Thinking spring

[jackb]

Thinking that I might tempt Mother Nature into hastening spring along I added a pot of zinnias and calendulas to the tray of lettuce I planted today. I really should have been doing this all winter, but without Ava around to remind me I just forgot about them. Getting old I guess. Well, she is on vacation next week and will be staying over, so I have to get plenty of rest this week.

Jack B

 

[Carol Dee]

Can spring ever come soon enough? Have a blast with Ava's visit.

 

[jackb]

Can spring ever come soon enough? Have a blast with Ava's visit.

She has been waiting since last fall to plant her cantaloupe seeds so that is definitely on the agenda.

Jack B

 

[Smart Red]

Much as I'd like to start my seedlings, I've learned that planting anything much before mid March just won't do as well.

Yes, I still enjoy pushing the envelop and working toward the first "blank" in the area, but it is easier to practice patience when the temps are still in single digits.

Love, Smart Red

 

[897tgigvib]

Have her grow the biggest hugest orange fleshed honeydews and crenshaws in the world! 40 acres of them!!!

 

[jackb]

Have her grow the biggest hugest orange fleshed honeydews and crenshaws in the world! 40 acres of them!!!

And she could eat each and everyone with no problem at all.


Jack B

 

[897tgigvib]

Better make it the full 360 acres then!

 

[jackb]

Well, the flowers are cooperating and starting to bloom, however, Mother Nature is stubbornly holding on to winter this year. The ground is still frozen and covered with several inches of snow and the temperature is hardly above freezing. I should have really been growing flowers all winter along with the greens, as they provide a little cheer in dreary old New York during the winter.

The calendula is also budding and it is edible, but I have never tried eating flowers. Somehow, it just does not seem right.

Jack B

 

[catjac1975]

Jack-What are those red spheres on top of the pot. They look like cranberries.

 

[jackb]

Jack-What are those red spheres on top of the pot. They look like cranberries.

They are expanded clay pellets, a product called Hydroton, which I use for hydroponic growing. You use them, rinse them, and reuse them. I have been using the same pellets over and over for a number of years now.
The pellets simply support the plant, but they also absorb a small amount of liquid and nutrients. Additionally, they allow oxygen to get to the root system.

Jack B