Saturday Gardening And Puttering Thread [KT]

From Lizabtha

Moonbow shot, with the Pleiades. NW Illinois, in deep winter.

Hi, gardeners, putterers, and dreamers. Although it is winter, The Horde still has some nice things to offer us as a respite from, well, you know what.

The night sky has its attractions this time of year, except at my house, where it is usually foggy. Here are some additional, spectacular photos of Northern Lights from Jake Holenhead:

Seed Catalogs and Seeds

I just got some catalogs in last week. Seems late. Still fun, though. Have you ordered any seeds or plants?

Gordon in Minnesota got in a special order of pepper seeds. Must be a contrast to the garden scene outdoors:

Attractive packaging. And these look like they could be used as ornamental edibles:

Vacation Opportunities

Got vacation plans yet? While you're dreaming by the fireplace, Gordon has sent along some information on working vacations. Meet new people!

The UK National Trust owns a bunch of properties all over Great Britain and Ireland. They range from great estates with manor houses (and minor castles) to a fisherman's croft cottage on the shore of an inlet. Folks can stay in these properties, and the prices are usually quite reasonable. There is even overnights in bothies, which is described as "camping with walls." Considering how often it rains, it might be nice to have a roof when camping.
They also offer working holidays to be part of the team that does the upkeep on these places. One pays--usually about 200 UK pounds per week--and gets to stay onsite (usually a shared room), all meals are provided, and the working day is eight to ten hours.
Some of these offer some interesting skills: how to build dry stone walls, or a serious woven designed-for-centuries hedge. I got the brochure, and there was even a holiday for kids with Down's Syndrome. Some are just weekends. Learning how to build a dry stone wall seems like a useful skill to have, and I'd pay $300 to do that (my wife is less enthusiastic).
But after reading their 51-page Terms and Conditions, it appears one needs a European Economic Community or Swiss passport to participate. Don't ask me why, but perhaps this will change with Brexit.
For the attached picture: One holiday, now fully booked, has a team working to move fences and clear paths to open up a spring on the property in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The site is surrounded by place names your American tongue and throat will find utterly unpronounceable.

Spend a week working on the gardens at Millbeck Towers, in the Lakes District, and just a jaunt from Greystoke, you know. There's a ten-year plan, and bring sensible footwear!

Puttering

Larro reports that it is winter even in Texas. He is cutting firewood. He has taken some photos of his first Pain au Levian Made in a dutch oven for a crispy crust. Good with butter and early radishes in the French style. Maybe even some Diakon radishes like Wee Kreek Farm Girl grew.

There is also a photo of a visiting red cardinal. Cheery.

On a more sober note, he took a follow-up tornado photo:

On that street that the tornado came down a few months ago...
I was looking down the street where it came from and the sun was setting. It shows what's left of many very old trees; some had to be over 80 and 100 years old.
It is so sad to see these torn trees; I don't think they will ever grow back correctly, so do you hang on or remove?
Perhaps I can get another shot a year from now to see.

Hope some of them recover.

Gardens of The Horde

We have grass growing, and the vacant lots are looking good (except for the tumbleweeds that are now coming loose in the wind). I am picking a little chickweed to nibble on.

Anybody got snowdrops yet?

If you would like to send information and/or photos for the Saturday Gardening Thread, the address is:

ktinthegarden
at g mail dot com

Include your nic unless you want to remain a lurker.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 01:06 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 So Twitter is whining about Space Force's uniforms being camo.

I am just pissed that the first uniforms were not Red Shirts.

How epic would that have been?

Missed opportunity.

Posted by: Sharkman at January 18, 2020 01:11 PM (3fnVZ)

2 Noodled

Posted by: Sharkman at January 18, 2020 01:12 PM (3fnVZ)

3 Any advice from the horde on Christmas cacti?

I have a cutting from a friend's plant that dates back nearly 100 years. It is doing well in its location, flowering and healthy green. My problem is the soil. I can't avoid the mold growth on the top level of the plant.

I don't think I'm overwatering it, either. Is there some trick I can use to keep the mold level down? The spores get released every time I water it, and you can smell the mold throughout the room for a while.

Posted by: squeakywheel at January 18, 2020 01:14 PM (hFksC)

4 I had a total breakdown in discipline and self-control this week. I knew better than to go to the porn site, but I did anyway, and spent an ungodly amount of money satisfying my lust. I am ashamed and disgusted with myself.

Just so you know what to avoid, it's called Swallowtail Seeds. What did you think I meant?

Posted by: pep at January 18, 2020 01:14 PM (T6t7i)

5 why would you need camo in space

Posted by: DB at January 18, 2020 01:14 PM (iTXRQ)

6 Got some early daffodils blooming. It's been very mild here so far this winter...today and next week things will be closer to normal.

Posted by: BignJames at January 18, 2020 01:15 PM (X/Pw5)

7 5
why would you need camo in space

Posted by: DB

Blackboard erasure?

Posted by: pep at January 18, 2020 01:15 PM (T6t7i)

8 Hard to believe I turned off the sprinklers last November and we've had more than enough rain to keep the winter rye green.

Not much happening at Che Blake these days.

I want to get out and do a few things but I've been laid up with a bad cold, darn it.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at January 18, 2020 01:16 PM (WEBkv)

9 Blackboard erasure?
Posted by: pep at January 18, 2020 01:15 PM (T6t7i)
----------

About that blackboard erasure, could that gal make it any more obvious she was wearing very little, if anything, under that camo?

Fun for the boys but wildly inappropriate for the classroom.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at January 18, 2020 01:18 PM (WEBkv)

10 squeakywheel at January 18, 2020 01:14 PM

Here is an article on mold in the soil for houseplants. I would also suggest changing the soil to a less absorbent type, maybe one for cactus or orchids, watering less often, and perhaps adding a layer of perlite or pebbles on top.

https://preview.tinyurl.com/r4hvov8

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at January 18, 2020 01:27 PM (BVQ+1)

11 Why would one need pink camo lingerie? But it sells well in northern Minnesota.

I have an amateur interest in tornado-ravaged trees. It's that "what the hell just happened?" look they have. I can report that it takes about five years, but they do recover their shape. It is all about light; they can sense the gaps in foliage and seek to claim the space.

Trees that are destroyed take longer to replace.

Posted by: Gordon at January 18, 2020 01:28 PM (yvEzs)

12 BignJames at January 18, 2020 01:15 PM

Daffodils already!

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at January 18, 2020 01:28 PM (BVQ+1)

13 A big storm came through here years back (three storms actually) that left a lot of broken tops out of some nice big trees in the woods. Also a lot of them on the ground ... quite a mess. I'm looking to get one of those 36' man lifts on wheels, to go do some major pruning, and other high chores. Sad to see the woods get torn up, but new trees come up fast, if they can outgrow the bush honeysuckle invasive "migrants".

Wind blowing the Midwest cold front through here now, 20 mph wind and temps dropped 11 degrees in three hours, heading on down to 4 degrees. No snow, but weather rolling in is entertainment, till it breaks trees.

Posted by: illiniwek at January 18, 2020 01:30 PM (Cus5s)

14 pep at January 18, 2020 01:14 PM

Swallowtail Seeds is enticing, alright.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at January 18, 2020 01:30 PM (BVQ+1)

15 Howdy greenthumbs.

I got my packets of flower seeds a day before the snow and ice hit. Now I'm planning my garden. Also, looking for just the right gnome to nestle in amongst black flowers.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 18, 2020 01:33 PM (Dc2NZ)

16 The stars in the moonbow photo and the second northern lights photo are striking.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at January 18, 2020 01:33 PM (BVQ+1)

17 From Idaho's Treasure Valley: We had a good inch of snow Sunday night - melted off again. We had a good 2-3 inches of snow Monday evening - melted off again.

Spotted a Northern Flicker hanging upside down on my seed feeder on Thursday. Apparently they can figure out how to get seeds out, despite being over twice the size of most of the visitors.

Two projects going on: one is taking all the stems of dried oregano, pulling off leaves, and grinding them in my mortar and pestle.

Now that the apple grinding and pressing in the 3rd garage bay is done, the other project is cleaning up the garage floor! I got one area swept and scrubbed, but next comes the biggest mess, where a lot of fruit bits stuck to the floor.

Not much else going on. We're both sniffling and coughing (husband worse than me) and we think this might well be cold #3, in 3 months. Is anyone else finding themselves (or those around them) getting sick more often than usual, or being more severely sick than they normally get? I keep thinking there's just some unusually contagious, or unusually strong, illnesses going around this year.

Also, since I'm on the early side posting, I have a question: How many people check back on this thread multiple times? I know I do, but I wonder how many others do.

Posted by: Pat* at January 18, 2020 01:34 PM (2pX/F)

18 Ah, the lovely Pleiades.

Posted by: DR.WTF at January 18, 2020 01:34 PM (aS1PU)

19 Is anyone else finding themselves (or those around them) getting sick
more often than usual, or being more severely sick than they normally
get? I keep thinking there's just some unusually contagious, or
unusually strong, illnesses going around this year.

I've been sick with what started as a cold, but is more like bronchitis now, for over 3 weeks. I've heard of others with similar symptoms.

Yes, I've had my flu shot.

Posted by: pep at January 18, 2020 01:35 PM (T6t7i)

20 Shooting the stars is a such a pleasure! That moonbow was a real delight to capture.

Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 01:36 PM (L3Rsz)

21 Thank you, KT!

Posted by: squeakywheel at January 18, 2020 01:36 PM (hFksC)

22 Nice photo at the top KT. And the Northern Lights are fantastic. Saw just a bit of them once. So pretty.

Those Nu-Mex Twilight chiles look they would be fun to plant just for color even if the peppers weren't that good.

OMG the snow is soooo heavy. (Shoveling, not falling.) I did 15 minutes and had to come in. Going back in a bit to do a little more. Got enough done that I'll be able to get my car out.

Grandson has got to be loving it. Good snow for building a snowman or fort.

Posted by: cfo mom at January 18, 2020 01:37 PM (RfzVr)

23 I bought an America's test Kitchen cookbook, looked up the recipe I wanted, and shut it, never to open it again. Every recipe was written by someone with OCD and pair of micromanager for bosses...just like the one linked here. I want mix it and cook it, not a pharmacy compounding project followed by 3 hours of riding the temperature knob on the oven like it's the control ball from Missile Command.

Posted by: Downcast at January 18, 2020 01:37 PM (1PYHw)

24 Just so you know what to avoid, it's called Swallowtail Seeds. What did you think I meant?

Posted by: pep at January 18, 2020 01:14 PM (T6t7i)

Now that's my kind of indulgence! Naturally, I'm loading the cart with seeds for my "blue garden" plan!

Posted by: CN at January 18, 2020 01:38 PM (+OOCb)

25 I took a crappy picture, but yes, that Twilight variety is a fully edible ornamental. Lots of pretty colors. They have other ornamentals with different colors and pepper shapes. The students create them and the best go into the catalog.

"Yeah, Ma, I'm going to New Mexico State to study chile peppers!"

Posted by: Gordon at January 18, 2020 01:40 PM (yvEzs)

26 Illiniwek, we're watching our long line of willows bending over the road in this strong wind. Happily, a lot of the ice got knocked off their branches before the really big winds hit.

Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 01:40 PM (L3Rsz)

27 Universities are another good source for seeds. I used to get lots of pepper varieties from U of H that were suited to the climate there.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 18, 2020 01:40 PM (Dc2NZ)

28 Yes, in the middle of a nasty old now. 2nd one. It's miserable.

Posted by: Infidel at January 18, 2020 01:41 PM (MTxDQ)

29 Here are some additional, spectacular photos of Northern Lights from Jake Holenhead:

Verrrry nice.

Posted by: runner at January 18, 2020 01:42 PM (zr5Kq)

30 love love love astro photography. Great shots here!
Here in north Texas we get some precious clear nights, however, the temp is usually way down when that happens.
Last weeks time laps of the seasons is another exercise I'd like to try.

Now is the perfect time to be starting your veggies indoors. In the past I've had great success going to the depot and picking up those trays that help you sprout early. Anyone know which tomato variety is good this year?
Thanks!

Posted by: Larro at January 18, 2020 01:42 PM (10GNe)

31 Moonbow shot, with the Pleiades. NW Illinois, in deep winter.

Verrry nice !

Posted by: runner at January 18, 2020 01:43 PM (zr5Kq)

32 Moonbow. Don't think I've ever noticed that.

Posted by: runner at January 18, 2020 01:44 PM (zr5Kq)

33 It's not winter in Richmond, Texas which is just outside of Houston.
Today it is 72 and next week it is suppose to drop down to the 60's.
Have not had to cover my alyssum, dianthus or cyclamen which I planted at the end of November and they should last till April.
They look great and I highly recommend planting them if you're in my neck of the woods.

Posted by: redridinghood at January 18, 2020 01:45 PM (wiXsO)

34 Canon has a cheap 50mm lens affectionately called the 'nifty fifty'. I used that cheapo for the moonbow shot.

It's a really fun little astro-lens. Think it runs about 125$

Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 01:45 PM (L3Rsz)

35 Red, that just sounds so wonderful right now...you've no idea. 72, dianthus, ahhh....

Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 01:48 PM (L3Rsz)

36 I see I'm not the only one who's been laid up with a cold.

Currently feel sort of okay but the coughing is keeping me up at night.

All that aside, great pictures and great job, as per usual, KT.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at January 18, 2020 01:48 PM (WEBkv)

37 Good afternoon greenthumbs and snowmen
Was napping a bit before going out into the winter Hell

Posted by: Skip at January 18, 2020 01:48 PM (ZCEU2)

38 Just so you know what to avoid, it's called Swallowtail Seeds. What did you think I meant?

Posted by: pep at January 18, 2020 01:14 PM (T6t7i)

Any experience with the bulk seeds?

Posted by: CN at January 18, 2020 01:50 PM (+OOCb)

39 The "NuMex Twilight" peppers look like a set of Christmas lights we used to have.

Posted by: t-bird at January 18, 2020 01:50 PM (EYsyU)

40 In all my years of working outside at night, I've never seen a moon-bow. Very cool!

Seeing the Northern Lights is on my bucket list.

Posted by: My life is insanity at January 18, 2020 01:51 PM (Z/jzm)

41 Any experience with the bulk seeds?

Posted by: CN

No, this was the first year I ordered from them. I've already gotten one shipment, and they look like seeds. Hard to tell much until I've sown them, which I'll start in the basement in 4-6 weeks.

Posted by: pep at January 18, 2020 01:51 PM (T6t7i)

42 Hiya Greenthumbs
I saw yesterday an article that this years flu shot is not exactly matched for the strain that has shown up.
I do get my shot every year as I have a long history of bronchial issues.

No gardening here. Some snow management but not much. Only about 6" on the ground today. Since it's Saturday, the road crews are not out in force.

Posted by: Winston a dreg of society at January 18, 2020 01:51 PM (Tt761)

43 They're difficult to see. Atmospheric conditions have to be just right. Honestly, my camera captured it much better than my own eyes could see it. It really was a wonderful thing!

Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 01:52 PM (L3Rsz)

44 41: Thanks. I'l just tread lightly and get the bulk calendula and achillea then. The prices on those is very good.

Posted by: CN at January 18, 2020 01:53 PM (+OOCb)

45 I want mix it and cook it, not a pharmacy compounding project followed by 3 hours of riding the temperature knob on the oven like it's the control ball from Missile Command.
Posted by: Downcast

----

Most of my recipes directs "Cook until done."

Posted by: Tonypete at January 18, 2020 01:55 PM (Y4EXg)

46 Some of these offer some interesting skills: how to build dry stone walls

Bookmarked, thank you. I would love to be able to keep up my walls to the amazing quality with which they were made.

Posted by: t-bird at January 18, 2020 01:59 PM (Ibwur)

47 Thanks KT!

Dang that bread looks tasty. I don't think I've seen a moonbow (adds to bucket list).

Posted by: Jake Holenhead at January 18, 2020 02:00 PM (P1GvV)

48 44
41: Thanks. I'l just tread lightly and get the bulk calendula and achillea then. The prices on those is very good.

Posted by: CN

I ordered some of the calendula. We should compare notes next fall.

Posted by: pep at January 18, 2020 02:02 PM (T6t7i)

49 "3 hours of riding the temperature knob on the oven like it's the control ball from Missile Command"

Vivid. I may steal and store this one.

Posted by: Gordon at January 18, 2020 02:02 PM (yvEzs)

50 I ordered some of the calendula. We should compare notes next fall.
Posted by: pep at January 18, 2020 02:02 PM (T6t7i)

I went with the Costa Orange

Posted by: CN at January 18, 2020 02:03 PM (+OOCb)

51 Anyone ever try those miniature corn plants that you can allegedly grow in planters? Like 3 plants per pot. They look interesting, but I wonder if you really get any edible corn? I'd do about 6 pots for cross-pollination.

Posted by: cfo mom at January 18, 2020 02:03 PM (RfzVr)

52 Wife transplanted the chives into a pot from the garden and brought them inside where they are growing well. Did that with parsley some years ago and for a one season plant grew two years.
Light snow falling again.

Posted by: Skip at January 18, 2020 02:05 PM (ZCEU2)

53 Also, looking for just the right gnome to nestle in amongst black flowers.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 18, 2020 01:33 PM (Dc2NZ)

Do a search for "goth gnomes". There are some neat choices.

Posted by: Jake Holenhead at January 18, 2020 02:08 PM (P1GvV)

54 KT where were the Northern Lights photos taken? You have such a bright shiny mind KT. Just A Lovely Woman.

Posted by: Sherpa_K2 at January 18, 2020 02:08 PM (BsCoj)

55 Do a search for "goth gnomes". There are some neat choices.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at January 18, 2020 02:08 PM (P1GvV)

I found one with corpse paint.

God bless Etsy.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 18, 2020 02:12 PM (Dc2NZ)

56 Caught that "cold-into-bronchitus" thing three months ago in NC, and I still have the cough, mainly first thing in the morning. I'm very tired of it.

Posted by: Charles the Simple at January 18, 2020 02:13 PM (HuH1F)

57 G'day green thumbs and crafters. I raked up weeds and burned them this morning. Loving the burn barrel we got from our neighbor. No need to remember to go online and get a burn permit and I don't have to worry about stray wind gusts taking flames where I don't want them. Its not terrible efficient but oh well, I can use the exercise.

Posted by: PaleRider is simply irredeemable at January 18, 2020 02:14 PM (n4y+3)

58 >> Do a search for "goth gnomes". There are some neat choices.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at January 18, 2020 02:08 PM (P1GvV)

Against my better judgement i did...OMGosh, funny gnomes offered out there.

Posted by: My life is insanity at January 18, 2020 02:14 PM (Z/jzm)

59 I trimmed my wife's Rose bushes a few days ago. Hope I didn't cut too much off them. I also trimmed the Plum tree, but I still need to cut the top out of it. I'm hoping pruning the Plum tree back will make the fruit bigger. It has always had a lot of Plums, but they were tiny, thumb sized fruit and they would fall before they were ripe.

As long as I finish pruning before March, I should be okay? We live in the Upstate of SC.

Posted by: Traveling Man&&&& at January 18, 2020 02:17 PM (v6FN2)

60 My neighbor, who is originally from Panama, calls cardinals winter apples. I think that is the perfect description.

Posted by: no good deed at January 18, 2020 02:18 PM (MmFTx)

61 Oh my gosh...burn barrels are fine things. There something very satisfying about standing around the barrel yacking, while reducing a pile of sticks and such to ash. One of our favorite gardening tools, the old barrel.

Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 02:18 PM (L3Rsz)

62 I grew poblanos from Territorial seeds last year and one plant produced what I called, "chocolate" in color. Pretty, large and tasty.

In this year's catalog they have a new "chocolate poblano" listed, saying that they worked hard for several years to develop. I harvested some seeds from those chilis, so we'll see what I get!

Posted by: OldDominionMom at January 18, 2020 02:19 PM (dH/BH)

63 Red, that just sounds so wonderful right now...you've no idea. 72, dianthus, ahhh....
Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 01:48 PM (L3Rsz)
**************
It's funny because I want it to get colder, not cold enough to cover the flowers, but at least in the 40's so I can have an excuse to turn on the gas fireplace.

Posted by: redridinghood at January 18, 2020 02:20 PM (wiXsO)

64 I have 2 garden gnomes, Rumpole and Ickabod, I often thought of painting them but they are still just the green resin they were made from.

Posted by: Skip at January 18, 2020 02:21 PM (ZCEU2)

65 KT where were the Northern Lights photos taken? You have such a bright shiny mind KT. Just A Lovely Woman.
Posted by: Sherpa_K2 at January 18, 2020 02:08 PM (BsCoj)

The top NorLights was taken at Alexandra Falls on the Hay River in Canada's NWT. The middle one was somewhere near Hay River, NWT. The bottom one was near Peace River, Alberta.

Posted by: Jake Holenhead at January 18, 2020 02:22 PM (P1GvV)

66 Mom has 2 garden gnomes. She calls them her little men !

Posted by: My life is insanity at January 18, 2020 02:24 PM (Z/jzm)

67 65
KT where were the Northern Lights photos taken? You have such a bright shiny mind KT. Just A Lovely Woman.

Posted by: Sherpa_K2 at January 18, 2020 02:08 PM (BsCoj)

The top NorLights was taken at Alexandra Falls on the Hay River in
Canada's NWT. The middle one was somewhere near Hay River, NWT. The
bottom one was near Peace River, Alberta.

Thank you so very much Jake. Well done with your camera.

Posted by: Sherpa_K2 at January 18, 2020 02:25 PM (BsCoj)

68 Also, looking for just the right gnome to nestle in amongst black flowers.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 18, 2020 01:33 PM (Dc2NZ)
*********
BTW the link posted last weekend of those black flowers from Kat Von D's garden was really cool.

Posted by: redridinghood at January 18, 2020 02:26 PM (wiXsO)

69 Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 02:18 PM

You have no idea of what I get rid of.

Posted by: Skip at January 18, 2020 02:26 PM (ZCEU2)

70 Red, nothing like a cheery fire, for sure. In another few hours we'll have to stop burning in the wood-stove to let the furnace take over, since it is going to be bitter cold tonight. Fire is such an elemental pleasure, it's always sad to let it go out.

Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 02:27 PM (L3Rsz)

71
So I pay 300 Pounds a week,share a room and work 10 hour days building stone walls and it is a Holiday?
Allrighty then, do I have to give sexual favors too!!?

Posted by: saf at January 18, 2020 02:27 PM (5IHGB)

72 Well, Skip...there is that aspect, of course.

Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 02:28 PM (L3Rsz)

73 My offerings to Gaia are to return the goodness she sends me.

Posted by: Skip at January 18, 2020 02:32 PM (ZCEU2)

74 >>>[23] I bought an America's test Kitchen cookbook, looked up the recipe I wanted, and shut it, never to open it again. Every recipe was written by someone with OCD and pair of micromanager for bosses...just like the one linked here. I want mix it and cook it, not a pharmacy compounding project followed by 3 hours of riding the temperature knob on the oven like it's the control ball from Missile Command. Posted by: Downcast at January 18, 2020 01:37 PM (1PYHw)

I have been buying these for many years as Valentine's Day gifts to myself (a person who enjoys fiddling with recipes). Oftentimes, I'm asked to prepare something for a family or friends event and -- if I've never made it before -- the first place I check is my library of ATK magazines. And if there's a published recipe for it, I'm confident it will turn out well because the ATK staff has already tested the ingredients, seasonings, methods, and gadgets.

Posted by: Kathy at January 18, 2020 02:33 PM (q7uEm)

75 Skip, have you found ways to use the ash?

Posted by: OldDominionMom at January 18, 2020 02:34 PM (dH/BH)

76 This is a chilling post.
-CNN

Posted by: Hotgas VIP Member at January 18, 2020 02:34 PM (Vml7u)

77 In another few hours we'll have to stop burning in the wood-stove to let the furnace take over, since it is going to be bitter cold tonight. Fire is such an elemental pleasure, it's always sad to let it go out.
Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 02:27 PM (L3Rsz)

lizabth, why let the fire go out? I don't get it.

Posted by: Infidel at January 18, 2020 02:36 PM (MTxDQ)

78 Harvesting many bushels of snow here, lol!

It's not too deep, so easy enough to deal with.

No gardening for a few months yet-- don't have room for starting seeds indoors.

Will probably just have a few flowers this year, anyway.

Posted by: JQ at January 18, 2020 02:38 PM (gP/Z3)

79 Also, looking for just the right gnome to nestle in amongst black flowers.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes
------

I've posted this before, I spied it at the local Ace (of course) hardware. It's a bit curmudgeonly:

https://tinyurl.com/ugtmkyx

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at January 18, 2020 02:39 PM (eYD0A)

80 @DailyMailUK

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit royal life COMPLETELY

https://trib.al/FRZjUPZ

Couple drop HRH titles, will REPAY �2.4m spent on Frogmore Cottage and won't receive any more taxpayers' cash as Queen says they remain 'much loved family members'

Posted by: Tami at January 18, 2020 02:39 PM (cF8AT)

81 Kathy, I have a web subscription. They send me the magazines, but I can go on and search for recipes. The guy who used to run ATK now has a magazine called Milk Street. I am sure there are some juicy stories about his departure, but I lack the bitchy quotient to care.

Posted by: Gordon at January 18, 2020 02:40 PM (yvEzs)

82 Going slip out and do some pruning in a little bit before we start rotating grandkids through for the long weekend.

The apple tree gets it first then the large hydrangea stand. I'll wait another week or two then whack the blueberries and huckleberry. Still have a large black walnut leaf pile to clean up but I'll wait until Spring because my garter snakes seemed to have wintered underneath it.

Posted by: Beartooth at January 18, 2020 02:40 PM (Mki/r)

83 another few hours we'll have to stop burning in the wood-stove to let the furnace take over, since it is going to be bitter cold tonight. Fire is such an elemental pleasure, it's always sad to let it go out.
Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 02:27 PM (L3Rsz)

lizabth, why let the fire go out? I don't get it.
Posted by: Infidel at January 18, 2020 02:36 PM (MTxDQ)

Thinking the same thing. We run our insert 24/7 Nov to May.

Posted by: Beartooth at January 18, 2020 02:42 PM (Mki/r)

84 Well, if you keep the fire going when it's really cold and windy, the area with the woodstove is warm, and the farther end quite a bit colder. The furnace equalizes.

Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 02:44 PM (L3Rsz)

85 My insert is going as we speak. But it's gas. Mom had it installed after she cracked the fire brick in the fireplace.

Posted by: Infidel at January 18, 2020 02:45 PM (MTxDQ)

86 I've been sick with what started as a cold, but is more like bronchitis now, for over 3 weeks. I've heard of others with similar symptoms.

Yes, I've had my flu shot.
Posted by: pep at January 18, 2020 01:35 PM (T6t7i)

My BFF and I call this the Creepin' Crud. We live in different states, but we've both been sick off and on since Christmas. My boss seems to have it now, but his kids are fine.

We got the first big snow since November. And now it's raining.

God bless Mr Backhoe! (My nickname for my neighbor who moves sandpiles every weekend.) I was struggling with shoveling wet, heavy snow off the entire drive since the snowthrower won't start. He cleared from the street to my car.

I finished just as the rain started.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at January 18, 2020 02:47 PM (/+bwe)

87 You can put very little in compost, but the buckets I produce go to the nearest dumpster.
I had once around 40 pine trees, 1/2 of a tree lost last spring is almost gone.

Posted by: Skip at January 18, 2020 02:47 PM (ZCEU2)

88 I keep the furnace at 68. Still warm enough for the rest of the house. Thermostat in hallway to bedrooms.

Posted by: Infidel at January 18, 2020 02:47 PM (MTxDQ)

89 I've been sick with what started as a cold, but is more like bronchitis now, for over 3 weeks. I've heard of others with similar symptoms.
-------

I see Z-Pak in your future.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at January 18, 2020 02:48 PM (eYD0A)

90 >>>[75] Skip, have you found ways to use the ash?
Posted by: OldDominionMom at January 18, 2020 02:34 PM (dH/BH)

If you hate paying for expensive specialty products to clean the soot from glass doors on wood-burning devices, try using wood ashes. Sift them very finely, add enough water to make a paste, paint onto the glass, allow to dry, wipe off with a damp rag, and finish up with a clean paper towel. The damp rag will need several rinses in a bucket of water -- plus stubborn soot might require more than one application -- but, hey, it's FREE! FYI, I also use the ash paste to cleanmy oven door glass window.

Posted by: Kathy at January 18, 2020 02:49 PM (q7uEm)

91 Well, if you keep the fire going when it's really cold and windy, the area with the woodstove is warm, and the farther end quite a bit colder. The furnace equalizes.

We have the same issue but the temperature difference is only about 10 degrees it just seems colder. Then again we sleep with the window open all year.

Posted by: Beartooth at January 18, 2020 02:50 PM (Mki/r)

92 I keep the furnace at 68. Still warm enough for the rest of the house. Thermostat in hallway to bedrooms.
Posted by: Infidel
------

I've been giving some thought to adding a 'Night Time' thermostat in the bedroom.

The problem is that the bedroom temperature does not track the temperature in the den, where the thermostat is located. Physical separation, window area, etc.

Pulling the wire would be a PIA. I suspect that I could cob together a wireless solution.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at January 18, 2020 02:53 PM (eYD0A)

93 I do reget not getting a wood stove in my out building. We have a fireplace in the house but it is the old kind, only gets used for no heat emergency.

Posted by: Skip at January 18, 2020 02:54 PM (ZCEU2)

94 Yeah..it's not a bad difference in temp, for sure, from the front to the back end of the longish house when using the wood-stove. But when it's this cold and windy, that big furnace is a godsend.

Posted by: lizabth at January 18, 2020 02:56 PM (L3Rsz)

95 Pulling the wire would be a PIA. I suspect that I could cob together a wireless solution.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at January 18, 2020 02:53 PM (eYD0A)

Pulling wires is a pain. Master bedroom has no light fixture. I have a lamp and hanging light. I would really like to have a fan/light installed. thinking it's going to cost an arm and a leg to hire an electrician to pull wires. Of course, it's the farthest room from the attic entry in the garage.

Posted by: Infidel at January 18, 2020 02:58 PM (MTxDQ)

96 Re: trees torn up by storms-
After we had a brutal ice storm in '02, the choice for a lot of trees was hack it back or take it down. Lots of folks chose the former.
After 3-5 years, one then does a "crown restoration" pruning, where one thins the multiple shoots that arise from a stub, shorten them to encourage branching, and generally re-shape the tree.
Most truly old trees have been ravaged by storms more than once.
It's not a death sentence, generally.

Posted by: MarkY at January 18, 2020 03:01 PM (vsOjw)

97 *putters*

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at January 18, 2020 03:01 PM (NWiLs)

98 Pet thread nood.

Posted by: olddog in mo, uckfay ancercay at January 18, 2020 03:02 PM (Dhht7)

99 Infidel, is the hanging light where you'd like the fan?

Posted by: MarkY at January 18, 2020 03:02 PM (vsOjw)

100 Infidel, if you know how to connect the wires yourself, advertise on Craigslist for a wire puller. There is probably some cable tech who will do it for much less than an electrician.

Posted by: Gordon at January 18, 2020 03:05 PM (0rBI0)

101 I take my fireplace ash and sprinkle it on the yard during rains. The soil here is pretty acidic so the ash should make it sweeter. (I don't put it down around the blueberries)

I do worry about the nails, but they generally rust real fast over the winter, and sink into the sod.

You can also use the ash if you are making sand/clay mortar - you know, as one does.

If you go to the Primitive Technology YuToob channel you can see Mr. Plant's most recent video about turning wood ash into a pot.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 18, 2020 03:05 PM (6rS3m)

102 Gordon, living in a non-metro area, choices are limited. My realtor gave me the name of a handy man when I had my house on the market. He's done some things for me at this place. He does quality work. And I can trust him in the house when I'm at work. Just need to find the fixture.

Posted by: Infidel at January 18, 2020 03:08 PM (MTxDQ)

103 Kathy, wood ash is what folks used to use to make lye. Lye is the active ingredient in Easy Off Oven Cleaner. It is interesting that your technique is almost the same!

Posted by: Gordon at January 18, 2020 03:09 PM (0rBI0)

104 Lye is good for many things, as are shovels.

Posted by: Infidel at January 18, 2020 03:10 PM (MTxDQ)

105 >>>[81] Thanks, Gordon ... I also have no interest in either the egos or squabbles (just an appreciation for the recipes).

Posted by: Kathy at January 18, 2020 03:10 PM (q7uEm)

106 Must prune the dogwoods soon.

Dormant-pruning is best, but I've forgotten to do it the last couple of winters. They really need shaping.

Easy-peasy, they're still under 15ft tall and not *grossly* misshapen.

Just need to get out there and I'm such a wimp.

Posted by: JQ at January 18, 2020 03:11 PM (gP/Z3)

107 Pets up.

Posted by: Infidel at January 18, 2020 03:11 PM (MTxDQ)

108 Cedar (juniper) allergies are having their way with me this year. Rain knocked some of that pollen down but it's not over yet.

clariton and two a day netipot flushes or i may get a sinus infection.

Posted by: loneranger at January 18, 2020 03:11 PM (8dVNa)

109 btw...that loaf of bread looks nice

Posted by: loneranger at January 18, 2020 03:12 PM (8dVNa)

110 Squeakywheel, if you're still here, I have a Christmas cactus too, and I've found that the best way to care for it is, no joke, benign neglect.

It doesn't need much watering at all when it's not flowering, maybe a little bit once a week or so. I would definitely repot yours to get rid of the mold.

For years I couldn't get mine to bloom, although it was covered in blooms when my mom gave it to me about 10 years so. I used to keep it in my kitchen window by the sink. One time, it got one (1) bloom. In July.

About three years ago I looked up how to care for it, and found to my surprise that you can put it outside once it gets warm. So I put it outside on my deck from about May through mid October, and bring it in before the first frost. Since I have started doing that I've got lots of blooms.

Here's the real kicker - when I keep it outside, I totally neglect it. I don't worry if it's in the sun, or shade, or whether it's getting enough water. Some years it rains a lot, some years not so much, but it always has healthy growth. And then it gets buds within a few weeks of bringing it in.

Posted by: bluebell at January 18, 2020 03:17 PM (/669Q)

111 We saw ATK guy when he was on tour a few years ago. He was all about sous vide that night. IIRC his name is Chris Kimball.

Posted by: kallisto at January 18, 2020 03:18 PM (LCbYb)

112 Eris, if you're still around, I love the idea of a goth gnome. I've seen a couple zombie gnomes. Meh.

My favorite, though, were black skeletal flamingos.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at January 18, 2020 03:20 PM (/+bwe)

113 https://tinyurl.com/ugtmkyx

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at January 18, 2020 02:39 PM (eYD0A)
---

Ha!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 18, 2020 04:20 PM (Dc2NZ)

114 Swallowtail Garden Seeds has lots of kinds of hollyhocks.

And new this year: 'Artwork' Stem Broccoli sounds interesting.

The begonias look nice, too.

Posted by: KT at January 18, 2020 05:12 PM (BVQ+1)

115 How many people check back on this thread multiple times? I know I do, but I wonder how many others do.
I leave the tab up until Monday to check. The garden thread is my favorite after the book thread.

Posted by: gingeroni at January 18, 2020 05:55 PM (/XPvv)

116 hiya

Posted by: JT at January 18, 2020 06:05 PM (arJlL)

117 I check back every few hours on Saturdays, then a couple more times on Sundays.

Still haven't seen a Pat* post...

Posted by: JQ at January 18, 2020 06:06 PM (gP/Z3)

118 Well my AeroGarden with salad greens is going gangbusters. The herb one is a little slower and a lot fewer plants. Planted them on December 28th. Everything should be up by now but there's nothing in the Thai basil pod. It doesn't seem to be filled to the same depth as the others so I think it's a defective one. I'm going to let him know and get a replacement.

Posted by: Farmer at January 18, 2020 06:06 PM (dKekx)

119 I also come back to check comments. I enjoy seeing what everyone is doing and growing.
KT, I understand the fog. We lived near Lemoore back in the last century so got lots of experience with foggy winters. It wasn't fun driving to work for sure.
My patio tomato in a pot has about a dozen on there now with one almost red. But it only been around 70 or less with the 40s at night so seems to have slowed the growing a bit.

Posted by: AlmostYuman at January 18, 2020 06:59 PM (aavn9)

120 AlmostYuman at January 18, 2020 06:59 PM

I know people who live in Lemoore. The soil is awful in parts of that town.

I have some tomatoes on a vine near my front porch, too. Green. Don't think they will taste very good if they ripen in this weather, but they look pretty nice.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at January 18, 2020 09:39 PM (BVQ+1)

121 117 JQ, did you check all the way back at 17? That was me.

Posted by: Pat* at January 19, 2020 12:42 AM (2pX/F)

122 Our house has had the crud since a week after Thanksgiving. The doc is no use, rest, fluids, yada, yada e muy yada. We've consumed gallons of drinks made with elderberry syrup and all the bone broth in the freezer.

So I've had lots of snuggle-under-the-duvet-damn-the-hallway-dust-bunnies down time to peruse seed catalogs and sip Fire Cider. Johnny's, Baker's Creek and White Flower Farms are to me what the Sears catalog was to my great-Gran: dream books.

C'mon crookneck watermelon? Who can resist that? An amazing story: https://tinyurl.com/td4hvmq

We're still eating greens from the winter garden; bok choy, ripini, snap peas, Napa cabbages, carrots, beets, dragon kale & rainbow chard. We picked a slew of citrus; tangerines, ruby red grapefruit, limes and Meyer lemons too. Funny how the garden provides what your body need when you need it.

Monday is the official rose, grape and fruit tree pruning day. Since I'm still feeling puny, I hired an intern from the local ag JC to help.

A few daffodils are up, miner's lettuce and nettles too We've got fog, not the dense tule fog like it once was, but still no fun.

Oh-oh...before I forget...have youse guys tried Nadapenos? Jalapenos without heat but all the flavor. I tried them last year they make best poppers ever.

Brad Gates's of Wild Boar Farms breeds some amazing tomato varieties and Santa Rosa's climate is similar to the Central Valley so they do really well here. He sells seed through Baker's Creek and plants in select Northern CA nurseries.

What canning tomato, not paste, but for whole & diced tomatoes, are y'all planting this year? I planted an heirloom Bonny Best last year. Any suggestions?

Posted by: Shanks for the memory at January 19, 2020 01:14 AM (TdCQk)

123 Shanks, I used to can with my mom (dad now has blanching duty). We used beefsteak for stewed because they're watery. For denser sauce made by the extended family, it's San Marzano, and some variety called the Big Mama.

This will be my first year planting vegetables, so I'm going the cherry tomato route.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at January 19, 2020 01:40 PM (/+bwe)

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