Viewing post #598448 by DavidofDeLand

ckatNM said:

Hehehehehehehehe.

texaskitty, Thanks so much for the big laughs! I think we all know one or two people who are not the experts they think they are. And some are experts with one thing, but not necessarily getting many brain cells fired with other things.

When I'm out working in the garden, I talk to myself and the plants. It seems to help me stay focused and really give my garden the attention it needs, along with a bit of pampering. I used to spread myself too thin and start, but not finish, too many things at once.

One of my goals this year is to have a bigger variety to harvest because last year was so pitiful. This means no more trying to get an entire row of okra to grow. Like others, I only need a few plants. No need to plant a few more okra seeds so the rows are even. Empty spots where seeds don't germinate are perfect for adding a few herbs and companion plants.

Such a big mistake, I should be ashamed to admit this. This is NOT zone 5! Seriously! I could probably save on my energy bill by cooking outside in the summer. I could save myself a lot of discomfort by slowing down the hard work in the dead of summer. To this end, mulch is my friend because it means less weeds, less time spent watering and watching it dry up just as fast, and less seeing sheets of my good soil traveling down the street in wind storms. Plus, I get the benefit of the straw I chose for mulch breaking down and improving the soil as it ages. And mulch keeps the bare spots from becoming a jungle of weeds - just toss on the mulch while I'm trying to decide what to plant there.

It's a mistake not to use the garden charts I made and haven't studied enough. This one is self-explanitory and obvious if you habitually manage to stay organized and focused on the task at hand. I have a lot of head-scratching moments because I don't want to stop and get my chart, but instead have the insane idea that I will remember a deviation from my plans.

I'm sure there is more, but my psyche won't let me dig up all those bones.

....a lot of philosophical fabulous in this message. The best gardens for me are always just a tad underworked it seems. The plants tell us what they need is my concept. If they are wilting it doesn't always mean they need more water for instance. In our clime it could just be the Sun a 2pm and more water would not be necessary. I usually poke a finger in the dirt to check.

Free mulch is truely blessed. One of my favorite Florida growing books from the early 50's and still is right on;.... speaks of using Oak, Pine, whatever leaves in the gardens as mulch. At that time colored rough, cheap and occassionaly attractive modern day bag mulches were not then available. (dont'cha just hate those big ole' long shreads that come in those bags?)