Saturday Gardening and Puttering Thread, July 24

We have some nice reports on Edible Gardening from The Horde this week, plus some ornamental plants and other fine content. The handsome container garden above was created by Dr. Mabuse, in Ottowa, Canada:

Hi K.T.!

Here's a picture of my back deck, where this year I am growing hot peppers in a big way. I've got 7 different varieties in different-sized pots, along with an assortment of geraniums I started from seed this year. There's a fountain in the corner, and I took some oversized trunk segments from a tree we had cut down a few months ago, to create display stands. Someone on a past thread was talking about using geodes as decorations - my husband used to collect fancy minerals, an so I've added those along with river stones for decoration. It looks pretty nice this year, now that the plants have filled out. The peppers are still immature, but when they finally get full sized and suitable for picking I'll send a picture of the harvest. Thanks!

Dr. Mabuse

I love it. Looks like that lovely spot could provide some enjoyment for a few putterers as well as gardeners.

On the Farm

From Illiniwek:

Lots of milkweed here and in patches around the farm, only a few Monarchs.

New Thomcord grapes, in the grow tubes, mostly to protect from deer that might stray inside the fence.

a mix of flowers competing with the grass, not in full bloom yet

Monarch and Ladybug

a few honeybees

lots of bumble (?) bees, not sure about the other two "bugs"

and a Great Spangled Fritillary (or some fritillary)

Monarchs aren't the only butterflies that like milkweed blossoms.

Edible Gardening

From Nemo:

Here in SW Wisconsin, it's been a great summer for fruits, at least so
far. We had a fine crop of strawberries, from which my wife (the lovely
and gracious Annalucia) made several batches of jam.

Now, the raspberry canes are yielding a bumper crop of berries; our little backyard patch has yielded more than a gallon so far. The fresh berries are delicious
in yoghurt, and more jam is in our future. Also, the berries freeze
well: just spread them on a metal sheet or pan, so they're only one
layer deep, then pop the pan into the freezer. The freeze quickly; then
move them into a zip-lock freezer bag for storage in the freezer. When
thawed, they're are nearly as good as fresh.

From Wee Kreek Farm Girl:

Hey KT,
All is well here at Wee Kreek Holler, still getting up at 5am to walk the dogs so I can start watering at 6 while it is still quite pleasant. By 10 am it is pretty hot already. My Brown Turkey Fig is putting on quite a show. I have finally figured out how to keep the birds from getting them before they are ripe. Organza bags, you can buy 100 on Amazon for about $10 and I can reuse them year after year. My tree looks very fancy with 30 + white bags all over it. I have been eating figs every morning while I water and check on things.

I love the fig envelopes!

My Orange Okra plant is getting big and seems to like it here, no blooms yet but I am hopeful, seems healthy and happy.

Meanwhile my Madhu melon vine is producing lots of melons, this is my first one that is starting to turn color, almost ready but not quite. This one is a beauty, the biggest one I have grown over the years. Hopefully nothing will ruin it for me before it is ready. Getting a few cucumbers yet and the last of the tomatoes are ripening, they won't start fruiting again until it gets under 105 degrees consistently. Hope all of the horde are safe from the crazy weather, we have had storms predicted every day but they always seem to pass us by, we could really use some rain. Maybe the places that are flooding could send it our way.
Wee Kreek Farm Girl

Arizona has had some rain since then. Wonder if she got any?

The growth continues. The story of Mrs. Leggy's Sunflowers:

The sunflowers have been blooming like crazy and attracting all sorts of bees, mostly of the bumble varieties. The largest ones are well over 10 feet tall. In fact, I had to hold my phone way above my head to take a couple of these pictures. We have finally had a few days with no rain here so I'm thinking the hot sun will be making them growing even taller.

Thanks as always for the garden thread! It's very nice to share my hobby with all of you.

Highlights from Last Week

Johann Amadeus Metesky provided some very interesting details about what we might learn on a tour of Drayton Hall. Really interesting.

And we heard, I think for the first time, from The Guy, outside of Charleston, about what is surviving in his garden. What do you think they might have grown in the gardens at Drayton Hall?

1. In May planted a variety of tomatoes, squash and cucumbers.

2. Current status - tomatoes are doing awesome. Lost one plant to bacterial wilt, but strict and heartless yanking it out of the ground has saved other plants. Romas, Early Girls, Chadwick Cherry, Cherry 100s, and Purple Cherokee have been fantastic. Best in the last couple of years.

Cucumbers are big fail. Some form of fungus has wiped out the leaves.

Yellow squash. For the first time ever, no squash borer has gotten into the stems. CROP ROTATION BABY!!

No new buds on any plants for August harvest. Just too damn hot.

Wilt is terrible. Might check into a reserve wilt-resistant variety. Same for fungus-tolerant cucumbers. Off the ground. Heat resistant.

Yay for the borer-free squash!

The famous Pat* got Surprise Strawberries, under the lilacs of all places.

Flowers from The Horde

Hollyhocks, from Neal in Israel

Music for Cows

Florida Dairy Farm:

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.

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Good afternoon Greenthumbs

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 12:21 PM (Cxk7w)

2 hiya

Posted by: JT at July 24, 2021 12:22 PM (arJlL)

3 Hiya KT !

Posted by: JT at July 24, 2021 12:22 PM (arJlL)

4 Music for Cows? How udderly charming!

*sidles towards door*

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 24, 2021 12:22 PM (PiwSw)

5 "Other two bugs" are fireflys.

Posted by: BignJames at July 24, 2021 12:23 PM (AwYPR)

6 I think my cucumbers are done already, only got a few from them. Getting lots of yellow squash, and. So far only 2 ripe tomatoes but 2 more are starting and can't be long for more, have had green ones for weeks.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 12:23 PM (Cxk7w)

7 And should look into it but think from seeing massive sycamore trees around here the shedding bark is part of the territory though this is the first year like this. I have my yard cart filled with bark. Sycamore trees are the largest natural trees in the east coast.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 12:26 PM (Cxk7w)

8 Butterfly is a Great Spangled Fritillary.

Posted by: BignJames at July 24, 2021 12:27 PM (AwYPR)

9 And KT finally saw bees ( not honeybees) this week a couple times. One going after my oregano flowers.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 12:27 PM (Cxk7w)

10 I remember a day, as a youth, when I used to be able to hold up a butterfly net and catch 15 monarch or swallowtail butterflies without moving the net. Now, they're gone. Bees too. It couldn't be all of the microwaves we're pumping out across the surface of the earth.

Posted by: Dr. Bone at July 24, 2021 12:31 PM (bCkNL)

11 "Great spangled fritillary" sounds like a folksy old-timey expression of astonishment.

Posted by: hogmartin at July 24, 2021 12:39 PM (ghoDT)

12 I wonder if anyone has tried playing music in the streets for the running of the bulls?

Posted by: Dr. Varno at July 24, 2021 12:40 PM (vuisn)

13 Skip at July 24, 2021 12:27 PM

Good.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 12:44 PM (BVQ+1)

14 Dr. Bone at July 24, 2021 12:31 PM

The guy who wrote one butterfly field guide said that they could survive mowing weeds (as under power lines), but not weed killers used without thinking about which weeds we actually want to kill, and where.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 12:46 PM (BVQ+1)

15 Recalcitrant computer this morning. Added in some more content from Wee Kreek Farm Girl and Mrs. Leggy.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 12:47 PM (BVQ+1)

16 I picked our first tomato today! Others are turning pink, but are several days away from ripeness. I learned something interesting abut tomatoes - I used to think that since they came from central (or is it south?) America, and are tender plants up here in the north, they really responded best to hot weather. The hotter the better. That's not true - when it gets really hot, like over 95 degrees, *they stop ripening*! I've always wondered why it can be hot and sunny outside, and my green tomatoes are just sitting there day after day on the vines, not doing a thing. They are waiting for the temperatures to cool down a bit before they resume ripening. I think even reasonably cooler temperatures at night help, but when it is horribly hot, day and night, they going into suspended animation.

Posted by: Dr. Mabuse at July 24, 2021 12:48 PM (eASG1)

17 Dr. Bone at July 24, 2021 12:31 PM

Pheasants used to race cars on country roads around here sometimes, too. Weed control seems to have thinned them out, too.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 12:49 PM (BVQ+1)

18 Dr. Mabuse at July 24, 2021 12:48 PM

Yay for your first tomato!

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 12:50 PM (BVQ+1)

19 We still have snowy egrets camping on the lawn of one apartment complex in town. Yesterday, a couple of cranes joined them.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 12:51 PM (BVQ+1)

20 Fabulous photos and impressive reports. Thanks for sharing.

Posted by: Mrs. JTB at July 24, 2021 12:51 PM (7EjX1)

21 I love Wee Kreek Farm Girl's fig envelopes. Might work for some other fruits, too.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 12:52 PM (BVQ+1)

22 Want some zucchini? LOL

Posted by: It's me donna at July 24, 2021 12:53 PM (Zmnko)

23 16 I picked our first tomato today! Others are turning pink, but are several days away from ripeness.
Posted by: Dr. Mabuse at July 24, 2021 12:48 PM (eASG1)

-----------

Picked our first today, as well! It was just one cherry tomato, but is a start! Your deck garden is beautiful!

Something has been attacking the peppers in my garden - no evidence of slug trails, but leaves & buds are being eaten at night. Tried neem oil & diatomaceous earth, to no avail, so had to go the chemical warfare route. Will see what happens. Jalapenos & bell peppers on the deck are unscathed, so far.

Posted by: Hoplite Housewife at July 24, 2021 12:55 PM (R1NI2)

24 It's me donna at July 24, 2021 12:53 PM

So it's that time, huh?

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 12:57 PM (BVQ+1)

25 Nice Sunflowers, Mrs. Leggy !

Posted by: JT at July 24, 2021 12:57 PM (arJlL)

26 You know what eats the peppers in my garden? RABBITS. That's why I decided to grow them in pots this year - they seem to like it up on the deck, it's sunny all day long and they're safe from the rabbits. I had 2 leftover jalapeno plants which I put in the garden, when they already had peppers formed. A few days later, one had the peppers all stripped off. I even found a small pepper disdainfully thrown aside on the ground! I wouldn't think rabbits would even like hot peppers, but maybe they had a taste then threw them away.

Posted by: Dr. Mabuse at July 24, 2021 12:58 PM (eASG1)

27 So it's that time, huh?
Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 12:57 PM (BVQ+1)

People run when they see me now...

Posted by: It's me donna at July 24, 2021 12:59 PM (Zmnko)

28 26 You know what eats the peppers in my garden? RABBITS. That's why I decided to grow them in pots this year - they seem to like it up on the deck, it's sunny all day long and they're safe from the rabbits.
Posted by: Dr. Mabuse at July 24, 2021 12:58 PM (eASG1)

-------------

Peppers certainly seem to do particularly well on decks. I don't think it's furry critters since our garden is in a securely fenced "vegetable jail" built by my better half. Plus, nothing else in there is being eaten. Very strange.

Posted by: Hoplite Housewife at July 24, 2021 01:03 PM (R1NI2)

29 Music for Cows

Walking on the moooooooooon. (The Police)

Mooooooove it on over. Rock it on over. (George Thorogood).

I like to mooooooove it, mooooooooove it. (Madagascar Penguins, I think).

Mooooooooooon RIVER! (Fletch)

Posted by: Doof at July 24, 2021 01:05 PM (JNEIO)

30 Doof at July 24, 2021 01:05 PM

Great list!

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 01:07 PM (BVQ+1)

31 Mooooooooooon RIVER! (Fletch)
Posted by: Doof at July 24, 2021 01:05 PM (JNEIO)


Git along, little dogie.

Ghost riders in the sky.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 24, 2021 01:09 PM (vUZw7)

32 Alberta Oil Peon at July 24, 2021 01:09 PM

I don't know that I want to play "Ghost riders in the sky" to cattle in a field. Wouldn't wanna give them ideas.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 01:11 PM (BVQ+1)

33 My mom from my grandfather's theory is its nights that need to be warm for tomatoes, they don't like cool nights.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 01:11 PM (Cxk7w)

34 If it weren't at night, I might suspect birds of eating those peppers.

Have you tried sticky stuff around the stems of the plants?

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 01:12 PM (BVQ+1)

35 Doof at July 24, 2021 01:05 PM

Great list!
Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 01:07 PM (BVQ+1)


Not always a great idea to encourage me -- haha!!

Posted by: Doof at July 24, 2021 01:15 PM (JNEIO)

36 Nice looking figs. Friends down in Pine Bluff, Arkansas (I lived there one year) had a big fig tree in their yard ... they didn't have to net them, tasted great right off the tree. (40+ years ago).

Monarchs here have been much more numerous the last week or so. I never found any caterpillars or pupas in the garden, but they hatched out somewhere. Peaches, tomatoes, and gladiolas are "what's happening" here this week.

Posted by: illiniwek at July 24, 2021 01:16 PM (Cus5s)

37 I use the "envelopes" on my Apricots, plums, nectarines and of course figs. If you had something bigger to shield you could probably get bigger bags. They work for me! We did get 2 inches of rain yesterday. My garden is so happy. I am going out to plant new tomatoes and peppers today. Hope everyone else gets to do some puttering as well. BTW, ate that Madhu melon two days ago and it was FANTASTIC.

Posted by: Weekreekfarmgirl at July 24, 2021 01:16 PM (pedVB)

38 Photography is awesome on this thread.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 24, 2021 01:17 PM (EZebt)

39 Found shiny green and brown beetles on my rose blossoms
I think they are Japanese beetles

Posted by: vmom restituere verum papam at July 24, 2021 01:17 PM (EGSGm)

40 34 If it weren't at night, I might suspect birds of eating those peppers.

Have you tried sticky stuff around the stems of the plants?
Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 01:12 PM (BVQ+1)
-----------

I have not. Thanks for the suggestion! Will try that if the insecticide dust doesn't work. I've also considered putting a floating row cover over them at night.

Posted by: Hoplite Housewife at July 24, 2021 01:17 PM (R1NI2)

41 Nice looking figs. Friends down in Pine Bluff, Arkansas (I lived there one year) had a big fig tree in their yard ... they didn't have to net them, tasted great right off the tree. (40+ years ago).


Posted by: illiniwek at July 24, 2021 01:16 PM (Cus5s)

1 - I visited Pine Bluff a few times. My job took me to Pine Bluff Arsenal a few times back in the early Twenty-oughts. Not exactly a thriving metropolis!

2 - Is your nic inspired by the U of Illinois? I ask because I'm in Champaign for the weekend -- I can see the dome of the basketball arena from my hotel window.

Posted by: Doof at July 24, 2021 01:19 PM (JNEIO)

42 2 -0 on Lantern Flys today

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 01:25 PM (Cxk7w)

43 illiniwek at July 24, 2021 01:16 PM

Monarch seem to be very particular about the location of plants where they lay eggs. May have something to do with avoiding parasites. Often a plant off by itself will have caterpillars, while plants grouped together attract butterflies for nectar.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 01:27 PM (BVQ+1)

44 vmom restituere verum papam at July 24, 2021 01:17 PM

That doesn't sound good.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 01:28 PM (BVQ+1)

45 Dr. Mabuse at July 24, 2021 12:48 PM

Yay for your first tomato!

When the tomato starts to have the star burst on its end pick it and put it in a window sill. It will ripen beautifully

Posted by: MAC SOG'''' at July 24, 2021 01:28 PM (P4Pk9)

46 Weekreekfarmgirl at July 24, 2021 01:16 PM

One reason I like those bags is that they "breathe".

Great that you were successful in raising a luscious melon. Thanks for the update. I wondered if you got rain in the latest storm system. Some of our friends to the west of Phoenix have gotten much yet.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 01:30 PM (BVQ+1)

47 "Is your nic inspired by the U of Illinois?"


yeah, I protest that they kicked the Chief off the field, but mostly it stands for protesting the "PC Suck" in all things. I did "Christian Outreach" there for a year ... hot, flat, smelled of the paper mill. Mostly a waste of a year in the middle of my college years. Good figs was about all I got out of it ... except the life time bond with friends I went with, and a few new friends from there.

U of I built an underground library so the new structure would not shade the "historic" Morrow Plots. (experimental agricultural fields). Assembly hall was a big deal for high school championships .. I rarely made it down to that side of campus for games.

Posted by: illiniwek at July 24, 2021 01:31 PM (Cus5s)

48 >>>Pheasants used to race cars on country roads around here sometimes, too. Weed control seems to have thinned them out, too.<
>I always wondered if the pheasants preferred rally cars or endurance cars, like Le Mans, when they were racing.

Posted by: Dr. Bone at July 24, 2021 01:32 PM (bCkNL)

49 Outreach for a year in Pine Bluff I meant, also in C-U later.

Posted by: illiniwek at July 24, 2021 01:33 PM (Cus5s)

50 Thanks so much for showing the sunflowers! Several of them have started to stoop over to drop their seeds, and the cardinals have been visiting them to pick them off. In other news, we have lots of green tomatoes. When they all ripen, I think we will be overwhelmed. I'm keeping a watch out for tomato caterpillars.
Butterflies are evident but not plentiful. I have seen monarchs, black swallowtails, and cabbage whites. I do see the occasional fritillary.
Beautiful flowers and gardens! Thanks KT and all!

Posted by: Mrs. Leggy at July 24, 2021 01:42 PM (Vf4Y7)

51 Posted by: illiniwek at July 24, 2021 01:31 PM (Cus5s)


Maybe the U of I will become the Fighting Guardians?? Hahaha!

I had a nice afternoon run through campus yesterday. Meandered through the arboretum. Took a few nice photos. Hot and humid here -- just like back home in northeastern Maryland. Can't say I have any interest in returning to Champaign. Although I did enjoy eating at Portillos on Thursday evening and Papa Del's last night for the rehearsal dinner.

Posted by: Doof at July 24, 2021 01:43 PM (JNEIO)

52 I in past have gotten Japanese Beetles on a Rhododendron but only on 1 of different kinds we have,. It loses its leaves every winter. Knock them off in a can of gas or paint thinner was my method.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 01:43 PM (Cxk7w)

53 Vmom you can tell there Japanese Beetles by hearing them yell Tora,Tora,Tora as they attack.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 01:44 PM (Cxk7w)

54 And did just see a few Roma tomatoes turning red

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 01:45 PM (Cxk7w)

55 2 days of rain here in beautiful Apache Junction AZ, rain started after midnight both days, still having light rain at this time.
I was busy figuring out proper drainage routes this morning. I believe I'm going to need to dig some french drains.
I have been watching the chipmunks and squirrels raid the property. I believe I'm going to have to have a 6ft electrified fence to protect a garden...

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 24, 2021 01:45 PM (jHVxh)

56 Wonder what that did to those cows' milk?

Posted by: m at July 24, 2021 01:50 PM (Y3SPi)

57 I swear on 3 stacks of bibles, I promise to be a better troll.

Posted by: Smelly at July 24, 2021 01:53 PM (/lc19)

58 "May have something to do with avoiding parasites. Often a plant off by itself will have caterpillars"

Thanks. the milkweed in the garden seem to get a lot of little gnat like bugs, so that makes sense.

Posted by: illiniwek at July 24, 2021 01:53 PM (Cus5s)

59 Dr. Mabuse, that's a nice celebration of nature on your deck.

Posted by: m at July 24, 2021 01:53 PM (Y3SPi)

60 Good looking pieces of paradise.

Posted by: Smelly at July 24, 2021 01:54 PM (/lc19)

61 22 Want some zucchini? LOL
Posted by: It's me donna

August 8th is National
sneak a Zucchini on to Your Neighbor's Front Porch Day.

Seriously, look it up if You don't believe Me.

Posted by: nurse ratched at July 24, 2021 01:58 PM (U2p+3)

62 After all, it's Saturday and they even let the reviled trolls in. Nice gardens.

Posted by: Smelly at July 24, 2021 02:00 PM (/lc19)

63 "Can't say I have any interest in returning to Champaign.... Papa Del's last night for the rehearsal dinner." Posted by: Doof

I haven't been back since the 70's, live on the other side of the state. But Papa Del's sounds familiar, I think it was the hot spot for Deep Dish by the slice, way back when.

Posted by: illiniwek at July 24, 2021 02:01 PM (Cus5s)

64 Oh, and Illiniwek,

Tropical Milkweed is the very favorite of Monarchs for laying eggs. Tender. Won't live over the winter. But you may only need one plant.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 02:05 PM (BVQ+1)

65 Wonder if Aug 8 a yellow squash will do

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 02:13 PM (Cxk7w)

66 Late question for bee people: can bees get drunk on pollen? There was a big bumblebee on my blue salvia that was completely coated in pollen - we're talking Tony Montana cocaine binge-level here -- and it was slow and listless. "Du-u-u-u-ude..."

Posted by: All Hail Eris at July 24, 2021 02:13 PM (XItSe)

67 Swallowtail butterfly love my dill, their caterpillars will eat it to the sticks

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 02:14 PM (Cxk7w)

68 Wasn't that a Monarch? I have mostly Monarchs and crazy weird looking dragon flys (biguns, 2+ inches). The bats have packed up and left.

Posted by: Smelly at July 24, 2021 02:18 PM (/lc19)

69 All Hail Eris at July 24, 2021 02:13 PM

Pollen, nectar, don't know.

We had some cowpeas once (specifically for "snaps") that had nectaries at the base of the blossoms. Seemed to put wasps in torpor. If you accidentally grabbed one (gently), it would not even react.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 02:18 PM (BVQ+1)

70 Skip at July 24, 2021 02:14 PM

Sounds like you need to plant some fennel in an out-of-the-way spot to divert the swallowtails from your dill. Or you could bring the caterpillars indoors in a rodent carrier and grow them all on one plant.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 02:20 PM (BVQ+1)

71 From Idaho's Treasure Valley, Boise area: Bad news on the irrigation front - husband serves on our HOA's irrigation committee, got word our irrigation may be shut off as early as the end of August. This means all of Sept., half of Oct. with no irrigation water. We have to decide what we'll really need to water by hand. Tomatoes, cantaloupes, the 6 newer fruit trees... We'll also hope for a rainy autumn and snowy winter.

Air quality is questionable (smoke) - the near-full Moon on Thurs. night rose *orange*. Weather is still hot, though a few nights have gone down into the 60's.

While working on compost Tues., I found a paper wasp nest in the old leaves bin - got tagged once before running far enough away. We trimmed our rose hedge/windbreak out back on Wednesday. We continued working on edging the driveway - did the 2nd of 5 planned workdays this morning.

One yellow squash plant up and died; reason not obvious. Gave away some of our cabbages. Got our first green beans earlier this week. Started harvesting gold cherry tomatoes. Cantaloupes are up to fist-sized. Some Romas in the paddock are turning color. First planting of corn will be ready soon!

Posted by: Pat* at July 24, 2021 02:21 PM (2pX/F)

72 "Great spangled fritillary" sounds like a folksy old-timey expression of astonishment.
Posted by: hogmartin

And now I have to read it in Yosemite Sam's voice.

Posted by: mikeski at July 24, 2021 02:22 PM (P1f+c)

73 As long as get the seed heads of the dill for processing its OK. Dill weed is good in potato salad and deviled eggs.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 02:22 PM (Cxk7w)

74 This is a weird gardening year. Admit it.

Posted by: Smelly at July 24, 2021 02:23 PM (/lc19)

75 Pat* at July 24, 2021 02:21 PM

Sorry about the water situation. Cantaloupes may need less water than you think at that point. Assess which fruits will ripen before frost, remove the others.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 02:24 PM (BVQ+1)

76 Smelly at July 24, 2021 02:23 PM

Yes, it is weird. So was last year.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 02:25 PM (BVQ+1)

77 Super abnormal rain fall (minus) here, this year. This is early, it's only going to get ... more different.

Posted by: Smelly at July 24, 2021 02:30 PM (/lc19)

78 What would be the best house troll name for me?

Honestly?

Posted by: Honestly at July 24, 2021 02:34 PM (/lc19)

79 the milkweed in the garden and in the field edges are very hearty here, but maybe I'll try to get some Tropical Milkweed seeds for next year.

Posted by: illiniwek at July 24, 2021 02:39 PM (Cus5s)

80 winter hardy , not hearty ... ha.

Posted by: illiniwek at July 24, 2021 02:40 PM (Cus5s)

81 Shame willowed but had to fix the string on my Ryobi and it was so easy, another good feature.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2021 02:47 PM (Cxk7w)

82 Pheasants used to race cars on country roads around here sometimes, too. Weed control seems to have thinned them out, too.
Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 12:49

When I started farming in IL in 1980 used to see pheasants. By the time the farm was sold, 2012, no more pheasants for a number of yrs.

What did show up were turkeys. Walking the dog she scared by a dozen once.

Posted by: Farmer at July 24, 2021 06:32 PM (55Qr6)

83 up, scared up
I should have said flushed but couldn't think of the word. LOL, old age creeps up.

Posted by: Farmer at July 24, 2021 06:42 PM (55Qr6)

84 Hey K.T.
Hello from the NoVaMoMe. My lovely wife won an early raffle prize and picked, as I figured she would, the Gardening and Puttering Thread prize. Thank you for wonderful thread and all of you for a fantastic site. And a great prize!

And a big shout out to all who arranged and supported the NoVaMoMe. Great time!

Posted by: JerseyDevilRider at July 24, 2021 08:12 PM (fO9IX)

85 Skip at July 24, 2021 02:22 PM

Yes, nothing better than almost-ripe dill seed heads for making dill pickles.

Trick: Try putting a seed head in some commercial dill pickles. With a fresh garlic if you fancy that.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 09:20 PM (BVQ+1)

86 JerseyDevilRider at July 24, 2021 08:12 PM

Great to hear from you, from from the NoVaMoMe.

Posted by: KT at July 24, 2021 09:24 PM (BVQ+1)

87 Love the deck pics! Could be my own deck, except my peppers are *not* happy. Not absolutely sure why, but suspect the June heatwave hurt them.

Next year, will only plant flowers. They seem more tolerant of the extreme heat.

Posted by: JQ, a hick in the sticks at July 25, 2021 01:48 AM (dB4Iz)

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