What did you do in the garden today?

[Sueby]

One of my life's goals was to be a Zone 6er! Now I can still probably not grow ginger.

I hear ya! I would love to grow ginger, I use so much of it. There is a big ginger farm in MA called Old Friends Farm that is known for growing 'northeast ginger' - so if they can do it, we can! I saw them on PBS, or something, about how they do their ginger in a short season, if I remember correctly it was just an issue that the ginger didn't have long enough to toughen the skin. Wish I could remember more. Or find the show.

ETA: Oh look, I found their explanation: https://www.oldfriendsfarm.com/ginger-turmeric

My best tasting tomato for 2023 was Purple Zebra, I got the seeds from Park seeds, but it was kind of expensive something like $10 for 10 seeds and I had to pay shipping. I just found out who else sells them and some places are way cheaper like https://victoryseeds.com/products/tomato-purple-zebra-f1.

If the tomato seeds you want to buy are AAS winners, its best to check this site for where to buy and shop around.
https://all-americaselections.org/product/tomato-purple-zebra/

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Wow, those are pretty looking maters.

 

[igorsMistress]

FYI the USDA has a new hardiness zone map. Based on temp changes about half the country has changed.

 

[Sally PB]

Oh look, I found their explanation

Thank you! I would LOVE to grow ginger and turmeric. "They say" how many health benefits both have (especially turmeric), and I love the taste of ginger.

I'd use a lot more if I could grow it. I was buying it, but stopped when the roots they had looked ... not as good.

 

[TJAnonymous]

FYI the USDA has a new hardiness zone map. Based on temp changes about half the country has changed.

It's not working this morning. I tried 2 different zip codes and it told me neither existed...

 

[Smokerbill]

It's not working this morning. I tried 2 different zip codes and it told me neither existed...

You don't have to use a zip code. You can enter your home address for a more accurate result.

 

[fuzzi]

Did y'all know USDA changed the plant hardiness zones?
https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

eta: I went from 6a to 6b.

Not that any of it really makes much of a difference, lol.

Thanks.

I tried that link on three different browsers. On the two that loaded it said my zip code was not found. I tried the zip code for the closest city, not found.

Typical government website...

 

[igorsMistress]

It's not working this morning. I tried 2 different zip codes and it told me neither existed...

Yeah me too. I figure give it a day or two and try again. Honestly, I doubt much will change as a result except that people in cooler climates will be able to overwinter more stuff.

 

[igorsMistress]

For those of you with hugelkultur beds, what do you use for your greens? It’s not the right time of year to trim my bushes, and no garden waste this year. Will chicken coop litter work? I haven’t wet it down to compost because it was so hot over the summer, so there’s a lot of poop in it.

 

[TJAnonymous]

Since the zip code finder isn't working on the new maps, I opened the link that allows you to look at your state map individually. According to that map, I moved from Zone 7b to Zone 8a.

Color me skeptical. This is saying that winter lows are ON AVERAGE slightly warmer which is why the zoning changed. I respectfully disagree and base my perspective on local data which was gathered for a lawsuit against the local electric company and their smart meter scam. It's actually been colder, not warmer.... So I'm going to stick with my old designation.

 

[Happy hen lover]

Did y'all know USDA changed the plant hardiness zones?
https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

eta: I went from 6a to 6b.

Not that any of it really makes much of a difference, lol.

It can't even find my zip,?!!!!? Guess I'll use map. Me too