Next Year, Things are Going to be Different

[digitS']

December is a good time to decide what the New Year's garden will look like. Let's see if we can learn from 2014 (& before) get beyond the shortfalls.

I'm willing to see excess in the garden - my compost pile is always hungry . Crop failures (or near-failures) are something different. They can both result in wasted garden space and effort. Sometimes, we can make a difference, become better gardeners, work less with more rewards ! It may take new techniques, new varieties or maybe just a change of emphasis.

Research may be needed but first -- where are we headed???

Steve

 

[bobm]

Are ya a headin' to da lab a thinkin' of slicein and a dicin' and recombinin' , GASP... DNA ?

 

[w_r_ranch]

I've always kept a garden journal so I know exactly what I planted, who I purchased the seed from, when I started/transplanted it, where I planted it (for rotation purposes) & how it performed. While I may try 1 'new' variety every year, my garden plant selection is pretty well 'set in stone'.

I've been called 'anal' because I plan everything in detail, LOL!!! I have always followed the 7 Ps (military adage) as it has always minimized failures/accidents. As there are ladies present here, I will not say what the wording of the military version is... So, lets just use this version:

Proper Planning, Preparation and Practice Prevents Poor Performance.​

 

[digitS']

There you go, @w_r_ranch . Even just doing a journal for a few years can iron out some kind of schedule. Adage: In life, timing is everything. Steve: gardening is all about life.

here's one important thing ladies may be better at, don't know. DW can remember where things were planted. After 6 months and the tractor guy ...

@bobm , I'd better leave the slicing and dicing to others. After last year's windstorm, I'm thinking I'll rely more on hybrid tomatoes than some of the heirlooms. It'll be a tragedy to give up some of them but, luckily, some are proven winners . I can't load up space on weak sisters, tho ... get a good season once every 3 years.

I tell ya! If I wasn't such a clumsy oaf, I could have a couple of my own hybrids! I'm not sure but simply outcrossing some of these inbreds might be a big step in the right direction!

But, enough of that ... I think I'll space the dahlias a little further apart and see if I can't give the spider mites further to jump. Space out the sowing schedule for things coming into the greenhouse better so that extra September warmth doesn't scuttle having greens in there, Like This Fall! ... that sort of thing.

Steve

 

[Smiles Jr.]

. . . Adage: In life, timing is everything. Steve: gardening is all about life . . .

I was taught that life began in a garden.

 

[digitS']

That too.



Steve

 

[majorcatfish]

have been thinking on the changes for next year already
first off this gum tree is coming down, in this way do not have to worry about raking leafs up during the fall.

second going to move soil from the old garlic bed to the low spot in the new expanded garden.

3rd plant the fall garden a wee bit earlier had to cover the carrots today..

4th plant better disease resistance seed varieties...

 

[canesisters]

@majorcatfish - I'd LOVE a tutorial on growing sprouts. Your's are AMAZING!!! I tried them for the first time this year and they got about a foot tall ... and ... well, nothing else. Just grew, and stopped. Sitting there looking all pretty and everything - but just sitting there.
I picked them up at Southern States on impulse - so have no idea what sort they are. I put them in the half barrel that the pole beans grew so well in this summer - which is full of a nice mix of compost and top soil (from a ditch cleanout behind the barn).

 

[majorcatfish]

@canesisters this year was strange for mine 12" to 4' high they should all be the same height, since they are in the cabbage family they like high potash which i added above the 10-10-10. the only thing i can up with is while tillering in it in more potash was moved to one end.
as for seed look for a verities that take 120 days plus since you are basically in the same zone as i. one thing i hate is a bitter sprout thats why i prefer to wait to harvest, but i lose the bottom portion.
about the middle of may direct seed as many seeds you are going to have space for once sprouted gently transplant them to their final home.

 

[AMKuska]

I'm headed for...more gardening space. MORE! MWAHAHAHA!

In all seriousness, the garden bed is doubling, I have a new raised garden bed, and I'll be adding a completely new garden in the backyard. Fun!