Oberon46 said:I keep trying one or two melons but we are simply too cold here. I grew one in Fairbanks but their summers are much hotter and they were in a regular greenhouse my husband built. I actually ate one right from the garden and it was unbelievably wonderful. One minute from the garden to my mouth.

I am actually very surprised at all the things that you do grow there very successfully. By yes, melons like heat.

Beans and cukes are sown (and covered to protect them from critters). If this batch sprouts while we're gone, great! If not, at least the area is all set to replant as soon as we return. Now I can ease up a bit and stop stressing so much.

I got my bonus, too; the rain started just as I was finishing up!

Great to hear that you have melons going, Rita. I'm eying a spot in the big flower bed on the south hill for a melon plant...we'll see.

I love to grow them cause I like to eat them. But on the other hand they take up a fair amount of space even when I grow them vertically. And you can't grow the bigger melons like that. So always a decision as to what I want to grow and give more space too.

But at least I have a really nice patch of pepper plants this year. Last year, not so great on the pepper plants as I stuck them here and there. Now they are together in their own garden spot.

Rita, I've seen people use slings, like hammocks, attached to the (sturdy) trellis to hold the melon up.

There's a groundhog out there munching on my zucchini leaves - just the young ones, ignoring the oldest largest ones. I watched it out my window. I can tolerate it this ear but next year I hope to be equipped to grow more of my own food.

crittergarden said:Rita, I've seen people use slings, like hammocks, attached to the (sturdy) trellis to hold the melon up.

There's a groundhog out there munching on my zucchini leaves - just the young ones, ignoring the oldest largest ones. I watched it out my window. I can tolerate it this ear but next year I hope to be equipped to grow more of my own food.

Yep, have to make hammocks for the larger ones but still. I don't grow anything too big as it is too much of a pain to deal with.

I guess I will have to buy nursery peppers as my little guys just aren't taking off. Still about 1/2 inch tall. They have put out second leaves that are green but by this time they will bloom in December.

crittergarden said:
There's a groundhog out there munching on my zucchini leaves - just the young ones, ignoring the oldest largest ones. I watched it out my window. I can tolerate it this ear but next year I hope to be equipped to grow more of my own food.

I would have the trap out right away. Wouldn't want any groundhogs.

I don't like to kill things.
I prefer to repel or put physical barriers.

You can use a Havahart and release it off miles and miles away in the woods somewhere there are no peoples around.

It's illegal to transport and release here.
You have to use Animal Control and their policy is to kill the wild ones.

crittergarden said:It's illegal to transport and release here.
You have to use Animal Control and their policy is to kill the wild ones.

Oh well, so much for my bad ideas!

Transport and release was my first idea when I first moved here.
But no.

How are they gonna know? I'm just sayin.

Hidden surveillance cameras at the edge of the woods?

Oberon46 said:I guess I will have to buy nursery peppers as my little guys just aren't taking off. Still about 1/2 inch tall. They have put out second leaves that are green but by this time they will bloom in December.

Oh, that's so frustrating! When did you start your pepper seeds? I did mine on April 8th and they are what I would consider a perfect size for putting out now (if it will stop raining long enough); many are starting to make flower buds. I know it's aggravating now, but info to store away for next year... and at least the alternative of buying some from the nursery is there, and if all else fails there's always the ready-to-eat peppers at the grocery store!!

Groundhogs make you smile.

"smile" isn't really the word for it.
I just shake my head and plan fencing.....

I should not have put the peppers out. I should have kept them inside to grow stronger. I believe I started them in April also. It was putting them out when it was too cool that was the problem. I keep hoping they will take off but they are so wimpy. Next year when I shut down the garage greenhouse I will do as you suggest and bring the peppers into the house for a month.

Ha! was out there watering and found baby green tomatoes set on my two Sunsugar plants. Also baby tomatoes on my four Sweet Million Cherry Tomato plants. Baby tomatoes on three of my Vivia Italias (I have 6 plants of those). And Baby tomatoes set on all 4 of my Juliet tomato plants.

So I am really doing well with the tomatoes setting. I am very pleased as that means I get to eat ripe tomatoes sooner than I would in other years.

So if you have buds how long before you have tomatoes. I have buds on several of my little tomato plants but they haven't opened yet. Is that what you mean by 'set'?