What did you do in the garden today?

[akroberts1085]

Well, not exactly "in the garden" today, but when they grow up they'll be in the garden, tilling & fertilizing. I got some mulch today for the chicken pens, then went to Tractor Supply for feed & heard the little peeping. I surely do not need more chickens, but a few more can't hurt anything. I couldn't resist. Lol
So welcome to your new home, Silver Laced Wyandotte & Sapphire Gem little girls...your human mama loves ya!

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Absolutely adorable. I love having chicks around. The chirping is so soothing and sweet to hear.

 

[TJAnonymous]

Does anyone know what type of soil to use for growing pineapple plants

I use cactus type potting soil for mine... But I've also used very loamy, aged compost in 5 gallon buckets too. They do well in both.

Here's a good site for other requirements...

https://www.theindoorgardens.com/container-gardening-pineapple/

I recently bought 3 baby pineapple plants from Wellspring - Florida Special, White Jade, and Sugarloaf. I've also grown quite a few from store bought tops.

https://wellspringgardens.com/search?q=Pineapple+&options[prefix]=last

 

[akroberts1085]

I use cactus type potting soil for mine... But I've also used very loamy, aged compost in 5 gallon buckets too. They do well in both.

Here's a good site for other requirements...

https://www.theindoorgardens.com/container-gardening-pineapple/

I recently bought 3 baby pineapple plants from Wellspring - Florida Special, White Jade, and Sugarloaf. I've also grown quite a few from store bought tops.

https://wellspringgardens.com/search?q=Pineapple+&options[prefix]=last

Thank you. I have some tropical soil mix and wasn't sure if that would work or not.

 

[TJAnonymous]

Thank you. I have some tropical soil mix and wasn't sure if that would work or not.

It should be fine. They like light, evenly moist soil but don't like wet feet. As long as it drains well, you're good

 

[akroberts1085]

It should be fine. They like light, evenly moist soil but don't like wet feet. As long as it drains well, you're good

Thank you

 

[Liz Birdlover]

Absolutely adorable. I love having chicks around. The chirping is so soothing and sweet to hear.

Sounds the birds make...so wonderful. I've often said I could put a hammock up in the pigeon loft & take a nap, their cooing is just the sweetest, nature's lullaby.

 

[Nym]

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Bugleweed

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Unidentified "volunteer

Spring starflower plants, or Ipheion, are in the Amaryllis family of flowering bulbs. These charming little blooming plants hail from Argentina and Uruguay and form dense clumps of perennial flowers to chase the winter doldrums away.

I have these bulbs. They spread and look lovely each Spring.

 

[Nym]

I said a little prayer for my Clivia. This is the second time they have been ravaged by this caterpillar... the chickens dont appear too keen to eat them either.

Edit: This appears to be the pest I.D.

The lily caterpillar seems to have increased in numbers and horticultural importance along with the increased popularity of mass-planted crinum or spider lilies (Crinum pedunculatum) and clivias (Clivia miniata). Don looked at a mass planting of clivias that had been attacked by this caterpillar. Many of the plants were dead, and many others were seriously disfigured.


Pest details Common name: lily caterpillar Botanic name: Spodoptera picta (as a member of the family Noctuidae, it is related to cut worms).

Plants affected: crinums, clivia, amaryllis

Control:

The best time to treat or find the pest is first thing in the morning, as it feeds at night and hides by day. Look on both sides of the leaf, and down into the base of the plant. There are no chemicals registered specifically to control the lily caterpillar. However, products registered for the treatment of moth or butterfly caterpillars can be used, particularly the following which are readily available at nurseries and some hardware stores. Dipel (a biological control). This can be applied when the pest is first seen, but it needs to be repeat sprayed frequently to be effective and may leave a residue. Baythroid Garden Insecticide. Fast acting, knock down effect. Available in a ready to use aerosol can. Folimat. Fast acting with some systemic effect. Apply according to the instructions on the container.

If you would prefer not to use chemicals, the caterpillars can be removed physically and squashed (wear gloves if you’re squeamish). It is also a good idea to remove any badly damaged plants.

https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/f...eeds-and-garden-pests/caterpillar-on-clivias/

 

[cj2024]

I tried this with mice and after 2 weeks I didn't find any bodies and still heard them.
Then I put bait out and in two days I started finding bodies. I still have the cornbread and baking soda out, so I'll see if I get any when they show up again.

They don't die by the bait; I think they die where they hide. I only found one stink rotting one out in my garden and none around the bait. But they eventually disappeared. I set rat cage traps and haven't caught one for over 3 months. I have a Carie Mango tree that has just set fruit. I will be able to tell if they are still around when my mangoes are ripe.

 

[fuzzi]

Spring starflower plants, or Ipheion, are in the Amaryllis family of flowering bulbs. These charming little blooming plants hail from Argentina and Uruguay and form dense clumps of perennial flowers to chase the winter doldrums away.

I have these bulbs. They spread and look lovely each Spring.

Thank you.

Speaking of Amaryllis...look at what's sprouting:

About 10 or more years ago the neighbors two houses down had red Amaryllis planted around their mailbox. The house was sold to someone who fixed it up to use as a rental. In the process they ripped all the Amaryllis out and threw them away. About the same time I was walking my dog past the house and found half an Amaryllis bulb lying in the street. I took it home, planted it, and crossed my fingers. It sprouted. The following year I replanted it near my bird feeders. It has spread and gives me enjoyment every Spring.