Gardening Thread 2021

[Sally PB]

@steadfastcluckworks, Welcome! 78 ducks, wow! That isn't small to me.

What part of the world are you in? You can add your location to your profile.

Spring is like planning for a journey. You know where you want to go, you think you know how you'll get there, but there is always a surprise or two, and some detours along the way.

 

[steadfastcluckworks]

@steadfastcluckworks, Welcome! 78 ducks, wow! That isn't small to me.

What part of the world are you in? You can add your location to your profile.

Spring is like planning for a journey. You know where you want to go, you think you know how you'll get there, but there is always a surprise or two, and some detours along the way.

That is certainly the truth! We are on a 40 acre ranch in Colorado, around 6500 above sea level. The intense sun, low humidity, not the best soil and wind definitely make for challenges! I am originally from Michigan where I could grow just about anything easily. That is not the case here, my husband is a native and he has helped me immensely with the gardening over the last decade. He has been growing gardens here since he was a child and has learned many lessons over the years, and continues to!

 

[riss]

Hi I just joined this thread! Super excited to start a garden and actually will be my first one! I have ducks and will be getting chickens soon and curious what are some good plants to have that attract bugs I can put by their coop so they have something to eat for snacks?

 

[PioneerChicks]

I need to get in gear and make some TP roll pots. I started my tomatoes and other things in those last year, and it went very well.

I heard about those this year and am about to try them! What do you think about them?

It's an herb that almost never flowers, so you have to buy plants that are rooted cuttings. It goes well with poultry.

Wow, I've never heard of it before!

Both greenhouses are 10x26. The main garden is 35x35.

I will do basil, oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, chamomile, dill, mint, cilantro, and fennel from seed. I will buy French tarragon already started, as growing it from seed is nearly impossible.

That sounds amazing!

 

[PioneerChicks]

I have a bunch of Heirloom seeds I will be attempting to grow in this challenging climate, mostly perennials. I have a small duck farm (78) and some chickens, so many are geared towards them, to save on feed. Luckily, we have 15 acres of pasture they will be on starting this spring. I recently popped a few different heirloom varieties of kale and lettuce, ducks love it. I have grown many types of herbs for years and will continue with that. I started my loveage and Anise Hissop yesterday. I have cuttings of rosemary, tarragon, and thyme that I will get into dirt shortly. I planted garlic in the fall and looking forward to harvest so I can eventually increase the garden size to at least a 1/4 acre, hopefully more. I have some comfrey plants that I am hoping to propagate in mass along with stinging nettle for fodder for all my poultry and 3 Dexter cattle. A greenhouse is being built this year so maybe I can get some hot peppers to grow, the wind and extreme dryness has made that a loosing venture in the past. I look forward to this time each year, it is always a learning experience.

What an adventure! I can't wait to hear how it goes!

 

[riss]

Just bought some seeds from menards this morning. Got a mix of veggies and flowers. Even got some pumpkin seeds!

 

[PioneerChicks]

Just bought some seeds from menards this morning. Got a mix of veggies and flowers. Even got some pumpkin seeds!

Yay! When will you plant?

 

[riss]

Not quite sure yet. I have all the stuff ready to but got to find some area where they won't get raided by the rabbits outside like they usually do. Anyone have suggestions to keep animals out of the garden. We always struggled with that stuff when I was growing up, something was always getting in. Drove my dad NUTS

 

[PioneerChicks]

Not quite sure yet. I have all the stuff ready to but got to find some area where they won't get raided by the rabbits outside like they usually do. Anyone have suggestions to keep animals out of the garden. We always struggled with that stuff when I was growing up, something was always getting in. Drove my dad NUTS

No suggestions, but good luck!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Not quite sure yet. I have all the stuff ready to but got to find some area where they won't get raided by the rabbits outside like they usually do. Anyone have suggestions to keep animals out of the garden. We always struggled with that stuff when I was growing up, something was always getting in. Drove my dad NUTS

Just rabbits? Elevated beds and/or fencing will do the trick. My rabbits aren't TOO determined so 12-16" high beds are enough to keep them out.