Preparing for Spring

Hello folks!


We are almost into February. This is the start of the gardening season in zone 9. My county extension office states that our average last frost date is February 17th. Now is the time to start tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants indoors so they will be ready to transplant into the garden in 5 - 6 weeks. I'll be planting cool season crops by the end of the month. Hardy root crops, Asian greens, collards, and Swiss chard can be direct seeded in the garden. Cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, onions, and Brussel sprouts can be transplanted to the garden after hardening off, if you have started them indoors. Also, potatoes that have been sprouted can be planted.


For landscape plants, now is the time to prune deciduous trees and plants. For small trees like crepe myrtle, redbud, and dogwood... prune to create a strong framework by taking out trunks and limbs that cross or rub each other. Cut close to the main stem to prevent new sprouts. Try to resist the temptation to just top crepe myrtle. This actually creates weak branches that can't support themselves when in full bloom. Liriope ( monkey grass) and other ornamental grasses should be cut close to the ground, while they aren't growing. This will refresh the plant and prevent having blades with cut tips, that will stay for the rest of the year. I'll be cutting down the tender plants that were killed by our freezes. It doesn't have to be done now, but I just don't like the looks of the dead ones.


Wait to prune spring bloomers like azaleas and loropetalums until after they bloom. Also, azaleas shouldn't be pruned after the 4th of July ( that's what my grandmother taught me ). This is when they start forming blooms for the next year. If you feel that you just have to prune, be selective and prune very lightly.


Be sure to rake up the last of your leaves and save them to use as mulch in your beds. In my opinion, leaves are the best mulch one can use. They decompose fairly quickly, adding a slow release of nutrients to the soil....and earthworms love them!




Soooo......Until next time......HAPPY GARDENING!

Lighting for seedlings

Hello folks!


I got to thinking about starting some seeds today and thought I needed some way of hanging lights above the plants. I thought about it for a little while and came up with an idea. It was a nice day so I went outside and built this.

I ripped 2 x 4 lumber into 2 x 2 lumber to keep it light. I connected the top piece to the end supports with angle brackets so that it could be easily taken apart and bundled for storage.

I cut triangle brackets from 1/2" plywood for support at the bottom.

As you can see in the first photo, I hung 2 loops of small chain to hold the lights. These can be adjusted to keep the lights 2 - 4 inches above the plants as they grow. I used 2 aquarium light fixtures that I had for the lighting. Hopefully this will be enough light to get them started. I built the stand so that I can add more lights if needed. And I should be able to take the plants outside on nice days to give them some sun and to help harden off the plants.


During the holidays my house mate was making stuffing. She was using Chestnuts as one of the ingredients in her receipt. I started wondering if these nuts would sprout and grow. While she wasn't looking, I grabbed one. It was a very hard nut so I cut a little off the bottom thinking this would help water soak into the nut. I planted it in a pot with some organic potting soil. A couple of weeks ago I got curious and dug the nut out to take a look. It had sprouted a root! I put it back in the pot and covered it up with soil. Today I checked on it and it has sprouted above the soil and and is trying to grow leaves! .

I'll let it grow until it out grows the pot and then add it to my food forest. It will be a welcomed addition.

Starting seeds is a good way to be actively gardening during the winter months. If you are doing anything to stay active with your gardening, let me know . Maybe it will give me some ideas to work with.


Soooo......Until next time......HAPPY GARDENING!

After the Freeze

Hello folks!


Our freeze wasn't as bad as predicted. The low for the night went only to 28 degrees instead of the predicted 24 degrees. But we still had some freeze damage. All of my greens came through undamaged.

The collards weren't effected at all.

The Turnips wilted down , but are coming back pretty good.

The Bleeding Heart Vine was hit hard.

The Firebush is dead and dropping it's leaves

The Bananas are wilted down.

Part of the Firespike is dead, but the core of the plant is still alive and blooming.

And this Wandering Jew is a goner.

All of these plants will come back from the roots in the spring. Every year when this happens my yard looks pretty dead. Once it happens, I'm ready for spring. I like things to be healthy and growing.

During the 2 days of cold weather, I started getting cabin fever. But I was able to take care of some of the indoor chores I needed take care of.

Fortunately, spring isn't too far away.

Soooo......Until next time......HAPPY GARDENING!

Starting a Worm Bin - UPDATE

Hello folks!


In a past post, I had a video about starting a worm bin. I have been doing some research on this and have found that may not be the best way to start one.  I found a YouTube channel from a professional worm farmer with lots of information. Its called Big Tex Worms.


 Here is a video from a pro on the correct way to start a worm bin.

I was surprised with the fact that she doesn't use drainage holes...every video that I've seen from other sources always used drain holes. Maybe they where not maintaining their bins properly. Of course, if you want to collect worm juice from a large bin, you have to have a drain hole.



My worms have out grown their small bin, so I'm starting a new larger bin. I'm going to follow her advice and see how it goes. I couldn't find coco coir locally, so I ordered some on Amazon. If you look through the list you can find suppliers with free shipping.



If any of you have lots of experience with worm composting, please comment on this and let us know what you have learned.






So......Until next time......HAPPY GARDENING!

First Freeze

Hello folks!

We are about to see our first freeze of the year. The predicted low tonight for St. Augustine is 24 degrees! From my experience, the temperature in my area can be from 8 to 10 degrees colder than St. Augustine. I've just got to hunker down and ride it out.

I've been busy today getting prepared for it. I brought all my potted plants in and put them close to windows that get some sun.

With this years winter garden, it is the first time I've had veggies growing when temperatures are getting this low. I didn't want to lose the greens I have growing so I harvested most of them. I'm thinking the collards might survive, but probably not the turnips.

So I spent some time preparing and freezing my greens. I've put up quart bags in the freezer....1 bag of turnip greens, 2 bags of turnips and 3 bags of collards. Whew... it was a lot of work, but it will be worth it this winter ..... if I want some greens, I can take them out of the freezer and cook them.

I still need to go out and pick some Okinawa Spinach to add to salads. I'm sure it will freeze.

If you live in an area that is getting a hard freeze tonight, be sure to protect your plants, pipes and pets.


Soooo......Until next time ......HAPPY GARDENING!

Gardening in Norway Video

Here's a funny video I thought you might like.

It made me laugh out loud!

Check out his you-tube channel.