Gardening 2023

[Jack 67]

We do gardening as an activity for the patients and what we produced this year was disappointing. 

Will leaves suffice in adding nutrients to our soil? I am trying to get a compost bin, but admin keeps pushing back on the idea. 

Is there a recommended product I can mix in with the soil? Should we change the soil out? 

I'll take any tips or advice. I should have paid better attention to when my father gardened. 

We have a raised garden bed. We usually grow peas, peppers, cukes, and tomatoes. 

[Chris 2,161]

37 minutes ago, Jack said:

Will leaves suffice in adding nutrients to our soil? I am trying to get a compost bin, but admin keeps pushing back on the idea. 

They'll help, but won't suffice alone. You can buy finished and screened compost at Banfield Baker. Thats really all I use, in addition to the compost I get from our own bins here. 

A soil test wouldn't hurt. Cornell Cooperative Extension should be able to help you with it. 

[Chris 2,161]

So here's what I learned this year:

• Just buy fresh corn. It's far more reliable than trying to grow it unless you have a huge area planted.
• I've gotten better at pruning basil to keep it from getting "leggy." I still can't keep it alive once it's moved inside for winter. 
• Morning glory plants are heavy. Chicken wire stapled to 2x4s aint gonna cut it. 
• I'm also giving up on onions. I can't get them to grow and they take up valuable garden space. 
• Done with tomatoes as well, unless they're in a pot on their own.
• The moment I give away those delicata squash I grew, the wife will find a recipe that calls for them. 
• Plant less zucchini. 
• Potatoes continue to be the best yield for the last amount of work.

[Hal 341]

My lessons for next year ;

Plant less potatoes ! 
Put cabbages and Brussel sprouts in a separate patch and fenced in . 
No rutabaga , delicious but not every damn day . 
Buy two more cedar raised beds … worth every penny !! 

 

[Ann 263]

23 hours ago, Chris said:

So here's what I learned this year:

• Just buy fresh corn. It's far more reliable than trying to grow it unless you have a huge area planted.
• I've gotten better at pruning basil to keep it from getting "leggy." I still can't keep it alive once it's moved inside for winter. 
• Morning glory plants are heavy. Chicken wire stapled to 2x4s aint gonna cut it. 
• I'm also giving up on onions. I can't get them to grow and they take up valuable garden space. 
• Done with tomatoes as well, unless they're in a pot on their own.
• The moment I give away those delicata squash I grew, the wife will find a recipe that calls for them. 
• Plant less zucchini. 
• Potatoes continue to be the best yield for the last amount of work.

Have you tried drying your basil?  

[Chris 2,161]

44 minutes ago, Ann said:

Have you tried drying your basil?  

Oh yeah, lots of it. I just can't keep it alive once it's moved indoors. 

[Ann 263]

3 hours ago, Chris said:

Oh yeah, lots of it. I just can't keep it alive once it's moved indoors. 

Have you thought about starting a pot of basil indoors instead of moving outside to inside?

[Chris 2,161]

I have. It can be a finicky plant.