Applestar and me the only ones doing a fall garden or what?

[Diane]

Thanks Ted.
I have not had much luck with onions either. I planted many onion seeds this spring, I think I only have 1 still growing. My mistake I think was that I started from seed, never having planted any veggies before. This time, I'm going to try using starter onions.
I have 2 sets of carrots growing now & they are doing really well. The tops of my first set are now over 2 feet high! I sampled 2 of them so far and they are the BEST tasting carrots I've ever had

I found a small bag of starter onions while shopping at Kmart in the spring. I hope I can find another.
This is my first try with onions. The onions are now at least three to four times larger than they were when I planted them. Not as large as store bought ones. I planted at different times and can't remember who came first.
Most are still green and growing but a few turned brown and aren't big at all. I pulled the brown off and replanted.
In my compost I found onions with roots, so I planted them. I got a lot of green and then a flower and now seeds. The original onion was just about gone.
I threw some seed in with the onions. We'll see what happens.

[St. Louis gardener]

Hey Dono, good to see another St. Louis-area gardener on the forum! Re: the carrots. I planted two kinds this spring but, like everything else in my tiny (15-by-11 foot) in-ground garden, they are too close together and so aren't doing well (about half the size they should be by this time). I dug a trench at least 12 inches deep, so thought they would have a chance, but they are a disappointment. My only chance is to leave them in the ground for awhile (although I don't want them to get tough and woody). Will pull a bunch every few weeks for awhile to see if there is any growth/improvement.

Thinking about expanding to raised beds in my lawn next year. That's the only way I would be able to access the plants from all four sides. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Rambo 09]

I'm doing one to.

[splat42069]

I just ordered some pepper seeds from https://www.tomatogrowers.com
for this winter indoors. I got Jimmy Nardello ,Cherry Pick 1 and, White Habanero .

I have a 1000 watt HPS/MH switchable ballasts light. I'm gonna try and grow 2 of each plant in 3 gallon buckets.(After I germinate them in a Solo cups). I don't kno what else I'm gonna grow yet but I got room for 3 more plants under the light in 3 gallon buckets.

[Rambo 09]

Why don't you just but seeds locally.

[gixxerific]

Why don't you just but seeds locally.

Because you won't be able to find the variety.

Whats up St Louis Gardner this site is great hope to see you around.

Dono

[splat42069]

^^^^^^^^^

What Gixxer said. I cant cant find these varietys at a local nurssery or walmart/lowes.

To get the good stuff you gotta put alittle money into it.

[St. Louis gardener]

Yes, I just recently found the site, and I think it's terrific. BTW, I may have spoke too soon about the carrots. I picked some petite & sweet today, just because I was making a stir fry, and wanted something orange. Well, they turned out pretty good, even though some were intertwined with others because I planted them too close together. But the taste was great. I've made a pact with myself to incorporate something from my garden in each and every meal I cook, at least through the fall.

About those raised beds, I've checked out some info on other threads on this site, and will probably catch up with you, Dono, on one of those.

[Jewell]

Hi, I have a city lot that I have been playing in for some time. No planning . I use bed methods because they are easier for me and I tend to mix flowers and vegetables.

This year I am finally looking at the success/failures of different varieties of winter hardy vegies. (Gosh I actually have to remember what varieties I planted ~not always easy)

Since I have been playing with winter gardening for a few of decades, I am finally trying other varieties of kale from the usual Siberian with mixed results. I am wondering if any members have favorite varieties of spinach, kale, chard or other greens that they have chosen for cold hardiness, leaf miner resistence, and flavor?

I also have favorite heirloom varieties of vegetables that are suitable for our usually cool, wet summers and am in to trying new varieties.

Anyone have sources for European seeds and bulbs for year round vegetable gardening that ship to USA?

Sorry with so many questions. The more I garden the more questions I have

[gixxerific]

This year I am finally looking at the success/failures of different varieties of winter hardy vegies. (Gosh I actually have to remember what varieties I planted ~not always easy)

Can't help you on the varieties to use, sorry. This will be my first fall\winter planting.

I feel you on the remembering of varieties though. Actually this planting is the first time I ever wrote down what I planted and when. I would usually put the tags in the ground with the plants but after a season of growing they get lost or are mixed up with the last years tags. (Get it together Dono) I even took pictures this year to remember where what type of plants are so I can plan a better crop rotation next year. I'm trying to be more pro-active this year, this site is helping motivate me more so let's hope we all learn something and have even better gardens next year.

Dono

[tedln]

Lots of gardeners keep journals or write blogs they can reference in the future. I'm not that diligent at recording data. Since I grow in raised beds, I simply use a black magic marker and write everything on the frame of the bed. I typically write the variety, planting date, projected days to harvest or first harvest date. If I am unhappy with something, I draw a line thru it. If I am happy with it, I circle it. By the following spring, my writing has faded to the point that I can barely read it, but I can see enough to know what I liked last year and what I didn't like. I then write over last years notes with this years notes.

Ted

[crobi13]

That's a great idea, Ted!
I am regretting not writing anything down but I will certainly try to next year.

[gixxerific]

I agree, good idea Ted, see that why I love this site. I get all kinds of ideas some good some bad. But I don't have any real gardening friends to ask about life experiences. Not that you guy's aren't my cyber friends.

Dono

[SP8]

Maintaining a garden scrapbook is vital and a hell of a lot of fun to look back on!

[tedln]

SP8,

I love your patio garden. I also admire your diligence in recording data. I am not inclined to do that. I know a lot of people who keep relevent data on their activities. I just decide if I like something or I don't like it.

I am curious about the seasonal conditions on the Gold Coast of Australia. I know your seasons are reversed from ours in the U.S. Do you experience below freezing temps in the winter or excessively hot in the summer. What months are your primary gardening months? Is the Gold Coast an agricultural area, tourist area, or manufacturing area of Australia? You mentioned problems you were having with aphids in your notes. What are some other common gardening pests you have?

Ted

[kgall]

I would love to do a fall garden. I am a new gardener and I think it's too late for my area. Our first average frost is Sept 19. Maybe by next year I will be wiser!

[SP8]

Cheers!

The Gold Coast is Australia’s main tourism city and is a great spot for gardening all year round!

December/January/February and Summer
Mean temperature: 24.1 C - 75.4 F

March/April/May and Autumn
Mean temperature: 21.1 C and 70.0 F

June/July/August and Winter
Mean temperature: 17.20 C and 63 F

September/October/November and Spring
Mean temperature: 20.00 C and 68 F

The ‘wet’ season is typically in late Summer to early Autumn.

[img]https://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a360/SamhainP8/GC.jpg[/img]

In regards to pests, as I'm up on the 3rd floor and container based, my biggest problems to date have been from aphids and the occasional Currawong (bird). I think the aphids got introduced and established after I purchased some seedlings without checking them thoroughly….. Thankfully my homemade brew seems to have all but finished them off.

[cherlynn]

I just thought that I'd join in the Fall Garden Planting fun! The last week in July I direct seeded snap peas, freckled romaine lettuce(delicious!), radishes, carrots and spinach. I also planted some broccoli starts for fall. However, I didn't realize that I could plant corn for fall....I wonder if it's too late?!?!? I'm going to check my seed packet and give it a try! Excellent idea to plant corn where the bush beans are growing, Applestar!

My earlier corn was not that productive...there are five stalks with ears growing...enough to enjoy with the grandkids! The pole beans are enjoying the climb up the stalks...still waiting for their harvest!

Believe it or not...we are still getting snap peas from the early spring planting...just a few, but yummy!


Happy Gardening!

[tedln]

I planted some asparagus yard long beans where my pole beans had been earlier. They have sprouted and are growing rapidly. I understand they are a tropical plant that thrives in high heat.

I also planted more cucumbers and yellow squash to start producing in late September for a fall crop. Both the cucumbers and squash popped a few plants out of the ground and decided this place is to hot for them and promptly died. I will wait for a cooling trend in the weather and try again.

I can't say that I blame the cukes and squash for dying on me. I only stick my head outside in the cooler mornings and evenings.

I bought some tomato plants to plant for a fall crop in addition to my still alive but dormant spring tomatoes. They are just sitting there with their feet in the cool ground waiting for cooler weather. They are not dying or growing. They are just waiting.

Ted

[gixxerific]

Cherlynn I direct sowed snap peas myself and they are getting big for just over a week old. I hope they do well my spring crop did not I think I ate one bean pod and that was straight off the plant, before they went down.

Ted sorry to hear about your squash and cuc's, but hey I believe you are a lot like me plant and hope for growth if no growth try again or try something else. I think I have a problem, I just love to grow stuff whether it will make it or not. It's a game of sorts with tasty fruits of beautiful flowers as the reward.

I have too many cuc's to even think about planting any more, I'm actually getting tired of them.

Dono

[cherlynn]

gixxerific said...

I think I have a problem, I just love to grow stuff whether it will make it or not.

I think I have the same problem. Fortunately most of it does just fine!

[applestar]

I'm still amazed that one little seed can grow and produce so much bounty.

Even the pests are kind of interesting even if they're destroying my garden in the process. I discovered squash borers in one of my Yellow Crookneck squash.
I found 6 FAT 3/4" grubs when I dissected the crumbly remains of the vine. :evil::evil::evil::evil::evil:

I've planted my [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17804&view=next&sid=c329d30140267ce3adfe96108d012110]washing machine corn starts[/url] -- 2~3" tall with 4" roots -- in its place. Matures in 62 days... I'm cutting it close -- hope they make it.

I'm pretty sure 2 zucchini plants have been invaded too. Well, I still have more washing machine corn to plant.

[crobi13]

kgall:
It's not too late for you to plant fall veggies. I'm in MA & I have not planted my fall garden either. I'm going to plant Onions, Garlic & Carrots to let them grow over the winter. Hopefully, by spring, I'll have a big bounty

[crobi13]

Does anyone know if potatoes will grow over winter? I found a website that ships them in Sept. I was not sure if that was for planting then or in preperation for spring. Any thoughts?

[kgall]

I am going to try the garlic. The carrots I planted in the spring are not quite ready yet! I picked one yesterday and it looked like it was growing just fine...just slow! I am not too sure about the onions yet. I have never planted them before!

[gixxerific]

Does anyone know if potatoes will grow over winter? I found a website that ships them in Sept. I was not sure if that was for planting then or in preparation for spring. Any thoughts?

Yes they are a cool weather crop they don't like heat. Though I'm no expert on this I have heard many different way s to get them going some say with seed potatoes to put an apple piece in with hem to help them sprout. I believe it is a chemical called ethylene (sp) Google "planting fall potatoes" I am going to try this year myself I have a bunch of little potatoes form this spring I am going to try out.

Live and learn, it can't hurt to try.

p.s. just as I hit the 'submit button' I thought call the company you are looking at with Sept shipped potatoes they should be able to tell you what, where and when to plant for you climate zone. If they can't I might look elsewhere.

Good luck

[crobi13]

Thanks, Dono!! I think I'm gonna try the potoatoes, can't hurt.

[Diane]

Does anyone know if potatoes will grow over winter? I found a website that ships them in Sept. I was not sure if that was for planting then or in preperation for spring. Any thoughts?

The plants freeze when it gets too cold. My last pot last year did.

[crobi13]

Diane:
Did the plants die with mulch or straw?

Maybe I can grow them in my basement?

[kimbledawn]

I just replanted lettuce a second batch of carrots and spinach. My mustard and kale are finally growing( I planted them too early) and I will have to thin and eat them soon. I hace sweet potatoes that I have been growing in a bag and hope to harvest one day and I still have peppers, tomatoes, cukes, eggplant, zuccini and squash growing.

[Diane]

Charlete, the green part above ground froze just like a tomato plant freezes.

[somegal]

We are also doing a fall garden. We have planted various lettuces, bush beans, tomatoes and by the way some of which are cuttings from last seasons tomatoes so we have a little bit of a jump start and onions. We are also planning on cauliflower, broccolli, sweet potatoes and winter squash. Yum, Yum nothing like fresh garden veges.

[gixxerific]

The plants freeze when it gets too cold. My last pot last year did.

This from a master gardener it has a lot of good info on fall\winter potatoes as far north as zone 6. https://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/adams/2005/fall_potato.htm

Diane not a 100% on this but maybe they didn't do well because they were in a pot. When in a pot they are more exposed to the elements than when in the ground. Like how bridges freeze before regular roads because the cold air goes underneath as well as on top. I have never tried fall...... anything but am trying to figure it out, this site has been super good helping me out.

Thanks all, try them in the ground if you can.

[crobi13]

Very interesting
I have not decided where I'm going to plant them (in buckets in the basement? or outside?) but I am going to try.

Thanks everyone!

[gixxerific]

Very interesting
I have not decided where I'm going to plant them (in buckets in the basement? or outside?) but I am going to try.

Thanks everyone!

Try a few methods or try them all. I will just plant outside and see how that goes. I think potatoes need a lot of room though I may be wrong.

[Diane]

From that article, if you time it just right you might be able to hill them before the ground freezes.

[Jewell]

Am off to pick up some composted manure for reviving some "blank" spaces in my garden beds from harvested vegies. With the fine rain today will seed spinach, beetberry, mesclun-sweet salad mix, and plant out my over-wintering cauliflower starts. Have a hunkering for radicchio but don't know if I can find the seed without mail order and may be too late to start. Will look today while out. Love, love the fine misty rain

Winter garden is beginning to look real good. Nero Di Toscan kale is with-standing the leaf miners better than the Siberian kale or mixed blend I tried last winter. Brussel sprouts are huge, but I have no idea what variety since I boutght them on sale last month. Hopefully they won't start forming spouts until fall .

Broad beans (3 varieties) are on order, but not sure if they will get here in time for planting . First time to try them in years and found some pretty red flowering varieties. Need them for replenishing the soil and will try them again for eating.

Happy gardening.

[tedln]

Jewell,

The broad bean or fava bean is a common plant in gardens in the United Kingdom. They do have a pest called the black fly which will devastate the broad bean crops if the gardener fails to pinch off the terminal buds in a certain part of the season. Apparently the black fly has a specific season when it is prevalent. Do you know if we have the same pest of the broad bean in North America? I don't think many U.S. gardeners grow them. Many people simply don't like them. In the U.K. they seem to eat them as a snack food.

Ted

[NaeMo]

You all have me fired up to plant a little more. We've had a mild summer so far, and I planted my spring starts very late (late June/early July). Nothing to harvest yet, but beautiful, lush plants with lots of flowers or little fruit.

Anyway, I have various lettuces to plant, peas and snow peas... I have a few brussels sprouts plants that are in pots and haven't done much growing that I will stick in the ground and hope for the best. I have broccoli and cauliflower seed, I wonder if I can direct seed it and get some actual food from it.

[Jewell]

Tedln - the black fly in the UK is actually what we call aphids (the black variety). They need to be kept hosed/sprayed off if they are a really bad, but I have lots of lady bugs and their larva in the garden so don't really have a problem. Oh yeh, I live in the Puget Sound, Washington state, so the amount of rain here is a natural spritzer (usually). How would they affect you in Texas?