2023 Garden Thread

So I planted a bed of gladiolus this year and now almost all have bloomed.
I read you should cut back the leaves, but when?
Do you have to dig up the corms or can you just leave in the ground over winter on the west side of WA?
I was thinking of putting down some straw for mulch/insulation.
I am hoping to get a knee replacement this fall so getting on my knees to dig or plant will be tough.
 
Let the glads die back, and they like water, so do not let them dry out.
Ours come back every year, but are close to the house and the heat island.
Mulching is never a bad idea for glads, some fir branches on top of the straw so it does not blow away...and weed free straw/ hay whatever is a good idea...that is for sure.
;)
 
Tomatoes are finally coming. I got a late start this year but will start handoffs to the neighbors soon.
Quick question for @Mossback @Capt Insano Emeritis or any other tomato experts.
In years past, I’ve had some issues with blossom rot. Almost always on Romas and it would start when the tomatoes were still green. I thought I had it dicked this year as the Romas look great, but now I’m getting it on the Early Girl 50’s. It isn’t on many, but what is odd is it seems to be developing after the tomato is about half way ripe.
Is this common? I’ve been super diligent on the watering, but maybe not enough water still?
SF

IMG_4659.jpegIMG_4660.jpegIMG_4662.jpeg
 
Stonedfish said:
Tomatoes are finally coming. I got a late start this year but will start handoffs to the neighbors soon.
Quick question for @Mossback @Capt Insano Emeritis or any other tomato experts.
In years past, I’ve had some issues with blossom rot. Almost always on Romas and it would start when the tomatoes were still green. I thought I had it dicked this year as the Romas look great, but now I’m getting it on the Early Girl 50’s. It isn’t on many, but what is odd is it seems to be developing after the tomato is about half way ripe.
Is this common? I’ve been super diligent on the watering, but maybe not enough water still?
SF

View attachment 81025View attachment 81026View attachment 81027
Click to expand...
BER… the usual suspects. Without adequate calcium and balanced ph especially in a container… good drainage is necessary. Fighting early signs of blossom end rot with 1.5 cups bone meal in a 5 gallon bucket steep for a few days and use to water pots. Some varietals are prone to it. Soil blending is tricky in pots. Need some water retention(loam or worm castings) I use granular organic fert. Never use manure in pots… too many surprises
 
Hmmm...
I would not say common for it start midway through ripening, but it happened to us before. I think there's just a tiny bit of BER present, that develops over time...my guess.
Romas...usually the worst offenders for us.
 
53774241-.jpg
Nice pic from some friends out here...
Garden turned out well for them.
 
Good info and much appreciated.
I’ll refer back to this next year as I try to up my tomato knowledge game.
SF
 
Yeah...thanks
Couple years ago, that's a part of the back garden.
Nice site to work at, done a few things there.
 
Canuck from Kansas said:
@Mossback, What is the mounding green behind the cat, some sort of Thyme? How do you get it so thick and even, tons of potted plants or from seed?

Beautiful work by the way!!
Click to expand...
Practice, Practice, Practice...same way you get to Carnegie Hall.
;)

Wooly thyme... just planted in very well drained soils 2 years ago. I think there were 7 4" pots at install. Good sun exposure and very sharp drainage and the plant took off and established quickly.

Edit:
There were 5 plants...
 
Last edited:
More a yard than garden question, but yesterday was trimming an arbor vitae when I was assaulted by a cloud of fly-sized, stinging insects. Anyone have experience with this and can offer solutions?
 
Cleaning up, got busy with work and let a lot of stuff go the past month.
20230911_105509.jpg

Found a pear tree I had no idea we had, 20 years hiding. It's loaded this year, going to drag the fruit ladder down to it and get them all.

20230911_104057.jpg

Jumbo Zucchini

20230911_105419.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top