Veggie Garden Info

Unusual Jujube Fruits Earn a Second Opinion

Original post from Veggie Gardening Tips

A recent article here about rare backyard fruits described my first experiences with the uncommon jujube fruit, which is also known as the Chinese Date.

No, I wasn’t impressed with this odd tree fruit when I tasted it for the very first time. But despite the so-so encounter with that initial jujube fruit, I was determined to keep an open mind about the worthiness of planting a jujube tree in the backyard orchard or landscape.

Growing Support for Jujube Fruits

My optimism increased when I received a favorable jujube comment from Ben, a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers who painted a rosier picture of the jujube and suggested that the fruits which I had sampled may have been well past their prime. So I figured that I would give them a second chance but hardly expected that the opportunity would arrive as soon as it did. 

Read the rest of this post HERE.

So?

Original post from Our Little Acre.

It's been said that I'm obsessed with gardening, in fact, I heard it again just two days ago. I always want to reply with, "So?" I know I'm not alone and there are worse things in the world that a middle-aged woman could do with her spare time. I could be one of those crazy cat ladies that everyone talks about and looks at funny.

Oh . . . Yeah . . . So?

Anyway, I've got a new obsession within my obsession. Grapes! I want to grow grapes, just for eating. Even before we discovered the wild ones growing along the creek behind our property, I wanted to grow them, but Romie didn't think it was a good idea. That would mean more work he said. More work for whom?

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Seed Saving

Original post from Lucky's Duck Farm, November 06, 2007

Today's photo is showing you how the spring onion flower is starting to give up those beautiful black seeds. This flower has been cut off the actual plant and now drying in a dish, in a safe and dry place.

I have been saving my own spring onion seeds for a few years now and I find this not only rewarding but also satisfying. Also past harvested seeds have been sent to other gardeners in seed swapping.

Saving seeds from my garden has taken me awhile to start, as I wanted to get to know growing vegies before I took the next step.
 

Read the rest of this post HERE.

Jerusalem Artichokes

Original post from Down on the Allotment, November 06, 2007

These were some of my Jerusalem artichokes a couple of weeks ago. I haven't dug any up yet, the foliage has just about died down now, but I think it is better to wait till after they have had a frost on them. Like parsnips, the sugar level and the taste generally is much better after a frost. I just love them! But they have a very complex carbohydrate structure which makes them an excellent food source, but they are famous for giving you wind!
 

Read the rest of this post HERE.

Testing the pH of Soil.

Original post from Scarecrow's Garden, November 06, 2007

What does pH testing tell you about your soil?
Why should you bother testing your soil?

Basically a pH test will indicate whether your soil is acid or alkaline.
So? The important thing here is that some plants prefer growing in acid soil conditions and others prefer alkaline conditions.

If you are having problems and can't seem to find an adequate answer then testing the pH of your soil may be helpful.

You may have thought you had applied all the necessary goodies but if the pH is incorrect then these nutrients just won't be available to the plant roots.

Nitrogen is less available at both extremes of the scale.
Phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium, magnesium and molybdenum are locked up in very acid soils.

Read the rest of this post HERE.

Seed Saving: The Out-Breeders

Original post from Bifurcated Carrots, November 06, 2007

This is where seed saving can become very difficult. Like the seed saving posts from the last few days, I’m going to focus here on the simplest aspects of out-breeding plants. Let’s also be very clear here, I have about 5 years experience with seed saving. For some people that may make it seem like I am an expert, but many people spend their whole lives working in this field and are still learning new things. In fact anyone who tells you they don’t have anything new to learn about seed saving is probably lying to you. Even well known published books on the subject come out with new editions and changed information, as opinions change and new information is uncovered.

Think of this post as something to get you started thinking on this subject, not a how-to guide! Also remember everything I say here is a guideline, not a rule. The great thing about seed saving is you can do whatever you want! 

Read the rest of this post HERE.

fieldfares return

Original post from Sustainable Garden, November 05, 2007

A busy time away from the garden, but back this weekend.
Pictured is some of the produce brought home:
calabrese
leeks
beetroot
..and spinach.
All delicious and the spinach stalks especially enjoyed by the hens.

In the large poplars to the north of the allotments a group of fieldfares (overwintering Scandinavian thrushes) clucked. A sure sign that we are entering the cold season.

Read this post HERE.

Manure spreading action!

Original post from Tiny Farm Blog, November 05, 2007

A satisfying few hours today, spreading year-old cow manure on the market garden. Bob and the old White 70hp handled the spreader. I used the Kubota compact tractor to fill from the aging pile in the yard outside the loafing barn. 

Read the rest of this post HERE.