Texas Veggie Gardeners!! Stories, Tips and ADVICE!

[joan1708]

Yes Galanie- That's a great idea. I have a garden in the back yard, but have about given up on it because the dogs run through it, and pooped in it when pups. I think I'll get some pvc pipe and do what you've done in my back yard.

 

[galanie]

Yes Galanie- That's a great idea. I have a garden in the back yard, but have about given up on it because the dogs run through it, and pooped in it when pups. I think I'll get some pvc pipe and do what you've done in my back yard.

That is a real compliment, thanks. Just don't try the arched top thing. I just hate that thing. I like the straight sided panels the best. If you do each side separately then put them together with zip ties you can then reconfigure when you need to though they get a bit floppy when you move them around.

Originally the arched top and one of the other surrounds were chicken tractors. I made them the size of my beds so I could let them scratch out the garden when it wasn't being used. But now, instead of keeping chickens in, they're keeping them out and I've made more.

 

[galanie]

Heres a close up of one of the corners where I set the timbers on their sides The "new" garden area in the side yard. As you can see, I've used various things here, mixing 4x4 and landscape timbers. The newest is from a "find" of used 8 foot fence boards. The lift off 4x4 cages are battered because the chickens try to sit on them. I've learned that everything needs a stiff framework lol. I added some stiffness here and there but none of it is entirely adequate. And here is my newest type. Made from disassembled pallets. I'm really liking the price of these frames since I already had the plastic netting sitting around. Free! They also work very well with the chickens sitting on top of them. They wont go into the garden with these tall 4x4 types, but the younger ones perch on all of them. The PVC ones are wobbly and discourage them.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Fellow Gardeners, I feel the need to ask for HELP!!! I need instructions on growing a water garden!

I refuse to complain about the rain after I prayed so hard for months to get some. However, I have no problem complaining about the standing water everywhere, and the mud, and my boots which have a hole in them (darn dog!)....

 

[Frost Homestead]

I finally managed to get more seeds in the ground this week. I planted cucumbers, about 10 different varieties of chiles/peppers, more chard and some orange tomatillos. Did a lot of moving around of pots and replacing some of the way too clay soil I had in them before. I feel like my work in the garden is never done, I can't wait until mid summer when all I have to do is water it and pick fruits!

soooo, I *STILL* haven't gotten my beets and carrots in the ground and now it's so muddy I don't know how much work I'm going to get done Monday when I'm off work. Anyone else growing beets? Any advice you'd care to share if you have?

This is going to be my first time, but last year my carrots grew really well so I'm hoping I have the same kind of luck with the beets. The beds where I plan on planting the root veggies are so full of rocks I'm going to have to dig it all out and replace it with loose soil.

fun fun fun!

 

[galanie]

Fellow Gardeners, I feel the need to ask for HELP!!!    I need instructions on growing a water garden! 

I refuse to complain about the rain after I prayed so hard for months to get some.  However, I have no problem complaining about the standing water everywhere, and the mud, and my boots which have a hole in them (darn dog!)....

But, you already have a water garden! Your yard!

Ya, it's not really that funny. I have the same type of water garden here. At least the water table is getting a refill I suppose.

Beets do pretty well for me but haven't planted any this year. Last time I grew in "square foot" style, 16 per square foot, but they need more space than that. Next time I'm doing what I usually do with them, 4" apart in rows around 8" apart. That way I can put 4 rows in my 4 foot wide beds.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

You are soooo right! I have the bestest water garden I ever had....

On another note, my tomato and pepper seeds have sprouted and are looking pretty good, especially after I got them under a light. They're starting to put on their first true leaves. I'm so proud!

Has anyone ever tried growing mangel beets for their critters?

I grew the most beautiful beets for myself last year and ended up in the ER. I juiced up a bunch of them and had a severe reaction to the oxalic acid in beets. Nausea, vomiting, extreme weakness and paralysis of the vocal cords.... that was a nice day... NOT! I have since learned that you should NEVER drink beet juice alone, and it's best not to use them too fresh! Weird, but oh so scary.

Praying for sunshine tomorrow!

 

[galanie]

How odd that you mention mangles, I just got some mangle seed and plan to try them out this spring. But I don't have the space to plant very many, I was just curious about them. Glad to know that about beet juice. I juice carrots and sometimes throw in other things and not going to be tempted with beets at all.

 

[yinepu]

I bought a raspberry plant at walmart yesterday.. almost passed it by.. but it had some nice growth and is very much alive...

now for the question of the day.. has anyone here in Texas had any luck growing raspberries?

 

[galanie]

Never grown raspberry. I've heard it can be grown here but I never had the urge to try any out.

I figure we'll get a late freeze now since I've put in my tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and red potatoes.