Gardens 2023

[MattA]

My 2 year old planted sunflowers in three Dixie cups several months ago during storytime at the local library. Seven sprouted between the cups but after planting outside four got eaten. Here's the remaining three all planted together. That one sunflower is probably 8' tall. I'm 6'2" and it towers over me. I didn't realize they would get so big. I'm thinking of planting a bunch out back next year.

[JSinMO]

Well we’re starting to get end of what we will grow for the year. I rolled up the electric wire and pulled the stakes today. No need for them any more this year.

This was much much easier to take up than the chicken wire we used in the past.
We’re still getting tomatoes, okra, a few cucumbers and some watermelon so not done yet but getting there. It seems this time of year the garden returns to its normal weedy state!

Oh well I’ll be plowing it under before long.

[DavidBarkey]

@JSinMO
You might try waiting until spring to plow under . I did get to plowing under until spring the last 2 years. The results were less weeds to star the year. I think the birds , wild and domestic were able to eat up some of the weed seed in the fall and over winter instead of me planting them in the fall by turning the soil . Going to do the same this year again . Besides , it half the work turning the soil in the spring , than doing it twice like I use to .

[JSinMO]

@JSinMO
You might try waiting until spring to plow under . I did get to plowing under until spring the last 2 years. The results were less weeds to star the year. I think the birds , wild and domestic were able to eat up some of the weed seed in the fall and over winter instead of me planting them in the fall by turning the soil . Going to do the same this year again . Besides , it half the work turning the soil in the spring , than doing it twice like I use to .

I have no doubt you’re right. I just don’t know if I can make myself wait till spring to turn some dirt! You did give me an idea. Maybe I’ll mow it off then use the hay rake to move the weeds off the area. Don’t know if it will make a difference but I might try it!

[DavidBarkey]

@JSinMO
You might try waiting until spring to plow under . I did get to plowing under until spring the last 2 years. The results were less weeds to star the year. I think the birds , wild and domestic were able to eat up some of the weed seed in the fall and over winter instead of me planting them in the fall by turning the soil . Going to do the same this year again . Besides , it half the work turning the soil in the spring , than doing it twice like I use to .

I have no doubt you’re right. I just don’t know if I can make myself wait till spring to turn some dirt! You did give me an idea. Maybe I’ll mow it off then use the hay rake to move the weeds off the area. Don’t know if it will make a difference but I might try it!

As long as you can do it before the seeds start dropping off, it might just work .

[JSinMO]

Well I figured I was about done messing with the garden for the year since we’re not to far from getting a frost. I haven’t put it to bed yet, naturally I didn’t get the grass off it and the seeds have dropped insuring plenty of grass and weeds for next year! I usually plow in the fall, but I like Mr Dave’s idea of letting the birds peck away at it over winter if I can force myself to break with old habits that’s what I’ll do, but no promises!

I took a look through it and had a couple of surprises. The pumpkins I planted had great vines and really good blooms but they dried up and didn’t produce. I’ve grown really nice ones like these before.

This year nothing, I think it was just too dry. I guess I should have stayed on top of watering better but just too many irons in the fire.

On a positive I thought the beans and peas were done and I’ll be darned, there were just enough to cook up and enjoy one more time!

We’re still getting some cherry tomatoes, and some smaller regular tomatoes so I think I’ll just let it alone till we do get a frost.

[JSinMO]

Well we’re about at the end for this year. I picked the last few things today.

Decided to go ahead and mow it off, sure seems like I just planted it!

It’s hard to tell in the picture but there’s one cherry tomato that’s just loaded with green ones. I’m going to let it alone and see if they will ripen.

Our pumpkins were a bust this year and I thought the vines were dying but now they have blooms again. I left them too just to see what happens but I doubt it can beat the frost.

Everything else is done and mowed off for the year.

Even though we are still in a drought around here it wasn’t a bad year, we still grew plenty!

[Eugen]

Looks like a good season though, Jeff. But the weather you're having now, must be very pleasant!

[Spike188]

started mowing down the failed garden patch this afternoon. It didn't go well. The starter on the 446 seems to have failed. Pulled back to the house for diagnosis.

onepackage of beet seed,

one package of squash seed.

[JSinMO]

20231024_160905.jpgstarted mowing down the failed garden patch this afternoon. It didn't go well. The starter on the 446 seems to have failed. Pulled back to the house for diagnosis.
20231024_182244.jpgonepackage of beet seed,20231024_182247.jpgone package of squash seed.

You’ve about got the market cornered on starter troubles here of late. Fingers crossed this is an easy diagnosis and repair.

I refuse to call it a failed garden patch. I prefer “ less than optimal growing situation”! If nothing else farmers and gardeners are perpetual optimists, next year will be better!