Saturday Gardening and Puttering Thread, August 21

Hi, everybody! Fires and floods happening, but we persist. It is smoky where we are today. How is the weather treating you and your garden?

Some members of The Horde are getting a harvest from their gardens now. Above, a close-up of a protective measure taken by 40 Miles North to protect his grape harvest. From rodents.

Another squirrel lover here. The struggle continues.

Growing good table grapes is really an accomplishment for amateurs, even in California. Below, more photos.

Grapes and Amaryllis at the same time? Yes, and it's the first time too:

These are true Amaryllis - "Naked Ladies" that bloom before the leaves appear.

Poisonous. Don't put the flowers (or especially the attractive, immature seeds) on a serving platter with the grapes.

Here's the first bunch that I harvested. Really good this year.

He has two vines.

The big vine spans about 50 feet now, and it climbs the neighbor's tree that would otherwise shade my yard. Awesome!

More Edibles

Hey KT,
Just a small update. Here is a picture of the Jing Orange Okra that I am growing, Not really orange in my opinion but I guess Salmon colored Okra isn't that catchy. Pretty however.

I am only getting one at a time so I haven't been able to do the Okra pickles that I was planning. Maybe I will get a bunch at once later in the month.

Also, picked a bunch of my Asian pears and am patiently waiting for them to ripen inside, which is what I read to do. We shall see. We have gotten rain every few days and my garden is in heaven, also it has been amazingly cool for August in Arizona. I started putting in my fall garden, turnips, kohlrabi, 3 kinds of kale, 3 kinds of lettuce, 3 new to me peppers, 2 kinds of bok choy, 2 kinds of cabbage, daikon radish, 2 kinds of regular radishes, and 3 kinds of tomatoes. Running out of room, but I still have to put in 3 kinds of beets but it isn't time for that yet. I realize I must have a thing for 3's but really that is just how it worked out with the seeds I had. Hope everyone has some rain, time to enjoy the garden and a vine ripened tomatoes in their future,
Wee Kreek Farm Girl

Wildlife

From AZ Deplorable Moron:

Not Gardening; but critters found near my garden area.
I've cleared out the junk surrounding the raised beds, now I get to get the weeds out and improve the soil.
Lots of rain here (3.13 inches in 72 hours mid-week) and a good storm last night with more coming.
When it rains it pours!

The Great Horned Owl comes in on hot days at dusk, lands in the water dish and then drinks for a bit.
The rabbits in the yard 'freeze' until it flies off.

From By-Tor:

We saw this unidentified spider yesterday on our walk to school. Today he had a bee trapped in his web.

We saw our arachnid friend, who we have dubbed Spy-tor, again on our way to school, this time on a newly minted web. We have been informed that he is a Western Spotted Orbweaver.

Last Week

We had some interesting comments about Turk's Cap for attracting hummingbirds.

There are two species of flowers which are called by this name.

Like hibiscus, these shrubs are members of the Malvaceae (mallow) family, which also includes okra and cotton. Either shrub is a great choice for Florida gardeners; they start blooming at the beginning of the summer and will keep going until the first frost. A staple of "old Florida" landscapes, they will add a cheerful pop of color at a time when many summer-flowering plants have fizzled out and cooler season plants haven't yet peaked. In both M. arboreus and M. penduliflorus, the most commonly found flower color is red, although pink and white cultivars exist for both species.
Both M. penduliflorus and M. arboreus can be grown throughout Florida, although neither is native to the state. Most commonly, when people are talking about Turk's cap mallow, they mean M. penduliflorus. Thought to originate from Central or Southern Mexico, this plant is distinguishable by its downward-pointing, pendant flowers that are about 2.5 inches long. Described by many as looking as if they are just about to open, the folded flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds.

This is M. arboreus:

These are big shrubs. Gardeners where freezes make it impossible to grow them may want to try Rose of Sharon or Hardy Hibiscus. We saw some of those last week, too. Here's one with a hummingbird:

Professional Inspiration

J.J. Sefton recommended this channel, "Japanese Garden TV". These are gardeners who know what they are doing.

I really like the background music. Maybe I should have music like it going when I garden.

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

ktinthegarden
at that g mail dot com place

Include the nic by which you wish to be known when you comment at AoSHQ,
unless you want to remain a lurker.

Posted by: K.T. at 01:21 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Yello!

Posted by: Hawkpilot at August 21, 2021 12:24 PM (bqfwh)

2 Wow, figured somebody woulda beat me here... I'll go fetch 'em.

Posted by: Hawkpilot at August 21, 2021 12:25 PM (bqfwh)

3 Oh, no - the poor little bee!

Posted by: kallisto at August 21, 2021 12:26 PM (DJFLF)

4 I like this critter-centric thread.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Iron Fist in Velvet Glove in Iron Gauntlet Clutching an Iron Mace at August 21, 2021 12:31 PM (Dc2NZ)

5 just getting the first harvest of Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes here in Central Idaho, 6,000 ft

Posted by: outide at August 21, 2021 12:32 PM (+UGno)

6 Tree rats are asshoes.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at August 21, 2021 12:32 PM (ACi07)

7 Wow, Good morning to all.

My grape vines have not done well the last couple of years. I have 2 that are about 8-10 years old. They have a few clusters, and the are just ripening now. I will see how they turn out. Last year I didn't get a single good bunch as they had some kind of fungus. I chopped everything back to the main stem. They look better this year.

But I am not a good gardener. For the first time in more than 10 years I have had a sunflower come up from a seed. I have tried every year to grow a few for the fun of it. This is the first year one has come up. It is about 10 feet tall. The head has matured and most of the seeds have dropped on the ground, much eaten by squirrels.

I am thinking of pulling up a strawberry patch (that is pretty sour and not great eating) and changing it over to a potato patch. I did potatoes in pots. This is the first year they have turned out ok. Previously they only grew to the size of quarters. I should year-round garden, but I am too lazy.

Posted by: sassy at August 21, 2021 12:34 PM (xSICi)

8 I wouldn't mind if bacon came across my patio.
Good afternoon Greenthumbs.
Tomatoes are finally ripening, lots on vines red but not fully so will get them very soon. Lots of green peppers, even sweet which I never have luck with so will see.
I havesk much sweet basil I'm thinking of whack it back as it's taking up air from a pepper plant.

Posted by: Skip at August 21, 2021 12:34 PM (znIQ9)

9 Javalina!

My dad and uncle used to take me javalina hunting when I was 9 and 10. They'd park me with my 22 next to a prominent saguaro or palo verde and tell me which direction they were going. I would sit and plink at anything that moved except in the direction they went. Good Times.

Posted by: Napoleon XIV at August 21, 2021 12:35 PM (AiZBA)

10 I should take a picture of the bee weed in the horse pens. It did well this year. I have neighbors who don't understand why I don't mow or till the pens to have a nice area for doing flatwork, but I prefer riding down the trail, even when the trail is just dirt roads. Plus I like having the shrubby weeds to keep the sand mostly in place. Any vegetation that is not burrs or nasty sharp thistles. I still get plenty of sand blowing and tracked into the house.

Posted by: PaleRider is simply Irredeemable at August 21, 2021 12:35 PM (pxVvf)

11 Those are some nice looking grapes. Even better because they are home grown. And AZ Deplorable has bacon on the hoof. With a bit of work.

Posted by: AlmostYuman at August 21, 2021 12:35 PM (9zD97)

12 I finally pulled up my morning glory plant. Almost September and no flowers, and it was rootbound anyway. Eh.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Iron Fist in Velvet Glove in Iron Gauntlet Clutching an Iron Mace at August 21, 2021 12:35 PM (Dc2NZ)

13 And working on the doors of my little free library, one is on have to put other together then take them off to clear coat them. Then last the roof to cover.

Posted by: Skip at August 21, 2021 12:37 PM (znIQ9)

14 My zucchini and cherry tomatoes did well. My beefsteak tomatoes died or were eaten by critters early in the season.

I try to start from seed, but they never take. I will get 25-30 plants going in Feb in my kitchen. They look great. I get them outside and planted, following directions. And usually within days, I see eaten stems. Very disheartening. I will die in the burning times. No homesteading for me.

Posted by: sassy at August 21, 2021 12:37 PM (xSICi)

15 I agree with Helena.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at August 21, 2021 12:39 PM (as4Qo)

16 Question for y'all-

Im in CA, so great growing area. I have tried several times to grow jalape�os and poblano peppers. Whenever I do, they are tiny and are very thin, meaning they are almost all skin and no flesh. Is there a trick? Tomatoes and zucchini do great.

Posted by: sassy at August 21, 2021 12:40 PM (xSICi)

17 All Hail Eris, Iron Fist in Velvet Glove in Iron Gauntlet Clutching an Iron Mace at August 21, 2021 12:35 PM

Darn it. Which species was it?

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 12:42 PM (BVQ+1)

18 Big successes with the Bell peppers, fresno chile peppers and the rosemary. Disappointed with the tomatoes (Big Boy) By the time they are red, so many splits in the skin. Too much sun? They had plenty of water. We kind of.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 12:43 PM (xopIz)

19 sassy at August 21, 2021 12:40 PM

Are you in a cool or hot summer part of California?

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 12:43 PM (BVQ+1)

20 Darn it. Which species was it?
Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 12:42 PM (BVQ+1)

Uh...blue?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Iron Fist in Velvet Glove in Iron Gauntlet Clutching an Iron Mace at August 21, 2021 12:44 PM (Dc2NZ)

21 Sassy my mom and grandma always cut the bottoms off of the old tin coffee cans and put them around young tomato plants to protect them. There is another thing, wrapping the bottom of the stems in some paper to protect from cutworms. But the tin cans worked for whatever attacked tomatoes in ND and then CO. The tomatoes were always just starting to ripen in Sept in CO so I don't even try to mess with them anymore. Plus I'm too lazy to garden.

Posted by: PaleRider is simply Irredeemable at August 21, 2021 12:44 PM (pxVvf)

22 sassy you can't grow jalape�os in California?
The only peppers I can grow here (Pa)are those and Anaheim.
No jalape�os this year but Anaheim are a must asI love them.

Posted by: Skip at August 21, 2021 12:44 PM (znIQ9)

23 JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 12:43 PM

Splits in the skin can sometimes be due to uneven watering. Have you tried holding back on water a little as they near ripeness?

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 12:44 PM (BVQ+1)

24 From Boise area: Rose of Sharon grows just fine up here.

News from the Western Idaho Fair: Six ribbons from nine entries! Honorable Mention for English thyme - 4th places for Oregano, and Largest Zucchini (8.5#) - 3rd place for flat parsley (plant came from our own S.Lynn!) - and 2nd places for spearmint, and common sage! (I spent yesterday mostly helping a good friend, by judging the displays put above the animals in the barns - one award for display by the named 4-H clubs, and one for best display of the Fair's 2021 theme, this year "It's a Family A'Fair". But I made time to go check my exhibits at the end.)

Weather: air quality alert earlier in the week. Daytime highs finally dropping into 90's, some 80's. Thunder, lightning at 6:30 this morning but no apparent rain.

Harvesting: occasional cabbage, Roma tomatoes, slicers (Parks Improved Whopper lives up to its name - I could have won Largest Tomato from the looks of it), last of the early corn and the start of the main variety, green beans. Yellow crookneck squash vine #2 died so that's the end of those. Dug the onion starts I planted in the asparagus bed, which are now small onions instead of green onions.
/part 1

Posted by: Pat* at August 21, 2021 12:45 PM (2pX/F)

25 Still harvesting beefsteak tomatoes and giving them away. I have one jalapeno plant that also is an abundant producer but the peppers are so hot, I simply can't eat them. I love jalapenos normally but wow, these are hotter than any others I have planted.

Posted by: Tonypete at August 21, 2021 12:45 PM (mD/uy)

26 Or was it too much water?

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 12:47 PM (xopIz)

27 Weeds have whipped my butt, no more veggies for me. I'll be lucky to keep up with the asparagus next year.

Posted by: dartist at August 21, 2021 12:48 PM (+ya+t)

28 The only critters I need to worry about are bunnies. The little jerks know exactly when the strawberries are at peak ripeness, and that's when they Pounce!

So if I want to eat a ripening berry, it has to be about half a day before peak ripeness. Otherwise the bunnies will get it. I also learned they enjoy eating flower petals. My flowers are all in pots on my deck, but I planted some in the ground this year. Bunnies ate the petals and some leaves.

Posted by: kallisto at August 21, 2021 12:48 PM (DJFLF)

29 KT, no. This is my first year. They are in a big pot and there have been times when the leaves wilted. So I have trying to avoid that.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 12:49 PM (xopIz)

30 squirrels are excellent for sighting one's pellet gun

Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 12:49 PM (uCLWI)

31 I'm a bit frustrated. I planted tomatoes in may and have only harvested 3 of the dozens on the plants nearly into September. The sunlight is going to fade rapidly from this point on, as this is western Oregon. We've had an unusually hot and sunny summer and this is the best I can get?

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at August 21, 2021 12:49 PM (KZzsI)

32
Clarke's Heavenly Blue is Ipomoea tricolor. Other possibilities include I. nil (there are some short ones) and I. purpurea.

Also the cardinal climbers, moonflowers and actual ground cover types.

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 12:50 PM (BVQ+1)

33 squirrels are excellent for sighting one's pellet gun
--------------
Only thing worse are raccoons. Destructive little shits.

Posted by: dartist at August 21, 2021 12:52 PM (+ya+t)

34 Try picking and putting the green tomatoes on the kitchen counter or in a brown paper bag if they are big enough to eat. Worth a try with a few anyway.

Posted by: AlmostYuman at August 21, 2021 12:52 PM (9zD97)

35 Christopher R Taylor at August 21, 2021 12:49 PM

In your location, tomatoes can be a challenge. Did you choose locally-adapted varieties?

Sometimes white or reflective surfaces nearby can make a difference.

Try snipping back a few leaves to stimulate fruit set.

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 12:53 PM (BVQ+1)

36 CRT. You probably don't have freeze worries so the tomatoes can still ripen on the vine. They'll even ripen in the house if they are halfway close and have to be picked in to avoid a hard freeze. Frustrating not to have nice fresh tomatoes in the summer heat, but you should still get to eat your harvest.

Posted by: PaleRider is simply Irredeemable at August 21, 2021 12:54 PM (pxVvf)

37 I'll give trimming a shot, I think some of the leaves got burnt in the sun when it was over 110 degrees for several days in row

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at August 21, 2021 12:55 PM (KZzsI)

38 peppers. Whenever I do, they are tiny and are very thin, meaning they are almost all skin and no flesh. Is there a trick? Tomatoes and zucchini do great.
Posted by: sassy at Augu

We grow chilis commercially. We plant a few rows of tomatoes next to the chilis. They irrigate the peppers and tomatoes once a week. Low and slow in drip tape.
When I was in charge of watering things in my garden I overwatered and ruined the tomatoes.

Posted by: CaliGirl at August 21, 2021 12:55 PM (wolMa)

39 well, Sussman's Blueberry farm sold no BB this year

their farm is about 10 miles from me, in Granville MA

best BB evah, wild, about the size of DAB

abfab

Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 12:55 PM (uCLWI)

40 JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 12:49 PM

Growing tomatoes in pots is a challenge. If the leaves are wilting, then you water, you are likely getting varying water levels in the fruit which could lead to splitting.

Maybe that water control potting soil from Miracle Gro could help. Don't use it in self-watering pots.

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 12:56 PM (BVQ+1)

41 Only thing worse are raccoons. Destructive little shits.
Posted by: dartist at August 21, 2021 12:52 PM (+ya+t)

yet to see one on the birdfeeders

when I do, I'll get the Savage O/U

could use a new cap

Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 12:58 PM (uCLWI)

42 I grew up on a farm, so the idea of growing anything i can eat is unappealing

Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 12:59 PM (uCLWI)

43 Pat* at August 21, 2021 12:45 PM

Yay for your fair ribbons. And Largest Zucchini!

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 01:00 PM (BVQ+1)

44 That okra plant is lovely. Probably resembles the mallows and hibiscus flowers some when in blossom.

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 01:02 PM (BVQ+1)

45 Also harvesting: occasional zucchini 'Dark Star' and 'Costa Romanesco', occasional pickling cucumbers, red raspberries, and very occasional strawberries from the surprise plants under the lilac row. We previously harvested some of the potato bags - when the irrigation water shuts off early (middle of next month), we'll consider emptying the rest of the bags. Cantaloupes don't seem quite ready, but one was splitting so we brought it in and will test it soon. Also need to go check the Untended Blackberry Plant along the neighborhood trail again. Yum.

Today: processing green beans to freeze, and final yellow squash. Later or tomorrow, processing corn. Probably ought to harvest some Non-Award-Winning Sweet Basil, and 4th Place Oregano for drying and grinding. Maybe Honorable Mention Thyme too.

At some point, will also try freezing cabbage, which the Net says you can do. Zero plans for any fall gardening experiments, due to early irrigation shutoff.

Puttering: measuring the asphalt driveway area, to be able to give good area estimate to planned re-paver. Having the septic tank pumped, which we had to prepare for by finding the cleanest port the day before.
/part 2/end/

Posted by: Pat* at August 21, 2021 01:03 PM (2pX/F)

46 I can't get over how much wildlife AZ deplorable moron is recording in the yard. There must be more!

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 01:03 PM (BVQ+1)

47 August in central Texas. 95 sunny and humid.

Posted by: Jak Sucio at August 21, 2021 01:04 PM (jvt6t)

48 Thanks KT.

Next year, I will put them in the ground.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 01:05 PM (xopIz)

49 Pat*,

Do you prefer the dark or 'Costa Romanesco' zucchini?

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 01:05 PM (BVQ+1)

50 No apples for us this year. Every single apple disappeared over the past week from our mystery apple tree. It's not only a mystery on what animal cleaned us out but also what type of apples they were.

I've had two different commercial apple growers try to figure out what variety and neither had an answer.

Also, KT, I'll try and send you the series of photos I took of my mason bee set up. I'll send them in a couple emails so they don't bounce back for being too big data wise.

Posted by: Beartooth at August 21, 2021 01:06 PM (UVMn8)

51 this mornings shopping was great

10 pack of lamb loin chops for nuttin

abfab peppers, spinach and shitake mushrooms at the carriage trade store

Lamb chops with risotto and a a forestier appetizer

Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 01:06 PM (uCLWI)

52 Should be "yellow straightneck squash" and septic "cleaning port".
-Pat*

Posted by: Pat* at August 21, 2021 01:07 PM (2pX/F)

53 With all the great seasonal veggies available right now, I'm gonna go Mediterranean today. In honor of the SAS.

Posted by: Jak Sucio at August 21, 2021 01:09 PM (jvt6t)

54 53 With all the great seasonal veggies available right now, I'm gonna go Mediterranean today. In honor of the SAS.
Posted by: Jak Sucio at August 21, 2021 01:09 PM (jvt6t)

may the goats beware

Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 01:10 PM (uCLWI)

55 Hey KT, I will try to get a picture of one of the Okra flowers, they are pretty but elusive. They are only open for maybe a day and then it is on to making a pod.

Posted by: Weekreekfarmgirl at August 21, 2021 01:10 PM (pedVB)

56 I'm a bit frustrated. I planted tomatoes in may and have only harvested 3 of the dozens on the plants nearly into September. The sunlight is going to fade rapidly from this point on, as this is western Oregon. We've had an unusually hot and sunny summer and this is the best I can get?
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at August 21, 2021 12:49

I live fairly close to you and I gave up growing tomatoes here about 3 years ago. After one good crop in 10 years or so was enough to convince me to stop wasting my time on them.

Posted by: Beartooth at August 21, 2021 01:10 PM (UVMn8)

57 I can't get over how much wildlife AZ deplorable moron is recording in the yard. There must be more!

Lots and lots of spiders.

Just love them black widows.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 01:10 PM (xopIz)

58 generally, trying to grow maters is like buying a tesla

Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 01:11 PM (uCLWI)

59 Discriminating tastes prefer Barbado.....

Posted by: Jak Sucio at August 21, 2021 01:12 PM (jvt6t)

60 It disturbs me that the Orange Okra looks like a dog penis.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at August 21, 2021 01:12 PM (gbfHZ)

61 IllTemperedCur, Close your eyes and think of America.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 01:13 PM (xopIz)

62 60 It disturbs me that the Orange Okra looks like a dog penis.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at August 21, 2021 01:12 PM (gbfHZ)

I saw Meat Curtains open for Dog Penis, Dallas 1985

Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 01:16 PM (uCLWI)

63 Another squirrel lover here. The struggle continues.
---
ruff-ruff-ruff-ruff!! r-ruff ruff ruff-ruff-ruff!

Posted by: My Dog at August 21, 2021 01:18 PM (Q7Km+)

64 cool

Montana is the only US state to BAN companies from mandating vaccines for workers, as local physicians call on Legislature to reverse the law

Posted by: will choose a nic later at August 21, 2021 01:19 PM (bTQ72)

65 I saw Meat Curtains open for Dog Penis, Dallas 1985
Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 01:16 PM (uCLWI)

Trees? I can't remember.

Posted by: Jak Sucio at August 21, 2021 01:19 PM (jvt6t)

66

ope

whong thread

Posted by: will choose a nic later at August 21, 2021 01:19 PM (bTQ72)

67 65 I saw Meat Curtains open for Dog Penis, Dallas 1985
Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 01:16 PM (uCLWI)

Trees? I can't remember.
Posted by: Jak Sucio at August 21, 2021 01:19 PM (jvt6t)

why wood you ??

Posted by: REDACTED at August 21, 2021 01:21 PM (uCLWI)

68 I actually can't tell what kind of animal is in AZ deplorable moron's first photo.

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 01:21 PM (BVQ+1)

69 Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 01:21 PM (BVQ+1)

Hawk?

Posted by: Jak Sucio at August 21, 2021 01:22 PM (jvt6t)

70 The Japanese video is really kind of soothing once you get into it, if anyone needs a break.

Thanks to J.J.

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 01:22 PM (BVQ+1)

71 Grapes in a cage ... they look perfect.

I just got all my equipment out and cleaned, ready to pick some Frontenac at 22 brix. The robins are happy, since I didn't put netting up. And lots of honey bees buzzing around the juicy bunches the birds have pecked at. And I chased off a raccoon last night ... so if I want some for myself, I better pick them soon.

Posted by: illiniwek at August 21, 2021 01:22 PM (Cus5s)

72 Bent over a tasty snack.

Posted by: Jak Sucio at August 21, 2021 01:23 PM (jvt6t)

73 This year, we grew the zucchini 'Dark Star' in a raised bed, and the 'Costa Romanesco' in the paddock. We've gotten only 2 of the latter all season, so it's hard to do much comparison. (We did certainly notice the latter has a harder skin, and kept well while sitting on the shelf, instead of needing to be in the refrigerator.)

We use the 'Dark Star' for "zoodles", and have always enjoyed it with a tad of olive oil on it then grilled, or battered and fried in olive oil.

We just grilled a 'Costa Romanesco' the same way we usually grill zucchini, and found we *definitely* need to harvest them when smaller, as they start getting noticeable seeds - which was my biggest objection to the yellow straightneck squash. (But those 2 squash plants collapsed before I could try harvesting the squash at different smaller sizes, to figure out the optimal harvest size.) We also noticed the flavor *is* different between these 2 zucchini varieties.

Next year, we'll grow both the 'Dark Star' and the 'Costa Romanesco' in good raised bed soil, so we can harvest more of the latter, and do more side-by-side flavor comparisons.

Posted by: Pat* at August 21, 2021 01:24 PM (2pX/F)

74 27 years and never had a squirrel problem. Saved one stuck in a downspout once, maybe that goodwill got me favors.

Posted by: Skip at August 21, 2021 01:24 PM (znIQ9)

75 I would like to know what aspect of the universe makes the weather hot and dry as soon as we plant anything that requires damp soil to germinate or grow. After weeks of warm but humid weather and rain (sometimes torrential) in SE Michigan, this past week has been hot and dry. I've seeded several areas of the lawn and my wife transplanted pachysandra and myrtle to areas in the back yard. Every time we've done this type of work it has caused the weather to go to Death Valley-like.

Posted by: George V at August 21, 2021 01:28 PM (U2Tva)

76 Gorgeous looking grapes!
I'd rather have a squirrel problem than a deer problem.

If anyone watches Gardeners' World Monty had Camilla on as a guest last evening. Seems she does a lot of gardening, and loves to prune and plant. As sweet as she seemed, I can't imagine Diana discussing secateurs and an affinity with the soil.

Posted by: CN at August 21, 2021 01:30 PM (ONvIw)

77 Today the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan Warns U.S. Citizens to Avoid Kabul Airport...........

Everything is Honky-Dorry in Kabuki Kabul.... Free Ice Cream to the first 100 Taliban that fire their AK-47 at a Pig Dog American C-17......

Posted by: James at August 21, 2021 01:32 PM (24+Vp)

78 More rabbits in central IL this year than usual. Damn things ate nearly all my hostas down to the ground.

Posted by: Bigsmith at August 21, 2021 01:32 PM (G/mW5)

79 My first thought on seeing the bird in AZ deplorable's photo was cara cara. They are becoming very common here in central Texas and hang out with our black and turkey vultures.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at August 21, 2021 01:32 PM (fTtFy)

80 People here do not seem to be taking this upcoming storm very seriously. Neighbor plans to stay at the shore, another couldn't imagine not hanging out with friends in CT and staying late. My SIL in Long Island said she "didn't do a thing".

Posted by: CN at August 21, 2021 01:33 PM (ONvIw)

81 Lovely plants and critters! The heat has done a number on my garden and one pear in particular is dropping all fruit AND leaves. I hope we don'tlose it, its a browm skinned european pear,hard outside but very sweet.

The only things that appeared to survive are a jack o lantern pumpkin and delicata squash. One cuke plant is ekeing out an existence, two tomatillos are hanging on...and the rhubarb monster will consume them all.

Posted by: Funsize (EiPf6) at August 21, 2021 01:35 PM (EiPf6)

82 I wish i rembered to take photos during the week each time I see this thread. My photog skills arenill, but smartphones help.

Posted by: Funsize (EiPf6) at August 21, 2021 01:37 PM (EiPf6)

83 That squirrel is ripped!

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at August 21, 2021 01:41 PM (7tOF4)

84 80 People here do not seem to be taking this upcoming storm very seriously. Neighbor plans to stay at the shore, another couldn't imagine not hanging out with friends in CT and staying late. My SIL in Long Island said she "didn't do a thing".
Posted by: CN at August 21, 2021 01:33 PM (ONvIw)
---

They have the memory of a goldfish. No prepping a'tall?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Iron Fist in Velvet Glove in Iron Gauntlet Clutching an Iron Mace at August 21, 2021 01:42 PM (Dc2NZ)

85 84. Nope, my SIL thinks it's not serious. And the neighbors have no plans to leave LBI, told me not to bother with their patio chairs which I offered to put in the garage. It's all "hype" unlike wuflu.

Posted by: CN at August 21, 2021 01:44 PM (ONvIw)

86 Here in Kenosha, in SW Wisconsin, I've gotten a bumper crop of tomatoes. The bush bean plants are yielding well. We had quite a haul of strawberries and raspberries, and the grape vine is heavy with fruit. The pear tree that I put in last year has 15 large Bartletts that will be ready in September. The pepper plants are yielding well, especially the banana peppers, but my eggplants are giving me plenty of plant but no fruit. Bummer.

As for the bushy-tailed tree rats, they are vermin, pure and simple. As for other critters, I saw a fox wander through my yard recently, which may help explain why I don't see rabbits any more. And I saw my first hummingbird the other day, taking nectar from a rue plant - they seem to like the large purple flowers.

On the downside, yesterday a wasp stung my left hand while I was collecting tomatoes. I thought little of it, since I've been stung any number of times before; but this morning, my hand and forearm were very swollen. I trip to the ER yielded prescriptions for a steroid and an antibiotic; hopefully, that'll do the trick. There's no pain, fortunately, though at times it itches like crazy.

Posted by: Nemo at August 21, 2021 01:45 PM (S6ArX)

87 The grapes and okra look delicious.

I've never had a squirrel problem before in the garden. It must be frustrating because they are very smart.

Posted by: G. Gnome will not comply at August 21, 2021 01:45 PM (OQcPl)

88 Got 2nd door for my little free library together, needs a couple hours to cure the glue and silicone, if it fits and mounts then I'm getting the hard parts done.

Posted by: Skip at August 21, 2021 01:46 PM (znIQ9)

89 I on the other hand, filled my tank, bought extra water, and ran a test on the generac. I brought in my chairs, took down my hanging plants, and set up the sofa bed in the basement.

Posted by: CN at August 21, 2021 01:47 PM (ONvIw)

90 Our garden is very late this year. Tomatoes are gonna be coming on soon. Tons, but very little ripening.
We're cuke and zuke rich, as always. Peppers are doing great (anchos, jalapenos, lunchbox, sweets, and one called Red Roasters, which make paprika!).
Tomatillos are big his year.
Pulling all the cool season stuff to make room for the next round. Only squash we grew was butternut, and we still have some from 2 years ago... rotate, I guess.
There will be an excellent deer harvest this year!

Posted by: MkY at August 21, 2021 01:49 PM (Foq6I)

91 CN,

You're all set. Got room for friends?

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 01:49 PM (xopIz)

92 Forgot about okra. Just now coming on. Did I say late?

Posted by: MkY at August 21, 2021 01:50 PM (Foq6I)

93 "Another squirrel lover here. The struggle continues"

I've linked this before, but for those who missed it and enjoy a little humorous revenge VS That Damn Squirrel

Backyard Squirrel Ninja Obstacle Course
https://tinyurl.com/8aufznz9

Posted by: Hoyt's Paid Turkish Provovateur at August 21, 2021 01:51 PM (49Exr)

94 Basil coming out my ears ! Italian parsley and peppers coming on strong !

On a sad note

John Prine, Nancy Griffith and now Tom T Hall, gone.

The world really is ending.

Posted by: Hatari somewhere on Ventura Highway at August 21, 2021 01:53 PM (M+Lyo)

95
You're all set. Got room for friends?

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 01:49 PM (xopIz)

LOL.

People here are so calm, no lines at the stores. They've completely forgotten how dreadful Sandy was.

Posted by: CN at August 21, 2021 01:53 PM (ONvIw)

96 I have an army of squirrels here but it is the deer who are the nefarious green munching varmints in my neck of woods. They've flanked me multiple times this year. Still, the gardening awards are at hand here. Canned 18 qts of pickles Thursday evening and 15 pints of dilly beans yesterday afternoon. Canning will continue for the next 2 to 4 weeks depending on how early the first frost hits.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * invictus maneo at August 21, 2021 01:53 PM (+qa2x)

97 Gimme five!

*

No five bucks or I will eat all the wires off your lawnmover.

Posted by: Extortion Squirrel at August 21, 2021 01:53 PM (Tnijr)

98 At least my peppers are doing well -- exceedingly well. As is my cilantro. I used both to make a cilantro-habanero* pineapple salsa to go with the Jamaican jerk chicken I will be roasting for dinner.

*Actually Yellow Devil's Tongue, but it looks like a hab.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Iron Fist in Velvet Glove in Iron Gauntlet Clutching an Iron Mace at August 21, 2021 01:53 PM (Dc2NZ)

99 >>> 85 84. Nope, my SIL thinks it's not serious. And the neighbors have no plans to leave LBI, told me not to bother with their patio chairs which I offered to put in the garage. It's all "hype" unlike wuflu.
Posted by: CN at August 21, 2021 01:44 PM (ONvIw)

Hmm, maybe you should ask them if they are Climate Change Deniers.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at August 21, 2021 01:54 PM (ACi07)

100 And your lawnmower too!

Posted by: Extortion Squirrel at August 21, 2021 01:54 PM (Tnijr)

101 I know why the caged grape sings.

Posted by: Goofy Grape at August 21, 2021 01:56 PM (Tnijr)

102 Backyard Squirrel Ninja Obstacle Course
https://tinyurl.com/8aufznz9
Posted by: Hoyt's Paid Turkish Provovateur

Designer dude obviously an OCD engineering type. Worked with a few of those. They weren't nearly as imaginative though.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * invictus maneo at August 21, 2021 01:56 PM (+qa2x)

103 Been very, very hot here in the Bitterroot of MT. Tomatoes dying out, tough to keep them going especially since we garden in stock tanks.
Just planted lettuce, may be late for our area but again it's been too hot. And dry.
Looking forward to next year when we plant more. We used our stock tanks most of the summer to keep perennials going until we could plant them in the ground, especially ditch daylilies. We planted 63.
Our landscaping went in 3 weeks ago and we had to wait on it and on the irrigation system.
That irrigation system is a long, long story. Now own a cistern. Yay, us.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at August 21, 2021 01:57 PM (2NHgQ)

104 Hmm, maybe you should ask them if they are Climate Change Deniers.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at August 21, 2021 01:54 PM (ACi07)

I should. They normally bitch about this, esp the SIL on the North Shore

Posted by: CN at August 21, 2021 01:58 PM (ONvIw)

105 " I finally pulled up my morning glory plant. Almost September and no flowers, and it was rootbound anyway. Eh."

We have lot of morning glories growing wild around here. I need to send a picture of some Mrs f'd has been cultivating around her garden.

How do you propagate them?

Posted by: f'd at August 21, 2021 01:59 PM (Tnijr)

106 Back on duty

PET NOOD

Posted by: Skip guy who says NOOD at August 21, 2021 02:01 PM (znIQ9)

107 Pets up

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Iron Fist in Velvet Glove in Iron Gauntlet Clutching an Iron Mace at August 21, 2021 02:02 PM (Dc2NZ)

108 Nemo at August 21, 2021 01:45 PM

What kind of rue plant has purple flowers?

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 02:30 PM (BVQ+1)

109 Skip at August 21, 2021 01:46 PM

Fantastic! Great project.

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 02:33 PM (BVQ+1)

110 MkY at August 21, 2021 01:49 PM

Sounds like you are doing pretty well.

Posted by: KT at August 21, 2021 02:35 PM (BVQ+1)

111 "I've linked this before, but for those who missed it and enjoy a little humorous revenge VS That Damn Squirrel."

Fun!

The best tree-rat story was told to me by, of all people, a yoga instructor. There was a squirrel that loved to dig up his bulbs: it would dig up a bulb, take a bite, drop it, dig up another, take a bite, drop it, and on and on. Well, one day, when the instructor was sitting on his porch, the squirrel dug up a bulb, took a bite, then dropped it and gave him in that typical squirrely "You gonna do somethin' about it, huh?" stare - when, suddenly, BAM! a redtail swooped down and took that squirrel. Yes! Karma is a *bitch*, baby!

Posted by: Nemo at August 21, 2021 02:50 PM (S6ArX)

112 red tail what?

Hawk?

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at August 21, 2021 02:58 PM (xopIz)

113 How do you propagate them? [morning glory]
Posted by: f'd

After flowers drop, tiny round pods will form which contain the seeds. Let them mature and dry out a bit-- pick when dry. Keep an eye on the pods or they'll open and dump out the seeds before you get 'em!

Or you could just do nothing-- let the seeds drop if you want flowers in the same place next year.

Posted by: JQ, a hick in the sticks at August 21, 2021 05:39 PM (dB4Iz)

114 Squirrels are a great source of protein to go with those vegetables.

Posted by: B Moe at August 21, 2021 07:32 PM (0kPjF)

115 Funny thing about seeds...

My tomato plants have suffered in the heat this year, produced barely any fruit, so I've had to purchase a few from grocery store.

Well, store-bought are nearly always underripe so I leave them on the counter for a few days to ripen.

Had to laugh: When I finally decided to slice one of them, as it seemed 'just right'-- the seeds inside it had begun to sprout! Crazy! But also didn't taste very good.

*sigh*

Posted by: JQ, a hick in the sticks at August 21, 2021 09:59 PM (dB4Iz)

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