125 replies to this topic

[maxmillan]

I've harvested all the strawberries from my June bearing plant. The weather is now getting warmer and wonder if anything else will grow from this plant.

If not, what can I do to save this plant for next year? Is it possible?

[sanrensho]

I've harvested all the strawberries from my June bearing plant.  The weather is now getting warmer and wonder if anything else will grow from this plant. 

If not, what can I do to save this plant for next year?  Is it  possible?

I don't think you have to do anything. Strawberries are a perennial so they will keep multiplying provided you have the space.

[mtigges]

I've harvested all the strawberries from my June bearing plant.  The weather is now getting warmer and wonder if anything else will grow from this plant. 

If not, what can I do to save this plant for next year?  Is it  possible?

sanrensho is correct. You can however put a light mulch over them in October. Especially if they're in containers. Straw is best.

[maxmillan]

Thanks to the above for answering my strawberry inquiry.

My zucchini plant is being ravaged by slugs. Not big ones, but baby ones that are eating the flower and tender stalk near the base.

I have placed beer nearby which is successful on non-rainy days. But with this recent rain I've been picking out the baby slugs and they keep multiplying. I know to keep the area dry come night time but right now that's hard to do. Should I cover the plant with plastic so the area around it stays dry? I've wrapped and sprinkle fresh oregano at the base hoping this will deter them.

What else can I do?

What are slugs good for anyways?

Edited by maxmillan, 19 July 2007 - 01:27 PM.

[sanrensho]

Thanks to the above for the strawberry inquiry.

My zucchini plant is being ravaged by slugs.  Not big one, but baby ones who are eating the flower and tender stalk near the base.

I'd be interested in a solution to this problem as well. The "safe" slug bait does nothing for the smaller slugs and the beer solution only worked for larger slugs in my garden.

I finally had to rip out two patches of mesculin and mizuna this week when they became infested with slugs. So it's back to watercress and spinach salads at our home.

[KarenDW]

Admittedly, I have not read all the posts to this thread, and this may be a duplicate. But there are some interesting articles posted here
http://www.cityfarme...wpages.html#new

[KarenDW]

What are slugs good for anyways?

Slugs feed garter snakes and also feed ducks :-)

[run2eat]

re: slugs
Copper wire or tape is reported to be an effective barrier:

http://www.eartheasy..._slug_cntrl.htm
http://perfectperenn...od.com/id7.html

[Eden]

What are slugs good for anyways?

Slugs feed garter snakes and also feed ducks :-)

This is true, back when my mom had ducks [ducks feed raccoons) our neighbors used to borrow them to come eat snails & slugs from their garden on a regular basis.

Does organo really help, or does it just make the slugs tastier for the ducks?

[maxmillan]

re: slugs
Copper wire or tape is reported to be an effective barrier:

http://www.eartheasy..._slug_cntrl.htm
http://perfectperenn...od.com/id7.html

Thanks for the link. I read through it and think I will try some of the methods, especially the ammonia spray.

The oregano seem to work only on areas where I placed them. I wrapped the fresh oregano around the base of the zucchini plant but those little buggers still get at the stem end. I made a poultice with oregano and slathered it around the stalk part and that seem to work, too.

Now I see wood bugs eating some of the zucchini leaves. Either they are attracted to the trail of slug slime or the baby slugs are attracted to them.

Any advice on getting rid of or deterring wood bugs?

[maxmillan]

Zucchinis are now coming out in full force. I made a spray of one part ammonia and ten part water and it seems to work.

Now I want to propagate a blueberry stem I got from a friend but don't know a thing about propagation. I have the fresh stem in a jar of water right now. Do I really need rooting solution to start it off?

[Zucchini Mama]

http://www.thebuglady.ca/buying.htm

I wanted to put up this website as a source for the copper tape for slugs. I find I have to grow my plants in pots until they are fairly strong, then transplant them so the slugs don't get them. Apparently even old copper pennies in your garden give slugs little shocks.

As for wood bugs, they usually just munch on decaying matter. I've never heard of them being a problem. I have gazillions of them in my garden and they never touch the healthy stuff.

Also for gardening, check out a local blog called Heavy Petal. She's wonderful and has a good gardening blogroll.

I have a nice crop of Cherokee Trail of Tears beans this year. They are a climbing black bean that you can eat green and young or eat them as a pot bean or dry them when they turn purple. I picked up the seeds at Seedy Saturday.

Edited by Zucchini Mama, 15 August 2007 - 09:24 PM.

[maxmillan]

I have started sprouting seeds for cherry tomatoes, fennel, flaxplant and garlice chive.

I've decided to grow mostly herbs this summer for consumption use.

I want to grow rosemary, lavender, thyme, sage, and oregano. However, there are a few varieties of each and would like some advice as to which variety to grow. I want the variety that is flavorful for most dishes.

I'm also considering wormwood, yarrow and other medicinally useful herbs.

Because of slugs last year, I plan to grow these in raised planters.

Also, I would like to know what other herbs you have grown that are low maintenance and delicious.

Your advice and suggestions are much appreciated

[mtigges]

Also, I would like to know what other herbs you have grown that are low maintenance and delicious.

Your advice and suggestions are much appreciated

Basil, tarragon and parsley can all be added to your list. Basil should wait a month to a month and a half, the others can go in now (or after the weekend - what a crappy spring).

[Zucchini Mama]

I have started sprouting seeds for cherry tomatoes, fennel, flaxplant and garlice chive.

I've decided to grow mostly herbs this summer for consumption use.

I want to grow rosemary, lavender, thyme, sage, and oregano.  However, there are a few varieties of each and would like some advice as to which variety to grow.  I want the variety that is flavorful for most dishes.


Your advice and suggestions are much appreciated

Pineapple sage is fun, wasabi, Thai basil, shiso, and summer savory.

[KarenDW]

Rosemary, Sage and Oregano are pretty hardy, and forgiving of neglect. They are still alive in my planters, even though I am somewhat gardening impaired. My daughter used to tell plant vendors not to sell me anything which actually needed watering. :-(
Lavender is a perennial, and I have some which is still alive after over 10 years in my (lack of) care. Rhubard is pretty hardy as well.
Mint is a hardy perennial; nice for mojitos! Beware, it is an invasive "weed", so planting in pots is definitely recommended.

[Paul B]

My wife just got the seeds she ordered from the island. I always insist she gets some heirloom tomatoes. This year she's also got a whole whack of lettuce varietals. Fingers crossed.

[easternsun]

I have just returned from a weekend of gardening (and I have the blisters to prove it!) I am starting fresh on land that hasn't seen a rake or a hoe ...well, maybe ever! It is the Sunshine Coast so the land consists of rocks and blackberry bushes....and cedar trees and rocks and more blackberry....

I had a dump truck load of top soil delivered last week and now I dont know if I can afford to buy any plants!

I haven't actually planted anything yet. I am still trying to figure out what to do with the blackberry bushes that are choking the life out of everything on the property. (They've already killed one rather tall alder ) I am dead against the use of chemicals but every single person I talk to says the same thing - kill it with the strong stuff!

I am looking for alternatives - anything! I will try it.

Is it odd that I am looking for ways to get rid of this mess when there is a big piece of blackberry pie sitting on my kitchen counter right now!

The other day I was at Home Depot and they were selling blackberry bushes......is this some kind of sick joke? Come on over! I will give you all you want for free~!

[mtigges]

I haven't actually planted anything yet.   I am still trying to figure out what to do with the blackberry bushes that are choking the life out of everything on the property.  (They've already killed one rather tall alder )  I am dead against the use of chemicals but every single person I talk to says the same thing - kill it with the strong stuff!

I am looking for alternatives - anything!  I will try it.

The other day I was at Home Depot and they were selling blackberry bushes......is this some kind of sick joke?  Come on over!  I will give you all you want for free~!

Well, find someone on the coast that has a goat. Of course, you'll need to fence them in but it is far and away the best way to control blackberry bushes. In fact, it's really the only way. The only downside is you'd have to live there with the goat while he takes care of the problem.

Where on the coast is the property?

[easternsun]

Where on the coast is the property?

A goat you say? I'll do it! The bears eat the garbage and spread what they dont like across the yard , the deer eat anything they like in the garden leaving it ravaged, the birds eat all my seeds - what is one more of nature's lovely creatures!

I am in Secret Cove. Are you also somewhere on the 101?

[mtigges]

Where on the coast is the property?

A goat you say? I'll do it! The bears eat the garbage and spread what they dont like across the yard , the deer eat anything they like in the garden leaving it ravaged, the birds eat all my seeds - what is one more of nature's lovely creatures!

I am in Secret Cove. Are you also somewhere on the 101?

No, my parents live in Roberts Creek.

more info

[maxmillan]

Just bought a large rosemary plant from Donald's Market on Hastings and Nanaimo. They have a few other herbs and vegetables plants throughout the summer. I find the prices much better than some of the gardening stores that I frequent.

I'm looking for Thai basil, either sprouted or in seed form. Anyone know where I can get them without having to place an order? I bought one from an organic store on Main and 19th but it seems to be dying.

Edited by maxmillan, 28 April 2008 - 02:20 PM.

[quattroporte]

I have just returned from a weekend of gardening (and I have the blisters to prove it!)  I am starting fresh on land that hasn't seen a rake or a hoe ...well, maybe ever!  It is the Sunshine Coast so the land consists of rocks and blackberry bushes....and cedar trees and rocks and more blackberry....

I had a dump truck load of top soil delivered last week and now I dont know if I can afford to buy any plants!

I haven't actually planted anything yet.   I am still trying to figure out what to do with the blackberry bushes that are choking the life out of everything on the property.  (They've already killed one rather tall alder )  I am dead against the use of chemicals but every single person I talk to says the same thing - kill it with the strong stuff!

I am looking for alternatives - anything!  I will try it.

Is it odd that I am looking for ways to get rid of this mess when there is a big piece of blackberry pie sitting on my kitchen counter right now! 

The other day I was at Home Depot and they were selling blackberry bushes......is this some kind of sick joke?  Come on over!  I will give you all you want for free~!

I suspect the blackberry bushes at Home Depot were the thornless variety. We have one, and it's quite different than the wild ones - our berries are larger, firmer and sweeter. And if you've got little kids, the thornless ones are a blessing.

[Zucchini Mama]

Just bought a large rosemary plant from Donald's Market on Hastings and Nanaimo.  They have a few other herbs and vegetables plants throughout the summer.  I find the prices much better than some of the gardening stores that I frequent.

I'm looking for Thai basil, either sprouted or in seed form.  Anyone know where I can get them without having to place an order?  I bought one from an organic store on Main and 19th but it seems to be dying.

Sometimes you can find Thai basil plants at the farmer's markets.

[maxmillan]

I bought a Thai basil and Spicy Globe basil. Are they interchangeable for cooking? They smell similar, but I read that the Spicy Globe makes good coverage for pathways. Is the Spicy Globe used for eating?

[insomniac]

I bought a Thai basil and Spicy Globe basil.  Are they interchangeable for cooking?  They smell similar, but I read that the Spicy Globe makes good coverage for pathways.  Is the Spicy Globe used for eating?

you can certainly eat spicy globe basil; whether they are interchangeable or not is another matter...if you are thinking of cooking Thai food you will probably have to establish if your plant is holy basil (horapa) which is the purplish one used in curries, etc and I find that it can't be replaced by another type...or Thai basil (krapao) which is just green and doesn't have the aniseed hit...maybe you could interchange that one with spicy globe but not in Thai food....hmmm, have I confused you

[KarenDW]

Spinach, chard and red leaf lettuce overwintered surprisingly well in downtown Vancouver, after a "hard harvest" and removal of row covers in December. Seeing all the new leaves, in March, was a wonderful sight! I've started new lettuce and spinach ("Perpetual Harvest") indoors, in pots, and have been able to harvest some lettuce for salads. Hurray for spring!

[Irishgirl]

Just putting it out there......

........has anyone seen any Kaffir Lime Trees for sale? I have looked in numerous places, but am stumped.

TIA.

[barolo]

I don't know where to find trees, but I bet someone on the UBC Botanical Garden forums would: Forums.

They have a forum devoted to citrus.

[maxmillan]

I'm looking for a comprehensible and simple gardening book on container gardening or square feet gardening. I've borrowed a few from the library but there are so many to choose from. I want something that is particular to our climate zone (Vancouver.) I want to grow edibles only.

Reader's Digest has a book called, "Crops in Pots: how to plan, plant, and grow vegetables, fruits and herbs in easy care containers" by Bob Purnell. This book has amazing ideas and photos but I need more detailed info on care (fertilzers, nutrients, etc.)