's. That does lots of growing & we are only Zone 4. Also last frost was early April & first frost won't be until late Sept. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 20, 2007
11:12 AM Post #3637099
| I hate to be controversial on this thread, but zones are everything when it comes to growing!!!! Our summer gardens are always best when we can harvest the entire month of May...after that it gets too hot.
dale, we are seriously considering not having a vegetable garden anymore as it is hard work when it is just a project on the side of farming. There are some farmers who have retired and do nothing but grow vegetables around here. You go to them, pick whatever you like in whatever amount, pay the man and go home with lots of good clean food to eat.
A big veggie garden is quite costly to maintain properly and you have to harvest exactly when each is ready...sometimes creating havoc in our lives rather than being a joy... |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 20, 2007
12:10 PM Post #3637262
| I sounded so abrasive in that post...let me explain why I said what i did...the veggie gardens and the crops...both grain and cotton need to be put in the ground at the same time. The veggie gardens are always late because planting comes first with grain and cotton. In order to grow from beginning to end, cotton needs a certain number of hours of sun above a certain temperature. It stays hot here until Dec. or Jan., but the crops must be harvested earlier because we live in hurricane country.
Thus, our gardens are usually late for summer gardens...need to be planted in February along with the cotton and grain...since farmers work 16 hours a day during planting and harvesting, there is not much time left over for a veggie garden...and to harvest the veggie garden.
We have been doing it anyway...but I think we are going to limit growing to only a winter garden from now on.
Happy gardening to everyone!!! don't want to put a damper on this thread... |
Rusty56
Jasper Co., MO
(Zone 6a)
June 20, 2007
1:18 PM Post #3637493
| Raining is only problem to bring more waters into flooding and I have metal trash can to fill the water but Watch out for West Niles Virus larvas growing in raining water. Dump all the water out asap... Never leave it behind and you will get sick from that bugs...Happen in Southern California has been killing all the crows & babies also rats, too! Some of peoples died from that virus... Last year in my area, 1 man died from that virus... So, Be cautious!
I have no vegetables garden yet! Only I have melon in metal trash can with compost!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Marcy_1
New Madison, OH
(Zone 5a)
June 20, 2007
1:25 PM Post #3637524
| Amen on the West Nile virus Rusty. I personally know a man who contracted it. It paralyzed him for a while..among other problems. He is now recuperating pretty well...but it sure did take a while. He was very lucky they figured out what it was...because that took a bit too!
And he has residual problems from it too...as in a useless arm. Too bad. |
smkennedy
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4a)
June 20, 2007
2:35 PM Post #3637779
| I voted Other, because my four heritage tomatoes seem to be ahead of schedule. My personal best is cherry tomatoes by the 4th of July, but this one may best it. Only time will tell.
Susan in Minneapolis |
grandma_deal
Tulsa, OK
(Zone 6b)
June 20, 2007
3:08 PM Post #3637909
| I had to give up on my vegetable garden because the neighbors trees got so large & blocked the sun all but a few hours a day. Thinking about putting a few okra seeds in the flower bed out front. I read they are in the hibiscus family. The flowers are pretty & I realllly like fried okra. |
noobiegardener
Glen Burnie, MD
(Zone 7a)
June 20, 2007
3:59 PM Post #3638123
| here is a picture of part of my garden. Couldn't get the whole thing in the shot. My hubby built this cage for me to keep the squirrels off of my corn.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 20, 2007
5:10 PM Post #3638408
| grandma_deal, the best way to grow okra is to dig a little whole and put 3 seeds in it...on the side of where you put the seeds, dig a trench and pour lots of slow release Osmocote or something equivalent. You are hoping that two plants come up that are hearty...if you get three plants, pull the weakest one out. Only plant the seeds about 4 feet apart...good luck. There is nothing better than both fried okra and fresh okra gumbo using fresh tomatoes out of the garden!!!!
noobiegardener...great cage to keep the squirrels away!!! cute, too!!! |
Grandmaggie
Beachwood, NJ
(Zone 6b)
June 20, 2007
5:18 PM Post #3638446
| I heart your corn cage!!! |
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 20, 2007
7:27 PM Post #3638839
| Me, too!! I want one, I want one!! Lucky you! |
Indy
Alexandria, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 20, 2007
9:49 PM Post #3639305
| I voted growing great and right on schedule, but wanted to also vote for drought problems as I have watered a lot lately.
The first sweetcorn is tasseling; green beans are just starting to set on; tomatoes have a couple of early ones turning; zucchini are bearing; broccoli is still producing; cantaloupes are setting on as are watermelons...a couple are about 8 pound now; the rest of things are also really nice. |
hellnzn11
Rosamond, CA
(Zone 8b)
June 20, 2007
11:26 PM Post #3639871
| Boy I heard the word cuke twice today and have no clue what it is. i have no veggies or I`d have more of the desert living in my yard. i have so much rabbit poo in my yard i should have great soil soon. |
cyra
Central Valley, CA
(Zone 9a)
June 20, 2007
11:36 PM Post #3639913
| Helnzn11, cukes are short for cucumbers...:)
-Cyra |
tucsonjill
Tucson, AZ
(Zone 9a)
June 21, 2007
12:17 AM Post #3640016
| I had to vote "other"... my prized tomato crop was coming along nicely before the ground squirrels moved in and ate at least half of it. The rest is nicely succumbing to heat stress, right on schedule here in Tucson! |
flowerjen
central, NJ
(Zone 6b)
June 21, 2007
12:55 AM Post #3640078
| I'm not a veggie gardener but am trying some tomatoes in containers this year, we'll see how they turn out. They look to be growing very well so far. |
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 21, 2007
1:09 AM Post #3640102
| Oh, so awful, tucsonjill! I hope you manage to save some! I'm thinking of making a wire cage to grow one plant in, just to see if it keeps the critters' greedy paws off it! |
hellnzn11
Rosamond, CA
(Zone 8b)
June 21, 2007
1:55 AM Post #3640144
| cyra thanks lol Ky I have had no luck with the cages, they eat every part that touches the side of the cage and they step on and squash down parts to move the cage closer to the plants. I put a lot of energy in them too. i was fighting off gophers more so though and it worked somewhat for them. |
huntington
Watervliet, NY
(Zone 5a)
June 21, 2007
7:13 AM Post #3640351
| I am growing regular tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, pole beans, cucumbers, green peppers and watermelon. I was also growing broccoli and dill, but a critter (either a woodchuck or a deer) got into my garden and ate it ALL. The picture was one of my broccoli plants. Otherwise the plants are growing well for upstate NY! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
grandma_deal
Tulsa, OK
(Zone 6b)
June 21, 2007
7:26 AM Post #3640362
| Thank you, gessiegail, for the valuable planting info. Much appreciated. |
sallyg
Anne Arundel Co., MD
(Zone 7a)
June 21, 2007
8:39 AM Post #3640492
| looking good here, much helped by a fence to keep groundhog out!!! first year for good swiss chard for me. English peas already croaking from the heat, though. Zucchini rampicante is rampant. Purple bush green beans are pretty but not exactly compact, I'm lucky I left more room than usual..Only bug problem so far is harlequin bugs on brassicas. |
noobiegardener
Glen Burnie, MD
(Zone 7a)
June 21, 2007
9:23 AM Post #3640625
| Hi, Sally! You and I are neighbors. I am in Glen Burnie! I don't think I've run into you before here in DG world. Nice to meet ya! |
sallyg
Anne Arundel Co., MD
(Zone 7a)
June 21, 2007
9:33 AM Post #3640662
| Well, hi back!! We must live within ten minutes of each other.! Visit mid atlantic forum, I'm there a lot...along with some fun nice people... |
Dyson
Rocky Mount, VA
(Zone 7a)
June 21, 2007
10:11 AM Post #3640811
| I voted other because I'm have problems walking these days. To tell the truth, I am way behind on everything because of it. |
prettypeony
Birmingham, IA
(Zone 5a)
June 21, 2007
10:20 AM Post #3640842
| It's not a good summer. We are sooooooooooooo dry. We have clay soil and even though it has been amended with cattle manure it is still cracking. I just don't understand how the weeds can keep growing. I do have peas to pick today. We are in a little pocket in southeast Iowa that seems to get flooding or nothing. I had planted two long rows of perennial seed about a month ago before we were forecast to have rain that night and it rained so hard it washed out all the seed. |
Jax4ever
Boxford, MA
(Zone 6a)
June 21, 2007
11:14 AM Post #3641046
| I've tried veggie gardening, but between too little sun and too many clever, determined critters, it just isn't worth it. I can grow moss, fern, and hostas- that's about it! Oh, and the occasional mushroom- is that a veg? ;-) |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 21, 2007
11:29 AM Post #3641100
| Once the seeds come up into a plant or after we plant a plant in the veggie garden...we hit it hard with Preen or the equivalent of what Preen has in it as a pre emergence...you can't use it before you plant or put seeds in...but you certainly can afterwards!!!!! It is a granular mix and you just mess up the top part of the soil so it doesn't blow away...good for weeds for 90 days... |
mmistyrose
Benton, KS
(Zone 6a)
June 21, 2007
12:01 PM Post #3641243
| I put other because just one didn't seem to fit this year. My big garden got planted later then I wanted cause of the rain and the plants are being bombarded with bugs more this year then last. Roly polys are a BIG problem in my little garden and I've noticed they're also getting into the big garden too. Haven't figured out what to do with them yet...
My cucumber plants and the pumpkin plants seem to be doing really well though. The tomatoes are in a different location - doing pretty well and 4 publoano plants are growning like weeds but the blooms haven't made any peppers yet...hmm... They look really nice though!
Noobiegardener...I really liked that cage idea...looks like it would be helpful to keep more then just squirrels out! |
Tinyeic
Henderson, NV
June 21, 2007
12:34 PM Post #3641396
| For Grandma_deal..I live in a different state, but I believe you are allowed to cut away any branches from a neighbor's tree that hangs over your property.
Tinyeic in Nevada. |
randbponder
Hornick, IA
(Zone 4b)
June 21, 2007
1:11 PM Post #3641519
| Prettypeony; Hi; We get some rain, sometimes. but usually it goes north or south of us. It seems that the hills at the edge of the flat along the river, must direct the rain around us. I am fortunate tho, as when I was able to I had a new well drilled. and got rid of the old pumpjack system. So evenings and early morning I can water. However I also, try to collect grass clippings, to lay between the rows. which helps with two major problems. Helps to hold moisture, and blocks sunlight to weed seeds. I also till under all the leaves in the fall. I think at least one time, I may try to save the leaves till the next spring and see if I can get the mulching done quicker. I don't know tho, I would have to have something to hold them in place. Here is an earlier pic, right after planting the tomatoes. They are in cages now and getting big. and have lots of blossoms. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 21, 2007
1:45 PM Post #3641636
| Here, too, Grandma, you're allowed to trim neighbor's branches that enter your property line. Check with the law in your neck o' the woods. |
VEGGIEHAPPY
New Braunfels, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 21, 2007
3:26 PM Post #3641996
| This year was a personal best so far. Very happy with the garden.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
zone5girl
Painesville, OH
(Zone 5b)
June 21, 2007
3:58 PM Post #3642123
| Wow, Veggie! Impressive! Tamara |
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 21, 2007
5:09 PM Post #3642445
| Very nice! |
noobiegardener
Glen Burnie, MD
(Zone 7a)
June 21, 2007
7:04 PM Post #3642881
| Thanks Mistyrose! And Veggiehappy...oh my gosh! Your garden is absolutely breathtaking. I just love it!!!!! How long have you been gardening? |
VEGGIEHAPPY
New Braunfels, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 21, 2007
9:06 PM Post #3643358
| Thanks for the kudos on the veggie garden you guys. It gets better every year I learn more and more - I live outside pretty much (keeps me out of trouble). Noobiegardener - I've been a gardening enthusiast for many years, but the last three years I've actually had property suitable to really get serious. It's also kind of easy in Texas - nice weather and you can grow lettuce and cool season stuff all winter! :-) |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
June 21, 2007
9:30 PM Post #3643469
| A shot of my garden.
It goes to the creek & to the end of the dark ground in the far end of the picture.
This message was edited Jun 21, 2007 8:32 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Dyson
Rocky Mount, VA
(Zone 7a)
June 21, 2007
9:42 PM Post #3643529
| Bernie - stop it please you're killing me! I don't think anyone can do that well but you and farmerdill. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
June 21, 2007
10:04 PM Post #3643606
| I have 2 maters-Carbon and 2 red bell peppers in pots this year. I am also growing 3 watermelons and all are different kinds. One is a mystery, Orange-Glo, and Ali Babba. My Orange is HUGE! So I voted my garden is on time and it is doing great!! The weird part is the melons are in horrible soil, yet they are thriving. What's the deal???? LOL
Bernie, don't kill Dyson. We like him too much. LOL |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
June 22, 2007
12:45 AM Post #3644086
| Wouldn't think of it. I'll give him a tomato to look at. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
HERBIE43
wappingers falls, NY
(Zone 5b)
June 22, 2007
4:21 AM Post #3644366
| for the past few years i have been growing my veggies in containers on my deck. this year i purchased what is called a greenhouse bench to i don't hve to keep bening down to take care of them. i also have a soaker hose running through the containers and the hose is attached to a timer. works pretrty good. here is a picture of my setup
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Arias
Richmond, VA
June 22, 2007
6:35 AM Post #3644454
| I'm only growing three vegetables this year. Tomatoes, peppers, and onions. They look wonderful. Last year I mulched with shredded brown paper bags, and the results were amazing. I only applied a thin layer but it kept the weeds out and the moisture in. I don't have a lot of time to work in the garden, so I grow vegetables in boxes filled with compost and good garden soil. Hot days and abundant rain fall. 2 cherry tomatoes, 2 big boys,2 celebrity, 4 big bertha peppers and onions I started from seed in the greenhouse. Other than a daily check on the garden, and to tie up the tomato vines, I'm not doing much of anything else. |
Hineni
Appalachian Mtns, SW, VA
(Zone 6b)
June 22, 2007
7:40 AM Post #3644708
| I had to put other because I'm having problems with more than one thing - drought and bugs! It's my first year growing anything in the cabbage family and the war with the bugs is constant. I think because I am the only non-pesticide, organic yard, that ALL the bugs in the neighborhood come to my house...lol!
I lost my peas to drought and probably a tad too late of planting. My tomatoes are nice and green and leafy, but few little maters. However, my bush beans and pole beans are doing terrific and we had a nice small crop of early red potatoes - so I can't wait to grow those again.
It's only my 2nd year gardening, so I have a lot to learn still. |
grandma_deal
Tulsa, OK
(Zone 6b)
June 22, 2007
8:17 AM Post #3644792
| Thanks, Tinyeic and KyWoods. I'll check on having neighbors' tree branches removed from my side of the fence. They are too tall (the trees, not the neighbors) for us to do it ourselves. Have to call tree trimmers. |
GiddyMoon
Carmichael, CA
June 22, 2007
11:20 AM Post #3645278
| Everything is doing well..picking squash about daily and the same with the cucumbers. The tomatoe plants are pretty full and riping nicely. Pepper plants have 2-3 each on them right now...can't complain. |
VEGGIEHAPPY
New Braunfels, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 22, 2007
11:52 AM Post #3645420
| CountryGardens: Holy Cow - are you a commercial grower? I've never seen that many onions before (that's what they are right?) Impressive! |
Lenka_
Princeton, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 22, 2007
1:25 PM Post #3645745
| Glad to see so many of us are doing great with their veggie garden. I voted "too much rain". Usually we have heat issue but now I think I prefer the heat as I can water more when it's hot or shade the plants from the sun, but what can you do if it won't stop raining...Never though it would be a problem in Texas, but this year I even got water coming into the house in two rooms... Needless to say that my veggies are not doing very well - too much water, I lost 3 tomato plants to the rain which I replaced with new ones and those seem to be okay (for now...). I also just moved this April so I am in the process of getting the garden ready for the next year. But I have all those plants I brought with me and some new ones I bought and nowhere to plant them...And it's just me with my shovel and my mini-tiller fighting with clay every weekend! Like someone said earlier - it will freeze before I finish digging...
And I have to say : CountryGardens, you should not be posting these pictures here - are you trying to give people a heart attack... :). I mean it in a good way of course..
I so wanted to get about 10 acres of property when I was looking for a house as that was about all I could afford...but I needed to move fast and what I found was nowhere near that (1.75 he-hee)... So when I see all that space and the veggies - ahhhh... and then I start dreaming of a big beautiful garden...and the smell of flowers, bees and butterflies, a veggie garden... Oh wait - veggie garden? And here I go from up high falling right back down to earth...right into the muddy puddle of rainwater next to my not-so-well doing veggie garden and an acre full of weeds... Ouch...that hurts... ;)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 22, 2007
1:28 PM Post #3645764
| LOL, Veg!! Beautiful 'maters, CountryGardens.
And Lenka, some of your rain finally made it here to quench our drought--yea!!! Hope we took enough so you don't have to worry about any more in your house. Hope you didn't get anything ruined!
This message was edited Jun 22, 2007 12:33 PM |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
June 22, 2007
1:47 PM Post #3645837
| We sell 3 X a week at a farmers market. We have twice as many onions as you can see in the picture.
We actually have cut back on acreage, used to be 18, now 5. But I think we are getting more now than we did before. We cut out the crops that take a lot of room, sweet corn & winter squash & pumpkins.
A lot of people here go to Texas for the winter. It would nice if Texans could come here for the summer. We could use help. LOL!
Bernie |
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 22, 2007
1:52 PM Post #3645857
| OH--the onions were in the other picture--I thought veggiehappy was being silly, calling the tomatoes onions...silly me! Sorry, I'm outa coffee, not awake today...LOL |
VEGGIEHAPPY
New Braunfels, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 22, 2007
3:29 PM Post #3646177
| Lenka: Same here - I wanted more acres, but (to afford it) I'd have had to move further out which I wasn't comfortable with at the time. I have 1.66 acres.
CountryGardens: You're living my dream :-) |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
June 22, 2007
7:06 PM Post #3646831
| Sitting here taking a break with a sore back from picking & washing. Still an hour or so to go. |
pirl
Southold, NY
(Zone 7a)
June 22, 2007
8:29 PM Post #3647090
| Our tomatoes have never had sturdier stems. All the cukes, melons, beans, peas, peppers, broccoli and a variety of lettuces are growing very well. The shallots and garlic are, too. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
VEGGIEHAPPY
New Braunfels, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 22, 2007
9:45 PM Post #3647391
| pirl: Nice organized garden. I need to take notes. (my garden looks a lot like the inside of my house...) |
pirl
Southold, NY
(Zone 7a)
June 22, 2007
9:52 PM Post #3647426
| Thanks. It's the design and domain of my DH. He maintains it, too.
We put up the netting, over the copper piping, to keep the crows out. |
flowerlou
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6a)
June 23, 2007
1:14 AM Post #3647980
| I
wish I had a veggie garden...
I am quitting smoking (see prayer requests if at all interested,,, or don't. :)
I am new to my new yard and the deer that roam through.
Have a great weekend. |
hellnzn11
Rosamond, CA
(Zone 8b)
June 23, 2007
2:25 AM Post #3648043
| Lenka i dream of rain, send some our way. Your yard is so Green, what part of Texas is that where you live? Herbie I am going to have to steal your soaker hose /timer thing so let me know how you did it because i need to do it asap, dmail me. |
VEGGIEHAPPY
New Braunfels, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 23, 2007
8:53 AM Post #3648395
| flowerlou: You can do it! I quit November 12th 2006. It's been over 7 months. Never felt better - and I've saved lots and lots of $$$$!! If you don't know about it already - check out the online community at [HYPERLINK@www.quitnet.com.] I don't think I would have made it without that place. |
Grandmaggie
Beachwood, NJ
(Zone 6b)
June 23, 2007
11:29 AM Post #3648801
| pirl, lovely garden! flowerlou, yes you can if I can quit anybody can! I quit Sept 11 2002. I smoked 2plus packs a day. |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
June 23, 2007
3:16 PM Post #3649477
| I smoked 3 packs a day until August 13, 1982. Quit cold turkey, haven't touched one since!
Have not spent over $80,000.00 on cigarettes.
Just do it!
Bernie |
randbponder
Hornick, IA
(Zone 4b)
June 23, 2007
5:11 PM Post #3649810
| Hey Bernie with that $80,000. That would get you a new pickup with all the bells and whistles. Not bad not bad at all. Might even be able to fill er up. ((*-*)) Russ |
cyndiehook
Central, ME
(Zone 5a)
June 23, 2007
5:29 PM Post #3649848
| Pirl, Nice veggie garden. Let me know if you think the red mulch improves production over the black. I voted drought here. We have either had torrential rain or nothing. Right now my garden is so dry I am using the soaker hoses. I don't normally do that until sometime in July. Other than that, everything is growing great and I actually have some green tomatoes on my plants. |
pirl
Southold, NY
(Zone 7a)
June 23, 2007
6:31 PM Post #3650007
| Thanks for all the compliments on the garden folks.
We've talked about the red plastic and we do believe it increases volume.
Try a lot of the best compost you can get for your tomatoes and the drought situation you now have. Good luck. There isn't anything I can think of as good as picking your own tomatoes - I bet you agree. |
davidwv
Crumpler, WV
June 23, 2007
11:56 PM Post #3651308
| I had to vote other. We are a little dry, but still getting enough rain for what I do have planted to grow well. The reason I voted other is, I was late getting my warm season veggies in the ground due to a rabbit problem. I fenced off one area with that plastic type fence and the rabbit just ate his way through it at about 6 or 7 different spots. It did not do anything to what I have planted in that area, which are tomatoes and peppers. But as sure as my beans, corn, squash, etc. germinate the rabbits will eat it down.
I have a homemade brew of rabbit/deer repellent that I plan to spray in a day or so, depends on if it rains or not. What I do plan to do is, put up an electric fence to keep the critters out.
pirl, I like the set up for your tomatoes. It looks like that the vines will grow up through the fence on top and then the vines will lay on top of that? I think I will try to do that for next year, but a little higher than yours. I am very tall and having it higher will help from having to bend over so much.
If I get the chance I try to post pics of my lettuce, beets and onions that I have growing here close to the house so the rabbits don't get them.
David |
Galina
Northamptonshire
(United Kingdom)
June 24, 2007
2:43 AM Post #3651542
| Voted 'Other' too.
Apart from 'I don't have a vegetable garden' ALL of the above options seem to apply this year. We had drought followed by deluges. Birds, mice and pigeons like never before. I have never had so much damage and needed to resow so much. On the plus side the peas are doing better than ever before and by luck I have grown a lot of them. |
Spirit325
Houston, TX
(Zone 10a)
June 24, 2007
4:46 AM Post #3651575
| Been picking tomatoes since mid-March. Last year was late April. Constant rain is causing cooler weather but splitting, so picking a bit early and ripening inside. Stems are larger than I can remember. Texas Wild Tomatoes are doing wonderfully. Smallest of all but the tastiest. Using Early Girls and Better Bush. These Bush Tomatoes are coming in at 12 -14 ounces, never seen them near this big before nor have they lasted this long and they are still blooming with flowers. By late June we are usually done with our tomatoes, but they still keep coming. I suppose all this rain is a two sided coin. Also last fall's onions are now near softball size, both yellow and white and still growing. Not going to seed and still large green tops.
I actually still have Italian Parsley growing like mad and it's usually long gone by early May from the heat. Same with the Dill Weed.
Honestly, if not for the freak hailstorm about 5 weeks ago that stripped hundreds of young citrus, both fruit and leaves, and destroyed the tomatoes, I'd be swimming in them by now. It was a bad, bad hailstorm, the worst I can remember in my neighborhood. Many new roofs being replaced, I only got a few dents on one older car and 5 broken windows. It was bizarre to open my front door and see the yard covered in 2-3'' of ice. Most stones were pebble to ping-pong ball, but apparentely some were grapefruit sized and ended up in folk's living rooms. It could have been worse, so I count my blessings. I guess the worst was losing dozens of Hass Avacadoes. The trees were litterarly shredded. These were 9-10' foot trees with dozens and dozens of fruit, they were just reduced to stalks. It was heartbreaking. They are bushing out now again, thank you. But it will be next year before we see any more fruit, I'm sure.
I've still got blooms on the tomatoes coming in and it's no cooler than 68 at night with the rains. This has been the best season all around in memory, at least 7 years or more. While I've lost a lot of citrus, they are now reblooming and the garden is the best in many, many years. The citrus may prove to be the same as well.
It's been a wierd year for the weather, but even with the ups and downs for the garden, overall it's among the best 2-3 seasons I can remember in probably 20+ years. On the plus side , I've got dozens of Hawain and Polynesian Guava that are doing well. The house protected them from the hail. On the odd side, the Mexican yellow gualva has yet to flower?!?! It was protected too and the tree is much larger.
This pic is all Early Girls, even if they are a bit late, they are more than welcome.
This is my first post, I had hoped to include a second picture of the varigated lemon. Perhaps next time.
Glad to find this place. FWIW, I am in Houston, Texas, that makes me a 9b most of the time. we used to be a 10a - b, but times change. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pirl
Southold, NY
(Zone 7a)
June 24, 2007
7:43 AM Post #3651756
| Davidwv - the tomatoes do grow exactly as you said - up through the netting and lie on "the table" (netting) making picking them so much easier. We're both "older" and the bending was way too much work for us. |
MzWeazelle
Shelton, WA
(Zone 8a)
June 24, 2007
11:31 PM Post #3654971
| Gardens around are going great -- I was late as usual. One of these years ... |
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 24, 2007
11:36 PM Post #3654984
| Gorgeous tomatoes, Spirit! |
VEGGIEHAPPY
New Braunfels, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 25, 2007
2:12 PM Post #3656856
| Yay Spirit 325 - nice 'maters! My parsley is doing well too. What are Texas Wild Tomatoes? |
Spirit325
Houston, TX
(Zone 10a)
June 25, 2007
7:24 PM Post #3658051
| Thanks for the kudos on the Early Girls.
Texas Wild Tomatoes are just that. They are a wild tomato, native only to south Texas, AFAIK. Smaller than cherry tomatoes, more like marbles and some are even smaller. Once they get set, they reproduce new plants twice a year as a few fall off and re-seed the area. They grow in cascades of 9 to 25 or more and look like small grapes in that sense. They are very thin skinned and don't contain many seeds as compared to most cherry type tomatoes. They are fairly small plants, more like vines that rarely get taller than 18 inches and spread out perhaps 2-3 feet. They are heavy producers and fertilizing them doesn't seem to have much effect in that regard.
They have the richest, deepest flavor of any tomato you could ever want. It's hard not to just grab a batch and eat them on the spot in the garden. They are well worth the garden space. They do very well in high heat and seem to need almost no care at all. They will flower and produce even with the temps at 90 at night throughout the hottest parts of our summers. They can't be purchased commercially and one ususally has to get a cutting or seeds from a friend. They can be tough to get started, but once they take hold, they are tough. It took me a few years to finally find someone to get a cutting from. I thought I had lost it the first spring, but that fall, voila! I had a half dozen or so sprouting up. They've been in the same location now for about 6 seasons.
I have them in a corner of one of my raised beds and I till around them when preparing the beds for both the summer and winter gardens.
Nothing better than a handfull of them in a fresh salad. Actually, nothing better than a handfull of them anytime or anywhere.
I have since found seeds available at [HYPERLINK@www.nativeseeds.org] |
Dyson
Rocky Mount, VA
(Zone 7a)
June 25, 2007
7:29 PM Post #3658068
| Now my mouth is watering! |
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 25, 2007
8:01 PM Post #3658177
| Yummy! Thanks, I was wondering what those were, too! I'd order seeds if I knew the critters here would leave me some. |
Spirit325
Houston, TX
(Zone 10a)
June 26, 2007
3:40 AM Post #3659491
| I don't know if they will grow very far north. They require heat and lots of it.
I'm sure you'd have to pot them and bring them in if it ever got any colder than 30 degrees or so.
I understand they were "discovered" somewhere in south Texas several years ago. Just one single batch by itself. The flavor no doubt caused them to be taken and propagated elsewhere. Still, they are quite hard to find even here in south Texas. Once you get them going, they are prolific. I suppose you could easily cover them with netting to protect them from the critters and they will bloom year round if you had them near a south facing window in the colder months.
I have to cover them with chicken wire to keep out the birds. They don't just peck at them, they eat them whole. |
