Garden thread

[rosemarythyme]

How do ya’ll fertilize seedlings? What do you use, when and how often?

Usually recommended to not fertilize seedlings. I also use a bagged starter mix to start seeds.

I actually don't fertilize much at all (I have 1 small bag of organic fertilizer that my in laws left here years ago, still haven't used it up) and mostly rely on amending the beds with compost before planting season and working it in. Plus I sprung for a good soil mix at the start.

 

[Nay]

Is anyone doing winter sowing outdoors this year?

Today I set trays of foxgloves, hollyhocks and lupines. I hope they work, I've never tried this method before. They are Hardy seeds so should be fine.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I keep meaning to do winter sowing for seeds that need stratification like lavender. Then I forget. :T Oopsies. Not even sure I have lavender seeds still. I might.

 

[Melodychick]

Do any of you get your soil tested? My test came back a bit low in potassium, and I’m wondering, if after amending should I get it tested again to see if I did it right. Do those over the counter test kits work at all? That would be an easier and quicker check up test than sending it off again. Also what do you use for a potassium amendment? I am composting now, but don’t have enough for the whole garden although I have an abundance of horse manure!

 

[igorsMistress]

Do any of you get your soil tested? My test came back a bit low in potassium, and I’m wondering, if after amending should I get it tested again to see if I did it right. Do those over the counter test kits work at all? That would be an easier and quicker check up test than sending it off again. Also what do you use for a potassium amendment? I am composting now, but don’t have enough for the whole garden although I have an abundance of horse manure!

You can bury citrus peels and/or wood ash directly in the soil. Composting fruit and veg peels builds it in your compost.

 

[igorsMistress]

Hello gardeners

I live in the desert so I'm gardening now. When you all are getting your summer crops I'll be hiding from the sun!
We're waiting for artichokes to bloom, carrots to grow and seeds to sprout. I put in some asparagus, forget me nots, Nastrurtiums and alyssum yesterday. I've got a grass frame that just sprouted and we should have some squash and herb sprouts soon too.

I'm going back to read through the previous posts, just marking my spot. Have a great day!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Do any of you get your soil tested? My test came back a bit low in potassium, and I’m wondering, if after amending should I get it tested again to see if I did it right. Do those over the counter test kits work at all? That would be an easier and quicker check up test than sending it off again. Also what do you use for a potassium amendment? I am composting now, but don’t have enough for the whole garden although I have an abundance of horse manure!

Good questions. I haven't but I think I will try the home tests this year.

 

[Farmdog267]

Daffodils are starting to bloom. They are one of my favorites!
View attachment 2008639

Our spring bulbs are starting to poke through a tiny bit in the front flower beds. Back yard areas, not quite yet.

 

[Sequel]

Do any of you get your soil tested? My test came back a bit low in potassium, and I’m wondering, if after amending should I get it tested again to see if I did it right. Do those over the counter test kits work at all? That would be an easier and quicker check up test than sending it off again. Also what do you use for a potassium amendment? I am composting now, but don’t have enough for the whole garden although I have an abundance of horse manure!

If your state or country offers reasonable soil testing it might be a good idea. I got one of those home test kits where you mix up some soil in the solution and match the color on the chart. I found it really difficult to decide which color it actually was! If they have better ones now I might think about getting one.
Your local county extension office may have info about local soil conditions too. It’s great to know what you actually need to be doing, having said that good compost to improve texture and humus content will help plants use what is there.
The one thing I did learn from my diy test kit is that my soil is very acidic. So I do use wood ashes. Local garden experts say our soils here tends to be low in nitrogen because of rain leaching it all winter, so I use an organic fertilizer at planting time. I’m pretty laissez-faire, I don’t do a lot of fussing once stuff is in the ground. I’ma terrible container gardener!
I looked up garden sources of potassium and saw kelp and hardwood ashes mentioned.
What is your dirt like? I know they’ve been growing stuff in Mississippi a very long time. That’s about all I know, haha!

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I bought one of those testing kits and my soil tested high for everything and a perfect 7.0PH. Either I've got amazing garden beds or the kit was not very good. I'm undecided, honestly. Kinda wanna get a state test done.

@igorsMistress Welcome aboard! Still nothing but snow here. Snow for a long while yet - another month at least.