Posted by (mangoman) on November 23, 2009

Interesting photos! It will be nice when we can see the rest! Kay, have you ever grown black krim tomatoes? I tried and failed MISERABLY. I’m usually very good with tomatoes but these did horrible!

Let us know when you get your first tomato!

Eric

Posted by (Iluvpumpkins) on November 23, 2009

Kay, I will be first, where did you get the yellow sage?  The tomatoes look great. I do not have room in my yard for vegetables but, I have a garden at my school I keep adding things that will not fit in my garden. I am positive I will put a vegetable garden in now. Please all of you vegetable growers,Chip, Eric and Kay let me know 6 of the best things to start with. What do I amend the soil with, where do I buy the plants or seeds? Janice

Posted by (mangoman) on November 23, 2009

Penny and Janice, (I’m sorry if I got Janice confused with Janna) how are your chinese skullcap doing? are they up?

Eric

Posted by (Janna) on November 23, 2009

Thanks for sharing the photos of your garden, Kay. Very nice! I really like the forsythia sage and would still love to get a cutting at the seed swap. Your tomato plant is quite impressive - looks like you’ll have a good harvest. I want to know, too - do the tomatoes actually turn purple? I love the brilliant red of the firespike.

Eric, I’ve been so busy that I just got the skullcaps planted this weekend. I’m looking forward to seeing some sprouts pretty soon and will keep you posted. Were you able to plant the hollyhocks yet?

Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on November 23, 2009

Love the pics Kay. Penny is right, we are garden voyeurs. I’ve craned my neck several times while driving trying to see a certain flower in someone’s yard or admiring how they designed their landscaping. And my car doesn’t know how to pass a nursery without turning in.

That forsythia sage seems to be a winner with everyone. I can see why. Very pretty. I also used to have 9 tibouchina’s and am down to one which will probably be pulled up this spring. As much as I love the look they certainly don’t like the cold in Riverview.

Posted by (kgardens) on November 23, 2009

Thanks all for looking at my photos.  I have picked one of my CP toms and it was delicious.  I’m going to try saving seeds but since I have never done that before,as a back-up I’m going to order more from Tomato Growers Supply where I have a hefty order in process.  The CP is dusky pinkish red with dark shoulders - not purple.  My first one was really good.  I am only a 2nd season veggie grower.  Spring was my first try and my harvest was fair.  I am totally in containers because my ground is too wet for an in-ground garden.  So, my “farm” is quite small.  That means I will have seeds to share at the swap because I won’t be able to use all I order:) Kay

Posted by (mangoman) on November 23, 2009

Kay, I have saved seeds before from tomatoes and can tell you that it is SOOOOOOO easy! take your seeds out of the tomato (just scoop ‘em out and eat the tomato without them!) take a few paper towels and lay your tomato seeds on them, next fold the paper towels over (forming a little pocket) and let them sit in a warm window for about a week. If this doesn’t work you can also let them soak in a jar for a week before doing the paper towel method.

Eric

Posted by (Chip) on November 24, 2009

Timing is everything with tomatoes if you learn how to read the seed catalog[they have them online now] all the information is there the key is most tomatoes will not set any blooms if the air temp. doesn’t drop below 75 in a 24 hr. period the yellow pear will most will not. on the seed pack and in the catalog it will give you a date from germination to fruit this is where the real planing comes in because you will need to start some for your spring garden soon we use seed trays indoors and will be starting some next mouth Diane is our garden planer and she can still mess up mostly if mother nature throws us a curve ball so do not feel bad if you don’t get it the first time .“Chip”

Posted by (Chip) on November 24, 2009

Almost forgot! Today is the canning class at the extension office. can’t wait this should be a lot of fun. They have so many great class’s going on there. One of the few place’s where our tax dollars are being used wisely…“Chip”

Posted by (Chip) on November 24, 2009

You hit the nail on the head Penny. It is almost backwards to the way it is “up north” some of the stuff that grows in the spring time will grow here only in the fall the perfect conditions for growing tomatoes are 70-75f daytime;50-55f night so from mid October- January we have close to that kind of temp’s , but then you have to grow cold weather types or they just do not want to grow. Some will and this is just try it and see what works. My brandywines are doing great right now.We are trying ” Gregori’s Altai ” for this winter. A seed found on internet site for Tomato Growers and Supply. Try that site- You’ll like it. There are so many different type’s I just want to try them all..“Chip”

Posted by (mangoman) on November 24, 2009

Hi all! went to a few lows today. Ugh they are getting tiring. Got some more plants though! Everybody: Lowes on causeway has there mona lavender for $2.50 each if you talk to the outdoor manageer! (he’s there until 2) Also, I bought some fruiting plants but I got too many and may end up selling some Pleae let me know if anybody wants some. Got some rain!

Eric

Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on November 24, 2009

I was at that very Lowe’s just yesterday, Eric, and got some beautiful red and white petunias for the winter. Some were even that red with the white stripe in it. Fruiting plants? What kind of fruiting plants?

Posted by (mangoman) on November 24, 2009

Susan, I saw those petunias at a different lowes yesterday!  I thought they looked very festive but didn’t know where to put them. I have blackberries, grapes, and a few types of blueberries.

Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on November 24, 2009

Oh yeah, I saw those grapes——muscadines, right? They were so perfect looking I had to touch them to see if they were real. Good luck with your fruiters. Someday I’d like to try blueberries so keep us all posted on your progress.

Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on November 24, 2009

Oh I never thought about the birds eating the blueberries. That might be a lot of trouble to go through for a few berries. Good to know, Penny.

Posted by (Chip) on November 25, 2009

The home caning class Diane and went to was great! I have never used a pressure cooker before to can so this class took a lot of worry’s out of it. we also learned they will test your pressure there, I am going use this service as I have found a couple at a garage sale they look fine but this way I will know they are safe to use. And right there in the lobby was boot’s and all of the other garden art. I still think you should ask for a recount I did an informal vote with some of my class mates and they all seem to like boots as much as I do…“Chip”

Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on November 25, 2009

Aw Chip, what a sweetie you are. Thanks. I was wondering if all the winners were on display. I’ll have to pop over there and see for myself. I wanted to see that orchid anyway. You and your classmates have great taste. Ha!

My grandmother used to use a pressure cooker all the time. They are kinda scary to me but do make the most incredible meals. But them most grandma’s knew how to cook incredible meals. Poor things never left the kitchen though.

Posted by (mangoman) on November 25, 2009

I will definately send in pics! Still raingin here…. I can’t plant in the rain!! I think I’ve gotten enough water by now. I talked to one person at HD and they said their coffee plants would go on sale this friday. :D If anybody sees anything else of value to any of our gardeners here on the dirt PLEASE tell us! We all love to get good deals!

Eric

Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on November 25, 2009

I actually just finished planting in the rain. I had the time, it’s a great Moon day for planting and free watering. I couldn’t resist.

Coffee plants. That would be fun. Do the birds like those too?

Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on November 25, 2009

Mocha Lattes——-that’s funny

Posted by (Janna) on November 25, 2009

Shoot! The succulents! Just brought them in. No wonder I always kill those. I think they’re floating in their dishes. C’mon perlite - work your magic…

Posted by (mangoman) on November 25, 2009

Penny, did you get my email? I think my succulents are fine. I haven’t really checked yet…

Posted by (Chip) on November 25, 2009

A black as dirt Friday sale? now that has some potential. However the black Friday sales are just about the only shopping[except for plant shopping] that I look forward to, I call It what it should be known as U.C.S. or “urban combat shopping” hay I am all for getting all or least most of the shopping done and over with in one shot. and only the ever nagging question of what to get my wife will be left. I hope everyone has a good time and enjoys them self’s this Thanksgiving and if you do shop till you drop do it with a friend try not to go alone! way safer and a lot more fun that way..“Chip”

Posted by (Iluvpumpkins) on November 25, 2009

Did anyone else see the cockscomb at any other store? I really want one.

Did I read new pictures will be posted soon?? After this rain everyone should send in pictures of their gardens. I will be in the kitchen Thursday but Friday I will take pictures of my yard and the school garden. Gobble gobble you guys. Janice