how my garden grew
This was our first year at a garden. I got to eat a few things out of it. We had an army of tomato worms eat most of the peppers, then a few tomatoes. Squash bugs got to 2 of the zucchini plants. Powery mildew got the cucumbers. I am not sure what happened to the potatoes, the red ones were half eaten/rotted and the white potatoes were a really odd shape, looked like a potato with one end kinda popped out with cracks. The red cherry tomatoes turn out to be orange but were better than any red I ever had. The best part of the garden was the green beans and I even got in a second planting... just when they were getting ready to pick a herd of 8 deer came through one night and broke down the fence and ate everything that was left. We are very happy we did this and managed to eat a few things out of it but not the abundance we were hoping for. Hope for a better year next year. Any ideas on how to keep out the deer, we used the netting this year about 6' tall, it kept them out most of the summer
I can't help with the deer, but I had rats and more rats - they even ate hot pepppers. 
They would take just enough of a bite to make it unedible for me. Beans were my best first year crop as well. Worms got tomatoes & peppers, aphids were horrible on cucumbers. Squash Vine Borer on all my zucc's and squash - to this day I can't grow these - none. Tons of other things just didn't work - I picked some of the worst things for my area in Florida. I finally realized to grow what did well here, and then try one or two new things each time, I don't stress as much. Second year I did lots of beans, okra and eggplant - the second two grow in spades here. I had tons of beans and was able to actually feel productive by freezing and canning them. This year I have done great with peppers of all types and tomatoes were better but not great. 
It was very discouraging my first year and after all my work I nearly gave up. But keep up with the forum, tons of great advice from people who have been doing it for years. I get better each time I plant something and I learn alittle more each season. I can't see not doing it. Best of luck, hope someone has advice on the deer issue.
They would take just enough of a bite to make it unedible for me. Beans were my best first year crop as well. Worms got tomatoes & peppers, aphids were horrible on cucumbers. Squash Vine Borer on all my zucc's and squash - to this day I can't grow these - none. Tons of other things just didn't work - I picked some of the worst things for my area in Florida. I finally realized to grow what did well here, and then try one or two new things each time, I don't stress as much. Second year I did lots of beans, okra and eggplant - the second two grow in spades here. I had tons of beans and was able to actually feel productive by freezing and canning them. This year I have done great with peppers of all types and tomatoes were better but not great. It was very discouraging my first year and after all my work I nearly gave up. But keep up with the forum, tons of great advice from people who have been doing it for years. I get better each time I plant something and I learn alittle more each season. I can't see not doing it. Best of luck, hope someone has advice on the deer issue.
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jal_ut
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 7447
- Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2009 10:20 pm
- Location: Northern Utah Zone 5
I have used a radio in the corn patch to keep racoons and skunks out of the garden. I wonder if that would work for deer? Would it be possible to put a motion light in the garden area? You might rig up a motion light to turn on a radio and a light. A sudden light and sound would surely put the deer in flight. Might work for other critters too. Electric fences have also been used.
I have no sympathy for rats. DCon!
I have no sympathy for rats. DCon!
I live in the middle of a city. The deer would walk up to me when I was working in the garden. They know how far the dog can reach in the yard and stand just outside of her area. I am not giving up, we just have to find a new containment system, just not sure what it will be.
I have learned alot, some things didnt work and others I will plant more of. I planted some garlic for next year and am hoping the squirrls wont dig them up. Can't wait till spring.
I have learned alot, some things didnt work and others I will plant more of. I planted some garlic for next year and am hoping the squirrls wont dig them up. Can't wait till spring.