What did you do in the garden today?

[igorsMistress]

Seeds have been arriving! Exciting to open the packs. Some sell packets with pics, some do not, so I have to write notes on them.

I’m working on the garden plan. Our new-to-us seed to try will be “cuka-melon” aka “sour gherkin”.

Jerusalem artichokes: who has experience growing these? Thoughts? I’ve eaten some many years ago (but don’t remember much about them). Husband want to grow them as he likes them. Seems like a candidate for their own perennial bed ( like as for asparagus).

Jerusalem artichokes are pretty easy. They’ll sprout when it gets warm, and will grow just about anywhere but don’t like soggy soil. Can tolerate some shade but prefer full sun in most climates.

I wouldn’t put them in a bed, a container or grow bag is better. They can and do spread quite easily if put in the ground and in some places are seen as invasive. For each root you plant I would use a five gallon container so you can get a good harvest.

 

[igorsMistress]

G’morning all. Yesterday was a gorgeous day here and we spent most of the day outside. We still had some lattice I got from my folks many years ago that we used up on the fence around the raised beds. We have a plan to provide shade from above as well this year, at least during the hottest part of the day. I also worked on the shade garden. No more beds in there, and there’s enough room to make it a feeding area for the crew where I can keep pigeons at bay. Now I just need to convince everyone to go in there and eat.

A few pics. I really cut back the rosemary but it has tons of new growth already. I’m happy to see that, I didn’t want to dig it out as it’s one of my oldest plants out there. Bricks are to keep the chickens and ducks from digging and laying eggs in there (I found a pile of duck eggs hidden behind the rosemary).

 

[Sally PB]

They have a starch called inulin, which doesn't break down in the digestive system, so they're good for diabetics. Your system might easily treat sunchokes differently than digestible starches.

Inulin gives me gas. It's in some protein bars. If I eat one, I get a lot of gas. I made the mistake of eating two for a meal just one time. That was enough.

 

[MotherofOrpies]

Totally ot, but… if anyone here wants a laugh ( or 3) check out the ratings on amazon about the sugar free gummy bears

 

[igorsMistress]

They have a starch called inulin, which doesn't break down in the digestive system, so they're good for diabetics. Your system might easily treat sunchokes differently than digestible starches.

I have read and heard that fermenting them a bit helps with this while also improving flavor. I intend to try that this year.

 

[Liz Birdlover]

It's been below freezing most of January, but now we're in a bit of a warm spell, Warming up during the days then freezing back over at night... It took a while, but the melt has gradually happened. The only ice and snow left now are patches that do not get much sun and of course the mounds of snow where people plowed & piled. So today, well above freezing, actually almost like Spring temperatures. It's raining and muddy as can possibly be. My truck needs a bath. Last night at 8m, leaving work, walking to my truck, I caught that familiar spring rain scent in my nostrils & it made me smile. It is the kick in the butt that I need for the inspiration...Gather up the stuff to start some seeds Indoors on my day off Sunday, and Get Excited About Upcoming Spring Gardening!

We cleaned the coops last weekend & will finish cleaning the pigeon loft this weekend, dumping then eventually tilling the new compost area after it is less of a mudhole. The aged compost area is lookin good. When the weather cooperates, another Sunday, I can dig up some of the Black Gardner's Gold compost, & dump & till in the new garden area I will be planting. Right now everything is winter time dead, but I look forward to seeing those 1st shoots of green.

 

[jerryse]

Rainy day with flood watch.

 

[MotherofOrpies]

I have fermented the sun chokes, in my opinion they are way more „edible“ than before, but sensitive person will still get a little gassy it always depends on how much you consume

 

[WthrLady]

Beyond being dry as a bone. It's insanely dry.
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I need it to get cold this week so I can trim the orchard.

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BTW don't you think that if you post things for sale on marketplace/craigslist, you should actually CHECK your notifications/emails frequently, so that buyers and sellers can get things done?!
OMG. I've been waiting for someone to check their notifications for DAYS.

 

[LaurenRitz]

Frustrating, I know, but I later found that one lady was in the hospital. Sometimes there are reasons.