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Yes, I know. I am committing one of web design's most hated faux paus by opening with a "welcome" statement mixed with a "sort of under construction" statement. There are perfectly reasonable explanations for why one would not want to do this. What can I say? I'm a rule breaker who likes to live on the edge. And not a bit sarcastic either.

April Fools Day Garden Update

Submitted by Tina Marie on Thu, 04/01/2010 - 06:09

It has been a while since my last update. Thankfully, I have been busy enjoying this beautiful weather and playing in the dirt. Some major changes have come about since the last report, some good, some bad. You know how is goes sometimes.

Aloe Vera

Herbs
Botanical Name 
Aloe barbadensis
Family 
Liliaceae
Other Names 
alwat, miracle plant, burn plant, medicinal aloe
Category 
Tender perennial, succulent, houseplant, tropical
Hardiness Zones 
USDA 9-11
Light Requirements 
Full sun to light shade
Water Requirements 
Moderate, dought tolerant
Description 

This drought-resitant succulent forms clumps of fleshy, narrow, pointed grey-green leaves 1-2 feet long with small teeth along the edges.

 

Planting and Propagation 
Planting Depth Plant Height Plant Spacing Days to Germinate Preservation Method
Do not cover 24-48 in. 48 in. 30-180 Use Fresh

Although this plant can be grown from seed or leaf cuttings, it is far less complicated to remove the offshoots, or pups, from the base of the plant and transplant them. Once the pups get a few inches tall you can gently pull them from under the plant, trying to get as much root as possible. Let them sit out for a day or so to let the root wounds callous over then pot up in a sandy, well draining soil.

 

Chives

Herbs
Botanical Name 
Allium schoenoprasum
Family 
Liliaceae
Category 
Perennial bulb semi-evergreen
Hardiness Zones 
USDA 3-9
Light Requirements 
Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements 
Regular
Warning 
None
Planting and Propagation 
Planting Depth Plant Height Plant Spacing Days to Germinate Preservation Method
1/4 in. 8-12 in. 6 in. 15-20 Drying & Freezing

Yarrow

Herbs
Botanical Name 
Achillea
Family 
Asteraceae
Other Names 
staunch weed, nosebleed, soldier's woundwort,
Other Names 2 
milfoil, thousand leaf, thousand seal, field hop
Category 
Perennial
Hardiness Zones 
USDA 3-9
Light Requirements 
Full Sun
Water Requirements 
Little to average, drought tolerant
Warning 
Handling can cause skin irritation
Planting and Propagation 
Planting Depth Plant Height Plant Spacing Days to Germinate Preservation Method
Barely Cover 18-24 in. 8 in. 8-20 Drying

Basil

Herbs
Botanical Name 
Ocimum basilicum
Family 
Lamiaceae
Other Names 
Common Basil, Sweet Basil
Category 
Annual
Hardiness Zones 
None
Light Requirements 
Full Sun
Water Requirements 
Average
Warning 
None
Description 

BasilGrown as an annual in the United States, this aromatic, sweet herb grows wild in the hot tropical regions of Africa and is native to tropical and subtropical Asia.
Basil can easily grow to two feet tall and graces us first with shiny, oval, sweet smelling leaves then spikes of small white to pinkish blooms in midsummer. It is another herb highly recommended for new gardeners because it is extremely easy to grow. It's popular use in the kitchen makes basil a staple in any kitchen garden but it can be grown just for the beautiful and plesantly scented foliage.

Uses 

Extensively used in the kitchen, the spicy-sweet leaves are popular in Mediterranean dishes and oil of basil is used in some liqueurs. It's sweet, coverlike arroma makes it useful in perfumes, cosmetics, and soaps.
Basil has been used medicinally to cure vomiting, stress, headaches, and other pains. It has also been said to be an insect repellent although this is somewhat of a misleading proclamation. Much like other companion plantings, sometimes it isn't about what shoos away the bugs but providing them something to munch on that they like more than your prized plants. Planting basil alongside veggies, such as tomato, that are suseptible to whitefly infestation will attract whiteflies but since they do enjoy the basil more, they will be more likely to leave your veggies alone.

Planting and Propagation 
Planting Depth Plant Height Plant Spacing Days to Germinate Preservation Method
1/4 in 18-24 in. 10 in. 5-10 Drying & Freezing

Common Thyme

Herbs
Botanical Name 
Thymus Vulgaris
Family 
Lamiaceae
Other Names 
Garden Thyme
Category 
Perennial Semi-Evergreen
Hardiness Zones 
USDA 5-9
Light Requirements 
Full sun to light shade in very hot climates
Water Requirements 
Average
Warning 
None
Description 

thymeCommon thyme is equally versatile in and out of the kitchen garden and is such a dream to grow. When people who are new to herb gardening ask for suggestions, this is number one on my list. Although it may not be the easiest herb to grow, it isn't difficult and the rewards are many.
It is a low growing, woody, perennial herb categorized as a small shrub. It usually doesn't get much bigger than a foot tall and has tiny, aromatic, dark green leaves.  Our winged friends, particularly bees, are attracted to the small pink to purple blooms that appear in mid spring to early summer. It can be an evergreen through the winter when located in a sunny, well drained location.

Uses 

This herb has a wide variety of culinary applications. Though tiny, the leaves of the thyme plant are very pungent and when dried, retain their flavor better than most herbs. Leaves, flowers, and stems are all edible.

The source of thyme's flavor is thymol which is what gives Listerine its antiseptic quality and it also used in various organic cleaning solutions.  There are several preparations that are believed to have medicinal qualities, least of which are infusions for cough and respiratory infections. (Disclaimer) As always, it is suggested that you discuss any medicinal uses with your doctor.

Thyme is used as a potherb in herb or kitchen gardens, in low decorative borders, containers, rock gardens, in paths and even as a ground cover. It can also act as a repellent for several garden pests when planted as a companion to some of your plants that insects find particularly tasty.

Planting and Propagation 
Planting Depth Plant Height Plant Spacing Days to Germinate Preservation Method
1/4 in 8-12 in. 8 in. 8-20 Drying

You can propagate thyme by dividing, taking cuttings, or from seed. It is fairly popular so you can usually find decent sized starts at nurseries. I have always found it so unbelievably easy to grow from seed that I would rather pay $1.00 for a package of seed than upwards of $2.00-$3.00 apiece for plants.

You can start seed in pots or trays indoors for transplants about six weeks before the last frost.  You can also sow seed directly in the garden in well draining average soil in a sunny spot. Either way, you will want your seed to be planted to a depth of approximately 1/4 of an inch deep with a spread of 4-6 seed per inch. When they are approximately 1 inch tall, thin them to about one plant per 8 inches.

Growing 

Thyme is pretty forgiving of most mistreatment and will thrive in a variety of less than optimal conditions. This makes them perfect for containers and they will even take part shade and the lovely thick clay we have in the Carolinas. They are, however, more likely to be evergreen through zone 7 winters if they are planted in sunny, well drained locations and they barely spread in thick soils. It is hardy in zones 4-8 but may die back during harsh weather only to return when conditions are more favorable.

Harvesting 

You can begin harvesting small sprigs of thyme modestly the first year. You can either clip sprigs to hang in a cool dry place to dry or strip the leaves from the plant to use fresh.

Saving Seed 

It may not be recommended that you do so but you certainly can collect your own thyme seed. And me, I suggest that you try anything once before you knock it.
Having said that, thyme seed matures at different rates from plant to plant and the seeds are very tiny. You'll have to take some care to collect and dry them without losing them.
First, if your plants are wet, the seed is going to stick to the plants and become a mess so you want to make sure the plants are dry. Second, a windy day will make this task frustrating real quick so you'll want to pick a calm day.
To release the seed you can simply shake the plant over a white piece of paper or plain white envelope. Then you will want to spread them out to dry in a cool, dry place preferably in an area where they will not readily be disturbed.

Known Pests and Diseases 

If the health of your plant seems to be declining, check for aphids, spider mites, and whitefly. Over-watering and planting in a poorly draining location can also lead to root rot and assorted fungal infections.

If you do have problems with pests or fungi, you may want to choose organic pesticides and fungicides, especially if there is a chance that this will be used in or on the body.

Garden and greenhouse update part 1 3/15/10

Submitted by Redheaded Garde... on Mon, 03/15/2010 - 13:42

I got sick for a few days.....and, everything in my greenhouse decided to start growing like mad!
My brugs have all started to put on beautiful new leaves....
Most of my seedlings have started to sprout....including some I planted just last week.
I  went out today to someone else's greenhouse, because my stuff hadn't grown that much the last time I saw it! lol
Most if not all of my bulbs have broken ground.....and to suprise me for feeling a little better today.....I opened the doors to tons of amarylis blooms!

My new garden project...thanks to my dog.

Submitted by Redheaded Garde... on Wed, 03/10/2010 - 07:43

So yesterday I realized I have a need for a whole new project to protect my square foot garden from my dog.
Yes, my dog likes to dig in the boxes...walk in the boxes...roll around in the boxes.
She's not on my list of awesome things right now!
She about killed over half of my cabbage and brocolli digging....shes walked on and killed a good amount of my lettuce.
I'm really frustrated right now!

Greenhouse and Garden update for 3/6/10

Submitted by Redheaded Garde... on Sat, 03/06/2010 - 20:07